Erskine Academy first trimester honor roll (2022)

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(photo credit: Erskine Academy)

Grade 12

High Honors: Molly Anderson, Carson Appel, Kassidy Barrett, Abigail Beyor, Eve Boatright, Angel Bonilla, Marianna Charlebois, Courtney Cowing, Tianna Cunningham, Breckon Davidson, Nicole DeMerchant, Lillian Dorval, Hailey Farrar, Brianna Gardner, Loralei Gilley, Reiana Gonzalez, Alivia Gower, Cooper Grondin, Nabila Harrington, Alexzander Hoffman, Kassidy Hopper, Grady Hotham, Grace Hutchins, Olivia Hutchinson, Hallie Jackson, Beck Jorgensen, Kaiden Kelley, Matthew Knowles, Meadow Laflamme, Emmet Lani-Caputo, Dale Lapointe, Gwen Lockhart, Kendal Longtin, Malachi Lowery, Emily Majewski, Lily Matthews, Brady Mayberry, Maddison Paquet, Timber Parlin, Hannah Patterson, Kayla Peaslee, Jonathan Peil, Gabriel Pelletier, Michael Perez, Jenna Perkins, Sophia Pilotte, Kaden Porter, Alexis Rancourt, Cadence Rau, Samantha Reynolds, Sarah Robinson, Ally Rodrigue, Conner Rowe, Noah Rushing, Emmalee Sanborn, Jarell Sandoval, Gabriela Sasse, Zuriah Smith, Sophie Steeves, Emma Stred, Jacob Sullivan, Paige Sutter, Mackenzie Toner, Emma Tyler, Lauren Tyler, Katherine Williams, Damon Wilson and Joseph Wing.

Honors: Andrew Bentley, Samuel Boynton, Caleb Buswell, Grace Ellis, Erin Fontaine, Ciara Glidden, Acadia Kelley, Jakob Kennedy, Brady Kirkpatrick, Casey Kirkpatrick, Siena Klasson, Zephyr Lani-Caputo, Dinah Lemelin, River Meader, Gage Moody, Angelina Ochoa, Kyleigh Painchaud, Karen Potter, Kiley Stevens, Daniel Stillman, Matthew Terry and Aidan Witham.

Grade 11

High Honors: Duncan Bailey, Lyla Bailey, Robin Boynton, Elizabeth Brown, Nolan Burgess, Makayla Chabot, Elise Choate, Alexia Cole, Caleigh Crocker, Noah Crummett, Gavin Cunningham, Ciara Fickett, Hunter Foard, Aaralyn Gagnon, Caleb Gay, Tucker Greenwald, Tara Hanley, Natalie Henderson, Hannah Kugelmeyer, Aidan Maguire, Johanna Malitz, David McCaig, Madison McCausland, Akela Mitchell, Austin Nicholas, Jeremy Parker, Nathan Polley, Jessica Pumphrey, Adam St. Onge, Kinsey Stevens, Reese Sullivan and Baruch Wilson.

Honors: Abigail Adams, Austin Armstrong, Lacey Arp, Bryce Boody, Isabella Boudreau, Heather Bourgoin, Kellsie Boynton, Wyatt Bray, Connor Brown, Kaleb Brown, Carol Caouette-Labbe, Hayden Chase, Simon Clark, Thomas Crawford, Brielle Crommett, Isabella Day, Hailey Estes, Hailey Fongemie, Kaylee Fyfe, Brayden Garland, Julius Giguere, Leah Grant, Nathan Hall, Jessica Hendsbee, Lilliane Herard, Bella Homstead, Trinity Hyson, Conor Jones, Kameron Kronillis, Mackenzie Kutniewski, Sophie Leclerc, Landon Lefebvre, Brody Loiko, Jack Lyons, Richard Mahoney III, Liberty Massie, Holden McKenney, Abigail Miller, Morgan Miller, Gavin Mills, Lucas Mitchell, Royce Nelson, Jazel Nichols, Alejandro Ochoa, Kevin Pelletier, Andrew Perry, Remy Pettengill, Keith Radonis, Romin Riedmann, Gavin Rowe, Giacomo Smith, Lara Stinchfield, Hayden Turgeon, Jack Uleau, Haley Webb, Elijah York and Melanie York.

Grade 10

High Honors: Haileigh Allen, Ava Anderson, Emmett Appel, Noah Bechard, Geneva Beckim, Octavia Berto, Brooke Blais, Olivia Brann, Carter Brockway, Keenan Clark, Madison Cochran, Hannah Cohen-Mackin, Andra Cowing, Lauren Cowing, Gabrielle Daggett, Aydan Desjardins, Aidan Durgin, Chloe French, Clara French, Keeley Gagnon, Hailey Garate, Ellie Giampetruzzi, Kailynn Houle, Walker Jean, Ava Kelso, Sophia Knapp, Chase Larrabee, Eleanor Maranda, Jade McCollett, Madison McNeff, Makayla Oxley, Gavyn Paradis, Wallace Pooler IV, Carter Rau, Elsa Redmond, Lillian Rispoli, Laney Robitaille, Carlee Sanborn, Aislynn Savage, Jordyn Smith, Zoey Smith, Parker Studholme, Grace Vashon and Clara Waldrop.

Honors: Daphney Allen, Emily Bailey, Bryana Barrett, Rylan Bennett, Jayda Bickford, Kaleb Bishop, Lauryn Black, Landen Blodgett, Brody Campbell, Paige Clark, Kaden Crawford, Lillian Crommett, Trinity DeGreenia, Brady Desmond, Thomas Drever, Ryan Farnsworth, Lucas Farrington, Kenneth Fredette, Kaylene Glidden, Tristan Goodwin, Blake Grady, Jonathan Gutierrez, Trent Haggett, Landen Hayden, Emma Henderson, Serena Hotham, Parker Hunter, Alivia Jackson, Montana Johnson, Rachel Johnson, Rion Kesel, Kaiden Kronillis, Bodi Laflamme, Shelby Lincoln, Jack Lucier, Owen Lucier, D’andre Marable, Justice Marable, Abigail McDonough, Shannon McDonough, Elijah Moore, Ella Moore, Addison Mort, Colin Oliphant, Kiana Osorio, Noah Pelletier, Ava Picard, Sadie Pierce, Victoria Rancourt, Justin Reed, Nathan Robinson, Joslyn Sandoval, Kyle Scott, Achiva Seigars, Larissa Steeves, Kaylee Tims and Adrianna Vernesoni.

Grade 9

High Honors: Connor Alcott, Emily Almeida, Savannah Baker, Addyson Briggs, London Castle, Kolby Caswell, Nathan Choate, William Choate, Lillian Clark, Madeline Clement-Cargill, Sylvia Davis, Joshua Denis, Lauren Dufour, Stephen Gould, Madison Griffiths, Mia Hersom, Kaylyn Hertel, Halle Jones, Kasen Kelley, Kayle Lappin, Ava Lemelin, Wyatt McKenney, Jack Murray, Elijah Nelson, Bayley Nickles, Jordyn Parise, Gwendolyn Parker, Ruby Pearson, Abigail Peil, Elijah Pelkey, Isabelle Pelotte, Emily Piecewicz, Taisen Pilotte, Hannah Polley, Eli Redmond, Michael Richardson, Owen Robichaud, Leahna Rocque, Brynna Rodrigue, Jackie Sasse, Edward Schmidt, Jaelyn Seamon, Kathryn Shaw, Nichala Small, Madelynn Spencer, Evelyn Stevenson, Kayla Stred, Gentry Stuart, Abigail Studholme, Phoebe Taylor, Donovan Thompson, Kammie Thompson, Addison Turner, Kamryn Turner and Finnegan Vinci.

Honors: Anders Bassett, Kylie Bellows, Brock Bowden, Landon Boynton, Addyson Burns, Benjamin Carle, Emmaleigh Cintron, Drew Clark, Timothy Clavette, Cambell Coutts, Claire Davis, Audryanna DeRaps, Charles DeSchamp, Jacob Faucher, Willow Haschalk, Aidan Huff, Jacob Hunter, Timothy Kiralis, Jacob Lavallee, Brianne Libby, Hayden Little, Brayden McLean, Paige McNeff, Parker Minzy, Kaiden Morin, Tucker Nessmith, Phoebe Padgett, Jackson Pelotte, Lilian Piecewicz, Desirae Proctor, Hannah Ratcliff, Alexander Reitchel, Autumn Sawyer, Felicity Seagrave, Haidyn Smith, Leah Targett, Clara Theberge, Alexander Walker, Oryanna Winchenbach, Addison Witham, Brody Worth and Maddilyn York.

PHOTOS: American Legion members bring Christmas stockings to VA

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American Legion Post #126, in Vassalboro, filled and delivered 200 Christmas Stockings for veterans at Togus. They thank Waterville Elks Lodge #905, Winslow Connected Credit Union, Vassalboro United Methodist Church ladies group, Cub Scout Pack #410, Sew for a Cause and community members who helped support this project.

Contributed photos

FICTION: The House, part 2: The Diaries

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This story is completely fictional. Any resemblances to names of people and/or places is purely coincidental.

by Peg Pellerin

Continued from last week

Two weeks had gone by after the closing of the house. Jake, Miri and Dave concentrated on cleaning up the main floor, especially the bedrooms so they would have someplace to sleep while preparing the place to become their second income. It being summer, Jake and Miri had plenty of time to work on the house since both had occupations in education; Miri, a third grade teacher and Jake a high school principal with a background as a high school History and Geography teacher. Dave, when not doing an odd job for someone else, focused on the Stewart house, bringing it to what it needed as a B & B. They were hoping to get it up and running in a year.

“I wonder why most of the furniture remained. You’d think someone would have removed some, if not all. Some of the pieces are beautiful antiques,” admired Miri as she was going over a Sheraton Flame Mahogany Step Back Secretary desk. There were several drawers, all locked except for one, which held the key to the other drawers. She was tempted to start unlocking each drawer to see if anything might be in them but more work had to be completed in the kitchen if she was going to make supper there that evening. She gently patted the desk, “I’ll be back.”

After the supper dishes were washed, dried, and put away, everyone retreated into the living room to get some much needed rest. It had been a very busy day. Miri was about to pick up a thriller novel about underwater adventures and espionage by one of her favorite authors when she happened to glance toward the desk. “Forget the book,” she said as she got up, took a nearby desk chair and sat down to start fumbling through the drawers. The small skeleton key still worked well and the drawers easily opened. There wasn’t much to get excited about, finding pieces of paper, stubs of pencils and a couple of fountain pens. She almost didn’t see it but in the back of one of the drawers she felt, more than saw, a cloth wrapped package tied with a ribbon. Opening the package, she found several notebooks. Upon opening the first notebook, she realized that it was most likely a diary. Looking over the other diaries, they were dated and the name Emma was on the cover of each one. She nearly felt guilty reading through the pages; going through someone’s private thoughts put down on paper. She giggled, feeling silly about those thoughts since the author of this diary was long gone.

An hour later there was a voice calling out to Miri, “Hey, you going to put that down and come to bed?” Jake said. “It’s been a long day. What’s so interesting?”

Her husband’s voice brought her back to the present, “I think I found someone’s diary in the back of one of these drawers. It has to be the wife by the dates on the pages and what is written. If she’s the one who wrote these diaries, her name was Emma. She talks about the house progressing and that the upstairs is nearly done. She wrote that it’s a good thing, too, because their child is due in another few weeks. I’ve been trying to make a mental picture of this woman in this grand house, expecting their first child. Jake, did you ever find out who actually had this house built and lived here?”

“I asked the realtor and he thought the name was something like Hodges, but wasn’t sure. Next time I go into town I can ask around, or better yet, go to the historical society and see if I can find something about the history of the town and there just might be something about this place. Now let’s go to bed.”

Miri hesitantly rewrapped the diaries and put them back in the drawer. “Good night. I’ll be back.”

“Please come back real soon to read the diary. it’s the only way you’ll understand this house and I’m so lonely. Please!”

Miri woke up with a start, enough to wake up her husband. “What is it?”

“Didn’t you hear that?”

“Hear what?” asked Jake

“Someone talking, I think from the living room.”

“Unless it’s Dave up and about talking to himself, there’s no one else. I’ll go check.”

Miri followed Jake through the house. Dave’s bedroom door was closed and there wasn’t anyone else in any of the rooms, which Jake knew there wouldn’t be. “It must have been a dream. What did the ‘voice’ say?”

“I don’t remember but it seemed urgent. It must have been a dream.” They both went back to bed but Miri barely slept.

Miri was already up and reading the diary when Jake and Dave came into the kitchen for breakfast.

“Is that thing that interesting?” Said Dave pointing to the diary.

“It is very interesting.” answered Miri. “The woman talks about her young son and how he and she were often left alone when her husband went away on business trips or big game hunts. This page talks about him going to India. Apparently, there were many ‘trophies’ of his hunting trips around the house.”

“I’m glad all of the stuffed animals that were supposedly in this house were removed before we bought it. Those would have given me the creeps,” said Jake. Miri nodded in agreement.

“Dave and I will be going into town to pick up some supplies we’ll need to start making the bathrooms in each of the rooms. While in town I’ll go to the historical society to see what I can find out about this place and the original family.”

“I’ll keep working in the kitchen and bathroom,” said Miri. “I’d like to do a little more exploring of this house if you don’t mind. We really haven’t gone through each room to see what we can, or should, keep as far as the antique furniture is concerned. Maybe starting with the attic and working our way down? I wonder if there are more surprises in any other pieces of furniture left in the house.”

“Maybe we’ll find skeletons in the closets,” laughed Dave. “Oh yeah, there are no closets, only armoires. I can’t believe that closets were not built in because houses tended to be taxed according to the number of rooms they contained, and for tax purposes, a closet counted as a room. That’s so crazy. The people who built this house were rich so you would think that they could have afforded paying those extra taxes. Will you want me to build closets in the upstairs rooms like I am for the main floor bedrooms?”

“Why don’t we wait to see what condition those armoires are in and I bet ghosts can live in those too. Hey! If ghosts can walk through walls, why don’t they fall through floors?” jested Jake. Miri gave him “that look”, again, that one that all men were born to understand. “Ok, ok, either way, it sounds like a great idea. We all could use a break. Let’s start with the attic tomorrow.”

While the weather was good, Miri took her breaks on the front porch, breathing in the fresh air while she continued perusing the pages of the diaries. She had just come upon the part where Emma’s husband had returned from a trip to India where he had been hunting tigers. He was injured by one which he did manage to kill. He died several weeks later from complications of those injuries.

Continued next week

SMALL SPACE GARDENING: Grow a beautiful indoor succulent garden

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Succulents are low-maintenance houseplants that add interest and beauty to indoor décor. (photo courtesy of Gardener’s Supply Company/gardeners.com)

by Melinda Myers

It’s no surprise that succulents, including cacti, are popular. These easy-care houseplants come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes making them perfect for any home.

All you need is a lot of light and benign neglect to raise healthy and beautiful succulents. Place the plants near an unobstructed south, west- or east-facing window.

Don’t let a lack of light stop you from enjoying these beautiful plants in your home. You’ll find many attractive options for displaying your plants while providing the light they need. A single desktop LED plant light, attractive plant light shelves and carts, and furniture-grade light gardens allow you to grow these sun-lovers anywhere in your home.

Grow these plants in cacti and succulent potting mix. These fast-draining mixes help reduce the risk of overwatering which can lead to root rot. Further reduce this risk by using containers with drainage holes that are only slightly larger than the succulents’ root system. Growing them in too large of a container that retains moisture longer can result in root rot, decline, and even the death of your plants.

Water thoroughly whenever the top inch or two of soil is dry. Some gardeners check the soil moisture at the drain hole to ensure it is dry and the plants need to be watered. Always pour off any excess water that collects in the saucer.

Avoid water collecting in the rosette of leaves or the cluster of prickly stems that can lead to crown rot. Use a watering can like the Haws Indoor Watering Can which has a long narrow spout that allows you to reach under the plants to water just the soil.

Make slight adjustments in your watering regime and growing environment as the seasons change. Adapting to changing conditions will keep your plants healthy and looking their best year-round.

Find a cool, sunny, draft-free location for your cacti and succulents in the fall and winter. Maximize the amount of light the plants receive by moving them to the sunniest, usually south-facing, window in your home. Water thoroughly but only when the top few inches of soil are dry and just often enough to keep the plants from shriveling. These changes in the growing conditions often encourage a spring display of colorful and unique flowers.

Boost your succulents’ natural beauty by displaying them in unique containers or places in your home. Create a living wall display with a 3-tier vertical wall planter (gardeners.com) or Mini Magnetic Galvanized Planter Pockets.

Grow a succulent centerpiece that can be enjoyed year-round. Plant a variety of succulents in a long narrow planter like the Veradek GEO Series Planter boxes. Display it on the table, and if needed, move it back to its sunny location between dinner parties. Small containers like the heart-shaped concrete tabletop planters allow you to create an attractive dish garden even when space is limited.

Whether you’re a busy, experienced, or new indoor gardener, creating a succulent garden may be just what you need to brighten your home and elevate your mood.

Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening and Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Gardener’s Supply for her expertise to write this article. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

Give Us Your Best Shot! for Thursday, January 12, 2023

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To submit a photo for this section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@townline.org!

JUST HANGIN’ OUT: Lindy Sklover, of Vassalboro, photographed this grasshopper on a daisy last summer.

MAJESTIC: Gary Mazoki, of Palermo, snapped this majestic pose of a male bald eagle.

SAY WHAT?: Tina Richard, of Clinton, caught this bluebird listening to the surrounding sounds.

PHOTO: New tractor

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The China Four Seasons Club, along with Jon Fortier, manager of China Hannaford, donated a John Deere battery tractor to Wesley Chamberlain. He had gone to their festival of trees with his grandmother, and stood out to them as he was so excited to see the trees and one particular tree that had a smaller tractor under it, in which he put all his tickets. They called to say he had not won the tree, but they wanted to donate a tractor to him. (contributed photo)

OBITUARIES for Thursday, January 12, 2023

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PAUL J. LEVASSEUR SR.

BENTON – Paul J. Levasseur Sr., 76, of Benton, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022. Paul was born to Edmond C. Levasseur and Antoinette Roy Levasseur, on October 10, 1946, in Waterville.

Paul grew up in Winslow where he also attended school. Paul honorably served in the United States Army from 1966 – 1968.

During Paul’s break he married his best friend and high school sweetheart Camellia S. Thibodeau Levasseur, on September 4, 1967.

Paul enjoyed spending time with his family, however Paul loved nothing more than each grandchild and great-grandchild from the second they were born. He enjoyed the outdoors from campfires, gardening, cutting wood and making maple syrup where he taught his children many trades. Paul loved his sweets, and he loved to feed them to all the children when they walked through the door. He also loved sitting in the screenhouse watching the birds that came to the many bird feeders. Last but not least, Paul loved serving the Lord; and if he could leave a last message to you, it would be to follow Jesus and receive him as your Lord and Savior.

He was predeceased by his baby girl Lisa M. Levasseur; parents Edmond and Antoinette Levasseur; brothers and sisters Conrad Levasseur, Lucille and Jerry Gagnon, Jeanne Rodrigue, Anne and Charlie Merrill, James Levasseur, Marie Levasseur, Donald Levasseur, Phil Levasseur, Mike Levasseur, James Thibodeau, and Joseph Thibodeau III.

Paul is survived by his wife Camellia S. Levasseur; their children and their spouses Paul Jr. and Melissa Levasseur, Scott A. and Tiffany Levasseur, Dwayne Levasseur, Derek and Ashley Levasseur, Donald and Dori Sheets; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Ron and Nicole (Sophia and Madelynn) Miller, Paul III and Kristen (Coraline and Penelope) Levasseur, Kyle and Samantha (Gage, Mykalia, Alivia and Elsie) Metcalf, Katrina Pirtel and Joe (Payton) Nadeau, Brianna Bowring, Anthony and Aneasa (Jayla, Lucas and Everett) Levasseur, Casey and Vinisha Levasseur, Benjamin and Sarah (Michelle) Levasseur, Brice Edgerly, Nathan Levasseur, Isaac and Alexis (Abigail) Manley, Jacob and Maranda (Lucas and Noah) Applebee, Colton Levasseur, Bella O’Brien, Joe Buker and Lisa Levasseur and his grandchild to be (Ellie Mae), Hunter Levasseur, Dakota Sheets, Adonya Sheets; brothers and sisters, Albert Roderique, June Day, Claire Paron, Lorraine Levasseur, Janice and Alan Beane, Arthur and Joy Thibodeau, Gisele Thibodeau, Ginger Levasseur; and many more family members.

A Celebration of Life was held at Living Water Church, Oakland, on January 7.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Living Water Community Church.

FREDERICK J. RUDER

WATERVILLE – Frederick Joseph Ruder, 75, died on Thursday, December 29, 2022.

Frederick lived in many places around the world as a child, and in adulthood eventually settled in Maine.

In 1972 Frederick opened The Sign of the Sun, in Waterville, thus establishing long lasting deep roots in the Waterville area. Sign of the Sun was not only an occupation for Frederick, but also a passion that brought together his skills of artistry, community, and entrepreneurship for 49 years. Frederick will also be remembered for his sense of humor, his eclectic collections, and his love of reading.

Frederick is survived by his wife Lisa; children Nathaniel Ruder (Janalyn), Teague Ruder (Liz), Elsbeth Ebenhoe (Marcus), Maggie Ruder (Paul Dickover); his 11 grandchildren; and his brother Steve (Vicki).

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Alfond Youth and Community Center.

KRISTIN E. FRENCH

WATERVILLE – Kristin Ellen French, 38, of Waterville, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, following a brief illness.

Kristin graduated from Messalonskee High School, in Oakland. She loved cooking and baking cakes. She created beautiful needlework crafts including exquisite lace. Kristin was an avid reader who cherished her Bible. She enjoyed watching movies with her son, phone calls with her granddaughters and doing adult coloring books with her daughter.

Her survivors include her children Hannah Owens and Allen “A.J.” Albert, Jr.; granddaughters Amiya Owens and Layla Arbour; her mother Kelly Lessard, stepfather Raymond “Tuffy” Brickett; grandmother Gail Alexander French; and sisters Carol Brickett Bickford and Rae-Anne Marie. Kristin is also survived by Hal Stratton, Sr. who was a father figure to her for the last 15 years; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Kristin was predeceased by her father, Dennis Hutchings Jr.; grandparents Georgie Gagne, Dennis Hutchings Sr., Frederick French Sr., Amy Bezanson Brickett and Edward Brickett; and brother Peter Brickett.

A celebration of Kristin’s life was held on January 7, 2023, at the Bessey Building, 22 Main Street, Albion.

STEVEN S. GOGAN

SHAWMUT – Steven Stanley Gogan, 65, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2022.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., on Saturday, January 14, at the Fairfield United Methodist Church , Rt. 201, in Fairfield.

Please visit http://www.lawrybrothers.com where memories may be shared, a full obituary viewed, and an online register book signed.

CHARLIE A. MEANS JR.

WATERVILLE – Charlie A. Means Jr., 101, passed away at Mount Saint Joseph, in Waterville, on Saturday December 31, 2022. Charlie was born to Charlie Sr. and Eunice (Reynolds) Means at the family homestead in Unity Plantation in 1921.

Charlie and his sisters, Juanita and Gertrude, spent many happy hours together there. He learned many trades from his father such as blacksmithing, fixing wagons, wood cutting, farming, and gardening.

He attended the Unity Plantation School until his father became ill and was needed to help run the farm. Charlie met the love of his life, Dorothy Rawley while attending church. They were wed on December 15, 1951, and enjoyed many happy years together until her passing in 2017.

They began their life together in Waterville where they welcomed their children Cheryl and Charlie III. They moved to Winslow in 1960. He was employed for over 30 years at W.S. Pillsbury and Sons, in Waterville, doing sales, installation, and service of farm equipment until they closed in 1983. Next Charlie worked as a Correctional Officer in the Somerset County Correctional Facility, in Skowhegan, for 15 years.

Family time was important to Charlie, he loved taking trips to visit his family and exploring new places. Later he built a camp on East Pond, in Smithfield, with the help of his family to enjoy time with his children. There they enjoyed many family gatherings, going for boat rides, driving the boat for water skiing, and playing cards.

After retiring, Charlie and Dot enjoyed traveling with their camper and was proud to have visited all 50 states. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren watching them participate in sporting, school, and church events. Charlie also enjoyed doing puzzles, working on building projects and could figure out a way to fix almost anything.

Charlie was a very active member of Getchell Street Baptist Church for over 70 years. He taught Sunday School classes and served on the Property and Pulpit Committees. Charlie was honored to serve on the Diaconate Board as a Deacon, a role he held until he met the Lord face to face.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Dot; his son, Chuck; his sisters, Juanita Lanpher and Gertrude Ricker; and several other family members.

Charlie is survived by his daughter, Cheryl McInnis and her husband Dana; daughter- in-law. Tina Means; grandchildren, Craig McInnis and his wife Jennifer, Christopher McInnis and his wife Rachel, CariAnn Means; his great-grandchildren, Cameron, Jaelynn, Cora, Cobie and Charlie McInnis; brothers-in-law, Richard Rawley, David Rawley and his wife Marie; several other nieces, nephews, and their families.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m., on Sunday, January 8, at Getchell Street Baptist Church, 3 Getchell Street, Waterville.

Burial will be held at a later date.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charlie’s memory to Getchell Street Baptist Church, 3 Getchell St., Waterville, ME 04901 or a charity of your choice.

RICHARD B. STARKEY JR.

Richard Bert Starkey, Jr., 59, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2023. He was born October 25, 1963, to Richard B. and Virginia B. (Hearn) Starkey in Waterville, Maine.

He grew up in China, attending China Elementary School and Winslow High School. He was active in scouts, and played baseball, basketball and football. He was full of spirit, and played hard at life.

Richard joined the U.S.Air Force and served as a Munitions Systems Specialist for over nine years with assignments in Alaska, North Dakota, Florida, Korea, and Iraq.

After discharge Dick worked as a construction manager throughout Florida, the Caribbean and South America. While working in the Dominican Republic he met Patricia and they had two sons together.

When the job ended he lived in Florida until he got a call from home. His dad’s health began to fail quickly, so he came home to Maine to live with and help care for both parents. He worked as a handyman around the small town he had grown up in, renewing friendships and making more memories.

Following his dad’s passing, and his mom going into long-term care, Richard returned for a brief time to the Dominican Republic and his family there. Upon returning to Maine he worked for a time at VA Togus Hospital. His battle with alcohol and subsequent declining health made his last few years difficult. Never-the-less Dick was the helpful, playful neighbor at his apartment complex in Farmingdale where he was loved and will be remembered fondly.

In July 2022 he was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer, a battle he was not prepared for, but he fought anyway with whatever treatment he could get. He made it by a few hours into the new year.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, sister Lydia, and brother George.

Richard’s spirit lives on in his two sons, Richard and Danny and their mom, Patricia. He is also survived by siblings Edward and partner Mark Colonna, Sandra and husband Paul Keller, Heide and husband Charles Hotham and sister-in-law Dawn Starkey; nieces and nephews, Amy (and Jamie) Starkey, Nick Starkey, Anna, Aaron (and Sara), and Abby Keller, Summer and Grady Hotham as well as many cousins and great- nieces and great-nephews.

Richard was proud to be a veteran and grateful for the care he received at both the VA Togus as well as the VA Hospitals in Boston. In honor of Richard, find a veteran, make a way to show your appreciation for their service, and bring some joy into their life.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 14, 10 a.m., at the China Baptist Church, with Ron Morrell and Ed Hatch officiating. Family and friends are welcome to come to encourage each other and share memories at the reception to follow.

Burial will be at the Maine Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

JILL D. COLOMY

SIDNEY – Jill D. Colomy, 61, passed away peacefully at Bella Point Nursing Home, on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. She was born on August 3, 1961,, to Kenneth E. Colomy Sr. and the late Jacquelyn R. (Finnemore) Colomy.

Jill graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta, in 1979. She then went on to the University of Maine at Augusta, where she received her associates degree in accounting.

In her free time, she enjoyed going to the beach, riding her bike, and spending time with family and friends.

She was predeceased by her mother Jacquelyn Colomy; and her brother, Kenneth Colomy Jr.

Jill is survived by her son, Timothy Colomy; sisters, Karen O’Connor and husband Kevin, of Mt Vernon, Judy Colomy, of Augusta, Debra Colomy and her partner Ed, of Augusta; many nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service was held at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, in Augusta, on Monday, January 9, at 7 p.m.

A private graveside service will take place at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church Street, Augusta where condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website by visiting http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

ALPHONSE LePAGE

WINSLOW – Alphonse “Babe” LePage, 90, passed away Thursday, January 5, 2023. Babe was born to the late Victoria (Veilleux) and Alphonse LePage, Sr.

He attended Waterville schools. Babe was drafted to the U.S. Army and served his country from 1955-1957.

He married Theresa Thibodeau in 1953 and together they raised four children.

Babe started his masonry business, A. LePage & Sons Masonry in 1964 after learning the trade from other seasoned masons. He retired in the early ’90s at which time his sons took over the business. He loved checking on “the boys” to see how they were doing on their jobs. Babe was a very caring and generous man, often helping those less fortunate.

After retirement you could often find him tinkering in his garage or working on his woodpile. He enjoyed his Sunday rides to the coast, shopping at discount stores in town and having coffee with friends at McDonald’s. His favorite place to be was sitting on his swing at camp on Unity Pond or spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa; children David (Beverly), of Burnham, Denis (Michelle), of Winslow, Daryl (Trish Crowell), of Winslow, and Melissa White (Markus), of Winslow; sisters Jeannette Boudreau, of Waterville, Pearl DeLong (Michael), of Florida, and brother, Raymond (Pauline Maxwell), of Waterville; sister-in-law, Georgette Dwan, of Florida; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, January 12, at 10 a.m., at St. John Catholic Church, in Winslow.

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

Arrangement are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Corpus Christi Parish, 17 South Garand St., Winslow, ME 04901.

MARJORIE RODRIGUE

WATERVILLE – Marjorie Rodrigue, 87, passed away on Thursday January 5, 2023, at North­ern Light Con­tinuing Care, Lakewood, in Waterville, where she had been residing for a little over a year. Marjorie was born on March 10, 1935, the daughter of Joseph and Carmen (Vashon) LeBrasseur.

While she was educated in Waterville, she attended Sacred Heart Convent, in Jackman, for a short while in 1947.

She was a graduate of the Waterville High School class of 1953. On November 3, 1956, she married Louis Rodrigue and they were married for 53 years before he died on April 6, 2010.

They were blessed with their children Lee, Celeste, Kathy and Linda. She worked most of her adult life at Depositor’s Trust Co. and later Key Bank, both in Waterville, where she held various positions and titles, retiring in 1997.

Marjorie was recently described as having a tough exterior with a marshmallow heart. This is exemplified by her greatest love, being family and family events. She was her happiest when planning birthdays, holidays, especially Christmas, family gatherings such as the “annual lobster feed, going to “camp” on Webber Pond”, and other family events. In her younger days, Marjorie was a great seamstress and made lots of clothes for her three girls. Later in life, she developed a passion for basketmaking and did a great job at this. She loved to share her baskets with family and friends, usually as a gift and they would come filled with all kinds of goodies. She also spent her time reading, playing games on the computer and crocheting kitchen dish towels.

Marjorie was predeceased by her husband; her parents; her brothers Joseph “Junior”, Charles (and his wife Liette) and Robert.

She is survived by her children, Lee and wife, Corinna Rodrigue, Celeste and husband Joe Theriault, Kathy and husband Steve Francoeur, Linda and husband Joel Caron; grandchildren Danielle and husband Jesse Woods, Eric and wife Kristina Theriault and Stacey Francoeur; great-grandchildren Caden and Atley Woods, Olive and Emmitt Theriault; sister-in-law, Lauraly Lebrasseur, Gabriel Marquis, Claudette Starbird and brother-in-law, Gene Rodrigue and his wife Susan; along with several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Corpus Christi’s Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville, at 10 a.m., on Tuesday January 17, with burial in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, in Waterville, later in the spring.

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, we would like to ask family and friends to feel free to donate in Marjorie’s memory to the Homeless Shelter, 19 Colby St., Waterville, ME 04901 or to a soup kitchen of their choice.

REMY J. PETTENGILL

CHINA – Rémy Joel Pettengill, 17, died unexpectedly Saturday, January 7, 202, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. He was born in Waterville, on December 29, 2005, a son of Lee H. and Danielle C. (Morin) Pettengill.

Rémy was a student at Erskine Academy, in South China, class of 2024.

He had earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2019 and was a member of Troop #479, in China. Some of Rémy’s other proudest accomplishments included working at Pine Tree Camp, becoming both an American Red Cross Lifeguard and a BSA Lifeguard, assisting to coach his brother’s middle school track team, working at Camp Bomazeen, and volunteering with China Masonic Lodge #45. He was a member of the Erskine track team, National Honor Society, and the BSA Order of the Arrow – Madockawanda Lodge.

Rémy is survived by his parents, Lee and Danielle Pettengill, of South China; his two brothers: Aiden H. Pettengill and Bryson L. Pettengill, both of South China; maternal grandparents: Joel P. and Francine L. (Gagnon) Morin, of Madawaska; paternal grandparents: Arthur H. and Helen V. (Keany) Pettengill, of Chiefland, Florida; paternal uncle Luke (Trish) Pettengill, of Sharon, Vermont, as well as many extended family members and friends.

A gathering of family and friends (all are welcome!) will be held on Saturday, January 14, from 9 – 11 a.m., at Erskine Academy, 309 Windsor Rd., South China.

A Celebration of Life will follow at 11 a.m. The family asks that casual attire be worn with “crazy socks”. They also request that you bring a pair of socks for donation in Rémy’s honor to homeless shelters and veterans groups.

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

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

KERVIN L. PEABODY

WINDSOR – Kervin L. Peabody, 63, of Windsor, passed at his home, in Windsor, following a long illness. Kervin was born on October 18, 1959, in Augusta, the son of LuRoy Peabody and Carolyn Jackson.

He attended Gardiner school system.

Kervin was an over the road tractor-trailer driver for years. He loved working on vehicles such as mechanical work, restoration, including painting them. He loved sneaking off with his wife Nancy, heading up north to go camping, hunting, and sightseeing for the wildlife. Snowmobiling as well.

Kervin had a big heart and was a very generous guy. Helping anybody out, no matter what he was doing himself or who it was; even a total stranger. Kervin had the kind of personality he could get along with anyone. He loved joking, especially teasing his brothers. Most of all he thoroughly loved teasing his wife Nancy just as much!

Kervin was predeceased by his parents, father LuRoy Peabody and mother Carolyn Jackson, sisters Maida Peabody and Buffy Peabody, brothers Larry Peabody, and Ronnie Peabody.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years Nancy J. Peabody; children, sons Kervin Dowdy, Joseph Swift, Steve Peabody and Eric Peabody; daughter Andrea Veilleux; brother Bobby Peabody, sister Ina Cadwallader, brothers Mike Peabody, Shawn Peabody and Scott Peabody; sister Tammy Abbott; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. Notice of celebration will be posted at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed at http://www.funeralalternatives.net.

Vassalboro select board discusses medical marijuana license renewals

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by Mary Grow

The final Vassalboro select board meeting of 2022, held Dec. 22, began with discussion of renewing medical marijuana business licenses for 2023.

Codes officer Paul Mitnik presented the list of licenses up for annual permits. Audience members offered no comments on any of them.

Select board members unanimously approved five of the six applications, renewing licenses on Old Meadows Road for building owner Leo Barnett and tenants Colin Dorsey, William Cunningham, Zeena McMullen and Hayden Poupis.

Action on the sixth application, from Daniel Charest, whose building on Cushnoc Road burned, was postponed until the replacement building is finished and approved. Mitnik said Charest has a building permit, and when a new building is available will have tenants who need licensing.

Mitnik offered suggestions about two issues covered by the Marijuana Business Ordinance that voters approved in June 2021 and amended slightly in June 2022.

First, he said, the ordinance refers to a “facility,” without defining the word or making clear whether it means a building or a growing operation.

Barnett has four buildings on Old Meadow Road, which currently count as a single facility. Two of his tenants have two growing areas apiece; they are each counted as a single facility.

Mitnik said he had his own suggestions for clarification and one from the town attorney, and select board chair Barbara Redmond offered another idea. The issue will be discussed at a future meeting.

Mitnik’s second issue is the exemption from license requirements for a “facility” that is less than 1,000 square feet. He said the exemption is hard to enforce, especially when growers are reluctant to admit people to their areas, and is contrary to the intent of the Marijuana Business Ordinance, which is to prohibit new facilities beyond those already operating when the ordinance took effect.

After discussion of the legality of a grower barring legitimate required inspections, and whether state law allows banning all new medical marijuana growing businesses, the issue was postponed.

Mitnik reminded select board members that he is about to retire as Vassalboro’s codes officer, for the fourth time, passing on the job to Bob Geaghan.

Vassalboro will also have a new town manager in 2023, as Mary Sabins retires. Select board members signed papers appointing Aaron Miller to the position, and the other positions the manager holds, effective Jan. 3.

Select board holds first meeting with new manager

by Mary Grow

Aaron Miller

Vassalboro select board members held their first meeting with Aaron Miller, who succeeded Mary Sabins as town manager, on Jan. 5, with a short agenda.

Miller reported after the meeting that board members scheduled a public hearing for 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 19, in the town office meeting room. The hearing is to solicit public comments on allocating Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds, in preparation for considering amendments to the TIF Ordinance.

Vassalboro voters approved a TIF, a state-approved tax system, at the June 2014 annual town meeting. Taxes paid by Summit Natural Gas on its pipeline through the town along Route 201 (Riverside Drive) go into the municipal TIF fund, which can be used to make grants to projects that qualify under state law.

The grantees named in the original Vassalboro TIF were the Alewife Restoration Initiative (ARI), aimed at opening Outlet Stream to allow alewives access from the Sebasticook River to China Lake, and the expansion of the Vassalboro Sanitary District’s sewer lines to connect with Winslow.

Both projects received TIF funds, and both have been completed, so the ordinance needs to designate new fund recipients. TIF amendments require approval by town meeting voters and by state officials in the Department of Economic and Community Development.

Miller said board members directed him to prepare a request for proposals (RFP) for improvements to the town office entrance: better lighting, and a button that would open the doors, making access easier for handicapped visitors.

The ideas were submitted by town office staff as part of a list of proposals select board members reviewed at their Dec. 15, 2022, meeting.

Following up on their Dec. 22, 2022, discussion, Miller said, board members talked about amending the town’s Marijuana Business Ordinance, without coming to conclusions.

The manager said the next regular Vassalboro select board meeting will follow the Jan. 19 public hearing.

In other business, board members repealed the covid vaccination policy adopted at the beginning of the pandemic. Board member Chris French said he had always opposed it, because it applied only to employees in the town office; he thought all employees should have been included.

They agreed to a recreation committee request to sell a set of unneeded soccer goal posts, for $80. Program director Karen Hatch said there is one more set that is no longer useful to the town.

Resident Tom Richards started a discussion of ways to deter or punish people who litter roadsides, with select board members sympathetic but unsure what would work.

The next Vassalboro select board meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, Jan. 5, 2023.

Couple looks to re-open corner store in East Vassalboro

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by Mary Grow

Tim and Heather Dutton want to reopen the former East Vassalboro Corner Store, beginning with pizza and sandwiches and adding local products (garden produce and crafts, for example) if business goes well.

Everyone who spoke at the Jan. 3 Vassalboro Planning Board meeting wanted them to reopen it, too, including those who wondered whether they could meet local ordinance requirements.

The principal problem that might make it impossible to grant a local permit is that the building is so close to Main Street (Route 32) on its east and Bog Road on its south that room for safe parking is extremely limited.

Neighbor Ben Gidney reminded board members of various traffic and parking issues before the previous store closed. But, he told the Duttons, “I’m all for your store.”

Tim Dutton said the edge of the Route 32 right of way, which extends 33 feet from the center line, is inside the building. He had consulted informally with Maine Department of Transportation engineer (and Vassalboro resident) David Allen about parking and related issues.

Dutton proposed three diagonal spaces along the front of the store. Gidney and board member Paul Mitnik objected. People parking in diagonal spaces would have to back out into Route 32 traffic, not the safest maneuver even in a 25-mile-an-hour zone; and their cars would block the view north as drivers came out of Bog Road.

Board member Douglas Phillips suggested two parallel parking spaces might fit.

Additional parking is available west of the store, off Bog Road, but planning board members needed more information about how much space Dutton, who is leasing the building, could use. He intends to have a loading dock for delivery vehicles in that area, he said.

Handicapped accessibility is another issue that could scuttle the proposal. Dutton told board members he could not see a way to make either of the present entrances meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

Gidney said the earlier store opened around 1949, before town land use ordinances, before the ADA and before traffic was as heavy and fast as it is now.

After almost an hour’s discussion, board chairman Virginia Brackett advised the Duttons what they need to do to make their application complete, including clarifying parts of the lease and, if possible, consulting officially with someone from the state Department of Transportation. The application was tabled until the additional information is presented.

Board members spent another hour and a half discussing the proposed additions to town ordinances that would govern future commercial solar projects.

They scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday, Jan. 17, again at 6:30 p.m. rather than their usual 7 p.m., to take public comment on the proposed ordinance. They expect the Jan. 17 meeting will result in a draft that can be submitted to the town attorney for review.

Brackett granted requests from Jerry Hill, representing the Main Street Maine coalition (neighbors of the proposed commercial solar farm on Main Street [Route 32] north of the Duratherm plant), and Holly Weidner, on behalf of the Conservation Commission, to get copies of the draft before the Jan. 17 meeting.

A major topic Jan. 3 was whether, and if so why, soil sampling should be required at any stage during a commercial solar farm’s operation or decommissioning. The principal argument in favor was that if a damaged panel leaked contaminants, town officials needed to know.

Counter-arguments questioned what, if anything, in the panels is dangerous if one did leak; how fast operators would replace a damaged panel; and what sort of sampling would be in the right place and for the right substance(s) to be informative.

The issue was left open.

Board members also discussed fire-fighting in or around a solar farm. They agreed the ordinance should require the Vassalboro fire chief’s approval of any plan.

There was consensus that the decommissioning scenario previously discussed – complete removal of everything connected with solar energy and restoration of the site to its pre-development condition – was unlikely. More likely would be piecemeal replacement as components reached the end of their useful lives.

Phillips thinks the ordinance should require operators to notify the town as outdated panels and other equipment are replaced.

Another topic still to be discussed, Phillips said, is what definitions need to be added to the current ordinance to apply to solar developments.

When agreement is reached on a near-final draft of the solar ordinance, board members will hold a public hearing, perhaps in February, to solicit residents’ comments and suggestions.

Voters will accept or reject the ordinance at Vassalboro’s June town meeting. The current tentative schedule is for an open meeting Monday evening, June 5, and written-ballot voting Tuesday, June 13.

China road committee looks at preliminary list of road repaving

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by Mary Grow

China Road Committee members met Jan. 6 to make a preliminary list of roads to be repaved during the 2023 work season and to consider other road-related recommendations.

The focus of this year’s paving is the southeastern part of town. Roads recommended by the end of the meeting include Pond Road (the section of old Route 202 that begins just north of Fire Road 50 and lies across the main road from the former China Dine-ah); Water Street in Branch Mills Village; a section on top of Parmenter Hill, known locally as Moe’s Mountain; and the section of Pleasant View Ridge Road not done recently.

Director of Public Services Shawn Reed said the roads that had been repaved with the method called chip seal (a mix of asphalt and stone chips) seem to be holding up well. Although chip seal leaves small loose rocks about which motorists and residents complain for the first few weeks, it costs enough less so he recommended expanding its use.

Reed did not yet have preliminary price estimates for 2023 paving materials.

Another major topic for committee members was an approximately half-mile section of Hanson Road near Evans Pond. Reed said it should be raised two or three feet and have larger culverts installed to prevent more flooding.

Hanson Road runs north from Route 3, along the east side of Evans Pond, to the intersection with Bog Brook Road. Bog Brook Road runs east to Pleasant View Ridge Road.

Committee members made no recommendation on rebuilding the stretch; they agreed the project would be expensive. When they do a road tour later in the year, they plan to include the south end of Hanson Road, between the Cross Road and Route 3, which Reed said is not in bad shape.

The next road committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for the first or second Friday morning in February.