EVENTS: All Saints ten mile yard sale

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On May 19 and 20, the annual 10-mile yard sale winds its way from Skowhegan to Cornville. At All Saints Episcopal Church on, 169 Malbons Mills Road, Skowhegan, you will find free activities, big bargins and, of course, food.

All Saints has many vendors to check out. From baby items to household items and jewelry. Under the tent you will find free make and take fairy garden demonstrations with Billie Sherman at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., on Saturday. The Climate Change Lobby will help anyone with Efficiency Maine information on heat pumps, new windows and insulation. Geeze Louise, That’s a Wrap, has her hand cut fries, muffins, coffee and wraps. All Saints Grill will have breakfast sandwiches and hot dogs.

All profit from the yard sale will help facilitate All Saints Contemplation Garden that will be open to the public. Call 207-431-2118 for vending spaces.

Browntail moth update (May 2023)

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Browntail moth caterpillars can be identified by the two distinctive orange dots at the tail end and white tufts along the sides.

We’ve had some wonderful sunny and warm weather this past week; which means that many browntail moth host plants have been continuing to produce leaves and flower buds. However, this also means that there is more food available for hungry browntail caterpillars. With this in mind, it may not be surprising that we documented the caterpillars nearly doubling in size at almost all of our monitoring sites. Their growth at this time of the year is expected and is related to the caterpillars’ increased metabolism and appetite.

Each time a caterpillar grows larger, they have to shed the outer layer of their bodies (exoskeleton), a process called molting. Oftentimes, caterpillars will eat these old outer layers, but sometimes you can see the old outer layers on their winter web. As the caterpillars grow, they will molt a few more times, and therefore will have more toxic hairs on their bodies. Please take caution while performing outdoor yardwork near trees that have browntail caterpillars to avoid contracting a rash from the toxic hairs – wear long sleeves, eye protection, and gloves.

As we mentioned in last week’s update, eastern tent caterpillar is a native caterpillar that often gets confused with browntail caterpillar. At this time, both species of caterpillars are building their silk tents right now. Eastern tent caterpillar webs start small in the ‘crook’ of the tree where the branch meets the trunk or where branches join together. These tents can grow quite large, reaching around the size of a football. Right now, the eastern tent caterpillar tents are roughly the size of an adult hand and the white silk is much denser than browntail silk tents. Remember, browntail tents always stay on the smaller side and are often on the tips of the tree branches.

So far, we have not found evidence of any pathogens causing disease in browntail caterpillars at our monitoring sites. Some signs of pathogens may be:

• White/yellow fungal spores on caterpillars
• Swollen, puffy caterpillars
• Liquid expulsion of the caterpillar guts (often the caterpillar rests in an upside-down “V” shape)
• Dead caterpillars.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Unusual sighting turns out to be common

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

It’s simply amazing what you come across in the woods of Maine. While preparing to open camp for the season, my wife and I were helping friends do some raking and leaf pickup, when the wife showed me something that she had raked up. It looked kind of odd. OK, something else I had never seen in the 34 years my wife and I have been there.

Aylostera vulpina, a common house cactus, native to Bolivia and Argentina.

It was round, like an orb, a little smaller than a tennis ball. Brown in color, with black bristles all over the exterior. At one end was a hole with what appeared to be dried mud inside.

That evening, I perused through the myriad of books I own and found nothing that really resembled it. The closest I came was that of a milkweed stock, but still didn’t look the same. So, I turned to my contact at the Maine Depart­ment of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, in Augusta. His initial thought was a gall, but he would confer with his botanist colleagues.

Basically, a gall is a kind of swelling growth on the external tissues of plants or animals. They are abnormal outgrowths of plant tissues, similar to benign tumors or warts on animals. They are caused by various parasites, from fungi and bacteria, to insects and mites. They are highly organized structures and because of this the cause of the gall can often be determined without the actual agent being identified. In human pathology, a gall is a raised sore on the skin, usually caused by chafing or rubbing.

In the end, what we had found was not a gall.

Several emails later, my contact replied following some consultations with the botanists, and were wondering if it might be a Chestnut gall. This would only be possible if we had a mature Chestnut tree on the premises. There are none that we are aware.

Then, another state botanist concluded there are no trees in Maine with galls that have multiple spines from the same attachment point and therefore he speculated that it was most likely a cactus house plant that was thrown away in the yard some time ago.

He concluded the orb was possibly that of the Aylostera vulpina plant, a cactus that is native to Bolivia and Argentina, but very popular as house potted plants. In the wilds of South America, they grow at altitudes of 3,400 – 3,900 feet. I was not able to find a common name for them.

The plant is easy to grow and recommended for beginners. They prefer a gritty, porous soil mix with a pH slightly on the acidic side. Full sun to light shade. The root system is rot prone so watering should be monitored closely. It’s recommended to let the pot dry out before adding water. It is winter hardy and will sustain temperatures below freezing. They require a winter rest period.

This species of cactus will occupy a small flower pot confortably and remain a manageable sized house plant. The flower is bright red with scarlet petal tips and white stigma.

They are subject to mealy-bug attacks and to fungus and rot brought on by overwatering and high humidity.

It appears that in cultivation they grow larger and cluster more vigorously than in the wild.

The site where the pod was found has had a high turnover rate in the past 6 – 10 years so could very conceivably have been a potted house plant. The area had not been raked in quite some time.

I guess, for the time anyway, we have solved another “mystery” at camp.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

In golf, finish the following phrase: “You drive for show, but putt for…”

Answer
dough.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, May 18, 2023

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CHESTER E. POULIN

BENTON – Chester E. Poulin, 93, passed away Sunday, April 16, 2023, following a brief illness. He was born in Water­ville, January 8, 1930, the son of Philippe and Elizabeth (Wintle) Poulin.

He attended school in Waterville, graduating from Waterville High School. On October 24, 1950, he married Natalie E. Johnston. They were happily married for 73 years. He was a dedicated father working three jobs to support his family.

He worked at Scott Paper Co., in Winslow, for 40 years, as a paper maker, raising broiler chickens full time, he also gardened, running a well-known Market Garden, on Benton Avenue, in Benton, with many devoted customers who loved his fresh vegetables.

He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, in Fairfield. He loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed playing cribbage, hunting, fishing, golfing, sports, music, digging for antique bottles. Gardening was a passion, growing tomatoes, cucumbers, garlic, corn, plus many other vegetables. He was a generous person, all excess vegetables were donated to the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, the Muskie Center, in Waterville, or the Waterville Soup Kitchen, which he personally delivered every day.

He and Natalie wintered in Zephyrhills, Florida, for 24 years. They had many special friends, sharing many wonderful adventures.

He is survived by his children, Debra Rancourt and husband Larry, Michael and wife Terry, Stephen and wife Jeannine, Philippe, David and wife Amanda, Doreen Deroche, Andrea Longstreet and husband Jeff; his 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a daughter Darleen Morin; his father Philippe, his mother Elizabeth Poulin, two sisters Irene Nadeau, Julienne Poirier, and four brothers Louis, Percy, Ronald and Raymond Poulin.

Funeral services for Chester are being provided by Lawry Brother’s Funeral Home, in Fairfield, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Visiting hours will begin at 2 p.m., with a time for sharing and remembrance at 2:30 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3p.m.

Interment will be at the St. Francis Cemetery in Waterville, Maine.

MARY M. GOWER

WATERVILLE – Mary Margaret Cyr (Gill) Gower, 86, passed away peacefully on Wed­nesday, April 26, 2023, following a short illness. Mary was born at home in Fairfield on June 21, 1936, to Mabel Cecile Galarneau and Lawrence Henry Cyr.

Mary attended schools in Fairfield and Benton. She married Carl Alton Gill on October 17, 1953. She worked many places in Waterville, at the Steam Laundry, McLellan’s, The Elms Restaurant, and as a waitress in Farmington. In later years she worked at Pleasant Hill Nursing Home and HealthCare Agencies, as a Personal Care Attendant, and finally, caring for elderly people in their homes, retiring on October 17, 1997.

Mary began quilting after she retired, gifting family and friends with those quilts, which are cherished. She was a lover of photos and memories, and liked to keep her mind sharp by doing word-find and jigsaw puzzles. Mary also loved to cook, and was well known for sharing those meals and goodies with family, friends and neighbors. In her younger days, Mary loved to dance! Most recently she was remembering her joy as a child running in the strawberry fields out on the farm.

Mary was predeceased by her parents; baby son Boyd Quentin, baby daughter Marianne Rose, sons Alton and Vincent Gill; sisters Florence Cyr, Gloria Grenier, Dorothy (Susie) Landwehr and Julia Fortin, brothers Lawrence Jr. and Richard Cyr; first husband Carl Gill, second husband Stanley Gower, life-partner and father of three sons, Herbert Gilley; sisters-in-law Vina Birchall and Eda Wilson, brother-in-law Ronald Wilson; and special niece Debbie Williams.

Mary is survived by sons, David W. Gill and partner Anne, Francis A. Gill, Ronald H. Gill and partner Pat Alonzo, Terence D. Gill; stepson Larry Palow, and daughters-in-law Barbara Livingstone and Eileen Gill; remaining in-laws Paul Wilson, Maynard Wilson, Gloria White, and Marjorie Wilson; granddaughters Selena Gill, Autumn Grace Gill Murtagh and Alisa Gill, along with grandchildren Justin, Karl, Raymond, Heather, Chantelle, Veronica, Missy, Brad, Abel, Micah; and great-grandson Anthony, besides many more great-grands. Mary wished for nieces Carol Cummings and Susan Boynton to be especially mentioned, along with additional nieces, nephews, and cousins.

All are welcome to attend the graveside remembrance for Mary at Maplewood Cemetery, in Fairfield, on June 10, 2023, at 11 a.m.

If you would like to honor Mary’s memory, please consider a donation to an animal shelter or: a homeless shelter or, the Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers.

BARBARA HANSON

WATERVILLE – Barbara Hanson, 96, passed away at the Auburn Hospice House, on Friday, April 28, 2023. Barbara was born in Ripley on May 31, 1926, the daughter of Agnes and Everett Ross.

She attended and graduated from the Hartland School District.

Barbara spent many years working for Federal Trust Co. bank, in Waterville, and various offices after that when it closed. She loved her volunteer work at Thayer hospital for many years.

She enjoyed going to Florida during the cold winters and spent her time there playing cards with lots of friends, playing shuffleboard, and enjoying the many restaurants with friends. She enjoyed her camp in St. Albans and family during the summer months.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband Gareth Hanson; her son Gregory Hanson; her brother Charles Ross; and her stepfather Celon Sweet.

She is survived by her sons Aaron Hanson and wife Peggy, of Kingfield, Kevin Hanson and wife Marcia, of Waterville; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at the Veterans Cemetery, at noon, located at 163 Mt. Vernon Road in Augusta.

Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Auburn Hospice House, 236 Stetson Rd., Auburn, ME 04210.

DANA J. LaLIBERTE

SKOWHEGAN – Dana Jon Laliberte, 69, passed away on Monday, May 1, 2023, in Skowhegan. He was born in Waterville on May 23, 1953, the son of Bernard and Ann Laliberte.

He was an extraordinarily talented three-sport athlete. In his senior year at Waterville High School, Dana was the quarterback and captain of the football team, captain and high scorer for the hockey team that won the New England championship, and captain of the baseball team. He matriculated at Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, where he played on the freshman football and baseball teams and was a member of two ECAC Division II championship hockey teams in 1975 and 1976. He graduated in 1976, with a major in Classics. Dana was president and social chairman of Alpha Kappa Sigma Fraternity while at Bowdoin.

Following graduation, Dana earned a Juris Doctor degree in 1980 from the Franklin Pierce Law Center, in Concord, New Hampshire. After passing the New Hampshire Bar exam, he was hired as a police legal advisor and City Prosecutor, in Dover, New Hampshire. In 1983, he passed the Maine bar and moved to the Portland area, where he was an assistant district attorney for several years.

Dana was predeceased by his father, Bernie “Boom-Boom” Laliberte in 2004, and mother, Ann Poliquin Laliberte, in 2022.

He is survived by his children, Nate Laliberte (age 42), and grandson Aiden (age 2), Kyle Laliberte Randall (age 33), and Katie Laliberte Randall (age 27); his sisters, Linda Laliberte-Cote and her husband, Claude Cote, of Lincoln, Rhode Island, and Jefferson, and Karen Laliberte and her husband, Dr. John Niles, of Acton, Massachusetts, and Boothbay Harbor; many nieces and nephews.

The family will have a graveside service at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville, on Friday, June 16, at 1 p.m.; all are welcome to come and share memories.

Memorial donations may be made in Dana’s name to Portland Recovery Community Center at portlandrecovery.org.

JOSEPH “GUS” MATHIEU

CHINA – Joseph “Gus” Mathieu, 96, of China Village (formerly of Waterville), passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, following a short illness. Gus was born in Waterville in 1926, son of David Mathieu and Yvonne Giguere Mathieu, both originally from Québec, Canada, before moving to Waterville.

Gus lived independently all but eight weeks of his life.

Gus attended elementary school in Waterville, which at the time, was in French. He graduated from Coburn Classical Institute in 1945, in Waterville, and earned a degree in textile engineering at New Bedford Textile Institute in 1948, now called U. Massachusetts at Dartmouth. It was at college where he met Ann.

Gus worked at Bates Mills, in Lewiston, as a textile engineer before joining his father’s Auto Body repair business in Waterville, David Mathieu Company. David Mathieu Company eventually became one of the oldest businesses in Waterville, closing its doors in April 2023 after 95 years of operation.

Gus and Ann raised their six children in Waterville and spent every summer on China Lake, where they lived full time the last 30 years. They also spent over 25 years in Florida during the winter months, mostly in the Port Charlotte area.

Gus well known for his sense of humor, spirit of adventure, community spirit, and generosity to his family. Among his favorite adventures was driving his Model T Ford from Waterville to New Bedford, Massachusetts, and back in 1976. In 1978 he purchased a train caboose and relocated it to the Sugarloaf area, where it still stands. Always up for a challenge, he ran from Waterville to China Lake (12 miles) when he turned 50 and when he turned 62 hiked West and Avery Peak, on the Bigelow Range, for the first time on a beautiful fall day. As a giver to the community, Gus spent time and resources at the Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen, in Waterville, and participated in several community fundraisers.

Aside from his love for adventure, Gus was passionate about restoring antique cars, officiating at Colby College track events, boating on China Lake, eating lobster, volunteering at charities and food banks, and watching his own children’s sports events. He loved fishing, motorcycling, and most of all, family gatherings.

Surviving Gus is his wife of 72 years, Ann Natasha Nazarchyk Mathieu; and six children and their spouses, Joseph “Joe” Mathieu Jr. (wife, Pam), of Santa Cruz, California, Barbara Themo (husband, Steve Themo) of Milford, Massachusetts, James “Jimi” Mathieu (wife, Janice Hallee), of Fairfield Center, John Mathieu (wife, Stacey), of Bath, Jeffrey Mathieu (wife, Karen), of Coatsville, Pennsylvania, and Heidi Mathieu (husband Ron Dextraze), from Whitefield, New Hampshire; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

As per Gus’ request no memorial service will be held.

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

Cards can be sent to his wife of 72 years; Ann Mathieu, The Woodlands Room 30, 147 West River Road, Waterville, Maine 04901.

NATALIE E. POULIN

BENTON – Natalie E. Poulin, 91, passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Woodlands Memory Care, in Waterville, following a long illness. She was born January 21, 1932, to Arthur and Inez (Smith) Johnston of Caribou.

Her family moved to Winslow where she attended Winslow High School, graduating in 1949. She married Chester E. Poulin, on October 24, 1950. Chester was the love of her life, and they were married for 73 years.

Natalie was a wonderful mother and homemaker to her family. She was very talented and creative. She loved flowers, growing herbs, vegetable gardening, decorating, antiques, crafting, making dolls, sculpting Santa’s, flower arranging, drying flowers and herbs. She was an excellent cook; the grandchildren loved her homemade pickles and cookies.

She was a member of the Fairfield History House. Natalie worked alongside her husband growing vegetables and tending their family Vegetable Stand, on Benton Avenue, for many years. She loved meeting customers, making them feel special, and sharing her flowers and herbs. She was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, in Fairfield. She and Chester wintered in Zephyrhills, Florida, for 24 years, where they shared many special friends and adventures.

She was predeceased by her husband Chester, sisters, Maxine Johnson-Seamans, and Arlene Seamans.

She and husband Chester had eight children, Debra Rancourt and husband Larry, Michael and wife Terry, Stephen and wife Jeannine, Philippe, David and wife Amanda, Doreen Deroche, Andrea Longstreet and husband Jeff, and predeceased daughter Darleen Morin. Natalie had 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren she enjoyed spending time with. She is also survived by her sister Ellen Romanowski.

Funeral services for Natalie are being provided by Lawry Brother’s Funeral home in Fairfield on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Visiting hours will begin at 2 p.m., with a time for sharing and remembrance at 2:30 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. Interment will be at the St. Francis Cemetery in Waterville.

M. THERESA DUTIL

WATERVILLE – M. Theresa Dutil, 94, passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023. She was born on August 11, 1928, in Waterville, to Charles and Marie Theriault.

She attended and graduated from Waterville schools, and in her early years, worked as a secretary for businesses in the area. On April 30, 1955, she married the love of her life, Norman Dutil, surrounded by the love of their friends and family.

Theresa came from a large French-Canadian family and enjoyed crossing paths with others who spoke French.

She enjoyed playing her piano (self-taught), crafts, puzzles, traveling, competing with her bowling league, playing cards, dancing with her husband and spending time with her family. She enjoyed supporting her favorite teams, the New England Patriots and the Boston Bruins, and especially loved swimming and canoeing on Oak Pond. Theresa and Norman also made journeys to casinos, where they celebrated their frequent wins playing the penny slot machines.

She devoted her time raising her two daughters, prior to accomplishing 10 years as a housekeeper at Colby College, in Waterville.

She was also a lifelong active member of Notre Dame Church/Corpus Christi Parish, in Waterville.

Family members always knew her loving door was open if they needed a place to stay. It did not matter how old you were, everyone always left their home carrying a goody bag filled with a variety of refrigerated chocolates, bullseye caramels, and a stomach full of spaghetti. She also made homemade bread and loved giving it out to family and friends.

Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Frances, Peter, Timothy, Martin, George, and Arthur, sisters, Agnes, Estelle, Regina, and Amanda. Also, by her brother-in-law Arthur.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years Norman Dutil; two daughters, Linda Pooler husband Mike, Tina Principato husband Richard; four grandchildren, Jenny Warger husband Jason, Brock Pooler wife Michelle, U.S. Marine Sgt. Lucas Principato, and Eli Principato; great-grandchildren, Ellie and Cutter Warger, Emma and Riley Pooler; many nieces and nephews; her sister-in-law Dorothy Romano and brother-in-law Marlin Dutil.

Per her request she will not have services at this time.

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

VIRGINIA R. CLARK

ALBION – Virginia R. Clark, 87, of Albion passed away Sunday May 7, 2023, in her granddaughters’ home. Virginia was born November 21, 1935, daughter of Raymond and Lilian (Furrow) Austin of Thorndike.

She graduated from Freedom Academy, in 1954, and married Harvey Clark on June 18, 1955.

Virginia was a caring housewife and mother of five children and dedicated her life to taking care of them. After Harvey passed away, she became a Nanny for Ed and Ann Ervin, of Waterville.

Virginia enjoyed attending church services, listening to music, watching baseball, decorating for Christmas, crocheting, and hanging out in the community room with dear friends Pauline and Evelyn.

Virginia was predeceased by her husband Harvey Clark, of 25 years; daughters Deborah Jean Clark and Rose DePino; grandson Robert Hubbard; mother and father Raymond and Lilian Austin; brothers Paul Austin and wife Laura, Earnest Austin and wife Lois.

She is survived by son Bruce Clark and wife Lisa, of Fairfield; her daughters Ruth Clark and husband Mike, of Live Oak, Florida, Cheryl J. Gould and husband Galen, of Vassalboro; sister Sylvia Elliot, of Oswego, New York; son-in-law John DePino, of East Ellijay, Georgia; grandchildren Nicole Stewart and husband Mike, of Albion, Dustin Woodward and wife Angelina, of Bangor, Marissa Greenlaw and husband Justin, of Winslow, Breanne Christian and husband JJ, of Clermont, Florida; great-grandchildren, Sage Brown, Ryan Brown, Ashtynn Stewart, Mike Stewart, Jude Greenlaw, Spencer Greenlaw, Urijah Christian, Matthew Christian; and a special mention to the Ervin children Kate, Ned, and Carrie whom she loved so much.

A graveside service was held Saturday May 13, at Quaker Hill Cemetery, in Unity.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home 8 Elm St. Waterville ME 04901.

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

GERALDINE P. NIMON

WATERVILLE – Geraldine “Gerry” P. Nimon, 97, of Woodlands, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. She was born December 19, 1925, in Waterville, the daughter of Ernest and Isabelle (Parody) Pooler.

She graduated from Waterville High School in 1943.

Gerry was a communicant of St. Joseph Maronite Church, in Waterville.

She retired from New England Telephone Co., in 1982, following 30 years of service.

Gerry enjoyed going to the fairs, listening to music, knitting mittens for the Telephone Pioneers for school children, watching TV, watching the Boston Celtics and Boston Red Sox, reading and using her computer.

She was a life member of Forrest J. Pare VFW Auxiliary #1285, in Waterville, where she held a variety of offices, a member of the Grover-Hinckley American Legion Unit #14, of Fairfield, and a member of the Kennebec Life Member Club of the Telephone Co.

Gerry was predeceased by her husband John in 1995; son John Gerald in 1973, and daughter Judith in 1947; also by brothers Donald, Leland, Bernard, and Carleton.

She is survived by her three grandchildren, Richard J. Nimon and wife Melissa, Shirley M Wiles and Sherry M Forrester; six great-grandchildren, Steven Edgecomb, Eric Worthing, Donald Brochu, Ricky Corbett, Lance Maxim and Sadi Nimon; seven great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Sophie Pooler; a niece Sandra Paulette, and nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will take place at 11 a.m., on Friday, May 19, 2023, at St Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville.

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

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Humane Societh Water Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901 or to the American Diabetes Society, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.

RODNEY GRADY

CHELSEA – Rodney Grady (Zeke to many) passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at his home in Chelsea, following a lengthy illness with cancer. He was born in Gardiner on August 10, 1940, the son of Arthur and June (Harris) Grady. Rodney “Zeke” graduated in 1958 from Gardiner High School.

Rodney loved to tease and always had a joke and a laugh. After a few odd jobs, he started the career he loved the most. Where he became a top trainer or near the top at every Standard Bred Harness Horse Racetrack he went to, in and out of New England. Rodney was very well known for taking young drivers and grooms under his wing and making them much sought after trainers and very successful catch drivers. Rodney (Uncle Zeke’s) love and knowledge of the horses has been passed onto his nephew, Hunter, whom he was very proud of.

Rodney was predeceased by his parents June and Arthur Grady; three sisters, Marvina Davis of Richmond, Geraldine (Gerrie) Merrill of Chelsea, and Penny Perry of Addison.

Rodney is survived by his wife of 58 years Nettie; son and daughter-in-law Bill and Anne Grady, of Florida; daughter Pam Grady (Lill), of Florida; granddaughter Brandi; great-grandson Jaydyn (JJ), of Pittston; sister Kay Myers, of Wiscasset, and brother and sister-in-law Everett and Sandra Reynolds, of Vassalboro; many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at the American Legion Post #4, 46 Griffin Street, Gardiner, on Thursday, May 18, 2023 between the hours of 4 – 8 p.m.

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

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

ROBERT PERRY

BENTON – Robert Perry, 93, of Benton, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. He was born March 2, 1930, in Portland, the son of Roland E. and Theresa M. Perry.

He married the late Norma B. Emerson, of Portland, in 1952. They had three sons, John Perry and his wife Margaret, Andrew Perry and his wife Beth, and the late Peter Perry and his wife Jo Anne, all of Winslow.

Robert is survived by grandsons Christopher Perry and his wife Amy and their children, Matthew, Grant, and Mason, and James and his wife Jennifer and their sons Theodore and Sullivan; granddaughters Kathryn Perry, and Alison and Andrea Perry.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no visiting hours or flowers.

A memorial service for Robert will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 11:30 a.m., at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield, Maine.

A private burial will follow the service, at Oak Grove Cemetery in Bath, 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.

MARC LIZOTTE

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Marc Lizotte, 75, passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was born on March 21, 1948, in Augusta. He lived his youthful years in Winslow, Maine. Marc attended Winslow schools and graduated from Winslow High School.

He later made his home in Corpus Christi and lived his final days there.

He was predeceased by his mother, his father Louis Lizotte and stepmother Doris Lizotte.

EVENTS: Hospice volunteers to offer weekend retreat for families

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Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area has announced they will be hosting Camp Ray of Hope, a statewide weekend retreat for Maine individuals and families who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives. The retreat will be held June 16-18, at Pilgrim Lodge, in West Gardiner.

Attendees are given opportunities to connect with other people from throughout the state who have experienced a significant loss. Adults, teens, and children will spend time in respective peer group settings and participate in workshops that encourage healthy outlets and self-care.

There will be opportunities to canoe or kayak, swim, participate in arts and crafts, and spend time in nature in a beautiful peaceful location. Childcare is available for children under three years of age.

Cost is $60 per person or $180 for a family of three or more. If cost is a barrier, please contact Kayla Coffin at 873-3615 ext.19 or kcoffin@hvwa.org. For questions or to request a brochure and registration form, contact Jillian Roy at 873-3615 ext.11 or email jroy@hvwa.org.

EVENTS: National Poppy Day is May 26, 2023

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May 26, 2023 is National Poppy Day. Members of American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit #39, Madison, will be distributing bright red poppies in exchange for a donation throughout the month of May. The Flanders Fields poppy has become an internationally known and recognized symbol of the lives sacrificed in war and the hope that none died in vain. The American Legion Family called upon Congress to proclaim the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day, which was officially designated as such in 2017.

Honor our fallen warriors and contribute to the continuing needs of our veterans on National Poppy Day, May 27, 2022

“Wearing the poppy on National Poppy Day and throughout Memorial Day weekend is one small way to honor and remember our fallen warriors who willingly served our nation and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” said American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit #39 President Karen Lytle “We must never forget.”

The poppy also honors hospitalized and disabled veterans who handcraft many of the red, crepe paper flowers. Making the poppies provides a financial and therapeutic benefit to the veterans, as well as a benefit to thousands of other veterans.

When The American Legion Family adopted the poppy as its memorial flower in the early 1920s, the blood-red icon became an enduring symbol of honor for the sacrifices of our veterans from the battlefields of France in World War I to today’s global war on terror. The American Legion Auxiliary raises about $4 million each year distributing poppies throughout the nation, with 100 percent of the funds raised going directly to help veterans, military, and their families.

The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) is a community of volunteers serving veterans, military, and their families. Our members also support the mission of The American Legion in improving the quality of life for our nation’s veterans. The more than 600,000 ALA members across the country volunteer millions of hours annually and raise millions of dollars in service to veterans, military, and their families. Founded in 1919, the ALA is one of the oldest patriotic membership organizations in the U.S.A. To learn more and to volunteer, join, and donate, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org or if you like to join a local unit, contact Robin Turek, President, American Legion Auxiliary, Tardiff-Belanger Unit #39, PO Box 325, Madison, ME 04950.

WINDSOR: Listing all ways to state would be large undertaking

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by The Town Line staff

Town manager Theresa Haskell informed the Windsor Select Board at their April 25 meeting about a bill pending before the Legislature, LD461, that if implemented, would require municipalities to develop or update a list of town ways, private ways, and private roads. Each municipality will have to have this provided to the Department of Transportation by November 1, 2023, and the towns would have to establish standards for private road construction by November 1, 2024. “This is a lot of work,” Haskell commented. Also, LD1177 would increase municipal solid waste and construction debris $5 more per ton.

Haskell also said she received a letter from the Department of Transportation indicating that All State Asphalt will be resurfacing Route 105 from Augusta to Somerville.

In other business, Haskell asked the board to use the remainder of ARPA funds that were approved for up to $35,000 for the Windsor Rescue’s Defibrillator, to purchase a battery for this defibrillator. The cost for the battery is $440.44, and this will not go over the $35,000 that was approved by voters.

Regarding public works projects, Haskell gave an update on bridge inspections. Overall, the bridges are in good condition. All the scores were reported back from the inspections as 7 and 8 for culverts and the channels. The scale for scoring goes from a 9 being very good to a 2 being poor.

The hazardous waste program day that was held at the China transfer station on April 22 was a big hit, according to Sean Teekema, transfer station supervisor. There were tons of TVs brought in. It was mentioned several times by the public that they would like to see this become a yearly event. The total community turnout was between 320-350. The town of China is in discussions with KennebecValley Council of Governments (KVCOG) to perhaps keep this as an ongoing event, and they are seeking other locations that may work better for traffic flow, although consensus among officials is that the China event was very well organized.

Teekema gave a brief update on the transfer station committee. It was noted they may need a 100-foot distance from the transfer station cap to where the compost pile will be located. When a measurement was taken, 100 feet would end in the middle of the cap. This would not provide enough room for the compost area. Tekeema mentioned that a conversation has taken place with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and were told there is no issue with a 100-foot distance. A survey asking residents if they favor having composting available at the Windsor Transfer Station will not be circulated until the 100-foot question has been answered.

Haskell mentioned the town needs to talk with the Windsor Fair Association to get permission regarding composting. It was suggested if this is something the town should ask, as to whether this will be built into the lease that Windsor holds, with the $1 lease agreement, or at least getting a confirmation letter if they approve. Members of the Windsor Fair Association will be invited to attend a transfer station committee meeting.

Sandra Grecenko appeared before the board to rqeust a 911 address for her Barton Road property, in Windsor. She owns property on the road but has no residence there. She keeps livestock there, although there is a structure, just no residence. The property has no utilities other than power. She was advised to set up an appointment with Codes Enforcement Office Arthur Strout.

Select board member Ray Bates is following up on the David Shaw property. Shaw came to the select board asking to have fines reduced and was given an opportunity to pay a reduced fine back in February at a considerable reduction. He was given 30 days to pay the reduced fine and instructed to clean up his property. Bates wanted to be sure the follow up was being done. He said neither fine payment nor clean-up have taken place. Haskell confirmed that CEO Strout has been following up and had begun the next steps. The town will also consult with legal counsel as necessary.

The next Windsor Select Board meeting was scheduled for May 9.

EVENTS: Thurston Park committee to meet

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Hikers on Bridge in Thurston Park (Photo courtesy: Town of China)

by Mary Grow

China’s Thurston Park Committee meets at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 18, at the park. The main purpose of the meeting, chairman Jeanette Smith said, is to determine what maintenance is needed in preparation for Erskine Academy’s Day of Caring work day on Friday, May 19, and the annual Spring Work Day in the park on Saturday, May 20.

Residents interested in participating on May 20 or in getting more information about Thurston Park and the committee are invited to email thurstonpark@outlook.com.

China select board to hold second public hearing on board of appeals changes

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by Mary Grow

China select board members will hold a second public hearing on the proposed changes in the Board of Appeals section in the Land Use Ordinance (see The Town Line, May 11, p. 2) before their May 22 meeting.

Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood explained in an email after the May 8 board meeting that there were errors in the marked-up version of the ordinance available that evening. The final version of the amendments on which voters will act June 13 was correct, she said; and corrected versions of the explanatory marked-up version are now on the town website in two places, under the Elections tab on the left side of the page and on the select board page under Officials, Boards & Committees.

On May 22, beginning at 6 p.m., in the town office meeting room, select board members will host two public hearings. Residents are invited to comment on the Four Seasons Club request to use part of Bog Brook and Pleasant View Ridge roads as an ATV trail (see The Town Line, April 27, p. 2) and on the proposed ordinance amendment.

The select board meeting will follow the hearings.

China transfer station committee members struggle with unauthorized users

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by Mary Grow

China transfer station committee members pondered two questions at their May 9 meeting: how to make a second regional household hazardous waste day as successful as the one April 22 (if China hosts one again); and how to continue to reduce the number of unauthorized transfer station users.

A regional household hazardous waste day lets residents of participating towns (on April 22, China, Albion, Palermo, Windsor and Winslow) dispose for free of types of waste that do not go into the mixed waste stream, like paint, old gasoline, household chemicals and electronics (television sets, stereos, VCRs, for example).

The day was a huge success, with an estimated 400 people (twice the number who signed up in advance) coming to the public works building west of the transfer station and long lines of vehicles waiting to get in, committee members said.

Some people obviously brought things they’d stored for years. The China transfer station accepts most types of what is considered household hazardous waste, but charges a fee for some.

“We did a lot of good for the communities,” committee member Robert Kurek, from Palermo commented.

China Director of Public Services Shawn Reed had three suggestions for continuing the collection days.

First, he recommended enforcing the pre-registration requirement.

Second, he suggested town officials consider budgeting for annual collection days, because the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) grant that funded most of the April 22 event might not be available in future years.

And third, he recommended trying to hold future collections at one of the China schools, instead of the public works garage, for more space and better traffic circulation.

According to statistics distributed at the May 9 committee meeting, getting rid of the collected materials cost more than $20,000. Each participating town contributed $500; the grant covered the rest.

Olivia Kunesh, of KVCOG, said in an email that a company called EPI – found on the web as Environmental Projects, Inc., of Auburn – took away the collected waste and recycled the old paint. Removal of electronic waste (e-waste) was delayed more than a week, committee members said, and Kunesh wrote that a means of dealing with e-waste needs to be found.

Other towns host such events at their schools, Reed said. Having seen the care taken to avoid spills or otherwise damage the public works area at the April 22 event, he does not think there would be any risk.

The day’s traffic spilled over to the nearby transfer station, which was the site of the annual drug takeback day. Manager Thomas Maraggio said 996 people came in, close to double the usual Saturday traffic.

The Transfer Station Committee’s second issue, discussed at several previous meetings, was how to make sure only China and Palermo residents use the transfer station that their taxes help support. The present RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) program, started in 2019 with a state grant, provides tags that an electronic sensor recognizes; driving in without a tag alerts attendants.

The main problem with the RFID tags is that people can keep them after they move out of town, and can lend them to out-of-town relatives and friends whose transfer stations might be more expensive or less convenient. Maraggio said staffer Cheyenne Houle had tried unsuccessfully to find a way to link the RFID system with town office records that might show someone had moved away.

Before RFID, transfer station users had a vehicle window sticker with the license plate number. Committee members said stickers, or lack thereof, send no message to transfer station staff; and some people don’t want a sticker on their car.

Another method discussed previously and mentioned May 9 would be to add a guard shack where a staffer would check each vehicle coming in.

Reed and Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood commended Maraggio and his staff for their efforts to minimize unauthorized transfer station use.

In other business, Maraggio distributed copies of a Dec. 6, 2022, marketing report from the Maine Resource Recovery Association summarizing the lower market for recyclable materials. Recycling income has declined substantially, he said; but generally, recycling is still less costly than having materials transported and disposed of as waste.

Because the committee’s usual second Tuesday meeting falls on election day in June, the next meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 6.