Maine DEP awards new round of stream crossing grants

photo: Maine DEP

Maine DEP’s Municipal Stream Crossing Grant Program provides grants that match local funding for the upgrade of culverts at stream crossings on municipal roads. Projects funded through this program will benefit public infrastructure and safety by replacing failing culverts that are at risk of complete washout or collapse; reduce flooding and increase resiliency with the installation or larger, higher capacity and longer-lived crossings, benefit fish and wildlife by opening and reconnecting stream habitat fragmented by undersized and impassable culverts, and represent a cost-effective and efficient investment based on planning, detail, and local matching funds committed to the project.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) received 44 applications to review with a total over $5.3 million dollars in funding requests. Thirty-four stream crossing projects funded this round will result in new or improved fish passage to nearly 130 miles of streams statewide, and result in less flooding and transportation resilience.

Maine DEP has announced funds for the following central Maine communities:

Burnham – Pond Rd., $125,000; Clinton – True Road, $125,000; Cornville, Molunkus Rd., $125,000; Pittston, Blodgett Rd., $125,000; Skowhegan, Steward Hill Rd., $125,000; and Starks, Locke Hill Rd., $125,000.

For more information including examples of successful applications and the master score sheet for this round please visit Maine DEP’s website: https://www.maine.gov/dep/land/grants/stream-crossing-upgrade.html.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, April 7, 2022

DAVID A. SCOTT

FAIRFIELD – David Allen Scott, 62, passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2022. David was born in Waterville on June 6, 1959. He was the son of Norman and Gwendolyn Scott.

He attended Fairfield schools and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1977.

David was an over-the-road truck driver and loved the places he went and the people he met. He drove trucks most recently with the Hartt company. He loved working for the company and even helped train other potential drivers. He remained with Hartt until he was forced to retire due to his health.

David’s passions were antiquing, collecting trains and spending time with his family. He was “Bumpa” to all his grandchildren.

David was predeceased by his parents Norman and Gwendolyn; and his sister, Doreen Scott.

He is survived by a son, Bradley, of Farmington; several grandchildren; brothers, Steven and wife Cynthia, of Winslow, and Danny, of Canaan; and a sister, Penny, of Fairfield; and three stepchildren, Rose Bernard, Bobby Bernard, and Heather Cuthberson and husband Jon; many nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

LIONEL POLIQUIN

BRUNSWICK – Lionel “Lee” Poliquin, 91, passed away quietly in his sleep, on Monday morning March 14, 2022. He was the son of Lionel Poliquin, Sr., of Lewiston, and Helen Bouchard Poliquin, originally from Aroostook County.

Lee was born and raised in Waterville along with his wife Esther Louise “Lou” to whom he was dedicated for 72 years. He was an enthusiastic and skilled basketball and baseball player at St. John’s Preparatory School, in Danvers, Massachusetts, and then Colby College, in Waterville.

After graduating, Lee began 30 years of teaching and coaching Central Maine youngsters in Hartland, Corinna, Belgrade and Waterville, where his seventh grade social studies class was legendary. His playful humor kept students on their toes; his genuine concern for their well-being made special connections with many who struggled through school. At South Grammar Elementary School, in Waterville, Principal Lee Poliquin quietly marshaled volunteers to prepare breakfast for children arriving at school hungry before such programs existed.

For 35 enjoyable years, Lee traveled the state encouraging countless high school athletes as a colorful basketball official while sharing his affection for the game. He coached his two sons, Jim and Bruce, on the mighty Levine’s Little League team, at Lockwood Park, across from the former Hathaway Shirt factory, in Waterville. Coach Poliquin used organized sports to teach hundreds of Central Maine youth the lessons of hard work, fair play and having fun.

Always the busy entrepreneur, during summers he sold life insurance and operated Lee’s Lobster Pound, on Madison Avenue, in Skowhegan. After retiring from teaching and coaching, Lee became an early morning round table fixture at John’s Market, on Western Avenue, in Waterville, playfully jousting about current events in Maine and beyond.

In 1990, his only grandchild Sam arrived who immediately became the light of his and Lou’s life. Papa and Sam grew together with an everlasting bond of pure love and joy. Lee patiently taught Sam the gentleman’s game of cribbage and then was outfoxed during their “tournaments” over the ensuing 20 years.

Throughout his life, Lee was a proud and devoted Franco-American Catholic who always looked out for the little guy. He gave his life to the Lord, to his family, and to the betterment of a generation of deserving Central Maine boys and girls. His dry and frisky humor brightened the days of all who shared his company. Sadly, our world is a little less cheerful without Lee Poliquin around.

He is survived by his wife Louise; grandson Sam; younger son Bruce; sister Anne Laliberte; and a number of nieces and nephews.

His older son Jim passed away some years ago.

There will likely be a memorial service in Waterville this summer.

GORDON E. CHEESEMAN SR.

UNITY – Gordon Edwin Cheeseman Sr., 90, passed away on Monday, March 21, 2022. He was born in Farmington on November 22, 1931,

Gordon graduated from Everett High School, in Everett, Massachusetts. During the Korean Conflict, he joined the United States Marine Corps and was a private first class. He played trumpet in the Marine Corps Band. With Alice, he raised four children, worked full time, all while attending night school and earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management from Northeastern University.

In 1974, Gordon and Alice moved from Newburyport, Massachusetts to Unity, and bought what would become Knollwood Farm. They turned the 1848 property back into a working dairy farm, and spent many challenging, yet happy years, milking cows, working the land, and providing for their family.

He loved to ride his Harley Davidson and went to several motorcycle rallies in Canada and the U.S. If asked, he would have gladly gone “where no man has gone before” – to space; he loved Star Trek. He loved to go out to dinner and order seafood, especially fried clams. He never turned down cannolis and tarts from Hillman’s Bakery, in Fairfield.

He was predeceased by his wife, Alice Barbara (Chandler) Cheeseman; his mother, Margaret Nolfi and stepfather, Salvatore Nolfi.

Gordon is survived by his son Gordon Edwin Cheeseman Jr. and his wife Cherrie Cheeseman; daughters Martha Mayberry and her husband Rusty Mayberry, Melissa Cheeseman and her husband Karl Swenson, and Eliza Quill; grandchildren Kristen Alice Campbell and her husband Robbie Campbell, Hannah Gilman, Tessa Mayberry and Colleen Mayberry, Ian Mayberry and George Swenson.

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.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Unity Barnraisers at unitybarnraisers.org.

ALBERT E. HODSDON III

FAIRFIELD – Albert Edward Hodsdon III, 74, passed away on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. Al was born on Octo­ber 9, 1947, and raised in Rumford.

He graduated from Stephens High School, in Rumford, and continued his education at the University of Maine in Orono earning a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering and a master of engineering. He was a respected licensed engineer, water operator, wastewater treatment plant operator, and a site evaluator in the State of Maine. He was also a licensed engineer in the states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont.

He was the Principal-in-Charge at A.E. Hodsdon Engineers, in Waterville, since 1974 and recently passed the torch to Benjamin Murray, who will continue his legacy.

Al was also very active in the community, serving on numerous boards: Kennebec Water District, Kennebec Sanitary Treatment District, Efficiency Maine, State of Maine Tax Board, Manufactured Housing Board (a Governor appointment), Town of Fairfield Solid Waste Committee, Tax Committee and Budget Committee. He has been a member of the Maine Water Utilities Association since 1972.

In his spare time, he enjoyed many hours sailing the “SeaJab” in Penobscot Bay either leisurely or during the Summer Solstice race and Tuesday evening races. He was a loyal member of the Rockland Yacht Club and was the Commodore for many years.

Al Hodsdon was an example of hard work and dedication to communities around the state and in the engineering profession. He was a downright amazing man – a book of knowledge. He quietly left his mark on many and will long be remembered.

He is survived by his daughter, Canbra and her husband, Bennington Purcell, as well as his granddaughter, Millie; his sisters, Mary Reik Renaud and Margaret Ladd.

He was predeceased in death by his wife of 49 years, Jill Barry Hodsdon on August 15, 2019.

A celebration of life for both Jill and Al will be held at the Waterville Elks Lodge #905, 76 Industrial Street, Waterville on Sunday, May 1, 2022, at 1 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.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in their memory to the Redington Museum, 62 Silver Street, #B, Waterville, ME 04901.

JOHN R. PATNAUDE SR.

WINSLOW – John Roland Patnaude Sr., 83, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 22, 2022. John was born on March 28, 1938, child of Roland and Dorothy Patnaude.

John married Nancy on August 23, 1958. They would of celebrated 64 years of marriage this year. John and Nancy had five children. John, Thomas, David, Catherine and Cheryl.

John was a hard worker who worked as a delivery driver for Bills Oil and Dead River Company, both in Waterville. John love football. This was passed to his daughter Cheryl. They spent many hours enjoying football games together.

He was predeceased by his parents, son Thomas and daughter Cheryl Richardson.

He is survived by his wife Nancy; sister Mary Bragdon and husband Peter, of Vassalboro; sons John Patnaude Jr. and his family, of Benton, David Patnaude and wife Barbara; daughter Cathy Maroney and husband Joe, of Vassalboro; and son-in-law Dave Richardson, of Canaan.

A service will be held at the North Vassalboro Village Cemetery on May 14, 11 a.m., for John and his predeceased daughter Cheryl. Immediately after there will be a gathering at David Richardson’s home, 116 Lancaster Road, Canaan, Maine, for family and friends.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Aable Cremation Service, Waterville.

RAYMOND R. QUIRION

CHESAPEAKE, Virginia – Raymond R. Quirion, 97, passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2022. He was born in Winslow on May 24, 1924, the second of six children, to Josephat and Anna (Veil­leux) Quirion.

He leaves his wife of 75 years, Lillian (Tardiff) Quirion.

He is survived by his daughter, Rose Marie Cole, of Duxbury, Massachusetts; son, Joseph Quirion, of Chesapeake, Virginia; granddaughter, Lauren Quirion Molina and her husband Bernard, of Atlanta, Georgia; grandson, Christopher Cole, of Los Angeles, California; sister, Colette Lachance and her husband Roland; and sister-in-law, Jeffreen Quirion, of Winslow.

He was predeceased by his infant son, Raymond, in 1949, and his son, James, in 2003; three brothers, Robert, Gerard and Norman and one sister, Viola.

Ray proudly and bravely served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, earning the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in the sinking of the destroyer USS Lansdale in the Mediterranean Sea, on April 20, 1944. He recovered enough to serve again aboard the USS Shannon, and was in Nagasaki two weeks after the second atomic bomb before heading home to civilian life.

He and Lillian owned and operated a small grocery store in Winslow called the Summer Street Market for about a year. Subsequently, Ray worked as a butcher and meat department manager for First National Stores, in Portland, and Rochester, New Hampshire. His customers adored him! He eventually became employed by the USDA as a federal meat inspector, where he was very well respected.

Ray was involved in youth baseball as a coach beginning when his sons were in Little League all the way through high school and Legion ball. He was also responsible for his daughter’s lifelong love of the Boston Red Sox! Ray was a quiet, kind and generous man, always ready to do a good deed. An expert carpenter and all around handyman, he helped his kids with numerous home repair and building projects.

Ray and Lil retired to West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, in the 1980s. At the time of his death, he and his wife had been living with and cared for by their son, Joe, in Chesapeake, Virginia, for 15 years.

A private funeral Mass was celebrated by Father Dan Klem on April 1. Raymond’s ashes will be buried on a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, in Washington, DC.

EDWARD J. MEA

ALBION – Edward J. Mea, 54, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, March 28, 2022, due to natural causes. He was born August 9, 1967, a son of Arthur Mea Sr. and Lynnda (Acker) Hackett.

Ed was the middle child of five and attended Lawrence High School, in Fairfield. In his younger years, Ed held a variety of construction jobs and primarily worked as a carpenter for Maine Farm Builders. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. His favorite past times were spent in the Maine woods. Ed was also an amazing cook and had the ability to turn even a hot dog into gourmet food.

Ed was an animal lover with a generous heart. His passion in life was helping those in need as he was instrumental in organizing many community searches for missing children and people. Above all, he loved his family dearly and will be remembered for his big personality and even larger heart.

He was predeceased by his father, Arthur Mea Sr.

He is survived by his children, Sara Mea and her husband Derek Poulin, Christopher Hebert and his wife Stephanie, and Ashley McCutcheon; his mother, Lynnda Hackett; his grandchildren, Camreigh Poulin, Cohen Poulin, Alec Hebert, Noah Hebert, Sophie Hebert, and Alexandria McCutcheon; siblings, Arthur Mea Jr. and his partner Rhonda Klein, Mike Mea and his partner Denielle O’Neal, Regina Killam and her partner Linwood Smith, and Nicole Cote and her husband Raymond; five nieces and nephews; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins in Connecticut.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 9, at 1 p.m., at the Albion Town Hall – Besse Building, 22 Main St., Albion, Maine 04910.

Arrangements are in the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ed’s name may be made to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at http://www.missingkids.org.

CLEBA R. LIBBY

OAKLAND – Cleba Rodney Libby passed away on Monday, March 28, 2022. He was the son of Clarence and Della Witham Libby, husband to Shirley Roberta Merithew Libby, of Oak­land.

Cleba was a kind, mild-mannered, humble man who never drew attention to himself; A man of great integrity with a strong work ethic who was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a man of deep faith who emulated the love of our Savior in all of his actions.

He grew up in Oakland and resided there his entire life. He attended Williams High School where he was very active in sports as well as student government and clubs, participating in football, basketball, and baseball, especially excelling in gymnastics. Cleba postponed attending college to marry his high school sweetheart Shirley Merithew and became father to four children, Cynthia Jean Libby Pierce, Peter Allen Libby, Kimberly Lois Libby Harper, and Mark Christopher Libby.

For the first 10 years of his married life Cleba worked at the North Wayne Tool Co., in Oakland, Eustis Furniture, in Winslow, and Roberts Brothers Paint Co., in Waterville. At the age of 30 he decided to get that college degree and attended the University of Maine in Augusta and Orono while working part time at the university, with the help of Shirley’s employment. He received his bachelor of art degree as a teacher of high school history and art in 1970.

Upon graduation he was offered a position at UMA as head of physical facilities, managing the University’s buildings and grounds. A position that when he retired was divided into several positions. For many years he managed the University art displays as well as teaching night classes of pottery and furniture refinishing. Cleba also designed and built the original exercise trail behind the university campus.

All of this while being a devoted husband and father. Over the years Cleba was a very active member of the United Baptist Church, in Oakland, serving as Sunday School teacher, Youth Group leader, Deacon, and advisory board member, willingly helping others, especially his children as they became adults.

In 1972 Cleba and Shirley purchased a camp on Messalonskee Lake which the family moved to each summer. After a few years of roughing it, Cleba and Shirley decided to replace the camp with a year-round home. He and Shirley designed a passive solar house and built it themselves. They were determined to do it without borrowing money. It took several years to complete but they owned it free and clear.

Cleba was meticulous in his workmanship. Their home is a great tribute to his expertise and attention to detail. As an artist Cleba enjoyed pottery and wood carving. He loved the peacefulness of nature and took his family on many camping and hiking trips. He also had a love for boating, snowmobiling and motorcycle riding, making family life fun.

Cleba was predeceased by his mother, Della Witham Libby, and brother Burleigh (Sonny) Libby who were taken from him in a tragic car accident at the age of 14. Later in life he lost his brother Clair Libby, father Clarence Libby, stepbrother Clarence (Leroy) Libby, stepmother Julia Zimba, and sister Linda Libby Howard.

Cleba is survived by his wife Shirley Merithew Libby, of Oakland; son Peter married to Diane Gilbert, of Sidney; daughter Kimberly married to Samuel (Lee) Harper, of Madison, and son Mark married to Julia Ray, of West Valley City, Utah; daughter Cynthia married to James Pierce, of Madison; 12 grandchildren, Joshua Higgins, Kimberly Higgins Fitzgerald, Krista Higgins Firmage, Michael Higgins, Mikayla Libby Gilbert Poulin, Samuel Harper, Caleb Harper, Luke Harper, Josiah Harper, Ethan Harper, Leah Harper, Addison Libby; and 12 great-grandchildren; brother Glen Libby, of Dexter;

A funeral service was held on Sunday, April 3, at Oakland United Baptist Church, 45 Church Street, in Oakland, with Rev. Jay Wilson officiating. Burial will be later in the spring at Lewis Cemetery, in Oakland.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations in Cleba’s memory may be made to Oakland United Baptist Church,4 5 Church Street, Oakland, ME 04963.

RUTH E. LETOURNEAU

WINSLOW – Ruth E. (Joler) Letourneau, 80, passed away Monday, March 28, 2022, at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Bangor. She was born July 2, 1941, in Waterville, the daughter of George A. and Marie E. (Mathieu) Joler.

She attended Immaculate Heart of Mary School, in Fairfield, Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, and Mid-State College, in Augusta.

On July 19, 1958, she married Richard J. Letourneau, Sr.

She was employed at Sisters Hospital, in Waterville, and retired from the physical plant department at Colby College, in Waterville.

Ruth enjoyed playing cribbage, sewing, crocheting, and taking trips up north, enjoying grandchildren, great-grandchildren and being with family.

She is survived by sons, Richard Jr., of Winslow, Robert and partner Kristen Huestic, of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Daniel and wife Lois, of Ocala, Florida, Ronald, of Woonsocket, Rhode Island; daughters, Linda Quimby and husband Donald, Patricia Letourneau and partner John Spooner, Shirley Stanley, and Betty Theriault and husband Danny, all of Fairfield; 17 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren; brother, Earl Joler, of Winslow.

She was predeceased by husband, Richard J Letourneau Sr.; companion and best friend, Ronald G. Poulin; and Andy Mosher.

A Celebration of Life will be held June 4, 2022 from 1 – 4 p.m., at the Fairfield VFW, Main Street, Fairfield.

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 Ruth’s memory to a charity of their choice.

DANIEL L. DUPERRY

OAKLAND – Daniel L. Duperry, 65, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening March 31, 2022, in Scarborough. He was the eldest son of Roland and Juliette (Martin) Duperry.

Dan attended Waterville and Winslow schools, graduating from Winslow High 1974. He received a civil engineering bachelor’s degree from UMO in 1978. Upon graduating, Dan worked for Chicago Bridge and Iron for three years on multiple projects on the east coast. In 1981, he went to work for the Cianbro Corporation, in Pittsfield, and 40-plus years until his death. He was so proud to be a part of that company and really enjoyed his varied career there and especially the people with whom he worked.

Dan was a longtime chairman for the Oakland Planning Board, a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #13486, of Waterville. He was a communicant of Corpus Christi Parish.

Dan was happiest puttering around on his property on various projects, gardening, making maple syrup, attending family gatherings, cooking bean hole beans, and when playing cards.

A late bloomer, he met the love of his life at St. Theresa Church in 1992 at the age of 36. They married in 1993 and raised two children in Oakland, Hannah Elizabeth Duperry and Ethan Daniel Duperry.

He is survived by his wife Marla (Hunt) Duperry of 29 years, and his children, and his siblings: Ann Duperry and her partner Carol Guerrett,e of Frankfort, Philip and Margaret Duperry, of Sarasota, Florida, Richard and Joette Duperry, of Portland, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his grandparents, parents and several aunts and uncles.

Visiting hours will be held from 6 – 8 p.m., on Friday, April 8, at Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville, ME 04901.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., on Saturday, April 9, at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow, Maine, 04901.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville, ME 04901. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

The family welcomes flowers however, in lieu of flowers if you prefer, a donation may be made in Dan’s name to Hospice of Southern Maine, Gosnell House, 390 US-1, Scarborough, ME 04074.

KIMBERLY DeJESUS

FAIRFIELD – Kimberly DeJesus, 30, has passed away. Kimberly was born May 9, 1991, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and moved to Winslow in 2003.

While she made her journey through life, she touched the hearts of everyone in her path. She graduated Winslow High School in 2009. Kimberly lived in Fairfield and worked as a geenerl manager for Taco Bell, in Augusta. Kimberly was a New England Patriots and Boston Bruins super fan, Disney fanatic, and a huge animal lover. She was adventurous and enjoyed the outdoors especially Acadia National Park.

Above all, her favorite thing to do was spend time with her family. Her bright spirit will be carried through her mother, Elizabeth DeJesus, partner David Lowe; her older sisters, Kathy Ballester, Lillian Ballester, Christina Ballester, and Nicole Burgos; her younger sister, Jennifer Santiago; her nephews, Ryan X. Judkin, and Joseph P. Kepple; her nieces, Starlynn M. Contreras, and Anyssia Ballester.

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.

LETTERS: Happy to support Smith

To the editor:

I am happy to write to support Katrina Smith for State Representative for District #62 China, Hibberts Gore, Palermo, Somerville and Windsor. Katrina brings a true passion for conservative values to this race with a deep understanding of the issues facing Maine. As the chairman of the Waldo County Republicans she tirelessly worked to engage with constituents and educated them on legislation within the state house. Over the past three years Katrina has spoken often and boldly against the policies that threatened the well-being of the people of Maine.

I’ve worked with Katrina for a few years and when Katrina says she will get things done you can absolutely count on her.

Anne Kurek
Palermo

Be wary of text scams from your “boss”

image: AARP

You may be used to getting text messages and emails from your boss, which is why a recent texting scam is so effective. Scammers find out where you work and pose as the CEO or other executive. Be on guard and don’t share money or information – be it your own or your company’s.

How the scam works

You receive a text from a number you don’t recognize, claiming to be from your boss. The sender knows your name, where you work, and your boss’s name. It seems so real! The text message might read something like this: “Hi Chris, I’m tied up in a conference call right now but let me know if you get this text. Thanks [your boss’ name].”

If you reply that you received the text, you’ll be asked to do a quick task. This could be purchasing gift cards for a client or wiring funds to another business. In some cases, the scammer may ask you to send personal information to someone, often giving you a plausible reason to carry out the request.

No matter how believable the reason sounds, always double check before taking any action. Once you send the money, gift cards, or information, it will be in the hands of a con artist.

How to protect yourself from impostor scams

Don’t trust unsolicited messages from unfamiliar numbers. If your boss regularly communicates with you via text message, save their number in your contact list. Don’t respond to potential impersonators reaching out from a different number.

Be wary of unusual requests. If your boss has never asked you to buy gift cards, even if the request comes from a number you’ve saved, think twice. Scammers can potentially clone phone numbers and might have hijacked your boss’ number to target employees.

Double check with your boss personally. If a request comes from a strange number or just doesn’t sound right, call or email your boss first, using their real contact information, rather than replying to the message. It’s better to double check than to rush into a scam. Plus, your boss will want to know if they are being impersonated, so they can warn their other employees.

If you suspect a scam, don’t reply. If you’re fairly certain you’ve been contacted by a scammer, don’t reply to the text message. Replying lets scammers know they have an active phone number and could leave you vulnerable to future attacks. Instead, block the number and delete the message.

Vassalboro budget committee recommendations may not be final; school budget unknown

by Mary Grow

VASSALBORO, ME — Vassalboro Budget Committee members made their recommendations on the 2022-23 municipal budget at their March 31 meeting. Not all votes were unanimous, and because the school budget is still unknown, committee members did not guarantee their recommendations are final.

Members had varying attitudes toward the school budget. Optimists said the school, like the town, should have enough extra federal revenue so that the proposed 2022-23 budget will not be significantly higher than the current year’s.

If the optimists are wrong, some budget committee members would revisit the municipal budget with the goal of lowering their recommendations, so that the two budgets combined would not increase taxes.

Chairman Rick Denico, Jr., quoted former select board member Lauchlin Titus’s advice: don’t base budget decisions on the mil rate, don’t penalize either the school or the town for the other.

Member William Browne said if the school budget does provide a surprise, anyone on the budget committee who voted in favor of an item can move to reconsider it.

And the final decisions will be up to the voters who attend the June 6 open town meeting, where they will have the option of disregarding any recommendations.

A longer-range pending issue is whether the Vassalboro Select Board will adopt a salary schedule for town employees, following up on a study they commissioned (see The Town Line, March 10, p. 3, and March 24, p. 3).

After discussion of potential costs, and despite Select Board Chairman Robert Browne’s reminder that the select board decides policy issues, Denico called a straw poll and announced that eight of the 10 budget committee members supported the estimated $37,000 additional cost in 2022-23. That figure includes one-time larger raises for employees below scale.

Committee members then proceeded to review Town Manager Mary Sabins’ draft budget and draft warrant for the June 6 part of the annual town meeting item by item. They discussed two articles.

Article 5 in the draft asks voters how much they want to raise and appropriate to support 14 individually-listed town departments or services totaling $2,582,004. Individual figures range from $3,000 for general assistance to $593,925 for public works.

Public works brought concern from budget committee members about paving costs and a question about a recently-announced federal grant to the Maine Department of Transportation, from which $800,000 has been allocated for about three-quarters of a mile of Route 32, in Vassalboro.

Road Foreman Gene Field, from the audience, said he budgeted assuming paving material will cost $85 a ton. That is not a firm price. The large grant, he said, is for road and sidewalk improvements in North Vassalboro in 2024.

The amount proposed for recreation in 2022-23 is $44,327, and for the library, $60,500. Both are significant increases over the current year and both include personnel: Sabins recommends hiring a half-time recreation director, and library trustees want to add hours for the library director, to open the library one more day a week and for programming (see The Town Line, March 24, p. 3).

Sabins told budget committee members she expects the two positions would complement each other, not overlap or compete. The recreation director would organize sports programs on the ballfields and she hopes could also write grants, do long-range planning and help the town in other ways. She is working on a job description for select board review.

Library programs would be intended for residents of all ages, Sabins said.

A motion to recommend a lower library budget was defeated by a one-vote margin.

Draft warrant Article 6 has three fund requests: $20,000 for streamside park development (parking, picnic tables and perhaps other improvements at the town-acquired lot on Outlet Stream and Route 32 between East and North Vassalboro); $25,000 to demolish a dangerous building (the former church on Priest Hill Road in North Vassalboro); and $106,000 for roadside mowing equipment (if obtainable, Field’s recommended attachment for the loader).

Budget committee members endorsed all three, the mowing equipment by a one-vote margin. Field has been renting mowing equipment. He expects rental to cost around $16,000 for two mowings. Omitting a fall cutting one year let roadside grass grow high enough to block visibility some places, he told select board members at their Feb. 24 meeting.

The proposed April 5 budget committee meeting is canceled. As of April 5, committee members expected to hear on April 6 whether the 2022-23 school budget would be ready for review at an April 7 meeting. Residents who want to know whether the budget committee will meet the evening of April 7 should contact school Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer at apfeiffer@vcsvikings.org.

Town meeting to be in two parts

The first part of Vassalboro’s two-part 2022 town meeting is the open meeting, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 6, at Vassalboro Community School. Voters will assemble in person to act on funding and policy issues for 2022-23.

Written-ballot elections and the written referendum on the school budget adopted June 6 are scheduled for Tuesday, June 14, with polls open at the town office from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Local officials to be chosen are one select board member and two school board members. Signed nomination papers must be returned to the town office by noon Friday, April 8, for candidates’ names to appear on the June 14 ballot.

China select board wraps up “almost final” warrant

by Mary Grow

CHINA, ME — China Select Board members put the warrant for the June 14 annual town business meeting in almost-final form at a two-hour special meeting April 4.

The draft document they came up with has 37 articles and a potential 38th. Most are requests for voters to act on proposed 2022-23 expenditures and town policies.

Art. 37 asks if voters will approve a solar moratorium ordinance (see The Town Line, March 31, p. 3). Select board members debated whether to present it, because three of the five do not want a moratorium.

A majority consisting of Chairman Ronald Breton, Jeanne Marquis and Janet Preston voted to leave the question on the warrant and let voters decide. Breton then joined Blane Casey and Wayne Chadwick in recommending that voters reject the moratorium.

(The “Large Scale Solar Facilities Moratorium Ordinance” is not the “Solar Energy Systems Ordinance” that is on the China website, but an ordinance that would prohibit new commercial solar systems until the “Solar Energy Systems Ordinance” is in place to regulate their installation. The moratorium ordinance was not on the website as of April 5.)

Proposed Art. 38 would ask voters to approve China’s updated comprehensive plan. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood had just received notice of state approval. Voter approval requires a public hearing, and Hapgood needed to make sure there is time to meet state-required deadlines for the hearing, with appropriate notification, before adding the warrant article.

Select board members intend to prepare and sign a final warrant for June 14 at their regular meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 11, in the town office meeting room.

The June 14 town business meeting will be by written ballot, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the former portable classroom behind the town office.

China budget committee holds final spring meeting

by Mary Grow

CHINA, ME — China Budget Committee members held their final spring 2022 meeting on March 31, rediscussing a few of the proposed 2022-23 expenditures and making recommendations on warrant articles.

Ultimately, budget committee members changed only one proposed figure. At Elizabeth Curtis’ suggestion, and on a split vote, they recommended reducing the contingency fund appropriation from $123,80 to $88,290.

When select board members reviewed the draft warrant at their April 4 special meeting, they unanimously accepted the lower figure.

Curtis insisted that funds will not be needed to cover increased health insurance costs if a town employee with a policy covering only him – or herself leaves and is replaced by an employee who elects more expensive family coverage. The gap in salary while the position is unfilled and, if necessary, leeway in other expenditure lines should be adequate, she said.

Budget committee members also advised voters to reject one proposed expenditure. The list of projects to be funded with federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) money includes buying a portable speed control sign that Hapgood said could also be used for announcements, like a road closing.

The amount proposed is $20,000. Hapgood had found two signs to consider, so far; one was 45 by 80 inches and solar-powered, the other 48 by 96 inches with batteries.

Only Curtis and Trishea Story supported the expenditure. Committee chairman Thomas Rumpf, Kevin Maroon and Michael Sullivan voted against it and Timothy Basham abstained.

Five other proposed ARPA expenditures got unanimous support: $20,000 for two new generators for the town office complex; $38,000 for 911 identifying numbers on each house; $33,000 for a digital sign on Route 32 South, shared with the South China volunteer fire department; and $5,000 for future senior events and activities – maybe a bus trip, Hapgood suggested.

Curtis cast the only “no” vote on the recommendation for $15,212 from ARPA funds for extra pay for town employees who worked through the pandemic.

Sullivan asked whether putting up the 911 numbers would be mandatory, thinking of homeowners who might object on aesthetic grounds. Hapgood, thinking of the need for emergency personnel to find the right address in a hurry, said no; but if only most houses were visibly numbered, it would be helpful.

On an earlier article, Sullivan pointed out that the proposed cemetery budget of $49,500 is a substantial increase over the current year and more than double the $24,000 appropriated in fiscal year 2020-21.

There has been an unusual amount of tree damage from storms, and the cost of mowing will go up, replied Curtis, who is a member of China’s Cemetery Committee. Hapgood added stone repairs and the plan to hire a summer intern to catalog and photograph graves and create a computer file.

Shakespeare group to observe 9th annual Bard’s Bash

Recycled Shakespeare Company

by Lyn Rowden

Recycled Shakespeare Company proudly presents the 9th annual Bard’s Birthday Bash on Saturday, April 23.

This FREE event is open to all. You may join RSC and friends in dressing up and parading around Waterville reading sonnets, singing Shakespearean songs, and performing monologues and scenes. No memorizing, prior experience or costumes necessary.

Recycled Shakespeare Company members

Begin at 10 a.m., at Camden National Bank Lobby, on Main Street, for the first set of sonnet readings and songs. Parade to Yardgoods Center and The Villager Restaurant along the upper Concourse, cross over to Re-Books on the lower Concourse, and go to Cancun by 11 a.m., where there will be a sword fight demonstration and more sonnets read. Then parade up Main St. stopping at stores and restaurants along the way, including Madlyn’s Consignment Shop, Incense and Peppermint, The Framemakers, Holy Cannoli and Day’s Jeweler where shopkeepers will read sonnets. At about noon there will be a lunch stop at Jin Yuan Chinese Restaurant with live sonnets and music as well as performances from across the continent on Zoom. Then on to Selah Tea from 3 to 5 p.m., with flourish to finish readings of all 154 sonnets.

A Renaissance Masquerade Ball will take place 7 to 8:30 p.m., in the Lutheran Church Hall, on Cool Street. Open to all ages, simple dances will be taught and led by Dancemistress Margaret May Lambert. No partner or experience necessary. Come costumed, with a masquerade mask, or just as you are.

Throughout the day we celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday and times with sword demos, live Elizabethan music, and fun Renaissance fortune telling by Sarah Love. The entire day is free of charge! Open to all ages and skills!

If anyone in the community would like to read a sonnet or get involved, please call Lyn at 314-4730, or just show up and jump in. Each reader may introduce themselves, and briefly promote their business or organization.

Biochar: A soil amendment that offers multiple benefits

Biochar being used in agriculture.

by Kayla Bergman,
senior policy associate, Center for Rural Affairs

Biochar is an agricultural practice that is gaining in popularity—but what is it?

Created from a variety of feedstock, including corn stalks, wood, and even manure, biochar is a specialized form of charcoal suitable for use in the soil.

To create biochar, feedstock and manure are heated to high temperatures under controlled conditions. The gas or oil produced is used as a renewable energy source. The carbon left behind in that process is biochar.

There are benefits provided for the environment during the production process and once it has been applied to the soil.

The production process concentrates carbon that would have been released back into the atmosphere as the plant or manure decays, therefore reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Biochar is also extremely porous, allowing it to retain water—which plant roots can access when it is added to soil. Studies have shown a 5% biochar amendment in certain soil types increases the water holding capacity by up to 50%, which can serve as a flood mitigation benefit.

During a recent trial in Nebraska, when applied to irrigated lands, biochar was proven to reduce the need for irrigation by up to 37 percent. This is significant in a time of water conservation.

Biochar also retains both carbon and nitrogen in the soil. The carbon is transformed into an absorbent material which can lead to less runoff and leaching into waterways.

Biochar has the potential to help build soil, conserve water, produce renewable energy, sequester carbon, reduce inputs, and potentially increase yield on lower productivity ground. While it won’t work everywhere, biochar has the potential to be a valuable tool for farmers and landowners. This is a relatively new practice on agricultural lands, but seems to be one way for renewable fuel production to use a byproduct in a productive way.

Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, nonprofit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.

Issue for March 31, 2022

Issue for March 31, 2022

Celebrating 34 years of local news

Somerville dream of owning high speed fiber-optic broadband internet network coming true

The Town of Somerville will receive grant funding from the US National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA), an arm of the federal Department of Commerce, along with additional funding and support from the state’s ConnectMaine authority, to construct a municipally-owned broadband internet system able to connect to every home and business in town… Submitted by Samantha Peaslee

Albion voters pass most of 57 articles: Reject marijuana licensing ordinance

On Saturday, March 19, in the Albion Fire and Rescue Building, the town government held its annual town meeting. There were 76 voting residents attending the meeting. Fifty-Seven Articles were decided. At the front of the meeting were the Selectmen; Brent Brockway, Board of Selectmen Chairman; Michael Gardner, 3-year term, and recently appointed Scott Cyrway, 2-year term. The moderator, Richard Thompson, called the meeting to order at ten o’clock… by Steve Ball

Your Local News

Albion, Palermo, Windsor, China talk merger

CENTRAL ME — By 2024, central Maine might have a new town named Alpawich, combining the present towns of Albion, Palermo, Windsor and China. The new town would have an area of 179.41 square miles, Maine’s largest town by far. Its population will be less than Augusta’s or Waterville’s, however. The impetus for combining the four towns came from Palermo, as a proposal to merge with China to form a town to be named Chipal. Palermo officials had two motives… by Mary Grow

CORRECTED: Residents approve 33 articles at town meeting

PALERMO — The following is a summary of the Windsor town meeting, which was held last Saturday, March 12. We had a great town meeting on Saturday, thanks to all our residents and guests who attended. Moderator Dick Thompson presided over three hours of respectful questions and insightful dialogue… submitted by Will Armstrong

School board begins budget review

VASSALBORO — Vassalboro School Board members began reviewing sections of the 2022-23 school budget at their March 22 meeting, hearing proposals for funding technology, health, ELL (English Language Learners’ programs), certification and maintenance…

KWD asks planners for changes to treatment plant

VASSALBORO — The Kennebec Water District (KWD) is asking the Vassalboro Planning Board’s approval to make changes at its water treatment plant at 462 Main Street (Route 32), a little north of East Vassalboro Village. Planning board members will hear the application at their Tuesday, April 5, meeting, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the town office meeting room…

Budget committee, town manager review non-final budget

CHINA — China Budget Committee members and Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood spent two hours March 24 reviewing a non-final draft of the 2022-23 municipal budget…

Planners shift gears on ordinance amendments

CHINA — China Planning Board members have abandoned their plan to have three ordinance amendments presented to voters at the June 14 town business meeting…

Select board continues town meeting preparations

CHINA — China Select Board members continued town meeting preparations at their March 28 meeting, discussing at length three topics: asking voters to approve a moratorium on commercial solar development; the proposed 2022-23 municipal budget, with a focus on town employees’ pay; and 2022-23 expenditures of federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds, which need voter approval…

Name that film!

Identify the film in which this line originated and qualify to win FREE passes to Railroad Square Cinema in Waterville: “What we’ve got here is a failure to communicate.” Email us at townline@townline.org with subject “Name that film!” Deadline for submission is April 8, 2022…

LETTERS: Energy bill could have dire consequences

from Carl Bucciantini – With utility rates skyrocketing, many Mainers are struggling to keep the heat and lights on. Unfortunately, LD 318, “An Act to Provide More Options to Maine Electric Service Customers and Support Maine’s Climate Goals,” passed through the Maine Energy, Utilities, and Technology Committee and will be voted on this week…

LETTERS: Thanks to supporters

from John M. Glowa, Sr. (China) – I’m writing to thank The Town Line and area residents, especially those in China, Windsor, Palermo, and Winslow where I focused my signature gathering efforts for my recent gubernatorial campaign. I especially thank folks who graciously signed my petition and those who invited me into their homes to chat…

LETTERS: Who needs broadband? What can you do?

by Amy Davidoff (Vassalboro) – Who needs broadband? We all do. Do we all have it? Undoubtedly not, but we don’t know and need to find out. A town broadband committee can encourage speed testing and get us the information we need…

King Foundation grants extrication equipment to FD

NORRIDGEWOCK The Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation awarded $40,000 to the Norridgewock Fire Department for the purchase of vehicle extrication equipment. The four pieces of equipment – spreader, cutter, ram, and stabilization struts will support a more efficient process of freeing patients from life-threatening conditions, most usually as the result of a motor vehicle accident…

Hanson, Blaney big winners at Battle of Maine

WATERVILLE The 40th Battle of Maine Martial Arts Championships took place at Champions Fitness Club, in Waterville, on Saturday March 26, and helped support the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals here in Central and Northern Maine… by Mark Huard

Welch receives MPA principal’s award at Carrabec H.S.

NORTH ANSON Brooke Welch, daughter of Dereck and Aaron Welch of North Anson, a senior at Carrabec High School, has been selected to receive the 2022 Principal’s Award, according to Prin­cipal Timothy Richards…

BBBS to hold plane pull fundraiser

WATERVILLE Local businesses and organizations are lining up to see who can pull a CRJ-200 Jet Aircraft 20 feet in the fastest time, all to raise critical funding for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine youth mentoring programs…

Maine K-12 students invited to submit short films

WATERVILLE The 44th annual Maine Student Film + Video Festival (MSFVF) is currently accepting submissions until June 15. All Maine students grades K-12 are eligible to enter for free. Films will be judged by category: Narrative, Documentary, and Creative (animated, experimental, etc.), and by age group: Grades K-5; Grades 6-8; Grades 9-12…

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Wars – Part 13 (new)

MAINE HISTORY — Henry Kingsbury lists four men who served in “the late war” in the personal paragraphs in his chapter on Benton in the 1892 Kennebec County history. Stephen H. Abbott enlisted from Winslow and served six months with the 19th Maine; he moved to Benton in 1872 and served as postmaster from 1890 and for three years as a selectman… by Mary Grow [1983 words]

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Wars – Part 12

MAINE HISTORY — The United States Civil War, which began when the Confederates shelled Fort Sumter, South Carolina, on April 12, 1861, and ended with General Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, Virginia, on April 9, 1865, had the most impact on Maine, including the central Kennebec Valley, of any 17th or 18th century war… by Mary Grow [2191 words]

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Wars – Part 11

MAINE HISTORY — Many historians don’t take the Aroostook War seriously. Several sources call it the Pork and Beans War; Wikipedia says the nickname is based on either the local lumbermen’s or the British soldiers’ staple food. Some of the local histories cited earlier in this series don’t even mention the war… by Mary Grow [1958 words]

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Wars – Part 10

MAINE HISTORY — According to an on-line genealogy, Thaddeus Bailey (Nov. 28, 1759 – March 4, 1849) was born in Newbury, Massachusetts, served in the Revolutionary War from Lincoln County, lived in Palermo for some years and served in the War of 1812 while living in Albion… by Mary Grow [1819 words]

Town Meetings Schedule for 2022

A list of local town meetings for Albion, China, Fairfield, Palermo, Sidney, Solon, Vassalboro and Windsor…

Webber’s Pond

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Stamp club to hold show

WINSLOW — The MUDPEX 2022 spring show is scheduled for Saturday, April 9, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., at the MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post #8835, on Veterans Drive, in Winslow. For more information, contact the Waterville Stamp Club at cantdog1@gmail.com… and many other local events!

Obituaries

VASSALBORO – Keith Norman Peaslee, 86, of Vassalboro, passed away on Monday, March 14, 2022. Keith was born, in Windsor, on May 18, 1935, to George and Gwendolyn Peaslee… and remembering 7 others.

Common Ground: Win a $10 gift certificate!

DEADLINE: Friday, April 12, 2022

Identify the people in these three photos, and tell us what they have in common. You could win a $10 gift certificate to Retail Therapy Boutique in Waterville! Email your answer to townline@townline.org or through our Contact page. Include your name and address with your answer. Use “Common Ground” in the subject!

Previous winner: Diane Gardner, Windsor

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | Recently, a regular contributor to The Town Line, Gary Kennedy, of Chelsea, and his wife Julie witnessed a battle between an osprey and a bald eagle, probably over territorial rites – or food. I could relate to the story as my wife and I witnessed the same a few years ago while fishing on Webber Pond…

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates | Back during the last century old days of my adolescent youth, I was quite enamored by the Mercury dollar cut out LPs of the Chad Mitchell Trio that I bought at downtown Waterville Center’s Department Store. The group’s brand of folk music making thrilled me…

I’M JUST CURIOUS

by Debbie Walker | Are you planning a downsizing or just want to clean up a little like maybe spring cleaning? Did you put away all your Christmas decorations? Come now, haven’t you found one or two things you forgot? In the Woman’s World magazine dated March March 28, 2022, there is an article Surprising Down Sizing Tricks. I am sharing some of it in this column…

FOR YOUR HEALTH

(NAPSI)—Running was Rob Smith’s passion. He ran every day, ate healthy foods, and had good sleep habits. Because of his healthy lifestyle, Smith believed that it was very unlikely COVID-19 would have a serious effect on his health. In September 2020, at the age of 22, Smith contracted the virus, and his life changed forever…