What’s your backyard personality?

(NAPSI) — Backyarding, the trend to move many indoor activities outdoors, is now a permanent way of life. During the pandemic, learning to work, entertain, vacation, work out and more right in one’s own backyard, became a necessity—and people are learning it’s often a better way to live.

According to the TurfMutt Foundation, identifying your backyarding personality type is an important first step in creating a backyard that supports your family’s needs and desires.

“The work you put into your yard now will reap benefits all year long. Remember: Work your landscape and your landscape will work for you.”

Two backyarding personality types in particular—the Expert Landscaper and the Work from Home Pro—can really shine this fall. Here’s why:

Expert Landscaper

This personality type knows that yard work done in the fall provides a double benefit because what you do in autumn to maintain your yard sets the stage for its health and vibrancy come spring. Fall yard chores—removing leaves, pruning trees and cleaning out flower beds and garden plots—are a usual activity for you.

Work From Home Pro

As a work from home professional, you have been living for fall when the temperatures are perfect for taking your office outside. All you need is a strong Wi-Fi connection, your nicest leisure wear and a jacket for chilly morning meetings and you’re ready for work in your backyard. Nature is your video call backdrop and you have set up your outdoor office for success by using shrubs and patio planters to distinguish your outdoor office space from other backyard activity zones.

What do these personality types know to do this fall? No matter your backyarding personality type, you can have a fabulous family yard this fall and beyond with these simple steps:

Remove leaves. Mulching leaves rather than raking and bagging them is good for your lawn and the environment. As shredded leaves decompose they feed your lawn, naturally.

Mow at the right height. Cut grass until the first hard frost. Find the just-right length for your lawn’s species (typically between 2-3 inches) to keep your grass healthy when it turns cold. Overseed grass and don’t forget to aerate the lawn in fall to prevent soil from becoming compacted and covered with thatch—a thick layer of roots, stems and debris that blocks water, oxygen and nutrients from reaching the soil.

Water wisely. If you’re not getting at least an inch of water each week, keep watering throughout the fall. Install watering solutions, such as smart controllers on irrigation systems, to conserve water.

Plant bulbs and flowering shrubs that will give blooms in spring and summer to feed pollinators, such as birds, bees and butterflies, as well as provide beauty for those natural, video conference backdrops.

Plant a tree for shade or cover. It may take a few years to grow to shade-producing height, but it’s an investment in your outdoor space.

Identify the ideal time to prune specific tree and shrub species and do so accordingly. Depending on what is in your yard, fall may be the perfect time.

Consider putting in decking or a hardscape to create an area to set up a desk or table. Make sure adequate electricity is available to power those laptops and other devices.

Sign up for Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter with backyarding tips and all the news from the TurfMutt Foundation, at TurfMutt.com.

Be cool and save money

A few simple steps can help you and your family be more comfortable at home for less money.

(NAPSI) — Many Americans may be surprised to learn that almost half their utility bill goes toward heating and cooling their home. Fortunately, the U.S. EPA’s ENERGY STAR Program offers resources to help you beat the heat—all while saving a, saving money and protecting the climate. Here’s how:

Maintain or Upgrade Your HVAC System

Check your system’s air filters. A dirty air filter will make the system work harder to keep you cool, wasting energy. Filters should be inspected once a month during heavy use.

If your heating and cooling equipment is more than 10 years old or it needs frequent repairs, it may be time to consider a replacement. The ENERGY STAR Heating and Cooling Guide helps you navigate an HVAC equipment upgrade that will keep you comfortable and help you save money, year round. Visit www.energystar.gov/HVACguide.

Get a Smart Thermostat

A WiFi-enabled smart thermostat automatically adjusts your home’s temperature settings for optimal performance. ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats are independently certified, based on actual field data, to deliver energy savings.

Need a New Room AC?

On average, ENERGY STAR certified room air conditioners use 10 percent less energy and cost less than $70 per year to run.

Learn More

You can find other savings tips at www.energystar.gov/cooling.

What to ask when hiring a contractor

Asking the right questions of potential contractors can help you feel sure they’ll do the job right.

(NAPSI)—With record-high real estate prices, a growing number of homeowners are remodeling or renovating their existing homes rather than buying new. Increased demand and continued supply chain issues, however, have led to delays in getting quotes, uncertainties in the availability of materials, rising costs and an increase in homeowner frustration.

Whether you’re looking at a new roof or siding, adding a deck, upgrading windows or insulation, you want to find a contractor who gets it right on the first try (and can meet today’s fast-turn demand).

What To Ask

To help, here are three important questions to ask potential contractors so you can find the right resource in a challenging environment:

1. “Do I need to meet with you in person to get a quote?”

Contractors have followed the same manual transaction processes for decades. But home visits with pad-and-paper estimating is outdated, especially with digital-savvy homeowners.

Today, roofing, fencing and even siding companies can provide a preliminary quote without sending representatives to your house. Satellite measurements and a quick phone call are all you need to understand basic pricing and inventory availability for shingles, siding or lumber. Digital sales platforms help homeowners quickly compare contractors and reduce the time to get multiple estimates.

2. “How soon can you start?”

How quickly a contractor can begin depends on pricing and availability of labor and materials. Be wary of contractors who offer services for unbelievably low prices—it’s safer to pay more for a premium, professional job than take a gamble on a risky contractor.

Top contractors will prepare a digital estimate, taking current pricing into account. Using dynamic tools, your contractor should be able to make real-time changes to estimates and contracts to show how the materials selected will influence the schedule and cost. Similarly, such contractors will have access to real-time inventory via a mobile device so you can choose products, such as shingles, that are actually available, reducing delays.

3.“How do you handle changes?”

This is another area where a contractor using a digital sales platform can add value. By plugging in different options, your contractor should be able to tell you exactly how changes will affect cost and timing. No need to wait days for a return phone call—using digital documents means a revised quote and contract can be sent quickly, helping to keep projects moving.

Learn More

For further facts about digital tools to look for in a contractor, visit www.leaptodigital.com.

Pointers on purchasing a zero-turn mower

A few simple steps to find the right mower for you.

(NAPSI)—More time spent at home is prompting homeowners across America to improve their property’s curb appeal. With an increased focus on their yards, many individuals are looking to upgrade their old lawn mowers to something newer and equipped with more features. Zero-turn mowers, for example, are designed to ensure a picture-perfect cut with every mow. But with various options to choose from, the process can sometimes feel overwhelming. When researching which zero-turn mower is right for your property, consider the following:

Where will you purchase your mower? A good starting point is a local outdoor power equipment dealer. Dealers are experts in their field, can provide thorough answers to your questions and service your mower when the time comes. In addition, they’ll be able to help guide you towards the right mower by asking pertinent questions such as, how big is the lawn you’re mowing? How often do you mow your lawn? This will help the dealer narrow down which units will best meet your needs.

The primary operator should be comfortable with the mower, understand how to operate it and take it for a test drive to get a feel for how it operates. For example, the zero-turn mowers from Hustler Turf, a leading brand of outdoor power equipment and originator of the twin-lever zero-turn mower, function the same as pushing a shopping cart.

Next, think about storage. Like most pieces of machinery, mowers last longer when properly stored in a shed or large garage that will protect against weather, rust and other damage. Once you decide on your zero-turn, ensure it will fit into your shed. Deck sizes vary, so there’s a chance the unit might be too wide to fit.

Finally, consider your lawn’s conditions. Does it tend to be damp? Uneven? Covered in obstacles, like trees and bushes? The right mower will meet your lawn’s needs. For example, Hustler Turf’s recently modified Raptor family of residential mowers come standard with BigBite tires, which handle better than regular tires in any type of turf conditions. Re-engineered from the ground up, the Raptor series packs more performance, reliability and features to deliver a fluid mowing experience.

Bumpy or uneven lawns might require a unit with a more comfortable seat and better suspension to ensure a smoother ride. Each Hustler Raptor model now has a tougher, wider one-piece tubular frame with stylish bolstered seats, standard arm rests and rubberized floor mats for more user comfort.

These considerations will make the purchase process easier on you in the long run. Your local dealer will also help you along this process from start to finish and make sure you go home with the zero-turn that is best for you.

Learn More

For more information on zero-turn mowers and where to find a nearby dealer, visit www.hustlerturf.com.

SCORES & OUTDOORS – Moment of truth: did the mice get in your camper?

Common house mouse

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

This is the time of year that is the moment of truth. To those of you who own campers, and it has been closed up all winter, either in a field, or in storage, you almost dread the first time you open it up in the spring. The question: Did mice get in over the winter? If so, how much damage did they do?

Well, we have friends who all have different theories on how to repel these little creatures, and discourage them from entering your “summer home.”

Some of us rely on old-fashioned, time tested methods – moth balls, dryer sheets, and peppermint. Others have their own concoctions they swear by, and still others strongly believe in the “new and better” mouse trap. You know, the one where you pass a wire through the top of a five-gallon bucket, place an aluminum can through the wire, smear it with peanut butter, fill the bucket with antifreeze and build a ramp for the critter. They walk up the ramp, jump on the can – the can rotates and the mouse falls to its death in the antifreeze, to be preserved for you in the spring.

These pests typically try to find their way in when the weather takes a cold turn. Once they’ve made their way inside, it’s immediately time to start figuring out how to get rid of them. Understanding what these critters like and don’t like can help you better understand how to keep them away.

Are you rolling out the ‘Welcome’ mat for mice? Learn how to put up a ‘No Vacancy’ sign they can’t ignore!

The mouse is a small species that’s found all over the world. This highly adaptive species can survive in the wild, but they thrive when living near people where food, water, and shelter are easy to find. They are one of the most common pests to infest homes and buildings.

Jumping 18 inches in the air, climbing stairs and rough surfaces, and swimming are effortless tasks for these critters.

These pests have poor eyesight. They can’t see colors and they cannot see very far away. However, mice have a very good sense of smell that makes up for their weak eyes. They use scent markers to communicate with other mice and rely on scents to detect predators or other potential dangers. A mouse’s sense of smell is so powerful, it can identify the age and sex of another mouse up to 10 miles away!

The mouse’s small size and impressive skills make them a challenging pest, but their ability to reproduce is overwhelming. They can reproduce before they are two months old and typically have anywhere from 3 – 14 babies per litter. A female can have 5 – 10 litters each year, so do the math. It doesn’t take long for one pest to turn into a large mouse problem.

So now, let’s see what science has to say about it.

Mice have a very keen sense of smell that is much stronger than what humans experience. You can use this trait to repel mice and use scents that mice hate like cinnamon, vinegar, dryer sheets, clove oil, peppermint, tea bags, moth balls, mint toothpaste, ammonia, cloves, clove oil, and cayenne pepper.

If you have ever seen or kept a mouse, you may have noticed they seem to spend an awful lot of their time sniffing at their surroundings. Be it on their hind legs whilst twitching their whiskers, or just roaming around in their cages, their nose is always active. Sniffing is the way mice find food, communicate with one another, and are alerted to a predator’s presence.

Out of all the rodents, mice have one of the best senses of smell. Only second to rats. Mice, in fact, rodents in general, have a sense of smell that is highly developed with an incredible one percent of their DNA being dedicated to olfactory receptors.

The world of smell is also very different for mice than it is for humans, with scents from food, prey, and predators constantly bombarding them with information.

With the influx of scents coming in, you would think that it may be hard for a mouse to make sense of them all and separate what is of use such as food and predator scents from background smells.

However, this is not the case.

During experiments where mice were scent trained to pick out a certain smell from others, they could do so 85 percent of the time. This was even when a large number of background smells were included, although the more background scent included, the less reliable the mice became.

When looking for food, for example, mice use a combination of smell and touch. Their noses lead them to the source of food and their whiskers or paws brushing against it locate it exactly.

Eyesight does not really play a part in food location at all. A mouse’s vision is not particularly good.

With such a highly developed sense of smell, it really is no wonder that our homes and businesses are so attractive to unwanted mice. Any unswept crumbs or dropped food, etc., must be incredibly tempting to them.

Mice, however, do not like the smell of mint, so planting this herb around the exterior of your house can help to keep unwanted visiting mice at bay.

Surprisingly, mice do not rely totally on their noses for their sense of smell. They also have another odor detecting organ called the vomeronasal organ, or VNO, which is located in the nasal cavity. The VNO is mainly used to sense pheromones (Any of various chemical substances secreted externally which convey information to, and produce specific responses in other individuals of the same species) which a mouse can do from up to ten miles away.

Mice also have excellent hearing and will hear you coming long before you see them. In addition, they have the incredible ability to know if something is toxic, unhealthy, or inedible by its taste.

My wife and I subscribe to the moth balls, peppermint and dryer sheets. In our 42 years of camping, we have had mice in our camper on one occasion, the year we didn’t go by our past experience, and succumbed to someone else’s propaganda.

Peanut butter? You may as well send out engraved invitations – and black ties are not required.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Since 1967, one Boston sports team has made the playoffs 46 times (out of a possible 55 years), more than any other team in the four professional major sports. Which team is it?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, April 28, 2022

Trivia QuestionsSince 1967, one Boston sports team has made the playoffs 46 times (out of a possible 55 years), more than any other team in the four professional major sports. Which team is it?

Answer:

The Boston Bruins.

Chamber names customer service specialist

Katelyn Hood

Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce located in Waterville, Maine, welcomes Katelyn Hood as its new customer service specialist. Katelyn has been named to the position, replacing Patricia Michaud, who retired following nearly eight years with the Chamber.

Hood had served in various accounting, payroll, banking, and human resources positions in the area. Her most recent position was payroll administrator for Klein­schmidt Associates, Inc., where she was responsible for payroll functions and tax reporting.

A graduate of Nokomis Regional High School, in Newport, Katelyn graduated from Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield, with an associate degree in business administration, with a concentration in accounting.

Included in her new duties as customer service specialist will be oversight of new member orientation and new member acquisition, website maintenance, member invoicing and customer service assistance. She will also participate in many of the Chamber’s signature events.

Mid-Maine Chamber President and CEO Kimberly Lindlof said of Hood: “I look forward to having Katelyn on our team. She has a wealth of experience that will prove beneficial in this role. Her understanding of financial programs and reporting, as well as her positive attitude will be welcomed by our board and committee members, as well as our membership in general. The Chamber is also hoping to capitalize on Katelyn’s knowledge of the area. Our team is pleased to welcome her aboard.”

Hood resides in Pittsfield with her son, Finn.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, April 28, 2022

ROGER CLIFFORD

BENTON – Roger “Babe” Clifford, 95, passed away on Friday, April 8, 2022. Roger was born on November 17, 1926, in Benton to Harold and Marguerite (Stinchfield) Clifford.

He graduated from Lawrence High School, inFairfield, in 1945. On June 5, 1952, he married Gloria Hunter at the First Baptist Church, in Fairfield. She was the daughter of Walter and Maud “Cain” Hunter of Benton.

Roger worked at Keyes Fibre Co. in Shawmut, for six months and then went to work for Reginald Gray Farm, in Clinton, for four years. In October of 1950, he started work as a head herdsman at the Maine Breeding Corp., in Vassalboro, for 16 years, when they consolidated with Eastern A.L Corp, of Ithaca, New York.

In 1966 Roger started to work as an artificial inseminator for Eastern A.L. Corp., in the Waterville unit. He retired November 1988 after 22 years of service.

Roger belonged to the Vassalboro Lions Club, Riverside Volunteer Fire Dept., Clinton Lions Club, Clinton Historical Society, Clinton Cemetery Committee, and a member of the Clinton Senior Citizens.

Roger was a man of many interests including gardening, hunting, trapping, raising bees for honey, snowmobiling and doing odd jobs for people. He owned two John Deere tractors, a Model B 1941 and a Model A 1950. In the early days they were used for haying.

Later he loved giving his grandsons and other children tractor rides on the “putt-putts”. He also raised young stock to sell for his children’s education.

Roger will be missed by his daughter, Ann Shores and her husband George, and their son Keven and wife April, of Benton; his son, Peter Clifford and wife Cathleen, and their sons Philip and wife Chelsea and Jacob, all of Benton; his great-grandchildren Ashley, Maxwell and Norah; his brother Allen and his wife Goldie, of Canaan; sister-in-law Patricia Hunter, of Skowhegan; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Roger was predeceased by his wife, Gloria, who passed away in May 1988, following 36 years of marriage; his five siblings, Harolyn “Stub” Clifford, Marion Liberty, George” Dee Dee” Clifford, John Clifford and Ellen Holt; and his in-laws, Keith and Lizzie Hunter, Harvey and Ophelia Hunter, Guy and Phyllis Hunter, and Dana Hunter.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home 8 Elm St. Waterville Maine 04901. http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com.

A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, April 22, at the MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post #8835, in Winslow.

A burial will be held later in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: MaineGeneral Hospice, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, Maine 04901, or a charity of your choice in Roger’s name.

PATRICIA D. FERNALD

WINSLOW – Patricia “Pat” Dutil Fernald, 82, passed away at MaineGeneral Medical Center on Thursday, April 14, 2022, following a period of declining health. She was born at home, in Winslow, on July 5, 1939, the daughter of Albert and Henrietta Chasse Dutil.

Pat was educated in Winslow schools and was a lifelong resident of Winslow. On September 7, 1957, Pat married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Hartley “Buzz” Fernald. They were married at St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow, and were married for 64 years. Together, they raised three children.

She was a devoted wife and mother. While raising her family, she volunteered in her children’s activities and sports. She was a Brownie leader and Little League volunteer. She also served as president of the Winslow Band Boosters Club, the Winslow Baseball Boosters Club, and the Winslow Basketball Boosters Club. Pat was a volunteer for the annual Winslow Fourth of July celebration. She was a lifelong communicant of St. John the Baptist Church, served as a Eucharistic Minister and Church Council member. She also taught CCD classes.

After raising her family, Pat worked for several years in the Post Office Annex located at the 107 Store, in Winslow. Pat was a phenomenal cook and baker. She loved every holiday, especially Christmas. She received great joy watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren experience the magic of Christmas.

Pat was skilled at knitting and crocheting. She was an avid reader and shared her love of reading with her daughters. She was a die-hard Red Sox and Patriots fan.

Pat enjoyed traveling with her husband, children, and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter, Vicki Ann Falconer; her sister, Theresa Dutil; brothers, Louis “Pete” Dutil; Joseph “Bob” Dutil; Daniel “Chi-Chi” Dutil; sister-in-law Evelyn Dutil; nephew Kevin Dutil.

Pat is survived by her husband, Hartley “Buzz” Fernald; her daughter Terry Lynn Ladd and son-in-law Donald Ladd; son Peter Fernald and daughter-in-law Karen Fernald; son-in-law Eric Falconer; grandchildren Matthew, Erin and Kaitlyn Falconer; Tyler Ladd and his wife Krystle “Kae” Ladd, and Trevor and Taylor Fernald; great-grandchildren Amaya, Marcella, Darren and Kamrin; brother Albert “John” Dutil and his wife Lorraine Dutil; sisters-in-law Claire Dutil and Therese Dutil; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

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

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9 a.m., on Saturday, April 30, at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow, Maine 04901.

Interment will be at a later date.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Pat’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

THERESA A. RENY

NORTH VASSALBORO – Theresa A. (LaPierre) Reny, 70, of North Vassalboro, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 15, 2022, following her short but strong battle with cancer. She was born in Waterville on March 10, 1952, the youngest daughter of Leodore and Doris LaPierre.

Theresa graduated from Waterville High School in 1970. She worked at Reny’s Market, on North Street, where she met her husband, Patrick, and then worked at First National Grocery Store, in Waterville.

She became a full time teller, which she did for the majority of her life. She started out at People’s Heritage Bank, went to St. Francis de Sales Federal Credit Union (Greater Waterville Area Federal Credit Union), both in Waterville, and ended at KV Federal Credit Union (Health First Federal Credit Union).

In between her full time job as a teller, she also worked part time at Rich’s Department Store, McDonald’s, and Marden’s, all in Waterville. She was a hard worker and loved to be busy. She realized she wasn’t quite ready for retirement and worked part time at Walgreen’s, in Winslow.

She never missed a thing of her two grandchildren from school functions to extracurricular activities. She sat on more soccer fields, football fields, basketball courts, softball fields, and baseball fields then almost anyone. You could see her smiling and hear her cheering as she watched them play. She was an avid game show watcher and there wasn’t a game show that she didn’t enjoy. She loved her scratch tickets and enjoyed getting some each weekend to pass the time.

Theresa was predeceased by her husband of 41 years, Patrick Reny, her parents, Doris and Leodore LaPierre, brothers Ronald LaPierre, Louis LaPierre, and Francis LaPierre, and sisters Doreen Crain and Marie LaPierre.

Theresa is survived by her daughter Crystal and her husband Robie as well as their two children, her only two grandchildren, Harly and Tucker, all of Winslow; her sister Gloria Blanchet, of Waterville, nephew Scott LaPierre, of Albion, and many, many other family members and friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street Waterville, Maine.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville, Maine. A private family burial followed at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, please support Harly and Tucker as Theresa always did, by sending donations in her name to WHS Project Grad 2022, or WHS Football Boosters, c/o Winslow High School, 20 Danielson Street, Winslow, Maine 04901.

JAMES A. SMITH

WATERVILLE – James Allan Smith “AKA: Big Jim”, 87, passed away at his home on Friday, April 15, 2022. Jim was born in Bangor on December 30, 1934, the son of Oscar and Pauline (Stewart) Smith.

He attended schools in Waterville and graduated from Oak Grove-Coburn, in Vassalboro, and attended Colby College. in Waterville.

Jim proudly served in the U.S. Air Force in Korea. He was a finance specialist and he received three medals during his service: Good Conduct, Overseas Service and Expert Sharpshooter. After his time in the Air Force, he worked as a salesman for his family business, Eastern Packing, which was later sold to Jordan’s Meats. He also worked for Ladd Paper Company and Jerry’s Furniture.

In the early 1970s he bought the EZ Stop convenience store. In the mid 1970s, he opened Jim’s Gun Shop, and later he turned the operations over to his son, Jimmy, but remained active in the business for more than 40 years. He was proud of the fact that he was the largest gun dealer in New England with over 2,500 guns.

As a young man he always enjoyed playing pool at the D & A Billiards Lounge, in Waterville, and went on to become Maine State Pool Champion in 1968. He was instrumental in getting TJ’s Billiards established. Jim loved playing pool but it became difficult at his age so he became a spectator. He left doing what he enjoyed the most, watching the guys play pool.

Jim was an active member in the Elks, the Masons, the Shriners and also a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association (NRA). His interests also included collecting antique cars and playing billiards. He liked pawning, and he loved sports.

Jim was a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather, and stepfather. Jim enjoyed the simple routines in his life. Whether it was going to Bee’s Diner for breakfast, checking out Marden’s and Lakeview Lumber. Going to breakfast with his wife on Sundays with their friends, while still making time for his family.

He and his wife, George Ann enjoyed wintering in Oldsmar, Florida, for 24 years. They also enjoyed visiting flea markets whenever possible. Jim found singing to be enjoyable and George Ann loved to listen to him sing.

Jim was predeceased by his parents and his daughter, Julie A. Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, George Ann Smith; son, James G. Smith and fiancée Kathy Cunningham, of Vassalboro; daughter, Joanna L. Bearce and husband Jeffrey, of Belgrade; stepdaughter, Susan Brown and her partner Chris Chesley, of Benton; step-daughter Janet Quirion and her husband, Carl Winslow; his grandchildren include Justin Bearce and partner Tabitha Doak, of Waterville; Jayson Bearce and wife Juli, of Navarre, Florida; Amanda Turner and husband Randy, of Unity; Erin Estes and husband Steve, of Hermon; Danielle Quirion and her partner Nicolas Delli Paoli, of Gardiner; and Monique Quirion and her partner Fenton Cummings, of Saco; four great-grandchildren, a niece, Alexandra Pierce, of Stratford, Connecticut, and children.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Pine Tree Camp, 114 Pine Tree Camp Road, Rome, ME 04963.

PETER A. ROBINSON

WATERVILLE – Peter A. Robinson, 66, died on Friday, April 15, 2022. He was born February 8, 1956, in Fairfield, to Eugene Robinson Sr. and Nancy (Foster) Hanson.

Peter was a graduate of Lawrence High School, in Fairfield. He was a great football player, and also participated in track. When he finished high school, Peter went into the U.S. Marines.

From there, Peter started his own construction company. For a few years he worked construction in Florida. He was also a big race car fan and had also done some racing himself. He enjoyed watching racing and the New England Patriots. He loved to go out to eat, ride around the countryside, just being out and about.

He retired when he was 62 and moved to Florida, but decided being home with family was greater than the nice weather.

Peter married his wife Rhonda on May 17, 2018.

Peter looked forward to the Fiddlers Convention every year. In his younger days he always got on the roof and mooned everyone. If you knew Peter, you will all laugh about this.

Peter was predeceased by his mother, Nancy Hanson and stepfather, Daniel Hanson and stepmother, Beverly Robinson.

He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Robinson; his father, Eugene Robinson Sr.; his son, Alex Green and wife Macy; his brothers Eugene and wife Roxanne Robinson, Timothy Robinson, William and wife Cathy Robinson, Richard and wife Hope Robinson; stepdaughter, Danylle Kelley and partner Erika Veilleux; grandchildren Carolina, Daxton, Dawson; step-grandchildren Quenten and Olyvia Kelley; and mother-in-law, Nancy Daniels.

There will be a celebration of life on May 7, at Fairfield VFW, on Main St., at 2 p.m.

LORIE J. SPROUL

WEEKS MILLS – Lorie J. Sproul, 62, of Weeks Mills, passed away on Monday, April 18, 2022, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. She was born December 14, 1959, the daughter of Norman and Marguerite (Morang) Grant.

Lorie was an avid reader and loved to cook. She also enjoyed day long trips to any location in Maine, especially to Ocean Point. She worked nearly 20 years as a payment processor at Key Bank, in Augusta. After that, she worked for McKesson, in Lewiston. She also worked at MBNA, in Belfast, until they closed. Her last job was at Athena Health, in Belfast.

She married Blaine Sproul on June 29, 1991.

She was pre-deceased by her parents. Lorie is survived by her husband Blaine; and her sister Julie Grant, of Pittston.

There will be a private graveside service held at a later date.

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

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

JOAN L. FORTIN

WINSLOW – Joan Little Fortin, 89, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022, at Lakewood Nursing Home, in Waterville, following a difficult journey with dementia. Joan was born in Farmington, Connecticut, January 6, 1933. Her parents were John (Bill) and Doris (Field) Little.

She moved to Maine at a young age and lived in Winslow most of her life. In grade school, she met her future husband – Robert Fortin. They attended Winslow High School together and graduated in 1951. They married in January 1952 and recently celebrated 70 years of marriage.

Together they raised four children. Family was of utmost importance to mom.

Joan adored her children and their spouses: Cynthia and Michael Soule, of Corning, New York; Karen Sidelinger and Michael Thibideau, of Fairfield; Robert and Donna Fortin, of China; and Janet and Brian Ellis, of Winslow. She was also blessed with 10 grandchildren: Mathew (Mandie) Hall, of Upton, Massachusetts; Mark (Stacey) Hall, of Belmont, Nathan Sidelinger, of Fairfield; David (Tedi) Soule, of Raleigh, North Carolina; Sara Soule of Corning, New York; Rob (Christie) Fortin, of Troy, New York; Nicole Fortin, of New York City; Brian (Lauran) Ellis, of China; Jason (Sasha) Ellis, of Waterville, and Troy (Katie) Ellis, of Clinton. She was blessed to have 11 great-grandchildren: Bella, Lauren, Drew, Macie, Sadie, Ava, Ella, Aubrie, Robbie, Cole, and Rowan. We cannot forget little Leo and soon to be born Avery Rose.

Probably the best memories were times spent together at camp on Webber Pond with all the people she loved so much. So much fun swimming, fishing, eating, and laughing.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m., on Tuesday, May 3, at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow. Interment to follow at St. Francis Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville. A reception at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville, will be held following the service.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan’s name to St. Jude’s Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Beacon Hospice, Amedisys Foundation, 5 Community Drive., Augusta, ME 04330.

LUCILLE V. AUDET

WATERVILLE – Lucille Violette Audet, 93, peacefully passed away on Monday, April 18, 2022, following a period of ill health. She was born in Belmont, Massachusetts, on December 17, 1928, to Louis and Eva Violette, the fourth of six children.

She was raised in Fairfield, and was a proud graduate of Lawrence High School. After graduation she attended hair dressing school in Augusta. She worked as a hair stylist in her home beauty shop until her retirement.

On Sept. 6, 1948, she married the love of her life, Paul A. Audet. They built their home on Military Avenue, in Fairfield, where they raised their family and remained for 61 years. She was very proud of the home they built together and enjoyed tending her flower and vegetable gardens.

Her favorite place in the world was the cherished camp at China Lake her father built. She spent every summer of her life going to camp in some capacity and passed the love of camp on to her children and grandchildren.

She was a communicant of the former Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, in Fairfield, and Sacred Heart Church, now part of Corpus Christi Parish, in Waterville. She faithfully volunteered for several organizations, including Sacred Heart soup kitchen and Ken-A-Set during her retirement. One of her great joys was as executive secretary of the annual Lawrence High School Alumni banquet that she helped coordinate for many years. She was passionate in this endeavor and worked tirelessly to ensure it was always a success. In recognition of her efforts, she was the proud recipient of the Lawrence Alumni Bulldog Award in 1988.

Knitting was a hobby she enjoyed throughout her life and was a skill for which she had a great talent. She continued knitting despite age and arthritis and enjoyed knitting lessons at the Yardgood’s Center, in Waterville, into her 90s. Her family treasures the handmade afghans, mittens, hats and intricate sweaters she crafted.

Survivors include her children, Rebecca Comeau (Paul), of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Surry, Eve Foley (Joe), of Vassalboro, Andrew Audet, of Benton, Sarah DeWitt (John), of Sidney, and Thomas Audet (Heather), of Brewer; a sister, Rosemarie Hagerty; and sister-in-law Theresa Violette; 14 grandchildren, Tracey Rich (Joe), Scott Comeau, Matthew (Jen), Amanda (Derek), and Micah Meader, Melissa, Brian (Sydnee), and Benjamin (Felecia) Audet, Alexander (Sarah), Spencer (Ceilya), and Adam DeWitt, Elijah, Elisabeth, and Noah Audet; great-grandchildren Tan Nguyen, Rebecca Rich, Seamus and Julianna Meader, Abigail and Cameron Stewart, and Laynee Audet.

She was predeceased by her husband Paul, parents, paternal aunts, Rose Brillant, Blanche Marcia and Yvonne Poulin, her siblings, Louis Violette, Robert Violette, Lorraine McAleer, and James Violette, and a granddaughter Susan Comeau-Nguyen.

At her request, there will be no visiting hours.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, May 26, at 10 a.m., at Notre Dame Catholic Church, Silver Street, Waterville with a reception to follow.

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, the family requests that gifts in her honor be sent to the Fairfield InterfaithFood Panty, 23 Lawrence Avenue, Fairfield, Maine 04937.

PAULINE T. CARRIER

WINSLOW – Pauline T. Carrier, 87, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, following a brief illness. She was born on November 26, 1934, in Winslow, the daughter of Albert and Leda (Talbot) Quirion.

She attended Winslow schools and was employed the vast majority of her life by the C. F. Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville, retiring in 1997.

She married Robert L. Carrier on May 5, 1956. They spent 63 years together until his death in 2019.

She was fortunate enough to know each of her five great-grandchildren well and that filled her with great adoration. She loved life and found great joy in feeding the wild and domestic animals in her backyard daily. She believed living in the moment.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert; by her parents, Albert and Leda; by her sister, Lorraine Morey and her husband, Ted Morey; by her brothers, Joseph B. R. (Ronald) Quirion, Robert Quirion, Raymond Quirion and his wife, Enid Quirion; by her sister, Gloria Quirion; by her brothers-in-law, Robert Cryan, Eddie Carrier and his wife, Virginia (Jane) Carrier.

Pauline is survived by her son, Bruce Carrier and his wife, Rachael Carrier, of Winslow; by her grandson, Tristan Carrier and his wife, Megan Carrier and their children, Maxwell and Oliver of Hollis, New Hampshire, Colby Carrier and his wife, Danielle Carrier and their children, Parker and Everly, of Chevy Chase, Maryland; her granddaughter, Chelsea McCarthy and her husband, James McCarthy and their daughter, Elle, of Newburyport, Massachusetts; her sister, Delores Cryan; her brother, Roger Quirion and his wife, Debbie Quirion; her sisters-in-law, Lorraine Quirion and Doris Quirion; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

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

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

In lieu of flowers and contributions, do something that would please her/make her smile, such as taking someone you love out to a dinner and/or a show, telling them you love them and saying those things we unfortunately wish we had said before it is too late.

KEVIN L. McLAIN

FAIRFIELD – Kevin Linwood McLain, 51, died unexpectedly Thursday, April 21, 2022, from a heart attack. He was born June 2, 1970, in Waterville, the son of Clar­ence and Alli­son McLain.

He attended Fairfield schools and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1989.

Kevin was self-taught in everything; a jack of all trades (except maybe electrical). At the young age of 14, his mother helped him get a worker’s permit because the bike shop that he was spending time at figured they should put him on payroll for all of the work that he was doing. Kevin always worked. He was an employee of Hammond Lumber Company for a total of 20 years, with employment in between his time at Hammond, working for Madison Mattress and Furniture for eight years, a business that was owned by his in-laws.

Kevin met the love of his life, Kimberly Peters, in August 2000, at Unity Raceway, where he tried to get her attention … she ignored him. A few days later, at Skowhegan State Fair, Kevin’s first-born son, Kyle, ran into Kim as he was coming off the merry-go-round. Persistent, Kevin called Kim the next day for a date. He proposed to her during Bike Week 2002. Kevin and Kim were married on May 31, 2003. This next month, they would have celebrated 19 years of marriage.

Kevin’s interests were many: he enjoyed riding his Harley, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, boating, camping, NASCAR, however, most of all he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He coached Kyle’s hockey team and most recently coached his younger son, Keenan, in basketball and baseball.

He spent many “wild times” at hunting camp each November with Steve, Dickey, Dan, Michelle, Lindsay, Dustin, and more recently with Keenan. He loved “Black Friday” shopping with Kim and Keenan, leaving their home at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving and finding deals all over Southern and Central Maine, arriving back home the following night around 6 p.m.

Another favorite of Kevin’s was decorating the exterior of their home and yard for Christmas. And during the warmer seasons, he would spend a lot of time at their pool or camping at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway Speedway, in Loudon, New Hampshire, and at Fryeburg Fair, in October. He loved family gatherings and BBQs. He also was a collector of automobile memorabilia and antiques.

Although gardening was not his activity, he always made sure that Kim’s garden was tilled and the heated greenhouse was ready to go in the spring. And for those who knew Kevin, he was “Mr. Fix-it,” especially in anything automotive. He was always lending a helping hand; he would do anything and was very meticulous including his carpentry projects; more recently building a “corral” inside their home to handle his Black Lab, Tag, and her seven pups.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Kimberly; and son, Keenan, of Fairfield; son Kyle, of Colfax, Wisconsin; his parents Clarence and Allison McLain, of Waterville; his in-laws, Ken and Brenda Peters, of North Anson; his sister-in-law and her husband, Michelle and Andy Deuble; nieces Natalynn and Rylie, all of North Anson..

Kevin was a member of the Waterville Elks Lodge #905, where there will be a celebration of his life on Thursday, April 28, from 1 to 4 p.m., located at 76 Industrial St.

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 send donations in Kevin’s name to Fairfield PAL, 20 Military Ave., Fairfield, ME 04937.

WATERVILLE: New president named at Inland Hospital

Tricia Mercer

Northern Light Health has announced that Tricia Mercer will become the next president of Northern Light Inland Hospital and Northern Light Continuing Care, Lakewood. In this role, Mercer will also serve as a Northern Light senior vice president. She will succeed Terri Vieira, who retired earlier this month.

Tim Dentry, Northern Light Health’s president and CEO said, “Tricia has excellent healthcare experience and we’re excited that she is already part of the Northern Light team, having served as associate vice president of our Medical Group Operations since 2019. She has had great success with improving access to care, enhancing provider engagement, and she is a proud Mainer who is dedicated to community involvement.”

Dentry continued, “Tricia’s background shows her core commitment to helping people. Previously, she was executive director of the Medical Group at Saratoga Hospital, in New York, and division administrator at UPMC-Magee Women’s Hospital, in Pittsburgh. She was an adjunct professor of healthcare management, a president and CEO of a medical billing company, and is a proud Navy veteran.”

Mercer shared, “I look forward to joining the Inland/Lakewood family and continuing to help Northern Light meet its mission to improve the health of the people and communities we serve. I recognize and value the caring culture we have, and I’m proud of how staff go above and beyond to make healthcare work for our patients and residents every day. I can’t wait to be part of Inland and Lakewood’s bright future and help contribute to the vitality of the greater Waterville area.”

Mercer is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and earned an MBA in Healthcare Management. She is a graduate of Foxcroft Academy, in Dover-Foxcroft, where she grew up and her parents still live today. She and her fiancé have five children.

Mercer begins her new role on May 9.

China’s Spirit of America awards presented at select board meeting

Clockwise from top left: Ronald Emery, Sandra Isaac, James Lane, Elaine Philbrick, Anita Smith, Scott Pierz. (photos courtesy of Becky Hapgood)

by Mary Grow

The three China Select Board members present at the April 25 meeting unanimously approved new transfer station hours. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood hopes to implement the change by the middle of May, when summer people begin arriving.

The new hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The transfer station will be closed Sundays and Mondays, as it has been for years, and will also be closed Thursdays.

Total open hours will be 38 over the four days. Hapgood said attendants will have a 40-hour work week, as they come early to get ready to open and stay after closing to finish the day’s work.

Ronald Breton

In another major piece of business April 25, select board Chairman Ronald Breton presented Spirit of America awards for volunteer service to six China residents:

  • Scott Pierz, for helping protect China Lake’s water quality as town codes officer and later head of the China Lake Association and the China Region Lakes Alliance;
  • Ronald Emery, for many years of work with Boy Scout Troop 479;
  • James Lane, for 30-plus years of service in many positions, including as town constable (“I can’t say no,” Lane responded);
  • Sandra Isaac for her work with the China for a Lifetime Committee and the China Village volunteer fire department; and
  • Elaine Philbrook and Anita Smith (who was unable to attend the meeting) for their oversight of the Community Forest at China Schools.

Breton thanked all the recipients for the time and effort they donated to the community.

He also commended Hapgood for earning her certifications as treasurer and tax collector from the Maine Municipal Tax Collectors and Treasurers Association.

Much of the rest of the meeting was spent on preparations for the June 14 annual town business meeting. Select board members certified the wording of the solar moratorium ordinance voters will be asked to approve. Hapgood asked them to review a mailing she intends to send out explaining the June 14 ballot.

Board members will hold a public hearing on the June 14 warrant articles at 6 p.m. Monday, May 9, in the town office meeting room, before their regular meeting that night.

Hapgood listed other important dates leading up the town business meeting:

  • Absentee ballots will be available from the town office beginning Monday, May 16.
  • Public hearings on the Kennebec County budget, of which China pays a share, will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, in the Chace Community Forum at the Bill & Joan Alfond Main Street Commons, 150 Main Street,
  • Waterville; and at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, in the first-floor conference room at Hill House, 125 State Street, Augusta.
  • The district budget meeting on the 2022-23 Regional School Unit (RSU) 18 budget, of which China pays a share, will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at Messalonskee High School Performing Arts Center in Oakland. This is the meeting at which voters from the five RSU 18 towns (Belgrade, China, Oakland, Rome and Sidney) approve the budget.
  • RSU absentee ballots will be available Friday, May 20.

On June 14, China voters will vote by written ballot on a 38-article municipal warrant; the RSU budget referendum approving or rejecting the May 19 budget; and state primary election candidates. Local elections for members of China boards are held in November.

Polls will be open June 14 in the former portable classroom behind the town office from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Documents for the meeting, including details about the proposed budget, the solar moratorium ordinance (Art. 37) and the revised comprehensive plan (Art. 38), are on the town website, china.govoffice.com, under the Elections tab.