Hosts needed for international high school students throughout Maine area

In an age when international relations are often tenuous, AFS-USA, a leader in international high school student exchange for 75 years, is focused on providing opportunities for intercultural exchange that can help lead to a more just and peaceful world.

AFS-USA invites families and individuals from the Maine area and surrounding communities to become hosts for international students for 12 weeks, a semester, or an academic year.

Hosting provides individuals, families, high schools, and communities with opportunities to learn about the unfamiliar by exploring a diversity of cultures, all while sharing their own culture with a young person from a different country. Exchange students represent nearly 80 countries and cultures, including Kenya, Ukraine, Egypt, Türkiye, Italy, Germany, Chile, Thailand and more.

Once students and host families are matched, they receive ongoing support from trained staff and are welcomed into their local chapter of dedicated volunteers, alumni, and fellow host families. Hosts are expected to provide their student(s) with a bed, meals, and support and encouragement throughout their program. Students arrive with their own spending money and medical coverage.

“These students attend local high schools, participate in local community life, and are encouraged to share aspects of their culture,” AFS-USA President and CEO Tara Hofmann said. “They also discover first-hand what it’s like to live in America and form lasting friendships that create enduring links between the U.S. and other countries. In many cases, the bonds that form between AFS students and their host families last a lifetime.”

AFS-USA is the largest organization within the international AFS network that includes 54 partners around the globe.

PHOTO: China Village Volunteer Fire Department

Front row, left to right, FF Matt Allen (3 yrs.), Capt. Sarah Batteese (25 yrs.), Chief Joel Nelson (7 yrs.), Capt. Kevin Maroon (28 yrs.), FF Misha Littlefield (5 yrs.). Back, FF Scott Adams (45 yrs.), Capt. Bill Rancourt (35 yrs.), Capt. Bob Batteese (39 yrs.), Lt. Kerry Martin (4 yrs.), Chaplain Ron Morrell (39 yrs.). (contributed photo)

On March 21, the China Village Volunteer Fire Department held its annual Appreciation Dinner, honoring the volunteers and their spouses.

EVENTS: Waterville Creates announces The Great State of Illustration in Maine exhibition

Artist: Barbara Cooney

As an art form, illustration has an ancestral home in Maine, with a legacy of attracting acclaimed authors and illustrators like E.B. White, Robert McCloskey, Melissa Sweet, and Chris Van Dusen. In recognition of this incredible history, Waterville Creates is excited to announce The Great State of Illustration in Maine exhibition at Ticonic Gallery, on view April 17­–July 16.

Curated by the Illustration Institute, this exhibition will showcase the past, present, and future of illustration in our state, representing history and contemporary culture through narrative imagery. By viewing historic work alongside contemporary illustration, visitors will gain a further appreciation for the enduring, beautiful work created in the state we call home. Featured artists include Barbara Cooney, Lucky Platt, Daniel Minter, Ashley Bryan, Rockwell Kent, Dahlov Ipcar, Bruce Hutchison, and Edward Hopper.

“We’re thrilled to bring this extraordinary collection to Waterville,” said Marie Sugden, exhibitions coordinator at Waterville Creates. “We are truly honored to collaborate with the Illustration Institute on this exhibition and accompanying educational programs to inspire a new generation of Maine illustrators.”

The Illustration Institute’s mission is to raise appreciation and awareness of illustration in its many forms, providing people of all ages the opportunity to learn directly from master artists and working professionals through exhibitions and workshops. Inspired by this rich heritage, Illustration Institute is interested in sharing this legacy and teaching new illustrators and writers of all ages and abilities.

“We are delighted to be working with Waterville Creates,” said Nancy Gibson-Nash, co-founder of the Illustration Institute. “Waterville Creates provides all that Illustration Institute would want in a collaboration. Ticonic Gallery and access to classroom and presentation space are ideal. We’re excited to inspire a new audience by bringing The Great State of Illustration in Maine to Waterville, and to celebrate the work of over 90 published Maine illustrators.”

The opening reception will be held on May 5, from 4­­ – 7 p.m., in conjunction with downtown Waterville’s First Friday event. To celebrate the opening of The Great State of Illustration in Maine and to kick off its Arts in Bloom weekend, Waterville Creates will host a children’s book giveaway during the opening reception and on Saturday, May 6. Children will receive a picture book from a Maine illustrator, with a variety of titles available.

The Great State of Illustration in Maine exhibition is sponsored by Kennebec Savings Bank, PRO Moving Service, Morning Sentinel and Kennebec Journal, The Lunder Foundation: Peter and Paula Lunder, and MaineGeneral Health.

Located inside the new Paul J. Schupf Art Center, Ticonic Gallery is open 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., daily except Tuesdays and federal holidays.

For more information on The Great State of Illustration in Maine exhibition, visit watervillecreates.org/shows/great-state-maine-illustration/ or contact Marie Sugden at msugden@watervillecreates.org.

EVENTS: Free public COVID-19 booster clinics at HealthReach locations

HealthReach is pleased to announce free public COVID-19 booster shots available at locations across Central and Western Maine. The Belgrade Regional Health Center clinic will open to everyone – patients and the public – from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 15, April 29, and May 6, 2023. No appointment is necessary during these time periods! Belgrade Regional Health Center is located at 4 Clement Way in Belgrade, Maine.

They are offering Bivalent Moderna boosters through these clinics. These boosters are available to any fully-vaccinated individuals ages 6 and up, regardless of their primary vaccination series – Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and other brands. These shots will be offered completely free of charge, and are offered on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis for anyone eligible to receive their updated shot.

Booster clinics will be held across 10 HealthReach locations in Maine. In addition to the Belgrade location, sites to hold a COVID-19 Booster Clinic include: Bingham Area Health Center, Lovejoy Health Center (in Albion), Madison Area Health Center, Mt. Abram Regional Health Center (in Kingfield), Rangeley Family Medicine, Richmond Area Health Center, Sheepscot Valley Health Center (in Coopers Mills / Whitefield), Strong Area Health Center, and Western Maine Family Health Center (in Livermore Falls). Addresses for each location can be found on their website, at http://www.HealthReach.org/Contact.aspx.

EVENTS: Award winning Maine reporter at Lithgow Public Library

Amy Calder, author of Comfort is an Old Barn, will be at Lithgow Library to discuss her book on Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m. in the Community Meeting Room
Amy Calder is an award-winning newspaper reporter and columnist who covers primarily Waterville city government, as well as everything from fires to accidents, murders and standoffs.

Amy Calder

She started her 35-year career at the Morning Sentinel in 1988 and for several years was bureau chief for the Somerset County Bureau, in Skowhegan, before moving to the Waterville office.

In addition to covering the news, she writes a weekly human interest column called Reporting Aside, which appears Saturdays in both the Sentinel and Kennebec Journal. The columns include sketches of the colorful characters and quirky animals she meets on the beat, as well as personal stories about growing up in Skowhegan.

Comfort is an Old Barn is a curated collection of those columns, published this year by Islandport Press.

As with all of Lithgow’s events, this event is free and open to the public.

 

 

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Rest of groundhogs ready to make an appearance

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Groundhog day was a little over two months ago. However, this is the time of year when they usually start to make their appearance, emerging from their dens following a long winter of hibernation.

Groundhogs, Marmota monax, also known as woodchucks, are a rodent, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. It was first scientifically described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758.

The groundhog is also referred to as a chuck, woodshock, groundpig, whistlepig, whistler, thickwood badger, Canada maramot, monx, moonack, weenusk, red monk, and, among French Canadians in eastern Canada, siffleux, which translates to whistler.

They are a lowland creature, found through much of the eastern United States across Canada and into Alaska. Adults are 16 – 20 inches long, including a six-inch tail, and weigh between 5 – 12 pounds. Extremely large individuals can weigh as much as 15 pounds.

The name woodchuck is unrelated to wood or chucking. It stems from the Native American Algonquian or possibly Narragansett word for the animal, wuchak. The similarities in the name led to the popular tongue-twister: “How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? A woodchuck would chuck all the wood he could if a woodchuck could chuck wood.”

Groundhogs prefer open country and the edges of woodlands, and is rarely far from a burrow entrance. It is typically found in low-elevation forests, small woodlots, fields, pastures and hedgerows. It constructs dens in well-drained soil, and most have summer and winter dens.

In the wild, groundhogs can live up to six years, although three years is the average. In captivity, they can live up to 14 years. Humans, dogs, coyotes and foxes are about the only predators that can kill adult groundhogs, with the red fox being the major predator. Young may be taken by owls and hawks.

According to studies, despite their heavy body weight, they are accomplished swimmers and will occasionally climb trees to escape a predator. They prefer to retreat to their den when threatened, and will defend itself with its incisors and front claws. They are territorial among their species and will skirmish to establish dominance.

When alarmed, they will use a high-pitched whistle to warn the rest of the colony, hence the nickname whistlepig. They will also squeal when fighting, seriously injured, or caught by a predator. They will also produce a low bark and a sound produced by grinding their teeth.

They are excellent burrowers, using the burrow to sleep, rear their young, and hibernate. An excavated den can remove about six cubic feet of soil, on average, or almost five bushels per den. They are relatively large and include a sleeping berth and an excrement chamber.

The burrow can be a threat to agricultural and residential development by damaging farm machinery and even undermining building foundations. However, in a June 7, 2009, issue of the Humane Society of the United States, How to Humanely Chuck a Woodchuck Out of Your Yard, John Griffin, director of Human Wildlife Services wrote, “you would have to have a lot of woodchucks working over a lot of years to create tunnel systems that would pose any risk to structures.”

The burrow is used for safety, retreat in bad weather, hibernating, sleeping, love nest, and nursery.

Groundhogs are one of the few species that enter into true hibernation. In most areas they hibernate from October to March or April. They drop their body temperature, the heart rate falls to 4 – 10 beats per minute and breathing falls to one breath every six minutes. Researching the hibernation patterns of groundhogs may lead to benefits for humans, including lowering the heart rate in complicated surgical procedures.

Groundhogs are already used in medical research on hepatitis B-induced cancer. Humans can’t receive hepatitis from woodchucks but the virus and its effects on the liver make the woodchuck the best available animal for the study of viral hepatitis in humans. The only other animal model for hepatitis B virus studies is the chimpanzee, which is an endangered species.

Always thought to be a nuisance species, groundhog dens often provide homes for skunks, red foxes and cottontail rabbits. The fox and skunk feed upon field mice, grasshoppers, beetles and other creatures that destroy farm crops. In aiding these animals, groundhogs indirectly help the farmers.

I had a groundhog living near my garden a few years ago, and he unceremoniously cleaned out all my string beans. Well, I unceremoniously captured him in a Hav-a-Hart trap, and relocated him to the wild, and wished him the best of luck.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Which Red Sox player made an infamous error in the 1986 World Series?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, April 6, 2023

Trivia QuestionsWhich Red Sox player made an infamous error in the 1986 World Series?

Answer:

Bill Buckner

OBITUARIES for Thursday, April 6, 2023

CHRISTA B. PAULEY

SOUTH CHINA – Christa B. Pauley, 87, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at her home, following a brief illness. She was born in Portland, on April 26, 1935, the daughter of the late Dr. Charles D. and Margret Vesta (Wood) Brown.

Christa was a graduate of Fryeburg Academy and earned her associate degree from Portland School of Art.

She was a homemaker, a marvelous portrait and scenic artist as well as illustrating a number of children’s books.

She was a member, and soloist, of the Augusta Symphony Orchestra for many years. She had a powerful lyric soprano voice and shared that talent in so many ways for schools, countless weddings and funerals, nursing homes and churches from Maine to Florida. Born Free and the American Hymn were her two most requested pieces.

She loved animals and the children grew up with dogs, cats, ponies and horses with Christa raising and riding her three horses over her lifetime.

Christa was predeceased by her sister, Shirley E. Brown Davis, and son Raymond C. “Jinks” Pauley.

Christa is survived by her husband of 67 years, Donald G. Pauley, of South China; her daughter, Dawn P. Hodsdon and husband Ed, of North Monmouth; her brother, Dr. Jeffrey M. Brown and wife Karin, of Gold Canyon, Arizona; four grandchildren, Christa Pauley, of Vassalboro, Sean Pauley, of Weeks Mills, Nastia LaBonte, of Waterville, and Jacob “JD” Hodsdon, of Fort Meyers, Florida.; three grandchildren of the heart, Leslie Wilson and family, of Spotsylvania, Virginia, Stephen Gosselin and family, of Augusta, and Chris Moore and family, of Skowhegan; several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends may visit on Saturday, April 15, from 2 – 3 p.m., at Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Road, Rte. 32, Windsor, where a memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. They will be showing the video of her singing the complete score of The Sound of Music with the full Augusta Symphony Orchestra, at the Civic Center, in Augusta, in 1990. Burial will be at a later date.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

Those wishing to commemorate Christa’s life with a gift, please donate to the Activities Dept., of the Maine Veterans Home, 35 Hero’s Way, Augusta, ME, 04330, Attention: Mona Boucher. Please write “Activities Dept.” in the memo. Christa had the deepest respect for the care given her son for the last 10 years of his life at the Veterans Home.

CLAIRE H. THIBEAULT

WINSLOW – Claire (Dubois) Hanna Thibeault, 86, passed peacefully on Saturday, March 25, 2023, . Claire was born on December 31, 1936, to Fernando and Annette Dubois and was raised in the Biddeford/Arundel area.

In 1963, she married her beloved husband, Robert Hanna, and eventually settled in Winslow where they raised three daughters; Lisa, Michelle and Patrice. Together, Bob and Claire established Hanna’s Flower Shop which Claire ran with love and pride for 30 years, long after Bob passed away in 1979. In 1981, Claire married Ted Thibeault, who passed away in 1988, but provided her with a beautiful extended family that she maintained close, loving ties with for the remainder of her life.

Claire’s unwavering faith, quiet strength and positive attitude gained her the respect of all who knew her. She enjoyed her time with many very special friends in the Waterville/Winslow area and volunteered many hours at the Muskie Center, in Waterville. Her greatest joy though was spending time with and hearing from her precious grandchildren; Danielle, Hanna and Andrew. She moved to the Auburn area in 2021 to be closer to her family.

Claire is survived by her daughters and their families, Lisa Brosius, husband John and son Andrew, of Greenwood, Indiana, Michelle Gagne, husband Gerry and daughter Danielle and Patrice Roy, husband Greg and daughter Hanna, all of Auburn; sisters Eliane Collette, of Biddeford, Aline Fortier and husband Paul, of Nashua, New Hampshire; brother Robert Dubois and wife Janice, of Biddeford, and generations of nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husbands, brothers Marcel and Claude and sisters Pierette and Monique.

Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, 217 Turner Street, Auburn, ME 04210, (207) 783-8545.

Donations, if preferred to flowers, can be made in Claire’s name to The Daybreak Program, Muskie Center, 38 Gold St., Waterville, ME 04901.

BRIAN K. FRANCOEUR

WATERVILLE – Brian Keith Francoeur, 56, passed away peacefully in hospice care on Tuesday March 7, 2023, at the Gray Birch Long-term Care Facility, in Augusta, following a period of declining health.

Brian was born in Waterville on February 11, 1967, the youngest son of Raymond and Constance (Caron) Francoeur.

He was a lifelong resident of Waterville and was educated in local schools, graduating in 1985.

Brian acquired many skills in life and worked several fields including sandblasting, construction, and security. In his younger days, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was also a huge fan of the New England Patriots and loved to cook.

Brian was predeceased by his father Raymond Francoeur.

He is survived by his mother, Constance Francoeur; companion Deborah Dornish; brothers, Michael Francoeur, Steven Francoeur and wife Kathy, all of Waterville, Gary Francoeur and wife Paula, of Vassalboro; niece Stacey Francoeur, of Waterville; nephews Michael Fulcher and girlfriend Heather, of Brunswick, Chris Fulcher, of Florida, and Jeff Fulcher and wife Tracy, of Illinois.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 11 a.m., at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Waterville Area Soup Kitchen, 38 College Ave, Waterville, ME.

ROBERT W. PELLERIN SR.

WATERVILLE – Robert William Pellerin Sr., 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 20, 2023, at Thay­er Cam­pus of MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Waterville. Robert or “Bob”, to all who knew him, was born in Waterville on December 20, 1931, the first child to Alec Joseph and Grace Ella (Lacombe) Pellerin.

He graduated Waterville Senior High School in 1949, worked at Scott Paper Co., in Winslow, until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force when the U.S. entered the Korean War. Shortly thereafter Bob received a hardship discharge and returned home to help the family when his father became seriously ill.

Bob met Geraldine Boisvert in 1953, a lovely courtship ensued, and they married on July 3, 1954. Bob went to work for Gerry’s father, Bill Boisvert, who was a prominent local businessman, driving one of Bill’s Oil Service fuel oil trucks delivering home heating oil. While working long hours, Bob also attended Thomas College, in Waterville, where he earned his business degree. Performing just about every job at Bill’s Oil, Bob worked his way up to general manager, holding this position for many years until the business was sold in 1991, ushering Bob into leisurely life of a retiree.

Bob and Gerry created a wonderful family consisting of four boys and provided a loving environment for them at their home in Waterville, and during the summers at their camp on Great Pond. Family vacations included many trips to Florida and traveling out west in their motorhome. Bob also enjoyed skiing, snowmobiling, tennis, hunting and golf.

In their retirement years, Bob and Gerry maintained a home in Zephyrhills, Florida, where they would spend their winters, enjoying the warm weather golfing and playing shuffleboard. The family grew up Catholic and would regularly attend Sacred Heart Church, in Waterville.

Bob had a lifelong love of aviation. This started when, as a young boy he would watch the USAAF planes entering the landing pattern for a stopover in Waterville on their way to Europe during World War II. He would frequently hop on his bicycle and ride from his home, on Edgemont Avenue, all the way to the airport to watch them come and go. Bob took flying lessons in the early 1970s and became a private pilot, owning two airplanes along the way. He was also an avid reader of non-fiction books and a history buff, especially with regards to World War II airplanes and ships, had remarkable knowledge on those subjects and many others.

He had many lifelong friends, and it was unusual to for him go anywhere in town without someone saying, “Hello Bob, how are you?”

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Gerry in 2014; and only sibling, his brother, Gene Pellerin in 2020.

Bob is survived by his sons Robert William Jr. and wife Julie, of Sidney, Michael James and wife Claudia, of Winslow, Jeffrey Lee and wife Kathie, of Scarborough, and Brian Scott and wife Amanda, of Midlothian, Texas; nine grandchildren, Tiffany, Kristen, Danielle, Marc, Jamie, Jacob, Alec, Sydney and Noah; as well as 10 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scotts Funeral Home, 445 Waterville Rd., Skowhegan, ME 04976.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to your favorite charity.

KERMIT C. KNOWLES

WATERVILLE – Calvin Knowles, 90, passed away peacefully Friday, March 24, 2023, at the MaineGeneral Comfort Care Unit, in Augusta, with a copy of the newest Golf Digest by his side. “Kermie” or “Zike” to some, was born July 7, 1932, in Portland, to Harry and Bertha Knowles.

South Portland was the family home during the Great Depression and World War II years. After the war the family moved back to the family farm in Bingham.

Kermit’s lifelong love of sports began with his involvement in the Bingham High School baseball and basketball teams. Here he excelled in both sports and at one time held the BHS scoring record for most points scored in a basketball game. He is also credited with naming the Bingham High School mascot the “Cavaliers”. He continued to play semi-pro baseball for the Farmington Flyers after high school.

Kermit graduated college from Bowling Green State University, in Bowling Green, Ohio, where he earned an athletic scholarship for baseball and wrestling. He stayed involved with BGSU sports throughout his life as a member of the alumni association and visiting the campus for functions in later years. He was always “in the know” of the current status of BGSU sports and could always be found with “Falcon” memorabilia. It was here that he first discovered his lifelong love for the game of golf. Kermit later pursued graduate studies and completed a master’s degree in education from the University of Maine, Orono.

Kermit started his teaching and coaching career at Pennell Institute, in Gray, and then on to Livermore Falls High School. After LFHS he moved back to Bingham and worked with his father as an electrical contractor until 1968 when he accepted a teaching and basketball coaching position at Unity College, in Unity. Here he enjoyed success with the Unity College “Rams” basketball teams in the late ’60s and early 1970s. After Unity College he taught physical education and coached girls’ basketball at Upper Kennebec Valley MHS, in Bingham. He finished his professional teaching career as the principle at Jackman High School.

His love of sports was consistent throughout his life with golf always at the forefront. “Zike” was a member at Lakewood Golf Course, in Madison, for many years where he won several club championships before joining the Waterville Country Club in the early 1990s. During the golf season “Kermie” could always be found at his second home, the WCC. He seldom missed playing in the Friday scrambles with his buddies and was a proud member of the 80/20 club at WCC. He traveled later in life to Ireland and Scotland to play in the home of golf and spent many winters in Florida golfing and visiting with family. May he forever play golf in the Golf Kingdom.

He left behind many loving family traditions. Most prominent was holiday cards. You could always count on getting a Charlie Brown card for birthdays or holidays from him.

Kermit Knowles is survived by his brother, Duane Knowles; son Terry, daughter-in-law Nancy, daughter Michele, son-in-law Casey, daughter Kimberly; grandchildren Zachery, Brooke, Taylor and Corey; nephew David; niece Laura; and great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life to be held later this spring. Messages of Condolence may be left at http://www.gibersonfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Madison and Bingham.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Comfort Care Unit at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care at Glenridge, in Augusta.

CARLETON E. JONES

VASSALBORO – Carleton E. Jones, 88, of Vassalboro, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2023, at his home. Carleton was born Sep­tem­ber 2, 1934, in Waterville, the son of the late Allen and Phyllis (Leith) Jones.

Carleton grew up in Stoneham, Massachusetts. In 1963, he moved to Maine to the farm of his grandfather, Ezra Jones. Carleton taught machine tool at Waterville High School until his retirement in 1989. Many former students over the years visited him to discuss the successful careers they went on to achieve. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. He used to take his classes on annual deep sea fishing excursions, and many students spent time hunting with Carleton in the back woods.

Upon retirement, Carleton spent his days outdoors where he most loved to be. He and his wife planted a forest of pine trees, an apple orchard, and he built many stonewalls on the farm. Carleton shared his love of stonewalls by building them throughout Central Maine as part of the family business.

An avid gardener, he had the most bountiful, weed free vegetable gardens every year, saving his own seeds and cultivating his own varieties. He was a gifted artist, builder, and inventor. He loved a good challenge and never passed up an opportunity to try something new. He was a machinist by trade, and among many things he created, he built his house, a boat house, and numerous ponds around his property. A man of many talents, he also had a beautiful singing voice and sang for the Boston boys’ choir, was a scuba diver, a Mason, got his private pilot’s license, was selected as Maine and the Northeast Regional Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year for 1996, and even tried his hand at wine making. From all these adventures came many stories, which his family will be sharing for many years to come.

Carleton is survived by his wife of 68 years Maetta (Patton) Jones; daughters Cindy Jones Spaulding, of Albion, Laura Jones, of Vassalboro; sons Craig and his wife Victoria (Bell) Jones, of Hollis, New Hampshire, and Steven Jones and his partner Robert Milano, of Vassalboro; five grandchildren and their spouses; eight great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Howard and Leith Jones and his son Jeffrey Jones.

Honoring Carleton’s wish, a small family gathering is planned in May at the stone pyramid he built on the family farm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be mailed to Maetta Jones, 53 Quaker Lane, Vassalboro, ME 04989. A fund in his memory has been created and will be used toward a donation of planted trees and other materials at a public park in Vassalboro.

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

RICHARD C. ADAMS

WINSLOW – Richard Curtis Adams, 91, aka “Dick” or “Flicker”, passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at MaineGeneral, in Augusta. He was born October 14, 1931, the oldest of four, to Ann Kathleen “Kay” and Leroy Earl “Roy” Adams, in Presque Isle.

It is there he attended public schools and graduated from Aroostook State Teachers College. Richard was known as a kind, generous man who loved and cared for his family deeply, as well as his many friends scattered across the State.

Shortly thereafter, he began his career in education as a teacher in Presque Isle, during which time he met Janice, his wife of 68 years. Following their wedding in 1955, Richard joined the U.S. Army for two years of service. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to teaching in Presque Isle, eventually becoming principal at Skyway Middle School.

In 1968 he moved his family to Augusta to advance his career and a few years later settled in Weeks Mills. He always remained proud of his roots in “the County”, though. Richard was instrumental in the development of adult education in Maine and also helped to advance education for veterans. He held several positions with the State Department of Education, his last as the Director of Education for Unorganized Territories. Along the way he earned a master’s degree in adult education and also taught college level courses. He was passionate about all aspects of public education and was well respected in the field, where he mentored many students, teachers, principals and others, always encouraging them to live up to their potential. He loved to tell his kids “ I taught teachers how to teach.”

Richard also spent many summers painting houses, working for his dad who taught him the skill. He passed on many tips to his children and grandchildren about painting, advising “make sure you choose a good, high-quality paintbrush”!

Richard enjoyed numerous pastimes in his younger days including sports, bird hunting, fishing, and playing cards with friends. In the last few years, he focused on crossword puzzles, Wordle, watching music videos, outings to the casino, family gatherings, and talking on his cell phone (especially to Earl). But, above all, he loved horse racing and formed many life-long friendships with people in the harness racing world. He followed the Maine Fair circuit for years and nearly every day of the Windsor Fair he could be found parked next to the rail on the first corner of the track. He was thrilled to witness American Pharaoh capture the Belmont Stakes in 2015 to become the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years!

Richard spent the last eight years of his life having dialysis treatments three days a week. He truly beat the odds, living well past doctor’s predictions. He was known for his quick-witted, dry sense of humor, which never wavered, even on the worst of days. He loved to gently tease his children/grandchildren and tell tall tales about his own childhood.

He will be remembered by the many people whose lives he touched for his intelligence, resilience, positive attitude, work ethic, steadiness, dependability, loyalty, and gratitude he showed to those who impacted his life.

Richard was predeceased by his parents; son, Mitchell Adams; brother, Walter Adams, and sister, Patricia Irving.

He is survived by wife, Janice Adams; his children Michele Prince and husband David, Michael Adams and husband Meynard Patascil, Marsha Adams and partner Bruce Wescott, Mary Kay Tisdale and husband Greg, his daughter-in-law, Karen Adams; his grandchildren, Joel Allen, Benjamin Allen and wife Megan, Travis Adams and wife Tori, Curtis Adams and Noah Tisdale; his brother, Earl Adams and wife Sheila; his sister-in-law, Lucy Adams; his great-grandchildren Ava, Josie, Angus, Hazel and Ethel; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

There will be no visiting hours or service. A Celebration of Life will happen from noon – 2 p.m., on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at the MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post #8835, 175 Veterans Dr., in Winslow.

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 may be made in Richard’s name to the National Kidney Foundation New England.

WILLIAM M. HILTON

SOUTH CHINA – William “Billy” M. Hilton, 65, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Billy was born in Franklin, New Hamp­shire, on February 13, 1958, to the late Chris­toph­er and Shirley (Washburn).

He attended Skowhegan public schools and graduated from Skowhegan High School in 1976. Billy then enlisted into the United States Army where he proudly served his country. After the military, he held many occupations to include small business owner, flooring, manufacturing, and as a machinist until his health no longer cooperated.

In his free time, he enjoyed working in and around his home, golfing, fishing and boating. He was a lifelong fan of the New England Patriots. If you heard Go Pats! at a game, graduation, or wedding it probably came from Billy. Billy enjoyed any HILTON adventure, 4th of July at Bob’s, visiting Myrtle Beach and Darlington, in South Carolina, with Chris, Cape Hatteras, in North Carolina, with Sue, Macy’s Day parade at Thanksgiving, in New York City, Patriots Training Camp, Cherry Blossom festival in Washington, DC, several Caribbean cruises, family trip to Australia, 4-wheeling, Labor Day in Rangeley, Disney, Cedar Point, Las Vegas, and countless athletic games for his children and grandchildren. The list could go on and on.

Billy adored his family and the time spent with them. He leaves a huge hole in their hearts.

Billy is survived by his wife Diane, sharing 32 years together; their five children, Josh, of New Hampshire, Dan, of Auburn, Brittany, of Auburn, Matt, of Lisbon, and Sarah and husband Derek, of Belgrade; his grandchildren, Jake, Miles, Sam, Alec, Kym, Isaiah, Eli, Spencer, Ty, Olivia, Juliette, Charlee, and great-granddaughter Scarlet; siblings Chris and wife Dolly, of South Carolina, Bob and wife Janelle, of Australia, Sue and husband Tim, of Hebron, and James, of Portland; father-in-law, William Rourke, of Readfield; sister-in-law Cindy, of Readfield; brothers-in-law Don and Mark, of Ohio.; several nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Lori Brown, of Brunswick, and mother-in-law, Phyllis Rourke, of Readfield.

A celebration of Billy’s life was held on Friday, March 31, at Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop, ME.

Arrangements are in the care of the Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St. Winthrop, where condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website by visiting http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Honor Flight Maine, P.O. Box 699, Brunswick, ME 04011-0699, http://www.honorflightmaine.org.

LINDSAY M. PHILBRICK

SIDNEY – Lindsay Marie Philbrick, 37, passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Lindsay was born December 24, 1985. She was the daughter of Robert E. Philbrick and Joyce (Languet) Todd.

Lindsay was a very loving and beautiful girl growing up in Sidney and attending James Bean School and Messalon­skee High School, both in Oakland. Many times during her school years when she had days off, she and her brother would pack a lunch and loved going to work with their father. Lindsay was very competitive in baseball as a child. During her school years, Lindsay enjoyed not only baseball with her father coaching her, but also was very competitive in karate classes, winning many trophies. After her ball games on Friday nights, she enjoyed packing her bags and going to her family camp on Moosehead Lake with her brother and father. At camp, Lindsay liked to fish and hunt birds, and being with her friends. She loved the wildlife around her and made pets with the rabbits and squirrels that she would feed out of her hands. She would always say she was Daddy’s girl and waited for the smile that came with it. After high school, Lindsay took many paths in life that only she could understand. She lived a very interesting life and will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She will always be fondly remembered for her willingness to help others, her kind heart, and her beautiful smile.

Lindsay was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Clarence and Joan Philbrick, and Albert and Joyce Languet.

She is survived by her son Jaydan Philbrick; daughter Ajah Cole; her father, Robert E. Philbrick and his wife Marisa, and her mother, Joyce Todd; her siblings, Heidi Roy and her husband Steve; and her brother, Lucas Philbrick; nephew, Ryan Roy, and nieces, Hallie Bennett and Jaylie Roy; and many aunts and uncles and cousins.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, May 22, 2023, at noon, at the Robert E. Philbrick Cemetery, Lindsay Way, Sidney, Maine 04330.

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

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to any local charity that benefits children in need.

KENNETH O. ALLEN JR.

AUGUSTA – Kenneth “Ken” Owen Allen Jr., 76, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. He was born on December 2, 1946, a son of Kenneth and Dorothy (French) Allen Sr..

Ken grew up in Windsor and was a graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China, in the class of 1964. During his school years, he was an accomplished athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball. Following high school, he went on to further his education at the University of Maine at Orono where he majored in English Literature and Creative Writing, and graduated in 1969. He later earned his teaching certificate from the University of Maine-Augusta (UMA). One of his favorite memories of his young adulthood was backpacking through Europe.

For several years, Ken taught English at Lawrence High School, in Fairfield. He later became a full-time writer and had a regular column at the Kennebec Journal, in Augusra, in the outdoors section called Allen Afield, writing for over 40 years. He was also the associate editor of The Maine Sportsman. An accomplished writer, Ken published two books, a cookbook entitled Cooking Wild and another book entitled Guide to Upland Bird Hunting. Throughout his career he was published in over 90 publications, including national magazines. Even after retirement and throughout his illness, he was actively working on four novels. Although Ken led an accomplished career as a writer, he was most proud of being a father to his two daughters, Heather and Katelyn, and grandfather “Bumpa” to his three grandchildren.

Ken remained active all his life and was an avid cyclist. He was a true Mainer with a love for the outdoors and enjoyed fly-fishing, hunting, birdwatching, wildlife photography and tending his gardens. He was a dog lover and was happiest with one of his labs by his side.

Ken is survived by his daughters Heather Allen and her partner, Phillip Szela, Katelyn Pushard and her husband Brian; and grandchildren, Brice, Luke and Eve Pushard; former wife and mother of his daughters, Marguerite “Margie” Gingras Allen; and cousin, Buddy Norton.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Burial will take place in the spring at Oak Hill Cemetery, Route 32, Windsor. Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

ANGELA M. GOLDSMITH

OAKLAND – Angela Mae Goldsmith, 68, passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Angie was born in Waterville on December 30, 1954, the daughter of William and Marguerite Fuller, of Clinton.

She attended Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, and graduated in 1973.

Angie spent most of her life employed at local businesses as a cashier, and manager. She also cared for her grandchildren daily.

Angie’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. During her quiet time, she enjoyed baking, sewing, knitting, and playing games.

She was predeceased by her parents William and Marguerite Fuller; sister, Anita Roy, brothers Peter Fuller and William Fuller III; and great-niece, Tasha Desmond.

She is survived by her children Rhonda Goldsmith and partner Darren Chambers, Amy Poulin and husband Christopher, Megan Gallagher and husband Shane, and Michael Goldsmith and fiancée Amber Gervais; grandchildren Bailey Giggey, Keegan Poulin and wife Hunter, Gabriella Chambers, Gavin Chambers, Alex Crews, Jazlynn Bernier, Mayleigh Crews, Emma Gallagher, Addilyne Gallagher, Emmalyn Goldsmith, Revan Gallagher, and Jordan Goldsmith; great-grandchildren Eleanor Giggey, Caroline Giggey, Greyson Larmon, and two expected great-granddaughters. her sister, Anne Millington; brother, Timothy Fuller and wife Ellen; numerous nieces, nephews, and their respective families.

Service was held Thursday, April 6, at 2 p.m., at the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, Main St., Fairfield. Burial will be held at a later date.

Floral arrangements can be sent to Lawry Brothers.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a children’s charity in her name would be appreciated.

BARBARA R. JOLOVITZ

PORTLAND – Barbara Rogers Jolovitz, 87, of Waterville, died on Thursday, March 30, 2023. Born on May 11, 1935, in Springfield, Massachusetts, she was the youngest of three daughters of Gertrude and Wilfred Sohn.

Barbara was raised in Portland, graduated Deering High School, and attended Westbrook Junior College, in Portland. She moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where she met Eric Rogers, of Provincetown, Massachusetts. They married in 1956 and raised two children, Karl Rogers and Deborah Barlock.

Barbara was a very artistic woman who over the years was involved with creative endeavors ranging from making batik fabrics to Japanese flower-arranging to professional stencil art. She studied painting with William Manning and was a devoted follower of Julia Child. Eventually she went on to run a gourmet catering service for many years in the Portland area.

Barbara met her second husband, Lester Jolovitz, at one of her catering events. They enjoyed many years together traveling, supporting the arts and civic organizations in the Waterville area, and spending winters at their second home in Naples, Florida. More recently, she was inspired to write several small books, among them a children’s book telling the history of Camp Tracy, in Oakland, of which Lester was a founder, and her grandsons now proudly help support.

Her latest passion was to share a Yiddish word-of-the-day with a growing class of 75 “students”, which had started as sharing a bit of her Jewish and Yiddish culture with her grandsons over email. The group called her “Bubbe”, Yiddish for grandmother, and she was the proud matriarch of her “Bubbe’s World”. Her last book, A Daily Dose of Yiddish, was of stories inspired from memories of Yiddish in her life and also included traditional Jewish recipes.

In addition to her children, she is survived by her twin sister, Esther, of Maryland; three grandsons, Benjamin and Amy Barlock and great-grandson Jonah; William and Austyn Barlock; and Nicky Howard-Rogers.

She was predeceased by her parents; her oldest sister, Vivian Slosberg; her first husband, Eric Rogers, her second husband, Lester Jolovitz; and her son-in-law, John Barlock.

Services were held Monday, April 3, at Temple Beth El, 400 Deering Ave., Portland.

Arrangements by Portland Jewish Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Camp Tracy Alumni Fund, c/o Alfond Youth Center, 126 North St., Waterville, Maine; Temple Beth El in Portland; or Beth Israel Congregation, 291 Main St., P.O. Box 1882 Waterville, ME 04901.

China budget committee endorses 2023-24 spending articles

by Mary Grow

At a short April 3 meeting, China Budget Committee members reviewed and endorsed proposed 2023-24 spending articles in the warrant for China’s June 13 town business meeting.

Committee members had previously discussed the proposed budget at a March 7 meeting. They still had a few questions, and on some of the spending articles a member dissented or abstained. Each proposal received at least five recommendations.

After action on the draft warrant articles, Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood and committee chairman Thomas Rumpf jointly announced that committee secretary Trishea Story is resigning: the April 3 meeting was her last. Rumpf thanked her for her service.

The China Budget Committee’s seven members include one elected from each of China’s four districts (created in June 2006 to ensure geographical variety on the committee) plus a chairman, a secretary and an at-large member, all of whom can be from anywhere in town.

Members whose terms end this year are Rumpf, Kevin Maroon (district one, northwestern China) and Michael Sullivan (district three, southeastern China). China’s local elections will be held Nov. 7.

Hapgood said because Story’s term does not end in 2023, her replacement will be appointed by the select board rather than elected. The June 2006 Budget Committee Ordinance says the appointment is to be done “within 45 days of the date of resignation.”

The ordinance adds, “If there are two or more qualified candidates, the Select Board may at their discretion hold a special election to fill the vacancy.”

China planners approve one application; postpone all others

by Mary Grow

China Planning Board members approved one application on their March 28 agenda and postponed everything else, instead making their recommendation on the amended Board of Appeals ordinance that will be on the June 13 town business meeting warrant.

Natasha Littlefield has a permit to open a 24-hour gym and fitness center at 9 Legion Memorial Drive, in South China, in the part of the former Farrington’s store not used by Phillip and Sandra McKinnis’s Blinds by Design.

Littlefield’s application says the gym, to be named Nash’s Gym, will be staffed Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Members will have keys allowing access at any time.

She plans to share the existing parking lot. Her business, like Blinds by Design, will have a security system. She intends to add lights above entrances, which she said will not shine onto neighboring properties.

Littlefield said she and the McKinnises are in agreement; she had not discussed her plan with neighbors, but can if there are problems, like noise in the parking lot at night. Board members asked her to get a letter from the fire chief attesting to emergency vehicle access and an adequate water supply, and to designate handicapped parking.

Littlefield said she would like to open Nash’s Gym by mid-May, “but probably that’s not realistic.” She plans a Facebook page and a website.

The second application on the March 28 agenda was from surveyor Adam Ellis, on behalf of Timothy O’Brien and Maine-ly Lakefront Properties, LLC, of East Sandwich, Massachusetts. O’Brien wants to divide lot number three in the Killdeer Heights subdivision, at 436 Lakeview Drive, into four separate lots.

Several nearby landowners sent letters expressing concerns about or opposition to the subdivision. Some attended the March 28 meeting.

After Ellis presented the application, board members voted that it was complete and scheduled a site walk for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, to be followed by a 6:30 p.m. public hearing in the town office meeting room. Both are open to the public.

Co-chairman Toni Wall proposed postponing discussion of changes to China’s Planning Board Ordinance in favor of making a recommendation to voters on amendments to the Board of Appeals Ordinance, which is currently Art. 32 on the draft June 13 town business meeting warrant.

The ordinance is Chapter 9 of China’s Land Development Code. The version in the warrant, and recommended by a majority of the select board, deletes a section most planning board members favor and includes a provision they do not like.

Nonetheless, citing the amount of work that has gone into preparing the ordinance, planning board members voted 3-1 to recommend voter approval, with Wall, Walter Bennett and Natale Tripodi in favor and co-chairman James Wilkens opposed.

At their March 27 meeting, select board members recommended approval on a 4-1 vote, with Jeanne Marquis dissenting. The proposed ordinance is on the website, china.govoffice.com, on the select board page, which is under the heading “Officials, Boards & Committees.”

Planning board members postponed consideration of action to implement the town comprehensive plan. Amber French, one of three newly-appointed members of the comprehensive plan implementation committee, attended the meeting; Wall and Wilkens promised her a paper copy of the 170-page plan.

Bennett asked about resuming work on a commercial solar ordinance – another topic for a future meeting, the co-chairs said. He also questioned, for the second time, whether the Dollar General store, on Route 32, in South China, is ignoring an obligation to maintain its parking lot.

Codes officer Nicholas French said he will check records for Dollar General’s permit.