OBITUARIES for Thursday, November 24, 2022

JEANNE JACKSON

WATERVILLE – Jeanne Jackson, 69, passed away peacefully following a battle with cancer on Thurs­day, November 3, 2022, in Water­ville. Jeanne was born in 1953 to the late Patrick and Irene Moriscano and was the third born of four sisters.

Jeanne married the late Roger Jackson in 1973 and together they had two children, Christine Austin, married to Bryan Austin, and Michael Jackson, married to Lindsay Jackson.

She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Brady, Brett, Tyler, Charlotte, and Camden; sisters Kathleen, Patricia, and Maureen; along with many family members.

Jeanne professed her life to Christ as a young adult and devoted her life to her family and also serving the Lord through ministries in her various churches, outreach ministries, and just “whatever needed to be done.”

A celebration of her life and memorial service was held at Getchell Street Baptist Church, at 3 Getchell St., Waterville, ME 04901.

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

LINDA VASHON

WINSLOW – Linda Vashon, 76, of Winslow, passed away Sunday, Novembeer 6, 2022, at her home, of Alzheimer’s. She was born in Waterville and attended Winslow High School.

From there she was a stay at home mom, until she moved back to Maine and then went to work at Colby College for 30 years and loved seeing the children every day.

Linda enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She and her husband, Doug, enjoyed visiting and eating out at their favorite restaurants.

Linda was precededin death by her husband, Doug Vashon; her dad, Loredon Vigue, of Vassalboro, her mom, Yvonne McCrater and her stepdad, Hermon McCrater, of Winslow.

She is survived by her daughters Glenda Lessard, of Waterville, Lynette and Mike Bolduc, of Winslow, Sherri and John Brooker, of Palmyra; several grandchildren, Amanda and Mark Bonilla, of New York, Samantha Lessard, of New York, Michael Poirier, of Fairfield, Crystal and Fuad, of Vassalboro, and Chelsea and Haley Morin, of Augusta; sister, Joan and Walter Sward, of Manchester, Connecticut; sister, Joan and Walter Sward, of Manchester, Connecticut; and nephew, John Tweedie.

Services will be held November 26, at 9:15 a.m., at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver Street, in Waterville. Burial will be December 3, at Saint Francis Cemetery, weather permitting.

FRANK D. MATHEWS

SIDNEY – Frank D. Mathews, 57, of Sidney, passed away in Augusta on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. He was born in Augusta on October 23, 1965, the son of Manfred and Maxine (McFarland) Mathews.

After graduating from Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, class of 1984, Frank went on to the school of hard work. He was an expert applicator for several years working for the family business, M.A. Mathews Siding and Windows. He then went into the woods and became a CLP Certified Master Logger for over 30 years. Frank was a true steward of the forest who took great pride in making the land he worked beautiful.

Frank had many varied interests which ranged from his years of motocross racing to taking Noah skiing in the winter and going “upta camp” in the summer. He was a long-time member of the Sidney Masonic Lodge. Frank was a strong man of faith who served as a deacon at Sidney Second Baptist Church for a time. Together with his wife Lisa, they found a home and loving extended family at Kennebec Valley Baptist Church in Waterville.

Frank has shown amazing strength, resilience, and faith over the last five years, proving to the medical community that he had a fire in him that burned stronger than any cancer. He was a champion who quietly and humbly endured and overcame great obstacles while continuing to grow in his faith throughout.

Frank was predeceased by his mother, Maxine Mathews in 2010.

Frank is survived by his wife, Lisa, of Sidney; his son, Noah, of Sidney; and his bonus children, Desiree Libold, of Benton, and Cody Emery, of Knoxville, Tennessee; his father, Manfred Mathews (Jackie Wright), of Vassalboro; his sisters Linda (Raymond) Breton, of Chelsea, and Lisa (Russell) Willet,t of Oakham, Massachusetts; his brothers Mark Mathews, of Readfield, Michael (Peggy) Mathews, of Carmel, and Dale (Crystal) Breton, of Sidney; numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, November 19, at Kennebec Valley Baptist Church, 91 Marston Rd., in Waterville.

Arrangements are in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Oakland, where condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

SHERRILL E. SMILEY

WINSLOW – Sherill Elizabeth Smiley, 83, of Winslow, passed away on Friday, November 11, 2022. She was born a twin, on November 6, 1939, daughter of Samuel Raymond and Frieda Knauff Smiley, in Waterville.

She graduated from Winslow High School, in 1958. She attended Farmington State Teachers College where she met and married Bradford L. Buker in 1959.

She was a member and past president of Ye Female Society for the Support of the Gospel, 60 years she was a member of the Winslow Congregational Church, Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent-Coordinator of the Sunday School, on the board of the Christian a Education, past deacon of her church. She was in rhythmic choir under the direction of Mrs. Thorne.

She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, Girl Scout Consultant, Kennebec Council and assistant Den Mother. She was past Worthy Matron and past officers of Fort Halifax Grange. She and Brad stared the Heart of Maine Square Dance Club and were presidents.

But to her grandchildren, her greatest accomplishment was being their Mémère. They will forever remember the sleepovers, cooking French toast the next day, sliding parties in the winter and making Barney Google, a personal cheer leader at all school /sport activities, playing endless card games and never letting them win, tree decorating parties, finding the pickle and right family game played every Christmas always getting a phone call on their birthday and a singing of Happy Birthday, made sure all her grandchildren knew they were a priority, singing songs, Donut and You are my Sunshine, and always had a smile on her face.

She was always there for each of them no matter what, they could count on her when they couldn’t count on others, she kept every drawing and note, kept candy on hand, coupon books, and mended clothes. She accepted and loved them as they are and welcomed all their significant others and treated them like family. She would wrap the light of Jesus Christ around them and they knew they were safe. She did her hand sign so all would know they were loved. To her grandchildren, her greatest accomplishment was being MEME!

Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers Samuel Smiley and John Smiley, her twin sister, Dartha Stanley and her older sister, Frances Fulton; one daughter, Natalie Brooks; and a granddaughter, Melissa Hall.

She is survived by her children Elizabeth Chapman and her husband Robin, Raymond Buker and his wife Tammy, Heather Buker and her fiancé Bob, Johnna McCollor and her husband John; her grandchildren Melinda Crawford, Megan Rowe and her husband James, Bethany Gary and her husband Sean, Samantha Buker, Morgan Staples and husband Teagan, Gunner Buker, Raymond Buker, Jeffery Buker, Donna Nickerson, Deanna Buker and her fiancé Zac, Zackery Plaisted and husband O’Brien, and Hunter Farr. She also has 10 great-grandchildren and several more on the way; as well as many other extended family members.

Family and friends may call from 6-8 p.m. on November 25 at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home. A private family service will be held at a later time.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Memorial Fund at the Winslow Congregational Church, 12 Lithgow St., Winslow, ME 04901.

BEVERLY K. BARRETT

WATERVILLE – Beverly Kathleen Barrett, 87, of Harmony died peacefully on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Mount St. Joseph Nursing Care Center, in Waterville.
Beverly “Bev” was born, in Waterville, on January 4, 1935, the daughter of Reynold and Blanche (Butler) Burgess.

Bev graduated from Waterville High School in the class of 1952.

Over the years Bev was mainly a homemaker and raised her three sons. On top of the hard work put into raising three boys, she also extended a hand and helped raise many of the other children in her neighborhood. She served the community by working in various places in the Oakland area including Grant’s department store, in Waterville, and Buddies groceries, in Oakland.

In the mid 1970s Bev was able to follow her passion for books and reading when she became the Oakland elementary school librarian. She loved working with the children and loved to share her knowledge and passion for learning. She enjoyed reading to them during the school day and inspired many young students to pursue a love for books. She was known for always setting aside personally picked-out novels for them to take home.

In 1982, she met Earl Barrett, the love of her life, and they were married on November 4.

Together, they opened “Bev and Earl’s” vegetable stand on Alpine Street, in Oakland. The greeting on the vegetable stand read “Thanks for being our Friend, Keep Smiling”. Truly, these were words of wisdom that Bev lived by. Through her entire life, she was known for her kindness, selflessness, and positivity. She always extended a helping hand to anyone and made many meaningful friends along the way.

For many years during the late ‘80s and ‘90s, Bev and Earl enjoyed the summer and fall patrons stopping in to get their weekly fill of vegetables. Bev always looked forward to the opening of the vegetable stand and the return of summer friends. She loved to provide in the community and provide love and support to anyone that stopped in.

Those who were blessed to know and be part of Bev’s life realized very quickly that she was the most selfless person they would ever know. She was an angel of God put on this earth to make others smile and be better people. She had the kindest of souls. She loved being around people and was always there to listen and guide many through the good and not so good times. This quality held strong in her later years even as she battled through dementia; she was always smiling and saying, “thank you for coming to see me” and wanting to always share her ice cream that was brought specifically for her. One of her grandsons recently shared that “she was nicest person he had ever had the pleasure of knowing”, and many in her family and in the community share this same thought.

Surviving are her children, Richard and Deborah Wentworth, of Oakland, Jim and Cheryl Wentworth, of Sidney, Don and Doreen Smith, of Sidney, Roy Barrett, of Augusta, Rick Barrett, of Harmony, Roger Barrett, of Oakland, and Jerrilynn and Tim Levinsailor, of Sangerville; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, .

Besides her parents, Bev was predeceased by her first husband Myron Wentworth, husband Earl Barrett, brothers Reynold Jr. Burgess, Leonard Burgess, Earl Burgess, sisters Madeline Stubbert and Marjorie Burgess, and son Daniel Wentworth.

At their request there will be a private family service. There will be no services at this time.

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers-Wheeler, 26 Church St., Oakland. An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at: http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

Those who would like to donate in her memory, the family asks that you donate to your local school or town library. Books were significant in Bev’s life and donating in her honor may have the power to significantly change the lives of the future generation.

JOANNE L. WILLIAMS

WINSLOW – Joanne L. Williams, 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 13, 2022, at Woodlands Memory Care, of Rockland, following a battle with Alzheimer’s. Joanne was born in October of 1935, in Houlton, to Dayton and Virgie (Ross) Vail.

She grew up in Houlton as a true “county” girl, graduating from Houlton High School in 1953. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the high school cheerleading squad.

After high school Joanne continued her education at Eastern Maine General School of Nursing, in Bangor, graduating at the top of her class as a registered nurse, in 1956. It was during that time she met George “Rick” Williams on a blind date. They were married in January 1957 and eventually settled in Winslow where they raised four children together. During the early years of marriage, Joanne worked as an RN at Eastern Maine General Hospital, in Bangor, and Thayer Hospital, in Waterville. In 1971 Joanne found her true calling as a nursing instructor for The Maine School of Practical Nursing which later became part of Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield. There she worked for over 18 years. Later in her career, she was a traveling nurse who visited nursing homes to prepare health assessments.

Joanne was an involved volunteer with many organizations including president of The Waterville Business and Professional Women’s Club, Maine Home for Little Wanderers and MaineGeneral Health Auxiliary. In 1971, she was named one of the “Outstanding Young Woman of America”. She was a life-long learner and earned a degree from Thomas College, in Waterville, in 1981, obtained her Certificate in Gerontological Nursing in 1991 and in retirement became a certified grief counselor.

Joanne and George were part owners of Northeast Travel, in Waterville, which gave them the opportunity to travel to many wonderful destinations. Upon retirement, they built a beautiful home in Lady Lakes, Florida, where they wintered for about 10 years. Their family camp on Long Pond, in Belgrade, was a favorite place where they spent many memorable moments with family and friends. They later became part owners of several restaurants including Alfred’s and the Ground Round, both in Augusta.

Joanne was predeceased by her parents Dayton and Virgie (Ross) Vail, her sister Lois Loman, and granddaughter Heather Kornmann.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, George “Rick” Williams; her children, Michael and Valerie Williams, Laurie and Gerry Lizotte, Judy and Zack Matthews, Holly and Ray Caron; ten grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sister Joyce London; and brothers Kerry Vail and Kim VaiI.

A private Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow, for immediate family.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital which was near and dear to her heart. St. Jude Children’s Hospital Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

CHARLES M. POMEROY

FAIRFIELD – Charles M. Pomeroy, 72, passed away at home on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. He was born in Waterville on December 26, 1949, the son of Charles and Mary (Gerry) Pomeroy.

He graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1968.

Charlie worked at Keyes Fibre/Huhtamaki, in Waterville, for 40 years, where he had many friends. Charlie’s animated stories will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and boy could he tell stories! He could fix “Anything” with a piece of wire or duct tape.

Charlie loved hunting and fishing his entire life, passing that love on to family and friends. Charlie earned memberships into the “Biggest Bucks in Maine”, “The one that didn’t get away”, and “The Maine Skull and Antler” clubs. He was a lifelong member of the Masonic lodge.

He also loved gardening and traveling with Debi. They spent several winters in Bonita Springs, Florida, making many wonderful memories with family and friends.

Charlie was the most happy when spending time with his family, and his dogs.

He is survived by his daughter and her family, Tracy Pomeroy (Doug); granddaughter Miranda (Mike); great-grandson due in May 2023; grandson Ross, great-grandchildren Gabby and Reese; and two step-grandchildren, Maddy and Izzy; his daughter and her family, Darcy Liberty (Rob); two grandsons, Rob (Hannah); two great-grandchildren, RaeLynn and Easton, Connor (Mary); his son and his family Cory (Kirsten); granddaughter Cassidy (Cody); great-grandson Carson; granddaughter Courtney (Jared); grandson Colby (Bodhi); his sisters, Shannon, Sherry, Cindy, Trina, Jodi; and a step-brother Kenneth Charles; brothers-in-law Gary Batey (Cindy), Barry Batey (Sarah); and Aunt Marie Carr,

He was predeceased by the love of his life, Debi, his parents, a sister, and a brother, and his step mother.

A graveside service will be held in the spring, where both Charlie & Debi will be laid to rest together.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville ME 04901.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.

VALMOND H. CABANA

WATERVILLE – Valmond Harvey Cabana, 89, of Waterville, passed away at home on Wed­nesday, Nov­ember 16, 2022, after suffering from Parkin­son’s Disease for many years. Val was born in Waterville on January 31, 1933, to Evariste Thaddeus and Ida May Cyr Cabana.

He graduated from Waterville High School in 1951. He then joined the United States Navy and later worked as a Waterville Police Officer and for the U.S. Postal Service.

Val was a member of DAV, American Legion, Elks Club and the VFW. He enjoyed figure skating at Colby College and roller skating.

He is survived by his wife, Anita Cabana; his son, Michael Cabana; and his daughter, Stacey Cabana, of South Portland.

At Val’s request, there will be no visiting hours.

A graveside burial service with military honors was held at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, in Waterville, on Tuesday, November 22.

Arrangements are entrusted to Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, please visit http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com to share your memories and condolences with Val’s family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

LEON L. PEAVEY

FAIRFIELD – Leon “Bill” L. Peavey, 91, passed away, Tuesday October 25, 2022, at Maine Veterans Home, in Bangor. Leon was born in Fairfield on October 12, 1931, the son of Joseph and Leona (Pea­vey) Robinson.

He attended Fairfield school. He stopped when he went to work in the woods helping his dad cut wood with a crosscut saw.

He was known as Bill because his dad gave him the nickname Buffalo Bill when he was young. Bill was a Veteran of Foreign Wars, serving in the Army, in Korea. He was a cook in the Army.

Returning home he married Ella M. (Pottle) and he also had a milk route delivering for Fitzpatrick Dairy, of Winslow. Over his lifetime, he had other jobs, cooking, construction, and maintenance man. He loved to fish and hunt with family and friends. He built and helped in the construction of many houses. He loved to cook and was great at.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph, and Leona, his spouse, Ella, his siblings, Joseph Holmes Robinson, Inez (Robinson) Moody, Charles Robinson and his wife Vivian, Sylvia (Robinson) Kidd, and Augustus Runnells and his wife Ida, his brother-in-law, Clyde Spaulding, his brothers- in-law and sisters-in-law, Norman and Glennis Thompson, Nathan and Mavis Chase, Lawrence and Hester Pottle, Ed and Faye Pottle, James and Eileen Pottle, and Dorothy Pond.

He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Meins and her husband Jerry, of Kingman, Arizona; his son, Dana Peavey and his wife Darlene, of Clinton; his sister, Virginia Spaulding, of Sidney; his grandchildren, Dallas Lessard, of Arizona, Kevin Peavey and his wife Katina, of Clinton, and Eric Peavey and his wife Corey, of Clinton; his great-grandchildren, Denasia Call and her husband Gordon, Damien Peavey, and Elijah Clarcq; his great-great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Gordon Call Jr; and many nieces and nephews and friends.

A graveside service was held at Brown Cemetery, in Benton, on October 31.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

Vassalboro Community School honor roll (Fall 2022)

Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

High Honors

Third grade: Freya Caison, Camden Desmond, Olivia Hartford, Evelyn Meyer, Sawyer Plossay, Charlie Reynolds, Oliver Sugden, Alivia Twitchell, Mayla Wilson and Haley Witham.

Fourth grade: Hunter Brown, Kamdyn Couture, Molly Dearborn, Cooper Grant, Mikkah-Isabella Grant, Aria Lathrop, Simon Olson, Landon Quint, Willa Rafuse and Alexis Reed.

Fifth grade: Twila Cloutier, Samantha Craig, Mariah Estabrook, Leah Hyden, Lucian Kinrade, Sarina Lacroix, Isaac Leonard, Olivia Perry, Cassidy Rumba, Charles Stein, Lillian Whitmore and Cameron Willett.

Sixth grade: Samuel Bechard, Basil Dillaway, Fury Frappier, Zoe Gaffney, Savannah Judkins, Cheyenne Lizzotte, Agatha Meyer, Mackenzy Monroe, Weston Pappas, Grace Tobey and Ava Woods.

Seventh grade: Benjamin Allen, Drew Lindquist, Caleb Marden, Paige Perry and Judson Smith.

Eighth grade: Madison Burns, Henry Olson, Bryson Stratton and Mackullen Tolentino

Honors:

Third grade: Parker Bouchard, Parker Estabrook, Marley Field, Emma Freeman, Norah French, Henry Gray, Ember Irwin, Brayden Lang-Knights, Tucker Lizzotte, Finn Malloy, Gage Nason, Gabriella Reynolds, Preston Richmond, Raegin Rodgers, Trenten Theobald, Roman Wentworth, Sawyer Weston and Alivia Woods.

Fourth grade: Ryder Austin, Reese Chechowitz, Braiden Crommett, Ashton Derosby, Ashlynn Hamlin, Sophia-Lynn Howard, Tanner Hughes, Desmond Landreth, Olivia Lane, Brooklyn Leach, Landon Lindquist, Jackson Robichaud, Christopher Santiago, Asher Smith and Robert Wade.

Fifth grade: Kiara Apollo, Lukas Blais, Grace Clark, Xainte Cloutier, Wyatt Devoe, Riley Fletcher, Camden Foster, Dawson Frazer, Aubrey Goforth, Chanse Hartford, Aubrey Judkins, Landon Lagasse, Arianna Muzerolle, Jaxson Presti, Elliott Rafuse, Juliahna Rocque, Haven Trainor and Meadow Varney.

Sixth grade: Mason Brewer, Bryleigh Burns, Emily Clark, Ariyah Doyen, Allyson Gilman, Lillyana Krastev, Jack LaPierre, Kaitlyn Lavallee, Kaylee Moulton, Kassidy Proctor, Adrian Sousa and Autumn Whitmore.

Seventh grade: Dominick Bickford, Juliet Boivin, Gabriella Brundage, Zoey Demerchant, Jeffrey Feyler, Ryleigh French, Bentley Pooler, Trinity Pooler, Alana Wade and Reid Willett.

Eighth grade: Logan Chechowitz, Peyton Dowe, Xavier Foss, Bailey Goforth,Kylie Grant, Olivia Leonard, Jack Malcolm, Harley McEachern, JosslynOuellette, Noah Pooler and Grady Sounier.

Honorable Mention:

Third grade: Titus Caruthers, Layla Holt, Maksim Lacroix, Bryson McKay.

Fourth grade: Alexander Bailey, Maverick Brewer, Avery Hamlin, Kendall Karlsson, Keegan Robinson and Elliot Stratton.

Fifth grade: Aliyah Anthony, Zander Austin, Jayson Booker, Sophia Brazier, Kaylee Colfer, Brandon Fortin, Peter Giampietro, Jayden Leighton, Isaiah Smith and Eli St. Amand.

Sixth grade: Peyton Bishop, Kaleb Charlebois, Tess Foster, Keighton LeBlanc, Mia McLean, Elliot McQuarrie and Landen Theobald.

Seventh grade: Tristyn Brown, Cooper Lajoie, Mattea Strout and Hannah Tobey.

Eighth grade: Kayliana Allen, Emma Charleston, Owen Couture, Ryley Desmond, Eilah Dillaway, Wyatt Ellis, Madison Field, Caspar Hooper, Mason Lagasse, Alexis Mitton and Kaleb Tolentino.

Vassalboro town office hours adjusted for Nov. 30

The Vassalboro town office will be closed from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Nov. 30, so that office staff can meet with candidates for the position of town manager. The office will reopen at noon.

The Vassalboro select board will meet at 5 p.m. Nov. 30 in executive session to interview town manager candidates.

Vassalboro school board reviews draft lease agreement with daycare

Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

At their Nov. 15 meeting, Vassalboro school board members reviewed a draft lease agreement with Jennifer Lizotte’s daycare, which has been operating at Vassalboro Community School (VCS) with mutual satisfaction.

Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer said he, assistant principal Tabitha Brewer and director of maintenance and grounds Shelley Phillips worked on the document with Lizotte. He did not expect a Nov. 15 vote, and board members postponed final action to their December meeting (which, Pfeiffer reported later, will be earlier in the month than usual, on Wednesday, Dec. 14).

Pfeiffer said the daycare is headquartered in the one available room and shares common spaces, like the gymnasium, cafeteria, playground and front lobby, with VCS students and activities getting priority.

School board chairman Jolene Gamage questioned how much extra the daycare costs in janitorial and other services, and whether its presence in the summer adds costs or complicates summer repairs and maintenance.

Phillips said when the daycare shared Winslow school buildings, they “pretty much took care of themselves.” Cleaning had to be done anyway, and Lizotte and her staff were accepting of suggestions and easy to work with.

VCS Principal Ira Michaud said his experience has been the same: Lizotte and her staff are “very good to work with.”

The draft contract includes a $25-per-day fee, to be confirmed or changed at the December meeting. Pfeiffer said both the daycare program and the school have appropriate insurance, and the contract has had legal review.

In its present form, the contract would run to June 30, 2024, with a review scheduled in May 2023 and the possibility of amendments based on 2022-23 experience.

The other topic discussed at length Nov. 15 was Michaud’s and curriculum director Carol Kiesman’s analysis of VCS students’ performance on the NWEA tests. The letters stand for Northwest Evaluation Association; NWEA is described on line as a research-based nonprofit organization that develops assessments of student performance.

NWEA tests are widely used, Michaud said, providing a large number of students with whom to compare local results. Kiesman summarized VCS results from spring and fall 2022: “We did improve from last year to this year, but we have a long way to go.”

Michaud and Pfeiffer said VCS teachers will use their classes’ results to help find strengths and weaknesses and refine teaching methods and materials. The next important round of NWEA tests is in the spring of 2023 – but, Michaud said, the Maine Department of Education intends to change the format, making comparisons with previous results difficult. He sees the spring 2023 tests as “starting a new baseline.”

The Nov. 15 meeting was the evening of the day that 10 Maine schools – Gardiner Area High School was the closest to Vassalboro – received calls claiming an active shooter was on campus. The calls were hoaxes.

Pfeiffer said he was promptly in touch with state police and later with the Kennebec County sheriff’s office and state education officials.

Most of the rest of Pfeiffer’s report dealt with pending maintenance issues – a possible grant to improve heating and ventilation, and repair or replacement of damaged curbing along parking lots and driveways. The curbing in the staff parking lot is still the original, put in in 1992, he commented.

Kiesman enthusiastically reported that VCS pre-kindergarten classes are “all good stuff, wonderful.” The October school newsletter, available on line at vcsvikings.org, reports that pre-k students spent part of the month learning about pumpkins, including a song and crafts projects.

Speaking for finance director Paula Pooler, Pfeiffer said the budget is running as planned and the school lunch program, which in past years has lost money, is “still in the black.”

As the superintendent recommended, board members approved higher wages for some categories of employees. They met in executive session after the Nov. 15 meeting and again on Nov. 21 to continue contract discussions.

Board members accepted the resignation of kindergarten teacher Miranda Kuesport.

The Vassalboro school board’s December meeting has been scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, to avoid a conflict with the Dec. 20 VCS band and chorus holiday concert.

China transfer station committee debates use of RFID tags

by Mary Grow

China Transfer Station Committee members spent much of their Nov. 15 meeting talking about whether to continue using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags to separate China and Palermo residents from out-of-town users, or to go back to stickers on vehicles.

The RFID system was started with state grant funding in 2019. The main purpose was to track recycling.

The current system is that a resident gets one free RFID tag and can buy as many more as needed for family or business vehicles, for $10 each. People who move out of town in theory return their tags; that doesn’t always happen, Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said.

In addition to identifying users as entitled and showing where each vehicle stops inside the transfer station grounds, the system provides statistics on such things as busiest and least busy times and how often the same tag comes in.

To protect personal privacy, tags are not associated with tag-holders’ names for these purposes. As a result, transfer station attendants know for sure that someone with a tag is a resident only when they recognize the person.

Onsite transfer station supervisor Tom Maraggio asked if town office staff could notify transfer station staff when someone moves away. With about 200 deeds being processed every month, Hapgood said, staff members don’t have time.

Her main problems, with which committee members sympathized, are that people move away and continue to use the China transfer station, and residents lend RFID tags to non-residents. China taxpayers therefore end up paying to get rid of out-of-town waste; they’re getting “gypped”, in committee chairman Paul Lucas’ opinion.

“The problem is we’ve lost control over who can use the transfer station,” Palermo representative Robert Kurek summarized.

Chris Diesch, Palermo’s other representative, asked how big the problem is. Her question led to discussion of ways to give attendants limited access to the town office list connecting tags with people, so they could do random checks.

Committee members cited three objections to going back to stickers. Some people object to putting stickers on their vehicles; changing the system again so soon would make town officials look silly, in Kurek’s opinion; and Maraggio said depending on where they’re affixed, stickers are often harder for attendants to see than an RFID tag dangling from the rearview mirror.

The discussion ended with Diesch, a computer expert, and Lucas agreeing to meet and see what additional uses they can make of the RFID system.

The problem of improper disposal also plagues the Free for the Taking building, building manager Karen Hatch said. Intended as a swap shop where people can leave usable household items they no longer need, it too often acquires unusable items, including furniture and other bulky items for which the transfer station charges fees.

Discussion led to consensus that people leaving such items – the list is on the China website, www.china.govoffice.com, and posted at the transfer station – should pay the fees, even if the items go into the Free for the Taking area. If the previous owner is still on the premises when someone else claims an item, the fee might be refunded.

Transfer station staff pointed out that with winter coming, items too large to be displayed inside the building will have to be rejected anyway.

Lucas repeatedly returned to a suggestion made at earlier meetings that a guard shack be installed at the transfer station gate, where an attendant could direct people to proper disposal areas and collect fees as needed. No one else followed up.

In other business, Maraggio and Director of Public Services Shawn Reed proposed a custom-made liftable metal cover for the pre-crusher.

Reed said the new loader, to be shared by public works and transfer station crews, is here. He hopes the snow-pusher attachment will arrive in a week or so.

Maraggio plans to update the transfer station five-year plan. Briefly-mentioned potential recommendations include replacing the mixed waste hopper, which Reed said has been repeatedly repaired; buying a closed container to store mattresses, of which Maraggio said he gets about 10 a week; and installing a proper lighting system in the Free for the Taking building.

Maraggio said work is going smoothly at the moment. Each transfer station employee has a specialty, but all are cross-trained and able to assist each other. Relocating a cardboard bin near the mixed waste hopper has improved traffic flow.

Hapgood reported receiving many compliments on Maraggio’s Halloween decorations at the station entrance.

Committee members scheduled their next meeting for 9 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 20, in the town office meeting room.

China town office, transfer station closed Nov. 24-25

The China town office and transfer station will be closed Thursday, Nov. 24, and Friday, Nov. 25, for the Thanksgiving holiday. On Saturday, Nov. 26, both will be open as usual, the town office from 8 to 11 a.m. and the transfer station from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Local church collects for Samaritans Purse

Gift boxes filled by China Baptist Church

Last Sunday was collection day for the ‘shoebox ministry’ of Samaritans Purse. Individuals fill shoeboxes with gifts intended for a boy or girl, in a specific age group. Suggested items include school supplies, hygiene items, hair accessories, toys, etc. These are then distributed around the world to children in over 170 countries and territories.

The shoebox ministry began in 1993 as a way to support the war torn country of Bosnia. That year 28,000 boxes were sent to children in the Balkans. Last year more than 10.5 million boxes were collected and distributed. This year the China Baptist Church filled 29 boxes…a small part in a very big mission.

Owen Riddle achieves Eagle Scout

Eagle Scout Owen Riddle, 14, of Sidney shows off the more than 70 merit badges he has earned in Scouting since joining in 2019. During Covid-19, many Scouting programs stopped meeting but many met virtually and Owen was able to meet with Merit Badge Counselors not only from around the country but as far away as Germany to complete some of the badges. To earn Eagle, a Scout must have earned 22 Merit Badges including 13 required for Eagle.

by Chuck Mahaleris

Owen Riddle, 14, of Sidney, received Scouting’s highest honor, the Eagle Scout rank, after earning more than 70 merit badges and completing a project for the Messalonskee Middle School where he attends school.

Family and friends from as far away as Pennsylvania gathered at the Augusta Elks Lodge on Saturday, November 12, to witness the ceremony. “I like challenges,” Owen said before receiving the Eagle rank. “Scouting is a lot of fun and I enjoy the program a lot.”

“By the authority vested in me by the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America, it is my privilege and pleasure to pronounce you an Eagle Scout,” announced Pittsfield Troop #428 Scoutmaster Shelley Connolly. Owen’s mother, Sarah Riddle, then pinned the Eagle Scout medal on his uniform shirt pocket flap. His father, David Riddle, swapped off Owen’s old neckerchief for the new Eagle Scout neckerchief.

Owen received his first rank in his Scout Troop, the Scout Rank, on May 17, 2019. During his Eagle ceremony, he was presented 10 Eagle Scout Palms – one for every five merit badges he has earned above the 22 necessary to attain the rank of Eagle. Other awards he has received in Scouting include the Messenger of Peace Award, the National Outdoor Achieve­ment Award for Camp­ing, the Tho­mas Edison Super Nova recognition, the National Outdoor Achieve­ment Award for Conser­vation, the World Conser­vation Award, and the 50th Anniversary Environ­mental Protection Award.

Eagle Scout Dr. Paul Buckthal, Owen’s grandfather, led his grandson and the other Eagle Scouts in the room in the Eagle Scout Charge. “When you pledge yourself on your sacred honor, using the same words which are found at the end of the Declaration of Independence, you seal your eternal loyalty to the code of the Eagle Scout.” Paul earned his Eagle in 1962 but said that the skills he learned in Scouting and the life lessons of the Eagle Scout rank have been prominent in his life ever since.

“The Eagle soars high and seeks to rest only upon the lofty peaks,” Scoutmaster Connelly said. “As an Eagle Scout, you too must soar high. You must not swerve from the path of duty. You must strive to obtain that which is highest and noblest in life.” His Eagle Scout project saw the construction of eight handicap accessible picnic tables at Messalonskee MIddle School.

After high school, Owen plans to attend medical school and become a doctor. “My life vision is to become an individual that can help others,” he said. “I always feel great about myself when I am helping others in need.”

Issue for November 17, 2022

Issue for November 17, 2022

Celebrating 34 years of local news

China Lake water quality remains consistent

To this day, China Lake continues to be KWD’s sole source of supply providing drinking water for over 22,000 people in five communities. KWD has worked diligently throughout the years to protect and improve the water quality in China Lake by supporting and implementing many different initiatives. The two main areas of focus on over the past year have been (1) land management of the approximately 344 acres owned by KWD surrounding the West Basin and (2) increasing the already extensive water quality sampling KWD regularly conducts… by Robbie Bickford

Town News

Select board told weather cause of poor lake water quality

VASSALBORO – Webber Pond Association President John Reuthe brought Vassalboro select board members information and recommendations on the lake’s water quality, at their Nov. 10 meeting…

Building committee recommends looking ahead

CHINA – At least two members of China’s Municipal Building Committee plan to join chairman Sheldon Goodine at the Nov. 21 China select board meeting, hoping to persuade select board members to see the future through their eyes…

Final results from November 8 election

CHINA – Because of several write-in candidates for local elected positions and a technical glitch with the town website, results of China’s Nov. 8 local votes were incompletely reported in the Nov. 10 issue of The Town Line

Town to conduct survey to redevelop Mill Island Park

FAIRFIELD – The Town of Fairfield’s Economic and Community Development Committee (FECDC) has created a variety of surveys to assist with the redevelopment of Mill Island Park. Divided into six (6) separate surveys, residents and community members are able to provide valuable public input and insight as to how they would like to see the public park enhanced…

Local happenings

Skowhegan wins another field hockey state title

SKOWHEGAN – On Saturday, November 5, Skowhegan Area High School won its 20th field hockey state championship, defeating Cheverus High School, of Portland, at Messalonskee High School field, in Oakland… by Mark Huard

Happy birthday to a dear friend

ALBION – Rena Harding, of Albion, spent her 100th birthday on October 29, 2022, at home with family and friends…

The Remembrance Tree

Help us decorate the tree and at the same time remember a loved one. For only $10 a ball, you can commemorate a love one who has passed. Mail your donation and the names of your remembered loved ones to The Town Line, PO Box 89, South China, ME 04358. Deadline is Friday, December 16!

EVENTS: Tea and Troubadour: A literary tea

AUGUSTA – Recycled Shakespeare Company is beginning their tenth season with their popular Literary Tea on Sunday, December 4, 2022, in the beautiful hall of the South Parish Congrega­tional Church, 9 Church Street, in Augusta…

EVENTS: Volunteers still needed for Festival of Trees

WATERVILLE – Additional volunteers are still needed as the Alfond Youth & Community Center presents Family Festival of Trees again this holiday season, continuing a proud tradition begun by the Sukeforth family in 2015…

EVENTS: Waterville Rotary Club launches annual charity auction

WATERVILLE – The 59th annual Waterville Rotary Auction with hundreds of gifts, services and unique items will once again be held on-line through Bidding Owl.com. If you would like more information about the online auction November 27 through December 3, 2022…

Name that film!

Identify the film in which this famous line originated and qualify to win FREE passes to Railroad Square Cinema in Waterville: “As God is my witness, I’ll never go hungry again.” Email us at townline@townline.org with subject “Name that film!” Deadline for submission is December 7, 2022…

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Augusta fires & fire departments – Part 4 (new)

AUGUSTA HISTORY – Charles W. Ricker was Augusta’s chief engineer for more than a decade, starting in 1893. In the city’s annual report for the fiscal years that ended March 1, 1894, Mayor Charles A. Milliken wrote: “I think politics should be eliminated from this department. The present chief engineer is a competent man and I think should be retained… by Mary Grow [1949 words]

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Augusta fires & fire departments – Part 3

AUGUSTA HISTORY – After the April 12, 1861, southern attack on Fort Sumter started the Civil War, James North’s Augusta history focused on the local contribution to and effects of the war. He did not neglect other events, however, including fires and firefighting. Early on, he combined the two topics, describing the patriotic parade on Thursday, April 18, 1861, that was led by the Augusta Band, with the Pacific Fire Engine Company next in line… by Mary Grow [1886 words]

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Augusta fires & fire departments – Part 2

AUGUSTA HISTORY – Another fire Augusta historian James North described was the one that destroyed Augusta’s bridge across the Kennebec River the night of April 2, 1827. It was spotted a little after 11 p.m. and spread so fast that the “citizens [who] rushed to the scene of conflagration with fire engine and buckets” could do nothing… by Mary Grow [1881 words]

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Augusta fires & fire departments – Part 1

AUGUSTA HISTORY – James North’s year by year history of Augusta, published in 1870, records several fires before the 1865 disaster. The first he knew of was in 1785 (when Augusta was still the northern part of Hallowell): “Elias Craig’s Hatter’s shop” burned on Dec. 1… by Mary Grow [1736 words]

Webber’s Pond

Webber’s Pond is a comic drawn by an anonymous central Maine resident (click thumbnail to enlarge)…

2022-’23 Real Estate Tax Due Dates

Real estate tax due dates for the towns of Albion, China, Fairfield, Oakland, Palermo, Sidney, Vassalboro, Waterville, Windsor and Winslow…

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Maine Author Talk with Betty Culley

VASSALBORO — Betty Culley’s debut novel Three Things I Know Are True, was a Kids’ Indie Next List Top Ten Pick, an ALA-YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Nominee, and the 2021 Maine Literary Book Award winner for Young People’s Literature, Saturday December 3, at 10:30 a.m… and many other local events!

Obituaries

VASSALBORO – Elizabeth K. Serwin, 90, died Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at home, following a brief illness. She was born in Lebanon, South Dakota, on January 4, 1932, a daughter of the late Maurice and Elizabeth Kinsley… and remembering 14 others.

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | Recently, in my travels throughout central Maine, I have seen an unusual number of opossums dead on our highways. There seems to be more and more of them present these days…

FOR YOUR HEALTH

(NAPSI) | If you are like the majority of Americans, heart disease and eye disease run in your family. So you should know that a growing body of research suggests that eye and heart health are related…

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates | After the very sad four White House years of Franklin Pierce, that of former 15th President James Buchanan (1791-1868), with the help of his niece/hostess Harriet Lane (1830-1903), began with an inaugural ball described as follows by Christine Sadler in her 1963 America’s First Ladies

LIFE ON THE PLAINS

by Roland D. Hallee | Winters on The Plains in the 1950s and ‘60s were a challenge, to say the least. Anyone of my generation will remember winters back then, for some reason, were a lot rougher than they are today. In my opinion, winters now are nothing compared to back then…

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Research Suggests An Eye-Heart Connection

Senior Woman Suffering From Chest Pain While Sitting On Bench

(NAPSI)—If you are like the majority of Americans, heart disease and eye disease run in your family. So you should know that a growing body of research suggests that eye and heart health are related. The latest study suggests that people with a specific form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are at significant risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke.  

About AMD

AMD is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in people over 65 years old. There are two types of AMD. The type called dry AMD happens when the central area of the retina called the macula becomes damaged from the formation of small yellow cholesterol deposits under the retina. These deposits deprive the retina of blood and oxygen, leading to vision loss. The type of deposits the researchers believe are linked to heart disease are called subretinal drusenoid deposits.

The new study adds to the list of several health conditions an eye exam may help detect.  

The Eye as a Window into Heart Health  

Blood vessels and nerves in the eyes are reflective of the rest of the body. That’s why medical conditions such as stroke, heart disease, some cancers, and diabetes are sometimes first diagnosed by an ophthalmologist during a routine eye exam.  

Here’s what ophthalmologists want you to know about protecting both your eye and heart health:  

1. Eat well. A heart-healthy diet full of leafy greens and colorful fruits is also good for the eyes. Studies show foods rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids can lower risk of certain eye diseases, including macular degeneration, cataracts, and dry eye.  

2. Exercise. The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of exercise a day. For eye health, the science shows regular exercise can protect your vision and, if you already have an eye disease, it can help you manage it better.  

3. Know your family history. Early detection is key. Many leading causes of blindness run in the family, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. Know your family history and share it with your ophthalmologist at your next eye exam.  

4. Get routine eye exams. Seeing an ophthalmologist could do more than save your eyesight, it can also save your life. When David Hibler, Sr. went to get his eyes checked, his ophthalmologist detected signs of a blood clot. Thanks to a thorough eye exam, Hibler got treated and avoided a potential stroke. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends all adults receive a comprehensive eye exam by age 40, and every year or two after age 65.

Eye Exams Can Save Lives. 

EyeCare America Can Help

There could be good news for individuals age 65 or older who are concerned about their risk of eye disease and/or the cost of an eye exam: You may be eligible for a medical eye exam, often at no out-of-pocket cost, through the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeCare America® program. This public service program matches volunteer ophthalmologists with eligible patients in need of eye care across the United States. To see if you or a loved one qualifies, visit EyeCare America. EyeCare America is co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Inc., with additional support provided by Alcon and Regeneron.

Learn More

For more information, visit www.aao.org/eyecare-america. 

LIFE ON THE PLAINS: Winters on the Plains were challenging

by Roland D. Hallee

Winters on The Plains in the 1950s and ‘60s were a challenge, to say the least. Anyone of my generation will remember winters back then, for some reason, were a lot rougher than they are today. In my opinion, winters now are nothing compared to back then.

We would get blizzard after blizzard of 14 inches or more on a regular basis. And, they didn’t call off school because of a few snowflakes. Most of us, whether it was Notre Dame School, South Grammar, or St. Francis School, walked. Only kids that lived “in the country” were bussed.

My dad would say – and I relayed that to my children later – “In my days, we walked to school in blizzards, and it was uphill both ways.”

Other challenges also presented themselves. Like snow removal. The city had plows to take care of the streets, but there were not a lot of privateers who plowed driveways. Besides, my dad had four strapping boys, and our grandfather lived next door.

We would put on our snow suits, boots, hats and mittens, and out the door we’d go. I remember a few times when we couldn’t even open the door due to the snow drifts against the door, which eventually prompted my dad and grandfather to install panels on the porches to keep the snow from drifting.

Using snow scoops and shovels, we began the process of shoveling, and clearing, the snow from a 100-foot-long driveway.

Of course, there were some “incidences”. One time, while shoveling the front walkway and steps, my younger brother stood on the railing of the porch to knock down some icycles. Well, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity when it presented itself. I gave him a gentle nudge, and he fell head first into a snow bank. With only his legs from the knees down showing, and wiggling, – I laughed – my grandfather was able to pull him out in short order. But, I can tell you right now, that did not go unpunished. But, thinking back, it was worth it.

The snowbanks would get so high, I would estimate probably seven to eight feet, once the work was done, we would take out the shovels, and begin to dig out tunnels, and chambers, where we would stash snowballs for a later assault on neighborhood kids. Oh, how I loved those snowball fights.

Once the activities were complete, we would head indoors where our mother was waiting to handle our wet clothes. She would have the woodstove going, and we would sit in front of it with our feet on the door to get them thawed. Hot chocolate and cookies would usually be included in this ritual.

At school, the boys would go out at recess and head to the towering snowbanks at the end of the church parking lot, where the nuns discouraged us from going. And there, we played “king of the mountain”. Some of the bigger guys would go to the top of the mounds, and others would try to ascend to the summit and displace the “kings”. Sometimes, it turned into a melee, and the nuns so disapproved of such actions.

Winters were tough, but so were we.