SOLON & BEYOND: A look at some back issues

Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percyby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

This morning I’m going to write some of the August 4, 2005.

My many thanks to all of you who have told me you liked the Flagstaff article, my thanks also to Roland for doing this series, it means so much . This week I’m going to let Percy (he was still alive then ) have more space, he would like to share these words with you: Realize that you are capable of working miracles of your own making. Remember that it’s up to you to find the key that unlocks the door to your happiness. Understand that increased difficulty brings you nearer to the truth of how to get beyond it. Cross your bridges. Meet your challenges. Reach out for your dreams, and discover how to get closer and closer to a more fulfilling life. Get rid of the ‘if only,s and get on with whatever you need to do to get things right.” ( words by Douglas Pagels.)

A regular meeting of the Solon Historical Society was held at the Masonic Hall on July 25 with 18 attending. A short business meeting was conducted by president Lois Starbird. It was reported that someone has cut the cable across the society’s land on Parkman Hill and fires have been started there. Betsy Graboyes has given an answering machine for the History house and Enid Tozior donated a step ladder. The next meeting will be a picnic at the home of Harriet Dolan, in North Anson, on Monday, Aug. 22. The program, The History of the Boston Post Cane will be presented by Marilyn Rogers.

Now Percy and I will end this column with these wise words from George Washington: “Be courteous to all but intimate with few; and let these few be well tried before you give them your confidence.”

The following information is from another of The Town Line papers on December 19, 2019. Received a most welcome letter this week that pleased me greatly. It was from the Natural Resources Council of Maine….. and it starts with these words: “thank you for submitting your letter to the editor titled Thankful for Strong Opposition to CMP Corridor that ran on November 17, in the Kennebec Journal. We value your commitment to make the public aware of this critical environmental issue.”

I was very pleased to get that letter and, of course, I saved it! The letter ended with these words, “Thank you again for bringing awareness to concerns facing the nature of Maine. You have made a difference.”

And now I will end this week’s column with these words: And now for Percy’s memoir called Of Gifts of Life! Do what you can with the gifts of life and gifts of heart and mind, while they are still within our power to share with humankind – for it is seldom meant to be that gifts we own today, will be forever ours to keep or ours to give away. Don’t let them fade to trials of time or waste to dearths of age, for they are like the joys of youth luxuries of wage, they’re ours to own for just a while, to do with as we can, that will endear our souls to God and grace our fellow man. (words by Michael Dubina.)

OBITUARIES for Thursday, December 16, 2021

CYNTHIA L. BURBINE

WATERVILLE – Cynthia Lynn (Fowler) Burbine, 59, passed away on Sunday November 28, 2021, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, following a nine-month battle with cancer. She was the wife to Jeff Burbine with whom she shared 28 years of marriage and two children. Cindy was born March 19, 1962, in Nashua, New Hampshire, the daughter of Carl and Winifred Fowler, of Prospect.

She was a happy girl who loved her parents and two brothers, Mark and Greg Fowler. She was a graduate of Nashua High School, in New Hampshire, and went on to further her education at Hesser College (now Mount Washington College), in Manchester, New Hampshire. She worked as an admissions assistant for many years and was a financial analyst at Wang Computers.

Cindy found fulfillment in raising her children and spending her time with her family. Cindy was a passionate person who valued her family and her faith in God. Her summers were spent swimming in her pool, roller skating and documenting family life through photography. She and her husband were active members at Faith Evangelical Free Church, in Waterville.

In addition to her husband Jeff and her parents, Cindy is survived by her two children, Alexandria E. Burbine, of Dover, and Jacob G. Burbine, of Fairfield; her brothers, Mark Fowler, of Orland, and Greg Fowler, of Bedford, New Hampshire; and her granddaughter Lila Burbine; many nieces and nephews.

Cindy’s memorial service was held at Faith Evangelical Free Church, 250 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Waterville, on Saturday, December 11, 2021.

Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St. Augusta, where condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Waterville Humane Society, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME, 04901.

KEVIN M. BRANDT

VASSALBORO – Kevin Michael Brandt, 44, passed away on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Kevin was born March 9, 1977, to Gerald and Lily (Lyon) Brandt in Augusta.

He was raised in Richmond during his youth and later moved to North Augusta were he attended Buker School and Cony High School, graduating in 1995.

In August 1995 during the Windsor Fair, Kevin and met Jodele Chase and started dating. On May 15, 2004, they were married in the gazebo where they shared their first kiss nine years before.

In July 2004, Kevin was diagnosed with a brain tumor. But in February 2005, their son Hunter was born early, weighing just over a pound. Kevin was extremely proud and delighted to be called “Papa”. In 2009 Kevin went into remission. They moved to Vassalboro, and Kevin became a stay at home dad, and every morning he waited with Hunter to see him off to school and to meet his bus in the afternoon.

Kevin cherished his family and told them every day how much he loved them. He would do anything he could to help his family and friends. He would not hesitate to help a friend in a moments notice. Kevin would often drive his wife to work during snowstorms and show up before the end of her shift and start to clean her co-workers cars off of snow after a long shift. He had a soft spot for animals and almost all of their pets were adopted by Kevin when they were abandoned and unwanted. He was so generous and kind and never argued with his wife when she gathered several names off the angel tree at Christmastime.

Kevin loved to drive and they would often go for rides throughout Maine and New Hampshire. They never had a destination, and they would take roads they had never been on to see where it ended up. He loved being outdoors, enjoying nature. He was a hunter and fisherman and would often go “heater hunting”.

In 2017, Kevin’s brain tumor returned and was more aggressive this time around. His speech was affected and sometimes he would say funny things in place of the actual words he wanted to say. The family called it “tumor humor” and would refer to his tumor as a lemon. They laughed and cried together these past four years as Kevin lost control of his body. He was no longer able to drive and hunting was a far memory for him. He lost his energy and was unable to keep up with outdoor activities. Through it all he never complained and was a laid back guy. He would often say he lived, “just one day at a time.”

Kevin was predeceased by his grandmother Dorothy Shaw and his father Gerald.

He is survived by his wife Jodele (Chase), his son Hunter; mother Lily Brandt; brother Robert Brandt; uncles Charlie Lyon and his wife Ann, and Robin Lyon; cousins Travis, Parker and Jessica Lyon; aunt Mary Wood and her husband Doug; is mother-in-law Sally Costello; sister-in-law Andrea Grant; and nephew Joey Grant.

Kevin requested no funeral. A celebration of his life will be arranged later in March 2022.

In lieu of flowers please pay it forward and be generous just like Kevin. Pick a name off the angel tree, donate to the humane society in your area or help any person or animal in need and tell your loved ones everyday how much you love them.

THOMAS R. COLE

WINSLOW – Thomas Rueben Cole, 78, passed away on Thursday, December 2, 2021. He was born in Albion on August 2, 1943, the son of Burleigh and Bertha (Webber) Cole.

He married Kathy (Gilbert) on November 23, 1973, they had been married this past month for 48 years.

Tom served in the United States Army and later worked as a printer for many years for JS Mccarthy, in Augusta. He was a member of the Oakland Lions Club. He enjoyed wine making, fishing, and could make anything work again with a little duct tape and skill. He even tried karate and tai chi and was a very artistic soul. His greatest joy was being with his family and his grandsons. He loved spending time at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Old Orchard Beach, with them.

Tom was predeceased by his parents; his brothers Richard and Roger Cole, his sister, Beverly Hayes, and his son-in-law Peter Bolduc.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his daughters Tammy and her husband Chuck Pullen, and Jill Bolduc; his sister, Jennie Gould; his grandchildren Ethan, Andrew, Ryan, and Justin; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 16, at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, on the Mount Vernon Road, in Augusta, at noon with military honors.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, please visit http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com to share your memories and condolences.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oakland Lions Club, c/o David Coughlin, 76 Highland Drive, Oakland ME 04963.

VERNON E. WYMAN

LIBERTY – Vernon Eugene “Gene” Wyman, 82, passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, following a long illness. He was born in Morrill, on April 30, 1939, and grew up in Liberty Village.

He graduated from Walker High School in 1957. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy right out of high school and served until 1962 as an aviation machinist’s mate onboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Saratoga with VA-36.

He married Dorothy Livingstone (Dot) on April 14, 1962, and they remained in Liberty and raised their family there.

Gene was a long-time member of the Liberty Masonic Lodge #111 and the Arbutus Chapter of the Eastern Star. He worked all over the Northeast for Cianbro Corporation, of Pittsfield, as an electrician and millwright before retiring in 2004.

Gene was also a consummate tinkerer. He could often be found in his garage tinkering away on one of his Corvairs or fixing a lawnmower, or snowblower or chain saw, or some other piece of equipment. He also enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, and taking early morning swims at Marshall’s Shore, on Lake St. George.

Gene was predeceased by his parents, Vernon “Peanut” and Lucilla Hussey Wyman, and his brothers-in-law Mike Sockalexis, David Livingstone, and Leslie Luce.

He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Dot Wyman, and their three children – Kimberly Wyman and her husband Kerry Guilford, of Lamoine, Lisa Dresser, and her husband Tim, of Camden, and Kirk Wyman, of Lisbon Falls; seven grandchildren, Katherine Libby, Ryan Reilly, Trevor Reilly, Ashlie Stubbs, Chelsie Herrin, Sage Wyman, and Saul Wyman; as well as his 10 great-grandchildren, Aiden, Madoc, Luke, Liam, Mia, Kinsleigh, Evelyn, Emmett, Oliver, and Nolan; his sister, Joyce Luce, of Washington; sisters-in-law Faith Garrold and her husband Don, of Searsport, Toni Clark and her husband Jesse, of Liberty, Shirley Livingstone, of Milbridge, Janet Strom and her husband Lenny, of Bangor, Sallie Bailey, of Lewiston, and Denise Saller and her husband Andy, of Olympia, Washington; brother-in-law Douglas Wood, of Clinton; as well as many nieces and nephews.

At his request, there will be no visiting hours.

A graveside service will be held in the spring.

If you wish to honor Gene’s memory, please consider making a donation to the Liberty Masonic Lodge or Arbutus chapter of the Eastern Star.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com

HAROLD M. KLAIBER

WATERVILLE – Harold M. Klaiber, 90, of Waterville, passed away on Friday, December 3, 2021. Harold was born August 27, 1931, in Kenmore, New York, the son of Herbert and Helen (Dailey) Klaiber.

He enlisted in the Navy following his graduation and was a veteran of the Korean War. He would later earn his masters degree from Syracuse University, in forestry. Harold worked for Scott Paper Co., Central Maine Power and Dirigo Partners.

He was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church, in Waterville, serving as Sunday School teacher and deacon throughout earlier years. Harold loved the outdoors, fishing, football, and most of all spending time with his family at his camp on Moosehead Lake or the yearly reunions at Sunset Beach, North Carolina.

Harold was predeceased by his wife Jean, his son Andrew Klaiber, his daughter Ruthanne Klaiber, his grandson Michael Klaiber, and his two brothers Morton and Arnold Klaiber.

He is survived by his sons, Clyde and Kelly Klaiber, and Paul and Carole Klaiber; his daughter-in-law Kelly Klaiber; his sister Carol Grace; his grandchildren, Amy (Nate) Herbert, Courtney Klaiber, Thomas Klaiber, Jeremy Klaiber, Danielle (Mark) Legere, Nicholas (Amanda) Klaiber, Kristin (Patrick) Fitzgerald, and Heidi (Charlie) Klaiber- Judkins; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, Dec. 11, at Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, in Waterville.

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

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Beacon Hospice through Amedisys Foundation, 384 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.

ROSARIO J. SANTERRE

GARDINER – Rosario “Rosy” J. Santerre, 100, passed away peacefully at Woodlands Memory Care, in Hallowell, on Friday, December 3, 2021. Rosy was born on November 2, 1921, in North Connor, the son of Albert and Mattie Santerre.

The family later moved to Waterville. Rosy graduated from Waterville High School where he played football and hockey, sparking a lifelong love of the sport.

Rosy married Iva Wing in May 1941. Their love spanned 44 years, endured two wars, welcomed three children and was always rooted in family.

Shortly after they were married, Rosy joined the U.S. Navy, serving aboard ship during World War II until he was discharged in 1945. After returning home, he worked at Bath Iron Works for a short time before joining the staff at the Veteran’s Administration, in Togus, as an electrician.

He soon began building a home for his family in Gardiner – a labor of love that would have to wait as he was called upon again to serve in the Navy during the Korean War, at which time he was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. He picked up his hammer after returning, completing construction of the home he started and in which he and his family would live many happy years. He lived there until becoming a resident of Woodlands, in Waterville, in March 2021 at the age of 99.

Rosy and Iva purchased property on Tacoma Lake, in Litchfield, in 1954, where he built a family camp. The first winter after the camp was complete, his vision of summers on the water and his passion for building lead to his next project: a boat that he built in the cellar of his home with bulkhead doors smaller than the boat was wide. Undeterred, Rosy found a way and the boat set sail in the summer 1955. The lake was a special gathering place for family and friends for several years especially for his daughter, Gail, who summered there for many years.

The game of hockey was a large part of Rosy’s life. He played on many outdoor rinks for years until Kennebec Ice Arena, in Hallowell, was built in 1973. He was part of a group that brought hockey and skating to our area. There he played in the men’s league, coached youth hockey and as a staff member, was often seen driving the Zamboni. When Camden Ice Vault replaced the former arena, the fireplace paid tribute to him with the words “Rosy’s Rink of Dreams”.

Rosy also spent time on the slopes, driving the family to Sugarloaf nearly every weekend for a couple of years before building a camp there in the early 1960s. Once the arena opened, he sold the camp at Sugarloaf but still made his way to the mountain a few times each winter.

Rosy’s full life also included the love of golf. He took to the greens, playing local courses as well as traveling with golf buddies out of state for enjoyable games on various courses. He played in several leagues over the years and was fortunate to play a few holes at a time to the hospitality of Sheepscott Links, in Whitefield. He last played in the summer 2019 at the age of 98 years old.

To add to Rosy’s life of activities, he became a crew member on the race team of his grandson, Steven Prescott. From Legends cars, they moved into the PRO Truck Series and then graduated to NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He enjoyed being with the team and their many adventures from 1990 – 2000. He also made some memorable road trips with son-in-law, Peter, in a 1940 Ford. They logged miles across Route 66 and adventures to other states always returning home with happy tales to share.

Throughout his century of living, Rosy always took pride and found joy in his family and friends.

He will be sadly missed by many. May he rest in peace knowing his legacy lives on. He was predeceased by his year-old son, Elmer Kenneth, in November 1947; wife, Iva Marie, in March 1985; and daughter, Gail Ann, in November 2018.

He leaves behind his daughter Sandra and husband Peter Prescott; granddaughter, Stacy Prescott and husband Michael Zerangue; grandson, Steven Prescott and wife Tracey and their children, Peter and Patrick Prescott, Tyler, Tanner, Tucker and Talia Nussinow.

A celebration of Rosy’s amazing life will be held at the Camden National Bank Ice Vault, Hallowell, at a later date to be announced.

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

Those wishing to remember Rosy in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Rosy’s Youth Hockey Scholarship Fund, c/o Camden National Bank Ice Vault, P.O. Box 216, Hallowell, ME 04347.

MARILYN I. ALLEY

NORTH VASSALBORO – Marilyn I. Alley, 81, of North Vassalboro, died peacefully at home on Friday, December 3, 2021. She was born in Montville on August 13, 1940, the daughter of the late Clarence and Thelma Choate.

Marilyn married F. Richard Alley, of North Vassalboro, on March 19, 1966. They were married for 49 years until his passing on December 5, 2015.

In her younger years, Marilyn loved farming, horseback riding, and crocheting. In her later years she would make and donate afghans to the Native American children of Montana and South Dakota. She loved writing to her many pen pals across the country. She enjoyed gardening as well.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Raymond C. Alley, of North Vassalboro, and Rachel Akers and her husband, David J., Jr., of Albion; her two grandchildren, Richard Akers, of Albion, and Jesse Akers, of Fairfield; and her three great-grandchildren, Reagan Vannah, and Hunter Akers, and Luna Akers, all of Waterville.

A graveside service will be announced in the spring.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral and Cremation Care, Fairfield where memories and condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Marilyn’s memory to St. Joseph’s Indian School, P.O. Box 100, Chamberlain, SD 57325-0100.

ROSE E. ROWE

BENTON – Rose Earlene Rowe, 65, passed away on Friday, December 3, 2021, following a brief illness. She was born in Waterville on August 16, 1956, the daughter of the late Everett and Theresa (Buotte) Rowe.

Rose was a graduate of Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, class of 1974. Her past employment included C. F. Hathaway Shirt Co., Yard Goods Center, both in Waterville, and was a housekeeper for several years. She also volunteered as an EMT for the town of Unity, and volunteered for the Red Cross, assisting victims of fire and automobile accidents by bringing them blankets, clothing, toys for the children, and mostly words of comfort.

Rose was a wonderful seamstress and did some crocheting. She loved to read novels, and research books about archeology, gemstones, or antiques. She enjoyed playing Bingo, playing cards with her dear friend, Earline Bickford, going shopping with her aunt, Dot Veilleux, and trips to the beach with her cousin, Danielle Marcoux.

Rose loved to go metal detecting and hunting for gemstones. She enjoyed going to auctions, and lawn sales with her good friend, Wayne Fitch. Some of her other adventures included flying lessons, driving a race car at Unity Raceway, trips to Belfast to enjoy the ocean, and she became a member of a gem club here in Maine. She was kind, funny, intuitive, adventurous, loving, outgoing, and had a sparkling personality.

She loved the Lord, and was baptized together with her daughter, Jenn, in the summer of 1998, at Lake St. George. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, David Rowe.

Rose is survived by her daughter, Jenn Davis, and her husband, Kurt; her grandchildren, Kayla Flewelling and her husband, Josiah, Sara Dumont and her husband, Nicholas, Brandon Davis, Amber Davis and her fiancé, Tyler Brown, Emily Davis, Samuel Davis, and Camden Davis; her great-grandchildren, Lily, Emelia, Diana, Camille, Grayson, and Aspen; and, many cousins, and extended family members.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m., on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at East Benton Christian Church, 500 East Benton Road, in Benton. Burial will be in the spring at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville.

Arrangements are in the care of the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St. Fairfield where condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Donations to help defray funeral expenses can be made to her daughter, Jennifer Davis, 24 Unity Road, Benton, ME 04901.

THERESA J. MURRAY

WATERVILLE – Theresa Jean (Noel) Murray, 85, passed away on Monday, December 6, 2021. Theresa was the daughter of Joseph and Rose (LaCroix) Noel, of Waterville. She was born on October 19, 1926, as one of six children.

Theresa was a social butterfly who never met a stranger. She was very active in the VFW Auxiliary and loved to dance and travel with her friends, “The Three Musketeers.” Theresa was a true daughter of Maine who worked hard all her life whether at the toothpick factory, waitressing in Waterville and owning Mother Murray’s restaurant in Fairfield.

She was a devoted mother to her three children, always tending to their needs whether they lived locally in Waterville or served in Vietnam. As a child of the Depression, she lived a life of self-sacrifice and frugality always saving for a rainy day. Through it all she lived a happy and fulfilled life always surrounded by friends and welcoming many neighbor-hood, high school and collegiate friends of her children. To those family and friends who loved her goodbye will never suffice.

She was predeceased by her parents, five siblings and her husband Kenneth Murray.

She is survived by her three children, son Daniel and wife Cynthia of Atlanta, Georgia; daughter Kathy and her husband Greg, of Canaan; and youngest son Karl and wife Jennifer, of Waterville; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren living in the Waterville area as well as Kennesaw, Georgia.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, December 11, at Notre Dame du Perpetual Secours Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MaineGeneral Hospice, P.O. Box 828,Waterville, Maine 04901.

CYNTHIA COLLINS-BUZBY

SIDNEY – Cynthia “Cindy” Collins-Buzby, 71, of Sidney, passed away following a long illness at her home on Monday, December 6, 2021. Born November 4, 1950, in Gardiner, she was the daughter of Philip and Arlena (Sidelinger) Collins.

A graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China, class of 1969, Cindy held various positions in many different occupations including being a nurse’s aide, but she always felt her biggest and most meaningful accomplishment was being a wife and mother.

Cindy enjoyed spending time with her family, bird watching and as an avid animal lover being an advocate of the Humane Society Waterville Area. She also supported many other charitable organizations including the Wounded Warriors Project for wounded veterans. Cindy’s humor and quick wit brought joy and laughter to all who knew her.

Cindy was predeceased by both of her parents; and her grandson, Triton Knowlton.

Cindy is survived by her husband, Robert “Buz” Buzby; her two daughters, Jaime (Peabody) Hanks and her husband Ian Hanks, of Standish, and Stacy (Buzby) Knowlton, of Fairfield; and her four stepchildren, Roger and his wife Sarah Buzby, of Millinocket, Vanessa (Buzby) Glazier and her husband Jeffrey Glazier, of Waterville, Winne Buzby, of Seattle, Washington, and Amanda Buzby, of Gardiner; and six grandchildren.

A private family burial at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Augusta will be held at a later date.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

PETER J. BOLDUC

WINSLOW – Peter John Bolduc, 49, passed away suddenly from natural causes on Tuesday, December 7, 2021. He was born April 17, 1972, in Waterville the third son of Joseph O. and Rowena (Wrigley) Bolduc.

Pete grew up in Oakland, graduating from Messalonskee High School, then graduating from the University of Maine-Orono with degrees in physical education as well as special education.

He worked for many years at the Oakland Recreation Summer program. Pete began his teaching career as well as football coaching career at SAD #47 (now RSU #18), in Oakland, immediately following graduation. In 2006, Pete fulfilled a lifelong goal of becoming a phys ed. teacher in the Winslow school system. Not long after, he became a football coach for the Winslow Black Raiders. In 2021, Pete and his lifelong friend Wes Littlefield, became co-head coaches of the Black Raiders.

Pete and Jill (Cole) Bolduc were married on March 27, 1998, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, in Oakland. Pete and Jill were blessed with two sons, Andrew and Justin, who both had the opportunity to be taught and coached by their father.

Following their father, they are both currently students at the University Maine Orono. Pete loved his family, players, students, and communities.

Following their passion for community service, Pete and Jill worked several summers at Pine Tree Camp, in Oakland, where Pete made many lifelong friends. Their commitment to helping others, the community, and the betterment of the students Pete taught, will be their legacy for generations to come.

Preceding Peter in death are his parents, his sister Lori Lee and his father-in-law Thomas Cole.

Pete leaves behind his wife Jill; his sons Andrew and Justin; his mother-in-law, Kathy Cole; his brothers, Joey and wife Sally, and Kevin and wife Kathy; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Tammy and Chuck Pullen; as well as several nieces and nephews and their families.

In lieu of flowers an annual scholarship for a Winslow football player best representing Pete’s values and pursuing further education will be established.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Lewis Cemetery, Cottle Road, in Oakland, beginning at 10 a.m.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St. Waterville, please visit http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com to share your memories and condolences.

Please send contributions, made payable to Winslow High School to, Coach Peter Bolduc Memorial Scholarship, Winslow High School, 20 Danielson St., Winslow, ME 04901.

IVAN LACOMBE

WATERVILLE – Ivan Lacombe, 86, of Waterville, passed away on Wednesday December 8, 2021. He was born in Saint- Eleuthere, Québec, son of Theodore and Germaine LaCombe.

In Fort Kent he married the love of his life, Yvette Raymond. They moved to Waterville soon after and started a family. He later retired from Keyes Fibre / Chinet (now Huhtamaki), in Waterville, after 30-plus years of dedicated employment. He was a hard worker and did side work for himself over the years as well. Ivan loved fishing, especially with his sons.

Ivan is survived by a family that includes his five children and their families: son, Milton Lacombe, wife Nancy and grandchildren Sarah and Nicole and their families, son, Roland Lacombe, daughter, Darlene Lacombe, husband Dana Russell and grandchildren Ron Reynolds and Melissa Lacombe and their families, son, Raymond LaCombe, wife Judy and granddaughter Stacey Carson and husband, daughter, Lisa LaCombe, husband Jamey Norman and grandchildren Scott Norman, Vanessa Gerry and husband; and extended family.

There will be no public visitation at the family’s request.

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

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

JULIET FERRIS

WATERVILLE – Juliet “Judy” Ferris, 95, passed in peace on Thursday December 9, 2021, at Oak Grove Nursing Home, in Waterville. She was born on August 30, 1926, in North Vassalboro, to Thomas Bolos Ferris and Catherine “Katina” Ferris.

She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Deeb David Ferris and her sister-in-law, Sumayah Nawfel Ferris, sisters Dale Ferris, Emmeline Wells, Faith Ferris; and two nephews, Paul Anthony Ferris and Thomas David Ferris.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews throughout the U.S. and locally, including Maria Ferris Bouchard and her husband Frank Bouchard, Allison Ferris Crate and her husband Stephen, Richard Ferris, and Catherine Berryman.

She will be remembered as a caring nursery school teacher for the Holy Childhood Nursery School that she ran for many years with her sister, Dale Ferris. Many generations of young students in the greater Waterville area obtained an early foundation to God and life from her guidance and care.

She was a faithful parishioner at Corpus Christie Parish, and attended St Bridget’s Church, in North Vassalboro. She was great friends with Father Jim Roy whom she visited with her sister, Dale, in Kenya, Africa. It was a trip of a lifetime she and Dale took in July 1980 when they visited London, Paris, and Rome before arriving at the Maryknoll Mission, in Mombasa, Kenya.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, December 18, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St. in Waterville. Internment of the ashes will be held in the spring 2022 in the North Vassalboro Village Cemetery.

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

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR ROBERT FOSTER

A memorial service will be held for Robert “Bob” Foster, on Tuesday, December 28, at 1 p.m., at the MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post #8835, on Veterans Dr., in Winslow.

Bob, 88, passed away suddenly on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at JFK International Airport, in New York City, New York. He and his wife Marion were on their way to visit their grandson in Washington state.

 

 

 

 

 

Windsor transfer station needs to replace tire can

by The Town Line staff

At the November 23 meeting of the Windsor select board, Transfer Station Supervisor Sean Teekema noted that the tire can is in rough shape and will not last the winter. He suggested taking the existing Demo can and use it for tires, and replace the Demo can with a new one. It was also suggested to put a cement pad under the tire can. There is $25,840 in the transfer station reserve account, so Selectman Ronald F. Brann will research the cost of a new Demo can.

The Veterans Memorial Pie sale, held on November 20, at Hussey’s General Store, netted $1,111.11 in sales, and $111.11 from the cash jug. Currently there is $11,596.29 in the Veterans Memorial Fund. A question was raised as to whether they should add more money in the budget for next year to the Veterans Memorial Fund. It was agreed to discuss that at a later time.

To date, 24-1/2 miles of lines have been painted on town roads. Sixty-six percent of the lines are done. The stop bar for the Barton/Jones road was done on the Route 105 side, but not the Jones Road. Town Manager Theresa Haskell said she will contact Lucas Striping to look into it.

In other business, the Windsor School is asking the Reed Funding Group to reimburse a teacher directly for the four bean bag chairs that were agreed to be purchased for the school. It was unanimously passed that a manual check in the amount of $341.78 be issued to Windsor Elementary School for reimbursement of four bean bag chairs, and they would reimburse the teacher.

Discussion centered for the upcoming holiday schedule for the transfer station. The transfer station will be closed Friday, December 24 and Saturday, December 25, and Saturday, January 1, 2022. The select board agreed to let Sean Teekema, transfer station supervisor, to decide if the transfer station will be open on December 31.

A meeting of the Windsor Bicentennial Committee was held on November 15. The $313.55 remaining in the Windsor Days accunt will be used towards the bicentennial event.

Finally, it was reported that 16 accounts are impending auto foreclosure. Of those, 12 are repeat and usually pay at the last minute.

The next meeting of the select board was held on December 7.

China Broadband Committee (CBC) entertains proposal for expanded service

by Mary Grow

China Broadband Committee (CBC) members entertained a proposal for expanded service by Spectrum at their Dec. 9 meeting, and offered multiple suggestions for sweetening the deal.
Spectrum was represented by Melinda Kinney, Regional Senior Director for Spectrum’s parent company, Charter Communications. Her prepared presentation started with Spectrum’s nation-wide reach, zeroed in on China and included an offer.

Nationally, Charter/Spectrum has more than 750,000 “miles of network infrastructure” in 41 states. In Maine, the company serves 448,000 customers, in 293 communities, and has 680 employees. Augusta, Bangor and Portland are listed as the largest “employment centers,” but Kinney said the company tries to hire local technicians and other employees who are familiar with the service area.

In China, Kinney showed 2,268 homes and businesses served. The proposal she presented would add 15.9 miles of infrastructure, reaching 120 currently unserved homes. The cost would be $296,380 for Charter and $429,000 for the Town of China.

The plan would not be the all-fiber system CBC members prefer, but the hybrid now in use: a fiber network with copper connections to each building served.

Nor would the speed be as high as CBC members think necessary. Kinney presented several speeds, with cost options and additional-service options. Spectrum offers two programs to assist low-income consumers, she said.

CBC member Tod Detre’s reaction was, “We’d be paying for you to extend your network.”

Kinney agreed; China’s $496,000 would bring the town no ownership rights. Spectrum would own and be totally responsible for the network.

The following discussion established that there could be more than 120 unserved houses, and if so Spectrum would consider adjusting its proposal, within limits. Long driveways might prohibit service, or make installation expensive for the home-owner; roads with no utility poles could not be served, Kinney said.

CBC members’ previous discussion with Axiom, a potential service provider, was based on the town owning the infrastructure and Axiom – or a successor if town officials so chose – being entirely responsible for service. Axiom proposed running fiberoptic cable to every house, eliminating the copper link.

On Nov. 2, China voters rejected the committee’s proposal to authorize selectmen to issue a bond to pay for the new infrastructure to support Axiom’s service.

For the Spectrum proposal, cost was one issue for CBC members. Discussion of whether grants could cover part of China’s share was inconclusive, because Maine’s rules for awarding internet connectivity grants are not yet written.

The other major issue was running fiber all the way to each building. Detre and CBC Chairman Robert O’Connor think it’s essential, both for superior service now and because it’s the way internet development is going. O’Connor urged Kinney to ask her company to get ahead of the times.

Her reply was that fiber to the home might be feasible in a new service area, but replacing the existing infrastructure in China is probably not feasible. She told CBC members she will relay their concerns and suggestions to her superiors and report back as she gets answers.

Spectrum still has potential competition, even if Axiom is counted out.

At the Nov. 22 China select board meeting, board and CBC members heard a presentation from Bob Parsloe, of Wireless Partners, LLC, another internet possibility for China residents. At the Dec. 9 CBC meeting, O’Connor said he would like to talk again with representatives of Consolidated Communications, which currently serves some China homes.

The next CBC meeting is tentatively scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article (and the print edition) incorrectly referred to the Charter/Spectrum representative as Melinda Perkins. Her name is Melinda Kinney. The article has been updated. We apologize for the error.

VASSALBORO – Small problem turns out bigger: resolved anyway

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Planning Board members started their Dec. 7 meeting thinking they had a small problem. It turned into a bigger one, and they solved it anyway.
At issue was the solar development at 2579 Riverside Drive. It was originally proposed by and permitted to a company named Longroad Energy (see The Town Line, Sept. 10, 2020), and repermitted in August 2021 as the permit’s one-year expiration date loomed.

The work had not started because Central Maine Power Company had not, and still has not, given final approval for adding the solar energy to the power grid.

After several changes, the project now belongs to a different company, Summit Ridge Energy, based in Arlington, Virginia. Ben Aparo, Summit’s Senior Director for Northeast Development, and Brook Barnes, representing a prior owner, asked the planning board to please change the permit to the new owner.

However, board member Douglas Phillips pointed out the clause in the Vassalboro Site Review Ordinance that says: “Permits shall be issued to the applicant of record. The permit(s) are not transferable to a new owner.”

Board members agreed the restriction makes sense. The new owner might not be able to carry out the permitted project; or ordinance requirements might have changed since the original permit was issued.

Neither situation was applicable to the solar development. Aparo and Barnes presented evidence that Summit has the financial capacity to build the solar farm; they assured board members that they intend no changes from the previously-approved plan; and Vassalboro voters have not amended the ordinance.

Barnes and Aparo therefore submitted a revised application in the name of the new ownership, incorporating the information from the original application. Board members voted unanimously to approve it.

The Dec. 7 meeting was Paul Mitnik’s last as Vassalboro’s Codes Enforcement Officer. Ryan Page will succeed him in the position as of Jan. 1, 2022, and Mitnik will become an alternate member of the planning board, appointed by select board members at their Nov. 18 meeting.

Vassalboro select board discusses money, ordinances

by Mary Grow

Much of the discussion at the Dec. 9 Vassalboro select board meeting was about either ordinances or money, the money as a preliminary to consideration of the 2022-23 municipal budget.

Ordinances included the Marijuana Business Ordinance town voters approved in June and the Mass Gathering Ordinance they rejected in November.

The former requires licenses for marijuana businesses operating in Vassalboro before it was enacted, and is intended to ban new marijuana businesses. The codes officer is responsible for dealing with license applications.

At a public licensing hearing during the Dec. 9 meeting, Codes Officer Paul Mitnik recommended approval of four licenses for a Cushnoc Road facility. One is for building owner Daniel Charest. Three are for tenants Joseph Fucci (doing business as Grown Men LLC); Ryan Sutherland; and Robert Rosso (doing business as Kennebec Healing LLC). The licenses are for the calendar year 2022.

Mitnik said the owner and licensees had been cooperative, license fees were paid and operations met ordinance requirements. After the hearing, selectmen unanimously approved all four licenses.

Leo Barnett, owner of two buildings on Old Meadows Road used for marijuana-growing operations, had filed license applications, Mitnik said. However, no tenant of either building had applied; no license fee had been paid; and Mitnik had been denied admission to the buildings, in violation of both Marijuana Business Ordinance and building codes requirements.

After discussion with the town attorney, Mitnik had issued an order to vacate the buildings. He recommended denying Barnett’s license applications; selectmen agreed.

Mitnik’s second issue was his objection to the provision in the Marijuana Business Ordinance that exempts operations of less than 1,000 square feet, as it is being interpreted. He and incoming codes officer Ryan Page believe “operation” should include not just the grow area, but all related processing and storage spaces.

If the 1,000 square feet applies only to the grow area, which Mitnik called the canopy, then a 50,000 square foot building could house 50 new individual beds of marijuana plants, without any town review. Mitnik thinks such a development would be contrary to voters’ and officials’ expectations from the ordinance.

Town Manager Mary Sabins reminded those present that amending the ordinance to eliminate the exemption requires approval by town voters.

Mitnik and Page said there are other operations in Vassalboro that might need to be licensed. Investigation continues. They said the approved business in the Olde Mill complex in North Vassalboro is closing; and Barnett’s approved facility on Sherwood Lane is not yet built.

The defunct Mass Gathering Ordinance was mentioned in connection with the planned country music concert in July 2022. Local promoter J. R. Garritt (or Jr Garritt, on websites) was scheduled to speak with select board members, but did not attend the Dec. 9 meeting.

Board Chairman Robert Browne said he understood Garritt wanted to relocate the concert from the planned Nelson Road site to the town recreation fields. Board members postponed action until they hear from Garritt.

Without a mass gathering or similar ordinance, Browne said, town officials cannot regulate such events on private property. The defeated ordinance would have allowed them, for example, to require on-site drinking water, sanitary facilities, security and medical facilities.

The money issues select board members considered were raised by Vassalboro First Responder Chief, Daniel Mayotte; Vassalboro Public Library Director, Brian Stanley; and Sabins.

Mayotte suggested using about $75,000 of Vassalboro’s expected ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) money for covid-related and other purchases. His recommendations included replacing the First Responders’ outdated AEDs (automated external defibrillators); providing new ENVO N95 masks for First Responders, fire department members and town employees who work with the public; adding a fit-testing system to make the masks more effective; training and equipping new First Responders; helping fund Delta Ambulance’s chaplain service; and adding a cardiac monitor to the First Responders’ equipment.

Sabins said Vassalboro is expected to get about $460,000 in ARPA grants, half now and half in 2022. She displayed the inch-thick notebook of ARPA regulations she is studying to find out what uses are permitted. The process, she said, has no pre-approval component: the town will spend the money and apply for reimbursement hoping the expenditure qualifies.

Select board members suggested other possible uses for ARPA funds that Sabins will research. Awaiting more information, they took no action on Mayotte’s list.

They approved unanimously the updated schedule for replacing town vehicles and equipment over the next decade. Items most likely to be in the 2022-23 budget request include replacement Scott air packs for the fire department, a new town office computer system and a new backhoe for the transfer station. Sabins’ note on the last item quotes station Manager George Hamar: the backhoe “should have been replaced seven years ago.”

Stanley led discussion of reviving the town recreation program. While promising full cooperation, he said the library director does not have time also to be the recreation director.

His recommendation was that select board members budget more than $18,000 in 2022-23 to pay a recreation director who would be expected to work 15 hours a week, plus seasonal sports directors for baseball/softball, soccer and basketball. Board members postponed action.

In other business Dec. 9, Sabins reported progress on turning Vassalboro Community School into an emergency shelter. The generator is installed, though not yet switching on every time it should; and Maine Emergency Management officials have scheduled an early-January walk-through, to be followed by a shelter training program later in 2022.

Select board member Barbara Redmond said she had been invited to succeed former board member John Melrose on the Kennebec County budget committee. Browne and fellow board member Chris French approved.

Board members considered a new policy on background checks for people applying for town positions, paid or volunteer, but postponed action. Sabins said most applicants already undergo background checks.

The next regular Vassalboro select board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22, moved a day earlier than usual to avoid keeping the town office open late on Thursday, Dec. 23.

The Vassalboro town office will be closed from 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, to 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 27. The transfer station will also close at 4 p.m. Dec. 23 and will not be open Saturday, Dec. 25. However, it will open as usual at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 26.

For the New Year holiday, the town office will be closed Friday, Dec. 31. The transfer station will be closed Saturday, Jan. 1, but open as usual Sunday, Jan. 2.

Erskine Academy presents Renaissance Awards

Seniors of the Trimester for December 2021, are front row, left to right, Grace Kelso, Lilian Bray; Back, Adam Ochs, Emma Fortin, Hannah Soule, and Riley Reitchel. (contributed photo)

On Friday, December 10, 2021, Erskine Academy students and staff attended a Renaissance Assembly to honor their peers with Renaissance Awards.

Recognition Awards were presented to the following students: Shelby Lincoln, Ava Picard, Brielle Crommett, Devon Polley, and Parker Reynolds.

Senior of the Trimester Awards were also presented to six members of the senior class: Lilian Bray, daughter of Heidi and Jamie Bray, of Somerville; Grace Kelso, daughter of Storm and Bradley Kelso, of Vassalboro; Emma Fortin, daughter of Jennifer and Greg Fortin, of Vassalboro; Adam Ochs, son of Laurie Ochs, of Vassalboro; Riley Reitchel, daughter of Danielle and Richard Reitchel, of Palermo; and Hannah Soule, daughter of Amanda and Jamie Soule, of Fairfield. Seniors of the Trimester are recognized as individuals who have gone above and beyond in all aspects of their high school careers.

In appreciation of their dedication and service to Erskine Academy, Faculty of the Trimester awards were also presented to Mark Johnson, bus driver; and Chuck Karter, athletic and activities administrator.

Faculty of the Trimester for December 2021, from left to right, Chuck Karter, and Mark Johnson. (contributed photo)

Vassalboro American Legion Post donates stockings to veterans at Togus

American Legion Post #126, Vassalboro, filled and donated 160 Christmas stockings to veterans at Togus Veterans Administration Hospital. The Christmas stockings were made by the Sew for a Cause ladies at St. Bridget Center, in North Vassalboro.

From left to right, Thomas Richards, commander, James Kilbride, adjutant and Kylie Higgins, chief of voluntary services.

From left to right, Thomas Richards, commander, Michael Poulin, Doug Grasso, youth officer, James Kilbride, adjutant and Robert Whitehouse.

From left to right, Thomas Richards, commander, Nicole Jordan, and James Kilbride, adjutant.

Issue for December 9, 2021

PHOTOS: Clauses visit Waterville area

Santa and Mrs. Claus travel to Winslow across the Waterville/ Winslow Bridge, following the Kringleville Annual Tree Lighting, in Waterville, on Saturday evening November 27. They had their elves on board, too! (photo by Tawni Lively/ Central Maine Photography)

Long journey completed

Santa checks on his reindeer following a long journey to Winslow, from the North Pole on Saturday evening, November 27. Families and children visited with the reindeer as Santa and Mrs. Claus came by. This was a special event coordinated by the Winslow Parks and Recreation Dept. (photo by Tawni Lively/ Central Maine Photography)