Carrabec High School top 10 seniors (2023)

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Top row, left-to-right: Jessica Benedict, Luke Carey, Lindsay Hamilton, Mliss Hem, Robert Lindblom.
Bottom row: Gabriella Manzer, Caitlyn Oliver, Conner Peabody, William Price, Hunter Sousa

Jessica Benedict is the daughter of Michael and Amanda Benedict, of Anson and April Everton, of Brownville. Jessica will be attending York County Community College for Animal Care and Management.

Luke Carey – Valedictorian, is the son of Erik and Tanya Carey, of Embden. Luke will be attending the University of Maine at Farmington for Actuarial Science.

Lindsay Hamilton is the daughter of Matthew and Marsha Hamilton, of Clinton. Lindsay will be attending the University of Maine at Presque Isle for Biology.

Mliss Hem – Salutatorian, is the daughter of Margaret and Bunn Hem, of New Portland. Mliss will be attending Washington County Community College for Business Management.

Robert Lindblom is the son of Robert and Nicole Lindblom, of Solon. Robert will be attending Thomas College for Education.

Gabriella Manzer is the daughter of Jeremy Manzer, of Anson, and Erin Caldwell, of North Anson. Gabriella will be attending Kennebec Valley Community College for the Paramedic Program.

Caitlyn Oliver is the daughter of Lawrence and Renee Oliver, of Embden. Caitlyn will be continuing in the work force.

Conner Peabody is the son of Robert and Carrie Peabody, of Solon. Conner will be attending Bentley University for Accounting.

William Price is the son of William and Amy Price, of Anson. William will be enlisting in the United States Navy.

Hunter Sousa is the son of Kevin and Elisa Sousa, of Embden. Hunter will be attending Washington County Community College for their Conservation Law Program.

THE BEST VIEW: Smiling faces

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by Norma Best Boucher

At first, I was embarrassed when I couldn’t remember this teacher’s name, but then I realized that teachers’ names are not written on their students’ foreheads, but what they do for their students is indelibly written on their minds.

I was going through adolescence. I hated the world, and I was sure the world hated me. My arms and legs were too long for my already too skinny body, and my hair, which had always been worn in tight side braids, was now long and stringy. I even bit my fingernails. I was too self-absorbed to notice that every other young girl looked and felt the same as I.

I sat in a corner back seat in class and saw everyone and everything that went on in the room. No one ever saw me, except, of course, when I took that long walk to the front of the room. I just knew everyone was staring at me. I did anything to avoid that walk.

I wanted to be somebody. I wanted to be special. I wanted to do something that no one else could do, and I wanted to do it well. The only individual things we ever did in class to be recognized were spelling bees, reading aloud, and playing the flash card math game. All of us could spell and read, and all the math game ever did was to prove to me and to the rest of the class that I was a math dunce.

One day, hope sprang eternal. Our class had been chosen to do a special project, and the teacher needed volunteers. Up went my hand when suddenly I heard the words “mural” and “pastels.”

Oh, no, just my luck. The only thing I did worse than math flash cards was art.

I quickly lowered my hand but not fast enough. The next words I heard were, “and Norma can be the flower girl.”

Oh, God, why me?

The mural was to have three sections. The first was to be a picture of the Waterville Savings Bank, where the mural would ultimately hang. The second section was to be a busy city street, drawn in perspective. The third was to be a friendly neighborhood setting with houses and children playing.

My job was simple, or so it seemed. All I had to do was make multi-colored dots in four rectangular flower boxes.

I worked on those boxes for what seemed forever. Every spare minute I had, I worked on those flowers, but they always looked like multi-colored dots in rectangular boxes. I erased and erased and erased again.

One day, I must have looked especially depressed. She had given me the easiest job on the entire mural, and I couldn’t even do that right. Finally, the teacher approached me.

Maybe she remembered being a young girl with long, skinny limbs, stringy hair, and bitten nails herself, or maybe she knew that the next year I would start to fill out and begin to like myself and the world. She gave me her “we can do this together” smile and asked me what my favorite flowers were.

That was easy. I liked red roses because my father gave them to my mother every year for their anniversary. I liked the pink bleeding hearts that were in front of my best friend’s house. I liked the lavender lilacs we picked on Memorial Day, even though they made me sneeze, and the lemon-colored marigolds in our neighbor’s garden that I could see from my bedroom window. Best of all, though, I liked the purple and blue pansies because they had smiling black faces.

Draw those,” she said.

“Every time you make a dot,” she explained, “remember you’re drawing red roses, pink bleeding hearts, lavender lilacs, lemon-colored marigolds, and purple and blue pansies with smiling black faces.”

That was it. When I drew dots, they looked like dots, so all I had to do was draw flowers, and they’d look like flowers.

When each student finished his/her job on the mural, the teacher always made a point of interrupting the class for the students to recognize each artist.

I remember as if it were yesterday. When I finished my window boxes, the teacher said, “Everyone, look. Norma has finished her flowers. Aren’t they the most beautiful flowers you’ve ever seen?”

At last, I was somebody.

I literally floated through the remaining days of school in anticipation of the unveiling of the mural at the Waterville Savings Bank. I rushed my parents to the bank with such excitement they must have thought I was a young Van Gogh. When I showed them what I had done, they looked at each other with questioning expressions: “All this hullabaloo for that?”

All they saw were multi-colored dots in boxes.

I looked at their puzzled faces, and I knew they didn’t understand. I saw four flower boxes filled with red roses, pink bleeding hearts, lavender lilacs, lemon-colored marigolds, and purple and blue pansies with smiling black faces.

They didn’t know – they couldn’t know – but somehow that didn’t matter. What was really important was that I knew…and she knew.

Norma Best Boucher taught English at Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, and Winslow High School. She is a freelance writer.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT as of Thursday, May 11, 2023

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(photo by Eric W. Austin)

Legislative bills submitted by area senators and representatives.

L.D. 1852, H.P. 1182

An Act to Eliminate the Lodging Tax on Campground Sites and Revert to Using the Current Sales Tax. (Presented by Representative POIRIER of Skowhegan)

L.D. 1875, H.P. 1200

Resolve, to Create a Pilot Program for Apprenticeships for Inmates. (Presented by Representative MONTELL of Gardiner)

(Copies of the Bills may be obtained from the Document Room, First Floor, State House, Augusta, Maine 04333-0002 – Ph: 207-287-1408. Bill text, bill status and roll call information are available on the Internet at http://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/search.asp. The Weekly Legislative Report is also available on the Internet at the House home page at http://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/ under the “Documents” tab.).

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Goal of attracting cardinals finally realized

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Female, left, and male cardinals.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

My wife has been trying to attract cardinals to our feeders at home for quite some time. Last Sunday she got her wish when a pair of cardinals came in search of food. First, the female showed herself by clinging to a feeding station. A couple of minutes later, the male appeared. I had told my wife when she first saw the female that, for sure, the male was not far away. When you see one cardinal, the mate is always nearby.

It prompted a conversation about how over the last few decades, the northern cardinal, which was rarely ever seen in this part of the country, has become more abundant.

In John James Audubon’s day (1785-1851), the Northern Cardinal was considered a southern bird and was rarely seen as far north as Philadelphia. By 1895, its range reached the Great Lakes, and by 1910, the cardinal was in southern Ontario and along the southern portions of the Hudson River. Some authorities believe the cardinal’s push northward was due to more people feeding birds during the winter and their loss of habitat in its traditional southern grounds.

Today the Northern Cardinal is a year-round resident from the Dakotas, southern Ontario and Nova Scotia south to the Gulf Coast, and from southern Texas westward through Arizona and southward through Mexico as far as Guatemala and Honduras. The Northern Cardinal was introduced in Hawaii in 1929 and is now well-established there. It also occurs sparingly in southeastern California and in Bermuda as an introduced species.

Although nonmigratory, cardinals often gather in large flocks of up to 70 birds during winter months and can be found in bushy thickets in the more sheltered areas of their range.

Northern Cardinals feed by hopping around on the ground and securing food from low shrubbery and trees. Cardinals’ short, heavy, reddish beaks crack seeds with strong abductor muscles that enable them to handle larger and tougher seeds that birds with smaller bills cannot crack. The grooved upper mandible holds the sunflower seed while the sharp-edged lower mandible moves forward and crushes and husks the seed. The bird then swallows the inner nutmeat.

Most authorities believe Northern Cardinals mate for life, but during winter, the male does not allow his mate to feed with him. With the return of spring, however, he regards her in a new light. Then you see the practice of mate-feeding when the male brings shucked sunflower seeds and other choice tidbits to the female. She waits with her wings all aflutter like a baby bird begging for food, and he places the seed in her bill as tenderly as a first kiss between lovers.

Northern Cardinals will eat almost anything offered at feeding stations. Their favorite foods are black-oil sunflower seed, cracked corn, suet, suet mixes, nutmeats of all kinds, melon seeds and safflower seed. The birds’ diet consists of 30 percent insects, which makes cardinals highly valuable to farmers and gardeners. They consume some of the worst agricultural pests: codling moths, cotton cutworms, scale insects, cotton bollworms, grasshoppers, aphids, snails and slugs.

Although cardinals prefer to eat on the ground, they will come to bird tables, trays on posts and trees, window trays, and hanging feeders with perches.

Water for drinking and bathing is just as important for Northern Cardinals in winter as it is during hot months. Remember to keep the water in your birdbath fresh and unfrozen year-round. Because wet cardinals cannot fly quickly to safety, place your birdbath near cover so the birds can escape from cats and other predators. When birdbaths are not available, cardinals bathe in shallow edges of ponds and streams, in snowmelt or in a puddle after rain. Like children, cardinals enjoy bathing in the spray of lawn sprinklers.

Northern Cardinals prefer brushy woodlands, riparian thickets, garden shrubbery, residential areas and parks.

Cardinal nests are compact and well-lined with fine grass or hair, or they might be flimsy and scarcely lined. The birds often use grass, rootlets, weed stems, pliable twigs, vines and bark strips, interwoven with leaves and paper or plastic. Once, when a storm blew the nest out of a bush, a strip of plastic was found in it with the green recycle symbol printed on it. This pair of Northern Cardinals taught me that humans are not the only creatures to use recyclable materials in their homes.

The cardinals have been appearing daily, and it’s our hope they will continue through the summer months.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Name the only three MLB players to have accumulated at heast 500 home runs and 600 doubles during their career.

Answer
Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds and David Ortiz.

EVENTS: Spectacular laser show to benefit Winslow Food Cupboard

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Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry—which serves thousands of food-insecure children, seniors, and other adults from Winslow, Waterville, Skowhegan, Fairfield, and 20 other surrounding towns—will benefit from a spectacular Drive-in Laser Show & Concert coming to the Clinton Fairgrounds from Thursday, May 18, through Sunday, May 21, with gates opening at 5 p.m. each evening. To assure admission, ordering tickets in advance at the link below is strongly suggested.

The Drive-in Laser Show & Concert (three shows each night, May 18 through 21) will be family-friendly and will feature many of your all-time favorite musical hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and beyond – current hits to Classic Rock! All songs are choreographed with cutting-edge effects, high-powered lasers, and Large Screen Laser Projection! Vendors and food will be on the fairgrounds, and there will be an exclusive infield seating area. (Please bring your own chairs and blankets.)

SHOW TIMES & DETAILS:

Clinton Fairgrounds, 1450 Bangor Rd., Clinton, ME 04927, May 18, 19, 20, and 21, 2023
Gates open at 5 p.m., 8 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.
Shows at 7 p.m., 9 p.m., and 10:30 p.m.

ADMISSION FEE: Just $29 per entire carload when you purchase tickets in advance; $39 per carload at the gate. PLEASE NOTE: We strongly advise purchasing tickets in advance to guarantee admission.

Order Tickets at: https://www.freshtix.com/events/bangorlasers.

CAN’T ATTEND? Those who may not be able to attend a Laser Show & Concert – but who would still like to donate to Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry – are invited to do so by sending a check payable to “Winslow Community Cupboard”, to 12 Lithgow St., Winslow, ME 04901, or by visiting https://winslowucc.org/winslow-community-cupboard/ and clicking on the yellow “Donate” button.

Winslow Community Cupboard is a ministry of Winslow Congregational Church, 12 Lithgow Street, Winslow, which has served the local community since 1828.

For more information, please contact Winslow Community Cupboard at WinslowCupboard@Gmail.com.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, May 11, 2023

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FRANCIS E. PURNELL

WATERVILLE – Francis E. Purnell, 83, passed away in the early morning hours on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, following a brief illness. Born in Waterville in 1939, he was the only child of Harry and Kathleen Purnell.

After graduating from Waterville High School, he honorably served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1958 to 1962.

Fran spent his career with Ace Tire and Bill’s Tire, both in Waterville, selling truck tires to customers throughout Maine and parts of Canada until he retired. However, he came out of retirement to work with his sons at Granite Corp., in Oakland, where he helped in all possible ways he could.

Fran’s love for animals was second only to his love of baseball. He generously gave his time to work with the local Little League Baseball community, which led to numerous accolades, including proclamation days for the city of Waterville and the renaming of Matthews Field to Purnell Field in recognition of his more than 45 years of service and dedication.

Fran and his wife Joyce believed every child deserved the opportunity to play baseball, and thus they started a new league, the Challenger Division, for handicapped children in the area. Over the years, countless local children had the opportunity to don a uniform and play baseball, thanks to Fran’s unrelenting dedication. He even went so far as to organize games between local baseball/softball teams, parents, and other volunteers, so that the handicapped children had teams to play against.

In 2014, Fran met Ken Walsh, from the Alfond Youth Center, who became a son to Fran and Joyce. Fran retired and passed the baton to Ken, who worked tirelessly to develop Purnell Wrigley Field, a legacy that will be forever remembered.

Fran’s wife of 63 years, Joyce, was behind him every step of the way in supporting his visions and dreams, and together, they learned to share his time with many children in the community, giving them the opportunity to participate in local baseball.

Fran is survived by his wife that he married on May 14, 1960, Joyce; and their three children, Christopher Purnell, Debra Poulin and her fiancé Lou Berthel, Kevin A. Purnell and his wife Lisa; grandchildren, Kevin II and Stephanie Purnell, Nicholas and Jamie Purnell, Max and Mikayla Poulin, Abigail Poulin and her fiancé Tyler Bartlett, Katie Purnell, Ariana and Peter Lepage, Kendall Purnell, and Ashley and Matthew Woodbury; great-grandchildren, Ryker, Livia, Piper, Gavin, Theodore, Brynn, Korbin, Kaycen, Greyson, Grady, and one more due in September; his cousin, Richard Purnell; sisters-in-law, Celeste and her husband David Harris, sister-in-law, Arlene and her husband Gordon Jones, sister-in-law, Annette Rancourt, Muriel Rancourt, and Pat Rancourt; and brother-in-law, Robert LaChance; his nieces and nephews.

Fran was predeceased by great-grandson, Brayden; his sister-in-law, Shirley LaChance, as well as his brothers-in-law Carl, Earl, and David Rancourt.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, May 17, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville, followed by a Celebration of Life, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Notre Dame Church Hall. Burial will be in the Niche Wall at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Blue Star Highway, Augusta at a later time established by family and friends.

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.

In lieu of flowers, donations and contributions can be made in Fran’s memory to the Purnell Baseball Endowment Fund at the Alfond Youth and Community Center, 126 North St., Waterville, ME 04901, or follow this link https://alfondyouthcenter-ivsrq.formstack.com/forms/untitled_form_13_copy_copy_1.

RONNIE RETAMAR

CHINA – Ronnie Retamar, 57, of China, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, following a prolonged battle with Sclero­derma. He was born on Feb­ruary 8, 1966, to Puerto Rican parents in St. Vincent Hospital in the major industrial city of Bridgeport, Connecticut.

He lived a colorful life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. In his early 20s, he journeyed to Maine, where he met his life partner, Steven Keaten. They were together for over three decades, sharing their lives and building a beautiful home until Ronnie’s passing.

Ronnie grew up in Connecticut and Puerto Rico, attending schools in Connecticut and earned a CNA certificate from the Job Corp, in Bangor. He worked in many places as a CNA and later as a waiter in several restaurants in Kennebec County until disabilities forced him to retire much sooner than he wanted. He found deep fulfillment in his careers where he took great pride in caring for his patients and making sure customers always received a great dining experience.

Ronnie was a happy, non-judgmental soul who welcomed everyone with an open heart. A heart of 24-karat gold. He had a contagious spirit and laughter that would spark up any room and he never missed a chance to dance. Oh, how he could dance, having learned from his siblings.

Ronnie was also very connected with his native Taino roots and collected jewelry and memorabilia of Indigenous communities. He loved watching films and traveling, having visited all 50 states and he was a lover of photos and memories. He enjoyed hosting family gatherings and was always the life of the party. He maintained community over social media and phone calls with loved ones, near and far, and his warm personality would make anyone feel at home. Gloria, his mother, will especially miss the long calls and the sound of his voice, sharing stories, and catching up on each other’s lives.

Ever dashing and dapper, Ronnie had an eye for the finer things in life and his appreciation for elegance, jewelry and thrifting was a shared passion between mother and son. Much of his time was spent antiquing with his partner, Steven and sister-in-law, Julie Searles, tending to his plants and gardening. His home was a testament to his impeccable taste. His home was his sanctuary, and his doors were always open.

Throughout his life, Ronnie remained a constant source of unconditional love and support for his family. From birthdays to graduations and weddings, Ronnie was always present for every significant life event. Despite the distance between them, he never missed an opportunity to be there for his daughter, Jenny Patron and his grandchildren’s important milestones. His commitment to his family was a testament to his unwavering loyalty and nurturing spirit.

As the family historian, photos of his ancestry and family were of utmost importance to him. They were some of his most prized possessions, and he valued them dearly. Ronnie and his partner, Steven, were very active in local politics. They were a force to be reckoned with, and ever the humanitarian, Ronnie was passionate about making a tangible difference.

Ronnie was predeceased by his father, Edelmiro Retamar; brother, Alfredo “Freddy” Carrion; and son, Andrew Keaten.

He is survived by his mother, Gloria Esther Morales-Alicea of Bridgeport, Connecticut; his lifelong partner, Steven Keaten, of China; his brother, Angel Carrion, of Camuy, Puerto Rico; his sister, Marilyn Galindo and husband Luis Galindo, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts; his brother, Robin Retamar and his sister, Michelle Retamar, both of Bridgeport, Connecticut; his daughter, Jenny Patron and his grandchildren Marcus Ramirez and Jaydalee Ramirez of Meriden, Connecticut; his son, Evan Keaten and wife Lydiyah Hawkins, of Clyde, Texas; his daughter, Sarah Keaten and his grandchildren Sapphira Davis and Julian Davis, of Abilene, Texas; his brothers-in-law, Daniel Keaten, of Brighton Plantation, and Derek Keaten and wife Donna Keaten; his sisters-in-law Julie Searles and husband Larry Searles, Sherri Arris and husband Robert Arris, all of Skowhegan; dozens of nieces and nephews.

A graveside memorial service to honor the life of Ronnie Retamar will be held at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, May 30, at the Mount Rest Cemetery, in Athens. Following the ceremony, a joyful celebration of his life will be hosted at the Somerset Academy on Academy Street in Athens.

The arrangements have been thoughtfully handled by Smart & Edwards Funeral Home in Skowhegan. Family and friends are welcome to join together in paying their respects and celebrating the memory of Ronnie’s remarkable life.

SHEILA M. LEMIEUX

VASSALBORO – Sheila M. Lemieux, 69, passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, April 18,2023. She was born in Waterville, on May 1, 1953, the daughter of Cornelius and Fern (Leathers) Lemieux.

She attended local schools and graduated from Winslow High School, class of 1971.

After graduation she was employed by Deschaine’s Market, in North Vassalboro, and Colby College, in Waterville.

She enjoyed visiting and helping neighbors around town. When at home, she was often crafting, writing letters and quilting, which she learned from her mother and grandmother. She shared these talents while spending time with her ladies group, Pins and Needles, at the Methodist Church. Tigger, her cat, was her cherished companion. She often shared his antics with everyone. They enjoyed feeding and watching wildlife together.

Sheila loved seeing sunrises and would look forward to getting pictures of them from all over the state when her nephew, Ben, was travelling.

Sheila was predeceased by her parents, brother, Wayne, her niece, Sarah, and two great nieces.

She is survived by her brothers, Bernard and his wife, Pam, of Vassalboro, Keith and his wife, Karen, of Winslow; and sister-in-law, Ruth, of Benton; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at The Mill, 934 Main St, Vassalboro, on Saturday June 17, 2023, from 2 – 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the Lemieux family respectfully requests contributions in Sheila’s memory be made to either the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, Maine 04901, or the Vassalboro Food Pantry, 679 Main Street, Vassalboro, Maine 04989.

Arrangements are in the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremations and Funeral in Skowhegan, where memories can be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/sheila-lemieux.

BETTY F. HUNT

FAIRFIELD – Betty (Fenlason) Hunt, 93, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2023. She was born October 28, 1929, the youngest child of Roy and Nina (Jameson) Fenlason.

Betty attended the Goodwill Hinckley School, in Hinckley, and on May 31, 1947, she married Richard Irving Hunt Sr. The two settled on the family farm in Fairfield, raising sons Richard Jr. and David. Some years later, she was remarried to John Hunt.

In her younger years, Betty was employed at W. T. Grant’s, in Waterville, in the pet department and was known as the “fish lady.” The majority of her working years, she was employed by The Curtain Shop, in Waterville, where she retired. Betty was a member of the Eastern Star and attended church at the Fairfield Center United Methodist Church.

Betty enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, crosswords, and playing cards with her girlfriends, “The Merry Widows.” She was famous for her divinity fudge and lemon chiffon pie, savored by all at family gatherings.

She was predeceased by her husbands Richard Hunt Sr. and John Hunt; son, Richard Hunt Jr.; and siblings, Lyle “Ike” Fenlason, Beryl Fenlason, Mary Dewitt, Ruth Drysdale, Hildred Peterson, and Leah Obe.

She will be missed by her son, David Hunt and his wife Martha; grandchildren, Joshua Hunt and Samantha Maheu and her husband J-Sun Bailey; great-grandchildren, Margaret “Maggie” Maheu, and Charlotte Cowan; her cousin and best friend, Gracie Boyden; and family, Jean Murphy, Barbara Striker, Louise Savage, Tim Hunt; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 25 at 12 p.m. at The Fairfield Center United Methodist Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330. Condolences, stories or photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Betty’s name may be made to The Fairfield Food Pantry.

GLENNA B. JORDAN

WINSLOW – Glenna B. Jordan, 89, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2023. She was born in Vermont, the daughter of the late Albert and Myrtle Cantwell, and later raised in a foster home in Windsor by Mrs. Ada Buck.

She graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, in 1951. She was married to Floyd E. Jordan on June 9, 1951, sharing 61 years prior to his death in 2012.

Most of her working career was with Salter Corporation (formerly Stewart and Williams Inc.), Augusta, until the company closed in 1985. Final employment was with Kennebec Water Power Company, in Waterville.

She was a member and deacon of the South China Com­munity Church, as well as a choir member for much of that time. In earlier years, she served as Sunday School superintendent and later served as the church secretary for many years until retiring in 2012. She remained active in church leadership and participating in church fund raising projects.

She was a life member and Past Worthy Matron of Lily of the Valley, Chapter #157, OES, Weeks Mills.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by husband, Floyd; son, Kermit and son-in-law, Larry Delucchi.

She is survived by daughters Patricia Delucchi and Deborah Gillcash and her husband Mark; grandchildren Darci Campbellton and her husband Nate, Amy Gillcash and Casey Gillcash; a former daughter-in-law, Jane Govostes and her husband John.

At her request, there will be no visiting hours. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the South China Community Church, Village Street, South China. A private committal of both Glenna and Floyd’s ashes will follow that service.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Route 32, Windsor.

Condolences, photos and stories may be shared through the funeral home website at: http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to do so may make donations to South China Community Church, Living Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 335, South China, ME 04358.

LAURENCE E. FURBUSH

OAKLAND – Laurence E. Furbush, 88, of Oakland, passed away peacefully following a long illness on Sunday, April 30, 2023. He was born May 6, 1934, in Rome, and was married to Frances (Robinson) for the past 68 years.

During his lifetime he worked 43 years for Hollingsworth and Whitney Paper Co., Scott Paper Company, both in Winslow, and Sappi Fine Papers Corporation, in Hinckley. He was a longtime member of the Oakland and Fairfield Church of the Nazarene where he held multiple positions including two mission trips to Africa and Costa Rica with the Work and Witness organization. He also loved to travel and was devoted to his children, and especially to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Frances; children Hope and husband Paul, Robin and husband Reggie, and Aaron and wife Jean; his grandchildren Gary, Nick, Jason, Lance, Nate, Amanda, Chad, Alicia, and Kevin; along with 18 great-grandchildren, Hunter, Hayden, Owen, Kylee, Haylie, Brayden, Codi, Brooklyn, Olivia, Logan, Chase, Kaleb, Isaac, Harper, Matthew, Cruz, Andrew, and Rose; also his great-great-grandchildren Wesley and Wyatt; by his sister, Janice; and brother, Jimmy.

He was predeceased by his father, Frank Furbush Sr., and his mother, Martha (Foss); along with brothers Frank Jr., Wesley, Clarence, Gerald and sister, Shirley.

At his request there will be no funeral, however graveside services will be held at a later date.

SHEILA THOMAS

SIDNEY – Sheila Thomas, 69, passed away peacefully in her sleep, Saturday morning, April 29, 2023. Sheila was born in Waterville on June 10, 1953, the daughter of Albert and Joan (Clark) Cote.

Sheila graduated from Messalonskee High School in 1971. She worked for nearly 30 years as a piece worker, and floor manager at the C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, of Waterville. She studied mental health and human services at UMA, and after earning her bachelor’s degree, went to work for Beckett Academy, of Belgrade, before retiring.

She loved gladiolas, tiger lilies, lilacs, and daisies. She also loved hummingbirds, origami, and spending time at the beach with her grandchildren, as well as spending quality time with her mom. She also liked creating gifts through crocheting for her loved ones. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by many.

She was predeceased by her father, Albert Cote, mother, Joan Cote; brothers, Larry Cote, and Paul Cote.

Sheila is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Toby Thomas and Robyn Small; daughter, Katie Bauer; granddaughters Bridgette Bauer, Amber Bauer, and Raechyl Pooler; grandson, Dylan Bauer; great-granddaughter, Elayna Pooler; her ex-husband, Johnny Thomas; and ex-son-in-law, Mike Bauer.

Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home. kincerfuneralhome.com.

SANDRA STURTEVANT

EAST MILLINOCKET – Sandra Lord Sturtevant, 73, passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, from pancreatic cancer. She was born in Waterville, on August 7, 1949, the daughter of John and Kay (McQuillan) Lord.

She attended Vassalboro and Waterville schools and graduated from the University of Maine in 1971.

All her working years, including volunteer, were in the social services field. She was a fan of day hikes, gardening, trips to camp, running when younger and jogging when older, all her pets and Maine hockey.

Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Patrick; son Brooks and wife Brenna and their two children, Baxter and Lyddie, all of Franklin, Veermont; son Colby, of Denver, Colorado; brother Jack Lord and partner Karla Sturtevant; sister-in-law Jan Sturtevant.

A service will be held at her camp at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Penobscot Valley Humane Society, 1 Park Ave., Lincoln, Maine 04457.

C. RICHARD LaCASCE

WATERVILLE – C. Richard “Dick” LaCasce, 94, died peacefully following a period of declining health on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at his home, in Waterville. He was born November 28, 1928, in Portland.

Dick grew up in Fryeburg. An Eagle Scout, avid skier, and high school athlete, he graduated from Fryeburg Academy in 1946. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict and then returned to his home state to earn his B.S. in business administration from the University of Maine in 1973.

After 28 years of service, Dick retired in 1990 from the State of Maine Bureau of Public Improvements, where he served as Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds. He enjoyed an active lifelong membership at the YMCA as well as hunting and camping. Later in life he discovered his love for music.

He is survived by his daughter, Reva Merrill and husband, Dean, of Anson; son, Tom LaCasce and wife, Cindy, of Claremont, New Hampshire; grandchildren Robin, Elizabeth, Rachel, Catherine, and Ryan; great-grandchildren Lacey, Adelinn, Kenley, Jasmine, Holly, Henry, Kilee, Johannah, Emmylou, James, and Josephine; sister-in-law Jeanne; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dick was predeceased by his wife, Nancy (Hill) after 66 years of marriage; parents, Raymond and Helen (French) LaCasce; and brother, James.

In following Richard’s wishes, all services are at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are in the care of Wood Funeral Home, 9 Warren St., Fryeburg. To make an online condolence please visit http://www.woodfuneralhome.org.

Those wishing to make donations in his memory may do so to the Fryeburg Academy Alumni Fund, 745 Main St., Fryeburg, ME, 04037; or Kennebec Valley YMCA, 31 Union St., Augusta, ME 04330.

DEATH NOTICE

JOHN R. MAROON

SCARBOROUGH – John R. Maroon, 94, of Scarborough, formerly of Waterville/ Winslow, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 11 a.m., at Hobbs Funeral Home, 671 U.S. Route 1, in Scarborough. See full obituary at http://www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.

JACQUELINE S. KORBET

PHOENIX, Arizona – Jacqueline Sue Korbet, 39, passed away on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, in Phoenix, Arizona, due to respiratory failure. She was born December 22, 1983, in Portland.

Jackie grew up in Sidney and loved outdoor sports. She started kayaking Maine streams at 16 years old. She was inspired to explore by an untamed spirit of adventure like Lewis and Clark.

She graduated from Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, in 2002, and attended the University of Maine Orono. In the summer of 2003, she became a Registered Maine White Water Rafting Guide on both the Dead River and Kennebec River, in Maine. Jackie was accepted into the student exchange program in her sophomore year with Ft. Lewis College, Durango, Colorado. So, in 2003 she left for Colorado in her Toyota Tercel with her skis, mountain bike and kayak on the roof.

She fell in love with the Rockies, and this is when she started her first career. She spent the better part of her youth chasing rivers, absorbing the infinite beauty and knowledge the world offers. She was a certified raft guide on many rivers like Hells Canyon, Snake River; Middle Fork, Salmon River; and Madison River; just to name a few. She traveled from Alaska in 2009 to the Southern Patagonia Alps in 2010.

Jackie became a professional ski patroller and dog handler while working at Big Sky, Montana. She also received her EMT certificate in 2006 and again in 2010. Jackie and her dog, Atlas, were professional certified Avalanche Rescue and was Wilderness Search and Rescue in the states of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming.

She continued with her degree with a major in outdoor sport management. In 2015 a rattle snake bite almost took her life. This is when she changed her major so she could pursue a career as a physician assistant. Jackie graduated with honors from Montana State University 2017 with a B.S. Degree in Microbiology.

In 2019 she was accepted to Rocky Mountain College, in Billings, Montana, for a master’s degree in physician assistant. While waiting for her acceptance she became the first woman licensed fly-fishing guide in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

She went to several different states doing her rotations during Covid. This included Maine. Jackie started her second career as an emergency room physician assistant at Yavapai Regional Medical Center, in Prescott and Prescott Valley, Arizona. She loved her job and was incredibly good at it. She made numerous new friends that absolutely loved her dearly. She always had a positive attitude and would be able to lift your spirits with just a few words or a smile and a hug. Once you met her you felt like you had known her forever, like an old friend. She had such an inner peace that a lot of people strive for but can never find. Jackie had the ability to capture the beauty in the world and did so in many pictures and her artwork.

She is survived by her parents, Stephen and Sue Korbet, of Sidney; brothers Matthew, of Cape Canaveral, Florida, Gregory, of Topsham, and Jon, of Sidney; sisters-in-law; two nieces, four nephews; six aunts, five uncles; and 17 cousins. She also leaves her longtime friend who she loved very much, Hayes Buxton, of McAlister, Montana, who is now caretaker of her beloved puppy, Bodhi.

For more pictures of her extraordinary life, visit: share.photocircleapp.com/album/DM3CDYHKW7.

There will be a celebration of her life at a later date.

Vassalboro planners, town manager work on questionnaire to be mailed to town residents

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by Mary Grow

When Vassalboro select board members and Town Manager Aaron Miller work on the questionnaire they intend to mail with the 2023-24 tax bills, planning board members would like to have three questions from them included.

At their May 2 meeting, board members spent almost an hour winnowing member Douglas Phillips’ list of suggestions to three and refining the wording. They agreed they would like voters’ opinions on:

  • Whether Vassalboro needs a phosphorus control ordinance, perhaps similar to China’s, that would limit phosphorus-laden run-off from new or substantially revised development;
  • Whether the town should have an ordinance that limits at least some types of commercial development to certain areas; and
  • Whether the town should make greater efforts to preserve open space for conservation and/or recreation.

Board members deliberately did not go into detail at this stage; for example, they did not talk about what type(s) of commercial development could be affected. They did not want to stir up debate over “the z-word” – zoning – that Vassalboro voters have rejected in the past.

Board member John Phillips wondered if suggestions for more town ordinances might also generate negative responses.

Board chairman Virginia Brackett summarized the anti-regulation versus regulation dilemma when she said, “You can’t do anything you want with your own property and then complain when your neighbor does the same.”

Another issue before planning board members on May 2 was a request from select board members for recommended site review application fees for commercial projects. John Phillips read from a town ordinance that says the planning board makes recommendations, the select board sets the fees and both boards review them annually.

Discussion included whether applications for all types of commercial projects should be charged alike or whether some – medical marijuana growing businesses and solar farms, specifically – should have separate fee schedules. Board members made no recommendation.

There was consensus that the current $50 fee is too low to cover the codes officer’s work on commercial projects. Board members recommended application fees of $100 for a minor site review and $400 for a major site review.

The third issue was a discussion with Webber Pond Association President John Reuthe about water quality in the lake. Last summer, Webber Pond turned green with an obnoxious and unhealthful algae bloom (see the Sept. 15, 2022, issue of The Town Line, p. 1).

Reuthe and board members discussed many factors complicating work to improve water quality.

One is the condition of the outlet dam, owned by the Webber Pond Association. Reuther said the fishway at the dam admits migrating alewives, who carry away algae they’ve eaten when they leave in the fall; and association members open the gates to increase fall outflow of algae-laden water. He said the dam gates need easier-to-manage controls and the fishway should be rebuilt.

Another issue is identifying and correcting sources of phosphorus entering the lake. Reuthe considers camp roads a major contributor, but not necessarily the only one.

A third complication is that Three Mile Pond affects Webber Pond, and Three Mile Pond has shoreline in China, Vassalboro and Windsor. Improvements will require cooperation from all three towns, for example in enforcing shoreland regulations.

Reuthe said he and Three Mile Pond Association president Tom Whittaker have discussed water quality.

There are a number of other interested parties, including Maine Rivers (the organization instrumental in opening Outlet Stream to alewives), China Region Lakes Alliance, the state Department of Marine Resources (which owns the fishway) and the Maine Department of Transportation, whose planned replacement of a 1930s culvert on Whitehouse Road is expected to increase alewife migration.

Reuthe said the 2023 Webber Pond Association annual meeting is scheduled for the beginning of summer, instead of the end as in past years, to remind landowners of their responsibility to protect water quality.

Reuthe did not ask for planning board action, and none was proposed. He thinks a Vassalboro phosphorus control ordinance might be helpful; board member Paul Mitnik, who administered China’s while he was that town’s codes officer, called it “valuable.”

The next regular Vassalboro planning board meeting will be Tuesday evening, June 6 (the evening after the open town meeting). Codes officer Robert Geaghan, Jr., expects at least two permit applications, for a new business in an existing building, on Main Street, in North Vassalboro, and for a new building adjoining the Oak Grove chapel, on Oak Grove Road, just off Route 201 (Riverside Drive).

Windsor select board addresses public works, transfer station concerns

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by The Town Line staff

At the April 11 meeting of the Windsor Select Board, attendees discussed various town topics, including the Public Works department, the Transfer Station, the Cemetery Sexton, and the Town Manager’s items.

Public Works Supervisor Keith Hall reported the department would start stripping trucks of plow gear in about a week. They still have some salt left over, and the heat in the garage has been turned off. They are currently cleaning up roads and intersections want to make roadways as safe as possible for the public during the warmer weather.

The department is working with Town Manager Theresa Haskell on an MMA grant valued at almost $3,000. If granted, the funds would be used for new safety equipment for public works. Roadside mowing is still to be done, and the roadside mowing contract will go out to bid again.

Sean Teekema, the Transfer Station Supervisor, reported there has been community interest regarding the Windsor Transfer Station offering composting on-site. The select board proposed reconvening the transfer station committee to meet and discuss several things, including the startup of a composting program on-site at the transfer station. The board wants the committee to bring thoughts and ideas back to the select board as soon as possible. The meeting was scheduled for April 18, at 6 p.m.

The select board also discussed hiring a transfer station attendant, which has been posted on the town of Windsor website and is being advertised on the sign at the town office. The monthly transfer station report was handed out, and it was noted that March was down from last year by $1,575.40, making the overall number under $1,988.79 for the year.

Cemetery Sexton Joyce Perry spoke about the troubles she has had getting the cemetery website together and making it user-friendly for the public. She spoke of roadblocks she has encountered with the current web host, IPower. Perry asked the select board to change the current hosting company to Dummy Solutions, owned by Windsor resident Dustin Hinds, who has volunteered his previous hours in helping with the website. Hinds offered a 10-hour bundle rate for service at $50 an hour, and he has already paid for a software widget plug-in. The total cost for the hosting package and set up from an existing provider plus 30 minutes a month of professional in-service is $824.08.

After discussion, William Appel Jr. made a motion to approve Dummy Solutions as the new website host for Windsor Town Office.

Haskell gave an update on the RSU #12 meeting. There had been revised calculations reported that made an impact on the original figures that RSU#12 Superintendent Howard Tuttle presented at the March 28 select board meeting. One of the biggest impacts was that the Maine Department of Education ED279 had errors. The new figures are good news for Windsor townspeople. The RSU #12 district budget meeting will be held on May 24 at Chelsea Elementary School, at 6 p.m., and the community is encouraged to attend.

Daniel West, a resident of Windsor, presented himself to the select board as a potential member of the planning board. Andrew Ballantyne made a motion to appoint West as an alternate planning board member, seconded by Richard H. Gray Jr., and approved $1,166 to the Cemetery Fund for the Windsor Veterans Memorial Fund.

Finally, the meeting concluded with some select board items. Ray Bates mentioned having Joel Greenwood at Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) look into legislative bills LD2003 and LD2014 to see if they would pertain to Windsor, while nothing was reported for the Town Hub.

Windsor select board discusses composting, animal control

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Also review proposed improvements to local cemetery

by The Town Line staff

The Windsor Select Board discussed a variety of topics during its March 28 meeting, including a proposed composting project, the introduction of the town’s animal control officer, and improvements to the local cemetery.

The board heard a presentation by Emmett Appel and his classmates regarding a composting project for the Windsor Transfer Station. Appel and his team argued that composting could save the town money by reducing waste transport costs and provide residents with access to compost for personal use. No new equipment would be needed, and the transfer station’s backhoe could be used to move the compost pile. For a compost pile under 10,000 cubic yards, no permits or testing would be required. The select board thanked the presenters and said more discussion was needed.

In other news, Animal Control Officer Kim Bolduc-Bartlett introduced herself and provided her contact information for residents with questions or concerns. She also reported there were 37 unregistered dogs in Windsor. Animal Control can be reached at (207)242-5185.

State Representative Katrina Smith presented Theresa Haskell with a Spirit of America Foundation Award on behalf of the 131st Legislature and the people of Maine. The award recognizes Haskell’s contributions to promoting volunteerism and appreciation of community service.

Cemetery Sexton Joyce Perry requested that $4,000 be moved from the Cemetery Maintenance Budget line to help build a three-foot wall behind the Veterans Monument. The total cost of the wall is $9,610.65, with work expected to begin in June. The board unanimously approved the motion. Additionally, Dwight Tibbetts from Down East Brass plans to host a concert in August 2023 to raise funds for the Windsor Veterans Memorial.

During an RSU #12 update, Superintendent Howard Tuttle handed out a packet of information to the select board, emphasizing the importance of the district budget meeting on May 24, 2023, at Chelsea School.

A member of the public expressed frustration with the lack of online access to Windsor’s Policies & Ordinances and tax cards, a concern echoed by Joyce Perry, who said she was working on finding a solution.

Lastly, the board approved the names of three new roads in the Blueberry Haven subdivision, decided to reimburse residents Deborah Tanner and Richard Hanson for a transfer of excise tax issue, and agreed to keep the Windsor Town Office open during lunch hours starting April 3, 2023.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

China select board agrees to apply to KVCOG Resilience Partnership

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by Mary Grow

China select board members unanimously agreed to apply to join the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments Community Resilience Partnership, approving the first step at their May 8 meeting (see The Town Line, April 27, p. 8).

The document they signed included a list of possible projects suggested by residents. Board member Janet Preston said the list is neither mandatory nor final; she described it as containing “ideas to look into.”

Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood asked if select board members want to change the use of income from returnable bottles brought to the transfer station. In 2018, she said, their predecessors voted to have the money added to the recycling budget.

Recently, two local organizations had asked if they could share the money – a total of $5,123.45 as of late April in the current fiscal year, Hapgood reported.

Select board members promptly said no. Without any disrespect to local organizations, they said allocating the money would be too time-consuming; the transfer station budget was a legitimate recipient of the funds; and community groups had other sources of donations.

The May 8 meeting started about 7 p.m., after the public hearing on warrant articles China voters will decide at the polls on June 13. See article in this issue.

The next regular China select board meeting will be Monday evening, May 22. Like the May 8 meeting, its starting time is unknown: it will be preceded by a 6 p.m. public hearing on a request from the China Four Seasons Club to use parts of Bog and Pleasant View Ridge roads as a temporary ATV trail.

Information on the hearing is on the website china.govoffice.com, under a new tab on the left side of the main page called Public Hearings.