Emma Parrish, of Sidney, has been named to the MassBay Community College dean’s list, in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts. Emma Parrish, who studies liberal arts, achieved this outstanding academic honor for the fall 2022.
American robin
by Roland D. HalleeWhile pulling my car out of the garage the other morning, I noticed three robins in a tree across the street. What is more inspiring than seeing that first robin of the spring?
The American robin, Turdus migratorius, is a member of the thrush family. It is named after the European robin because of its reddish-orange breast, though the two species are not closely related, with the European robin belonging to the flycatcher family.
A migrator, the robins winter south of Canada from Florida to central Mexico and along the Pacific Coast. It is the state bird of Connecticut, Michigan and Wisconsin.
The American robin is active mostly during the day and assembles in large flocks at night. Its diet consists of invertebrates such as beetle grubs and caterpillars, fruits and berries. It is one of the earliest bird species to lay eggs, beginning to breed shortly after returning from its winter range. Its nest consists of long coarse grass, twigs, paper, and feathers, and is smeared with mud and often cushioned with grass or other soft materials. The robin is among the first birds to sing at dawn.
Predators include hawks, cats and larger snakes, but when feeding in flocks, it is able to be vigilant and watch other birds for reactions to predators. Brown-headed cowbirds lay eggs in robin nests, but robins usually reject the cowbird eggs.
Both sexes of the robins look alike, except the female tends to be duller than the male. However, some birds cannot be safely sexed on plumage alone. The juvenile is paler in color than the adult male and has dark spots on its breast, and whitish wing coverts. First-year birds are not easily distinguishable from adults, but they tend to be duller, and a small percentage retains a few junvenile wing coverts or other feathers.
The American robin has an extensive range, estimated at upwards of 6 million square miles, with a population of about 320 million individuals. It is listed as “least concern” on the endangered list. At one point, the bird was killed for its meat, but is now protected throughout its range in the United States by the Migratory Bird Act.
The American robin is a known carrier of West Nile virus. While crows and jays are often the first noticed deaths in an area with West Nile virus, the American robin is suspected to be a key host, and holds a larger responsibility for the transmission of the virus to humans. This is because while crows and jays die quickly from the virus, the American robin survives the virus longer, hence spreading it to more mosquitoes, which then transmit the virus to humans and other species.
The American robin is frequently seen running across lawns, picking up earthworms by sight, and its running and stopping behavior is a distinguishing characteristic. It hunts visually, not by hearing.
The robin also has a place in human culture. the Tlingit people of Northwestern North America held it to be a culture hero created by Raven to please the people with its song. One of the Houses of the Raven Tribe from the Nisga’a Nation holds the robin as a House Crest.
The robin is considered a symbol of spring. A well-known example is a poem by Emily Dickinson, I Dreaded That First Robin So. Among other 19th century poems about the first robin of spring is The First Robin, by Dr. William H. Drummond, which, according to the author’s wife, is based on a Québec superstition that whoever sees the first robin of spring will have good luck.
Although the comic book superhero Robin was inspired by an N. C. Wyeth illustration of Robin Hood, a later version had his mother nicknaming him Robin because he was born on the first day of spring. His red shirt suggests the bird’s red breast.
But, unlike Emily Dickinson’s poem, I don’t dread that first robin, I embrace it.
When Dale Earnhardt was killed on the final lap of NASCAR’s 2001 Daytona 500, who was crossing the finish line as the winner?
When Dale Earnhardt was killed on the final lap of NASCAR’s 2001 Daytona 500, who was crossing the finish line as the winner?
Michael Waltrip
On April 21, local master gardener, Sharon Turner, will describe how to start a home garden using simple, no-till, organic techniques and get your vegetable or ornamental garden growing this season.
Sharon’s talk ‘Starting a Garden from Scratch’ is Friday, April 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the Bryant Room of Gibbs Library. The free event is sponsored by Washington Lakes Association of which Sharon is a long-time member and two term past president. She is a gardening consultant, educator, and designer who, with her son, Eli Berry, operates Crystal Lake Farm and Nursery here in Washington. They specialize in heirloom and open-pollinated vegetable and flower seedlings, as well as native perennials, shrubs, and trees. Sharon is devoted to the no-till method because it doesn’t disturb the native soil but, instead, continuously enriches it.
No till avoids erosion, as well. Importantly for many of us, no-till enables planting without labor intensive digging or expensive tilling equipment. Everyone is invited to come and learn about no-till gardening that is a perfect method for home gardens. Friday, April 21, 6:30 p.m., Bryant Room. Free.
SOUTH CHINA – Jeffrey Marc Crockett, 52, of South China, following a year of declining health, died at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. He was born on November 4, 1970, in Augusta, the son of Kenneth and Gail (McArthur) Crockett.
Jeff attended Augusta schools where he later received his GED.
Jeff was employed by Pine State, Coutts Brother, Rick Labbe, ending his career at Stevenson Construction.
Jeff is survived by his mother, Gail Leavitt and stepfather, George Leavitt, of Augusta; a son, Jeffrey Crockett II and fiancée, Mackenzie Sawyer and grandson; Jeffrey Crockett III, of Whitefield; daughter, Liberty Crockett, of Gardiner; a granddaughter, Harper Jackson, of Winthrop; and many aunts, uncles; and cousins.
Jeff was predeceased by his father, Kenneth Crockett, of China; and daughter, Ashley Rideout, of China.
Jeff enjoyed growing marijuana and obtaining his caregiver grow license. He loved T-19. He was an avid animal lover. He loved attending baseball games in Jeffrey II’s younger days, and tossing the Frisbee in the evenings with Jeffrey II and Liberty, and driving his mud trucks.
Celebration of life will be held this summer, date to be announced.
WATERVILLE – James “Jimmy” Lowell Salisbury, 64, of Waterville, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at his home following a surgery.
He was born September 18, 1958, in Skowhegan, the son of the late Robert Linwood Salisbury Sr. and Gayle Joyce French Salisbury, of Solon.
Of all of the many things Jimmy enjoyed in his lifetime, fishing and poker were at the top of the list. He will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by the love of his life of 26 years, Karen Crawford; four siblings, Robert L. Salisbury Jr. and his wife Dianne, Lori Ann Salisbury McKinley and husband Richard “Rick”, Jean Louise Salisbury and boyfriend Kevin, Dale Ralph Salisbury; many nieces and nephews; as well as many great-nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; and his eldest brother, Dennis Elmer Marcue.
A memorial service will be held at a later date, to be announced.
WINSLOW – Donna Mae Cayouette, 71, of Winslow, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 24, 2023, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. Donna was born October 4, 1951, in Waterville. She was the daughter of Yvonne Wilbur.
Donna grew up in Waterville, meeting the love of her life, Raymond “Shorty” Cayouette
Donna worked in her younger years at Poultry Products. After marrying and having her first child, she became a stay-at-home mother and ran a daycare. In later years, Donna began cleaning homes and camps with a dear friend.
Donna is survived by her son, Peter Cayouette, of Windsor; two granddaughters, Isabella Cayouette, of West Paris, Gracee Cayouette, of Winslow; brother, Everette Wilbur, of Waterville; sisters Linda Rodrick, of Vassalboro, Diane Lane, of Sidney; brother-in-law, Roland Cayouette and his wife Ester, of Florida; and adopted granddaughter, Cierra Johns, of Waterville.
Predeceased by husband, Raymond Cayouette; son, Timothy Cayouette; mother, Yvonne Wilbur; brother, Keith Wilbur and sister, Virginia Veilleux.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, May 6, at 11 a.m., at Notre Dame, Corpus Christi Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville, graveside burial will follow at Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville, and Celebration of Life- Reception at Elks Lodge #905, Industrial Street, Waterville, downstairs.
Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Rd., Skowhegan, ME 04976
In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Donna’s memory to Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.
OAKLAND – Marjorie Elizabeth Coughlin, 94, of Oakland, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home, on Friday, March 24, 2023, in Belton, Missouri. Marjorie “Honey” MacGregor was born in Freeport, on August 31, 1928, to James Adair and Beryl Glendora (Finnemore) MacGregor.
She grew up in Waterville and Benton Station and was a 1947 alumna of Lawrence High School, in Fairfield.
Marjorie started working at the Fairfield Creamery and telephone office in Fairfield before joining the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict in 1952. She was stationed in Virginia, Oregon, and Washington State as a teletype operator until her honorable discharge as a TE3 in 1956.
She was married, in Saco, to Robert Francis Coughlin, of Oakland, in 1956 while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force. They had two children, Kevin MacGregor Coughlin and Kathy Ann (Coughlin) Tinkey while stationed in Worcester, Massachusetts.
During Robert’s 30 years of military service the family was also stationed in Texas, Germany, Illinois, and Missouri. After Robert retired, Marjorie and he moved back to Oakland in 1994.
Marjorie enjoyed meeting people and traveling throughout the world. She often fondly spoke of her Scottish heritage and the several months she traveled by herself around Scotland as a young woman. Marjorie was a member of the Eastern Star and the Bourque-Lanigan American Legion Post #5, of Waterville.
Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents James and Beryl MacGregor, her husband Robert Coughlin of 58 years prior to his passing, her brother Roy MacGregor and sister-in-law Mary (Weston) MacGregor, of Bangor; sister Jacquelyn “Jackie” (MacGregor) Henry and brother-in-law James Henry, of Clinton; brother Robert “Bobby” MacGregor, of Fort Kent; father-in-law Maurice E. Coughlin and mother-in-law Lenore (Carrick) Coughlin, of Oakland; and brother-in-law Maurice C. “Mossey” Coughlin, of Oakland.
Marjorie is survived by her son Kevin Coughlin and his wife Princess; granddaughter Brittany (Coughlin) Mehl and her husband Adam, grandson Preston Coughlin and his wife AnnRene, all of Kansas City, Missouri; daughter Kathy Tinkey, of Belton, Missouri; grandson Joshua Tinkey and wife Tami, of Olathe, Kansas; grandson Marcus Tinkey, of Annapolis, Maryland; great-grandson Palmer Mehl; soon to be born great-granddaughter Mehl; twin great-granddaughters Heidi and Claire Coughlin; great-grandsons Colton, Christian, and Carsten Tinkey; sister-in-law Janet (Pierce) Coughlin, of Waterville; along with several cousins, nieces, and nephews in Maine and Canada.
A chapel service will be held at Maine Veterans Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Road, in Augusta, Maine at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 11, 2023. A luncheon will follow the ceremony at the Governor’s Restaurant and Bakery, 376 Main Street, Waterville, Maine (Exit 130 off Interstate 95), in the Capital Room.
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.
As an animal lover her whole life, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd, Waterville, ME 04901. Please put “In memory of Marjorie Coughlin” on checks.
OAKLAND – Leo George Gauthier, 83, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023. He was born in Barre, Vermont, on October 23, 1939, to Clarence and Dorothy Gauthier.
He was one of 10 children. Leo moved to Maine when he was 16 years old to live with his older brother Cliff. He attended school at Williams High School, in Oakland, went on to further his education by taking a business course in Skowhegan. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1956-1964. He married the love of his life, Sadie Farnham, in 1960.
Leo dedicated his life as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1979. He loved his Christian family and enjoyed helping those in need. Leo spent time in his ministry sharing his faith and the Bible’s promise of living on a paradise earth and one day seeing his loved ones again, by means of a resurrection, especially his wife Sadie. Leo was also a family man along with his faith, his family was the most important thing in life. He treasured his relationship with every one of them. He was known by his family and others as a generous man.
One of the joys he had was looking forward to going to the Early Bird Restaurant and having his favorite waitress, Gerry. They had an ongoing discussion of their favorite sports team, which were, of course, the opposite.
He was predeceased by his parents Clarance and Dorothy; his wife of 51 years, Sadie; his siblings Ruth, Cliff and Arthur Gauthier; wife Nancy Warren-Gauthier.
He is survived by his three children, Debbie Dechaine and husband Dominic Dechaine, Terry Blais and husband David Blais, Greg and his wife Nicole Gauthier; his grandchildren Danielle Corradino, Michelle and husband Chris Lemieux, Alyssa and husband Thomas Roberts, Jada and husband Hans Russell, and Madlyn Gauthier named by Gramp as “MPG”; great-grandchildren Liam and Bella Lemieux, Claire and Decker Corradino, Ivy and Thomas Beckham Roberts, named by gramps as “Tiger Jack”; his three sisters, Rita Hebert, Hazel Murtagh husband Ed, Doris Blakeney; his sister-in law, Jeanette Pitt; and his cousin, Bobby and his wife Sandy.
Leo’s memorial service was held on April 8, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 416 Main St., Waterville.
SIDNEY – Stacy J. McCurdy, 56, died unexpectedly Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. He was born in Augusta on October 27, 1966, the son of the late Donald J. and Esther M. (Overlock) McCurdy.
Mr. McCurdy was a graduate of Greely High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph College. He had been employed by the state of Maine for over 27 years before becoming disabled.
Over the years, Stacy enjoyed golfing, watching his oldest son during his robotics competitions, sitting on the sidelines with his good friends watching his youngest son play football and lacrosse. Stacy also loved watching sports and more sports. He also thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of his family, friends and co-workers. The numerous parties with his high school and college friends, as well as gatherings with work family, then all the summer and holiday parties with friends and family. He made an impression on, and quickly became friends with everyone with whom he came in contact. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Mr. McCurdy is survived by his wife of 21 years, Donna L. (Plourd) McCurdy, of Sidney; two sons, Connor J. McCurdy and Ian J. McCurdy, both of Sidney; a brother, Shawn McCurdy and wife Lois, of Standish; sister-in-law, Tammy (Plourd) Manduca, of Augusta; brothers-in-law Ronald Plourd, of Farmingdale, and Bruce Plourd and wife Dana, of Sidney; nieces Kailyn Manduca, Janessa Curtis; nephews Shawn McCurdy, Jr. and wife Jenna, Matthew McCurdy and wife Chelsea, Joel Chadbourne and his wife Chelsea, and Craig Chadbourne; as well as his great-nieces Natalie, Mia, Julianna; and great-nephews David, Logan, Liam, Lennon and Grayson.
Relatives and friends may visit on Thursday, April 13 from 9 – 11 a.m., at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, where a funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be at a later date.
Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.
Donations may be made in Stacy’s memory to Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Office, 161 N. Clark, Suite 3550, Chicago, IL 60601.
SIDNEY – Lawrence A. Tibbetts, 91, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023. Larry was born on September 20, 1931, in Rockwood, the son of Lester and Dorothy Tibbetts.
He was the eighth of 10 children, having seven brothers and two sisters.
His family moved to Winthrop, where he attended public school. Throughout his education he loved sports, excelling at baseball, basketball and football. A star football player at Winthrop High School, he was instrumental in his team winning the class “C” championship Gold Football in 1947.
He graduated from Winthrop High School in 1950. He graduated among a senior class of 34 students which remained in closer relationship for many years.
Patriotism ran deeply in the Tibbett’s family. When conflict broke out in Korea, Larry joined the U.S. Army, serving in the 45th Infantry Division. He was among the first to man the XM31 surface-to-surface missile known as “Honest John” which could carry an atomic warhead. Larry trained at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and was stationed in Germany.
Larry worked several jobs before joining Central Maine Power Company in 1956, becoming a First Class Lineman, retiring after 40 years with that company.
Larry was a member of the Sidney Second Baptist Church for 50 years, serving as Deacon and Trustee, later joining the Oakland Baptist Church, attending until two months of his passing.
Larry’s life was one marked by the love of his wife, his family, and his country. He held many offices in town government in a tenure of 57 years.
He was dedicated to character development in youth, serving as Scoutmaster in Sidney for eight years, resulting in Eagle Scouts each year. He was grandmaster of Masonic Lodge #53 AF and AM and member of the Sidney Historical Society.
Larry married his wife Sandra Marden Tibbetts in July 1999 after which they shared 23 years together. Their love was punctuated by trips to Florida for a month for several winters. Larry and Sandy worked together in community service especially as directors of the food cupboard for 18 years and they also shared work on their farm in Sidney.
Whatever they did, Sandra was by his side through the fun times and though his illness, caring for him at home until the last week of his life.
In addition to his wife Sandy, he leaves behind his daughter Lynda Martin and her husband Peter; sister Thelma Luszcki; stepdaughter Jennifer Marden; granddaughter Samantha Marden and several nieces and nephews.
A Masonic service was held on April 11, 2023. Funeral services were held April. 12, at Knowlton Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church Street, Augusta.
Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church St., Augusta, where memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations made be made in Larry’s name to Oakland United Baptist Church, 45 Church Street, Oakland, ME, or MaineGeneral Hospice 10 Water St., Waterville, ME 04901.
WATERVILLE – George Leidigh Coleman II, 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 1, 2023. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, August 29, 1933, to John Edward Coleman and Jean MacMicken Coleman.
George grew up in Dayton, Ohio. After graduating from Colonel White High School, he went on to Cornell University where he majored in geology and met his wife Joan Pinckney. After their marriage in 1956 they moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where he attended Kansas University and earned his master’s degree in geology.
George and Joan moved to Waterville in 1963 so he could teach geology as an interim professor. At about the same time the tenured professor returned, the registrar position opened up and he became the registrar of Colby College in 1966, where he served for 40 years until retiring in 2006. At his retirement dinner, he was remembered and revered for his wisdom and steady hand guiding both students and faculty through the maze of Colby requirements, and also for the messiest office at Colby – although he always knew exactly where to put his hands on whatever was needed.
There are so many dimensions to George: husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, birder, musician, sports fanatic, and pun master extraordinaire. He was very involved in his community. Of special note, his involvements included Senior Warden, Lay Reader, and Treasurer at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, in Waterville; more than 25 years on the Board of the Waterville Opera house; decades of bird counts with local Audubon; and The United Way.
His long involvement in music and performing arts started in high school chorus and drama, and continued throughout his life including the Cornell Glee Club, St. Mark’s Choir, the Occasional Chorale, Ogontz Choral Workshops, in New Hampshire, the Popular Opera of Pittsfield, and the Waterville Opera House, where he performed in more than 50 shows.
George had itchy feet, traveling frequently inside and outside the United States and especially loved traveling with family and sharing the people and places he found special. When visiting favorite places, he always wanted to be useful and helped wherever he could, whether it was a daughter’s move or house project, or lobstering and haying while visiting friends in Prince Edward Island, which was an annual trip for more than 45 years.
He was predeceased by his parents, John and Jean Coleman, and niece Pam.
George is survived by his sister Chase; daughters, Sue and husband Tom, Leigh and husband Alan, and Beth and husband Jimmy; grandchildren, Tess and fiancé Fredrik, Caitlin and husband Harold, Austin and fiancé Jamien, Colin and wife Amelia, Ted and wife Elicia, Niklas, and Samantha; great-grandchildren Harold, Minna, Alex, and Alison; nephews Edward and Christopher; niece Peggy; and numerous friends who became family.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Eustis Parkway, in Waterville.
Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Maine 04976.
Because George had so many causes that he believed in, remembrance donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
WINSLOW – Nancy Lee Michaud, 75, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 2, 2023, at Lakewood Nursing Facility, in Waterville. She was born October 17, 1947, in Waterville, the daughter of Gerard W. Bouchard and Jeffrine Yvette (Labbe) Bouchard.
Nancy graduated from Winslow High School, class of 1965. She married her best friend, Donald J. Michaud, on August 31, 1968, beginning their life journey together which spanned the next 54 years. Early in their marriage, she worked for Cottle’s Grocery Store and later for Depositors Trust Co. and then Key Bank, all in Waterville, where she shared her generosity to help others.
Some of her favorite things in this life were watching the New England Patriots and NASCAR, dancing and listening to music, especially to Elvis’ songs, and spending the winter months in Florida with her husband. But most of all, she celebrated the gift of family, by prioritizing birthdays and holiday celebrations, always making everyone feel special and loved. And she loved to laugh and be silly with her grandchildren.
In addition to her mother and father, she was predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mark and Nora Michaud; brother, Richard Bouchard; sister-in-law, Constance Barry; and numerous aunts, uncles; and cousins.
She is survived by her husband, Donald J. Michaud of Winslow; daughter, Sheri A. Larsen and her husband, Arthur, of Winslow; son, Scott A. Michaud and his wife, Jennifer, of Chelsea; sister-in-law, Mary Bouchard, of Portland; brother-in-law, Arnold Barry, of Belgrade; eight grandchildren, Joshua Larsen, Brittany Gilboy, Jacob Larsen, Jasmine Michaud, Katelynn Larsen, Meagan Michaud, Caleb Larsen, Brooke Michaud; three great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m., Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 14, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.
An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com
AUGUSTA – Robert W. Marcoux, “Bob”, 95, of Winslow, passed away Sunday, April 2, 2023. He was born on November 29, 1927, in Moscow, and then returned to his Bay Street home, in Winslow, with his parents. Bob was the oldest son of Joseph A. and Rosa D. (Fredette) Marcoux.
Bob spoke about “back on the farm in Bingham” often. Every summer he lived on the farm during summer school vacation with his Aunt Roselma and Uncle Henry. Bob attended Winslow High School and graduated in 1946. He loved to play football.
Immediately after high school Bob joined the U.S. Navy and was discharged in 1948 with an honorable discharge. During those times, he loved traveling to faraway places. Upon return, he was happily employed by the Morning Sentinel, in Waterville, as a compositor which he spoke of often. He also enjoyed making rosaries, which were requested all over the world. He also loved his wood workshop making picnic tables and well houses. He was a lifelong communicant of St. John the Baptist Church, of Corpus Christi Parish, in Winslow.
In addition to his first wife, Yolande, Bob was predeceased by both parents. He was also predeceased by his sister Doria Drouin and her husband, Fern, formerly of Winslow, a brother and his wife Norman and Jackie, formerly of Augusta, and his grandson Phillip Theriault, of Augusta.
He is survived by his wife Lucille of 29 years; four children from his previous marriage, Eddie Marcoux, of Benton, Estelle Theriault and her husband Jack, of Augusta, John Marcoux and his wife Cindy, of Chelsea, and Kevin Marcoux and his girlfriend Michelle, of Fairfield; stepdaughter Susan Shirley and husband Don, of Winslow; many grandchildren, Danielle, Dan, Jeremy, Jaylin and Robbie; and step granddaughter Amy; sister Annette Kiederling and husband Wayne, of Warren; brothers Leon Marcoux and wife Avis, of Winslow, Roger Marcoux and wife Linda, of Skowhegan; along with many great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
For the past few years, Bob resided at Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta.
At Bob’s request there will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday , April 11, at St. John Catholic Church, in Winslow.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, please visit http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com to share your condolences with Bob’s family.
SOUTH CHINA – Keith H. Stafford, Jr., 62, was born in Gardiner on June 6, 1960, to Patricia and Keith Stafford, Sr. Keith passed away Thursday, April 6, 2023.
Keith is survived by his wife of 22 years, Carrie Stafford; his two sons and their wives, Jamie and Rachel Clark, Theodore and Isabelle Dowling; his grandchildren Gavin, Odin, Presley, Emma and Jalen; as well as his mother, Patricia; his brother, Steve; his sister, Cindy and her partner Peter; mother-in-law, Nancy Long; uncles Paul Spencer, and Robert and his wife Lana Spencer; and many special nieces, nephews; cousins.
Keith loved his family and trips up to the county to four-wheel.
Celebration of his life is to be held at Boynton Hall, in South China, Saturday, April 22, at 1 p.m. It will be potluck so bring your favorite dish and beverage. Everyone is invited to come and share together. Keith wants everyone to have a good time!
AUGUSTA – Ronald E.Gagne, 81, passed away on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, following a long illness. He was born to Lea (Savage) Gagne and Raphael Gagne on May 7, 1941.
He attended Augusta schools until 1958 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, stationed aboard the U.S.S. Lake Champlain and was also in the Naval reserves until 1964, and Maine National Guard until 1972.
He was employed as a police officer for Augusta and Gardiner police departments until. 1968.
He then was a car salesman for Bob Chambers Ford and Homestead Motors until his final employment as security officer for Camp Keyes, in Augusta, until his retirement. He was an amateur radio operator with a love for collecting and displaying his many radios over the years. He was known to the CB world as “Bid. Bird.”
Ron was predeceased his parents, wife Patricia Gagne, wife Joyce Gagne.
He is survived by his children, David Richardson and wife Rose; daughters Laurie Meader, and Missy Ouellette and companion Scott Geroux; grandchildren Danny Weeks, Samantha Romero, Nicole Gagne, Melinda Allen, Heather Burns, Nicole Ouellette, and Donnie Ouellette; two brothers, Dennis Gagne, of Augusta, and David Gagne and wife Ursula,of Germany; several great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at noon on Thursday, April 27,2023, at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 147 Blue Star Highway, off Civic Center Drive, Augusta.
Arrangement are under the direction and care of Aable Cremation Service, Waterville.
An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at www.aablecremationservice.com.
Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)
Vassalboro School board members met earlier than usual April 6 to give preliminary approval to the 2023-24 school budget request, amended slightly from the draft they’d reviewed March 29 (see the April 6 issue of The Town Line, p. 2).
They then met with the Vassalboro Budget Committee to present the proposed school budget for that committee’s review.
The school board and the budget committee are scheduled to meet separately Tuesday, April 11, the school board at 6 p.m. at Vassalboro Community School (VCS) for its regular monthly meeting and the budget committee at 7 p.m. at the town office to consider its 2023-24 recommendations.
The revised school budget totals $9,027, 846.55, Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer reported. Of that amount, $145,475.81 is requested from local property taxes.
Pfeiffer distributed a sheet showing that fixed costs total almost 89 percent of the budget. These he defined as salaries and benefits, tuition, business services, the facilities director and fuel oil.
The superintendent, and during discussion with the budget committee Principal Ira Michaud, listed some of the reasons the proposed budget includes more people to assist students with individual problems and needs. They include residual effects of educational and social losses due to covid; many students being raised in single-parent homes or by grandparents; and effects of substance abuse (like a parent dying of a drug overdose, or a child permanently affected by being born to an addicted mother).
These issues are state-wide, not unique to Vassalboro, Pfeiffer said.
Michaud added to budget committee members that more Vassalboro students are being identified for extra help; staff are getting “better at figuring out students’ needs.”
Having the town’s Red Cross warming center for emergencies located at the school adds a small amount to the school budget, for maintenance and generator fuel, Pfeiffer added.
The school board’s discussion ended with Pfeiffer, Michaud and Assistant Principal Tabitha Brewer listing good things about VCS.
They included the school board approving collective bargaining agreements with salaries and benefits that keep VCS competitive in the area; the proposed social service staff additions; in-house curriculum planning for the coming school year; “a wonderful staff” (Michaud) who care enough about their students to spend extra time leading after-school programs; and a strong parent-teacher organization.
“It’s a lot of fun – we have fun every day,” Brewer said.
“We do,” Michaud agreed.
When school board and budget committee members met together, Pfeiffer expanded on some of the points made at the school board meeting.
The salary and benefits increases in six contracts range from three to six percent, he said.
The food service account, which was $180,000 in deficit in 2018, is currently $89,000 in the black. The 2023-24 budget does not include money to support the food service program.
Secondary tuition is up significantly. The figure is set by the state each December, based on secondary schools’ actual costs.
A year ago, Vassalboro’s budget did not foresee the 6.5 percent increase in December 2022. Pfeiffer hopes the two percent increase in the 2023-24 budget will cover what happens in December 2023.
“Tuition makes me the most nervous,” he told budget committee members.
Special education is another area of uncertainty, because if only one child needing extensive help moves to Vassalboro, costs rise significantly.
Budget committee members had questions on several topics, and Pfeiffer invited them to submit more before their April 11 meeting.
Pfeiffer and Michaud said:
The joint meeting ended with distribution of printed copies of the March 2023 VCS newsletter, also available at public places in town and on-line on the vcsvikings website under the “News” heading.
by Mary GrowWith only one application on their agenda, and the proposed – and long-discussed – solar ordinance forwarded to the select board, Vassalboro Planning Board members had time to consider broader issues at their April 4 meeting.
The application was from Duane Ellis, seeking to expand his building at 27 Birch Point Road, on Webber Pond. He asked to enlarge the building footprint by no more than 30 percent, on the side away from the water; and to raise part of the roof by three feet.
Planning board members unanimously approved the first part of the application.
They were unable to authorize raising the roof, because Vassalboro’s Shoreland Zoning Ordinance sets height limits in the shoreland and Ellis’s building already exceeds them. Board members advised Ellis that he can apply to the Vassalboro Board of Appeals for a variance from the height limit.
Ellis praised the helpful state Department of Environmental Protection staff member with whom he had discussed other issues on his lot.
Planning board member Douglas Phillips asked his colleagues to consider four issues: a possible new ordinance, effects of a new state law and two procedural planning board documents.
First, he asked, given the water quality problems in Webber Pond, should board members consider asking voters to adopt a Phosphorus Control Ordinance, like the one China has had since 1993?
Part of the discussion of procedures at the April 4 Vassalboro Planning Board meeting covered the timing of submission of applications. Board members agreed that anyone wanting to be on a planning board agenda must submit an application to codes officer Robert Geaghan at least two weeks in advance.
Any application to be considered at the board’s May 2 meeting should be on Geaghan’s desk by Tuesday, April 18, at the latest.
The rationale is two-fold: Geaghan can review the application in time to distribute the agenda to board members by April 25, to give them a week to consider it; and he can forward the agenda to Vassalboro’s webmaster in time to get it on the website a week before the meeting.
(A copy of the China ordinance, chapter four of the town’s Land Use Ordinance, is on the website china.govoffice.org, under the heading Ordinances, Policies and Orders.)
A reason to consider such an ordinance is that Vassalboro still has undeveloped land around water bodies; requiring management of run-off should mean new development would not worsen water quality. But, board chairman Virginia Brackett asked, would it do enough good to matter?
Brackett suggested board members start with a review of Vassalboro’s strategic plan, adopted 17 years ago this June, instead of considering ordinances individually.
Phillips said he will ask Town Manager Aaron Miller if the opinion survey to be mailed out this summer with tax bills could include questions from the planning board – like whether residents would like a phosphorus control ordinance — if members choose to develop some.
Phillips’ second issue, on which board alternate member Dan Bradstreet (Waterville’s codes enforcement officer) had information, was the recent state law allowing more than one dwelling unit on a single-family lot. Designed to help alleviate the affordable housing shortage, Bradstreet said it is now in the rule-making stage, and is to take effect in July.
Right now, he said, “nobody knows what to do.” The law is complex, confusing and in places self-contradictory; the relationship to lot size and plumbing code requirements is unclear; even Maine Municipal Association attorneys with whom he talked “can’t agree on the meaning.”
Phillips had been reviewing old planning board documents and had questions about two. He recommended that board members review application forms to make sure they are complete. And he asked about a document called planning board rules of order.
Brackett commented that her copy of the rules is “so old it’s typewritten.”
In the past, planning board members served five-year terms, instead of the present two years; and at some point there were two alternate members, instead of one.
Board members thought two-year terms all right, but agreed to ask the select board to appoint a second alternate member. Their goal is to have one more resident well informed about board responsibilities and history.
Brackett thinks Vassalboro is in a minority of Maine municipalities whose planning board members are appointed rather than elected. She and Phillips approve of appointed members. They said election risks a complete membership turnover and a lack of consistency.
The next regular Vassalboro Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, May 2.
The China Select Board will host a community workshop on Monday, April 24, at 5 p.m., at the town office to gather ideas for projects that would benefit the Town of China and its residents. The hearing is part of the application process for becoming a Community Resilience Partner (CRP) through Maine’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future.
The partnership costs China nothing and would allow China to become eligible to receive Community Action Grants and other support for projects that reduce carbon emissions, help us to move toward clean energy, and steer us to becoming more environmentally, socially, and financially resilient. The effects of climate change can have negative consequences on public health, roads and bridges, natural resources, and our overall long-term resilience as a community.
Enrolled partners are paired up with a regional coordinator who then helps develop future project ideas and apply for both state and federal grants to fund those projects. Some ideas batted around include: fixing the South China boat landing, sidewalks in China Village, rides for senior citizens, and digitizing town office records. What do you think?
Robyn Stanicki, of Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) is assisting China with the Community Resilience Partnership application process and will be at the workshop to answer questions, help us brainstorm, and prioritize. Please come share your ideas. If you cannot attend but would like to submit your ideas, please contact select board member Janet Preston at Janet.Preston@ChinaMaine.org.
For more information on Maine’s Community Resilience Partner program, please visit this link: https://www.maine.gov/future/climate/community-resilience-partnership.
by Mary GrowEarly in a series of unanimous decisions at their April 10 meeting, China select board members approved the final version of the warrant for the June 13 town business meeting.
The warrant has 32 articles. The one they did not previously approve asks voters to appropriate up to $43,000 from unassigned fund balance for a new fireproof storage vault for municipal records. It is now approved, and the whole warrant is ready for voters.
Copies of the warrant and of the two ordinances voters are asked to approve or reject are on the town website, china.govoffice.org.
Another unanimous vote adjusted fees at the transfer station. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood explained that there are two changes:
Hapgood said China’s transfer station is not supposed to take out-of-town waste except under contract (as with Palermo). In the past, China accepted other towns’ recyclables, because disposing of them was slightly profitable. Prices have gone down and profit has disappeared.
Select board members voted unanimously to stop accepting recyclables from any towns except China and Palermo.
Recycling in-town materials does save money, Hapgood said, because it takes things out of the waste stream; getting rid of waste costs more than getting rid of recyclables.
The manager recommended board members ask codes officer Nicholas French and his part-time assistant, Dwaine Drummond, to update the list of penalties for land use violations and present it to select board and planning board members for their review.
Select board members agreed, and Hapgood said she would see if a draft could be available for the April 24 board meeting.
By additional unanimous votes, board members approved three expenditures:
Hapgood and, in their bi-weekly reports, other town officials announced pending events that include, in chronological order:
DRAGON ON: Emily Poulin, of South China, photographed this dragonfly last summer.
WHY DON’T I MIGRATE SOUTH?: Joan Chaffee, of Clinton, snapped this blue jay trying to stay warm this past winter.
JUST GLIDING ALONG: Lindy Sklover, of Vassalboro, captured these ducks swimming past a dock last fall.