Erskine Academy announces top ten seniors, class of 2022

Top row, left to right: Mackenzie Roderick, Aidan Larrabee, Hannah Soule, Lily Vinci, Samantha Golden.
Bottom row: Emily Clark, Grace Hodgkins, Devon Polley, Grace Kelso, Riley Reitchel.

Erskine Academy, in South China, has announced the Class of 2022 Top Ten Seniors.

Valedictorian is Mackenzie Roderick, daughter of Melissa Vail, of Augusta, and Mike Roderick, of China. Throughout her four years at Erskine, Mackenzie has participated in such activities as Student Council, National Honor Society, the EA Leadership Team, math team, soccer, basketball, and she has completed over 100 hours of community service projects. Mackenzie is a four-year honor roll recipient and has received awards of distinction in Spanish, statistics, and calculus, and she has been a Senior of the Trimester award recipient. Mackenzie is also a Maine Principal’s Association Award recipient, a George Eastman Young Leaders Award recipient, and has served as President of the Class of 2022. Mackenzie plans to attend the University of Southern Maine to study Biology.

Salutatorian is Aidan Larrabee, son of Carrie and Jeremy Larrabee, of China. Aidan has participated in such activities as Student Council, National Honor Society, math team, Youth in Government, the EA Leadership Team, Future Business Leaders of America, soccer, wrestling, and basketball. Aidan has also served as Vice President of the Class of 2022, and he has completed over 200 hours of community service projects. A student who has received high honor roll distinction every trimester, Aidan was the recipient of awards of excellence in English, pre-calculus, social studies, biology, U.S. History, French, and physical education. In addition, Aidan has also been a recipient of the Rensselaer Medal and Renaissance Recognition and Senior of the Trimester awards. Aidan plans to attend Texas A & M to study Petroleum Engineering.

Third in academic standing is Hannah Soule, daughter of Amanda and Jamie Soule, of Fairfield. Hannah is a member of National Honor Society and she has participated in such activities as EA Theater, Future Business Leaders of America, AFS (Erskine’s cultural awareness group), LEO Club, the EA Leadership Team, and field hockey. In addition, Hannah has completed over 100 hours of community service projects. Hannah has received high honor roll distinction every trimester, is a Smith Book Award recipient, and has been a recipient of Renaissance Recognition and Senior of the Trimester awards. Hannah plans to attend Columbus State University to major in Political Science with a Pre-Law concentration.

Fourth in academic standing is Lily Vinci, daughter of Melody and Anthony Vinci, of Palermo. Lily has participated in such activities as AFS (Erskine’s cultural awareness group), cross country, indoor track, track & field, and tennis. Lily has also completed over 100 hours of community service projects. Lily has received awards of distinction in Algebra 1, geometry, Algebra 2, and chemistry, and she has achieved four year honor roll status. In addition, Lily was the recipient of the Phi Beta Kappa Award. Lily plans to take a gap year to pursue employment and travel opportunities.

Fifth in academic standing is Samantha Golden, daughter of Jane and Richard Golden, of China. Samantha is a member of National Honor Society and has been a participant of HOPE (Helping Others Persevere at Erskine), soccer, and basketball. Samantha has also completed over 100 hours of community service projects. Samantha has received awards of excellence in U.S. history and is a four-year honor roll recipient. Samantha plans to attend Clark University with a major in Biology.

Sixth in academic standing is Emily Clark, daughter of Stacy and Christopher Clark, of China. Emily is a member of National Honor Society and she has participated in such activities as HOPE (Helping Others Persevere at Erskine), soccer, basketball, and she has participated in a variety of community service activities. Emily has received awards of excellence in Integrated Science and PreCalculus, is a four year honor roll recipient, and received the SWE Certification of Merit. Emily plans to attend Endicott College with a major in nursing.

Seventh in academic standing is Grace Hodgkin, daughter of Helen Edmonds and Dana Hodgkin, of Manchester. Grace is a member of National Honor Society and she has participated in such activities as EA Theater, Student Council, yearbook, tennis, and she has served as a class officer. Grace is also a four-year honor roll recipient. Grace plans to major in biology at the University of Maine.

Eighth in academic standing is Devon Polley, son of Hillary and Stephen Polley, of Vassalboro. Devon has been a member of the soccer and tennis teams and he has completed a variety of community service projects. Devon has received honor roll distinction every trimester, and he has received an award of excellence in physics. Devon was also the recipient of the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award. Devon plans to attend the University of Maine with a major in Mechanical Engineering.

Ninth in academic standing is Grace Kelso, daughter of Storm and Bradley Kelso, of Vassalboro. Grace is a member of National Honor Society, and she has participated in such activities as debate team, Youth in Government, AFS (Erskine’s cultural awareness group), swim, tennis, and she has completed over 300 hours of community service projects. Grace has also received high honor roll distinction every trimester, has received awards of excellence in English, German, and debate, and she has received Renaissance Recognition and Senior of the Trimester awards. Grace plans to major in International Relations at the University of Edinburgh.

Tenth in academic standing is Riley Reitchel, daughter of Danielle and Richard Reitchel, of Palermo. Riley is a member of National Honor Society and has participated in such activities as LEO Club, the EA Leadership Team, the EA International Outreach Coalition, soccer, indoor track, and she has completed over 100 hours of community service projects. Riley has earned honor roll status every trimester, and she has received a Renaissance Senior of the Trimester award. Riley plans to major in Linguistics at the University of Southern Maine.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Things you see in the dark

Wolverine, left, and Fisher, right.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Well, today we have an interesting question.

A supporter sent an email to me stating they had seen a wolverine crossing the Bog Road, in Vassalboro, on their way home from the Vassalboro town meeting last Monday night. After looking online, this person is sure it was a wolverine.

The wolverine is the largest land-dwelling species of the family Mustelidae (otters, weasels, badgers, ferrets, martens, minks). It is a muscular carnivore and a solitary animal. The wolverine has a reputation for ferocity and strength out of proportion to its size, with the documented ability to kill prey many times larger than itself.

The wolverine is found primarily in remote reaches of the Northern boreal forests and subarctic and alpine tundra of the Northern Hemisphere, with the greatest numbers in Northern Canada, the U.S. state of Alaska, the mainland Nordic countries of Europe, and throughout western Russia and Siberia. Its population has steadily declined since the 19th century because to trapping, range reduction and habitat fragmentation. The wolverine is now essentially absent from the southern end of its range in both Europe and North America.

Anatomically, the wolverine is an elongated animal that is low to the ground. With strong limbs, broad and rounded head, small eyes and short rounded ears, it most closely resembles a large fisher. Though its legs are short, its large, five-toed paws with crampon-like claws and plantigrade posture enable it to climb up and over steep cliffs, trees and snow-covered peaks with relative ease.

The adult wolverine is about the size of a medium dog. Wolverines have thick, dark, oily fur which is highly hydrophobic, making it resistant to frost. This has led to its traditional popularity among hunters and trappers as a lining in jackets and parkas in Arctic conditions. A light-silvery facial mask is distinct in some individuals, and a pale buff stripe runs laterally from the shoulders along the side and crossing the rump just above a bushy tail. Some individuals display prominent white hair patches on their throats or chests.

Like many other mustelids, it has potent anal scent glands used for marking territory and sexual signaling. The pungent odor has given rise to the nicknames “skunk bear” and “nasty cat.” Wolverines, like other mustelids, possess a special upper molar in the back of the mouth that is rotated 90 degrees, towards the inside of the mouth. This special characteristic allows wolverines to tear off meat from prey or carrion that has been frozen solid.

Wolverines are considered to be primarily scavengers. A majority of the wolverine’s sustenance is derived from carrion, on which it depends almost exclusively in winter and early spring. Wolverines may find carrion themselves, feed on it after the predator (often, a pack of wolves) has finished, or simply take it from another predator. Wolverines are also known to follow wolf and lynx trails, purportedly with the intent of scavenging the remains of their kills. Whether eating live prey or carrion, the wolverine’s feeding style appears voracious, leading to the nickname of “glutton”. However, this feeding style is believed to be an adaptation to food scarcity, especially in winter.

The wolverine is also a powerful and versatile predator. Its prey mainly consists of small to medium-sized mammals, but the wolv­erine has been recorded kill­ing prey such as adult deer that are many times larger than itself. Prey species include porcupines, squirrels, chipmunks, beavers, marmots, moles, gophers, rabbits, voles, mice, rats, shrews, lemmings, caribou, roe deer, white-tailed deer, mule deer, sheep, goats, cattle, bison, moose, and elk. Smaller predators are occasionally preyed on, including martens, mink, foxes, Eurasian lynx, weasels, [coyote, and wolf pups. Wolverines often pursue live prey that are relatively easy to obtain. Their diets are sometimes supplemented by birds’ eggs, birds (especially geese), roots, seeds, insect larvae, and berries.

Wol­ver­ines frequently cache their food during times of plenty. This is of particular importance to lactating females in the winter and early spring, a time when food is scarce.

Wolves, American black bears, brown bears, cougars, and golden eagles are capable of killing wolverines, particularly young and inexperienced individuals. Wolves are thought to be the wolverine’s most important natural predator. Armed with powerful jaws, sharp claws, and a thick hide, wolverines are remarkably strong for their size. By far, their most serious predator is the grey wolf.

Wolverines live primarily in isolated arctic, boreal, and alpine regions of northern Canada, Alaska, Siberia, and Fennoscandia; they are also native to European Russia, the Baltic countries, the Russian Far East, northeast China and Mongolia. In the Sierra Nevada, wolverines were sighted near Winnemucca Lake in spring 1995 and at Toe Jam Lake north of the Yosemite border in 1996; and later photographed by baited cameras, including in 2008 and 2009, near Lake Tahoe. According to a 2014 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service publication, “wolverines are found in the North Cascades, in Washington, and the Northern Rocky Mountains, in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Wyoming. Individual wolverines have also moved into historic range in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California and the Southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado, but have not established breeding populations in these areas.

Most New World wolverines live in Canada and Alaska. However, wolverines were once recorded as also being present in Colorado, areas of the southwestern United States (Arizona and New Mexico), the Midwest (Indiana, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Ohio, Minnesota, and Wisconsin), New England (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts) and in New York and Pennsylvania.

Many North American cities, teams, and organizations use the wolverine as a mascot. For example, the US state of Michigan is, by tradition, known as “the Wolverine State”, and the University of Michigan takes the animal as its mascot. There have also been professional baseball and football clubs called the “Wolverines”.

Marvel Comics character James “Logan” Howlett was given the name “Wolverine” because of his short stature, keen animal senses, and ferocity.

The wolverine is prevalent in stories and oral history from various Algonquian tribes and figures prominently in the mythology of the Innu people of eastern Québec and Labrador.

So, now the question is: are there wolverines in Maine? According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, wolverines are not found in New England, although they did at one time. But fishers are, and in the right light, they could look like small wolverines. What did that person see that night? In the dark, it could possibly have been a fisher, which bears a resemblance to a small wolverine.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Which Boston Red Sox player was the first rookie in history to gather both the Rookie of the Year, and Most Valuable Player awards, in the same year?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, June 9, 2022

Trivia QuestionsWhich Boston Red Sox player was the first rookie in history to gather both the Rookie of the Year, and Most Valuable Player awards, in the same year?

Answer:

Fred Lynn, in 1975.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, June 9, 2022

DONALD F. MASKELL

WATERVILLE – Donald F. Maskell, 77, passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at Maine­General Medical Center, in Augusta. Donald (Don) was born July 31, 1944, in Quincy, Massachusetts, the son of Grace Wilmer (Peavey) Maskell and Howard Frederick Maskell.

He served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves from 1962 to 1967, and was married to the late Barbara Maskell in 1974, in Waterville. They resided in Oakland for many years where they raised their three sons before building a retirement home in Waterville.

Don worked at Cianbro Corp., in Pittsfield, before joining Schwan’s Food Company in the late 1970s. At Schwan’s he held various jobs as a driver before being promoted to warehouse manager, and he managed a number of depot warehouses across New England before he retired.

He was known to his grandchildren as grampa and “Pupup”.

Before his health declined Don was an avid fisherman, sharing fishing stories with his family right up until the day before he passed. He loved to take fishing excursions with his kids and his grandnephew, Ricky Morse.

Don became a skilled woodworker, making furniture for himself and his children while his health permitted. He passed his knowledge of woodworking on to anyone who wanted to learn.

At the Easter Vigil ceremony in 2002, in answer to the longtime prayers of his wife and children, Don was received into the Catholic Church. He later joined the Knights of Columbus and became a fourth degree Knight.

Don is survived by sons Randall Landry and wife Jeannine, of Londonderry, New Hampshire, and Marc and wife Lynn; 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; one brother, Charles Maskell, of Englewood, Florida.

He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Barbara, son Scott Landry, siblings Albert Maskell, Howard Maskell, Sophie (Hamilton) Vicnaire, Everett Hamilton, Mildred (Hamilton) Chapman, Henry Hamilton, Harold “Tubby” Hamilton, and Perley Hamilton.

A Catholic Mass will be held on Wednesday, June 15, at 10 a.m., at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., in Waterville, followed by a committal at St. Francis Cemetery.

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 www.lawrybrothers.com.

CHEYENNE R. HOSKINS

CHELSEA – Cheyenne Rae Hoskins, 14, passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. She was born January 11, 2008, in Skowhegan, the daughter of Dorette (King) Hoskins.

Although her time on earth was short, she touched many, many lives and will be fondly remembered by those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

She is survived by her mother, Dorette Hoskins; sisters, Shawna Hunter and Erin Grant; brother, Jedediah Neilson; aunts and uncles Bruce and Tammy King, Andrea and Eric Erskine, Dan and Sarah King, Valerie and David Richards, Brian and Geneva King, Dwayne and Jeanne King; many cousins; and special friends from her time at Spurwink.

She was predeceased by great-grandparents, Constance and Perley King, and Uncle Steve King.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 1:30 p.m., at the Church of Faith, on Route 2, in Skowhegan, headed toward Canaan, with a lunch and gathering to follow at 22 Mill Pond Road, East Madison.

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 Cheyenne’s memory to Spurwink School, 901 Washington Ave. Suite 100, Portland, ME or at Spurwink.org.

BRIAN PINETTE

TURNERS FALLS, Massa­chusetts — Brian E. Pinette, 65, of 7th St. passed away on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at Baystate Medical Center, in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was born in Augusta, August 11, 1956, the son of Joseph and Gloria (Dowe) Pinette.

A software developer with a PhD in robotics, he was always an early adopter with an interest in new technologies. He was also a voracious reader, and avid gardener, and adventurous cook and homebrewer, and creative with a variety of home improvement projects. He also enjoyed CrossFit and meditation.

Brian was a generous spirit and active in the community in a variety of ways. He enjoyed attending conferences on both cutting-edge scientific developments and paranormal activity.

He was predeceased by three siblings—Gregory, Scott, and Lori and his parents—Joseph and Gloria.

He is survived by his two children, Luke Pinette and Jed Kundl; the three children of his late sister, Derry, Moira, and Ian Salewski.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Kostanski Funeral Home, 1 Kostanski Square, Turners Falls, Massachusetts, on Saturday June 11, 2022, from 10 a.m. until noon.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to International Rescue Committee, 122 E 42nd St., New York, NY. 10168 or http://www.rescue.org.

For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com

JUSTIN B. HOWARD

CLINTON – Justin B. Howard, 36, died unexpectedly on Sunday, May 22, 2022. Justin was born in Waterville, on March 15, 1986, to Nena Shaw and Gerald Howard Jr.

Justin graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, class of 2004.

He will be remembered as the funny, kind, and creative person that he was growing up. His smile and laugh will never be forgotten.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents as well as several aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his mother, Nena; his father, Gerald and spouse, Dianne; two sisters, Courtney and husband, Zach, and Tasha and fiancé, Zach; his four children, Kierra, Jaidyn, Deakyn, and Kashious; his nephew, Ryder; his paternal grandparents; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life took place at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield, on June 4.

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.

The family request donations to be sent to Alliance for Addiction and Mental Health Services, Maine in honor of Justin Howard.

ROSALIND F. JOSEPH

WATERVILLE – Rosalind Fern (Bard) Joseph, 90, of Waterville passed away on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, following a sudden illness. Rosalind was born on August 13, 1931, in Fort Kent, to parents Alcide and Cecile (Robichaud) Bard.

She was the oldest of 12 siblings and spent her early years on the family’s potato farm. As a young woman, Rosalind moved to Waterville, where she eventually married and began her family. Years later, as a single mother of four, she proved her tenacity by continuing her education, going back to work at Keyes Fibre Co., (now Huhtamaki), in Waterville, for 16 years before her retirement and maintaining her home by herself.

During this time she also had a radical encounter with Jesus Christ, her Savior and found a place of belonging with the people at Blessed Hope Church, in Waterville, and at Lakeside Advent Christian Campground, in Belgrade. Rosalind’s faith in Christ was well-known and she spent many years serving at her church and at Lakeside in various roles. She loved reading scripture and dedicated herself to being a “prayer warrior,” praying for extended periods of time for her loved ones, community and the world.

Her desire above all was for her family and friends to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. She recognized God’s care and provision for her throughout her life and prayed that her loved ones would experience His grace as well and she was not afraid to share her faith with everyone she encountered. Lakeside held a very dear place in Rosalind’s heart.

She purchased a small camp and later built a new larger one, designing and doing much of the work herself, and spent every summer there for decades until her dementia made it difficult.

Rosalind was predeceased by her parents, brothers Rosaire “Shoe”, Bertrand and Maurice Bard, and great-granddaughter Acadia Grace Tuggle.

She is survived by her children Gerald Joseph, Cheryl Tuggle, David Joseph and wife Tonda, and Paul Joseph, as well as grandchildren Sarah Doyle and husband Tim, Joshua Tuggle, Joann Bedillion and husband Damon, Jessica Joseph, Leah Tuggle, Bethany Tuttle and husband Jason, and Dylan Joseph; and great-grandchildren Elijah and Micah Tuggle, Connor and Brynn Doyle, Wyatt and Ian Tuttle, and Luca and Aliyah Joseph.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 2, at 11 a.m., at Blessed Hope Church, (10 Pleasant Street, Waterville) with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rosalind’s name can be made to Lakeside Advent Christian Camp meeting Association at http://www.lakesideaccamp.org or mailed to Cherry Frewin—Lakeside Treasurer, Lakeside Advent Christian Campmeeting Association, 3126 Berkley Square Way, Vero Beach, FL 32966, or by text giving: Send a text message with the amount you wish to donate to 207-888-4657 and click the link provided in the response.

JEFFREY A. QUIRION

SIDNEY – Jeffrey A. Quirion Sr., 57, passed away May 25, 2022 at Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. He was born December 15, 1964, in Waterville, the son of Paul J. and Janet (Mullen) Quirion.

He graduated from Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, in 1984 and was employed as a service writer in the automobile industry all his life. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, listening to music, four-wheeling, and family gatherings.

Jeffrey is survived by his parents, Paul and Janet Quirion, of Oakland; daughter, Katie Lancaster and husband Travis, of Fairfield; son, Jeff Quirion and wife Tamran, of Sidney; grandchildren, Aaliyah, Aerek, Jackson, Morgan, Madalyn and Emma; sister, Paula Fairfield and husband Joe, of Sidney; brother, Danny Quirion and wife Maryanne, of Vassalboro; sister, Angela Quirion and partner Ian Reilly, of Wiscasset; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at Lewis Cemetery, in Oakland, at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Jeffrey’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, 10 Speen Street, 2nd Floor, Framingham, MA 01701.

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

CATHERINE M. MOOERS

SIDNEY – Catherine “Kaye” Myrtle Doyle Mooers, 87, of Sidney, formerly of Manchester, passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at Maine­General Rehabilitation and Nursing Glenridge Comfort Care Unit, in Augusta. She was born in Dexter on December 23, 1934, the daughter of Everett E. and Grace (Landry) Doyle.

She was a 1953 graduate of Maine Central Institute, in Pittsfield, and graduated with highest honors from the University of Maine in Orono in 1974.

She was a member of the Manchester Community Church for over 50 years where she was past president of the Adult Club, served as church clerk and as chairman of the board of trustees. She was a member of the MCC choir and served as church historian and photographer for many years.

She served as Class Agent for the class of 1953 at Maine Central Institute and enjoyed getting classmates together in Maine and in Florida, and in keeping them informed about special events in their lives. She was inducted into the MCI Hall of Fame in 2013 for her outstanding work as a Class Agent for over 55 years.

She was a past secretary of the Manchester PTA and member and past president of the Army National Guard Auxiliary, of Gardiner. She was a member of the Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, of Augusta, The Maine Retired Teachers Association, and the National Education Association. She worked for the State of Maine Department of Human Services, was patients control clerk, inventory clerk, and switchboard operator at the Augusta State Hospital, and was head cook at the Manchester Elementary School.

Working with children at the school inspired her to go to college and fulfill her dream to become a teacher. Upon graduating from UMO she taught second grade at Farrington Elementary School, in Augusta, for 20 years. She loved keeping in touch with her former students and enjoyed getting to know their children.

She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Walter F. Mooers, Sr.; two brothers Wilmont and Arthur Doyle, and three sisters Dorothy Doyle Elderkin, Phyllis Cline Kaler, and Ruth Shirley Shorey.

Survivors include her son Walter F. Mooers, Jr. and wife Jean, of Manchester; daughter Deborah L. Violette and husband Michael, of Sidney; grandchildren Justin W. Mooers and wife Kate, Ryan R. Mooers and wife Bobbi Jo, Tanya Jones and companion Dan Howe, and Steven Violette and companion Amanda Moody; great-grandchildren Kyle Walker, Brenna-Marie Mooers, Brayden Walter Jones, Hailey Olivia Jones, and Lilajean Mooers, Ronilynn Mooers, and Brycen Mooers; a niece Christina Elderkin Botting Kostuk who lived with the Mooers during her teen years; and many other nieces and nephews to whom she was very close; her companion and dear friend Stirling Thurston, of Sidney, and Brooksville, Florida, where they shared many years together after the loss of their spouses.

Committal prayers and burial will be held Saturday, June 11, at 11 a.m. at the Manchester Forks Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Manchester Community Church, at noon, and a gathering after for fellowship and refreshments.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church Street, Augusta, where memories and condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to MCI, 295 Main Street, Pittsfield, ME 04967, Manchester Community Church, 23 Readfield Road, Manchester, ME 04351 or MaineGeneral Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care, P O Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903.

ROBERT E. GURNEY

CLINTON – Robert E. Gurney, 90, of Clinton, passed away on Friday, May 27, 2022, following a battle with cancer. He died at the VA hospice care in Togus. Bob was born on March 28, 1932, the son of John J. Gurney and Flora C. Gurney, of Fairfield.

He had two sisters and nine brothers. He attended school in the Fairfield school system.With the outbreak of the Korean War, Bob joined the U.S.Army and went to Korea in 1950 to 1953 to fight for our country. Following his discharge from the military service, he went to work at Scott Paper Co., in Winslow.

He married Marline Parker on December 20, 1957. They had two children, Robert (Skip) Gurney and Mary Bowman. His first love was always his family.

Playing horseshoes, card games and croquet with his grandchildren was always a favorite time for Bob. He enjoyed gardening and puttering around the farm as his daily routine. He had a long career at Scott Paper Co. before retiring at the age of 55, and had a long, wonderful retirement of more than 35 years.

Bob will be remembered as a quiet man who always was willing to help anyone in need.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marline; two children Robert (Jane) Gurney and Mary (Donnie)Bowman; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, and sisters.

Funeral service will be private for immediate family.

Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church Street, Augusta. Friends may share memories, condolences, and photos with the family on the obituary page at http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army, 36 Eastern Ave., Augusta, Maine 04330.

ELSIE J. ADAMS

PALERMO – Elsie Jean (Tibbetts) Adams, 93, of Palermo, passed away on Saturday, May 28, 2022. Elsie, the second of seven Tibbetts girls, was born in Windsor on July 15, 1928, to parents John and Harriet (Greeley) Tibbetts.

She grew up helping her sisters, then went on to meet the love of her life, Earl Stanton Adams, during a Walker High School field trip. Elsie began attending Farmington State Teachers College, where Earl soon enrolled, in an attempt to capture Elsie’s heart. The pair wed in 1947, began a family in Rutland, Vermont, and soon moved back to Maine.

With Earl’s support, Elsie resumed classes, attending summer school and night classes so she could take care of her family during the daytime, finally matriculating at University of Maine, Orono, Class of ’69.

Elsie and Earl were married for 59 years and raised three children. Teaching at Walker High School for six years, Elsie taught for an additional 31 years in the China school system before finally retiring in 1985. She loved teaching and was an avid reader, sightseer, card player, camper, snowmobiler, enjoyed crocheting and knitting, and later in life, enjoyed her winters in Florida with Earl.

Her firm belief in family fed a passion for genealogy and she would discuss her ancestral roots and interests in genealogy with anyone who would listen. The annual Tibbetts family reunions were always a highlight for Elsie, as was her involvement with annual Fish and Game yard sales she hosted at her home on Route 3, in Palermo. Elsie was also known to bake delicious sweets, as well as canning vegetables and pickles from the garden she and Earl planted and tended each season.

Old fashioned donuts, apple pie and mincemeat pie were just a few popular items Elsie often made to share with friends, family, and strangers alike. Elsie and Earl playfully teased one another, providing hours of amusement to their grandchildren and anyone else who needed a smile. “For heaven’s sakes, Earl” was perhaps one of her best-known lines in response to his “for heaven’s sakes, Elsie.”

Like her sisters, Elsie was strong and independent, always there when needed.

She was a member of the Kennebec and Waldo Retired Teachers Associations, Maine Education Association, National Education Association, Palermo Historical Society, Palermo Fish and Game, and the Maine Old Cemetery Association.

She leaves behind her three children: Ronald Adams and his wife Patricia Mathis of Houston, Texas; Caroline Holden and husband Hank, of Palermo, and John (Jack) Elwin Adams, of Fairfield; a sister, Marcia Taber, of Syracuse, New York; grandchildren Kristyn Mathis, of Houston, Texas, Randall Adams and wife Amy, of Middleburg, Virginia, Carolyn Johnson and husband Jason, of Fort Collins, Colorado, Christine Caswell and husband Moises Nuñez, of Portland, George Caswell. Jr. and wife Laura Johnston, of Sudbury, Massachusetts, Jennifer Adams and husband Robert Harville, of Scarborough, Seth Adams, of Southern Maine; great-grandchildren Michael, Meaghan, Daniel, and Ethan Adams, Henry and Cecylia Schattle; Violet, Melody, and Benjamin Caswell; Hazel Harville; and several nieces, and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Earl (2007); her sisters Frances Lenfest, Beryl Glidden, Carolyn Ballantyne, Betty Glidden, Sylvia Tibbetts, and a daughter-in-law, Eva (Gilblair) Adams.

Funeral services were held at the Palermo Christian Church, on Sunday, June 5, 2022.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests donations be made to the Palermo Christian Church Youth Program.

DAVID N. BURBANK

WINSLOW – David Nelson Burbank, 91, of Winslow, passed away at his home on Monday, May 30, 2022. David was born on April 1, 1931, in Waterville, the son of Lynwood A. “Steve” Burbank and Ethel A. Remillard Burbank.

He was educated in Waterville schools where he participated in many activities, graduating from Waterville High School in 1949. David credited the Waterville Boys Club for keeping him trouble-free during his formative years, and was instrumental in forming the Keystone Club.

After graduation, he went to work at the Elmwood Hotel, in Waterville, where he met his future wife Marlene Dumont. They were married on August 26, 1950, at Sacred Heart Church, in Waterville, with Father Houlihan officiating. In 1951, he moved on to work as a production trainee at C.F. Hathaway Shirt Co., in Waterville, where he worked for 41 years until retirement. He advanced to various manufacturing positions and in 1962 was transferred to Dover-Foxcroft to start up a satellite plant. The entire growing family enjoyed their home and community there.

He and Marlene were very active in various organizations in the community, and were congregants of St. Thomas Church. In 1967, David was transferred back to Waterville as a manufacturing consultant and the family moved to Winslow, where they lived until his passing. He traveled to various Hathaway facilities in the northeast and Puerto Rico. David retired in 1992 as the plant manager of the main plant in Waterville.

David was a 48-year member of the Waterville Country Club where he played golf until age 90, and was active at St. John Corpus Christi Parish. Marlene and David traveled extensively until health issues did not allow it. David was an avid golfer, gardener, cross-country skier, and an amazing cook, which passions he enthusiastically taught and passed along to his family. Above all, David was totally devoted to his large and loving family.

David was predeceased by his parents, and his sisters Elizabeth Jolicoeur and Ethelyn Nixon.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Marlene Burbank; and four children, Scott and his wife Susan, of Homer, Alaska, Larry, of Waterville, Tim and his wife Marsha, of China, and Jane Veilleux and her husband Roger, of Winslow; grandchildren Todd and his wife Katie, of Winslow, Jeremy and his wife Lorelei, of Vassalboro, Daniel and his wife Danielle, of Belgrade, Jason and his fiancée Jennifer, of Georgia, Kate O’Neal and her husband Patrick, of North Carolina, Kirsten Wrigley and her husband Tyler, of North Carolina; step-grandchildren Eliana LaCroix and her fiancé Zach, of Burnham, and Pamela Ames and her husband John, of Massachusetts; 23 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

At David’s request there will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Church, 26 Monument St., in Winslow, on Monday, June 20, 2022, at 10 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at Marlene and David’s home.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St. Waterville Maine 04901.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

JEREMY L. GILLEY

VASSALBORO – Spc. Jeremy L. Gilley, 37, died unexpectedly Monday, May 30, 2022, at his home. He was born in Waterville on December 22, 1984, son of Thomas V. and Tammy A. (Green) Gilley.

Jeremy grew up in Palermo and attended Erskine Academy, in South China. He served in the U.S. Army in Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 502D Infantry Regiment during Operation Enduring Freedom. Jeremy encountered many obstacles during his life but always had the strength and determination to overcome them. After he lost both of his legs in his 2011 accident, limiting him from the things he enjoyed doing, Jeremy had his daughter Kara.

She became his whole world and motivated him to set and achieve goals. His most recent goal was converting his truck into a camper. He planned to travel the U.S., reuniting with some of his former military brothers along the way.

He was predeceased by his father, Thomas V. Gilley, uncle, Lonnie Gilley and maternal grandmother, Diane Green.

Jeremy is survived by his mother, Tammy A. (Green) Gilley, of Palermo; his daughter, Kara Gilley, of Chelsea; two sisters: Jessica (Gilley) Toothaker, of Augusta, and Taylor Gilley, of South China; nephew, Aaric Toothaker and niece, Cadence Welch; paternal grandmother, Dorothy Gilley; maternal grandfather, John Green as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 22, at 10 a.m., at the new Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta. A gathering for family and friends to follow will be held at VFW, 509 Leighton Rd. Augusta, ME.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME.

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

Donations in Jeremy’s memory to Veterans No Boundaries, 8 Sundance Ln., Newry, ME, 04261 or online.

JOHN GOFF

WATERVILLE – John Goff passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at MaineGeneral Medical Center. He was born in Farm­ington, the son of Edward Goff & Helen (Cook) McPherson.

He was always a free spirit with a curious mind. John enjoyed watching the Red Sox games, watching old westerns. He loved his Red Sox, John Deere tractors and farming. To know him was to love him. He had a heart of gold. His kind loving heart and larger than life personality always shined through.

John was predeceased by his parents Edward Goff and Helen McPherson; his baby brother Charles, his older brother Michael; and his niece Holly Lakin.

He is survived by his sister-in-law Cheryl Goff; nieces Jennifer Goff, Jessica Crispin, Amanda Wyman; his great-nephews Cameron Schmidt, Brandon Schmidt, Jaithon Crispin, his great-niece Brilynn Crispin; great-great-nephew Parker Crispin and great-great-niece Dahlia Crispin; many cousins from the Dyer family.

A private graveside service will be held at Forest Hill Cemetary, on Park Street, in Madison.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home, in Madison and Bingham.

To view the online obituary, view service information, share on social media or to leave your condolences to John’s family please visit our website at http://www.gibersonfuneralhome.com

JULIA CRAIG

WATERVILLE – Julia “Judy” Craig, 95, passed away on June 4, 2022, at Oak Grove Center, Waterville,. She was born in Durant, Oklahoma, on October 14, 1926, to Hettie Shaw Wilcox and Alfred Wilcox.

She lived most of her life in Texas, picking cotton for a living as a child with her parents and five siblings, and then later working in a variety of service occupations, including waitressing, secretarial and receptionist work. She married William R. Craig in 1948 to whom she remained faithful until his passing in 2010. She had two children, eight grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. Judy became a Christian in the 1950s and faithfully served the Lord at Lavonne Drive Baptist for many years. She enjoyed being the church secretary for several years and singing in the choir.

In 2013 she moved to Maine to be with her son and family, quickly becoming an important part of their lives, especially in her granddaughter-in-law’s daycare where she became the official baby rocker. She was a member of Kennebec Valley Baptist Church and was welcomed into a group of friends with whom she enjoyed playing cards weekly. When the time came for her to transition to Oak Grove Center, Judy continued to love and be loved by so many people. Her loving and fun personality made her many friends in her long life.

Judy is survived by her son, Michael Craig and wife LaVerne; her grandchildren Jamin Craig and wife Bethany, of Benton, William Craig and wife Dana, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Jenny Craig, of Augusta, Joseph Craig and wife Libby, of Benton, Matthew Craig, of Westbrook, Wendy Williamson Roberts and husband Roy, of Pensacola, Florida, Julie Williamson Ausbrook and husband Thomas, of Royse City, Texas, Jason Williamson, of McKinney, Texas; her great-grandchildren Jordan, Sam, Jacob, Zackary, Gavin, Riley, and Westley Craig, Evan, Cody, Aaron, Natya and Leila Craig, Sola Craig, Kaysi and Kaitlyn Roberts, and Toby Williamson; two great-great-grandchildren, Joshua and Anna Craig; many nieces and nephews; her son-in-law George Williamson, of Bedias, Texas.

She was predeceased by her parents and her siblings, Alfred, Ralph, Genevieve, Marie, Dana, and Tim.

There will be a funeral on Friday, June 10, at 2 p.m., at Kennebec Valley Baptist Church, followed by light refreshments and fellowship, with a committal service at Greenlawn Rest cemetery, in Clinton, at 4:30 p.m.

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.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Steven Pottle service

A memorial service for Steven Arthur Pottle will be held on Sunday, June 26, at 11 a.m., at Augusta Seventh-day Adventist Church, 235 Eastern Avenue, (Route 17), Augusta, ME.

 

 

 

 

 

 

VCS names three new staff

Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

At a short special meeting June 6, Vassalboro School Board members hired three new staff members, Chairman Kevin Levasseur reported.

Joining the Vassalboro Community School staff are assistant principal Tabitha Brewer, SLP (speech-language pathologist) Madison Morneault and school counselor Gina Davis.

The next regular Vassalboro School Board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 21.

Davidoff announces for District #61 seat

Amy Davidoff

Amy Davidoff has announced a bid for House District #61 (Vassalboro and most of Sidney). She retired in 2019 as a Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine after a productive and fulfilling research and teaching career. She moved to Vassalboro with her partner Mary, where they built a high efficiency home with numerous solar panels.

Having sailed the coast of Maine for most of their lives, they have witnessed the adverse effects of climate change. Amy’s political philosophy has been formed in part based on her professional career in health sciences and a life time love of the sea. Amy has been involved in seeking solutions about solid waste disposal in Vassalboro, and expanding broadband access in Kennebec County.

A healthy environment that supports health and safety among all people is one of her top priorities and includes being a good steward of the planet as well as our community.

Free dental care for veterans

On Saturday, June 11, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Aspen Dental locations nationwide will open their doors to provide free care to military veterans across the country.

Now in its eighth year, the Day of Service provides much-needed dental care for veterans at no cost to honor their service and break down barriers to health care.

Veterans can call 1-844-277-3646 (1-844-ASPENHMM) to find a location and schedule an appointment. Advance appointments are required.

There are five participating offices in the Auburn – Portland ME market.

791 Turner Street, Auburn, ME 04210 171 Maine Mall Road, South Portland, ME 04106

333 Main Street, Waterville, ME 04901

125 Shops Way #126, Biddeford, ME 04005

17 Thomaston Commons Way, Thomaston, ME

Millions of Americans struggle to access dental care every year, and veterans are no exception. In fact, U.S. veterans are ineligible for dental benefits through the Veterans Administration unless they’re 100 percent disabled, have a service-related mouth injury, or were a prisoner of war.

Visit www.Healthy MouthMovement.com to learn more.

Bishop Deeley announces priest assignment

Fr. Kuzia

Bishop Robert Deeley has announced priest assignments. The three appointments include one assignment to St. Michael Parish, in Augusta.

Effective September 1, 2022, Fr. Anthony F. Kuzia, CM, is appointed as parochial vicar at St. Michael Parish (St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Augusta; St. Augustine Church, Augusta; St. Joseph Church, Gardiner; Sacred Heart Church, Hallowell; St. Denis Church, Whitefield; St. Francis Xavier Church, Winthrop).

Fr. Kuzia currently serves as administrator of Our Lady of the Lakes Parish in Oquossoc. A native of Ansonia, Connecticut, Fr. Kuzia was received into the Vincentian community in 1969. He earned a master of divinity degree from Mary Immaculate Seminary in Northampton, Pennsylvania, before making his final vows on June 13, 1974.

Fr. Kuzia was ordained to the priesthood in the Mary Immaculate Seminary chapel on May 29, 1976. Since his ordination, Fr. Kuzia has served as a parochial vicar at St. Michael Church in Derby, Connecticut; a faculty member at St. John Kanty Prep, in Erie, Pennsylvania; a superior, consultor, vocations director, and treasurer for the New England province of the Vincentian Order; a pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, in Lisbon; a vicar for priests for the Diocese of Portland; a pastor of St. Peter and Sacred Heart Parishes, in Concord, New Hampshire; a pastor of St. Patrick Parish, in Pelham, New Hampshire; and a parochial vicar of St. Stanislaus Parish, in New Haven, Connecticut.

In addition, Fr. Kuzia was responsible for supervising the construction of the DePaul Provincial Residence, in Manchester, Connecticut, and the current Holy Trinity Church, in Lisbon Falls.

LETTERS: Tuminaro would be huge asset in District #62

Dear editor:

My name is Sherri “Dowe” Gamble and I am writing in regards to Jennifer Tuminaro’s bid for the House Seat in District 62. I was the manager of the China Dine-ah from 2007-2014.

This is where I met Jennifer.

Jennifer left her job at MBNA so she could spend more time at home with her family. At the time she had two small children. She applied for a part time job at the China Dine-ah, in China, and was a very dedicated worker. She worked through dinner rushes with smooth capabilities and never got flustered no matter how hectic it became. Jennifer took her job very seriously and made sure her tables, as well as those around hers, were always satisfied with the service.

During Jennifer’s time at the Dine-ah she became pregnant with her third child. This didn’t slow her down one bit. She had an incredible work ethic and I commended her for always being willing to help out when needed.

When Jennifer’s children became school age it didn’t surprise me at all when she decided to home school them. She set up a class room and with her classic efficiency has home schooled all four children. Reading their end of the year accomplishments is always a treat. As a former Title 1 Reading teacher, I can very much appreciate the type of dedication it takes to set up a learning environment that keeps your children ready to learn.

I believe Jennifer Tuminaro would be a huge asset for the towns of China, Windsor, Palermo, Somerville and Hibberts Gore and that she will work hard for these communities. I wish her the best in the upcoming election.

Sherri (Dowe) Gamble
China

China town meeting ballot a long one

by Mary Grow

CHINA, ME — China voters coming to the polls on Tuesday, June 14, might want to bring at least a water bottle for sustenance. Balloting will take a while.

In addition to the 38-article warrant for the annual town business meeting, each voter will be handed two more pieces of paper. Those enrolled in the Republican or Democratic party will get a fourth ballot.

Regional School Unit #18, which includes Belgrade, China, Oakland, Rome and Sidney, has two separate ballots. The familiar one, the school budget referendum ballot, asks if voters will approve or reject the 2022-23 budget approved at a May 19 open meeting of voters from the five towns. A second question asks voters whether they want to continue the referendum vote for another three years.

RSU #18 Superintendent Carl Gartley told China select board members at their May 9 meeting the proposed budget was about 1.57 percent, or about $643,000, higher than the current year’s budget. China’s share was projected to increase by 0.96 percent, or about $48,000, he said.

A separate RSU #18 ballot asks if voters will approve or reject a proposal to borrow almost $3.7 million from the state’s revolving loan fund to provide new air handling equipment and to replace outside doors and siding at various schools.

Gartley emphasized the air handling equipment when he spoke with China select board members. In a follow-up email, he said that updating air handling systems has been an ongoing effort since before Covid-19; he believes improvements helped protect students and staff during the last three years. Work to be done with the loan is “consistent with improvements that are recommended as a prevention strategy against the spread of COVID-19,” he wrote.

The ballot question says the state has already approved the loan, if voters do the same. RSU #18 will repay a little more than half (almost $1.9 million) over 10 years, at no interest. The remaining about $1.8 million will be forgiven.

Voters enrolled in a political party will also receive a primary ballot. There are no contests on the Democratic ballot. Local candidates are Storme St. Jude Valle, of Augusta, for state Senator from District #15 and Pamela J. Swift, of Palermo, for state Representative from District #62.

On the Republican primary ballot, Matthew Gary Pouliot, of Augusta, is unopposed for re-election as District #15 state senator. Jennifer V. Tuminaro, of China, and Katrina J. Smith, of Palermo, are rivals for the nomination for the House of Representatives from District #62. The winner will be Swift’s opponent in November.

China voting will be in the former portable classroom behind the town office on Lakeview Drive. After a moderator (required by state law) is elected at 7:55 a.m., polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The town office driveway from Lakeview Drive will be closed; entrance will be from Alder Park Road.

Absentee ballots are available at the town office through Thursday, June 9, without excuse or explanation, and later in special circumstances. The meeting room is set up to allow early voting there; voters who vote elsewhere may return ballots to the locked ballot box outside the office building, or by mail. The deadline for returning absentee ballots is 8 p.m. June 14.

Sample ballots and other information are on the town website, china.govoffice.com, under the Elections tab on the left side of the home page.

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Many of China’s municipal ballot questions are financial, asking voters to authorize an expenditure budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year that begins July 1, including spending Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money.

Voters who want to know in advance exactly how much they are asked to approve for different departments, boards and committees, projects and purposes should consult the document named “FY 2022-23 Budget Workbook” under the Elections tab.

As in past years, major spending requests are for public works ($1,449,745, including about $52,000 expected from state funds, in Art. 11); administration ($872,895 plus $25,000 for accrued compensation, to cover amounts that might be owed to retiring or resigning employees, in Art. 4); and the transfer station ($638,755, in Art. 10).

These articles and others that include town employees’ compensation reflect a 4.5 percent pay increase. Select board members debated raises ranging from 3 percent to 6 percent and by a 3-2 vote recommended 4.5 percent. Members Jeanne Marquis, Janet Preston and board chairman Ronald Breton voted for 4.5 percent increases; Blane Casey and Wayne Chadwick were opposed, favoring 3 percent.

Other large appropriations appear in:

  • Art. 7, asking for $157,985 for assessing and $30,000 for legal expenses.
  • Art. 8, asking for $16,995 for animal control, $34,000 for police services (by the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office) and $42,057 for dispatching emergency services (through the Waterville communications center).
  • Art. 9, asking for $166,755 for China’s three fire departments and China Rescue. This article, if approved, will cover buildings, equipment, insurance and other basics.
  • Art. 12, asking for $92,000 for community support organizations. This article includes additional funding for the fire departments and China Rescue intended to recognize volunteers’ service. It also helps support two lake protection organizations, two libraries, historic protection and “The Town Line” local newspaper.
  • Art. 14, asking for $88,290 for contingency expenses, as determined by the select board, with any funds needed to come from China’s undesignated fund balance (surplus), not from 2022-23 taxes.

The preceding five articles are recommended with no negative votes from select board or budget committee members. Some members abstained on some recommendations, usually to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest.

Art. 15 asks voters to approve using $265,000 from China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) money for 10 projects. They are listed on page 37 of the Second Amended TIF plan, with information on each numbered project on preceding pages. The plan is on the town website under the Tax Increment Financing Committee, which is under Officials, Board & Committees.

The largest proposed uses of TIF money include $65,000 for environmental improvements, primarily by the China Region Lakes Alliance and China Lake Association, and $50,000 for maintenance and improvement of trails, mainly by the Four Seasons Club.

Recommended uses of ARPA funds include, in Articles 30 through 35:

  • Buying two new generators for the town office complex;
  • Providing every house with an Emergency 911 number;
  • Buying a digital information sign to go in front of the South China fire station on Route 32 South (Windsor Road) for town and fire department use;
  • Compensating employees who worked with the public through the height of the pandemic;
  • Expanding town-sponsored activities for seniors; and
  • Buying a portable digital sign that will provide for “speed control and community announcements.”

Voters are asked to approve several authorizations for the select board, including authority to sell tax-acquired property (Art. 22); authority to apply for, accept and spend grants (Art. 23); authority to negotiate and approve contracts of up to five years for things like auditing, buying or leasing equipment and roadside mowing (Art. 25); and authority to buy “municipal vehicles, machinery and equipment” (Art. 28).

A specific request in Art. 27 is for approval to sell the no-longer needed police vehicle.

The last three warrant articles are non-monetary. Art. 36 asks voters to repeal a 1998 School Budget Ordinance, which Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said was made obsolete by membership in RSU #18.

Art. 38 asks voters to approve China’s updated comprehensive plan. A copy is on the website under the Elections tab, and the town office has a paper copy for review.

Art. 37, asking if voters want to enact a Large Scale Solar Facilities Moratorium Ordinance, generated debate among select board members. They ended up recommending that voters reject the ordinance by a vote of two supporters to three opponents.

At their March 28 meeting, Breton, Marquis and Preston outvoted Casey and Chadwick to authorize town attorney Amanda Meader to draft the moratorium ordinance for town voters’ action. At an April 4 special meeting, board members agreed to let voters decide on the moratorium; but Breton joined Casey and Chadwick in recommending that voters not approve it.

The argument in favor of the ordinance was that planning board members need time to finish writing and submit to voters (presumably in November) their proposed Solar Energy Systems Ordinance that would regulate future large-scale solar development in town.

The opposing argument was that the moratorium would prevent China landowners from taking advantage of offers to lease or buy their properties for solar development as long as it was in effect.

If voters approve the moratorium, it would last no longer than 180 days, unless the select board extended it.

The moratorium ordinance, too, is under the Elections tab on the town website.