NORRIDGEWOCK: King Foundation grants extrication equipment to Fire Department

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Lt Josh Corson (cq), left, and Firefighter Andrew Dexter of the Norridgewock Fire Department. (Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel)

NORRIDGEWOCK, ME — 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. This grant enabled the Department to replace equipment that was 21 years old.

“We are extremely grateful to the STK Foundation for supporting our important project. The new battery-operated Hurst tools will speed the extrication process and eliminate the complications of working with older technologies. We are eliminating a gas-powered motor, hydraulic pump, hoses and fittings, all while upgrading our ability to cut modern metal alloys found in late model motor vehicles. The positive environmental impact is also a bonus,” said Deputy Chief Todd Pineo.

The equipment has been added to Engine 21, a 2019 Pierce Responder pumper, which is the customarily the first apparatus to deploy to an accident scene.

Town Manager Richard LaBelle expressed great thanks for the grant. “Acquiring this new equipment would not have been possible without the support from the King Founda­tion. These lighter-weight, portable tools will help our crews respond quickly to emergency calls and provide them with the right tools to do the job. This grant benefits not just the people of Norridgewock, but anyone who may travel through town.”

The equipment being replaced, through the generosity of this grant, will be donated to a Somerset County fire department in an effort to assist another rural, mutual aid partner.

About the Norridgewock Fire Department:

The Norridgewock Fire Department serves the Towns of Norridgewock (pop. 3,249) and Mercer (pop. 664) for a total of 78.57 square miles.

OPINIONS: Who needs broadband? What can you do?

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Photo credit: Barta IV, https://www.flickr.com/photos/98640399@N08/9287370881

COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

by Amy Davidoff

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.

Broadband availability and affordability are critical for the health and welfare of our town. What is broadband? Maine broadband standards are now 100 mbps download and upload speeds. Very few of us have that speed. There are federal funds available to build infrastructure and expand access to broadband, but we can’t tap into it without knowing what we need.

As we have learned through the past two years, access to the internet is critical for so much in our lives. It is critical for educational opportunities for kids and adults, for telehealth appointments and medical information, for attracting/retaining businesses, for improving citizen engagement. Some of us have adequate internet speeds, at least for now, while others have either slow speeds (underserved) or no internet at all (unserved). Whether it is available and whether it is affordable to our citizens are important questions to answer.

So, what can you do?

Take the internet speed test:

The Maine Broadband Coalition has the way to collect the data: https://www.mainebroadbandcoalition.org.

This will help us identify who has no internet access (by indicating that you have no service), and what internet speeds the rest of us have.

Want to do more?

The Vassalboro Select Board members agreed to form an ad hoc Broadband Committee. Your passion and/or expertise would be most welcomed. Want to know more? Please contact Amy Davidoff, (207) 284-3417, adavidoff@une.edu.

LETTERS: Thanks to supporters

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To the editor:

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. Meeting and talking with folks, especially those whom I have never met, is the best part of campaigning.

Unfortunately, I was never able to get the volunteer support necessary to collect the required minimum 2,000 signatures. I don’t consider my campaign a failure since my goal was simply to do my best. I did not run to win. I ran to give the people of Maine hope, to give them a choice, and to promote democracy. I believe I achieved all three.

I learned in 2018 when I ran for the Maine Senate that going up against the Democratic Party machine would not be easy. This time around, the Democratic Party violated its own charter by endorsing Gov. [Janet] Mills, in October, eight months before a June primary. The party never made a single mention of my name as a candidate in all of its internal emails to members, yet touted Gov. Mills many times.

At party sponsored petition signing events, my partner and I were often treated as if we were invisible, or as if we had a communicable disease. When I made a day long trip to collect signatures in Aroostook County, the Democratic County Committee chair refused to announce to members or the public that I would be there. While the majority of regular folks I met going door to door were glad to sign my petition, only a small fraction of so-called party loyalists would sign. This was evidence to me that the Democratic Party machine is very out of touch with voters and was very afraid of a primary challenger.

Maine’s government and the two party system are disintegrating before our eyes. My attempt to promote democracy was met with resistance from both the “democratic” party and the mainstream press. The people of Maine and across the nation are feeling disenfranchised because they are disenfranchised by a “system” that puts itself and the special interests before them. I am not a politician. My goal was and is to shift the paradigm away from a government of, by, and for politics and money to a government of, by, and for the people.

I shudder to think of how many Maine children will die of abuse or neglect, of how many thousands of people will die of drug overdoses or will suffer untreated mental illness over the next four years regardless of who is elected governor, because of a government that cares more for itself than for the people. Instead of bribing Maine voters with our money, Gov. Mills should ask us how we want it spent. My vote is to use it to reform Maine government, to create a child welfare system that is the best in the nation, and to help the hundreds of thousands of Maine people who are hurting and in genuine need.

John M. Glowa, Sr.
China

Hanson, Blaney big winners at Battle of Maine

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Crowd at the Battle of Maine in Waterville. (photo by Mark Huard)

by Mark Huard

WATERVILLE, ME — 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.

Jackson Hanson, 9, of Clinton, captured first place in forms, first place in weapons and first place in fighting. Hanson also captured the overall 12 & under Weapons Grand Championship title. (photo by Mark Huard)

It was a packed Champions and Elm Plaza parking lot, with around 340 competitors and close to 1,000 spectators from around Maine and New England. The Battle kicked off at 8:30 a.m. with the full contact padded sword fighting competitions.

At 10:15 a.m. opening ceremonies began with an amazing National Anthem sung by Rebecca Pushard. This was a special day since the event hasn’t been able to be in person for the last couple of years. Everyone was in great spirits and happy to be back to in person competition.

After the National Anthem, hundreds of prizes were thrown into the crowd for all of the kids to catch! The tournament then proceeded a special demo by world champions and then with forms, weapons forms and fighting competitions throughout the day.

Special thank you to Central Maine Motors and Hammond Lumber for being a major sponsor of the Battle of Maine Martial Arts Championships.

Boston Blaney, 9, of Winslow, captured first place in fighting at the Battle of Maine Martial Arts Championships. (photo by Mark Huard)

SCORES & OUTDOORS – Osprey vs. eagle: ruling the skies

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Osprey and bald eagle do battle. (photo by Gary Kennedy)

Roland D. Halleeby 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. In both instances, the bald eagle won the day. So, do bald eagles and ospreys get along?

Opportunistic bald eagles and ospreys share much of the same habitat, so ospreys are frequently the victims of nest raids by the eagles. Proud, powerful and the national symbol of the United States, bald eagles are birds of prey that are extremely territorial during nesting season but highly social at other times.

They use their talons to fish; or, instead of catching their own, they’ll go after an osprey or another fish-eating bird, forcing it to drop its prey, which the eagle grabs in midair.

Opportunists, they’ll also scavenge carrion or catch and eat amphibians, invertebrates, small mammals, reptiles and other birds’ fledglings.

Once an eagle gets you in its sights, it can be a vigorous foe—as that osprey recently learned.

Ospreys require nest sites in open surroundings for easy approach, with wide, sturdy bases and safety from ground predators, such as raccoons.

In Kennedy’s video, you see a bald eagle and an osprey do combat. As part of their plan of attack, at dusk, with both osprey parents away, the bald eagle will sweep in from over the water toward the nest containing three chicks. One of the osprey parents will engage the eagle, ready to defend the nest, but it can’t match the speed and strength of the eagle, which manages to nab one of the chicks with its huge talons before taking off.

It’s not uncommon for osprey to lose their entire brood to eagle attacks.

Adept at soaring and diving but not as maneuverable as other hawks, ospreys fly with stiff wingbeats in a steady, rowing motion. They do, however, vigorously chase birds that encroach on their nests.

But ospreys, too, launch their share of attacks ­– and some of them are on eagles. They have been observed attacking a Canada gooose who happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Is it a coincidence that bald eagles will frequently build their nests near osprey nests. Not really. It’s just the bald eagle is smart enough to know that if it nests near ospreys, that it will have ample opportunity to steal fish from the ospreys throughout summer?

However, there are many differences between ospreys and bald eagles.

Size: Osprey have an average 59- to 70-inch wingspan and weigh three to four pounds. They have long, narrow wings with a marked kink that makes them look like an M-shape from below.

The bald eagle is one of the largest birds in North America, with an average 80-inch wingspan and weighing 6.5 to almost 14 pounds.

Diet: Osprey eat a diet of about 99 percent fish, usually 4 – 12 inches long. The type of fish varies depending on where in the world the osprey lives.

Bald eagles love fish as well, and sometimes rather than doing their own hunting they will harass osprey, making them drop their fish or even steal their fish right out of their talons.

Bald eagles also eat birds, reptiles, amphibians, rabbits and muskrat, both live or as carrion. They sometimes gorge on food and digest it over several days, and they can also survive fasting for many days or even weeks.

Beak: An osprey’s beak is black, short and has a sharp hook that helps it tear into fish to eat.

Bald eagles have a yellow beak which is also hooked for tearing into flesh.

Special abilities: Osprey can dive about three feet into the water to catch fish, and they can dive both head and feet first. They also have the ability to take off straight from the water instead of having to swim to shore.

Sometimes bald eagles hunt cooperatively, with one individual flushing prey toward another.

Nest: Osprey nests are built of sticks and lined with bark, sod, grasses, corn stalks and other softer materials. Most nesting platforms are about 5 feet wide and a foot deep. However, it has been seen that osprey who nest in the same place year after year have ended up with nests 10-13 feet deep and 3-6 feet in diameter.

Osprey also like to nest in open areas, usually built on snags, treetops, cliffs or human-built platforms, cell phone towers or light towers.

Bald eagles nest in trees, usually conifers, and create huge nests — five to six feet wide and two to four feet deep – out of sticks lined with grass, moss or corn stalks. Nests can take up to three months to build. Bald eagles typically build near the trunk of a tree, high but not at the crown like osprey. Some eagles also nest on the ground when necessary, using kelp or driftwood for construction near coastal shorelines.

Ospreys and bald eagles, although they usually share territory, and in the case of the eagle, the osprey’s catch of the day, are quite different in their own right.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Has anyone pitched a no-hitter in the World Series?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, March 31, 2022

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Trivia QuestionsHas anyone pitched a no-hitter in the World Series?

Answer:

Yes. Don Larsen of the New York Yankees pitched a perfect game in 1956 fall classic.

Vassalboro school board begins budget review

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Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

VASSALBORO, ME — 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.

They got updates on the lunch program, the pandemic and pre-kindergarten registration, and accepted the resignation of Principal Megan Allen.

The lunch program drew criticism from a parent in the audience. Her children refused most of the menu items, she said, adding, “half of them I don’t even know what they are.”

Food Director John Hersey said he is developing a survey, to be distributed electronically, asking what kinds of food students would like to see on the school lunch menu. He hopes to have the survey ready in a week or two, he said.

The Vassalboro Community School (VCS) breakfast and lunch menus are posted by the month on the school website, vcsvikings. Students opting for the school meal Thursday, March 31 (an early release day), should expect a bologna and cheese sandwich, coleslaw, orange wedges and milk.

Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer reported three weeks of negative pool testing for coronavirus. Pool testing will continue for another few weeks, he said.

Pfeiffer said currently 27 students are signed up for pre-kindergarten at VCS in the fall. Thirty students are the minimum needed to open a second pre-kindergarten class, supported by a state expansion grant, he said.

A student must be four years old by Oct. 15, 2022, to enroll in pre-kindergarten.

Allen is resigning to pursue other opportunities, Pfeiffer said.

Turning to the partial budget review, Pfeiffer said he did not yet have figures for other sections of the budget, nor could he predict when he would have them.

Finance Director Paula Pooler offered one date for more information: she expected Anthem Blue Cross to provide the maximum insurance increase for schools on March 24, and to give each school its specific increase by the second week in April. Meanwhile, she said, her placeholder recommendation is for a 10 percent increase.

Maintenance Director Shelley Phillips’ presentation drew the most questions, about both interior and grounds work.

Phillips said residents should expect increasing building maintenance costs, because, in addition to inflation in fuel, materials and labor, VCS “is not a new building any more.” It is time to upgrade lighting, she said, and to replace things that have worn out.

Having the building designated a Red Cross emergency shelter requires new showers and upgraded toilets for the locker rooms adjoining the gymnasium, at an estimated cost of more than $22,000. No, Phillips said, the Red Cross will not pay the bill.

Plowing and sanding, in early years done by the Vassalboro Public Works crew, is now contracted, because the road crew hasn’t the time. High gasoline prices will increase the cost. Phillips added that when she has a minor need, like a little sand, Road Foreman Gene Field will help out – “The town is very good to us.”

Grounds maintenance was in-house in the early days, but the custodian who had to abandon indoor jobs to mow the extensive lawn also ran into a time crunch, and that job is contracted. Phillips is pleased with the quality of the work.

Audience members were concerned about tick control, especially with a child care program at the school in the summer. Phillips said the work is done thoroughly and safely.

Technology coordinator Will Backman told board members his recommended 2022-23 budget is $1,837.59 below the current year’s budget, and explained the changes.

Pfeiffer summarized contents of the health budget: salary and benefits for the school nurse, supplies, record-keeping software and a contracted physician’s services, the doctor shared with Waterville and Winslow schools.

Pfeiffer is not aware of a need for an ELL program in 2022-23, although there has been one at VCS in the past, he said. He did not discuss the state-required appropriation for staff certifications, since board members have no control over it.

As the budget discussion ended, Pfeiffer reminded board members they still have major areas – tuition, regular and special education, transportation – to discuss. Since he could give no date when he would have sufficient information, board members postponed scheduling a budget workshop meeting.

KWD asks planners for changes to treatment plant

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by Mary Grow

VASSALBORO, ME — 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.

A letter from KWD Water Quality Manager Robbie Bickford said the project includes “replacement of equipment that has reached the end of its useful life, addition of an access door into the chemical storage area of the plant, and expansion (approximately 300 sq. ft.) of the existing driveway.”

“The primary function and general aesthetic of the Water Treatment Plant will remain unchanged,” Bickford continued.

He invited people with questions to email www.kennebecwater.org/contact.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, March 31, 2022

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EMERLINE P. BARTLEY

SHAWMUT – Emerline Pearl (Gurney) Bartley, 95, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 28, 2022, following a short illness. Born on August 7, 1926, to Otis A. and Gelie M. Gurney, she grew up and remained a lifelong resident of Shawmut.

She attended Fairfield schools, graduating from Lawrence High School in 1945.

She became employed at the Keyes Fibre Company’s Shawmut Pulp Mill, in 1946, where she met and avoided the persistent advances of Eldon Bartley for quite a while until her twin sister Earline stepped in and told her that he was not going to keep asking her out forever. Earline demanded that she say ‘yes’ the next time he asked her out, and then she told Eldon to go tell Emmie what time he was picking her up, and that was that. Emerline and Eldon were married on April 24, 1948. They celebrated 66 years together before Eldon’s passing in June 2014.

Emmie worked for Keyes Fibre (now Huhtamaki) from 1946 until her retirement in 1988. She was a long-time member of the Shawmut Chapel, a 50-year member of the Goodwill Rebekah Lodge and long-time volunteer with her sister Earline and their husbands at the Fairfield Food Pantry and at Good Will-Hinckley’s Festival of Trees.

Together, she and Eldon enjoyed snowmobiling, motorcycling, bowling, and any time spent at their camp in Mud Cove, on Moosehead Lake, in Greenville. Although she would go out fishing on the lake, her favorite fishing spot was Prong Pond where she spent hours with her great friends Florence and Bobby Decker. Emmie did not care what kind of fish she caught, she just liked catching fish. She also enjoyed time in the sky flying with Eldon in his Piper Cub Plane.

She was a favorite aunt to many of her nieces and nephews, and they hold cherished memories of time spent with her skating on the Kennebec River or walking down the train tracks to Black Stream where many hours were spent on the ice. The Skowhegan State Fair was a favorite yearly outing, as well as any quick trips for an ice cream. Holiday gatherings were always extra special because Aunt Emerline spent all her time playing games with the kids.

You couldn’t go visit Aunt Emerline and not walk away with at least a $5 bill tucked in your pocket, rather you knew it was put there or you surprisingly found it later. Her home was a safe and loving space, and visits were filled with a lot of laughter, a good card game, and the insistence that you have something sweet to eat.

Emerline was predeceased by her husband, Eldon Bartley; her parents Otis and Gelie (Peavey) Gurney; her brother Omar Gurney, sisters Ruby Harding and Christine Beaulieu, and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law on both sides.

She is survived by her twin sister, Earline McGoff; and many nieces and nephews.

At her request there will be no visitation hours or funeral service.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

MICHAEL R. L’ABBE

FAIRFIELD – Michael Richard L’abbe died on Wednesday March, 9, 2022, following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Mike really loved being in the open outdoors exploring the woods and had a love for animals so much so at one point he worked at the Humane Society in the early 2000s and once done there took in many animals and cared for them; he also was a mason tender, which he built part of the golf course over at Giffords in the ’90s. He was a great friend, a great uncle and amazing husband.

He was predeceased by his father, Fernand L’abbe, his mother, Lucille L’abbe; and his brother, David L’abbe.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl L’abbe of 39 years, one another’s better half, a full life of love and happiness; two brothers, Stephen L’abbe and his wife Natalie L’abbe as well as Scott L’abbe and his fiancée Shelly Crosby; a sister, Susan L’abbe; Peggy Sherwood, his niece who loved him very much, as well as Cody L’abbe, his nephew; many great-nieces and great-nephews.

There will be a celebration of his life to be determined.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care atMaine General, 157 Capitol St., Augusta, ME 04330.

KEITH N. PEASLEE

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.

He was the fourth of eight children born at home. Keith met the love of his life, Sylvia, while attending Cony High School, in Augusta. He graduated in 1953, and they married on October 6, 1956. They served in the U.S. Army together two years before returning to Vassalboro to start a family, bringing Daniel home in 1963 and Kathy in 1965.

Keith worked in the state laboratory as a chemist, worked as a x-ray technician, and he and Sylvia successfully sold Electrolux for several years. He was an active member of the Vassalboro Fire Department, the Vassalboro Masonic Lodge and a trustee at the North Windsor Baptist Church, for over 35 years.

Always prepared with a story to share or an item to show, Keith and Sylvia always welcomed family, friends, and even strangers into their home.

Keith was predeceased by his parents, five of his siblings, and his wife Sylvia.

He leaves behind his two children, Dan and Kathy; siblings Judy and Hank; seven granddaughters; 11 great-grandchildren with two on the way; and one great-great-grandson. He had many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, March 26 , at the North Windsor Baptist Church.

A graveside burial took place on Monday, March 28, the Veterans Cemetery, in Augusta.

Donations may be sent to North Windsor Baptist Church, 955 Ridge Road, Windsor, ME 04363.

JEROME CARON

WATERVILLE – Jerome “Jerry” Caron, 62, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at Maine­General Medical Center. He was born in Waterville, November 20, 1959, the son of Henri and Antoinette (Reny) Caron.

He was raised on the Cushman Road, in Winslow, at the family home with four siblings.

Jerome lived in Waterville most of his adult life. He graduated from Winslow High School in 1978 before beginning work in a variety of carpentry and construction capacities.

From 2004 to current he worked as a property manager in Waterville and managed a number of properties and dozens of tenants. His energy, effort and positive outlook were infectious, and he was respected and appreciated by those who knew him best. As personable and thoughtful as he was, perhaps his most compelling characteristic was his integrity. He took great pride in being reliable and being a man of his word. Those around him always knew they could depend upon him, regardless of the circumstances. If Jerome told you he was going to do something, he did it.

A lifelong New York Giants fan, Jerome also greatly enjoyed fishing, boating, kayaking and getting together with his family and friends on birthdays and holidays.

Jerome was predeceased by his parents Henri P. Caron, on August 2, 1996, and Antoinette M. Caron, on May 10, 2008; and by his brother Roger J. Caron, on October 4, 2020.

He is survived by three siblings, Leo P. Caron and wife, June, of Benton, James P. Caron, of Dania Beach, Florida; a sister, Yvonne M. Reifschneider and husband, Mark, of Canaan; a niece Anna Caron and a nephew Paul Caron, both of Benton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 14, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument St., Winslow, with Father Daniel Baillargeon officiating.

Committal prayers and burial will follow in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Grove St., Waterville.

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

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

CHRISTOPHER A. BENNETT

OAKLAND – Christopher Anthony Bennett, 39, of Oakland, passed away unexpectedly on Thurssday, March 17, 2022, at Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Bangor. Christopher was born on August 19, 1982, in Deer Lodge, Montana.

Christopher grew up in Parkers Chapel, Arkansas and in Maine. Christopher graduated from Townsend High School, in Townsend, Montana, in 1999. Christopher was an avid sports fan, especially the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox.

Christopher enjoyed fishing, movies, video games, music, going to Foxborough to see his favorite team, and spending time with family and friends.

His girlfriend (Nicole Day) and her two children (Kaiden and Corbin) were very special to him and he loved them very much.

As Christopher’s family and friends knew, he struggled with mental illness for most of his adult life. Due to his illness there were many dimensions to Christopher and although some days were a struggle for him, he was truly grateful for the people in his life. He will be forever loved and missed.

Christopher was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Donald and Carol Bennett, his maternal grandfather Ronald Loring, and his sister Cassie Jo Bennett.

Christopher is survived by his father Philip Bennett (spouse Sheila Bennett); his mother Tina Loring-Graham (spouse Edwin Graham); maternal grandmother Elizabeth McLeod; sister Courtney Loring-King; brother Thomas Bennett; step-sister Laura Wallace; step-brother Nickalas Graham; nephew Jeremiah Loring; niece Jennifer King; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services were held at Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St Waterville, on Saturday, March 26.

Please visit http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com to share your condolences with Christopher’s family.

GARY W. PELLETIER

PITTSTON – Gary William Pelletier, 74, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at VA Togus Springs Hospice Center, Augusta. He was born in Presque Isle on October 1, 1947, to parents Rita and Eugene Pelletier, of Waterville, where he grew up and attended Waterville schools.

Gary served his Catholic faith community throughout his lifetime. Gary served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. After Gary was discharged from the Army, he returned home to Waterville.

He worked in friends’ local business for short time and then became employed by VA Togus for 30 years as librarian technician. He received recognition and awards for his dedication as a librarian technician. He retired in 2009 and enjoyed traveling, fishing, cooking and long walks in many local scenic parks. Gary was a loyal, trustworthy friend who would help anyone for whatever reason or cause.

He was predeceased by his parents and grandparents.

He is survived by his daughter Allison and grandchild, of Washington; many close extended families: The Coutures, Cormiers and Poulins

A celebration of life for Gary will be held later in the spring at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt Vernon Ave. Augusta.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VA Togus Springs Hospice Center, 1 VA Center BLD 207, Augusta, ME 04330.

GLENN E. PARADIS

WATERVILLE – Glenn Edward Paradis, 57, passed away on Monday, March 21 2022. Glenn was born on August 31, 1964, to James Robert and Bernadette Paradis.

Glenn graduated from Bristol Central High School and worked as a shipping and receiving truck driver at the former Amstek Metals, in Connecticut.

Glenn loved his family to no end. His greatest pride and accomplishment was his son Christopher and he loved and cared for his mother unconditionally. His heart, and love for all of his family and all those who came in contact with was immeasurable.

Glenn loved to collect eagles, swimming and the sun. You could always find him outside or by the water enjoying nature.

He attended Faith Church, in Waterville, and had a deep love and closeness with God.

Glenn was predeceased by his father James and brother Dale G. Paradis.

Glenn leaves behind his son Christopher; his mother Bernadette; siblings Thomas and wife Penny Paradis, James and wife Sandra Paradis, Tammy and husband Frank Vanlinter; nieces and nephews Zachary Paradis, Kyle Paradis, Kayla Paradis, Bryan Paradis, Jessica Pelletier, Alyssa Paradis, Kade Vanlinter, Adam Vanlinter and Jason Galvin

A graveside service to be held in the spring.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association.

DOROTHY M. READ

WASHINGTON – Dorothy M. Read, 80, of 36 Calderwood Road, died Sunday, March 24, 2022, at Sussman House, Rockport, following a brief illness. She was born in Gardiner on May 29, 1941, the daughter of Harry D. Tisdale and Dorothy M. (Morgan) Tisdale.

Mrs. Read was a homemaker in her own home for most of her life, raising her children. She also had a large extended family of children that she took into her home and treated as her own. She, her husband John, and children operated carnival games all across the northeast at all the major fairs, her favorite in her latter years being the Windsor Fair!

She was a member of the South Berwick VFW in her earlier years.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, John M. Read Sr., second husband, Armand Tardiff; father, Harry D. Tisdale, mother, Dorothy M. (Morgan) Tisdale; sisters Janice Jenkins of Maine, Arlene Findley-McRee of North Carolina, Harriet Rogers of Ohio; and four grandchildren, Amy, Joey, Ethan, and Emily.

Surviving is a daughter, Donna Smith and husband Clayton, of Augusta, four sons, Walter Read Sr. and wife Rose, of Thomaston, Brian Read, of Washington, Jeffery Read and wife Angela, of Somerville, and John M. Read Jr., of Washington; one brother, Harry D. “Sonny” Tisdale and his partner Annette, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; and extended family, Lewis Staples and Randy Duquette; 35 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

At her request, there will be no public visitation.

A celebration of life will be held on May 7 at the Gardiner Lions Club, 25 Lions St., Gardiner, at 1 p.m.

Condolences can be sent to John/Brian Read, 36 Calderwood Rd., Washington, ME 04574.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Route 32, Windsor. Condolences, photos and stories may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

China planners shift gears on ordinance amendments

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by Mary Grow

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

After hearing objections and suggestions at a March 22 public hearing, they voted unanimously to leave the record open for written comments for two weeks and to reconsider parts of the proposed changes.

Their next chance for a town vote will be Nov. 8.

The proposed changes are to Chapter Two of the China Land Use Ordinance, which includes the principal regulations; Chapter 11 of the ordinance, definitions; and Chapter Eight, now unused, slated to become a “Solar Energy Systems Ordinance.”

The ordinance sections are on the town website, china.govoffice.com, under the Elections tab.

Comments on the draft documents should be emailed to codes officer Jaime Hanson at ceo@chinamaine.org, or mailed or delivered to the town office, 571 Lakeview Drive, China ME 04358, marked Att. CEO. Comments must be received by Friday, April 8.

Most of the Chapter Two changes are required by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which has so far given China’s ordinance only conditional approval. Chapter 11 changes are partly DEP requirements and partly for the new solar ordinance. Board members added Chapter Eight to define standards specifically for solar panels.

Most of the discussion at the hearing was over lot coverage by man-made constructs. State and town ordinances limit the percentage of a lot that can be covered. In China, the limit is 15 percent in three protected zones, shoreland (the focus of the discussion), stream protection and resource protection, and 20 percent in the rural zone.

Specifically, China’s ordinance has said for years that no more than 15 percent of a lot in the shoreland zone can be covered by “structures of all types.” It adds that “Impervious surfaces, driveways, parking areas, etc. do not apply to lot coverage.”

DEP required the last sentence be eliminated. The proposed new wording says, “non-vegetated surfaces shall not exceed a total of fifteen (15%) percent of the portion of the lot located within the shoreland zone. For the purposes of calculating lot coverage, non-vegetated surfaces include, but are not limited to the following: structures, driveways, parking areas, and other areas from which vegetation has been removed.”

The point of the limit is to minimize run-off into water bodies from development that pre-dates land use ordinances. Because of its history of poor water quality, China Lake is of particular concern.

The owner of a shoreland lot whose impervious surfaces (including structures) reach or exceed 15 percent cannot expand them. The proposed change, if approved by town voters as it stands, would increase the amount of a lot already covered, since driveways and parking areas would count.

The increase in lot coverage, said residents Brent Chesley and Michael “Mickey” Wing, would mean people who planned to add a deck or a patio or a car-cover would have to abandon their plan. Wing added that the effect might be the opposite of protective; for example, if someone wanted to move a garage farther away from the water, with a longer driveway, the driveway, and hence the relocation, might no longer be allowable.

Speakers said that China’s lot coverage requirements are stricter than the state’s. State regulations allow up to 20 percent in protected districts and 30 percent in rural districts, they said. They agreed that protecting China Lake’s water quality is necessary, environmentally and to maintain property values and the town’s tax base.

Former codes officer Scott Pierz pointed to difficulties deciding what an impervious area is. For example, does a woodpile count?

Depends, Planning Board Chairman Scott Rollins replied. If it sits in the same place for years, it should, but a temporary woodpile shouldn’t. Leaving some things to the codes officer’s discretion is unavoidable, in his opinion.

Chesley and others suggested other issues planning board members should address – for example, Chesley found a direct contradiction between two ordinance sections that had not been addressed. He objected both to the shoreland restrictions and to the 20 percent maximum lot coverage requirement in the rural area, recommending an increase to 30 percent.

China Lake Association President Stephen Greene commended planning board members for their hard work and transparency. He considers the balance between development and lake protection difficult to determine and maintain; there is “no perfect solution,” he said.

Other speakers asked whether the planning board should have given two weeks’ notice of the public hearing, and whether the town attorney had reviewed the proposed ordinances. Codes Officer Jaime Hanson said China ordinances do not require notice for this type of hearing. Rollins said if Town Attorney Amanda Meader has not reviewed all proposed changes, she will be asked to before they are deemed final.

A digression onto septic systems in the shoreland led to Hanson saying that a recent Maine law requires a septic system inspection as a condition of any transfer of ownership. Not even all realtors are aware of the requirement yet, he said; and it applies to all transfers, not just to sales.

The next regular China Planning Board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 12.