OBITUARIES for Thursday, March 17, 2022

LIZA M. YVON

WATERVILLE – Liza Marie Yvon, 43, of Waterville, died Friday, February 18, 2022, following a long, but short courageous battle with brain cancer. Liza was born on August 22, 1978, to Deborah (Fish) Gerow and David Dodge, in Waterville.

Liza graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1997. Following graduation Liza went to cosmetology school to become a nail tech and owned her own salon for a few years before changing careers and becoming a tax accountant at H&R Block. Even though her time on Earth was short, Liza was always found outside soaking in the sunshine with her kiddos, going to yard sales to find her next treasure or planning her next trip to the beach.

Even though she enjoyed those things, Liza’s biggest joy here on earth was being an amazing mother to her beautiful children.

Liza is survived by her husband, Peter Yvon; her children Kloee Bradley and husband Nelson Bradley, Riley Thomas, Christopher Yvon, Zebadiah Thomas, Bella Yvon and Rory Yvon; her grandson Sarrese Bradley; grandmother Alberta Fish; aunt Stephanie Clark and husband Glen Clark; siblings Dustin Gerow and Julie Salsbury; along with many other nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

Liza was predeceased by her mother Deborah (Fish) Gerow and grandfather Fredrick Fish.

A celebration of life for Liza was held on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at the Elks Lodge, in Waterville.

Lizas family requests in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alfond Cancer Center in Augusta, Mainein Liza’s name.

MARIE B. POISSONNIER

WATERVILLE – Marie B. Poissonnier, 82, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 18, 2022, at Mount St. Joseph, in Waterville. Marie was born, in Waterville, on October 19, 1939, the daughter of Joseph and Juliette Roy.

Marie was raised and attended schools in Waterville. She was employed by several local factories and retired from C. F. Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville, due to a disability.

Marie was a communicant of St. Francis de Sales and Notre Dame Catholic churchs, in Waterville. Marie loved crossword puzzles, listening to Country and French music and a love for animals.

Marie is survived by two daughters, Ann McCormick and husband, Tom, and Darlena Poissonnier, all of Waterville; two sisters, Theresa Robinson, of China, and Yvette Taylor, of Norridgewock; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A private burial will be held in the spring.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory made be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Maine, Inc., P.O. Box 1134, Portland, Maine 04104.

THERESA R. DYER

WATERVILLE – Theresa Roderigue Dyer, 92, passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. Terry was born on August 14, 1929, to Albert and Sadie Roderigue, in Hartford, Connecticut.

Terry lost her father at six weeks of age and her family returned to Waterville, where she lived the remainder of her life.

After school, Terry worked at Diamond Match, in Oakland. She married Raymond Dyer and had three children, Gary, Gail, and Kelly. They resided in Winslow.

She worked at Keyes Fibre (now Huhtamaki), in Waterville, for many years retiring in 1990. She enjoyed traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Terry was predeceased by her parents, siblings Rita Smith and Albert Roderigue, and ex-husband Raymond Dyer.

She is survived by her son, Gary Dyer and wife Paula, granddaughter Jessica Dyer and partner Jeremy Stanford; her daughter, Gail Dyer and husband Jim Peterson; grandson Sam Peterson and wife Stephanie Ostrowski, and granddaughter Emma Peterson, and daughter Kelly Hann and partner David Aldrich, grandson Zachary Pollard and wife Mallory, great-grandsons Jackson and Spencer Pollard, and grandson Gunnar Hann plus many nieces and nephews.

A private service will be held at a later date.

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

Those wishing to honor Terry can send memorial donations to the Waterville Public Library, 73 Elm Street, or Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, both in Waterville, Maine 04901.

VERNA A. MADORE

ALBION – Verna Ann Madore, 72 passed away at home on Friday, March 4, 2022. She was born March 25, 1949, in Eagle Lake, daughter of Adrien and Odile (Deschaine) Madore.

She graduated from Fort Kent Community High School. She will be remembered as a devout Catholic, loyal to her family, extended family, and friends, caregiver for her parents and oldest brother, and most of all as a kind, sweet, gentle soul.

She is survived by her two younger sisters, Mae Landesman and husband Richard Landesman Milford, New Hampshire, Greta Madore and partner Maureen LeClair, of Albion; sister-in-law Paula Madore, of Falmouth, Massachusetts; and two nieces, Maren Madore and husband, Eric Reddy Lynn, Mass. and Ginny Madore Falmouth, Mass.

She was predeceased by parents Adrien and Odile Madore, and five older brothers Reynold, Ervin, Nelson, Gilman and Clayton Madore.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m., on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at Corpus Christi Parish, Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville and a spring burial in Eagle Lake.

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

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

BRIAN E. COSGROVE-GODIN

WATERVILLE – Brian Eric Cosgrove-Godin, 38, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 4, 2022, at Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Bangor, following struggles with several health issues. He was born April 10, 1983, in Waterville, the son of Deborah M. Cosgrove and Robert T. Godin, both of Waterville.

He attended Waterville public schools and was always in the top percentile of his class. He loved all sports and was very active in intramural basketball and soccer. On the basketball court and on the soccer field, Brian had a sixth sense which often baffled his opponents.

Brian had a great sense of humor and he often invented some very funny paraphrases that he verbalized at some of the most unexpected moments.

He loved music so much that he taught himself how to play the guitar. His love of music included all genres but he was especially fond of hard rock and metal bands – “Rock On!” After high school, his love of music led him to Bull Moose Records, in Waterville, where he was eventually promoted to assistant store manager. He worked there for numerous years before leaving to help take care of his mother at home.

Brian is survived by his father Robert T. Godin and wife, Elizabeth; aunt, Jeannine Lachance and husband, Paul; uncle, Dan Cosgrove; aunt, Celia Cosgrove; uncle, Stephen Hughes and several cousins including Danielle, Chris and Scott Doyon; Bruce and Jimmy Cosgrove; Wendi Holden; Robin Pellerin; Randy and Robby Ouellette; Cheri, John, and Stevie Hughes, as well as his cousins’ related family members – especially Bryce who he was extremely fond of.

Brian was predeceased by his mother, Deborah M. Cosgrove; grandparents, James and Marie Cosgrove; grandparents, Reginald and June Godin; uncle, Bobby Cosgrove; aunt/uncle, Jolene and Roland Ouellette; and aunt, Gayle Hughes.

A graveside service will be held in the spring at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville.

Arrangements are under the direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Rd., Skowhegan, ME 04901.

DOROTHY H. SHORES

WATERVILLE – Dorothy “Dot, Dottie” Hotham Shores, 89 passed away Friday, March 4, 2022, at Mount Joseph, in Waterville, following a long journey with Alzheimer’s. Dot was born in Masardis September 9, 1932.

Her family later moved to Freedom to farm potatoes. Dot attended Freedom Academy, where she played basketball. She married James E. Shores Jr., July 20, 1951.

She belonged to Highland Avenue Methodist Church, in Gardiner. Dot joined the grange in 1950 and was a member of Benton Grange, East Kennebec Pomona, the Maine State Grange, and the National Grange, where she held many offices at each level of this fraternal organization.

She was predeceased by her parents Mattie and Wilbur Hotham, her five brothers, Henry, Junior, Donald, Had, and Bobby and the love of her life Jimmy.

She is survived by her five daughters, Connie Perry, of South Carolina, Susanne and husband Steve Verrill, of Poland, Beverley Hayward, of West Gardiner, Nancy Poulin, of Concord, New Hampshire, and Julie Shores, of Winslow; eight grandchildren Luke Perry, Marie (Perry) Walls, Kimberly Verrill, Jessica (Verrill) Bosse, Joshua Hayward, David Hayward, Nathan Poulin, and Nicholas Poulin; nine great-grandchildren and one on the way; and many nieces and nephews.

She will be laid to rest with her husband Jimmy at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, in Augusta, in a private burial at a later date.

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

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

Memorial donations may be made to the Maine Alzheimer’s Association383 US Route One #2CScarborough, ME 04074.

MARLENE V. WINCAPAW

WHITEFIELD – Marlene Violette Wincapaw (Carpenter), 80, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. She was born on April 8, 1941, in Waterville, the daughter of Arthur and Violette Carpenter.

She attended area schools and graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1959.

Marlene worked various jobs throughout the years including Mr. Donut, Inland Hospital and most recently over 20 years at Marden’s, all in Waterville, until she retired in 2018.

Marlene was an avid bowler and was city champion for several years. She was also a well-known vocalist throughout the Central Maine region, with several years touring with the country band Bob Elston and the Road Rangers. She has performed on radio, television, on stage and on record. Her version of “The French Song” is her best known recording.

Marlene had many interests; reading, bingo, trips to Foxwoods or Hollywood Slots, cards and her beloved Red Sox. Family was very important to her, she was a loving daughter, sibling, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a warm and loving woman with just enough sass to keep life interesting. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Marlene was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Robert Lewis Wincapaw, her parents, and four brothers, Raymond, O’Neil, Arthur Jr. and Donald.

She is survived by her two sons, Jeffrey Clark and Glenn Curless-Clark; her sister, Diane; two brothers, Alfred and Danny; her granddaughters, Wendy Cote and husband Warren, Kathie Zehring and husband Jeremiah, Kayla Guenard and husband Josh, and Whitney Curless-Clark; her grandson Travis Coro; great-grandsons, Teddy Zehring and Mason Coro; great-granddaughter, Kaylee Zehring; daughter of love, Jeanne Grady; special cousin Laura Allen; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 17, at 10 a.m., at Notre Dame Church, on Silver Street, in Waterville.

DEBORAH L. FORTIN

OAKLAND – Deborah L. Fortin, 67, died unexpectedly on Monday, January 31, 2022, at her home. She was born in Waterville on December 26, 1954, daughter of Leland and Marian (Folsom) Lofstrom.

She was predeceased by her father, Leland Lofstrom; and brother, Eddy Lofstrom.

Surviving are her mother, Marian Lofstrom, of Oakland; her son, Jason Lofstrom and wife Tabby, of Rome; daughter, Tyra Holt and husband Ryan, of Oakland; sister, Janie Bouchey, of Clinton; five grandchildren, Raygan Holt, of Oakland, Jordon Holt, of Detroit, Donnie Roy, of Rhode Island, Katie Scamman, of Waterville, and CJ Scamman, of Rome; George Hugh, partner of 18 years, of Oakland.

Burial will be in the spring at Lake View Cemetery, in Oakland.

RONALD N. MICHAUD

WATERVILLE – Ronald Norman Michaud has passed away.

In his professional life, he was an electrician at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Waterville, and was well known and liked by many of the staff at both Thayer and Seton units.

Ron’s never-ending love for adventure began in the U.S. Navy where he became an accomplished sailor and world traveler. Ron was generous with his skills, often helping friends and family with their wiring problems and projects, he was always available to answer a question or lend a hand. Ron’s woodworking craftsmanship can be found in a bespoke crib in which all the grandchildren slept, porch swings, luxury accommodations for birds and other furniture that will probably outlive us all. Whether it was giving rides on his motorcycle, taking epic fishing trips and bringing home monstrous fish, riding on New York’s subway with the kids swaying and smiling, hiking up Moxie Falls or flying to Disney, Ron loved to travel with his friends and family.

Every Friday night he opened his home to friends and family who gathered for conversation and dinner. Depending on what time of year it was you’d likely leave with an armful of vegetables from his garden. He had a kind heart and a keen sense of humor; he enjoyed a good meal and a good laugh. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Mary Michaud and his wife of 58 years Geraldine “Gerry” Michaud.

Ron is survived by son, Steve Michaud and his wife Angelique Michaud; daughters, Deborah Smith and her husband James, Michelle Ruhlin and her husband Christopher, Rhonda DeRosby and her husband Paul; grandchildren, Makayla Michaud, Jamie and Justine Smith, Ethan and Eleanor Ruhlin, and Kaysie, Jessop and Rylee DeRosby; brothers Reginald Michaud and his wife Marilyn, Jim Michaud and wife Cheryl, sister Diane Anderson and many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gallant Funeral home, 10 Elm St. Waterville.

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

JUANITA WEST-BEANE

JEFFERSON – Juanita was born in Portland, to William and Mabel West. Her father worked in the shipyard while her mother was a homemaker raising all four children. The family then relocated to Moscow, where her father had the opportunity to work at the mill in Bingham. Growing up in Moscow, she attended grade school then transferred to Bingham High School until her graduation. She was a good student excelling in history, music and dance. She loved to sing, dance and could play the spoons to any song.

At 18 years old, she married Terry F. Beane Jr. who had enlisted in the U.S. Army and was home on leave. They had two children William and Regina. When Terry was stationed overseas, Juanita lived in Bingham taking care of her mother while raising two children.

They spent 20 years of their life in the Army traveling from base to base. She excelled and was very proud of her role as military wife, mother and homemaker. She never once in 20 years ever failed a military white glove inspection of which there were 21 of them. She ironed thousands of uniforms, maintained an immaculate home, clean clothes in closets and taught about life and faith. Once both kids graduated and were living their own lives, Juanita entered the work force. She started by getting her driver’s license then worked as a house cleaner, waitress, then found her niche working in the mental health field as an overnight manager of a PNMI assisted living facility before medical issues mandated need for retirement.

Juanita was a devout Christian who loved God with all her being. One would often find her rescuing a Bible left behind and loved that each one told its own story. She loved collecting crosses of all kinds from all over the world in all shapes, colors and sizes. She was a lay minister and would often be asked to teach adult Sunday School classes.

She had an unconditional love for all books especially pertaining to history and our U.S. presidents. She was a proud patriot and held immense respect for our veterans. She would often stay up all night due to getting “caught up in a good book” and was also well known for her love of a “Good Pen” and amassed quite a collection.

Even when she was diagnosed with stage four cancer, she faced it with the attitude by which she lived which was “ I will fight the good fight, I will finish the race and I will keep my faith.” She succeeded on all fronts.

She is survived by her son William T. Beane, his wife Karen and their children Bonnie and Connor; her daughter Regina Griffin and husband James, of Whitefield; her ex-husband Terry F. Beane Jr., of Madison.

RAYMOND EVERLITH

FAIRFIELD – Raymond Everlith, of Fairfield, has passed away. He was born in Fair­field, Conn­ecticut, on August 17, 1936, the eldest child of seven to Roy Everlith and Grace (Cole) Everlith.

In 1954, Raymond enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, aboard the USS Newport News, which was the largest heavy battle cruiser in the U.S. fleet. The ship came under attack during a Mediterranean cruise in 1957 where Raymond received a purple heart defending our country.

Raymond met the love of his life, Mary Louise Sabia, on May 4, 1961, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and were married on August 3 of that same year. They had 60 wonderful years together and raised nine children together. Raymond worked as a truck driver for Mclean Trucking Company, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, for over 20 years and as a carpenter alongside his Uncle Howard Holt.

Raymond and Mary bought a home in Milford, Connecticut, where they raised their family until moving to Fairfield in 1983, and became a well-respected member of the community.

He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, two daughters (Mary and Cindy) and grandson George.

He is survived by his wife Mary, his only son Raymond George Everlith II and his wife Nadine; his six daughters Elizabeth Stevens and husband Michael, Audrey Everlith, Jane Estes and husband Richard, Wendy Supry and husband Clint, Sharon Hood and husband Chad and Jenny Scribner; grandchildren Ashley and Patricia Stevens, Jennifer Pacheco and husband Jason, Katherine Grant and husband Chris, Daniel Uhlig, Anderson Buck and Wyatt Scribner; great-grandchildren Aubrianna, Trenton, Falon, Felicia and Jasper.

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.

VASSALBORO: Fuel costs to affect several budget areas

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Budget Committee members started their second meeting on March 10 with a wrap-up of the previously discussed 2022-23 public works budget proposal. They moved on to solid waste, and then stopped until they have updated estimated fuel costs, which will affect several budget areas.

The price of paving material fluctuates with petroleum prices. The earlier discussion considered an estimate of $75 a ton for the 2022 season. Road Foreman Eugene Field told committee members he thinks the figure will be higher, and the draft paving budget was reworked at $85 a ton.

Town Manager Mary Sabins has locked in heating oil and diesel fuel at prices lower than current market prices. Committee members realized they need to reconsider petroleum prices in all relevant accounts.

Other topics included updates on planned work at the transfer station and on the proposed park on a tax-acquired lot on the west shore of Outlet Stream, between East and North Vassalboro.

Select board member Chris French asked whether the 2022-23 budget should include money to demolish the former church on Priest Hill Road, in North Vassalboro, condemned as a dangerous building.

The budget committee’s schedule called for its March 15 meeting to be with the school board at Vassalboro Community School. However, Committee Chairman Rick Denico, Jr., said Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer said the school budget will not be ready, partly because state figures are not yet available.

Budget committee members therefore scheduled their March 15 meeting at the town office, beginning at 7 p.m. They will invite Vassalboro Public Library representatives to talk about plans for expanded activities and a resulting request for more town funds than in past years.

Pfeiffer said later the school board will not meet March 15; its next meeting will be March 22.

China planners unanimously approve application for solar expansion

by Mary Grow

China Planning Board members have unanimously approved an application for an expansion of Sunraise Investments’ planned solar farm on the south side of Route 3, between South China Village and Dirigo Corner.

Board members held a very short public hearing on the revised application March 8. There were no comments from the sparse audience, and Codes Officer Jaime Hanson said he had received no comments before the hearing.

Board members reviewed the criteria the project needs to meet, with brief discussions of noise (none, once construction is complete, SunRaise representatives said); screening along the highway and between the solar panels and neighboring properties; and the effect on property values.

Board member Walter Bennett said a solar array “wouldn’t be an attractive thing to have next door to me.” Board Chairman Scott Rollins pointed out that one of the neighbors is leasing land to SunRaise.

Board members voted that Sunraise met all requirements for a revised permit allowing a larger project than initially approved.

The SunRaise review was followed by discussion of amendments to China’s Land Use Ordinance. Planners hope to present three separate changes to voters at the June 14 town business meeting.

One is a new Chapter 8 titled “Solar Energy Systems Ordinance.” Rollins reminded members that the town attorney had offered suggestions, and read some of them.

The board voted unanimously to forward the ordinance as it stands to the China Select Board, with a request that it be put on the June 14 town meeting warrant.

Members scheduled a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, to put the other two proposed amendments, to Chapters 2 and 11 of the Land Use Ordinance, in final form.

They intend to schedule a public informational hearing on all three documents. No hearing date was set.

Copies of the ordinances are on the Town of China website, china.govoffice.com. The Land Use Ordinance is under Ordinances, Policies and Orders. The draft solar ordinance and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection letter describing needed changes in the Land Use Ordinance are under Officials, Board & Committees, sub-heading “Planning Board”.

China transfer station committee agrees on formula for rate hike

by Mary Grow

China Transfer Station Committee members agreed unanimously on two recommendations at their March 8 meeting.

They will ask select board members to provide help – perhaps an intern – to analyze data from the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system that keeps track of vehicles entering the transfer station. Committee Chairman Lawrence Sikora estimated the system has collected 70,000 “data points” – information that would be useful, Paul Lucas suggested, if select board members want to change transfer station hours with minimum inconvenience to users.

They further recommended, as part of a long discussion of the contract by which Palermo residents use China’s transfer station, amending the contract to simplify fee changes.

As it now stands, the contract provides a formula for increasing the price Palermo residents pay for the trash bags they are required to use for MSW (mixed solid waste). After months of discussion, there is consensus on recommending an increase from $2 to $2.70 per bag, effective April 1.

Robert Kurek, Palermo Select Board chairman and one of Palermo’s two representatives on the transfer station committee, intended to present the proposed price when his board met March 10.

The contract says the same process should apply to other price increases for specific items, like tires, electronics and furniture – a provision that contradicts the actual policy of having China transfer station staff recommend price changes and China Select Board members approve them.

Also, an extremely cumbersome policy, committee members agreed. They voted unanimously to recommend deleting it, retaining the provision that such fees apply to Palermo and China residents equally. Residents of any other town are charged more.

Other contract amendments are under consideration. For example, the contract specifies 30-gallon trash bags; standard bags are 33-gallon.

Kurek said he and China Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood want to specify that bag prices will be reviewed annually in January, according to an agreed formula, with changes if any to be effective April 1 of the same year.

Committee members discussed the latest development concerning the closed Hampden recycling facility. After a virtual meeting of representatives of involved municipalities on March 10, public reports said the facility should have a new owner by the end of June, although a new owner does not guarantee reopening.

There has been little progress on two projects at the China transfer station, putting a cover over the pre-crusher and buying a new loader. Manager Ronald Marois said he has estimates on a loader, higher than expected, and ungenerous trade-in offers on the town’s current machine that he is not inclined to accept.

The next China Transfer Station Committee meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 12.

China Broadband Committee (CBC) reaches no conclusion on expanded services

Consolidated: expansion “not likely” in the short term

by Mary Grow

China Broadband Committee (CBC) members continued consideration of possibilities for offering residents expanded and improved internet broadband service at a March 9 meeting. They came to no conclusions.

Committee members have been talking with representatives of Spectrum Communications and Consolidated Communications, the two companies currently serving China residents. By March 9, a new element had been introduced with the announcement that Idaho-based Direct Communications has acquired Unitel, the family-owned company that provides telephone and broadband service to Unity residents.

CBC Chairman Robert O’Connor had talked with representatives of both Unitel and Direct Communications. He said some of Unitel’s lines run close to China’s boundary. He had sent information on China’s plans to Unitel and Direct Communications, but there had not been time for a reply.

John Dougherty, of Mission Broadband, consultant to the CBC, said Direct Communications is working with other Maine towns and offered to help explore possibilities for China. CBC members approved.

O’Connor had heard from Spectrum and Consolidated officials since the committee’s Feb. 17 meeting; there has been no major progress with either company.

He summarized correspondence with two Consolidated officials. One said expansion in China was unlikely “in the short term.” The other invited the CBC to develop a new Request for Proposals (RFP) and said Consolidated “will respond” with a “more competitive offer” than in previous correspondence.

Committee members decided to schedule their next meeting for 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, expecting by then more information from Direct Communications and perhaps from one or both of the other companies.

China select board reconsiders wage increase vote from six weeks ago

by Mary Grow

Six weeks ago, at the Jan. 31 China Select Board meeting, board Chairman Ronald Breton and members Blane Casey and Wayne Chadwick outvoted Jeanne Marquis and Janet Preston to include a 3 percent wage increase for town employees in their proposed 2022-23 municipal budget. Marquis and Preston supported Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood’s recommended 6 percent raises and then a compromise 4.5 percent increase.

“Since then, the world has changed an awful lot,” Breton said at the board’s March 14 meeting. He is now ready to add 1.5 percent, to bring the recommended increase to 4.5 percent.

He does not want to raise local property taxes, however, sparking a discussion of where the money would come from.

Breton’s initial idea was to take $5,000 from the select board’s discretionary fund, currently recommended at almost $153,000; and to cut by 20 percent the recommended $92,000 for town assistance for community support organizations.

Community support organizations include the historical society, two libraries, two lake-related associations and a newspaper. The account also provides funds for volunteer firefighters and rescue unit members, in addition to the annual appropriations for each department.

Chadwick said American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds can be used for bonuses for employees who worked through the pandemic. He proposed one-time bonuses rather than a wage increase, and a review before the 2023-24 budget discussions.

Casey was willing to consider cutting the paving budget. He and other board members are well aware that current high prices for paving, fuel and other categories may require more upward budget adjustments; the town’s trash hauler has already added a fuel surcharge, Casey said. But Casey expects prices to go back down in a matter of months.

Preston and Marquis pointed out that Hapgood’s proposed 6 percent increase was in a balanced budget that did not raise local taxes.

A decision was postponed to the board’s next meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 21. By then Hapgood will have returned from vacation.

Also postponed until Hapgood is present was discussion of higher bag fees for Palermo residents who use China’s transfer station under contract.

Pending deadlines include:

  • The second payment of 2021-22 local property taxes is due at the town office by the close of business Thursday, March 31.
  • The deadline for submitting an application for a homestead property tax exemption is the close of business Friday, April 1, by state law.
  • An increase in transfer station fees for special items like tires and furniture – the list is on the town website, china.govoffice.com – is effective Friday, April 1.
  • The deadline for submitting bids to buy the town-owned 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle is 3 p.m. ,Thursday, April 7.

China planning board schedules hearing on Land Use amendments

by Mary Grow

The China Planning Board has scheduled a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, in the town office meeting room, on three proposed ordinance changes. The amendments to Chapter 2 and Chapter 11 of the Land Use Ordinance and the new Chapter 8 titled “Solar Energy Systems Ordinance” are to be on the town website, china.govoffice.com, before the hearing.

Planners intend to present the ordinances to select board members on March 28, with a request that they be on the warrant for the June 14 annual town business meeting.

Dirigo Labs announces selection as AWS activate provider

photo credit: Dirigo Labs

Dirigo Labs, Maine’s newest accelerator program, has been designated as an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Activate Provider, allowing Dirigo Labs-based startups and entrepreneurs to access exclusive benefits to help accelerate growth as they build their respective businesses. The accelerator, launching its first cohort in March, will host appro­ximately 10 Maine-based startups representing a range of industries including biotechnology and information technology.

Startups affiliated with Dirigo Labs who are building or about to start building web-based programs on AWS may apply for the AWS Activate Portfolio and receive free AWS credits, technical support, training, resources, and more. Inclusion in the Activate program differentiates the Dirigo Labs accelerator as an important solution to the maturation of startups building and scaling their companies on AWS.

“Being designated as an AWS Activate Provider will allow Dirigo Labs participating founders access to an exclusive toolset to help them succeed at every stage of their development,” states Dirigo Labs Managing Director Susan Ruhlin. “We welcome all cohort members to take full advantage of these incredible benefits.”

Dirigo Labs will offer a 12-week curriculum for seed-stage entrepreneurs scaling their startups. Topics will include product development, fundraising strategies, revenue modeling, and pitch refinement. Utilizing regional assets to encourage job creation and retention while improving access to capital for startups, Dirigo Labs is building an innovation ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and showcases central Maine as a destination for business development and success.

“Joining an impressive portfolio of AWS Activate Program companies, including Coinbase and Toast, Dirigo Labs will provide opportunities and services to startups in our accelerator that they wouldn’t have had access to before, such as AWS Cloud credits, AWS business support, and access to the Activate console to help their business prosper,” elaborates Central Maine Growth Council Development Coordinator Sabrina Jandreau. “We look forward to working with our startups to utilize these opportunities while supporting rural business development for years to come.”

Startups and potential mentors interested in learning more about Dirigo Labs and submitting an application can visit www.dirigolabs.org.

Dirigo Labs is a regional startup accelerator based in Waterville, Maine. With a mission to grow mid-Maine’s digital economy by supporting entrepreneurs who are building innovation-based companies, the Dirigo Labs ecosystem brings together people, resources, and organizations to ensure the successful launch of new startups. Dirigo Labs operates under Central Maine Growth Council and is supported by several organizations, academic institutions, and investment firms.

Hedrich inducted into National Association of Conservation District’s Hall of Distinction

Mark Hedrich

Both the Knox-Lincoln SWCD Board of Supervisors and staff, and the Maine Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) Executive Committee have announced that Mark Hedrich, of Agricola Farms, in Union, has been accepted by the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) for entry to their Hall of Distinction in 2022.

Mark’s service and contributions span local, state, and national conservation. His volunteer leadership in chairing the Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District for multiple decades—36 continuous years of service—has impacted the local area through identifying and addressing natural resource priorities, highlighting and  assisting with resource concerns unique to the region, as well as supporting education and outreach to inform local landowners of services available, funding opportunities, and issues important to landowners of all levels; from recent landowners to beginning farmers to diverse operation property owners/managers.

When not farming in Union, or assisting Knox-Lincoln SWCD or MACD, Mark can be found at Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry as the nutrient management specialist where he assists producers with nutrient management planning, solar pasture endeavors, irrigation, and compost management statewide.

In addition, Mark’s knowledge of farm operations, resources, permitting requirements, and soil health provide important input and recommendations for creating and updating informational resources – published documents, brochures, and Best Management Practice guides – provides the agricultural community with vital material statewide.

As an expert in carcass composting, Mark has assisted in helping the agricultural community on a national level, as well. He is a recognized USDA Compost Subject Matter Expert. As such, Mark was deployed in 2018 to North Carolina to assist poultry operations recover after Hurricane Florence where he worked directly with growers to supervise poultry losses (broilers) through composting. Mark’s expertise and willingness to deploy is important during these types of catastrophic events to ensure sustainability and safety on site during devasting animal loss.

A member of the Maine Association of Conservation Districts Executive Committee, Mark makes recommendations and offers guidance to advance the profile and public awareness of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. With long-range awareness to conservation methods, common sense approach decision making, and skills that provide extensive assistance, Mark Hedrich more than deserves the recognition of the National Association of Conservation Districts Hall of Distinction.

For more information about NACD and the Hall of Distinction, please see: https://www.nacdnet.org/about-nacd/nacd-history/hall-of-distinction/. For more information, please call Julie at 596-2040 or email julie@knox-lincoln.org.

Issue for March 10, 2022