LETTERS: Caregivers need our support

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To the editor:

Caregivers in Maine need support now more than ever before. I hope the candidates and Maine voters will keep caregivers in mind when they cast their ballot.

There are approximately 166,000 caregivers in Maine. Chances are you or someone you know is putting in many hours of unpaid care for their loved ones. Family caregivers are balancing a lot and over 60 percent of family caregivers work either full or part-time. I was a caregiver for my father for six years and I know how hard that can be.

Caregivers are tough! They do one of the most important jobs there is. It’s time they receive the support they deserve. Let’s ask the candidates important questions this election season such as how they plan to help family caregivers in Maine. It’s time for us to know.

 Paul Armstrong
AARP Maine
Lead Volunteer Advocate
Palermo

LETTERS: A vote for our climate’s future

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To the editor:

Maine’s future depends on how we act today to protect our environment.

With warming oceans and increasing hurricane risks like those seen in North Carolina, it’s clear we need strong leadership to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources. Pam Swift is the candidate who will champion these critical issues.

Unlike the current representative, who scored a dismal zero on environmental issues this session – voting against loon protection (LD 958) and failing to support wind power (LD 1895).

Pam Swift is committed to proactive, science-backed policies that address climate change head-on. A vote for Pam Swift is a vote for meaningful action to slow the impacts of climate change and safeguard Maine’s natural beauty for future generations.

Robert Morrison
Palermo

LETTERS: Swift has deep roots in Maine

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To the editor:

I urge you to vote for Pam Swift in House District 62, China, Windsor, Somerville and Hibberts Gore.

Pam trusts you. She knows you and your doctor will make the best decisions for you and your health. She knows that you can prepare for your children’s futures by helping them understand what they find in their school libraries, public libraries and on the Internet.

As a retired physician, Pam knows how important it is for you to have access to healthcare and affordable medicine. As a farmer she knows how important locally produced healthy food is to your family and how much small farms matter to your community.

Pam has deep roots in Maine and will fight for what Maine a great place to live.

Please vote for Pam Swift, candidate for House District #62.

Kathy Kellison
Windsor

LETTERS: Excited to support Laura Jones

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To the editor:

I am excited to support Laura’s candidacy because of her commitment to protecting our farms and Maine’s natural resources, building resiliency to climate change, and enhancing opportunities for small businesses. In addition, Laura will explore ways to enhance access to quality health care while lowering costs, expand access to affordable Internet service, and support public education. Collectively, Laura will work hard to make our quality of life the way it should be!

Laura’s dedication to community and country is obvious from all of her “Community Matters” efforts, her engagement in a family-owned, environmentally-sensitive small business, and a 25 year career in the US Air Force.

Let’s elect Laura Jones who will be a great representative for all of us.

Mary Schwanke
Vassalboro

LETTERS: Strong support for Detre and Rumpf

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To the editor:

As a current member of the Selectboard for the Town of China, I am writing to express my strong support for Tod Detre and Tom Rumpf as candidates for China Selectboard.

Tod Detre is a Systems Administrator II for the University of Maine System. Tod brings a fresh perspective and a strong desire to help bring people together as a community and make China a place where people want to spend their time and enjoy all stages of their lives. His family has two young sons in our local school, and both Tod and his wife Gina have logged many hours volunteering in their activities. Tod’s technical knowledge has been an asset on our Broadband Committee and would further help China as we prepare for the future.

Tom Rumpf’s wealth of local knowledge, as the president of the Four Seasons Club and the current chairman of the budget committee, would be invaluable to the selectboard. Tom has worked collaboratively with regional businesses to build the annual China Lake Ice Fishing Derby into a spectacular weekend that showcases our town to the many visitors it attracts. Tom would help the board nurture better relationships with our local businesses.

I believe that Tod and Tom would both make excellent additions to the selectboard. They are both committed to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and open communication with residents. They both have demonstrated their understanding of the important role our local organizations have in our town.They also share a vision for a vibrant and sustainable future for the Town of China.

I urge my fellow residents to vote for Tod Detre and Tom Rumpf for selectboard on election day.

Jeanne Marquis
China Selectboard member

CRITTER CHATTER: Reminiscing about volunteers at Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center – Part 1

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Volunteer Amy Messier feeding a young raccoon. (File photo)

by Jayne Winters

When I stopped by Duck Pond Wildlife Rehab this week, as there were no critters awaiting transfer to other rehabbers, Don and I talked again about how smoothly things have gone since his hospitalization in May and subsequent transition to semi-retirement. Over just a few days – thanks to Inland Fisheries & Wildlife staff, volunteers, Avian Haven and other rehabbers – he was able to receive the medical care he needed and not have to worry about his furry and feathered friends.

After I got home, I looked through old files and found a couple of articles Carleen Cote had written and thought this would be a good time to share them. This one is from 2003:

“We will never forget our wonderful volunteers who have come and do all the “dirty work.” Their payment is having an opportunity to feed and play with the wildlife babies – to see animals they would probably never see in their natural habitat. Cheri Muschamp was the first volunteer. Robyn Jacques was our first intern from Unity College, followed by Josh and Jayme. Blanche Bourdeau, Carol Thibodeau, Micki Poor, Amanda Watson and Nikki Reynolds volunteered many hours to clean pens, wash dishes and feed the babies. We can never say thank you enough to these wonderful volunteers who came to help and provided us some respite and time to get a few minutes of sleep during the day. They will be returning for their third summer.

We have met many wonderful dedicated animal control officers, police, sheriffs and animal damage control people who have gone many miles out of their way to bring us young and wounded animals. We have also had the opportunity to meet and work with Maine game wardens. They have brought many needy birds and mammals to the Center. We also assist them by responding to wildlife problems when they are unable to do so.

We have met many other rehabilitators. There is an exchange of information and experiences so no one has to “re-invent the wheel” whenever anyone gets a species of bird or mammal for the first time. Help is only a phone call away, and everyone is willing to share their knowledge.

Because of the numbers of mammals we receive, we are unable to care for many bird species because of the great time demands of baby birds. We are fortunate to have Avian Haven, in Freedom. Marc and Diane take the birds we are unable to care for. We do take owls, hawks and eagles.

Trish and Gary Newcomb (founders of The Town Line) were frequent visitors to the Center. They would ask if we would write about our experiences for the newspaper. We always said we didn’t think we had the talent to write. In 1996, I went to The Town Line on business. Trish and Gary again asked if I would write articles about our Center. I finally said I would try. The rest is history – eight years later I still enjoy writing about our experiences of sharing our life with all the little creatures and all our adventures. So many people have told us how much they enjoy the articles, how much they have learned about Maine’s wildlife. That’s the inspiration that keeps me writing and sharing our joys and sorrows. You know the saying, ‘We could write a book!’ I don’t think that will happen.”

In November, I’ll continue with the stroll down Memory Lane!

Don is still busy with many phone calls and continues to provide advice and make referrals. He accepts and assesses small injured or abandoned wildlife, usually transporting them to other facilities for further treatment, care and release. Please remember to check these websites for someone close to you: https://www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html. In addition, you can contact your local Animal Control Officer through your town office. – Donald Cote operates Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center on Rte. 3 in Vassalboro. It is a non-profit state permitted rehab facility supported by his own resources & outside donations. Mailing address: 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro ME 04989 TEL: (207) 445-4326. EMAIL ADDRESS IS NOT BEING MONITORED AT THIS TIME.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Are there carp in Webber Pond; affect of climate change on our lakes

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Common carp

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Earlier this summer, in a Facebook post, I saw where someone suggested there might be carp in Webber [Pond], based on a conversation with an angler.

Carp have long been an important food fish to humans. Several species such as the various goldfish breeds and the domesticated common carp variety have been popular ornamental fishes. As a result, carp have been introduced to various locations, though with mixed results. Several species of carp are considered invasive species in the United States, and, worldwide, large sums of money are spent on carp control.

At least some species of carp are able to survive for months with practically no oxygen (for example under ice or in stagnant, scummy water) by metabolizing glycogen to form lactic acid which is then converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide. The ethanol diffuses into the surrounding water through the gills.

I reached out to Jason Seiders of Inland Fish and Wildlife about it and to follow up on the lab results from the spring fish kill. Here is his response:

“Maine does have carp – common carp, not the Asian carp that they deal with in the Midwest. Common carp are numerous (and invasive) in the lower Kennebec River which makes them an ever-present threat to Webber. Carp feed by stirring up sediment and they do it on a large scale. It would be very evident if carp were in Webber because you would see them feeding in near shore areas; the plumes of sediment would stand out as well as the large fish themselves. I’m not sure who said they were in Webber, but we’ve never seen nor heard of one, or seen evidence of them in the pond. I think it’s wise to keep the fishway closed when alewives are not present (we do) because that would be the most likely vector for introduction. Common carp would make an already bad water quality situation far worse!”

Speaking of water quality, here is some interesting information from Maine Lakes and Maine Public Radio on the impact of climate change on Maine’s lakes:

– The risks to the future health of our lakes in Maine and beyond are growing due to climate change.
– Warming air and water temperatures coupled with earlier ice-out are lengthening the growing season for algae and invasive aquatic plants.
– More frequent and intense storms deliver more rain over a shorter period of time, increasing stormwater runoff and worsening soil erosion that carries phosphorus and other nutrient-laden sediments into lakes.
– Periods of drought between storms can alter soil structure, making soils less stable and more likely to erode in the next big storm.
– Excess nutrients from eroding soils along with warmer water make lakes more hospitable to the explosive growth of algae, resulting in extensive algal blooms that put lake health in jeopardy.
– Some of those blooms may be classified as “harmful algal blooms” (or HAB’s) that produce toxic or harmful effects on people, pets, and wildlife.

Fortunately, there are many organizations working on climate change impacts and ways our communities can become more resilient to these changes.

Recently, Maine Public published a series on that subject, in one of the articles they reported:

“On a forested path from a seasonal camp down to Great Pond, in Belgrade, a small, but critical construction project is underway.

“A trio of workers from the Youth Conservation Corps struggled to dig a shallow trench. Once they remove the stubborn roots and rocks, it will be lined with gravel and mulch.

“The upgraded path doesn’t look like much, but looks can be deceiving, said Max Comis, a junior at the University of Maine and worker on the crew.

“‘The mulch and the rocks we’re going to put on top of this, it’s going to filter the water. We have further filtration below it, and it is going to stop the bad things from going into the water,” Comis said.

“Human-caused climate change is overheating Maine’s lakes and ponds, changing their biology and threatening their health.”

Much work still needs to be done before we can restore our lakes, as is witnessed by on-going projects in China Lake, Three-mile Pond and Webber Pond.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Who is the all-time leading goal scorer for the Boston Bruins, Phil Esposito, Bobby Orr, Johnny Bucyk or Patrice Bergeron?

Answer
Johnny Bucyk (The Chief), scored 545 goals.

Windsor select board deals with cannabis petition, local tax abatements

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by The Town Line staff

The Windsor Select Board dealt with a number of issues at their September 24, meeting.

Town Clerk Kelly McGlothlin updated the select board on the petition for cannabis that they wanted to include on the November 5 ballot. McGlothlin stated she found things within the petition that were inconsistent, with what could be to correct and sufficient, that would allow the petition to move forward to the November ballot. The town clerk also noted the petition was submitted too late for the upcoming election. She explained her additional findings to the select board, and it would be up to them if they wanted to place an article on the June 2025 ballot. The select board decided more discussion will be needed when the entire select board is present. Board chairman William Appel Jr. will have a discussion with the petitioner and extend another invitation to a select board meeting.

After several residents complained their bank appraisal and the appraisal from KRT were very far apart, the board acted on 2024-25 tax year abatements. They suspended as the select board and convened as the board of assessors.

By unanimous votes, the board, at the the recommendation of Nichole Stenberg, Windsor’s Assessor’s Agent, approved tax abatements for Bryan Bolstridge in the amount of $6.44; Rose and Douglas Fraser ($230); Angela and Steve Brochu ($49.68); Mark and Dorothy Lapointe ($2,194.20); Bryan Stefanie Lewis and Jonathan McCaslin ($512.44); Marvin and Kim Clark ($1,438.88); David Shaw ($3,044.28); Malarie and Darin Clark ($1,438.88); and Karen S. Finley ($3,044.28).

The select board encouraged residents who have questions to bring their information to Stenberg. Town Manager Theresa Haskell also stated that even if someone has questions about their tax assessment, they should still pay at least their first half of the tax bill so there are no interest fees that accrue.

In other business:

– Following a submitted price for three 120V outlets at the town hall, of $1,754 from J&M Electric, the board unanimously approved putting the job out to bid or getting other estimates.
– Arthur Strout, speaking on behalf of the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department, appeared before the board to answer any question they may have in regard to the installation of a heat pump at the station. He stated the central air conditioning is broken and beyond repair. He said they used a window air conditioner this past summer, and that a heat pump could be used, not only as air conditioning, but also for supplemental heat since the building uses radiant heat.

Two quotes have been submitted: $4,074. 28 from M. A. Haskell, and $4,950 from C. B. Haskell. Following an offer from Steve Plourde, the select board agreed to move money from the WVFD building reserve fund account not to exceed $2,350 for Plourde to install a heat pump head and other materials (condenser and labor to be donated) in the meeting room at the fire station.

– The board approved three junkyard applications to Millard Nickerson c/o Lisa Taylor, Allen Rogers and Stanley Pelletier.
– The board also approved updating the retirement plan documents as recommeneded by Stephanie Hunter, from Corbridge (Valic), at a cost of $750.
– The board accepted the $16,900 bid from McGee Construction for the 2016 Terrastar. They also accepted a bid from McGee for 2024-25 plowing at $175 per hour for 250 hours, for a total of $43,750. The town had budgeted $43,500. Haskell noted there are places in the budget to make up the difference.

The next select board meeting was scheduled for October 8.

PUBLIC NOTICES for Thursday, October 31, 2024

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STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
COURT ST.,
SKOWHEGAN, ME
SOMERSET, ss
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
18-A MRSA sec. 3-801

The following Personal Representatives have been appointed in the estates noted. The first publication date of this notice October 24, 2024 If you are a creditor of an estate listed below, you must present your claim within four months of the first publication date of this Notice to Creditors by filing a written statement of your claim on a proper form with the Register of Probate of this Court or by delivering or mailing to the Personal Representative listed below at the address published by his name, a written statement of the claim indicating the basis therefore, the name and address of the claimant and the amount claimed or in such other manner as the law may provide. See 18-C M.R.S.A. §3-80.

2024-304 – Estate of ROBERT A. ROSSIGNOL, late of Fairfield, Maine deceased. Rebecca S. Rossignol, 860 Norridgewock Rd., Fairfield, Maine 04937-3175 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-307 – Estate of EARLE F. MEOLA, late of Norridgewock, Maine deceased. Nancy L. Meola, P.O. Box 816, Norridgewock, Maine 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-312 – Estate of MERLENE J. AMBULOS, late of Skowhegan, Maine deceased. Cheryl A. Knowles, 34 Chandler Street, Skowhegan, Maine 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-313 – Estate of DAVID T. OLEYAR, JR., late of Fairfield, Maine deceased. David T. Oleyar III, P.O. Box 241, Norridgewock, ME 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-315 – Estate of BROCK C. PETERS, late of Fairfield, Maine deceased. Victoria J. Bavelaar, 206 Martin Strean Road, Fairfield, Maine 04937 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-316 – Estate of LINWOOD L. LAGASSE, late of Mercer, Maine deceased. Chad Partridge, 446 East Side Trail, Oakland, Maine 04963 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-317 – Estate of META L. HART, late of Canaan, Maine deceased. Ernest Strunck, 175 Mountain Springs Road, Milford, PA 18337 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-319 – Estate of SHIRLEY A. LAGASSE, late of Mercer, Maine deceased. Chad Partridge, 446 East Side Trail, Oakland, Maine 04963 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-320 – Estate of DAWNA J. CAMPBELL, late of Madison, Maine deceased. LeeAnne Y. Newton, P.O. Box 155, Anson, Maine 04911 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-323 – Estate of NORMAN C. WACKER, late of Cambridge, Maine deceased. Eleda Wacker, 130 Andrew Ham Rd., Cambridge, Maine 04923 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-325 – Estate of ROSCOE J. SCOTT III, late of Pittsfield, Maine deceased. Jordan Doherty, 1 Krampf Circle, Brunswick, Maine 04011 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-326 – Estate of GINGER L. WILLIAMS, late of Canaan, Maine deceased. Gary W. Johnson, 94 Athens Rd., Harmony, Maine 04942 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-327 – Estate of CARROLL C. FRITH, late of Embden, Maine deceased. Rochelle M. Frith, 35 N. Beauchamp Rd., Russellville, Ky 42276 and Donald A. Frith, P.O. Box 35, Anson, Maine 04911 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2024-328 – Estate of MILLARD C. BROWER, late of Skowhegan, Maine deceased. Kathleen V. Ladner, 11 Riggs Road, Casco, Maine 04015 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-330 – Estate of WILLIAM H. MAYNARD, late of Rockwood, Maine deceased. Gail Maynard, P.O. Box 220, Rockwood, Maine 04478 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-332 – Estate of RAPHAEL J. SAINT, late of Saint Albans, Maine deceased. Brenda A. Mendonca, 87 Ripley Road, Saint Albans, Maine 04971 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-336 – Estate of DAVID G. THEBARGE, late of Skowhegan, Maine deceased. George N. Thebarge, 358 Middle Rd., Falmouth, Maine 04105 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-337 – Estate of JOHN L. ROY, late of Skowhegan, Maine deceased. Tina Huff, 63 Mayhew Road, Starks, Maine 04911 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-338 – Estate of HELEN C. GORDON, late of Saint Albans, Maine deceased. Harry P. Gordon, Jr., 74 Rand Hill Road, Saint Albans, Maine 04971 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-339 – Estate of EDWARD J. ARSENEAULT, late of Saint Albans, Maine. Donna M. Holly, 9 Passaic Ave., North Haledon, New Jersey 07508 and Karen F. Tajima, 25 Old Landing Road, Pembroke, Massachusetts 02359 appointed Co-Personal Representative.

TO BE PUBLISHED October 24, 2024 & October 31, 2024

Dated October 24, 2024
/s/ Victoria M. Hatch,
Register of Probate
(10/31)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
41 COURT ST.
SOMERSET, ss
SKOWHEGAN, ME
PROBATE NOTICES

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE ESTATES LISTED BELOW

Notice is hereby given by the respective petitioners that they have filed petitions for appointment of personal representatives in the following estates or change of name. These matters will be heard at 10 a.m. or as soon thereafter as they may be on November 6, 2024. The requested appointments or name changes may be made on or after the hearing date if no sufficient objection be heard. This notice complies with the requirements of 18-C MRSA §3-403 and Probate Rule 4.

2024-284 ­– BRAITYN JAMES TRUE. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Tiffany R. True, P.O. Box 164., Skowhegan, Maine 04976 requesting name to be changed to Braityn James Prevost for reasons set forth therein.

2024-288 – LAUREN KATHERINE STEWART. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Lauren Katherine Stewart of 12 Oakland Rd., Fairfield, Maine 04937 requesting name to be changed to Lauren Katherine Watson for reasons set forth therein.

2024-305 – JAXON SCOTT MILLAY. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Melissa D. Meunier and Thomas B. Meunier of 16 Ryan Lane, Skowhegan, Maine 04976 requesting that Minors name be changed to Jaxon Scott Meunier for reasons set forth therein.

2024-306 – THOMAS LEO PARKER. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Melissa D. Meunier and Thomas B. Meunier of 16 Ryan Lane, Skowhegan, Maine 04976 requesting that Minors name be changed to Thomas Leo Meunier for reasons set forth therein.

2024-321 – CHERYL LEE BARNES. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Cheryl Lee Barnes of 22 Cooley Road, Harmony, Maine 04942 requesting name to be changed to Cherie Lee Barnes for reasons set forth therein.

2024-324 – CYNTHIA LYNN SANDERS. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Cynthia L. Sanders of 8 Country Lane, Saint Albans, Maine 04971 requesting name to be changed to Cindi Lynn Sanders for reasons set forth therein.

2024-340 – MARINA CHRISTINA DIAZ. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Marina Christina Diaz of 1334 Beech Hill Rd., Mercer, Maine 04957 requesting name to be changed to Marina Christina Mikolajcik for reasons set forth therein.

Dated: October 24, 2024 /s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(10/31)

Town of Winslow
Board of Appeals Public Meeting

Winslow Zoning Board of Appeals Public Meeting
Time: November 19, 2024, from 6 -7 p.m.
Location: 136 Halifax Street, Winslow, ME 04901
Town Council Chambers

Town of Palermo
Office closed on election day

The Palermo Town Office will be closed to regular business services on Election Day, November 5, 2024.
Polling Hours for Election Day are from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
All absentee ballots must be returned by the close of polls – 8PM.  We offer a secure drop box at the Town Office for drop offs.  This box is checked several times a day.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, October 31, 2024

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GLORIA TAYLOR

AUGUSTA – Gloria Taylor, 90, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2024, at MaineGeneral Medical. Center, Augusta. Gloria was born, in Oakland, to Herbert and Marion Olafson, of Rome.

She had four stepchildren, Susan (Michael), Michael (Linda), Jeffry (Linda), Daniel (Cathy) Taylor.

She met and later married Hardy Taylor and were together 46 years. They worked together at A.L. Taylor & Son until their retirement.

Gloria loved riding motorcycles and four wheelers. She enjoyed feeding the animals in the bog behind the house.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband Hardy, Susan, and Michael Taylor.

She had two sons with her first husband, Ted Bradley II (Marlene), Tony Bradley (Tricia) and a niece Sarah that she helped bring up that she thought of as a daughter. Gloria had seven grandchildren; 12 great- grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be at the American Legion, 22 Church Street Oakland, on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Burial services will be held at a later date.

Donations can be made to the American Legion, 22 Church St., Oakland, ME 04963.

ANITA L. GERARD

VASSALBORO – Anita L. (Cottle) Gerard, 75, passed away peacefully at Maine Medical Center, in Portland, on Monday, October 14, 2024. Anita was born on September 11, 1949, in Waterville, daughter to Edward A. and Nina P. Cottle.

Anita was educated in Belgrade schools where she was involved in several extracurricular activities, most notably, cheerleading, National Honor Society, and the Student Council. She was a proud member of The Rainbow Girls and The Order of the Eastern Star. She was a 1967 graduate of Belgrade High School and achieved the rank of third in her class. Upon graduation, Anita attended the University of Maine at Farmington. She was employed for over 30 years by the state of Maine, where she held various positions and gained several dear friends throughout her career.

Anita never met a child she didn’t love. She was always there with open arms to welcome and help all “her kids” whether they were her own, extended family, friend’s children, neighborhood kids, or friends of her kids. She was well loved and known as Ma to all her bonus kids and was always there with an understanding ear, a piece of solid advice, and a warm hug.

She was a lady of many interests, her true passions being gardening, miniature horses, stock car racing, crafting, and farming.

She was predeceased by both her parents; her husband of 45 years Robert C. Gerard; her sister Miriam Elliot, and her three brothers-in-law.

Anita is survived by her husband and companion of many years Norman D. Cummings Sr.; son Robert E.G. Gerard with daughter-in-law Vicki Boynton; daughter Jodi-Lyn Sleeper with her fiancé Ray Stafford; granddaughter Mikaela Hickey with her husband Cody, and great-granddaughters Delanie and Addison; grandson Edward Gerard-Mills and great-granddaughter Errie; stepsons Ozzie Cummings with his wife Rachel, Norman Cumming Jr. with his wife Jessica, and Greg Cummings with his partner Melissa Brown; step-grandchildren Wendy Cummings, Randy Cummings with his wife Sara, Samantha Fowler with her husband Joey, Paige Servello with her husband Marco, Atticus Brown, Foxx Brown, and Mary Brown; step-great-grandchildren Kennedy and Logan Fowler and Massimo Servello; brother-in-law, John Cummings with his wife Sandra; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be a Celebration of Anita’s Life on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 11 a.m., located at the Boynton-Webber American Legion Post #179, in South China. There will also be a time of gather following the service.

Please visit Anita’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/anita-gerard where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

RICHARD E. HARRIS

WINSLOW – Richard Elmer Harris, 92, passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2024. Richard was born in Nutley, New Jersey, on June 1, 1932, the son of Anne Byrne Harris (who died when he was seven), and Fred Harris. His family moved to Haverhill, Massachusetts, for his school years, and he graduated from Hampton Academy, in New Hampshire, in 1950, where he also played hockey as goalie. He spent one year in pre-med courses at UMass, followed by four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, honorably serving as an M.P. during the Korean War.

Upon his return from Korea, Richard studied for three years at Lincoln Chiropractic College, in Indianapolis, Indiana. When he ran out of money for college, he came to Maine and began working at Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, where he met his future bride, Marlene Amber Ham, at the annual Christmas party. Wasting no time, they were married on February 1, 1958. Together they spent 63 years raising three children, building their home on the Garland Road, in Winslow, and a lovely cottage in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

They were a very hard-working team, fearless about tackling creative projects, doing new things, and going to new places, always together, although not always with the same ideas about how to do things, which kept life interesting. Richard instilled in his children a strong work ethic, honesty, respect, and decency by example. He had a great wit and a knack for sarcasm, which he also passed on.

Richard was intelligent and talented in many areas and could build nearly anything, do plumbing, wiring, and anything else that was needed. He restored antique furniture and clocks in his younger days, enjoyed woodworking and made furniture for his children and grandchildren. In his later years, he built model boats, including a 32” wooden model of the Bluenose II. He liked antique autos and owned several during his lifetime. He and Marlene enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, and motorcycling, and were avid square-dancers. He was a loyal Boston Red Sox fan his entire life and couldn’t believe he lived to see them finally win a World Series in 2004.

Richard worked at Thayer Hospital (Maine General Medical Center), inWaterville, for 37 years, starting out as a surgical technician in the OR and Recovery, and spent most of his career as Purchasing Agent, retiring 30 years ago in 1994. Retired, he and Marlene spent summers in Prince Edward Island, winters in Fort Meade, Florida, and the rest in Winslow.

Richard was also an active participant in the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star, both in Maine and Florida. He was a Past Master and 60-year member of Waterville Lodge #33, and Past Patron of Martha Washington Chapter #15, Waterville.

After Marlene passed in 2021, Richard was fortunate to live at Goudreau’s Retirement Inn, in Winslow. Richard provided lots of laughs with his signature teasing, funny faces, and sense of humor.

Richard was predeceased by his oldest son, Dana Richard Harris, of Fairfield, in 2008; his wife, Marlene, in 2021, and his sister, Jeanne Stevens.

He is survived by his youngest son, Martin Paul Harris, of Oakland,(with Rhonda Kennedy); his daughter, Allison Watson, of Fairfield, (with Len Poulin); grandchildren, Melissa Audet (with Ray Benjamin, Cameron Stewart, and Abigale Stewart), Brian Audet (wife Sydnee, Laynee Brook, and soon Kenlee), and Benjamin Audet (with his better half Felicia Paradis); brother-in-law Wayne Ham, his wife, Peggy, Jason, and Christopher (with Sarah Austin).

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Please visit Richard’s memorial page https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/richard-harris-oct-2024 at where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

MURIEL RANCOURT

WATERVILLE –Muriel Rancourt, 90, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Sunset Home, in Waterville. She was born on July 4, 1934, and was the daughter of Napoleon and Josephine Begin, of Waterville.

Muriel grew up in the historic Head of Falls, by the Kennebec River, in Waterville. Shortly after graduating from Waterville High School, Muriel married Karl Rancourt and moved across the Kennebec River, to Winslow, where she and her husband, Karl, made their lifelong home and, also the place where they raised their three children, Sandra, Wayne and Mark Rancourt. Muriel worked for the C. F. Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville, for nearly 43 years as a stitcher making Hathaway shirts.

The passion of Muriel’s life was her family and friends. Muriel was well known for her friendly, helpful and outgoing nature. After retiring from the C. F. Hathaway Shirt Company, Muriel was employed part time for a Colby College, in Waterville, catering service, working the banquets at the college. When she was unable to do the catering work, she volunteered at the Hospice resale store in Waterville.

Muriel was predeceased by her husband, Karl, in 2013. She was the last living member of her very large French-Canadian, Begin family.

Muriel is survived by her three children, Sandra Rancourt and husband Virgil Stimer, Wayne Rancourt and wife Benita, and Mark Rancourt; seven grandchildren, Todd (Katie) Burbank, Jeremy (Lorelie) Burbank, David (Sarah) Rancourt, Michael (Laura) Rancourt, Faith, Aaron, and Daniel Rancourt; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Muriel was very much loved by her family and friends and will be sorely missed in this life.

A service for Muriel will be held at a later date for the immediate family.

RICHARD B. GALLION

JEFFERSON – Richard B. Gallion, 77, died suddenly on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. Rick was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 11, 1947, the son of the late Virgil A. and Doris E. (Johnson) Gallion.

He grew up in southeast Kansas and earned a B.A. in French literature from Pittsburgh State University.

Rick served as a Green Beret in the United States Army but had conflicted feelings about the U.S. military. Rick married Saundra Mackey while he was in the service, and they divorced some years later after many adventures together. Saundra preceded in him death.

On October 5, 1996, Rick married the love of his life, Linda S. Marrs Farrell, at the Topeka Kansas Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Together they shared 28 years of marriage.

Rick worked for the U.S. Marshals Service, District of Kansas, for 16 years, during which time he spent 10 years studying ballet and jazz dance and performing in community theater. He left the Federal Marshals Service to pursue a career in custom woodworking and moved to Maine with his wife, Linda, in 2002. Together, they owned a bed and breakfast in a 165-year-old farmhouse, in Jefferson. Rick founded the Clary Lake Woodworking School in 2014 and shared his technical skills and passion for woodworking with a multitude of students.

Rick was a lover of classical music, especially Beethoven and Mozart. He enjoyed sailing, parachuting, and maintaining the property around Clary Lake Bed and Breakfast which he owned with Linda. He was an avid bicyclist and undertook several long-distance bike tours in the U.S. and throughout France and Scotland. He loved a good cup of tea and cherished the time he spent with his granddaughter, Madeline Elizabeth.

Rick was predeceased by his sisters Iris Pfautz and Victoria Gallion Germonde as well as his brother, Don Gallion.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Gallion; his brother, John Gallion; his stepdaughters Amy (spouse Shea) Farrell and Beth (spouse Jay) Holley; and his granddaughter, Madeline Elizabeth.

Visiting hours celebrating Rick’s life will be held on Friday, November 1 from, 2 to 4 p.m., with a service to follow at 4 p.m., at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner.

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

Those who wish may make contributions in Rick’s memory to Carpenters Boat Shop, 440 Old County Rd., Pemaquid,ME 04558 or Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4775 SW 21st St., Topeka,. Kansas 66604.

CAROLYN J. GARDINER

UNITY – Carolyn June Gardiner, 89, passed away on Wednesday October 23, 2024. June was born on February 9, 1935, in Montville, to George and Lucille Bowman.

She attended Freedom Academy. She was very involved in her church. She was married to Robert Gardiner for 62 years.

June was predeceased by her husband, Robert; her son Alfred; her sister Bea; and her grandson, Phillip.

She is survived by her son Gary and his wife Sheila; daughters Susan and Melanie and her husband John; her grandchildren Aleisha, Nicholas, James, Ben, Anita, April and Christy; great-grandchildren Ellington, Jackson and Kevin; and her sister Bette.

Visiting hours and the funeral service took place at the Clinton Baptist Church, in Clinton, on Wednesday October 30, 2024. Burial took place at the Center Cemetery, in East Thorndike.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, 383 U.S. Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.