OBITUARIES for Thursday, November 21, 2024

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ROBERT J. NOONAN

CHINA – Robert J. “Bob” Noonan, 77, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at home. Bob was born February 10, 1947, the son of Victor and Edith (Meyers) Noonan.

Upon his high school graduation, he joined the United States Navy and served for four years. After his service, he worked at Two Guys Department store, where he met his soulmate and “Queen”, Patricia (Soucy). The majority of Bob’s career was spent with Ames Department Store, where he was the district manager for 27 years. During those years, Ames brought them all over New England, with them finally planting their feet in China, in 1986. After Ames closed, he managed Rite Aid and in his retirement years worked at Circle K, in China. Bob was an active member of China Baptist Church for many years. He felt honored to serve on the board of trustees, eventually becoming a deacon and church moderator. Along with those duties, he had the privilege of singing in the church choir alongside his wife and grandchildren for many years. He and his wife also volunteered at the church’s food booth at the Windsor Fair for 23 years. He took pride in setting up communion, maintaining the candles, and keeping the church clean. For several years Bob also helped his wife teach Sunday School. He loved his church family and looked forward to seeing everybody each and every Sunday. In Bob’s free time, he enjoyed golfing with his sons and grandsons, as well as with his senior league at JW Parks Golf Course, in Pittsfield.

For many years, he and Patty enjoyed their summer home at Deer Run, in New York, where they would spend time and create memories with their families. In recent years, they’ve enjoyed camping at Jellystone Campground, in Madison. Most of all, Bob enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He took pride in all of their accomplishments, no matter how big or small. He loved and celebrated every single one. Whether it was a sports field, a theater production.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, brother James, and granddaughter Callie Johanna Noonan.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years Patricia Noonan; two sons Christopher Noonan (Missy), Bradly Noonan (Dori); daughter Kimber Noonan; grandchildren, Patrick Noonan (Amanda), Aaron Noonan (Destinee), Tyler Noonan (Livy), Dawson Noonan (Logan), Brooklyn Noonan ; great-grandchildren Lydia Bragg and Caroline Noonan; sisters Susan Noonan, Nancy Garrett (Olin), Kelly Anderson (Carl), Sherry Lea (Max); many other family members.

There will be a celebration of life announced at a later date to be held at China Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to China Baptist Church, P.O. Box 6095, China Village, ME 04926.

Arrangements are in the care of Veilleux, Redington and Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 8 Elm St, Waterville, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at https://www.vrlfuneralhome. com/.

GEORGE R. VIGUE

MADISON – George Romeo Vigue, 93, passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Redington-Fairview Hospital, in Skowhegan, following being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last month. George was born January 4, 1931, in Skowhegan, son of the late Edmond and Irene Vigue.

George had several jobs throughout the years. He worked for many years at Norwalk Shoe, then the Goodwill-Hinckley School, Mary Holland Donavan School, and finally finished out his career working for Carrabec High School, in North Anson, in the industrial arts program with special needs children.

George was an avid hunter and fisherman. Even as recent as last fall he shot two deer from 20 feet up in his tree stand, at the age of 92.

George was kind, generous, faithful, loving, a faithful prayer warrior and dedicated in all aspects of his life. While in Maine, he attended Crossroads Bible Church, in Madison. During the winter, while in Virginia, he attended Heritage Baptist Church, in Lynchburg, Virginia. He would tell you that the best decision he ever made was asking Christ to be Lord of his life in the Spring of 1972.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine (Bagley) Vigue. They had been married for 68 years. George was also preceded in death by his siblings Lawrence Vigue, Charles Vigue, Willie Vigue, Doris Sirous, and Fern Poulin.

George is survived by his three children, Cheryl Chase (Lloyd), of Cape Coral, Florida, Valmore (Joanne), of Madison, and Jacqueline Gordon (Darryl), of Forest, Virginia; 13 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life service to be held in the Spring of 2025.

Please visit George’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/george-vigue-2024 where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

MARIE N. FREDERICK

SKOWHEGAN – Marie Nina Frederick, 82, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. She was born on January 23, 1942, in Norridgewock, daughter of Chester L. and May (Rogers) Frederick.

She was predeceased by her sister, Sylvia Frederick, of Norridgewock; grandson, Joshua J. Sincyr, of Skowhegan; and daughter-in-law, Beverly Sincyr, of Skowhegan.

She leaves behind her daughters, Debra Sincyr, of Skowhegan, Sherri, her husband Ron Mudie, of Skowhegan; sons, David Sincyr II, Bill Sincyr, of Skowhegan, and Brenda Sincyr, of Skowhegan; brother, David Frederick and his wife Brenda; 11 grandchildren and their spouses; 20 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She retired from her career at Bob’s Cash Fuel, in Madison, where she pleasantly greeted her customers with her smiling face and conversation.

This amazing woman was genuinely a work of art and will be missed by so many of us.

We’re all born to live our best lives, create memories for ourselves and others, learn and teach, share and love as we grow, humility is the greatest virtue and love is what embodied Marie. She understood these things and they’ll all be carried on with everyone she touched.

A graveside service and burial was held on Saturday, November 16, at Sunset View Cemetery, in Norridgewock.

PAK MAN LEE

SKOWHEGAN – Pak Man Lee, 68, passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the Beth Israel Lahey Hospital, in Burlington, Massachusetts. Pak was born in China, on October 12, 1956, son to Ngan Ching Tam Lee and Chiu Sun Lee.

He was loving, gentle, and kind. He enjoyed talking to everyone and lit up the room with his smile. He had a passion for cooking and baking. You could always find him in the kitchen making food and baked goods for loved ones. Pak cared deeply for his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ngan Ching Tam Lee and Chiu Sun Lee; brothers Pak Leung Lee and Pak Kuen Lee; and sister Sau Chun “Daisy” Li.

Pak is survived by his wife Vicky Lee; his son Jonathan Lee; his daughters Kassandra Jennes and her husband Coleman, and Simone Iachetta and her husband William; his brother Pak Keung Lee; several brothers- and sisters-in-law, and his many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held at Somerset Valley Remembrance Center, located at 19 Washburn Lane, Skowhegan, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

Please visit Pak’s memorial page at https://www.svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/pak-lee where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

ANN T. PIERCE

WINDSOR – Ann T. Pierce, 79, passed away following a long illness on Thursday, November. 7, 2024. She was born on March 2, 1945, in Augusta, to Edmund and Barbara (True) Tabb.

Ann graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, in 1965. She married Emery Pierce in 1967 and together they had one son, Sean Pierce.

Ann was a Windsor School Board member, a volunteer at local schools, was superintendent of Windsor Fair Exhibition Hall, a Cub Scout Den Mother, and head of the department of war and finance.

Nicknamed “Dinnie” by her niece, Brooke, she hosted many holiday dinners for her family, which was very important to her. Ann loved her family dearly and was always there for them when needed.

Ann was predeceased by her parents; her aunt, Earlene True, uncle, Phil True; and nephew, Nathan Brann.

She is survived by her husband, Emery Pierce; son, Sean Pierce; and brothers Foster Tabb and his wife Judy, and Jeff Tabb.

A private burial will be held for family at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363. Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

THERESA M. PLANTE

WINSLOW – Theresa Marie (Duguay) Plante, 93, passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024. She was born on October 18, 1931, and was raised in Winslow with 12 brothers and sisters. Theresa was the daughter of John and Anne (Joseph) Duguay.

She graduated from Winslow High School in 1950, where she enjoyed being head cheerleader, and after graduating, she married Roland Plante. They shared beautiful fun filled times together raising their family and living life to the fullest measure.

Theresa worked in the retail market for many years, and so enjoyed working with her customers at Sterns Department Store, Montgomery Ward, and W.T. Grant, all in Waterville. After losing her husband suddenly in 1981, she continued to lead a very full life, devoting herself to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. For Theresa, love of family, music and dancing were her true passions. Her sense of humor and laughter have given us all so many great memories that will last forever.

She was predeceased by her parents John and Anne Duguay; husband, Roland; brothers Don (Lillian), Omar, Albert, Eddie, Omer “Babe” (Norma); sisters Evelyn Morneau (Leo), Jeanne Carey (Harold), and Van Peters (Lee); brothers and sisters-in-law Norman Plante, Roger (Noella Plante) Denis, Katherine Duguay and Cecile Gagnon.

Theresa is survived by her children Debra Gallant and husband Ernie, and Richard Plante and wife Cynthia; grandson, Todd Wentworth with wife Chris; and great-granddaughter Jocelyn; granddaughter, Sarah Wentworth with partner Jake Olivares and great-grandson, Hayden Clement; brothers John (Nancy), Joseph, and Larry (Faye) Duguay; sister, Lorraine (Don) Reny; and sister-in-law, Frances Plante; as well as many nieces and nephews.

There will be a Mass of Christian burial on Friday, November 22, at 10 a.m., St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow, with a reception at the Winslow VFW, 175 Veteran Dr., immediately following the service. Burial will take place at a later date at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations will be appreciated to the local Hospice organization of your choice.

PATRICIA A. SHEA

FAIRFIELD – Patricia A. (King) Shea, 85, of Fairfield, passed away on Friday, November 8, 2024, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. She was born May 24, 1939, in Fairfield, daughter of Wilfred A. and Anna J. (Schubach) King.

She attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School and Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, Class of 1957. On August 16, 1969, she married Roy A. Shea and together they shared 32 years.

After a short stint as a Candy Striper at Thayer Hospital and a nurse for Dr. Hornberger, Pat began working as a bank teller at the Fairfield branch of Depositors Trust Co., a vocation that she would enjoy for nearly 40 years. When Key Bank acquired Depositors, she soon became head teller and eventually assistant branch manager.

The true model of diligence, Pat’s daily cash-outs were famously accurate. On the rare occasion that her drawer was off by even a penny, family and friends would hear about it for months. She was also well known for hosting Christmas parties for her co-workers and had many close “bank friends” all over the state.

Patty was an eclectic collector and creator. From an early age, she collected postcards, expanded to coins and currencies of all kinds and countries, and parlayed her Kewpie and Steamboat Willie (early Mickey Mouse) and other dolls into an extensive collection worthy of nothing less than elegant display cases in the family room.

But it was the gnomes that got her. She never met a gnome she didn’t like, adopting nearly every one she encountered and giving them a place of prominence in her home. Pat was also well known for her Christmas trees, which for years were displayed year-round, meticulously decorated for the season, month, or holiday.

A woman of many interests, Pat found a true passion when she began taking card classes at the Yardgoods Center, in Waterville. Her hand-made cards celebrated holidays and life events and expressed joy, gratitude, and sorrow. Later, she loved her time spent at Pam Elliott’s Card Main E A classes, in Oakland, where her classmates became close, caring friends.

Grammie Shea also found great joy in traveling to watch her grandchildren’s sporting events, pageants, and school functions, often with her longtime friend, Julie Gilbert (aka Grammie Julie).

Above all else, her faith and devotion to God was the centerpiece of Pat’s life. She rarely missed Mass, even when away from home, served as a Eucharistic minister and volunteered countless hours to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, helping to count the weekly offerings and to carry out many other church projects.

Pat was predeceased by her husband, Roy, in 2001. Though losing the love of her life was devastating, she continued to lead an active and vibrant life after her husband’s death, maintaining an immaculate and well-appointed home, which she lived in for an incredible 84 years.

Survivors include her son, Mark and daughter-in-law, Megan, of Presque Isle; her grandchildren Hope and friend Devin, and Edie and fiancé Parker, all of Caribou, Brady and friend Mayah, of Gunnison, Colorado, Jude, of Orono, and Emerson, of Presque Isle; along with several brothers- and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews; and King family cousins who were more like close friends, especially the St. Amand girls, Liz, Barbara, and Susan.

A funeral Mass was held on Friday, November 15, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville. Burial will take place at a later date.

For those who wish, contributions may be made in Pat’s memory to Catholic Charities Maine, P.O. Box 10660, Portland, ME 04104-6060 and http://www. ccmaine.com.

WAYNE L. BENGSTON

CHINA – Wayne Louis Bengtson, 78, passed away at home Monday, November 11, 2024, following a brave battle with lung cancer. Wayne was born October 24, 1946, in Caribou, to Erwin A. Bengtson (d. 2021) and Ellen (Peggy) M. Peers Bengtson (d. 2023), of New Sweden.

He was the second of four siblings, Robert E. Bengtson (d. 2011), Rhonda J. Higgins (d. 2024) and Rodney A. Bengtson, all of whom loved life on the family farm, which was known as East Road Estate.

Wayne graduated in 1964 from Caribou High School, and in 1968 from University of Maine at Fort Kent with a degree in English and a minor in History. He eventually went on to earn his M. Ed. from the University of Southern Maine in 1976.

Wayne started his 40-year teaching career at China Elementary School, China, in 1968. He was drafted into the United States Army in June 1970, received basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and was subsequently stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and at Fort Wainwright, in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Wayne returned to teaching at China schools in January 1972 in a first grade class but spent the majority of his career teaching middle school students. He spent many seasons coaching soccer and softball, and one winter season as a cheerleading coach. Wayne was a dedicated teacher for so long, he saw three generations of students. Wayne retired in 2008 before the next progeny made it to his seventh grade English and history classes. However, he continued teaching as a substitute for an additional 10 years after retirement.

He will always be remembered for his dependable use of puns, correction of grammar, love of harmonizing in his baritone voice, ingratiating sense of humor, extreme distaste for lemons and raisins, but above all his gentle, patient, and kindhearted nature. Wayne touched so many lives throughout his 78 years.

Wayne is survived by his wife Linda Bengtson; of China; children Shauna and Jarrod Magee, of Manchester, Joy Bengtson Giffen and Matthew Giffen, of Chelsea, Courtney and Nicholas Bouchard, of Lee, New Hampshire, Louis and Kate Bengtson, of Ledyard, Connecticut, Aaron and Kim Bengtson, of Augusta; 15 grandchildren; brother Rodney and Michelle Bengtson, of Berlin, New Hampshire; and stepchildren Derek and Annie Clifford, of Winslow, and Jaimi Clifford and Brandon Boulware, of China; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his infant son, Wayne Louis Bengtson II (d. 1973).

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the China Lake Conference Center, 255 Neck Rd., China. Wayne’s family will hold a private committal ceremony at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Augusta, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to MaineGeneral Hospice or to China Middle School Student Activity Funds.

DANIELLE BISHOP

WATERVILLE – Danielle Bishop, 35, passed away at home early morning Monday, November 11, 2024. She was born on January 17, 1989, in Waterville.

She attended Waterville schools. As a child she enjoyed dancing, basketball, and especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

Her son, Ayden Landry, was her pride and joy. She was fun loving and loved music and animals. Danielle accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior recently.

She was predeceased by her parents Steven A. Pottle and Kimberly A. Pottle; mémère, Barbara Bouchard; aunt, Johna Goodale and uncle, Darren Bouchard.

Survived by son, Ayden Landry; stepson, Trapper Bishop; brother, Dylan Pottle; grandparents Lily Glidden, Lawrence and Audrey Pottle, Roland Bouchard; aunts and uncles Michele Sucy, Shane and Amy Bouchard, Laurie and Eric Bourgoin, Wayne and Nicole Harmon, Lewis and Noreen Howard; many cousins; and her special friend/companion, Joseph Poulin.

Life celebration will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Second Baptist Church, Water Street, Waterville, at 11 a.m. Danielle’s pastor and friend, William Lawrence, will preside at the ceremony.

KEVIN M. TARDIFF

FAIRFIELD – Kevin Mac Tardiff, 69, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at his residence in Fairfield. Born on January 16, 1955, in Waterville, he spent his formative years in the same state he would later pass. Kevin diligently served the community through his work at On Target, and as a mechanic and truck driver, showcasing his dedication and hard work.

Kevin was a man of many hobbies and was particularly fond of the outdoors. Those hobbies included fishing, camping, boating, and hanging out in the garage with his buddies. These activities were a testament to his love for nature and the simple pleasures of life.

He leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Hazel, and their daughter, Heather Brickett and Shawn; stepchildren, Moe Frappier Jr., Tammie Frappier, Buddy Leo Frappier; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents; his sons Robert Tardiff, Stephen Frappier, Brian Frappier; his brother, Ellis Hughes, and his sister, Rose Tozier.

Veilleux – Redington – Lawry Brothers Funeral Home is assisting the family during this time. Kevin’s life will be celebrated and remembered for the joy and steadfastness he brought into the lives of those around him. A celebration of life took place on Sunday November 17, 2024.

ROLAND L. GAY

CHINA – Roland Laurice Gay, 84, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024, following a brief illness. Roland was born in Weeks Mills on December 2, 1939, to Guy R. Gay and Ellen Maddocks Gay.

Roland served six years in the National Guard before working two full-time careers, the first at the Cotton Mill, in Augusta, for several years prior to its closing, then he moved on to the State of Maine Highway Department as a fabricator for 25 years until retiring in 1998.

Roland, a member of the Weeks Mills Baptist Church, serving as Deacon for many years, also volunteered with annual maintenance at the Living Waters Bible Conference summer camp. Roland also supported the local Little League community by coaching the Weeks Mills Little League baseball team for a few years.

After retiring, Roland and wife, Hilda, spent several years traveling across the country exploring new places and meeting new friends. Roland was known to make new friends wherever he traveled. Roland especially enjoyed roaming about the United States, including Alaska, and except for the Northwest Territories, all provinces of Canada. Roland enjoyed his first visit to Alaska so much that he returned with his son, David, for a fishing expedition a few years later.

Roland also enjoyed camping, especially when his grandchildren accompanied them. Roland’s favorite hobbies were to patrol his 40 acres on his tractor that he affectionately referred to as “Yammy” and to cut firewood.

Roland is survived by his wife, Hilda Robbins Gay, whom he was married to for 63-plus years; son, David; and daughters Beth Getchell and her husband Chip and Debra Bartlett and her husband Dick; grandchildren Michelle Solomon, Jacob Solomon and wife Natasha, and Nicole Lovering; and several great-grandchildren; nieces, and nephews.

Roland was predeceased by his parents; brothers Gerald, Darrell, Neil, Dennis, and Harvard Gay, Sr., sister, Guylene Freeman; and granddaughter, Amanda Harris.

Services took place at the Weeks Mills Baptist Church, 13 Deer Hill Rd., Weeks Mills, on Saturday November 16, 2024..

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Roland may be made to Living Waters Bible Conference, P.O. Box 250, Danforth, ME 04424

GLORIA R. BERNIER

WINSLOW – Gloria (Roy) Bernier, 98, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Gloria was born on December 7, 1925, in Waterville, to Peter and Amanda Roy (Oulette).

Gloria met the love of her life and husband, Wilfred Bernier, after high school and they were married for 53 years. Gloria was known for her positive attitude, “a you can do it” mentality, and a strong love of family which she gave unconditionally. Along with her husband, she was a devout member of St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, in Winslow, and later at St. Francis of Assisi, in Englewood, Florida.

Gloria was educated in the Waterville school system. She began work at the Diamond Match Company, in Oakland, and later the Wyandotte-Worsted Woolen Mill, in Waterville. She retired from C.F. Hathaway ShirtFactory, in Waterville, on December 19, 1987.

On April 7, 1951, she was wed to Wilfred Bernier at St Francis de Sales Church, in Waterville. They resided in Waterville from 1951 to 1955 when they moved to Winslow where they enjoyed the rest of their married life together surrounded by family and friends.

Throughout her life, Gloria worked tirelessly taking care of her family and her home. Her true passions were spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, cooking, and any kind of project her family needed assistance on.

Gloria was predeceased by her husband, Wilfred in 2005; and her siblings Harold, Ronaldo, Stella, Edmund and Theresa.

Gloria is survived by her three children, Denise and husband Roger Duchesne, Bruce and wife Lynn Gilpatrick, Kevin and partner Mary Bailey; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Gloria’s final resting place will be at St Francis Catholic Cemetery, at 78 Grove St., in Waterville.

Services are in the care of Veilleux Redington and Lawry Brothers Funeral Home where an online guest book can be signed at vrlfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Gloria’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at https://www.stjude. org or to Hospice Care of Amedisys 52 Atlantic Place, South Portland, ME 04106.

JACQUELINE J. DOUCETTE

SIDNEY – Jacqueline Juliette Marie (Pelotte) Doucette, 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, following a long battle with uveal melanoma cancer. She had previously battled and won bouts with lung and ovarian cancer. “Jackie” was born in Waterville on June 30, 1937, to William and Juliette (Foster) Pelotte.

She grew up in Waterville with her three sisters and three brothers.

On July 11 1955, she married Hugh Doucette Sr. Together, they had nine children, 26 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. They were married for 41 years before Hugh’s death, due to complications from parotid gland cancer, in 1996.

Jackie worked at the family construction business, Cascade Mill, in Oakland, Scott Paper Co., in Winslow, and Home Interiors, amongst other jobs.

However, her faith and family gave her the most joy. She served on the Maine Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, St. Theresa’s Guild and Eucharistic Minister from 1975-2023 also teaching CCD at St. Theresa’s Parish, in Oakland, for over 30 years. She spent many hours at church, MDCCW events, family birthdays, gatherings and holidays, creating special memories for all of her loved ones. She never missed opportunities to support her family’s life events, sports, school and personal endeavors. Jackie was nominated for mother of the year in 2023 through the American Mothers.

Jackie leaves behind a legacy of compassion, generosity and unconditional love. She taught the importance of family, a bond she cherished above all else and put before everything.

She was predeceased by her husband, Hugh Doucette Sr.; her parents; her two sisters, Shirley Logan, Joan Carey, and three brothers, Norman “Pete” Pelotte, Robert Pelotte and Gerald Pelotte; her daughter-in-law, Robin Doucette; grandchildren Christopher Doucette and Eric Frith; and great-grandchildren Amelia “Millie” Hewes, Loxley Glover and Torben Glover.

She is survived by nine children and spouses, Hugh Doucette Jr. of Waterville, William “Wayne” Doucette and his wife Sabrina of Sidney, Catherine Hanscom and her husband Chet of Fairfield, Mark Doucette and his wife Brenda of Belgrade, Kimber Lee Rackleff and husband Peter of Sidney, Tammy Poulin and husband Norman of Winslow, David Doucette of Belgrade, Lori Doucette and partner Stephen Pouliot of Belgrade, Nancy Otis and husband Scott of Canaan; special friend, Judy Couture of Oakland; 24 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren; her only living sibling, Diane McIntosh; only living sister-in law, Ruth Pelotte; along with several nieces and nephews.

Jackie’s funeral service was held on Tuesday November 19, 2024, at Notre Dame du Perpetual Secours Catholic Church, in Waterville.

Arrangements are entrusted to the compassionate care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm St., Waterville.

Memories of Jackie can be shared and an online register book can be signed by visiting http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com

Jackie was a very generous person and would want donations to be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. https://giving.mskcc.org/.

TODD E. QUIRION

WINSLOW – Todd Edward Quirion, 42, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Hos­pice Comfort Care, in Au­gusta. He was born on April 30, 1982, to Roger and Debra (Pomerleau) Quirion.

He was raised in Winslow, attending Winslow public schools where he graduated in 2000 from Winslow High School. Todd went on to graduate from the University of Maine in 2002 with a degree in Criminal Justice. His last place of employment was Bath Iron Works, but he had to resign due to his health. Todd endured many illnesses and many heartaches in his life but he always tried to have a positive attitude and a smile on his face.

Some of Todd’s favorite past times were going to camp, hunting, fishing, bonfires, and looking for moose. He enjoyed most walks in the woods with a camera instead of a hunting rifle. He enjoyed photographing wildlife. Todd loved the holidays and Sunday dinners with his family, especially his father’s spaghetti.

Todd is survived by his parents Roger and Debra Quirion; brothers Chad Quirion and brother Brandon Quirion with wife Sandy; niece Brandy Quirion; nephew Nolan Quirion.

Graveside services were held at St. Francis Cemetery, on Grove Street, in Waterville on Friday, November 8, 2024.

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

CARL ST. DENIS

PALERMO – Carl “Buddy” St. Denis, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Born the eldest son of David and Elizabeth St. Denis, Carl’s journey began in the remote beauty of Hun­ter’s Point, Québec. A proud member of the Wolf Lake First Nation, his heritage and connection to nature shaped much of his life.

A true outdoorsman at heart, Carl found joy and solace in the woods and waters, where he spent countless days hunting, fishing, and trapping. Originally, he planned to follow in his father’s footsteps as a wilderness guide. However, the Canadian Government required him to continue his education far from home, placing him with host families as an exchange student.

At the age of 18, Carl set out on his own, leaving school behind and taking on a series of jobs that led him on a journey across regions. From harvesting scallops in Nova Scotia to picking potatoes in Presque Isle, Carl’s determination and resilience were evident early on. He eventually settled in Boston, Massachusetts, where he built both a career and a family.

Carl started working at Nepco, in Boston’s Meat Packing District. Rising from entry-level, he pursued courses in electrical engineering, steadily advancing through the ranks. When Nepco closed, he joined Columbia Packing Co., quickly establishing himself as the region’s preferred troubleshooter. As technology progressed, Carl traveled across the country, assisting factories in upgrading and troubleshooting machinery. In 1991, he moved to Maine at the request of the vice president of Kirschner, who invited him to join their team. Maine became his home, and he remained there for the rest of his life. He retired from FairPoint Communications.

A devoted New England sports fan, Carl remained loyal even when “the bums” were in a rut. In his younger days, he earned a SCUBA diving license and enjoyed diving for lobsters. Carl had a natural ability to fix just about anything and was known as the go-to handyman among friends and family. Throughout his life, he faced the challenges of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, undergoing three open-heart surgeries with remarkable strength and resilience. Despite his health battles, he never complained and faced each day with courage and a quiet dignity that inspired everyone around him.

Carl was truly one of a kind, a man whose warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone he met. More than anything, he loved being a dad and a grandpa, roles he embraced with boundless love and pride.

His legacy is one of strength, independence, and an enduring love for nature and family. His life was marked by both hardship and joy, and he leaves a lasting impact on all who knew him. His family, friends, and community will carry forward his memory and the values he instilled in them.

Carl was predeceased by his parents, David and Elizabeth; his daughters, Fawn and Rachel; and his brothers, Chief Harry and Ennis.

He leaves behind his wife and lifelong best friend, Pamela, of Palermo; his daughters Liz Manning and her husband Dennis, of Rockland, Massachusetts; Naomi St. Denis, of Temiscaming, Québec; and Hope St. Denis, of West Gardiner; grandchildren Erin and Elizabeth, of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Bryce Lavigne, of Temiscaming, Québec, and Dennis Manning, of Rockland, Massachusetts; younger siblings and a large extended family of relatives.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 1 – 3 p.m., at the Sheepscot Fish and Game Club, Rte. 3, Palermo, where he was an active member, for friends and loved ones to come together to honor his remarkable life.

OTHERS DEPARTED

DIANNE J. MORAIS

NEW GLOUCESTER – Dianne Joy Morais, 72, passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2024, following a long, courageous battle with metastatic colon cancer. Dianne was born Nov­ember 19, 1951, in Waterville, the youngest child to the late Rodolphe and Arlene Morais of South China.

In her younger years, she enjoyed playing and working at the family campground, Sunset View Campground, on Three MilePond, in China. She attended Erskine Academy, in South China, and, in 1974, graduated with a degree in Business Education from Thomas College, in Waterville. Dianne taught typing at the new Maranacook School for three years and then migrated to Northern California where she worked in a new exciting career in technology and business – sales of new computers.

When her sister Sandra passed in 1988, Dianne came home to Maine to raise her six-year-old nephew, Bret, in Scarborough. In 1991, she became reacquainted with an old friend, Kemp Carey. Dianne and Kemp spent 33 years together building a beautiful life and home in New Gloucester.

Dianne’s lifelong passion was gardening, planning her days around the gardens.

Dianne operated CareMor, a life insurance screening business, for 12 years from her home office and enjoyed working with agents and nurses all around the state. She later created “cultivateyourintuition” a spirituality website where she enjoyed researching and writing about her thoughts and sharing her findings. Prior to her illness, she was involved in learning how to write and market her writing in this new world of the internet and AI.

Dianne is survived by Kemp Carey, her husband and partner for 33 years; a sister, Pat Luke, of Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin; nephew, Bret Morais (Danielle) and their twins Evan and Hazel, of Cornville; niece, Pam Reay and her son Rahlo, of Pembroke, Massachusetts; niece Danielle Morais, of Putnam Valley, New York; nephew, Jason Morais (Lorie) and daughter, Sophia, from Northwood, New Hampshire; niece, Penny Orstead (Bret) and sons Alex, Ben and Chris, of Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin; cousins Nancy, Ruth, David (Sondra), Gary and Stephen (Roberta) Arnold.

Dianne’s wishes are to be cremated at Direct Cremation of Maine and laid to rest with her mother and sister at Chadwick Cemetery, in South China. We will have a celebration of Dianne’s life in May 2025, at her home. Contact Kemp at kcarey57@hotmail.com.

Vassalboro school board listens to plans for school building upgrades

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Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

At their Nov. 12 meeting, Vassalboro School Board members heard and watched on screen a presentation from three representatives of their consultant on building upgrades, Energy Management Consultants (EMC), of Portland.

President Thomas Seekins and engineers Adam Hodgkins and Erik Rodstrom had created an on-line program that describes work they recommend be done at Vassalboro Community School. Projects include everything from complex technical rearrangements to replacing current incandescent lights with LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and fixing a small hole in the basement wall (after finding out what caused it).

The EMC representatives had three main reasons for their suggestions.

First, they pointed out that although VCS has been well maintained, much of it is now 32 years old, and the life-time of many components is 25 years or less.

Second, some of the original equipment is so out of date that replacement parts are hard to obtain and technicians are no longer trained to work with it.

And third, many of the suggested changes will save enough energy to reduce costs.

The EMC presentation included suggested priorities, based partly on need, like replacing things most likely to fail due to old age, and partly on advantages, including easier use, increased comfort and convenience and energy savings. School board members plan to propose their own priority list after they have had time to review the EMC report.

Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer said 2025-26 budget deliberations will begin early in 2025, so decisions on projects for next year (if any) should be made promptly. Until the board approves a plan, no cost or savings estimates can be made.

In other business Nov. 12, board members discussed traffic problems as parents drop off and pick up students before and after classes. Consensus was that given the number of cars and the procedures needed to ensure student safety, school staff are doing a good job of managing the twice-daily congestion.

Board members approved several appointments, including Cheryl Coffin as half-time fifth-grade science and social studies teacher.

They accepted the resignation of school nurse Molly Carter. Pfeiffer said Carter has accepted another position that offers more hours. She plans to stay at VCS until the Christmas vacation; applicants for the position will be interviewed starting soon.

The superintendent reminded board members that VCS is a designated Red Cross emergency shelter. A dozen people have signed up to volunteer if the shelter has to be opened; more are welcome, and can sign up by contacting Town Manager Aaron Miller or Town Clerk Cathy Coyne at the Vassalboro town office.

The next Vassalboro school board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the school.

Vassalboro select board ponders changing bank, town attorney

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by Mary Grow

The Nov. 13 Vassalboro select board meeting included two phone-ins, as board members debated whether to change the town’s bank and the town attorney.

After the discussion of switching banks, with Jennifer Seekins, of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, they postponed a decision. Board member Chris French said he wanted more options to consider.

When board chairman Frederick “Rick” Denico asked why switch, the principal reason was that the town’s bank accounts are currently not fully insured. Bar Harbor offers complete FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) coverage.

The second telephone conversation was with Patrick Lyons, of the law firm Eaton Peabody. Board members voted unanimously to hire him as Vassalboro’s town attorney, effective Jan. 1, 2025.

Lyons is based in Eaton Peabody’s Ellsworth office; he serves as an Ellsworth city councilor. His family camp is in Vassalboro, off Seven Mile Stream, so he is familiar with the town. He specializes in municipal law, which he likes for the variety of issues it offers, and he enjoys meeting municipal office staff around the state.

Lyons said he would come to Vassalboro when necessary, including for an introductory in-person meeting. He is comfortable with zoom meetings and telephone calls.

Other decisions the select board made in a lengthy Nov. 13 meeting included:

— Adding to the fee schedule for marijuana growing operations in Vassalboro, $250 annually for medical marijuana operations (which the state allows municipalities to regulate, but not to prohibit). Denico said other Maine municipalities charge from $250 to $1,000 a year; depending on how much of the codes officer’s time these operations require, the board might change Vassalboro’s fee.
— Approving a contract with Calderwood Engineering for design work on the Dunlap Bridge replacement on Mill Hill Road, now that voters have approved funding for the project. The first question on the Nov. 5 local ballot asked permission to spend up to $360,000 in existing funds for the project; 1,383 voters said yes, 1,169 were opposed.

Board members spoke favorably of continuing to hold town voting at Vassalboro Community School instead of at the town office. Town Clerk Cathy Coyne said the town office meeting room makes an awkward voting area, and after the Nov. 5 experiment at VCS, she “heard nothing but good things” about using the school gymnasium.

Denico said VCS has a form that groups can fill out asking to use a school space. He recommended the town start using it.

Three decisions were postponed.

— Board members opened two bids from people asking to be Vassalboro’s new alewife harvester. They intend to review references and make a decision at their Dec. 12 meeting.
— They need more information on acquiring a larger propane tank for the Riverside fire station, after a discussion of sizes, leasing versus buying and costs.
— Town Manager Aaron Miller wants time to make sure of the proper procedure to create a handicapped parking space at Hair Builders, at 653 Oak Grove Road, in North Vassalboro. He said the business requested one; state transportation officials said it was a town decision; he is in favor, but wants to do it right.

The next Vassalboro select board meeting is currently scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12.

China committee, manager continue talks on transfer station changes

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by Mary Grow

China Transfer Station Committee members and Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood continued discussion of pending changes at the China facility at a Nov. 12 meeting.

Station manager Thomas Maraggio said the new building to cover the sandpile available to China residents for winter driveway sanding is almost done. He plans to post informational signs on it.

One sign will direct people where to put “hot loads,” defined as “loads of solid waste that are on fire, smoldering, or are potentially flammable by spontaneous combustion.” Disposal of hot loads is illegal, “but we get ’em,” Maraggio said.

“Common sense is not all that common,” observed committee chairman Christopher Bauman, saying he was quoting Will Rogers.

E-cigarette cartridges are also unacceptable at the transfer station, Maraggio said. The state Department of Environmental Protection defines them as hazardous waste.

Hapgood said China has received a grant to pay for a new baler that will let the transfer station accept #1 plastic for recycling. It should be in operation early in 2025; there will be publicity.

Maraggio shared an updated five-year plan for the transfer station and an updated fee schedule. Committee members recommended by consensus the select board approve the fee schedule.

Hapgood said 2025 transfer station stickers will be available beginning Dec. 1 at China and Palermo town offices and at the transfer station with presentation of a valid vehicle registration in China or Palermo. The charge is $2. Transfer station users will have until the end of January 2025 to update their stickers.

The next transfer station committee meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the China town office.

China planners set hearings on two applications

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by Mary Grow

The three China planning board members at the Nov. 12 meeting scheduled Nov. 26 public hearings on both applications on their agenda.

They decided the first hearing, at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 26, in the town office meeting room, will be on the application to add a records storage vault to the town office building (see The Town Line, Oct. 31, p. 3, and Nov. 14, p. 3).

The second hearing, which they expect will be longer, is tentatively scheduled for 7 p.m. Its topic will be proposed improvements to Town Landing Road, which leads to the South China boat landing.

The only question about the new plan for the vault was about its location in relation to China Lake. Codes officer Nicholas French explained that the town office is outside the shoreland zone, which has extra restrictions.

The office is within the larger area covered by China’s Phosphorus Control Ordinance. This ordinance applies in the watersheds of China Lake and Three Mile Pond. The permit application says the vault project does not exceed allowable phosphorus export.

Joining virtually in discussion of Town Landing Road were several members of the Neighborhood Association, South China Village residents who live near the boat landing. Their main concerns at this stage were receiving information before the Nov. 26 hearing, and ensuring the hearing is well publicized.

A large paper drawing of the landing plan was on the town office meeting room wall. French said he needs a smaller version to copy for the website and other publicity; he hoped to have one in a few days.

Board chairman Toni Wall assured residents that property-owners abutting the landing will be notified and the hearing will be broadcast for virtual viewing.

Several members of the group indicated they intend to present objections to and questions about the work. Wall said she hopes someone involved in planning it will be at the Nov. 26 hearing with explanations.

As the planning board meeting began, Wall was re-elected board chairman. Select board members reappointed her to the board on Nov. 4.

Also on the Nov. 12 agenda was discussion of amending China’s subdivision ordinance and adding a site review ordinance. Both were postponed.

CMP reps: No new power line planned through China

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by Mary Grow

In response to China voters’ Nov. 5 approval of a moratorium on new power transmission lines through town, three representatives of Central Maine Power Company (CMP) attended the Nov. 18 select board meeting to ask about local concerns.

Katie Yates, program manager, community relations, emphasized that as of now, the company does not plan to run any new power lines through China. The discussion was entirely preliminary, in case CMP does develop a plan.

Select board member Jeanne Marquis, who helped collect signatures to put the moratorium on the local ballot, listed concerns she heard. They include negative effects on farming; disrupting “legacy properties” that a family has owned for generations; blocking scenic views; reducing adjacent and nearby property values; and using herbicides in the China Lake watershed.

Residents have “a lot of fear about their property” and want to be treated fairly, she summarized.

Yates and her companions offered two reassurances. First, they said, if CMP were to run another line through China, it would be in an existing corridor. And second, CMP uses minimal herbicides, usually in spot applications.

The company does not routinely notify abutters before using herbicides, Yates said. New select board member Thomas Rumpf agreed: he owns land abutting a CMP corridor and has never been notified, he said.

However, he added, he believes the company has been doing more cutting and relying less on chemicals in recent years. When he identified himself as president of the Four Seasons Club, the CMP group thanked him for providing trails that help them get to their lines.

Also at the meeting was China resident James Hsiang, for the China for a Lifetime Committee. He proposed creating a China community garden and offered a more detailed plan if select board members were interested. They were, and Hsiang is scheduled to return at either the Dec. 16 or the Dec. 30 meeting.

Hsiang said as proponents gauged local interest, they collected 280 signatures, and a dozen people volunteered to help. The planned site is the town-owned Lakeview Drive lot south of the town office.

In updates on the storage vault to be added to the town office building, select board member Blane Casey said he has been helping prepare contracts for each aspect of the work. His plan is to have requests for bids out immediately; bids due back early in December; and decisions at the Dec. 16 select board meeting.

Planning Board chairman Toni Wall said from the audience the board has scheduled a public hearing on the vault application for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26.

The Nov. 18 select board meeting was the first for newly-elected members Edwin Bailey and Rumpf. The five members elected Wayne Chadwick board chairman and Jeanne Marquis board secretary.

Water level on China Lake not yet achieved

by Mary Grow

China Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood received two inquiries from residents about the China Lake water level, which they said was unusually low. In response, she queried Vassalboro town manager Aaron Miller and Kennebec Water District Water Quality Manager Robbie Bickford in a Nov. 16 email.

In his Nov. 18 reply, Bickford said the current level at the outlet dam in East Vassalboro is 26 inches below the spillway. The goal of the annual fall drawdown is to bring the level down to 30 inches below the spillway.

Bickford said the goal had not been achieved “in the past couple years.” Vassalboro dam managers intend to achieve it this year, he said.

In other business:

— Board members unanimously authorized taking another $450 from the fire department reserve account to pay for the South China Volunteer Fire Department’s air compressor. They had previously authorized using up to $9,000; the total cost was $9,450, Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said.
— Hapgood and board members thanked former board member Brent Chesley for his service. Board members unanimously appointed him to the road committee, the budget committee and the appeals board.
— Board members approved an amended fee schedule at the transfer station, and an amended agreement with Albion, whose residents may dispose of specific things in China.
— They reapproved five municipal policies, two unchanged and the other three, Hapgood said, with non-substantive changes, like updating the title of the town website.

Hapgood reported China has been awarded a Cybersecurity grant, in the amount of $139.52. It is intended to provide a review of China’s cybersecurity, with a report and alerts, and training webinars for Hapgood.

Hapgood’s name is on the ballot for election to the Municipal Review Committee (MRC), the group representing towns that used the former Hampden trash facility. She explained she was talked into being listed due to a shortage of candidates; she is willing to serve if elected. Board members voted for her.

China municipal services will be closed Nov. 28 and 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday. The next regular select board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2.

PUBLIC NOTICES for Thursday, November 14, 2024

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CHINA

Notice of Public Hearing

A Public Hearing is scheduled during the Planning Board meeting November 26th at 6:30PM at the Town Office on the Town Office Records Vault/Expansion at 571 Lakeview Drive (Map 38 Lot 013). You are hereby invited to attend the meeting in person or via Zoom (link posted in the Calendar of Events at chinamaine.org). Written comments may also be submitted by email to ceo@chinamaine.org or to Attn: CEO Town Office 571 Lakeview Drive China, ME 04358

Notice of Public Hearing

A Public Hearing is scheduled during the Planning Board meeting November 26th at 7:00PM at the Town Office to authorize Earth-Moving in the Shoreland of more than 100 cubic yards in one year to the Town Landing Road. You are hereby invited to attend the meeting in person or via Zoom (link posted in the Calendar of Events at chinamaine.org). Written comments may also be submitted by email to ceo@chinamaine.org or to Attn: CEO Town Office 571 Lakeview Drive China, ME 04358

Issue for November 14, 2024

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Issue for November 14, 2024

Celebrating 36 years of local news

Area veterans honored during Veterans Day parade in Waterville

Pictures of the Veterans parade Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography.

RSU#12 takes part in Special Olympics bowling event

Representing RSU #12 (Palermo, Chelsea, Windsor, Whitefield) with pride, students competed in a local Special Olympics bowling event. These students gave their best effort and demonstrated the values of perseverance, teamwork, and determination…

Town News

Planners approve two applications, postpone another

VASSALBORO – Vassalboro planning board members had three projects on their Nov. 12 agenda. They spent as much time discussing how each fitted into town ordinances as on the merits…

FEMA to reimburse China for 2023 storm damage

CHINA – Federal and state emergency management funds will reimburse the Town of China to cover partial clean-up costs after the Dec. 17-21, 2023, storm that left roads and roadsides littered with fallen trees and other debris…

Committee continues long-discussed records storage vault addition

CHINA – The long-discussed storage vault for municipal records was the main topic at the Nov. 4 China Select Board meeting, following up on the Oct. 30 China Municipal Building Committee meeting…

Outgoing select board member cited for service

CHINA – The Nov. 4 China select board meeting began with a short presentation recognizing retiring member Janet Preston…

Banquet held for MaineGeneral Health long-time employees

CENTRAL ME – On Thursday, November 7, MaineGeneral Health held a banquet at the Augusta Civic Center honoring 140 staff celebrating 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years working at MaineGeneral…

Scouts go paddling down the river

AUGUSTA – Scouts from Augusta Troop #603 spent time boating and hiking this autumn with two big adventures. On September 14, a large group of Scouts and parents and leaders boarded kayaks and canoes to paddle along the Kennebec River, from Waterville to Augusta…

Lori’s Café celebrates 19 years

LIBERTY – Lori’s Cafe in Liberty celebrated a 19 year anniversary on September 19 2024.Lori praises her customers and staffing for the longevity of running and maintaining a restaurant for 19 years. Lori started the cafe after years of working along side her parents at the 10-4 Diner…

Hey, Snowbirds! An appeal for food pantries

PALERMO – Before you leave for warmer climes, please take a look at your cupboards and gather up unused cans and boxes of non-perishable food. Before you throw away any of that, please think of local families who could use that food. Your local Food Pantry would be very happy to distribute it to needy folks so they can get through the winter to come…

Name that film!

Identify the film in which this famous line originated and qualify to win FREE passes to The Maine Film Center, in Waterville: “Take your stinking paws off me you damned dirty ape!” Email us at townline@townline.org with subject “Name that film!” Deadline for submission is November 7, 2024.

Carrabec High School honor roll

NORTH ANSON — Fall honor roll for Carrabec High School…

PHOTO: Clinton Variety: 2024 PAL Junior champions

CLINTON — Clinton Variety, 2024 Fairfield PAL Junior League Football Champions…

Local happenings

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Cookie walk in Vassalboro

VASSALBORO – Simone Antworth organizes the annual “Cookie Walk” at Vassalboro United Methodist Church. The event will take place at 614 Main Street, on Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.-2 p.m… and many other local events!

Obituaries

WINDSOR – Raymond E. Joslyn, 77, also fondly known as “Butch” to many, the unofficial Mayor of Windsor, passed away at his home on Saturday, November 2, 2024. He was a beloved and legendary figure in town, known by all for his sense of humor and unique personality…

Celebrating Maine history

Click here for all of our recent stories about the local history of Maine!

Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Education: Waterville, Winslow high schools (new)

CENTRAL ME HISTORY — Before moving on to 19th-century Winslow and Waterville high schools, your writer will share one more item about Waterville grammar schools. With its ramifications, it was too long for last week’s article… by Mary Grow

Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Education in Winslow & Waterville

CENTRAL ME HISTORY — The northernmost of three area towns incorporated on April 26, 1771, was Winslow, on the east bank of the Kennebec River, then including Waterville and Oakland on the west bank… by Mary Grow

Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Education in Vassalboro & Sidney

CENTRAL ME HISTORY — Another Kennebec Valley town incorporated April 26, 1771, simultaneously with Hallowell (then including Augusta), was Vassalboro, then including Sidney. Vassalboro’s and Sidney’s early educational systems will therefore be examined next… by Mary Grow

Around the Kennebec Valley: Augusta education – Part 2

AUGUSTA HISTORY — By 1820, James North wrote in his 1870 history of Augusta, the town was again thriving after the economic downturn caused by the War of 1812… by Mary Grow

Common Ground: Win a $10 gift certificate!

DEADLINE: Wednesday, November 14, 2024

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

Previous winner: Carrie McGrath, So. China

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | “What’s for suppah, Granny,” is the question that comes from members of the Clampett family on the 1960s TV series, The Beverly Hillbillies…

AARP NEWS YOU CAN USE

by Joyce Bucciantini | Each monthly article will focus on seasonal, useful information to keep everyone informed about AARP topics, events, or just fun stuff to do. AARP was founded 60 years ago by a retired school teacher, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus…

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates | Scepter records was the label that released albums by the very gifted singer Dionne Warwick. Back in 1968 the first record I ever bought of her was a 45 that I was able to special order from a vendor who set up a consignment rack at the Cates Country Store…

FOR YOUR HEALTH

HEALTH | November is National Diabetes Month, when communities across the country spread awareness about diabetes…

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Dionne Warwick

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Dionne Warwick

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Dionne Warwick

Scepter records was the label that released albums by the very gifted singer Dionne Warwick. Back in 1968 the first record I ever bought of her was a 45 that I was able to special order from a vendor who set up a consignment rack at the Cates Country Store. Through him, I acquired LPs by Eydie Gorme, Richard Harris, Sergio Mendes, Glenn Yarborough, etc., all within quarter mile walking distance of home and may have been the most frequent customer of discs benefitting Uncle Ben Cates’s cash register.

A month previously, I had seen the movie Valley of the Dolls, a very compelling depiction of Hollywood and its pill culture, based on the novel by Jacqueline Susann and starring Barbara Parkins, Patty Duke and Sharon Tate (Tate and several others would be murdered in the summer of 1969 by members of the Manson gang during a home invasion when she was hosting a social gathering at the house she lived in with her husband Roman Polanski, he not being home that evening).

The movie ended with the gorgeous theme from Valley of the Dolls composed by Dory and Andre Previn and sung by Miss Warwick which was contained on that above-mentioned Scepter 45, along with side 2’s I Say a Little Prayer, a Hal David/Burt Bacharach megahit.

Scepter started a budget classical label Mace records and, as a teenager, I won a free LP from the company for answering questions about composers correctly. That record had the title Unforgettable Folk Music from Germany, most of that music being quite forgettable.

Mace also released several very good LPs – beautifully played Trios for Clarinet and other instruments by Beethoven and Brahms, a wondrously performed Mozart K. 334 String Divertimento and sets of Brahms, Bruckner and Mahler Symphonies that listed fake names but were still satisfying interpretations.

The label had a musicologist Hope Sheridan who very concisely put her finger on why my personal desert island composer Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) achieved the greatness he did in her jacket notes for a recording of the Piano Quartet in G minor, Opus 25, completed when Brahms was only 28:

“A bounding muscular vigor, melodic exuberance, and headlong brilliance characterize this youthful work. This early quartet, in fact, is filled with all the trademarks which later were to identify the bulk of Brahms’s music. For the 28-year-old composer, it was almost a declaration of self. The quartet begins with declamations of a lovesick young romantic, passes through the catalyst of self-analysis, and ends with a declaration of gypsy abandon – specifically, Brahms own decision to lead the life of a ‘gypsy,’ to renounce the bourgeois fetters of a middle-class existence and to follow his muse wherever it might lead him.”

The recording alluded to above was released, not on Mace which frequently used Sheridan’s writing, but on Vox/Turnabout in 1965 and featured pianist Georges Szolchany with three members of the Hungarian Quartet, a group that taught and performed 14 summers between 1960 and 1974 at our own Colby College. And the interpretation conveyed this music’s vigor, exuberance and brilliance in a stunning manner.

Recordings of the same composer’s 4th Symphony proliferate here at the house. A 1941 78 set of five 12-inch shellac discs feature the wired up, very inspired genius Music Director Serge Koussevitzky (1874-1951) conducting the Boston Symphony which he led for 25 brilliant years from 1924 to 1949. The manner in which he nagged, snapped and screamed at the 105 musicians in rehearsals is rumored to have caused 106 ulcers, one man developing two of them.

But the Victor Red Seal records Koussevitzky left posterity were of a consistently sublime quality. He conducted the Brahms 4th with a combination of thick, yet eloquent sonority from the strings, clear as a bell detail from the woodwinds, powerful brass and percussion while the phrasing sometimes verged on the stodgy yet never went overboard.

A couple of other recommendations are the 1927 Beethoven Pastoral and the 1935 Sibelius Second Symphony.

This conductor mentored Leonard Bernstein, but disapproved of Bernstein writing Broadway musicals.

Up and Down the Kennebec Valley: Education: Waterville, Winslow high schools

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by Mary Grow

Before moving on to 19th-century Winslow and Waterville high schools, your writer will share one more item about Waterville grammar schools. With its ramifications, it was too long for last week’s article.

Readers learned last week that Waterville school authorities once created two classrooms in the town hall. Following is another example of improvised classroom space, from Henry Kingsbury’s 1892 Kennebec County history.

Kingsbury quoted a resident’s article in the April 21, 1882, “Waterville Mail” remembering when George Dana Boardman taught in “Lemuel Dunbar’s carpenter shop,” because there was no schoolhouse in his newly-created district.

Your writer thought it appropriate to add that Boardman (Feb. 8, 1801 – Feb. 11, 1831) was an internationally known missionary, and Dunbar (May 3, 1781 – c. Aug. 6, 1865) did important work in Waterville.

Boardman, a native of Livermore, Maine, was half the graduating class at the Aug. 1, 1822, first commencement at Waterville College (now Colby College).

He taught at least one term of school in Dunbar’s shop in 1820, while still a student, according to Aaron Appleton Plaisted’s chapter on early settlers in Rev. Edwin Carey Whittemore’s 1902 Waterville history. On July 16 of that year, Kingsbury said, Baptist minister Rev. Jeremiah Chaplin baptized Boardman.

After graduation, according to Wikipedia, Boardman was a Waterville College tutor in 1822-1823, before he went to Andover (Massachusetts) Theological Seminary. When he was ordained a Baptist minister in West Yarmouth, Maine, on Feb. 16, 1825, Wikipedia says Chaplin, by then Waterville College’s President, was a speaker.

On July 4, 1825, Boardman married Sarah Hall (Nov. 4, 1803 – Sept. 1, 1845), from Alstead, New Hampshire. On July 16, they sailed for Calcutta, on their way to Burma (now Myanmar), where they spent their lives as missionaries.

The couple lost at least two sons in infancy; the survivor they named George Dana Boardman (frequently called “the Younger,” Wikipedia says). After Boardman’s early death from consumption (tuberculosis) in Burma, Sarah married another missionary and associate, Adoniram Judson.

* * * * * *

The other half of Boardman’s class was Ephraim Tripp (c. 1799 – April 7, 1871). After graduation, according to on-line information about Waterville/Colby graduates, he served as principal of Hebron Academy in 1822-1823. Then he, too, became a tutor at his alma mater, from 1823 to 1827.

During these years, according to the chapter in Whittemore’s history on Waterville churches, Tripp was one of the three-man building committee for the First Baptist Church, planned in 1824 and dedicated Dec 6, 1826. The dedication ceremony included “a sermon by Dr. Chaplin.”

Later in his life, Tripp was a teacher in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and in Mississippi, and was Clerk of Courts in Carroll County, Mississippi. He died in Winona, Mississippi (now the Montgomery County seat), at the age of 72.

(The author of the chapter on churches in the Waterville history is “George Dana Boardman Pepper, D.D., LL.D., Lately President of Colby College.”

(Pepper [Feb. 5, 1833 – Jan. 30, 1913] was the fourth and last child of John and Eunice [Hutchinson] Pepper. Born in Ware, Massachusetts, he attended two seminaries and Amherst College. From 1860 to 1865, he was pastor of Waterville’s First Baptist Church. Changing to education, he taught religious subjects before and after serving as Colby College’s ninth president from 1882 to 1889. Religion ran in the family; Find a Grave identifies his father as Deacon and one of his older brothers as Rev.)

* * * * * *

Lemuel Dunbar was born in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and married Cordana Fobes there on June 23, 1806, according to Find a Grave. This source says he bought land in Waterville Oct. 1, 1805; Plaisted said he moved to Waterville around 1808. They agree he built his house and shop at the corner of Main and North streets, at the north end of the present downtown.

Sources disagree on how many children Dunbar had. One implies that Cordana died and he remarried; Find a Grave says Cordana lived until 1869.

Their oldest son was Otis Holmes Dunbar (May 22, 1807 – Sept. 30, 1892), like his father a carpenter. Find a Grave says he was born in Penobscot, Maine; married Mary Talbot in Winslow, Maine, in 1836; worked in Maine and “the Boston area”; and by June 1860 was living in Princeton, Illinois, where he died. His body was returned to Waterville for burial in Pine Grove Cemetery with family members.

Find a Grave says the Dunbars had nine children, born between 1807 and 1826, and lists three daughters and three sons buried in Pine Grove Cemetery. Youngest son Lemuel was the only one still alive in 1902, Plaisted wrote.

Chaplin taught the first Waterville College classes in July 1818 in a house not far from Dunbar’s shop, according to Edward W. Hall’s chapter on Colby in Whittemore’s history.

Hall continued, “In 1821 the South College was built and eighteen rooms finished besides fitting up a part of the building for a chapel. The second dormitory, known as the North College…was built in 1822.” Dunbar was the carpenter for both buildings, he said.

By 1902, Plaisted said, Dunbar’s original house had been removed and replaced, and the shop had been converted to a house “now occupied by Mr. A. M. Dunbar” (the first Lemuel’s grandson?).

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Your writer’s next topics are Winslow and Waterville high schools, about which she has found little second-hand information. Long-time readers will remember that second-hand information is important: original research, in enclosed spaces among unknown people, has been forbidden since this series started early in the Covid epidemic.

The earliest information your writer found about Winslow high schools was from Kingsbury. He said in 1892, Winslow appropriated $250 to support two free high schools. One, he said, was in “the village of Winslow” and the other “in the eastern part of the town near the Baptist church.” That year they had 80 students between them.

Two on-line sites provide tantalizing bits of information from the first half of the 20th century. One says a wooden, three-story high school building on Halifax Street (which was then Getchell Stret) burned in 1914 and was rebuilt on the same lot in 1915. Halifax Street, also Route 100, runs east from the Kennebec at Fort Halifax.

Another site says the new high school that opened on Danielson Street in 1929 replaced the previous schools, plural. The Danielson Street school started out housing grades seven through 12, but seventh grade was soon moved elsewhere. Danielson Street, site of the current Winslow High School, is several blocks north of Halifax Street.

* * * * * *

Your writer’s short part-article on Waterville’s high schools in the Sept. 9, 2021, issue of “The Town Line” is unsatisfactory, in spite of editor Roland Hallee’s attractive illustrations. The following paragraphs will expand it a bit:

Elwood T. Wyman, in his chapter on public schools in Whittemore’s history, listed the “masters” of Waterville’s public high school “since its permanent organization in 1876.” There were nine of them up to 1902, and Richard W. Sprague, Colby Class of 1901, was about to become the tenth. Wyman commented that “every one of the masters in the list quoted has been a Colby graduate.”

This permanently organized school was not Waterville’s first high school, but information on previous ones is scanty. From what Wyman wrote, it appears that by the 1830s, some, at least, of the district schools provided some high-school-level courses. Wyman mentioned that in 1855, “Latin and French were authorized as studies in the high school.”
Education Winslow and Waterville high schools number 224 for Nov 14 2024

Before moving on to 19th-century Winslow and Waterville high schools, your writer will share one more item about Waterville grammar schools. With its ramifications, it was too long for last week’s article.

Readers learned last week that Waterville school authorities once created two classrooms in the town hall. Following is another example of improvised classroom space, from Henry Kingsbury’s 1892 Kennebec County history.

Kingsbury quoted a resident’s article in the April 21, 1882, “Waterville Mail” remembering when George Dana Boardman taught in “Lemuel Dunbar’s carpenter shop,” because there was no schoolhouse in his newly-created district.

Your writer thought it appropriate to add that Boardman (Feb. 8, 1801 – Feb. 11, 1831) was an internationally known missionary, and Dunbar (May 3, 1781 – c. Aug. 6, 1865) did important work in Waterville.

Boardman, a native of Livermore, Maine, was half the graduating class at the Aug. 1, 1822, first commencement at Waterville College (now Colby College).

He taught at least one term of school in Dunbar’s shop in 1820, while still a student, according to Aaron Appleton Plaisted’s chapter on early settlers in Rev. Edwin Carey Whittemore’s 1902 Waterville history. On July 16 of that year, Kingsbury said, Baptist minister Rev. Jeremiah Chaplin baptized Boardman.

After graduation, according to Wikipedia, Boardman was a Waterville College tutor in 1822-1823, before he went to Andover (Massachusetts) Theological Seminary. When he was ordained a Baptist minister in West Yarmouth, Maine, on Feb. 16, 1825, Wikipedia says Chaplin, by then Waterville College’s President, was a speaker.

On July 4, 1825, Boardman married Sarah Hall (Nov. 4, 1803 – Sept. 1, 1845), from Alstead, New Hampshire. On July 16, they sailed for Calcutta, on their way to Burma (now Myanmar), where they spent their lives as missionaries.

The couple lost at least two sons in infancy; the survivor they named George Dana Boardman (frequently called “the Younger,” Wikipedia says). After Boardman’s early death from consumption (tuberculosis) in Burma, Sarah married another missionary and associate, Adoniram Judson.

* * * * * *

The other half of Boardman’s class was Ephraim Tripp (c. 1799 – April 7, 1871). After graduation, according to on-line information about Waterville/Colby graduates, he served as principal of Hebron Academy in 1822-1823. Then he, too, became a tutor at his alma mater, from 1823 to 1827.

During these years, according to the chapter in Whittemore’s history on Waterville churches, Tripp was one of the three-man building committee for the First Baptist Church, planned in 1824 and dedicated Dec 6, 1826. The dedication ceremony included “a sermon by Dr. Chaplin.”

Later in his life, Tripp was a teacher in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and in Mississippi, and was Clerk of Courts in Carroll County, Mississippi. He died in Winona, Mississippi (now the Montgomery County seat), at the age of 72.

(The author of the chapter on churches in the Waterville history is “George Dana Boardman Pepper, D.D., LL.D., Lately President of Colby College.”

(Pepper [Feb. 5, 1833 – Jan. 30, 1913] was the fourth and last child of John and Eunice [Hutchinson] Pepper. Born in Ware, Massachusetts, he attended two seminaries and Amherst College. From 1860 to 1865, he was pastor of Waterville’s First Baptist Church. Changing to education, he taught religious subjects before and after serving as Colby College’s ninth president from 1882 to 1889. Religion ran in the family; Find a Grave identifies his father as Deacon and one of his older brothers as Rev.)

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Lemuel Dunbar was born in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and married Cordana Fobes there on June 23, 1806, according to Find a Grave. This source says he bought land in Waterville Oct. 1, 1805; Plaisted said he moved to Waterville around 1808. They agree he built his house and shop at the corner of Main and North streets, at the north end of the present downtown.

Sources disagree on how many children Dunbar had. One implies that Cordana died and he remarried; Find a Grave says Cordana lived until 1869.

Their oldest son was Otis Holmes Dunbar (May 22, 1807 – Sept. 30, 1892), like his father a carpenter. Find a Grave says he was born in Penobscot, Maine; married Mary Talbot in Winslow, Maine, in 1836; worked in Maine and “the Boston area”; and by June 1860 was living in Princeton, Illinois, where he died. His body was returned to Waterville for burial in Pine Grove Cemetery with family members.

Find a Grave says the Dunbars had nine children, born between 1807 and 1826, and lists three daughters and three sons buried in Pine Grove Cemetery. Youngest son Lemuel was the only one still alive in 1902, Plaisted wrote.

Chaplin taught the first Waterville College classes in July 1818 in a house not far from Dunbar’s shop, according to Edward W. Hall’s chapter on Colby in Whittemore’s history.

Hall continued, “In 1821 the South College was built and eighteen rooms finished besides fitting up a part of the building for a chapel. The second dormitory, known as the North College…was built in 1822.” Dunbar was the carpenter for both buildings, he said.

By 1902, Plaisted said, Dunbar’s original house had been removed and replaced, and the shop had been converted to a house “now occupied by Mr. A. M. Dunbar” (the first Lemuel’s grandson?).

* * * * * *

Your writer’s next topics are Winslow and Waterville high schools, about which she has found little second-hand information. Long-time readers will remember that second-hand information is important: original research, in enclosed spaces among unknown people, has been forbidden since this series started early in the Covid epidemic.

The earliest information your writer found about Winslow high schools was from Kingsbury. He said in 1892, Winslow appropriated $250 to support two free high schools. One, he said, was in “the village of Winslow” and the other “in the eastern part of the town near the Baptist church.” That year they had 80 students between them.

Two on-line sites provide tantalizing bits of information from the first half of the 20th century. One says a wooden, three-story high school building on Halifax Street (which was then Getchell Stret) burned in 1914 and was rebuilt on the same lot in 1915. Halifax Street, also Route 100, runs east from the Kennebec at Fort Halifax.

Another site says the new high school that opened on Danielson Street in 1929 replaced the previous schools, plural. The Danielson Street school started out housing grades seven through 12, but seventh grade was soon moved elsewhere. Danielson Street, site of the current Winslow High School, is several blocks north of Halifax Street.

* * * * * *

Your writer’s short part-article on Waterville’s high schools in the Sept. 9, 2021, issue of The Town Line is unsatisfactory, in spite of editor Roland Hallee’s attractive illustrations. The following paragraphs will expand it a bit:

Elwood T. Wyman, in his chapter on public schools in Whittemore’s history, listed the “masters” of Waterville’s public high school “since its permanent organization in 1876.” There were nine of them up to 1902, and Richard W. Sprague, Colby Class of 1901, was about to become the tenth. Wyman commented that “every one of the masters in the list quoted has been a Colby graduate.”

This permanently organized school was not Waterville’s first high school, but information on previous ones is scanty. From what Wyman wrote, it appears that by the 1830s, some, at least, of the district schools provided some high-school-level courses. Wyman mentioned that in 1855, “Latin and French were authorized as studies in the high school.”

After 1846, some students qualified for high-school level studies attended one of two private high schools, Waterville Academy (later Coburn Classical Institute) or Waterville Liberal Institute. After the Civil War, Waterville temporarily abandoned its public high school(s).

Wyman wrote: “In 1864 pupils of high school rank were sent to Waterville Academy where Dr. [James] Hanson received $4.50 a term for their tuition. This arrangement was continued until the establishment of an independent high school in 1876.”

(Hanson was then starting his second term as Academy principal; he served from 1843 to 1854 and again from 1865 to his death in 1894.)

Skipping to 1902, Wyman wrote that the southern of the two brick primary schools built in or soon after 1853 was by then “the main part of the present high school building.” But he did not describe how it attained that role, or where high school classes were held before the mid-1850s or after 1876.

* * * * * *

Waterville Academy was established in 1829 as a preparatory school for Colby College, Waterville Liberal Institute in 1835 as a Universalist high school. (See the Oct. 21, 2021, issue of The Town Line.)

Waterville Academy boys initially took classes at the college. In 1828, college trustees decided on a physically, but not yet legally, separate school.

Timothy Boutelle, a prominent Waterville lawyer, donated land, Wikipedia says, and President Chaplin raised the funds for “a small brick building” where classes started in the fall of 1829, with 61 students. The first head of the academy was Colby senior Henry W. Paine, assisted by a classmate; Kingsbury wrote that Paine returned in August 1831 for another five years.

The Academy closed in 1839 and 1840, because, according to Waterville historian Ernest Marriner, Waterville Liberal Institute took too many of the eligible students. It reopened in 1841 and a year later separated legally from the college.

Kingsbury wrote that in the fall of 1843, when Hanson became principal for the first time, the Academy had five students. By 1853, there were 308 students, and Hanson got an assistant, George B. Gow, who became principal when Hanson left in 1854.

Female students were admitted beginning in 1845. Kingsbury wrote that “another room was fitted up and Miss Roxana F. Hanscom was employed to teach a department for girls.”

In 1865, according to the Wikipedia writer, the Academy was renamed Waterville Classical Institute. In 1882, it was renamed again, Coburn Classical Institute, in honor of benefactor Abner Coburn. In 1970, Coburn merged with Oak Grove School; the combined school closed in 1989.

* * ** * *

Waterville Liberal Institute was chartered by the Maine legislature Feb. 28, 1835, and opened Dec. 12, 1836. The first principal was Nathaniel M. Whitmore, Kingsbury said, and the school started with 54 students.

A “female department” opened in 1850. In 1851, according to that year’s catalog, the Institute had 174 students, 91 boys and 83 girls. Most were from Waterville, but other Maine towns, Massachusetts and New Brunswick were represented.

The Institute closed in 1857, when, Kingsbury wrote, “the growth of Westbrook Seminary sufficiently filled the field.”

Main sources

Kingsbury, Henry D., ed., Illustrated History of Kennebec County Maine 1625-1892 (1892)
Whittemore, Rev. Edwin Carey, Centennial History of Waterville 1802-1902 (1902)

Websites, miscellaneous