EVENTS: Gaslight Theater to present Agatha Christie thriller “The Stranger”

/0 Comments/in , /by

Gaslight Theater rehearsal of The Stranger in September. Pictured, left to right, are Matthew McLaughlin, of Portland, as Gerald, Andrew Lamb, of Augusta, as Dick, and Gwenyth Fraser, of Brunswick, as Enid. (photo by John Rider)

HALLOWELL, ME — This November Gaslight Theater proudly presents The Stranger, by Agatha Christie, at Hallowell City Hall Auditorium, located at 1 Winthrop Street, in Hallowell. Theater patrons can choose from six performance dates over two weekends, including Sunday matinees, November 11, 12 and 13 and 18, 19 and 20. Friday and Saturday shows start at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinee performances start at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, cash, check and credit card accepted at the door. For more information visit Gaslight Theater online at www.gaslighttheater.org.

Directed by Linda Duarte, The Stranger is an adaptation by Agatha Christie, of her short story Philomel Cottage. The play centers around Enid Bradshaw, who breaks her seven-year engagement to Dick Lane in favor of marrying the charming Gerald Strange, whom she had known for a mere afternoon. The two move to a cottage in the country in Act Two, and it is then that we get a sense of Gerald’s true character. Things are not always what they seem, of course, and a well-placed red herring plus Enid’s fascination with Scheherazade and One Thousand and One Nights add key elements to the plot.

For more information visit Gaslight Theater online at www.gaslighttheater.org.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, October 20, 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

KENNETH M. DOUIN

SIDNEY –Kenneth M. Douin, 69, of Augusta and Sidney, died on Thursday, September 15, 2022, following a brave struggle with Alz­heimer’s Di­sease. He was born on Dec­ember 27, 1952, in Au­gusta, the son of Benoit and Cecile Douin.

He was educated in Augusta schools and graduated from Cony High School.

Ken spoke of his parents with love and gratitude saying he would never change anything about his childhood. He was brought up to contribute, to work hard, and appreciate life. At nine years old, he worked delivering milk and shared a massive paper route with his brother. He helped his father maintain the family garden. Ken worked alongside his parents on their home and apartments on Penobscot Street. Small in stature, Ken was mighty in spirit and determination.

Trying to find his way, Ken worked at 15 years old for the city of Augusta mowing the grass at city cemeteries. Ken was shy and never wanted to draw attention. He loved to tell the story of falling through a grave and coffin at the back of the cemetery. Seeing a skeleton, feeling scared and embarrassed, he ran a fast as he could to the sidewalk causing great laughter among coworkers. Feather white and shaking, Ken walked home early that day.

Ken began to realize he had some skill working with his hands. He worked for McKee Construction, meeting on the job, a wonderful master carpenter and mentor, Delbert Plaisted. They became fast friends, continuing with their friendship until Del’s death in 2019. Ken built Del’s last home in Belgrade. During Ken’s employment, he began working “side jobs”. He used this experience to develop his own building and remodeling business. His work was solid, creative, and beautiful. Ken’s last employment was with the YMCA in Manchester.

During his business days, he hired an old friend, Richard Dudley and nephews Scott and Jason Douin. This crew was filled with singing, bad jokes, and made up lyrics to hymns. “Drop kick me Jesus through the goalpost of life,” a group favorite.

Capable of great love and tenderness, Ken cared deeply for his sweetheart, Louise Earle. Her son, Jay Barrett and his daughter Natalea, were part of his heart. Natalea was his granddaughter. His “chickadee”. His partner on the four-wheeler and in the pool.

Ken was predeceased by his parents, and his sister, Irene, who died some time ago. Ken mourned her passing for the rest of his life.

Ken is survived by siblings, Dom, of Augusta and Jackie, of Vassalboro, and nephews Scott and Jason Douin and C. J. Roy; a niece Danielle Sirois and her son; his partner, Louise Earle.

No services are planned at this time.

LINDA K. WALLS

CHELSEA – On Monday, September 26, 2022, Linda K. Walls, 76, passed away in Augusta. Linda was born in Portland in the fall of 1943, daughter of the late Wallace and Catherine (Crocker) Francis.

She attended Portland High School and she received an associate degree from the University of Southern Maine. Linda worked at the Finance Authority of Maine for many years, moving into a well-earned retirement in February 2022.

Linda was a truly generous and hardworking woman who blazed her own path. She spent much of her time caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and gardening in her large perennial flower beds. Linda loved reading, her daily crossword puzzles, writing poetry, and attending church where she volunteered as a Sunday school teacher. Linda‘s kindness, sharp wit, and pragmatic optimism will be deeply missed.

Linda is survived by her son, Charles and wife, Nancy; brother, Wallace Francis and wife, Michelle; sister, Cheryll and husband, Ron; half-sister, Delores Dow and husband, Neal; her grandchildren, Christopher and wife Jessie, Cheri and partner Curtis, Danica and husband Matt, Cassandra and husband André, and Camille; great-grandchildren Ty, Syiah, Kayanne, Avelina, and Scarlett; as well as many nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Nanette; her mother, Kay, and father, Wallace.

A memorial service is being held on Saturday, October 22, at 11 a.m., at Fellowship Baptist Church, 237 Eastern Ave., Augusta. Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, in Portland, on Monday, October 24, at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are in the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Fellowship Baptist Church.

PATSY A. VENEZIANO

WINSLOW – Patsy Ann (Violette) Veneziano, 75, of Winslow passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at home. She was born in Waterville on December 6, 1946, a daughter of Harvey and Ruth (Oliver) Violette.

She graduated from Waterville schools.

Patsy worked in banking as a teller, as an office clerk for GHM Insurance Agency, in Waterville, and Miles Carpenter Insurance Agency, in Skowhegan, as well as an office secretary at the former law firm of Daviau, Jabar and Batten, in Waterville. She could be described as very friendly and outgoing. She enjoyed engaging in conversations, sharing stories and experiences as well as her advice.

She found enjoyment in listening to music, reading, kayaking, taking trips to the ocean, sailing and flying as co-pilot to her life partner Jack. Spending time with friends and family, taking annual shopping trips to New Hampshire with a few of her closest friends and cheering on the New England Patriots were things in which she found great pleasure. She was an animal lover and her dogs and cats were very special to her. She was a devoted and faithful Catholic.

Patsy was predeceased by her father, Harvey Violette, of Oakland in 2017, her mother, Ruth (Oliver) Violette, of Waterville, in 1971; her brother, Larry Violette, of Oakland, in 2010; her step-mother, Albertine (Dunton) Violette in 2016; and her late husband of 26 years, David Veneziano, in 2000.

Patsy is survived by her life partner, Jack Pickett; her children, Jody Veneziano and her partner, Megan Alexander, of Augusta, Jill MacDonald, of Waterville and James Veneziano and his wife, Kaitlyn, of China; her brother, Donald Violette and his wife, Janie, of Waterville; her sister, Sandy Violette and her husband, Dave, of Winslow; cousin, Betty Ann Merrill, of Maryland; grandchildren Tyler and Lauren MacDonald, Anthony and Eliana Veneziano; as well as six nieces and a nephew.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday October 22, at 11 a.m., at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville, with burial to follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville.

A gathering will take place after the burial at O’Brien’s Irish Restaurant, 375 Main St., Waterville.

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

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to The American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html), or The Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

KATHLEEN A GEROUX

JEFFERSON – Kathleen Ann Geroux, 77, of Jefferson, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at Lincoln Health. She was born in Gardiner on March 23, 1945, the daughter of Stanley and Goldie (Boynton) Cunningham, of Chelsea. She attended local schools. She married the love of her life of 53 years, Romeo James Geroux, of Jefferson, on July 3, 1964, in Augusta. She was a homemaker raising their two children, Tracey and Jamie.

As the kids grew older she worked many years by her husband’s side coon hunting, worm digging and elver fishing. After his passing in 2017 she spent a lot of time with family including her brother, Roger and sisters, Charlene and Lynnette. She loved puzzle books and playing board games.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband, Romeo “Jim” Geroux and brother, Dewayne.

She is survived by daughter, Tracey Geroux Gervais and husband Glenn, of Jefferson; son, Romeo “Jamie” Geroux II and partner Holly Jo Kirkpatrick, of Jefferson; five grandchildren, Derek, Cody, Tyler, Kaleigh and Arianna; great-grandchild, Wyatt; brothers, Ron Cunningham and wife Jeanne, of Pittston, Carroll Cunningham and wife Patsy, of Jefferson, Roger Cunningham, of Windsor, Rodney Cunningham and wife Leda, of Windsor, Charlene Cunningham and partner Jimmy Raymond, of Windsor, Lynnette Bailey, and husband Gary, of Waterville; and many nieces, nephews and in-laws.

There will be no services, per Kathy’s request. A private burial will be held at Trask Lawn Cemetery.

APRIL J. NORED

CHINA – April Jane (Spencer) Nored, 56, of China, passed away on Saturday, October 1, 2022, following a brave and fierce fight against aggressive late-stage cancer this year.

April grew up the second of five children in Chelsea. April’s sense of humor and quick wit were evident even as a little girl. She had a laugh that made you laugh along with her even if you didn’t hear the punchline. Her beauty was ageless and still got her carded when she picked up a box of her favorite Pinot Grigio. You could find her offering interior design advice to friends and family, helping clients find their dream homes across Maine, hanging out on China Lake with her husband Eric, or teaching her deaf dog sign language. Yes, really.

Her children were her greatest source of pride and happiness. She always supported and celebrated anything they wanted to pursue and would do anything to help them achieve it. Her only rules were to take no crap from anyone and let her know when they got home safe.

As her kids grew up and got married, April wanted nothing more than to be a grandmother. April got her wish this year, welcoming her grandson Jack Nicholas Kevin in June and granddaughter Clara April just three weeks before she passed. One day when they are old enough Jack and Clara will learn just how hard their “Glamma” fought to meet them and hold them in her arms. Her grandchildren kept her going through the darkest and most challenging days of her illness.

April is survived by her husband Eric Nored; children Kylie Low, Nicholas Keene, Hanna Hickey and their spouses; stepson Myles Nored; grandchildren Jack and Clara; parents Dick and Jane Condon; siblings Angela Lyon, Dick Condon, Roxanne Condon, and Roberta DuPont; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

A celebration of April Nored’s life was held on Sunday, October 16, Augusta Elks Lodge.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Underhound Railroad dog rescue organization in April’s name at underhoundrailroad.org.

DOLORES C. DOODY

WATERVILLE – Dolores “Dee” Cashman Doody, 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, October 6, 2022. Dee was born on June 10, 1933, to John and Bertha Cashman, the youngest of seven children.

She was a longtime resident of Fairfield.

She lived briefly in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, as a child during World War II and the last few years in Waterville. She graduated from Lawrence High school, in Fairfield, in 1951, worked briefly at the Fairfield Creamery and then began a 39-year career at Keyes Fibre Co. (Huhtamaki), in Waterville, retiring in 1992. She enjoyed her time away from work for seven years before beginning her favorite employment as a bus monitor in SAD #49.

In August 1952 she married her one and only love, James (Big Jim) Doody and they enjoyed nearly 33 years together until his death. Her favorite pastime was listening to him play his guitar, especially at camp on Unity Pond where family and friends often gathered. After his passing, she enjoyed playing the slots, family gatherings, the Friday morning “breakfast group” and the Dunkin’ coffee group.

Dee was predeceased by all her siblings, brothers Alton, Jack, and Ken Cashman, sisters Marie Lachance, Elaine Greene, and Gloria Clukey, a granddaughter, Autumn, and nearly all her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

She is survived by three sons and a daughter, James B. and his wife Rhonda, Kevin and Loretta, Sonja Morin and Tim, and Ron and his wife Ann; grandchildren Josh and Tyson Doody, Zachary and Anisa Doody, Dan and Katrina Parks, and Ryan and Paige Doody; many great- grandchildren.

There will be a graveside service and celebration of life on what would have been her 90th birthday, June 10, 2023.

FREDERICK M. POOLER

VASSALBORO – Frederick “Rick” M. Pooler, 62, passed away Saturday, October 8, 2022, at his home. He was born Nov­em­ber 26, 1959, in Augusta, the son of Edgar F. Sr. and Kathe­rine E. (Hunt­er) Pooler.

He attended Waterville High School, then entered the military, earned his GED and proudly served his country in the United States Army until his honorable discharge. On August 29, 1992, he married Sharon Pooler, in Vassalboro.

He was employed at Oakhust Dairy, Colonial Distributers, and worked five years for the railroad. Most recently, he worked at Kris-Way Truck Leasing for 16 years. He was a member of the National Rifle Association.

Rick enjoyed spending time with his mom, drinking coffee and playing cribbage, spending holidays with his family and friends. He loved playing scratch tickets and collecting sports cards. His dog, Harley, was very special to him.

He is survived by his mother, Katherine E. Pooler, of Vasalboro; brother, Edgar Pooler Jr. and wife Judy, of Fairfield; sisters, Laurie Connelly and husband Tim, of Vassalboro, Bridget Hutchison and husband Brian, of Unity, Merlene Williamson and husband Glen, of Whitefield; step-daughter, Beth Kern and husband Mark, of Minnesota; three step-grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, of Minnesota; nieces and nephews, Tommy, Josh, Tony, Katie and Joe; aunt, Joanne Connor of Gardiner; sister-in-law, Shelley Pushard; brother-in-law, Robert Nason Jr.

He was predeceased by his wife, Sharon Pooler, in October 2021; father, Edgar Pooler Sr., in 2012; brother, Rodney Pooler, in 1982.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, October 30, 2022, at 2 p.m., at the Vassalboro Village Cemetery, Vassalboro. Reception to follow at 65 Katie Drive, Vassalboro.

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

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Rick’s memory to Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville ME 04901.

PAULA A. COLE

WINSLOW – Paula A. Cole, 63, passed away at her home on Sunday, October 9, 2022. Paula was born on April 25, 1959, at the Sisters Hospital, in Waterville.

Paula attended high school in Skowhegan and graduated from Winslow High School in 1977. She worked in several departments at MaineGeneral Health for 41 years, starting in 1981. Most notably, her time at the former Adolescent Center of which she always spoke fondly. She was an animal lover in the highest respect and always had cats and dogs by her side. She loved the ocean in southern Maine and spent many family vacations there. She recently vacationed in the Wells area with her sister.

Paula is survived by her husband, Shane Cole, of Winslow; two sons, Alex Johnson, of Vassalboro, and Robert Johnson, of Fairfield; grandson Alexander Johnson, of Fairfield; sister Carla Jenness, of Portland; daughter-in-law Amanda Johnson, of Vassalboro; brothers-in-law Scott Cole, Stewart Cole, Saul Cole, Seth Cole; sisters-in-law Sonya Cole, Shelly Cole; and mother-in-law Sue Cole.

Paula was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Mary Jenness, of Winslow, aunts Teresa and Franca Megazzini, of Waterville, and father-in-law Steven Cole.

A graveside service will be at Saint Francis Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville, Friday, October 21, 2022, at noon.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral home.

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

In lieu of flowers and cards, Paula would want donations made to the Somerset Animal Shelter, 123 Middle Rd., Skowhegan, ME 04976.

DOUGLAS E. MORSE

OAKLAND – Douglas E. Morse, 62, known to those closest to him as “Popeye”, passed away on Friday, October 14, 2022, following a valiant and courageous fight with pancreatic cancer. Doug was born in San Antonio, Texas, on July 28, 1960, a son of Chester Morse, Sr. and Dianne Vicnaire Goodwin.

Living up to the creed that everything is bigger in Texas, Doug lived a big life filled with taking chances, laughing often, and adventures. He liked a good dare and would try anything once. From white water rafting, to skydiving, and piloting planes, he believed in embracing life. His daughters looked forward to his visits to San Diego, California, where he would join them in Tomato Battles, Mud Runs, rock climbing, surfing, and horseback riding the Hollywood Hills. He preferred to be outside and enjoyed hiking and parasailing. He was a dreamer who taught his girls and grandchildren that anything was possible, if they just believe. Doug had a childlike energy that drew people to him and embodied the motto “you don’t stop playing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop playing.”

Doug also was an avid sports fan with his favorite team and sport being whatever his children and grandchildren were playing at the time. If he wasn’t coaching their team, he was sitting with the crowd cheering them on.

After graduating from Nokomis High School, in Newport, Doug spent his career in various professions. He loved to meet people, developed friendships easily, and could sell anything. He also had an entrepreneurial spirit. In 2020, he and his now wife, Kait, established Integrity Pest Solutions. He worked endless hours to grow the company and is thankful to his wife and customers for their success over the past two years.

He is survived by his wife, Kait; his children Heather, Beth, D.J. and James; grandchildren Roberta, Summer, Ashton, Kaleb, Aiden, Luke, Gabe, and Charlotte; one great-grandson, Mason; father, Chester, Sr.; siblings Chester, Jr. and wife Anita, Ray-Allen and wife Kristina, Debra and husband Robert, Ricky and wife Vicki, and Cindy and companion Yves; his first wife and mother to his three girls, Cheryl; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his mother, Dianne, and his stepdad, Robert.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, October 20, at Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, in Pittsfield, with long time family friend and pastor, Pastor Peter Campbell officiating. A committal will follow at the Pine Grove Cemetery, Hartland. A potluck celebration of his life will follow at the St. Albans Community Center. All are welcome.

To leave a message of kindness or to share a memory, please visit http://www.shoreynichols.com.

Care has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, Pittsfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made in Doug’s honor to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network- http://www.pancan.org.

OTHERS DEPARTED

LUCILLE L. McCANNON

SWAMPSCOTT, Massachusetts – Lucille LeClair McCannon, 77, of Swamp­scott, Massa­chusetts, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, October 16, 2022, at NSMC-Salem Hospital. Lucille was born in Waterville, on November 14, 1944, daughter of the late Leo and Laurence (Maheu) LeClair. She was raised and educated in Fairfield, graduating from Lawrence High School then moving to Massachusetts shortly thereafter.

She went on to work as a branch manager for Salem Five Bank, then later on as a sales representative for Eastern Bank. She was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church, in Swampscott, where she taught CCD for 20 years.

CATHERINE E. LEONARD

RYE, New Hampshire – Catherine Elizabeth Cahill Leonard “Kay”, 83, formerly of Wells and Waterville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 15, 2022.

Kay retired from the Waterville School Department where she was an AP/AR Specialist for many years working with a wonderful group of people who she enjoyed so much. Kay was very active in her kids’ school activities, social clubs and her church. Kay and Tom lived a number of places but spent the majority of their lives in the Waterville/Winslow, area until they retired to Wells, and Jekyll Island, Georgia.

China selectmen get glowing report from school super

/0 Comments/in , /by
by Mary Grow

Regional School Unit #18 Superintendent Carl Gartley (a China resident) and China’s representatives to the RSU #18 board talked with select board members at the Oct. 11 select board meeting.

The new school year is going well, Gartley reported. RSU officials are making progress on three goals: improving attendance, strengthening students’ math and reading skills and involving parents. The number of AP (Advanced Placement, or college-level) courses has increased, giving graduates who attend two-year or four-year colleges a head start – and cost savings.

Despite the national teacher shortage, RSU #18 started the school year with no vacant positions, Gartley said – perhaps the only central Maine district to do so.

“The facilities look great,” he said. Plans for next year include new siding for China Middle School.

Gartley told select board chairman Ronald Breton that when he planned the current year’s school budget a year ago, he budgeted for substantial cost increases, for example in fuel. He also makes as many long-term arrangements as he can, to minimize unexpected year-to-year changes.

RSU board member Jamie Bachinski said the three children who came to the meeting with him were his reason for serving on the board. He commended Gartley and the rest of the administration for “doing an excellent job.”

RSU board member Dawn Castner, who is a candidate for re-election Nov. 8, said after enjoying teaching for five decades, board service keeps her involved in education from a different perspective.

RSU #18 includes Belgrade, China, Oakland, Rome and Sidney. The administrative office is in Oakland.

Later in the meeting, Brent Chesley withdrew as a China member of the RSU #18 Cost Share Committee, because he is unable to attend the first scheduled meeting. Select board members unanimously appointed Dennis Campbellton in his place, joining Breton and Castner.

Gartley explained that a five-town, 15-member committee is created every five years to review the formula that divides the local share of RSU costs among the towns. The current formula is based 75 percent on each town’s property valuation and 25 percent on its student population, he said.

During the public comment period near the end of the meeting, Campbellton asked if public comment could be moved to the beginning of the meeting, so that audience members could speak before select board members made decisions. Board member Wayne Chadwick said if an audience member asks to be recognized at any point in discussion, the board chair normally obliges. Chesley, one of three candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot for three select board seats, agreed.

In other business Oct. 11, Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood reported “a great head start” in response to the amnesty program for residents who made changes on their properties without required town permits (see The Town Line, Sept. 29, p. 3). Many people are appreciative and want to become compliant, she said. She plans to meet with town attorney Amanda Meader to discuss known offenders who do not come forward.

The codes officer has a list of “major issues,” she said, and as the assessor’s quarterly reviews proceed, more unpermitted changes are likely to be reported.

Hapgood shared photos of digital signs she and South China fire chief Richard Morse looked at as they planned to buy a new sign for the South China fire station. She recommended, and select board members unanimously approved, the least expensive one, sold by Neokraft Signs Inc., of Lewiston, for $22,938, plus the cost of an electrical connection to the fire house.

After the meeting, Hapgood said the price might change slightly, depending on the final design. At the June annual town business meeting, China voters approved spending up to $33,000 in federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) money for the sign.

Hapgood reported that after extensive review, attorney Meader concluded that the shore frontage in front of The Landing restaurant at the head of China Lake’s east basin does not belong to the town and is part of The Landing property. Ownership has been unknown since the State of Maine relocated Route 202 in 1972.

Select board members agreed unanimously to settle the issue by starting to bill the company owning the restaurant for property taxes on the area.

The manager reported that Lynn Martin, the consultant from Fire Safety Compliance Associates working with the town, had useful talks with town fire and rescue officials. Transfer station and public works staff need to continue to work with Martin, she said. Select board members unanimously approved using $2,800 in contingency funds to extend their two contracts another year.

Hapgood shared with board members another summary report from the digital speed monitoring sign, this time from locations on Deer Hill Road. Average vehicle speeds were consistently above the posted 25 mile-an-hour limit.

The next regular China select board meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, Oct. 24. The agenda will probably include discussion with Delta Ambulance representatives of their planned request for town financial support beginning in the 2022-23 fiscal year.

VASSALBORO: 18 residents attend town manager search forum

/0 Comments/in , /by
by Mary Grow

NOTE: Participants in this meeting were promised by the leader that their comments would be shared anonymously. This writer will therefore not identify speakers.

Eighteen Vassalboro residents attended the Oct. 12 forum that was called to collect answers to two questions: what are the “major issues and challenges” facing the town in the next five years; and what “qualities, education, background and experience” should the town manager who succeeds Mary Sabins have.

Cornell Knight, of Eaton Peabody Consulting Group, led the discussion. He explained that he has 40 years’ experience as a manager in half a dozen Maine municipalities, most recently Bar Harbor.

Sabins announced earlier this fall that she is retiring, effective Jan. 2, 2023. Select board members chose Eaton Peabody to help them find her successor.

Knight said ads have been placed in appropriate places locally, state-wide and on New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts sites and the International City Managers Association website.

Vassalboro staff was asked for their answers to the two questions earlier on Oct. 12. Answers, from discussions and from emails received by Oct. 14, will be published on the town website, www.vassalboro.net. The information will guide Knight and select board members as they evaluate candidates.

Suggested issues and challenges included:

  • A need for more long-range planning, which could include an updated strategic plan (Vassalboro’s is dated 2006); a new comprehensive plan instead of the strategic plan, if voters are ready to accept one; and/or a capital improvements plan. A related suggestion was a review of Vassalboro’s charter, an action that could lead to a change like replacing the select board with a town council.
  • More, and more advanced, technology, a topic that included expanded and improved broadband access for residents and the capacity to hold virtual public meetings and to stream live meetings.
  • Attention to environmental issues, including water quality in the town’s lakes and recycling and waste management.
  • A need for more law enforcement and for improved rescue and ambulance services.

Moving to the second question, the qualities a town manager should have, there was much emphasis on connections and coordination. The manager should make sure town boards and committees are working well, collaborating when needed and communicating with each other and with town departments. Now that Vassalboro’s school department is independent of regional school organizations, school and town cooperation should become closer.

People also called for a manager with problem-solving skills – creative ones, one speaker specified – and the ability to communicate with staff and townspeople. Communication had to be two-way; the manager should be curious, should “listen first and talk second,” and should not try to dictate.

The manager should be good at finding and applying for grants for state and federal funds, and at long-term capital planning.

He or she should take advantage of continuing education opportunities and should communicate and cooperate with colleagues in other towns.

Knight said the deadline for applications is Nov. 1. He and his colleague, Don Gerrish, will do an initial screening. He expects select board members to do a first round of interviews in November and a second round by early December, and to be ready to sign a contract by Dec. 9.

In reply to a suggestion that town office staff be involved in the decision, Knight said staff members usually have an opportunity to meet candidates chosen for second interviews.

Asked if he thought Vassalboro’s salary and benefits package was competitive, he said yes.

If no satisfactory candidate is found, he said, Vassalboro will operate with an interim manager while a new search and selection process goes ahead.

VASSALBORO: Delta Ambulance plans financial requests from served towns

/0 Comments/in , /by
by Mary Grow

The topics that took the most time at a long and varied Oct. 13 Vassalboro select board meeting were a presentation by Delta Ambulance representatives on plans to request financial aid from towns served, and a discussion with Cross Hill Road residents about getting a new business to comply with conditions on its town permit.

Timothy Beals, Delta Ambulance’s executive director, gave select board members a multi-page handout and supplemented it with a verbal description of the service. He was accompanied by director of community relations, Bill McKenna, and director of operations, Chris Mitchell.

Beals said Delta was organized in 1972 and became a nonprofit corporation in 1975. Its 13-member board includes representatives from area hospitals and from some of the 14 municipalities it serves.

Delta has a main station in Waterville and an ambulance base in Augusta. There are currently about 100 full-time and part-time employees. In addition to responding to emergency calls, its 17 ambulances are used for transfers from one medical facility to another, and its staff provides training sessions.

Recently, Waterville and Winslow have started their own ambulances, withdrawing from Delta. Delta is downsizing accordingly.

For 50 years, Delta has been funded primarily by insurance reimbursements, which have never covered full costs. Payment is made only if a patient is transported; if the ambulance crew resolves the medical crisis and the patient refuses transport, there is no reimbursement.

And, Beals added, if an ambulance service transports everyone who calls, the government is likely to investigate.

Currently, Delta’s annual revenue is around $7 million and annual expenses are around $9 million, with a reserve fund covering the difference.

Therefore, Beals said, Delta officials are asking member towns to appropriate $15 per resident – just under $66,300 for Vassalboro – in the next fiscal year. He believes Delta is the last Maine ambulance service to start charging a service fee; and he said most other per-capita fees are higher.

Emergency response is guaranteed, Beals said. When several ambulances are in use, non-emergency transfers are postponed, and if necessary mutual aid agreements with other services can be invoked.

Vassalboro residents get not only emergency service, around 350 calls a year, but also reimbursement or replacement for most supplies Vassalboro First Responders use and a stand-by ambulance, at no charge, at fire scenes and on request at community events.

In response to questions from select board member Chris French, Beals said Delta board members had not discussed multi-year contracts, nor giving more than the current five board seats to municipal representatives. Both topics are open for discussion, he said.

Select board members will consider the situation.

Rick and Terry Dawson and Peter and Mary Beth Soule brought their problem with a newly-opened brewery at 772 Cross Hill Road to select board members because they did not know how to proceed.

Supported by copies of Vassalboro Planning Board minutes and related documents, they explained that in December 2019, the planning board approved a permit to James and Linda D’Angelo to open the brewery. Notice of approval came from Paul Mitnik, the codes officer in 2019 and, after unsuccessful attempts to retire, the current codes officer.

The approval was conditional on “providing buffering of conifer trees in the east and south property boundaries with extra buffering near parking areas.”

The Dec. 10, 2019, planning board minutes show that David D’Angelo was spokesman for the applicants. One of the public comments was that the brewery’s parking area faces the Dawson property, where the house is 560 feet away, and “Headlights from vehicles [are] a concern.”

On May 18 of this year, then codes officer, Ryan Page, issued a certificateIof occupancy for the brewery to Cross Hill Realty, LLC. The certificate says, “The property owner or tenant is hereby authorized to enter and use the premises.”

It also says, “Special Condition: Screening required in accordance with Site Plan Review.”

The Dawsons and Soules told select board members there is no buffering. Some trees were planted after July 2022; most died and have been even more recently replaced.

They also questioned whether the certificate of occupancy was sufficient to allow the business to open to the public. It did, about two weeks ago, they said.

The residents, board members and Town Manager Mary Sabins discussed whether the issue should be handled by Mitnik or perhaps by the town board of appeals. Related issues were what time limits for appeals might apply, and what, if any, other local or state permits or licenses the brewery might have or need.

After three-quarters of an hour, board member Rick Denico referred the Dawsons and Soules to Vassalboro’s enforcement and appeals ordinance, on the town website.

The Oct. 13 meeting began with a public hearing on renewing town permits for seven automobile graveyards/junkyards and one auto hobbyist’s collection. There were no public comments, and board members unanimously approved Mitnik’s recommendations, as follows:

  • Unconditional renewals for Freddie’s Service Center (Bill Pullen), 163 South Stanley Hill Road; Garnett’s Motors (Stanley Garnett), 1616 North Belfast Avenue; Autowerkes (Voit Ritch), Route 3; Platinum & Core LLC (Robert Parise), 1702 Riverside Drive; and hobbyist Robert Dore, 919 Church Hill Road.
  • Renewals conditional on providing proof of a state recyclers’ license for Ron’s Parts Inc. (James Cogley), 520 Main Street; and Weeks Mills Garage (Olin Charette), 1499 Riverside Drive.
  • An interim conditional renewal for Bondo’s Garage (Dale Clement), 471 Taber Hill Road. Mitnik explained that the garage is closed, and without an associated garage the junkyard should be closed, too, but time is needed for orderly dispersal. Conditions include draining all vehicle fluids, clearing the entrance and getting rid of all but 20 vehicles.

The easy item Oct. 13 was appointing seven members of a new committee.

The committee is to review capital needs of the Vassalboro Historical Society’s building, the former East Vassalboro school house, as proposed two weeks earlier (see the Oct. 6 issue of The Town Line, p. 14). Its members, assuming they accept, are Dave Bolduc, Donald Breton, Janice Clowes, Steve Jones, John Melrose, select board chairman Barbara Redmond and Lauchlin Titus.

Melrose welcomes volunteer advice and help from people knowledgeable about building issues. He told select board members he has already enlisted his son, Andrew, to advise on heating.

Because the meeting was so long, discussion of revisions to the town personnel handbook was postponed to the next meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 27.

Give Us Your Best Shot! for Thursday, October 20, 2022

/0 Comments/in , /by

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

GLAD TO MEET YOU: Lindy Sklover, of Vassalboro, holds a gray tree frog she found recently.

NICE SCENERY: Joan Chaffee, of Clinton, snapped these sunflowers with a cow enjoying the scenery.

JUST PASSING THROUGH: James Poulin, of South China, photographed this salamander on a brick paver in his yard.

Proud tradition returns to honor veterans

/0 Comments/in , /by

A Veterans Day parade was held in Waterville on November 11, 2019. (photo by Mark Huard,
Central Maine Photography)

The Veterans Day Parade, in Waterville, will be held on Friday, November 11, 2022. Lineup begins at 10 a.m., at The Elm, 21 College Ave. Waterville. American Legion Post #5 Commander Craig Bailey invites all area veterans of all wars and services to participate in the parade and ceremony at the Castonguay Square Park, Common Street, Waterville.

After the parade and ceremony, American Legion Post #5 will have a free catered luncheon for veterans and a guest at the Waterville Elks Lodge, 76 Industrial Street, Waterville. The luncheon is sponsored by the Unity Foundation in memory of Bert G. Clifford, of Unity, U.S. Navy World War II veteran. To assist Post #5 in finalizing food and server arrangements, call 207-313-8865.

This story has been updated: Veterans Day update: Change in parade route

China seventh and eighth graders hold car wash for veterans, first responders

/0 Comments/in , /by

The seventh and eighth grade social studies students at China Middle School recently hosted a free car wash for first responders and local veterans in our communities in recognition of those service organizations who lost so many lives on September 11, 2001. (contributed photo)

Anson’s oldest living resident is Boston Post Cane recipient

/1 Comment/in , /by

Janet Faye Hilton Fletcher, 97, is Anson’s oldest living citizen.

Janet Faye Hilton Fletcher, 97, was honored as the oldest resident of Anson by the presentation of the ceremonial Boston Post Cane, by Anson Historical Society, at her home in Anson. President Sharon Mellows, Vice President Charlotte Withee, Chairman Ralph Withee and Anson Administrator Tammy Murray were present.

Janet Fletcher was born July 19, 1925, on Hilton Hill Road, in Anson, and resided in Anson most of her life. She attended elementary school at Garrett Schenck and graduated from Madison High School in 1943, at the age of 17.

She married Hurley Fletcher on November 27, 1943. They lived on Fletcher Road in Anson, moved to the Airport Road, in Norridgewock, for three years but moved back to West Mills Road, in Anson. She currently lives with her son David and his wife Mary Fletcher, on Hilton Hill Road, Anson.

Janet and Hurley had nine children, Gary Fletcher, Diane Fletcher Oliver, Sandra Fletcher Weese, Betty Fletcher Burpee, Linda Fletcher Sargent, Dennis Fletcher, Joan Fletcher, David Fletcher, Larry Fletcher. She has 24 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Vassalboro Cubs help with fight against cancer

/0 Comments/in , /by

Pictured are, front row, from left to right, Tiger Cubs Wesley Danielson, John Gray, Beckett Metcalf, and Lux Reynolds. Second row, Bear Cubs Henry Gray and Eli Richmond. Third row, Webelos Elliot Rafuse, Christopher Santiago, Hunter Brown, and Desmond Landreth. Back row, Cubmaster Christopher Santiago and Tiger Den Leader Christopher Reynolds. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

On Tuesday October 11, 2022, the Vassalboro Community School PTO held a Food Truck Night at Vassalboro Community School as a fundraiser for the Michaud family. Ira Michaud is the principal of the Vassalboro Community School and his son is battling a very rare cancer. Ira Michaud is himself a Cubmaster and his son Ian is a Cub Scout. So Vassalboro Pack #410 provided desserts for the food truck event in the form of a bake sale. The community came together in support of the family. Pack #410 was able to contribute $516.54 towards the $2,649.54 raised for the Michaud family.