OBITUARIES for Thursday, October 17, 2024

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LOUIS J. CAREY

WATERVILLE – Louis J. Carey, 57, of Waterville, passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, in his sleep. He was born at Regional Memorial Hospital, the second of five children, to Daniel Bruce Carey and Mary Lou (Reny) Pascoe on January 9, 1967.

Louis loved music and art, cheap thrills, had excellent penmanship and a poetic soul. He enjoyed the outdoors, and trips to the lake or beach. He kept small circles but would pour into the cups of those close freely and endlessly, never checking his own. Louis spoke his mind and was stubborn but reasonable. He was a very thoughtful, curious person – but never nosey, and he loved to learn new things. He started weekends with a coffee and newspaper and was great at word puzzles.

Louis had excellent coordination and inherited great speed and stamina, a strong athlete in every sense of the word. A runner, like his father before him; most of his colleagues recall how fast he worked, setting records and maxing out many kinds of machines over the years. He especially enjoyed billiards, candlepin bowling, disc golf, and softball. He was a fearless competitor, and an encouraging teammate. He was silent when you needed an earnest ear, and the loudest clap and holler in the room at your concert or recital. Louis had the sharpest funny bone, and he delighted in a good laugh.

Louis was predeceased by his parents Daniel Carey and Mary (Reny) Pascoe; and his sister Eva (Carey) Todd.

He is survived by his wife of four years Lynn (Giles) Carey and her daughter Renā Giles; his son Louis J. Carey II; godmother Margaret (Carey) Soucy and husband Lester, of Waterville; uncle Paul Carey and wife Patty, of Ellsworth; aunts Deb Carey, of Readfield, and Shirley Jolicoeur, of Winslow; sister Michelle (Carey) Alejandro and husband Omar, of Merritt Island, Florida; brother Daniel Carey Jr., of Waterville; sister Tammy Carey, of Waterville; stepdaughter Jaylin Marcoux and her partner Brandon, of Belgrade; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at the Waterville Elks Lodge #905, 76 Industrial St., Waterville, on Sunday October 27, 2024,between noon and 4 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Somerset Valley Remembrance Center, in Skowhegan. Please visit Louis’ memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/louis-carey where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting youth sports by donating in his memory at https://alfondyouthcenterivsrq.formstack.com/forms/donations1.

BRENDA J. STEVENS

BELGRADE – Brenda J. (Wadleigh) Stevens, 72, passed away at Maine­General Medical Center, in Augusta, on Friday, October 4, 2024. Brenda was born August 18, 1952, in Augusta, the daughter of Everett and Muriel (Hutchinson) Wadleigh.

She grew up in Belgrade and graduated from Messalonskee High School in 1969.

Shortly after graduating she met her best friend and love of her life, David. They married October 7, 1972, and soon after had their daughter, Tonia. Their life was spent enjoying time with family and friends.

In 1992, Brenda and David welcomed their granddaughter, Jordan.

Brenda worked for the State of Maine for over 25 years, retired, and went on to work for Colby College, in Waterville. After a few years she retired from Colby and spent the rest of her working years at Messalonskee High School, in Oakland. While at MHS she made many great friends and the students adored her.

Brenda was vibrant, full of life and always had a smile on her face. As a child, she and her two friends, Jayne Deneen and Debbie Thing, were accomplished baton twirlers and participated in several parades. Her true passion was dance, which she started as a young girl and continued until her body wouldn’t allow it anymore. She and her lifelong friend, Jayne, had a dance studio together for a period of time and she then went on to own her own studio for several years. When the time was right, she retired her studio and went to dance at Studio One with her brother-in-law, Scott.

In January of 2022 Brenda was blessed with her great-grandson, Theodore David James. She spent countless hours with him and went everywhere he did. Teddy will forever love and miss his “Ma” and carry on her vibrant spirit and beautiful smile.

Brenda was predeceased by her parents, Everett and Muriel; her brother, Barry and her sister, Betty; her husband, David; and a brother-in-law, Stevie. Both Brenda and David came from large families and there are a multitude of other family members and friends that they lost over the years.

She is survived by her daughter, Tonia and husband Tony; granddaughter Jordan and partner Eric; great-grandson, Theodore and another grandson coming in November; granddaughters Jenna (Chad), Chrissy (Craig); great-grandchildren, Kayden and Bella; her brothers, and Bryce and wife Pam, Bryan and wife Donna; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Judy, Pam, Donna (Steve) Barbara (Rick) Randy (Diana) Jeff (Lisa) Barry, Scott (Michael), Ann Marie and Debbie; several nieces, nephews; great-nieces and nephews.

A service will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., in Augusta, at 1 p.m. A graveside sendoff directly after, for those that would like to attend, and then a celebration of life at the Sunset Grill, in Belgrade Lakes.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church Street, Augusta.

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

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Brenda’s memory to Belgrade Fire and Rescue Association, P.O. Box 404, Belgrade, ME 04917.

LAURA GABRIEL

AUGUSTA – Laura Gabriel, 68, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 4, 2024, following a brief illness. She was born on April 11, 1956, in Mineola, New York, the youngest of three daughters, of the late Harold Gabriel and Betty (Ramirez) Gabriel.

Laura was a graduate of the University of Maine and earned her master’s degree in education. She was a fourth grade teacher at Jefferson Village School for many years and finished her career as an educator at Troy School where she was principal.

Upon retirement, Laura’s love and energy always remained constant with her family and the many friends she had in the community. She enjoyed spending time with her family more than anything, rarely missing a ball game or event that involved her children or grandson. She extended this warmth to the many friends she had far and wide and all the kids she had in her classroom during her career as a teacher. Her presence will be missed beyond measure, but her kind spirit will endure in all that loved her dearly.

Laura is survived by her sons, Brandon Wing and his partner Vanessa O’Neil and their son Braxton Braley, of Augusta, and Justin Wing and his partner Brianne Genschel, of Augusta; and her daughter Melissa Mann, also of Augusta; two sisters, Docthina “Dina” Gabriel, of Brooklyn, New York, and Sophia Gabriel, of Harpswell; and a grandson Arlo Wing, of Augusta, and lastly, her partner Mike Maxim, of Augusta; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

At her request, there will be no public visiting hours or funeral service. A private burial will be held at a later date.

A celebration of life will be held at the Governor Hill Mansion, State St., Augusta, Maine, on Saturday, November 2, 2024, between 3 and 7 p.m..

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant Street, Augusta, Maine.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

JOHN G. MAYO

CHINA – John Gibson Mayo, 87, passed away Sunday, October 6, 2024, at his home in China. John was born on February 23, 1937, a son of Ogilvie and Eleanor (Napolitano) Mayo.

John grew up in Windsor and was a graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China, in the class of 1954. While still in school, he enlisted in the National Guard and served for nine years. On October 5, 1957, he married Judith Gordon and the two settled in China and raised a family. For 47 years, John was employed as a millwright at Hudson Pulp and Paper, (later known as Statler Tissue), in Augusta, before his retirement in 2001.

John was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and ice fishing, snowmobiling and golfing. He was an avid reader, particularly of western novels, and loved gardening on his property. John was also a master woodworker and crafted many beautiful furniture pieces for his family. In retirement, many winters were enjoyed in Yuma, Arizona, his wife Judy.

He was a member of the Dirigo Masonic Lodge #104 AF & AM.

John will be remembered as a kind hearted and respected man.

He was predeceased by his parents, and his brothers, George and Vincent Mayo.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Judy Mayo; his children, Monte Mayo and his partner Karin Sullivan, Mia-Jo Nguyen and her husband Ninh, and Mira-Su Thurston and her husband Michael; grandchildren, Samantha Hayes, Alexander Thompson, and Koriana Thompson; great-grandchildren, Anastasia Thompson and Aubriella Thompson.

No services are being held at this time.

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.

In lieu of flowers, memorial. donation may be made to Weeks Mills Fire Department, 778 DirigoRd., China, ME 04358.

DONALD C. L. MAHEU

WINSLOW – Donald C. L. Maheu, 89, of Winslow, died Sunday, October 6, 2024, at Lakewood Continuing Care, in Waterville. He was born April 27, 1935, in Winslow, the son of Archeles and Mary Jane (LaFlamme) Maheu.

Donald attended Waterville public schools and married Marilyn Thompson, in 1954.

He worked at Hollingsworth & Whitney, (later Scott Paper Co. and Kimberly-Clark) and Waterville Window Company, both in Winslow, and founding Winslow Aluminum Inc., with his brother. Donald was the president.

Donald coached Little League, Babe Ruth Baseball, and youth football. He was an avid sportsman who loved the Boston Celtics, Red Sox, Patriots, and the Bruins. He also loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sports games, traveling to both home and away games. Donald was known to enjoy fishing, hunting, and bowling.

He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years; brothers, George, Adolph, George, Napolean, Robert Maheu, and Pete Boutin; sisters, Pearl Ahearn, Florence Pooler, Violet Fecteau, Geraldine Flibbert, and Rose Roy.

He is survived by his daughter Paula Caron, of Waterville; son Marc Maheu and wife Denise, of Fairfield; sister-in-law Nancy Maheu; grandchildren, Jennifer Caron and partner Brian Kelly, Jason Caron and partner Ashley Brooks, and Jack Maheu; great-grandchildren, Gabrielle, Isabelle, and Annabelle Lamoreau; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 2, 11 a.m., at Notre Dame 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 in Donald’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or at Online Donations – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).

DR. RODNEY M. REDDING

CLINTON – Dr. Rodney Malcolm Redding, 91, Professor Emeritus of UMA, died peacefully in his home early Sunday morning, October 6, 2024. Born in 1933, Rod was a Korean War Veteran. He was selected for the Honor Flight in 2023 and he proudly went to Washington, D.C., with his best friend and guardian, Bill Lowenstein.

Having dedicated his life to education, he is remembered by many administrators and psychology students from around Maine. He was instrumental in getting Thomas College, in Waterville, and Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC), in Fairfield, accredited, which are legacies to this day. In the late 1970s and early 1980s he was president of National Council on Alcoholism-Maine and along with his surviving wife Judy, was a primary contributor to the legislation that set precedent to funding programs for alcohol and drug treatment, prevention, and education throughout the state. He died a grateful recovering alcoholic with 45 years of sobriety and was a respected and honored member of the recovery community.

Rod was known for his love of Maine, nature, and fishing, and invited everyone (literally everyone) fishing with him and always said, “I know a place where I can guarantee you’ll catch a fish.”

He will be deeply missed by his wife, blended family of five daughters and two sons, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. They will carry on his sense of humor, love of nature, mineral collecting … and of course, fishing.

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

Donations may be made in his honor to Donations (honorflightmaine.org) or Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs: Instructor Certifications: Educational Programs: Programs & Resources: Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

LETTERS: Will someone do something!

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To the editor:

The view outside my picture window is anything but picturesque. It is a dump – not a land fill ­ ­– but junk, garbage, trash and a disgusting dump that is breeding rats.

No one at the town level or state level seems to be at all concerned about the rats invading our neighborhood. No one lives at the address as it is uninhabitable. The owners live several houses up the street. They receive their mail at the dump site but no one lives there. I have witnessed them adding to this nasty mess – but never taking anything away. The building is falling apart, blowing in the wind and coming apart through weather, rot, and neglect. This has been going on for a few years now.

I have contacted the town codes enforcement officer, Jason Lorrain, and the state CDC and the Department of Environmental Protection – and still no one has done anything. Myself, and my neighbors are trying to keep the rat population down, but I think the rats are winning. Please can’t something be done? Soon?

Marilou Suchar
Vassalboro

EVENTS: Fall Fest in Vassalboro

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Eileen Ronco, left, and Nancy Adams, both of Vassalboro, are among those who are planning and will be baking for the “Fall Fest”, at Vassalboro Methodist Church, on Saturday, October 26, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (contributed photo)

by Dale Potter-Clark

A “Fall Fest” will be held at Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC), on Saturday, October 26, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., when crafts and homemade pumpkin and apple baked goods will be for sale. During the same hours, a variety of “To Go” hot soups, chili and mulled cider will be available to take home. The “To Go” food items will be available to purchase by folks who drop by as well as to shoppers attending the crafts and bake sale. Two of the planners and cooks, Eileen Ronco and Nancy Adams, both of Vassalboro, des­cribed the Fall Fest as a great time to start early holiday shopping and to buy special sweet treats for your family and weekend guests.

FMI about Vassalboro United Methodist Church and their Sunday services, activities and programs visit their Facebook page; phone Pastor Karen Merrill at (207) 873-5564 or email info.vumc@gmail.com.

VASSALBORO: Lack of school bus drivers major concern

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Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

The major topic at the Oct. 8 Vassalboro School board meeting was the difficulty of finding people to drive school buses.

Transportation Director Ashley Pooler presented a written report titled Bus Driver Challenges, starting with the statement that Vassalboro is currently short two drivers. One person retired; another changed jobs to get more hours.

One problem is that driving a school bus is only about a 24-hour-a-week job, Pooler said. Some, but not all, drivers can get more time by doubling as custodians or in other school positions.

Rigorous training requirements may be another deterrent, she said, although Vassalboro and other school departments cover training costs and do as much as they can to help a potential driver complete requirements.

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, Vassalboro voting will be in the Vassalboro Community School gymnasium, at 1116 Webber Pond Road (at the intersection of Webber Pond and Bog roads), not at the town office. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

School will be open as usual. Vassalboro Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer said he expects only physical education classes and staff parking will need to be relocated for the day.

As of this fall, Pooler said, Vassalboro pays drivers $24.28 an hour, slightly lower than either Waterville or Winslow. That relation will soon reverse, she predicted; Vassalboro drivers are in the final year of a contract that expires in June 2025 and will no doubt negotiate a raise.

The good news Pooler shared is that Vassalboro is installing a computer program called Transfinder that allows her office to track every bus and communicate with drivers. The system improves efficiency, student safety and information for parents.

The driver shortage is state-wide. Unlike some other Maine districts, Pooler wrote, Vassalboro has not yet had to cancel classes for lack of transportation.

Vassalboro, Waterville and Winslow were once a single school unit. They still work together and share administrative staff (including Pooler), and when possible share bus drivers. Vassalboro Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer commented that relations among himself, Waterville Superintendent Peter Hallen and Winslow Superintendent Peter Thiboutot are “almost like mutual aid.”

In other business Oct. 8, Vassalboro Community School (VCS) Principal Ira Michaud reported 424 students enrolled. Assistant Principal Tabitha Brewer said attendance has been excellent so far this fall.

Director of Finance Paula Pooler reported the budget for FY 2024-25 is on track, with nothing unexpected or alarming, and the audit for the previous fiscal year is in progress.

The next regular Vassalboro School Board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, at VCS.

China transfer station manager: Things are going smoothly

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by Mary Grow

China Transfer Station Committee members held a short and cheerful meeting the morning of Oct. 8. Transfer station manager Thomas Maraggio and committee member Rachel Anderson, who volunteers at the free for the taking building, both said things are going smoothly.

The one major pending issue is the revised agreement between China and Palermo allowing Palermo residents to use China’s transfer station. It has been approved by China’s select board members, but in Palermo needs approval by town meeting voters.

Palermo officials have scheduled a public hearing and special town meeting for 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17, at Palermo Consolidated School, to act on the revised agreement. The Palermo website says copies of the agreement are posted under Transfer Station and are available at the town office.

China Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said if Palermo residents reject the amended agreement, the November 2023 letter giving the required year’s notice to end the intertown arrangement will take effect on Nov. 13.

Maraggio reported the water filters designed to eliminate PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from the facility’s water supply were installed, and the water no longer smells. The filters are to be inspected every six months and changed when needed, he said, with the length of their useful life depending on the amount of use.

Hapgood said China got 50 percent state reimbursement for the filters. She will find out whether the state contributes to inspection and replacement costs.

The pad for the new building by the gate where China residents can pick up buckets of winter sand is down, Maraggio said. When the building is finished, he intends to put signs on it explaining where different kinds of recyclables and trash go.

Committee chairman J. Christopher Baumann reported on plans to invite teachers to bring classes to tour the transfer station and learn about recycling.

Hapgood and committee members praised the Halloween decorations at the facility, and the flowers that have been planted. Maraggio said his wife is the flower-tender, assisted by a small annual grant from a Waterville garden organization.

Baumann expressed the committee’s thanks to all involved.

The next transfer station committee meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 12. The agenda is likely to include renewed discussion of the facility’s five-year plan, in preparation for 2024-25 budget planning.

China candidates’ night October 9, 2024

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Albert Church Brown Memorial Library in China Village (photo courtesy of library Facebook page)

by Mary Grow

(Read about the candidates’ opening statements here.)

Three candidates for the state legislature and six candidates for China town offices spoke to an audience of more than three dozen at the Oct. 9 candidates’ forum at the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library in China Village.

Speakers were:

— Five candidates for three seats on the select board, incumbents Blane Casey and Brent Chesley and Edwin Bailey, Tod Detre and Thomas Rumpf.
— Timothy Basham, unopposed for re-election to the budget committee; there are no candidates on the Nov. 5 local ballot for two other budget committee positions.
— Incumbent Katrina Smith and challenger Pamela Swift, both Palermo residents, vying for the Maine House District #62 seat (representing China, Hibberts Gore, Palermo, Somerville and Windsor).
— Raegan LaRochelle, of Augusta, seeking the District #15 Maine Senate seat (Augusta, Belgrade, China, Mount Vernon, Sidney, Vassalboro). Her opponent, Richard Bradstreet, was not present; moderator Janet Preston said a communications problem had prevented him from attending.

Preston asked all nine candidates the same questions, covering housing and ways to let elderly people remain in their homes; local emergency services; Delta Ambulance; public open spaces; and higher education.

Speakers agreed people should be able to stay in their houses as long as they want to. Suggested ways to help included keeping property taxes down (Bailey, Chesley); improving public transportation (Detre); community sharing, like China’s proposed dog park (Detre) and weekly Wednesday morning Senior Game Day (Rumpf); and improved broadband to promote on-line medical care (Detre).

Swift, Smith and LaRochelle summarized innovative housing programs in Palermo and Augusta.

On the topic of volunteer fire departments and rescue units, Smith, Swift and LaRochelle sounded the alarm on a pending OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulation that has the laudable aim of keeping volunteers safe, but in their opinions constitutes overregulation.

Swift said Palermo’s fire chief told the select board the rule, if implemented, would make Palermo’s fire trucks substandard and firefighters’ training and gear inadequate. The chief opined it would cost $2 million to bring the fire department to code.

Consensus among China town candidates was that fire and rescue personnel should be represented in any discussion of their needs. Suggestions for encouraging more volunteers included more publicity, especially social media (Rumpf), and approaching Erskine Academy students (Bailey).

Rumpf recommended standardizing equipment among the three fire departments. Casey advocated state payment for training. Detre suggested a town-hired funding coordinator might bring more financial support.

Most speakers disapproved of towns being responsible for funding ambulance service, recommending county (LaRochelle), state (Chesley, Rumpf, Smith) or federal (Chesley, emphasizing the inadequacy of Medicare support for ambulances, Rumpf) funding. Detre thought a cooperative service with neighboring towns worth exploring, Casey thought it unaffordable.

Moderator Preston asked for reactions to economic development research showing “investing in public open spaces” brings residents and businesses and increases the tax base, contrasted with reducing municipal spending; and specifically for opinions on the proposed China dog park.

Detre was the only defender of the dog park, seeing it as a place where people with a common interest could mingle. He recommended funding open space projects with grants or with China’s TIF (Tax Increment Financing) funds while they’re available, not from taxes.

Chesley disagreed about using TIF funds, which come from Central Maine Power Company’s local taxes and, unlike federal ARPA (American Relief Plan Act) money, need not be allocated promptly.

LaRochelle interjected that both men were right. TIF programs end after 30 years, with a short grace period to finish spending, she said. [China’s program ends in 2045 – editor’s note.]

Chesley, Casey, Rumpf and Bailey all think China has adequate open space, public and private. Detre regretted the lack of lake access for non-shorefront owners, except boat access.

Rumpf, president of China’s Four Seasons Club, said after voters rejected an opportunity to buy lake frontage [in November 2013 – editor’s note], the club offered reduced-price memberships allowing access to its China Lake beach. There were two takers.

The question about education brought support for community college, especially with the option to continue to the University of Maine system, from Democrats Swift and LaRochelle, but not from Republican Smith. On the local level, Detre (reminding people he is a University of Maine system employee) was in favor. Casey questioned education “on taxpayers’ backs”; Bailey agreed with Casey.

Casey, Chesley, Detre and Rumpf all supported trade schools, with variations. Rumpf and Basham both suggested incentives for graduates to stay – and work – in Maine; Smith said her son who finished training as a welder is having trouble finding a job.

Audience questions directed at the five select board candidates revealed that Casey, Chesley and Detre prefer written-ballot town meetings to open ones, because more voters express opinions to guide town officials. Bailey and Rumpf agreed open meetings bring few attendees; Bailey would be willing to try an open town meeting again.

Asked again about economic development as the meeting wound down, Detre supported it, including solar farms; Chesley endorsed small manufacturing; Rumpf cited the riders of Four Seasons Club trails who spend money at China businesses.

China’s Tuesday, Nov. 5, voting will be in the former portable building behind the town office, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Absentee ballots will be available at the town office through Thursday, Oct. 31.

CLARIFICATION

In the October 17, 2024, issue of The Town Line, on page 2, in the story about the candidates’ forum held at the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, in China Village, the writer stated that Rep. Richard Bradstreet did not attend due to a “communication problem”.

Louisa Barnhart, President of the China Library Association, who organized the event, provided a clarification:

“Albert Church Brown Memorial Library recently held a candidate forum. We had excellent participation from candidates and the public. That is everyone but one. 

“Representative Richard Bradstreet, Republican candidate for State Senate, was inadvertently not invited.  This was not discovered until the night of the event, unfortunately. 

“On behalf of the trustees of ACBM Library, I’d like to extend our sincere apology for this mistake. Our library carefully writes non-partisan questions and welcomes all points of view. There were other Republicans participating.

“As an organization, we do not support or oppose particular campaigns or candidates in any way. As a 501(c)3, we take our duty to remain nonpolitical extremely seriously. 

“A mistake of this magnitude underscores our responsibility to carefully invite each candidate. We will be changing our procedures and carefully double checking invitation lists in the future.”

Forum at China library hears local candidates

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Albert Church Brown Memorial Library in China Village (photo courtesy of library Facebook page)

by Mary Grow

Candidates’ opening statements, summarized, in the order given.

Raegan LaRochelle, Augusta, Democratic candidate for state Senate District #15, is a Cony High School graduate with an MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree who works as an economic development consultant and owns a commercial cleaning business. She served on the Augusta City Council and is currently state Representative for House District #59 (part of Augusta).

LaRochelle’s Republican opponent, Richard Bradstreet of Vassalboro, was unable to attend the forum.

Katrina Smith, Palermo, Republican House District #62, incumbent and candidate, was born in Appleton, majored in sociology at Gordon College, in Massachusetts, and has worked in banking, education and real estate. She is finishing her first two-year term in the Maine House.

The program at the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library in China Village lasted more than two hours. It was followed by refreshments and informal discussion.

Pamela Swift, Palermo, Democratic candidate for House District #62, earned a bachelor’s degree in veterinary science before switching to human medicine. After 20 years as an obstetrician/gynecologist, she now raises sheep. She is serving her second term on the Palermo select board and volunteers in town organizations.

Timothy Basham, candidate for re-election to the China Budget Committee, is a self-employed arborist who wishes more residents would volunteer for town boards.

Tod Detre, candidate for China select board, is an Ohio native who has lived in China for 13 years and works in computer science in the University of Maine system. He believes select board members should do better at listening to town advisory boards and committees and at helping people.

Brent Chesley, China select board incumbent/candidate, is a native of Lincoln, Maine, and 20-year China resident. He studied engineering at the University of Maine and co-owns Wyman & Simpson, Inc., a Richmond-based construction company. He ran successfully for select board two years ago after a disagreement with a former China codes officer made him want to ensure all residents are treated fairly.

Edwin Bailey, China select board candidate, is a China native and graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China, and Thomas College, in Waterville. He worked as a truck driver and self-employed builder and ran a redemption center on Route 3 for 16 years, where “I learned to treat people fair.” He has served on the town planning board and is now on the building committee; if elected to the select board, his goals would be to learn, to cut taxes and to help people stay in their homes.

Thomas Rumpf, China select board candidate, was born in Poland Spring and has lived in China since 1988; he chairs the town Budget Committee. He worked as a welder for many years before switching to estimating steel construction; he has a business management degree. He opposes the proposed Budget Committee Ordinance amendment that would allow select board members to appoint that committee’s members (who are now elected); a main goal if elected to the select board would be to reverse the present order and have Budget Committee members review town budgets before, not after, select board members.

Blane Casey, China select board incumbent/candidate, came home to China after his birth at Waterville’s Thayer Hospital, in 1959, and has lived here ever since, except for a short time in Windsor. He and his wife built a residential construction business that expanded to commercial. His four years on the select board have been “an eye-opener”: if re-elected, his goal is to help families and the elderly with their financial struggles.

2025 Vassalboro community calendars are coming

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Cindy Shorey (left), John McLean and Pastor Karen Merrill are among the volunteers who are preparing to deliver Vassalboro Community Calendars this month and next. (contributed photo)

For 19 years, members of the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) have prepared and delivered a community calendar on which birthdays, anniversaries and memorials can be listed at no cost. A church member updates those listings and three others secure ads from local businesses to cover the printing costs. This year there were thirty-four sponsors.

In late September, 2,200 calendars were delivered to VUMC. John McLean of Vassalboro has spearheaded the project for about ten years. He was one of ten volunteers who soon after gathered in the church fellowship hall to place each one in a bag along with a letter of introduction and a donation remittance envelope.

“The next and final step is to deliver them door to door to every home and business in Vassalboro,” said McLean. That takes a lot of time and a lot of volunteers. We can always use more of those – they don’t have to be members of the church. We’ve got a few residents who help us out every year.”

The town population was 4,520 in 2020 and there are 137 roads and streets in Vassalboro according to geographic.org. Cindy Shorey, VUMC trustee and retired medical assistant said, “The community calendar is probably our biggest undertaking every year. It does bring in donations but we also consider it part of our mission because it gives us a chance to spread the word about VUMC. Calendars will be delivered through October and November as time allows. FMI about sponsoring or helping make deliveries contact John McLean or Cindy Shorey at VUMC (207) 873-5564 or info.vumc@gmail.com.

PHOTO: Steeple down, but saved at Vassalboro United Methodist Church

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photo by Dale Potter-Clark

Sadly, the steeple on the 36-year-old Vassalboro United Methodist Church was removed by Burke Roofing, of West Gardiner, on Thursday. Leaks had caused water damage and rot in several areas of the roof decking, and the steeple itself had deteriorated and was leaking in several places as well. The steeple was saved and will be added to the church memorial garden at a later time. More photos and videos of its removal can be seen on the Vassalboro United Methodist Church Facebook page.

Text and photo by Dale Potter-Clark

Scouts spend weekend at wildlife refuge

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Troop #433 Winslow participated as the first unit to spread gravel on the trail to the new Moosehorn photo blind built for visitors to take photos of wildlife without being seen by the wildlife. Front row, from left to right, Ashish DeBas, Parker LeHay, Zack LeHay, Ashlyn McDermott, Fallyn Soucy, and Addison Poulin(SPL). Middle row, Millard Davis(SM for the weekend), Wyatt Smith, Wyatt Collins, and Allison Dorr. Back, Gerard Fortin, Ryan Poulin, and Garth Smith. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

The Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge in Barring, is a 30,000-acre treasure that is home to over 225 species of birds, endangered species, resident wildlife and for one weekend in September it was also home to Gods and Demigods and nearly two hundred Scouts and leaders.

Scouts from both Canada and the United States camped on the refuge’s rolling hills and competed in activities near her streams and bogs and marshes during the event that took place on the weekend September 27-29.

“This was an absolutely fabulous weekend,” said Christopher Bernier, of Winslow, who served as Campmaster for the 62nd annual Moosehorn/Cobscook International Camporee. “The kids all had a great time and so many people from the Moosehorn Ranger staff to the Scouting volunteers from two countries made this incredible weekend possible.”

Scouts not only competed in fun activities during the camporee, they also had to set up their tents, cook their meals, and help with other chores in the campsite. Joshua Gilpin prepares breakfast for eager fellow Troop #485 scouts Thomas Gage (left) and Derek Dubois (back wearing hat). All are from Skowhegan. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

As part of the activities, all of the Scouts took part in trail maintenance projects at the refuge as their “Good Deed” for nature.

The theme, which was selected by Scouts who attended last year’s event at Cobscook State Park, put Scouts in the role of hero to complete the challenges set before them by Gods and Demigods from myths of old.

These included, among others, Dagda’s Challenge from Celtic mythology to help nature; Artemis Archery Ace from Greek mythology where archery talent was needed to defeat the Trojans; Thor’s Hammer where Scouts see if they are worthy; Scouts stormed the Temple of Ra to find treasure but then they had to get out, too; and Zhu Rong’s Light where the Scouts had to prove they were worthy of the Chinese diety’s blessings three times.

Many Scouts chose to get into the spirit by wearing costumes for the event. The top-scoring patrol overall was 3rd and 4th Fredrericton, New Brunswich, Canada, followed by the Scouts who formed a Provisional unit because their troops did not attend, 1st Gondola New Brunswick, Troop #433 Winslow, and 1st Westfield.

Activities were not just for the Scouts. Adults competed in the “Epic One Pot Stew Competition”. Clinton’s Millard Davis’venison stew was the overall fan favorite.

Scouts who attended the camporee met before it was over to pick a theme for the 63rd annual international camporee – Zombie Apocalypse.

The program also included a campfire where each troop provided a song, skit, cheer, story or dance approved by their leader.

(photo by Chuck Mahaleris)