LETTERS: Couple to vote for Hemenway

To the editor:

My wife and I will be voting to elect Stephen J. Hemenway for State House District #39 during the upcoming November 8. election. Stephen is a retired deputy sheriff of 32 years. He currently produces a national public access family television program called The Children’s Corner. He is running for public office to offer an alternative choice for voters to bring prosperity and moral values back to the State. Stephen believes in the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Parental Rights and medical freedom.

In addition, Stephen is an advocate that Maine schools should be teaching our children the basic educational tools. These include but are not limited to, reading, printing, arithmetic, geography, history, civics, etc.

Many of our schools curriculum’s are crossing the line, teaching kindergartners and first graders about sex.

Also, Stephen recognizes that energy costs continue to rise and heating fuel is a huge financial burden during the winter for many Maine residents. We believe he will make an honest commitment to explore all common sense ideas for reducing energy costs to Mainers.

Finally, Stephen is convinced we should reduce the state regulatory and tax burdens on small businesses. He believes that family-owned businesses are the backbone of our great state! Maine small business owners suffered so much during the Covid shutdown. We must never forget how much damage Governor Mills caused the citizens of Maine by shutting down our state.

Kenny and Sandy Bowen
Belfast

TEAM PHOTO: Lawrence High School girls varsity soccer team

The Lawrence High School, of Fairfield, girls varsity soccer team, clockwise from bottom left, Hannah Burgess, Zoie Ward, Maddie Kissinger, Mya Williams, Olivia Cleaves, Kylie Yeomans, Zoe Hutchins, Kelsey Smith, Taylor Levesque, Kylie Delile, Alexis Williams, Paige Cyrus, Taylor Pellerin, Cyile Henderson, Brooklyn Allen , Whitney Churchill, Libby Boutin, Molly Cleaves and Desiree Clements. (photo by Missy Brown/Central Maine Photography)

Carrabec High School 2021-22 fourth quarter honors

Carrabec High School

Grade 12, high honors: Cheyenne Cahill, Sean Olson, Courtney Rollins, Seth Sayles and Cassidy Smith; honors:  Lilly Augustine, Emma Baker, Julia Baker, Roger Beaulieu, Alexander Cloutier, Xavier Cloutier, Charlee Davis, Kiera Goodale, Autumn Ladd, Trinity Slate, Devon Spencer and Ethan Wyman.

Grade 11, high honors:  Luke Carey, Joel Gehrke and Conner Peabody; honors: Jessica Benedict, Robert Lindblom, Jr. and Caitlyn Oliver and Faith Willette.

Grade 10, high honors:  Kolby Carpenter, Devyn DeLeonardis, Cooper Dellarma, Brooke-Alexis Dube, Molly Hay and Emma Junkins; honors: Jayden Cates, Riley Crocker, Summer Lindblom, Dillon Nelson and Hailey Wyman.

Grade 9,  high honors:  Haley McFadyen, Machaon Pierce and Desmond Robinson; honors: Jeremy Barcelos, Logan Caldwell, Mason Courtney, Oakley Friend, Kobi Jennings, Seth Price, Levi Small and Brooks Sousa.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Large bug interrupted my game

Giant Water Bug

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

While I was playing cornhole last Friday night, I was interrupted while in the process of preparing for my next toss. It was pointed out to me that something was attached to the leg of my pants.

It was approximately two to three inches long, black/brown – at least in the evening light. Someone said it was a cicadae, but I knew better. I wasn’t sure what it was.

We sent it on its way.

Research told me it was a giant water bug,

Belostomatidae is a family of freshwater insects known as giant water bugs or colloquially as toe-biters, Indian toe-biters, electric-light bugs, alligator ticks, or alligator fleas (in Florida). They are the largest insects in the order. There are about 170 species found in freshwater habitats worldwide.

These predators are typically encountered in freshwater ponds, marshes and slow-flowing streams. They can grow to up to 4.5 inches and nearly reach the length of some of the largest beetles in the world. Giant water bugs are a popular food in parts of Asia.

They have a flattened, egg-shaped body, and usually the legs are flattened. The head features two large compound eyes, but lacks the eye-like spot. Short antennae are tucked in grooves behind the eyes. A short breathing tube can be retracted into its abdomen. Adults cannot breathe under water, so must periodically place the breathing tube at the surface for air (similar to a snorkel).

Their hind legs have two claws. The frontal legs are modified into raptorial appendages that they use to grab their prey. Once caught, the prey are stabbed with their proboscis and a powerful saliva is injected, allowing the bug to suck out the liquefied remains. Wing pads can be seen from the dorsal view. They have a greatly reduced flight apparatus and are flightless.

The giant water bugs are aggressive predators that stalk, capture, and feed on fish, amphibians, as well as aquatic invertebrates such as snails and crustaceans. The largest species have also been found to capture and feed on baby turtles and water snakes. They often lie motionless at the bottom of a body of water, attached to various objects, where they wait for prey to come near. They then strike, injecting a venomous digestive saliva with their rostrum. Although their bite is excruciatingly painful, it is of no medical significance. Occasionally, when encountered by a larger animal or a human, they have been known to “play dead” and most species can emit a fluid from their anus. Due to this, they are assumed dead by humans only to later “come alive” with painful results.

These water bugs show paternal care and these aspects have been studied extensively. In species of the subfamily, the eggs are typically laid on the male’s wings and carried until they hatch. The male cannot mate during this period. The males invest considerable time and energy in reproduction and females take the role of actively finding males to mate. This role reversal matches the predictions of R. L. Trivers’ parental investment theory where the eggs are laid on emergent vegetation and guarded by the male.

In some areas of Asia, they are considered a delicacy, and can be found for sale in markets. This is mainly in South and Southeast Asia. In South and Southeast Asia they are often collected for this purpose using large floating traps on ponds, set with black lights to attract the bugs. Adults fly at night, like many aquatic insects, and are attracted to lights during the breeding season.

I don’t know where it came from, or where it went, I don’t know why it chose me among the dozen and half people who were there that night.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

In what year did the Patriots move from Boston to Foxborough and changed their name to the New England Patriots?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, September 19, 2022

Trivia QuestionsIn what year did the Patriots move from Boston to Foxborough and changed their name to the New England Patriots?

Answer:

1971.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, September 19, 2022

NANCY A. SABAN

PALERMO – Nancy A. Saban, 84, of Palermo, passed away on Friday, August 19, 2022, in Palermo. She was born in Vassalboro, on August 15, 1938, to parents Herbert and Ferne Keller.

On May 14, 1955, she married the love of her life, Bernard Saban. Nancy stayed at home and raised her daughters and, later in life, worked in the kitchen at Erskine Academy, in South China, which she loved.

Nancy will be remembered for her warm kindness and loving spirit as well as her blue-ribbon pies and yummy doughnuts.

Nancy is survived by daughters Esther Riley, of Palermo, and Ann Marie Saban and her partner, Jeffrey Trask, of Pittston; granddaughters Brianna Riley and Beth Riley; grandson, Dylan Cook and his wife Brittany; and three great-grandchildren, Jaden, Liam and Adaline; sister, Linda Thompson and husband Shelton; brothers Dennis Keller and wife Miriam, Paul Keller and wife Sandy; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and her angels here on earth, Becky and Larry Casey, Jeff and Lauretta Grady and Eileen Grady.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bernard; brother, Donald, sisters Hazel McCaslin and Hilda Randall; and nephews Dave and Chad McCaslin and Fred Saban.

A celebration of her life took place at the Palermo Christian Church, on Sunday, September 11.

Memories and condolences may be shared at ripostafh.com.

GLENN A. LEAVITT

WATERVILLE – Glenn A. Leavitt, 66, of Waterville, passed away  on Monday, August 22, 2022. Glenn was born on May 9, 1956 in Mil­linock­et to Richard and Shirley Leavitt.

He graduated from Waterville Senior High School in 1975.  He married Cynthia Williams Leavitt, his high school sweetheart, on June 22, 1974.

After graduating high school, he began working for Milton Vending, in Waterville, and then, for most of his career, he worked as a wine sales representative for Pine State Trading Co. These careers provided him the opportunity to do one of his favorite things, meet and talk with different people. He never forgot a name and always made everyone he met feel like they had been friends forever.

Glenn’s love for sports was passed on to his children at a very early age. Bruins, Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots (and even the Cowboys for a couple of years until he realized the error of his ways) were his favorite teams. He realized the important role sports played in children’s lives. So much so, that not only did he encourage his children to play every sport possible (although he may have regretted hockey and the 5 a.m. practices), but he also spent years volunteering his time to coach Waterville youth baseball, hockey and football.

Glenn’s love for community continued as he became a member of the Waterville Elks Lodge #905. He was an active and dedicated member becoming the Exalted Ruler from 2002-2003 and took every opportunity to help those in need. The parties, dances and comedy shows he organized to help raise funds for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program will be fondly remembered by all who attended.

Glenn’s favorite place to be was at the family camp in Benedicta, (Beno). He was never happier than when he was sitting by the campfire with family for hours, playing cribbage and frisbee with his grandchildren or telling stories from his childhood about the old homestead in Millinocket and “Little Italy”. Glenn was a loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather who always made sure his family came first. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He never missed an opportunity to brag about them. He loved going to his grandson’s baseball games, giving them all money to get ice cream on the way home and bringing them all to the Elks when they had events for children. His love, devotion, humor and larger than life personality will be greatly missed by all who knew him

Glenn is survived by his wife of 48 years, Cynthia, of Waterville; son, Chris and his wife, Lisa, of West Gardiner, son, Brandon and his wife, Alisa, of China, daughter, Bethany, of Waterville; sister, Deborah Colangelo, and her husband, Stephen Gilman, of Waterville; aunt, Dorothy “Dot” Howard, and her husband Frank, of Millinocket; uncle, Bruce Leavitt, and his wife, Paula, of Carmel; grandchildren Jaidyn, Zoey, Makayla and Reece; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Leavitt, mother, Shirley Colangelo Leavitt; brothers, Keith Leavitt, David Leavitt, and Brian Leavitt.

A memorial service was held on September 11, at the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, 61 Pleasant St., Waterville.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Maine Children’s Cancer Program at  https://fundraising.mmc.org/mccp-donate-now or Maine Medical Center, Philanthropy Department, 22 Bramhall St. Portland, ME 04102.

DIANE M. MOORE

WINSLOW – Diane M. Moore, 72, of Winslow, passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2022 following a courageous battle with stage IV ovarian cancer. She was born on July 7, 1950, in Biddeford, and was the daughter of Francis and Marion Poirier Breton.

Diane was a 1969 graduate of Waterville High School. She obtained her CNA certificate and worked at AMHI, in Augusta, and various nursing homes. Diane most recently worked at the Maine Smoke Shop, in Waterville, for 14 years.

Diane enjoyed spending time outdoors. She loved hunting, four-wheeling, going up north to camp, going on adventurous car rides, and spending time with family and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband of 22 years, George A. Moore Sr.; and many aunts and uncles.

Diane is survived by her daughter, Leana Gagne, of North Carolina; her twin brother, Daniel Breton and his wife Joyce, of Winslow; a nephew, a niece; a great-nephew; two aunts, Peggy Leo, Marie Hutchinson; many cousins; and a sister-in-law, Pat McDevitt.

A burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Harold Alfond Cancer Care, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903.

GARY G. RASMUSSEN Ph.D.

WATERVILLE – Gary Glenn Rasmussen, Ph.D., 80, Clinical Psychologist, passed away on Thursday,

August 25, 2022, at the Glenridge Hospice Comfort Care unit, in Augusta, from multiple medical issues. Gary was the son of Glenn and Ellen Rasmussen, of Fresno, California.

Gary is survived by his wife of 40 years, Pamela Pariser Rasmussen and his two sons, Ian Pariser Rasmussen, of Portland, Oregon, and Kai Pariser Rasmussen, of Boston, Masachusetts. Gary’s family was part of an extended Danish community in Fresno, Caliornia. He has many extended family members in Fresno, California.

Gary served in the U.S. Air Force for four years after he finished high school. He was stationed in New Mexico and Nevada, where he worked as a weatherman. He graduated from University of California, Santa Barbara, with a bachelors’ degree in sociology. After he graduated from college, he spent a year working in Denmark and living with his Danish relatives. Gary received his masters’ degree in counseling from U.C., Santa Barbara. In Bakersfield, California, he ran an outpatient program for individuals with substance abuses. In Boise, Idaho, he ran a halfway house for individuals coming out of prison to help them transition back to the community under the umbrella organization of the Salvation Army.

Gary graduated from Peabody College, at Vanderbilt University, with his doctorate in clinical psychology, in Nashville, Tennessee. Gary met and married his wife, Pamela, in Nashville, Tenessee. in 1982. Gary moved with his wife to Maine to complete his psychology internship at the Togus V.A., in Augusta. He has worked for the past 40 years as a clinical psychologist in Waterville. Gary worked for several years as the psychologist in the psychiatric unit at Seton Hospital, in Waterville. Gary continued his private practice providing counseling services and was also a forensic psychologist.

Gary will have a Celebration of Life at the Winslow Congregational Church on Saturday October 8, at 2 p.m. The address of the church is 12 Lithgow St., Winslow. This service will be a hybrid service, in person and live streamed. If you are attending the in-person service, please wear a mask. Masks will be provided to those who attend and do not have their own masks. For any more specific information about the Celebration of Life Service, please contact Veilleux Funeral Home using the following email address: Jo.Vigue@Dignity Memorial.com

In lieu of flowers, donations to your choice of the following organizations are preferred: Alfond Youth and Community Center-Waterville; Winslow Community Cupboard at Winslow Congregational Church; Salvation Army (Augusta/Waterville branch); Comfort Care (hospice) Glenridge, Augusta.

MARGARET A. PACKARD

WATERVILLE – Margaret Anne (Ohrt) Packard, 94, died at her home, in Waterville, on Friday, August 26, 2022. She was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on October 8, 1927, to parents John Benno Ohrt and Margaret Louise Cowles.

Peggy, as she was nicknamed, was the youngest of her siblings, John, Dorothy and Henry. During her childhood Margaret moved multiple times while the family followed her father’s job in the oil business. Besides Tulsa, her youth found her living in San Antonio, Houston, Berlin, Germany, Mexico City, New Orleans, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Los Angeles.

After her parents’ remarriages, she traveled between Houston, Texas, and Livermore Falls. As a result, Margaret experienced a great variety of adventures and educational settings that fueled numerous later stories. She was a terrific storyteller.

In the 1940s while living in Brunswick, she met her future husband, Christopher Moore Packard. In 1950, they married in Québec City, Canada, and returned to Brunswick where Chris completed his studies at Bowdoin College.

Margaret worked at the Walker Art Museum where she set up a crib for their infant daughter, Margaret Bellamy, in the lobby. A son, Christopher Moore, followed and by that time the family had moved to the Packard farmhouse in the Pennellville neighborhood of Brunswick. Margaret was a homemaker while her children were young and then worked at Senter’s department store, in Brunswick, until her retirement. Other jobs included years of editing her husband’s weekly nature columns for the local paper and supporting Audubon events.

Tuesday evening path clearing groups at the new Mast Landing Sanctuary, in Freeport, were fueled in part by her potato salad and pies. Not many cooks could rival her pies. Margaret was an avid reader and supporter of libraries. She enjoyed poetry, history, biography, and always a good mystery. She never missed Masterpiece Theater and loved opera.

A lasting legacy Margaret made was to ensure the land in Pennellville would remain conserved in memory of her husband, Christopher. Having grown up there, he had spent a lifetime observing and writing about the flora and fauna he experienced.

Margaret was predeceased by her parents, siblings and husband.

She is survived by her daughter, Margaret (Peggy) Menchen, of Waterville; and son, Christopher (Kit) Packard, of Georgetown, and their spouses, Gary and Jane; grandchildren Christopher Menchen, of Benton, Margaret (Sadie) Menchen, of Los Angeles, California, and their spouses, Lacy and Megan, and Kylie Packard, of Tampa, Florida, and her fiancé Gregory Austin; and great-grandchildren Sara, Benjamin and Matthew Menchen, all of Benton.

Upon her wishes, there will be no memorial service and her family will gather at a later date.

Those who wish to honor Margaret may do so by supporting a local conservation group, animal shelter, or library, or by enjoying an opera.

ANN MARIE LaLIBERTE

WATERVILLE – Ann Marie Laliberte, 89, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Monday, AugUST 29, 2022, at Concord Park Senior Living in Concord, Massachusetts, where she lived for the past five years. She was born in Waterville on April 12, 1933, the daughter of the late Lionel J. Poliquin and Helen Bouchard Poliquin.

At the age of 12, Ann lost her hearing and as a result, had to decline acceptance to The Juilliard School of Music when she was 17. She was able to overcome this adversity when her hearing was surgically restored in her 30s, and she joyfully went on to pursue her music education once again. A talented pianist, Ann graduated from Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, in 1951, and after raising her three children, started a second career as a piano teacher for many children in the Waterville area.

Ann was predeceased by her husband, Bernie “Boom-Boom” Laliberte in 2004; and her brother, Lee Poliquin, who passed away in March of 2022.

Ann was a proud parent, grandmother and great-grandmother and is survived by her children, Linda Laliberte-Cote and her husband Claude Cote, of Lincoln, Rhode Island, and Jefferson, Dana Laliberte, of Maine, and Karen Laliberte and her husband Dr. John Niles, of Acton and Boston, Massachusetts; eight grandchildren, Bryan Murphy, Nate Laliberte, Andrew Murphy and his wife, Meghan, Christopher Cote and his wife, Druanne, Danielle Cote and her husband, Manga Shuman, Kyle Laliberte Randall, Patrick Murphy, Katherine Laliberte Randall; and five great-grandchildren, Abby Murphy, Mansa Shuman, Parker Murphy, Colette Shuman and Aiden Laliberte; and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends will gather for a graveside service at St. Francis Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville, on Saturday, September 17, at 10 a.m.

For Ann’s online guestbook, please visit http://www.DeeFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ann’s memory to the New England Music Camp, 8 Goldenrod Lane, Sidney, ME 04330.

RHONDA A. BRANN-BUBIER

JEFFERSON – Rhonda Ann Brann-Bubier, 34, passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2022. Rhonda was born on March 7, 1988, in Nashua, New Hamp­shire. but has lived in Maine for the majority of her life.

As a young child, she participated in baseball, chorus, played the violin and was known to always be babysitting as she loved kids. She graduated from Maranacook High School in 2006. From there, she was very eager to work in the medical field and started to work as a CNA and then quickly became a CRMA. From there, her interest in mental health sparked. She ended up going to college and graduated with two bachelor’s degrees; one of Rhonda’s proudest accomplishments. Rhonda had another most prized accomplishment, becoming a mother to her daughter, Lahla. Watching Rhonda as a mom was one of the most beautiful things to witness. She loved her daughter so very much and a part of Rhonda will live in Lahla forever.

Rhonda was an intense person to a stranger, but anyone who came to know her, knew that it was because of her deep passion for life. She did everything with 100 percent effort. Being a mom, cooking, baking, canning, painting, crocheting, listening to music, dancing, hosting holidays, making someone laugh, helping someone in need, going to church, and stopping by just to make someone’s day. With that said, Rhonda experienced a lot of tough things that comes with life; but she never let it get her down. Without Rhonda, a lot of people wouldn’t be where they are today. She was inspiring, resilient, kind, compassionate, professional, and overall a one of a kind woman. If love could have saved her, Rhonda would have lived forever. Love you, latah.

She was predeceased by her grandmother, Shirley Anne Shank; her great-grandmother, Barbara Grigas; her cousin, Joey Grigas; her aunt, Joy Schofield; and her Pepe, from her biological father’s side.

She is survived by her daughter Lahla; her husband, Aaron; her stepchildren Mackenzie and Zachary; her parents Joseph and Debra Legendre; her siblings Hollie, Jess, Joseph and Justin; her biological father, Armand; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 17, at 11 a.m. at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363. A period of visitation will be held beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of service. There will also be a potluck celebration of life held after the service at a location to be determined.

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

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to benefit Lahla.

JANE V. KENNEDY

WINSLOW – Jane (Van Note) Kennedy passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2022. Jane was born on October 31, 1931, along with her identical twin, Margaret, to parents Grace (Wamsley) and Bartlett Monroe Van Note.

Jane grew up in Waterville, Wellesley, Massachusetts and Newton, Massachusetts. The family also enjoyed a cottage at Drakes Island, in Wells, and the beach was her happy place throughout her life. She attended Wheelock College, and began a long career in teaching. She touched the lives of many students who were lucky to have her as their teacher; many she remained in contact with throughout her life. She taught for many years in Dover, New Hampshire, and in Connecticut and Maine, and gave her time as a Sunday School teacher as well.

If you asked Jane what she was happiest about, she would quickly answer her children and grandchildren.

As one of her caregivers shared: You couldn’t help but become a better, more caring person just by knowing her. She had a peaceful, authentic presence that radiated pure love. She noticed the small stuff and yet understood the bigger picture.

She leaves behind her son, Robert and his wife Katie, Kimberly and her husband John, Daniel and his wife Debbie, Kristen and her husband Scott, and Matthew and his wife, Micheline; her grandchildren are the late Sarah Renee, Nicholas (Kristin), Rachel, Jamie, Danielle (Kayembe), Joshua (Jamie), Samuel (Haley), Gabriel, Benjamin and Malise; a great-grandson, Mason; many nieces and nephews; and her brother, William Van Note.

She was predeceased by her twin, Margaret “Peggy” and her brother, Bartlett “Pete”.

She was previously married to Herman Allyn, Ernest Foss, and John Kennedy.

ELVA M. LaPOINTE

UNITY – Elva M. LaPointe, 93, passed away on Monday, September 5, 2022, as the result of a car accident in Albion. Elva was born the daughter of William and Alice Dee on October 11, 1928.

She became a U.S. citizen by naturalization and attended schools in Fort Fairfield. Elva married Edmond J. LaPointe Jr. on September 11, 1950, and they had two children, Randy, and Sharon.

Elva and E.J. moved to Fairfield in the early 1960s where she began working in retail. She was employed by Centers Department Store, the Mammoth Mart, both in Waterville, and later by LaVerdiere’s Warehouse, in Winslow. She retired in the late 1980s.

Elva first and foremost loved her family and delighted in any and every activity. She had a quick wit and a sharp tongue. She never held back and had a friend in everyone she met. She would give her last dime and go without so someone could have their needs met. She was always a champion for the underdog. She enjoyed reading and cross word puzzles and keeping up with the news of the world. She enjoyed car rides and lunch out and leaf peeping in the fall.

One of her favorite things to do was watch her grandsons play football.

She was predeceased by her father, William, and her mother, Alice; her sister, Greta; and beloved son, Randy.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Carter and her husband Henry; her grandchildren Tanya Lennon, Shawn and Kim LaPointe, Randy LaPointe Jr.; great-grandchildren Jacob Lennon and wife, Abigail, Bradley Lennon, Chase LaPointe, McKinzie LaPointe, Cayden, and Olivia LaPointe; her bonus grandchildren Todd Carter and Binika Beauleau, Brian and Kristen Kimball, Amber and Jeff Lafrance, Jacob and Jordyn Alward; great-grandchildren Allie and Davanee Kimball, Mason, Colten, and Piper Carter, Rory Rose and Lucas Lafrance, Jadynce, Jaxon, Jamason and Acadia Alward; two grandsons, Abraham Aldus, of Virginia, and Matthew Aldus, of Colorado; sister, Maxine Morrisette; brother, Sterling Davenport; many nieces and nephews; in-laws.

A private burial will be held at a later date.

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, please do something kind for someone else.

RICHARD L. GIROUX SR.

VASSALBORO – Richard L. Giroux Sr., 93, of Vassalboro, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 7, 2022. Richard was born October 4, 1928, in Waterville, and grew up in China.

Richard served in the Korean war from 1950 to 1952 in the 40th Infantry Division, 3rd Battalion and was honorably discharged with the rank Sergeant First Class.

Richard was a man of many passions. After the war, Richard obtained his pilot’s license, bought a plane, and enjoyed many excursions at flight. Richard also became an experienced beekeeper, reaching roughly one hundred hives at one time, and rented them for pollination and sold honey to his fellow Mainers.

He was an avid and true outdoorsman, skilled in hunting, trapping, fishing, and gardening, up until the very end of his life. He was called for many wildlife issue; he was known as local legend. Amidst all these passions. Richard worked at Chinet (Keyes Fibre/Huhtamaki) for 40 years before retiring in 1990.

Another gift that all would agree that he was someone who love to talk and share stories. He was a man of great wisdom. He lived his life to his fullest and was always there to help anyone in need. He was a devoted Catholic and was strong in his faith.

Richard was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He married his wife, Carmen (Morneau), in 1963, and had four children. Richard will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him, and his legacy will live on in all of the people whose lives he touched.

He was predeceased by his parents Louis and Louise Giroux, his brother Robert Giroux, sister Lucille Bailey, his wife Carmen L. Giroux, and granddaughter Larissa Patnaude.

Richard is survived by his sister Loraine Adams, of Winslow; his daughters Barbara Patnaude and husband David, of China, Jacqueline Giroux, of Vassalboro; son Richard Giroux Jr. and wife Cindy, of Albion; son Peter Giroux, of Vassalboro; his grandchildren, Nathan Patnaude, Michael Patnaude, Caleb Patnaude, Jacob Boivin, Jaron Boivin, Jestil Boivin, Jadelynn Giroux, Daven Giroux, and Jessica Bolduc; eight great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, September 17, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville.

A celebration of his life will be held immediately following the Mass at Notre Dame. His military burial will be held at 10 a.m., on Tuesday, October 4, at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mount Vernon Road, Augusta, Maine, 04330.

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

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

DEATH NOTICES

JASON A. MICHAUD

OAKLAND – Jason A. Michaud, 55, died September 3, 2022 at a local hospital in Portland. Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

CHARLENE D. LaBRIE

CLINTON – Charlene D Labrie, 72, passed away Friday, September 9, 2022, at a hospital, in Waterville. Arrangements by Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

CURTIS C. CARR

CLINTON – Curtis C. Carr, 50, passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at a hospital, in Bangor. Arrangements by Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

VASSALBORO: Two applications approved by planners

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Planning Board members unanimously approved both applications on their Sept. 6 agenda, a new business and an extension of a solar development permit.

Elijah Bunten has approval to open a diesel mechanic shop in the smallest of several barns near his home at 203 Dunham Road, between Dunham Road and Riverside Drive, provided he gets any other necessary permits.

The business might need a Maine Department of Transportation highway entrance permit to continue using the Riverside Drive end of the driveway that runs through the property from one road to the other, because Riverside Drive is state Route 201.

Bunten might also need a DOT permit for the business sign he intends to put on the highway.

Because the business is close to his house, Bunten said he does not intend to accumulate vehicles in the yard. Planning board members approved a limit of 10 operating vehicles and two unregistered. Most will be diesel pick-up trucks, Bunten said, with a few tractors and similar small to medium-size vehicles.

Operating hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Waste oil and other fluids will be stored inside the building and disposed of properly. Bunten plans to have no employees “in the foreseeable future”; he does not intend to add a waiting room or plumbing.

The second application was from Sun Vest Solar for a six-month extension of its permit for a solar farm on Webber Pond Road. Board chairman Virginia Brackett said Sun Vest’s project, like others, was waiting for approval to connect to Central Maine Power Company’s grid.

Board members talked briefly about the proposed solar moratorium ordinance that select board members are scheduled to discuss at their Sept. 15 meeting, with the intention of asking voters to approve it at the polls Nov. 8. Planners agreed that until they see the wording of the draft ordinance, they cannot tell whether it will affect requests to extend previously-approved permits.

The next regular Vassalboro Planning Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4. Paul Mitnik, temporarily reverting from board member to his former job as Vassalboro codes officer, said the agenda is likely to include applications for commercial solar developments.

EVENTS: Windsor Historical Society to offer evening talk

Windsor Historical Society at Windsor Fairgrounds

The Windsor Historical Society is offering an evening talk with John Bunker who will share his knowledge of Maine apple trees on Wednesday, October 12.

John Bunker is an apple historian, gardener and orchardist. In 1984 he started the cooperative mail-order nursery Fedco Trees. In 2012 he founded the Maine Heritage Orchard, in Unity. His recent book, Apples and the Art of Detection recounts his 40 years of tracking down, identifying and preserving rare apples. He lives with Cammy Watts on Superchilly Farm, in Palermo. To contact John or to learn more about John and Cammy’s activities, go to outonalimbapples.com.

There is no fee to attend but seating is limited. The talk will take place in the Malta Room, on the Windsor Historical Society grounds, Windsor Fairgrounds, at 7 p.m.

Please see the Windsor Historical Society page on Facebook for contact information.

China tax rate set at 12.05 mil

by Mary Grow

China’s property tax rate for the 2022-23 fiscal year, which began July 1, will be 12.05 mils ($12.05 for each $1,000 of valuation).

After a series of frustrating delays caused by computer issues, the new rate was approved unanimously by the board of assessors (also the select board) at a special meeting Sept. 6.

By June’s town business meeting vote, which select board members cannot change, the first half payment of local taxes is due at the town office by 4:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 30.

Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said bills would go to the printer as soon as possible. If the printer is speedy, they might be in the mail by Sept. 9 or Sept. 12. They will also be on the town website, china.govoffice.org.

The 2022-23 rate is a decrease of 2.35 mils, or $2.35 per $1,000, from the 2021-22 rate of 14.4 mills ($14.40 for each $1,000 of valuation).

The lower rate does not mean everyone’s taxes will go down. Taxes are based on valuation multiplied by mil rate; some valuations will have increased, either through assessor William Van Tuinen’s adjustments as prices change or because property-owners have made improvements.

China’s tax rate is usually set by mid-August. The computer problems made other municipalities using the program that China uses send their bills closer than usual to due dates, Hapgood and assessing assistant Kelly Grotton said.

Interest will be charged on late payments, again by a town meeting vote that selectmen cannot override. Grotton said the interest rate is low enough so that for most property-owners, a few days’ interest will add only pennies to the bill.

Next year, Hapgood said, the warrant article for the annual town business meeting will be reworded to allow for unexpected delays – making the first due date either a fixed date “or 30 days after the tax commitment,” for example.

Hapgood said expenditures from taxes will rise in the current fiscal year, for the town, the school department and Kennebec County. An increase in valuations more than offset the increased spending, making the lower tax rate possible.

VASSALBORO: Review of solar moratorium ordinance on agenda

by Mary Grow

One agenda item at the Vassalboro select board’s Thursday, Sept. 15, meeting is a review of a solar moratorium ordinance that board members intend to ask voters to approve on Nov. 8.

At their Aug. 11 meeting, select board members voted unanimously to have the town attorney draft a moratorium ordinance. The purpose would be to postpone action on requests for commercial solar developments in town until after voters approve regulations specific to such developments.

Planning board members have already approved several commercial solar projects, adapting provisions of the existing Site Review Ordinance. Discussions have pointed out the desirability of additional rules for solar, like a requirement that the developer provide a plan and funding to restore the property after the solar panels’ useful life ends.

Planning board member Douglas Phillips said that the town can either adopt a separate new ordinance to govern commercial solar projects, or add rules for such developments to the Site Review Ordinance. He prefers the second route.

The select board meets at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15 in the town office meeting room.