EVENTS: Vassalboro events for October

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Simone Antworth, far left, of Vassalboro, Pastor Karen Merrill, of West Gardiner, and Barbara Frost, of China, are among those who cook and serve at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church public luncheons and suppers. The next supper will take place on October 19 when turkey and all the fixings will be served. (contributed photo)

by Dale Potter-Clark
On Saturday, October 19, a Harvest Supper will be held at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) fellowship hall, at 614 Main Street/Rte. 32. The meal will be served 4:30 – 6 p.m., unless food runs out before, for a recommended donation of $10 per person. “Baked bean suppers are our usual fare but given the time of year and the popularity of turkey dinners we are changing it up this time,” said Pastor Karen Merrill. All are welcome to join us!”
The following Saturday, October 26, a “Fall Fest” will be held at VUMC from 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.
“Our Fall Fest is a great time to start early holiday shopping and to buy special sweet treats for your family and weekend guests,” said Simone Antworth.
It will be the last public supper in 2024 but soup and salad luncheons for 50+ year olds will continue throughout the winter, in collaboration with the Vassalboro Community Program, every second Wednesday 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Saturday night public suppers will resume next spring.
FMI about Vassalboro United Methodist Church and their Sunday services, activities and programs visit Facebook; phone Pastor Karen Merrill at (207) 873-5564 or email info.vumc@gmail.com.

New survey shows Maine residents, regardless of age, don’t see aging as a personal barrier

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AARP research examines how aging is viewed in the state of Maine

Despite believing older adults are devalued in society, Maine adults of all ages don’t see aging as a barrier, according to new AARP research examining how aging is viewed in the state.

Engagement seems to factor into the optimism. When asked about their views on aging, half of respondents among all three age groups – 18 to 54, 55 to 65, and 65-plus – said as they age, they are becoming more involved in helping others and find that their life offers more possibilities. Mainers generally subscribe to the adage, “With age comes wisdom.” Nearly nine in ten Mainers believe wisdom does indeed come with age, and an overwhelming majority see value in passing it on, with 93 percent placing importance on sharing one’s unique experiences with younger people.

Some 70 percent agree the likelihood of older adults wanting to learn new things increases with age. Cultivating social connections and personal friendships continues with advancing age. The 65-plus age group was most likely to agree that friends are becoming a bigger part of their lives as they grow older.

Beyond the positive feedback, most Mainers think older adults become less visible (64 percent) and are treated with less respect (54 percent). Mainers aged 55-plus believe younger people have more advantages in society, 70 percent note we live in a youth-oriented society and 69 percent say employers prefer younger workers over older workers.

Another 57 percent agree older workers are excluded from employment or promotion opportunities. Sixty-six percent believe age discrimination exists in the workplace, and most point out age bias begins in your 50s and 60s.

Further, Mainers believe the fear of getting old is very real for Americans. Of those surveyed, 75 percent agree Americans are afraid of getting old and 72 percent believe advertising and media negatively impact how Americans view aging. Ninety-one percent think older adults are more likely to become targets of fraud or scams and 72 percent agree older adults have trouble keeping up with technology. In terms of the financial implications of growing old, 57 percent believe older adults rely on Social Security and Medicare to cover their needs and 49 percent agree older adults have difficulty living in their own home.

While half of those surveyed were optimistic about aging, there also exists a real fear in growing old. Education is needed to dispel the myths about aging, as well as to put an end to workforce age bias and stereotyping. Although we may live in a youth-oriented society, steps need to be taken to increase the value placed on older adults.

“AARP Maine is dedicated to improving the lives of Mainers aged 50 and older, as well as their families,” said Noël Bonam, AARP Maine State Director. “Through state-specific surveys such as this, we gain valuable insights into the needs and desires of older adults in Maine. Our research bolsters our efforts to advocate for fair utility rates, fight elder fraud, seek support for Maine’s 166,000 family caregivers and provide resources on health and retirement security.” AARP Maine also offers a variety of wellness classes, social programs, educational opportunities, and initiatives to advance age-friendly community enhancements.

The online and phone survey of Maine residents age 18 and older was conducted from October 3 to November 2, 2023. Data were weighted by age, gender, and education to reflect Maine’s 18 and older population.

To learn more about AARP and its work in Maine, visit www.aarp.org/me and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram @aarpmaine.

SMALL SPACE GARDENING: Fall plantings provide continuous spring color

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The late spring blooming bulb Purple Sensation allium has four-inch round purple flowers and is critter-resistant. Photo courtesy of Longfield-Gardens.com

by Melinda Myers

Welcome spring and create continuous color for several months with a collection of spring-flowering bulbs. After planting in the fall, you’ll enjoy an array of flower colors that combine nicely with other spring-flowering trees, shrubs, and flowers.

Start the season with early blooming snowdrops. As winter fades watch for the dangling white flowers on six- to ten-inch-tall plants. Include these small flowers in rock gardens, mixed borders, and informal landscapes in sunny and part-shade locations.

Include a tapestry of colors with white, purple, lavender, and yellow crocus. Large Flowering Pickwick crocus offers unique blooms of white flowers with purple pinstripes. Its striped petals surround the red-orange stamens making this a standout in any planting. Crocus are a favorite of critters as well as gardeners so consider protecting them with a repellent as the leaves emerge in spring.

Look to early, mid, and late spring blooming tulips and daffodil varieties to maximize the color in your landscape throughout the spring. Check catalog descriptions and package labels to help you select an array of bloom times. Longfield Gardens’ Bloom Times Guide to Spring and Summer Bulbs (Longfield-Gardens.com) can also help you plan for three months of color in your landscape.

Look to Emperor, Kaufmanniana, and Greigii tulips for a bit of early spring color. Add some fragrance and showy, peony-like flowers with Double Early Foxtrot. This award-winning tulip has sturdy, weatherproof stems that support its loosely cupped flowers. Its petals contain a range of pink shades from white to deep rose.

Plant some Darwin Hybrid and Triumph tulips for mid-spring color in the garden. The two-toned flowers on Apricot Impression seem to glow and as a Darwin hybrid, they will have a long-lasting presence in your garden. Finish the spring season with fancy ruffled parrot tulips, fringed and lily tulips, and more single and double late bloomers. You’ll enjoy the extended show and late spring flowers to enjoy in arrangements.

Don’t overlook daffodils. You’ll find a variety of flowers with long, short, large, and split trumpets. Daffodil flowers may be one color, or the trumpet may be a different color than the color of the surrounding petals. Double varieties add a unique look to any garden. The early- to mid-spring blooming Cyclamineus Tete-a-Tete daffodil may be small in stature at seven inches but the bright yellow flowers and three blossoms per stem make it visible from a distance.

Combine some Armenian grape hyacinths with mid-spring blooming tulips, daffodils, and perennials. Their small, cobalt-blue, fragrant flowers last weeks and look good wherever they are planted.

Bridge spring and summer flower seasons in your garden with Purple Sensation allium. This late spring blooming bulb has four-inch round purple flowers high atop 24 to 30″ stems. These reliable bloomers are critter-resistant like daffodils and grape hyacinths. Enjoy them in your garden, fresh bouquets, and dried flower arrangements.

Make this the year you select and do some fall planting of various early, mid, and late spring flowering bulbs. You’ll be rewarded with a burst of early spring color and sustained beauty from a mix of spring flowering bulbs.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Longfield Gardens for her expertise to write this article. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

EVENTS: Apple desserts and ham public supper in Vassalboro

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Apple pies and other apple desserts will be on the menu at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church public supper on September 21. Linda Millay, left, and Eileen Ronco are helping plan the event. (contributed photo)

Baked ham and apple desserts of all kinds will be served in addition to the traditional baked beans, casseroles, salads and breads on Saturday, September 21, at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC).

“People come from miles around to our suppers,” said church lay leader, Eileen Ronco. “We serve the traditional foods they enjoy at every supper in addition to something new or different in hopes to attract new folks.”

Supper will be served from 4:30 – 6 p.m., unless food runs out before, for a $10 suggested donation per person.

VUMC public suppers take place April – October in the church fellowship hall, at 614 Main Stree/Rte. 32, every third Saturday, 4:30 – 6 p.m. Senior public luncheons for 50+ year oilds are held in collaboration with the Vassalboro Recreation Department every second Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For more information visit Vassalboro United Methodist Church on Facebook, phone Pastor Karen Merrill at (207) 873-5564 or email info.cumc@gmail.com.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: A squirrel by any other color is still a squirrel

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Gray squirrel

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

While driving to work on the Cross Hill Road, in Vassalboro, one morning last week, I saw a black squirrel. This caused me to remember an email I received a little while back from a reader who said, “I have red, black gray and a new one – dark gray with a brown belly – what is this one? How many litters can they have? I am almost overrun with them all.”

Well, first off, mother squirrels typically have two to four babies in a litter, and have one or two litters a year.

Squirrels are different colors due to genetics, which control the amount of melanin, or pigment, in their fur. Here are some reasons why squirrels have different colors:

Red squirrel

– Gray and red squirrels: These squirrels have a mixture of light and dark bands in their fur, which create their overall color and pattern.
– White squirrels: These squirrels can be albino, leucistic, or fail to deposit pigment in their fur.
– Black squirrels: These squirrels have a genetic mutation that causes them to produce too much melanin, a dark pigment. This condition is called melanism.
– Brown-black squirrels: These squirrels have one copy of a black gene and one copy of a gray gene.
– Jet black squirrels: These squirrels have two copies of the black gene.
– Interspecies breeding: Some squirrels’ black coloring may be due to interbreeding with fox squirrels.

The MC1R gene controls how much dark pigment is added to a squirrel’s fur as it grows. A missing piece of DNA in this gene increases the production of dark pigment, resulting in darker fur.

Black squirrel

Eastern grey squirrels come in a variety of color morphs, including grey and black. All individuals contain a gene, MC1R, that controls how much dark pigment is added as a squirrel’s hairs grow. When a tiny piece of DNA is missing from this gene, it boosts the production of dark pigment and makes the fur darker.

Albino gray squirrels are the rarest form of white squirrel. Mammalogists estimate the odds of a female gray squirrel giving birth to an albino offspring are 1 in 100,000.

Biologists estimate the black squirrel is unusually rare with only one squirrel in 10,000 wearing the dusky coat. This mutant of the gray squirrel resides primarily in northern climates.

Western grays are predominantly cool gray and white and don’t have brown on their faces, in contrast to the two introduced species who have a lot of orangey-brown all over their faces. The black squirrels that are common in some areas are simply a melanistic (hyper-pigmented) version of a regular eastern gray squirrel.

As for the dark gray with a brown belly, that one is a mystery. The closest I can come is called the Prevost squirrel, but it is only found in Thai-Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, and northern Sulawesi.

White squirrel

Here are some things you should know about squirrels:

– What does it mean when a squirrel holds its tail on its back? In most cases a good first guess is the behavior relates directly to an individual’s survival or to its reproductive success. One suggestion has been the tail behavior has to do with protection from predation. If you look at a squirrel with its tail up, the silhouette appears to be the head looking backward.
– If a juvenile squirrel continuously approaches and follows people, then mom is probably gone. In this case, you should contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator because the baby is very hungry and needs care.
– While squirrels born in the wild may not be particularly friendly, they do seem to remember their human hosts. In some cases, they even return to reconnect with their human saviors. Squirrels are also more than willing to return to a food source over and over again.
– Do not attempt to catch a squirrel. If you try to touch it or grab it, it will likely do anything it can to escape. This will likely cause the squirrel great stress and fear and may even provoke it to attack you or contort its body in a way that will cause it pain.

Squirrels are everywhere, but do we understand them? Maybe now we can.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Combined, how many championships have Boston pro teams won?

Answer
39. Celtics 18, Red Sox 9, Bruins and Patriots, 6 each.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, September 19, 2024

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JOYCE L. BENNER

WALDOBORO/WINDSOR – Joyce L. Benner, 101, of Windsor and formerly of Waldoboro, passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Joyce was born in Waldoboro, on March 4, 1923, the daughter of Millard and Lillian (Rosco) Creamer.

Joyce was co-owner of Benner’s Crabmeat for 30 years, and previously worked for Country Manor Nursing Home.

She loved raising animals, gardening, hunting, and her favorites were playing beano and going to lawn sales. She will always be remembered for her delicious crabmeat and will be missed by many. She was a strong woman, a member of the Whitefield Lions Club, and had a way of taking care of everyone.

Joyce was pre-deceased by her parents, her sister Madeline, brothers Carl and Arthur, beloved husband Alfred and son “Bobo” Malcolm Genthner.

She is survived by a son Ronald Genthner and partner Lois, of Waldoboro; daughters Maureen Beaucage and husband Brian, of Rochester, New Hampshire, Sheila Bernier, of Sabattus, Kathleen Good, of Florida, and Kimberly Haskell and husband Carleton, of Jefferson; sister-in-law Ruth Benner, of Rockland; many nieces, nephews and could boast many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and great- great-great-grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of life for family and friends on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 1 – 4 p.m., at the Whitefield Lions Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joyce’s memory can be sent to the Whitefield Lions Club, reference “Keep Me Warm”- 66 Philips Rd, Jefferson, ME 04348.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hall Funeral Home, Waldoboro. To share a story or condolence with the Benner family, please visit Joyce’s Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com

PETER J. GERVAIS

CHINA – Peter J. Gervais, 71, passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2024. He was born June 26, 1953, in Augusta.

Pete lived a life centered on his love for his family, community and country. He had a charitable heart, a great sense of humor, and was a man of principles.

Pete graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served as a marine mechanic for four years. He made some true friends while in the Navy, referred to them as his brothers, and spoke with them on a regular basis.

After his years in the Navy, Pete had several careers, notably working at Formtek starting in 1989 and retiring in 2016. During his employment at Formtek, he served as president of the union for several years. He also took on a second job mowing and maintaining the cemeteries for the town of Albion.

Pete was an outdoorsman who spent many vacations canoeing and camping in the Allagash region. In his younger years he enjoyed rock climbing, hiking, biking, mushing sled dogs, weight lifting and running. Pete was a beekeeper and loved making gifts of his honey. Most notable was Pete’s love for cats. He had many over the years, cherishing and spoiling them.

Pete is survived by his wife Jennifer; his daughter Alyssa and her partner Craig; grandsons Aero and Nash; as well as his friend and sister Joan, her husband Dan and nephew Joel.

He was predeceased by his parents Omer and Louise Gervais.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sunday, September 22, at noon, at the Bessey building, in Albion. All are welcome to attend.

A private burial will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any humane society.

DOROTHY M. AUDET

WATERVILLE – Dorothy “Dot” M. Audet, 106, passed away on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Northern Light Continuing Care, Lakewood, in Waterville, where she had been a resident for the last six years. She was born on August 10, 1918, the daughter of William and Eva (Foster) Paquette.

Dot grew up in Fairfield and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1935.

Dot married Edward Audet in 1939. She had a truly deep faith in God and was a devout Catholic all her life. She was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow, where she was a faithful member of the Rosary Sodality for many years. She was able to walk to daily Mass until the age of 91.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother. She loved her flower gardens and loved playing cards with family and special longtime friends. She made the best molasses cookies and peanut butter fudge. The family looked forward to Friday night spaghetti dinners. Her faith and family were most important to her, and she will be truly missed.

She was predeceased by her husband, Edward, and her siblings Wallace, Roland, Eugene, Priscilla Paquette and Doreen Violette, her two sons, Wayne and David Audet, and by her grandson, Ricky Hendsbee.

She is survived by her son, Larry Audet and wife Elaine, of Princeton, North Carolina; her three daughters, Doreen Roy and husband Paul, of Stafford, Virginia, Jeannine Hendsbee, of Winslow, and Judy Hendrick and husband Bo, of West Gardiner; her daughter-in-law, Martha Audet, of Winslow; 11 grandchildren, Arlene McLean and husband David, John Audet and wife Ashley, Beth Pelletier and husband Dominic, Stephanie Roy, Colonel Christopher Roy and wife Anita, Kevin Roy, Luke Hendsbee and wife Liz, Brian Audet and wife Jennifer, Christa Brown and husband Joe, Lt. Colonel Robert Hendrick and wife Chelsea, and Lauren Niles and husband Jonathan; 34 great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.

Her great-granddaughter, Madilyn Roy, was born on her 100th birthday.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, September 18, at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow, followed by a burial at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove 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, those who wish may donate to her favorite charity Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, 101 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901.

RUSSELL S. BICKFORD JR.

CLINTON – Russell S. Bickford, Jr., 76, passed away following a short illness on Friday, September 6, 2024. Russell was born on December 2, 1947, in Waterville, son of Russell S. Bickford Sr. and Laura (Downing) Bickford.

He graduated Class of ‘65 from Clinton High School, then immediately entered the United States Navy where he served proudly for the next four years until he was honorably discharged in 1969. In 1974 he graduated from Kennebec Valley Technical College, in Fairfield, (KVTC) with a certificate in carpentry. With his education he was able to help family members and friends build their garages and remodel their homes.

Russell began his career as a carpenter working for LL Gerald, and then for a short time at Scott Paper Co., in Winslow. The job that he retired from after 30 years was the Maine Central Railroad as an engineer, at times working with his father as the conductor on the same train.

For the next seven years he wintered in Florida to be close to his aging father. When his father had to come back to Maine due to declining health, Russell decided it was time for him to give up his winters in Florida as well. It was a time to enjoy the winters at home in Clinton with his family and friends.

Russell was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge # 146, in Clinton, as well as recently becoming a member of the Elks Lodge # 905, in Waterville. He loved to go there for Wednesday Wing Night, Buck Night, and Sportsman’s Night.

One of his greatest enjoyments was spending time on Moosehead Lake at the Watson’s family camp. Russell so enjoyed the ice fishing, the rides on the party boat, and just being there. He also enjoyed going to the Bickford camp (God’s Little Acre), in Monson, where some of the 4-wheeling trips took place in which he loved to participate. Anywhere North is where he wanted to be. Another passion he had was a good game of golf with friends and family.

He was predeceased by both his parents and brothers Meredith, Alan, David, and Randy.

Russell is survived by his sisters Lynn Bickford and partner Charlie Weymouth, of Clinton, Marsha Duprey and husband Leo, of Clinton; children David Bickford and wife Katrina, of Clinton, Brian Bickford and wife Tara, of Clinton, Lorriann Watson and husband David “Skip”, of Canaan, and Julie Bickford and fiancé Cody Williamson, of Madison; grandchildren Brittany Laney, Monique Bickford, Briannah Dostie, Thomas Bickford, Derek Bickford, Suther Bickford, Devon Watson, Lauren Watson, Dylan Bickford, Kaiyley Bickford, Landon Dunham, Colton Williamson, and Carter Williamson; 11 great-grandchildren with another on the way; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as his long-time friends Butch Whittaker, Don Proctor, and William “Smitty” Smith.

A graveside service will take place at 11 a.m., on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Greenlawn Cemetery, Rte. 100, in Clinton.

There will be a Celebration of Life from noon to 4 p.m., on Saturday October 5, 2024, at the Waterville Elks Lodge #905, Industrial Street, in Waterville.

Please visit Russell’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/russell-bickford where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

CONNOR M. McCURDY

SIDNEY – Conner James McCurdy, 22, passed away Sunday, September 8, 2024, at MaineGeneral Medical­Center, in Augusta. He was born May 28, 2002, a son of Stacy and Donna (Plourd) McCurdy.

Connor attended and graduated from Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, in the class of 2020. During middle school and all four years of high school, Connor was a team member of Infinite Loop 2648. He went on to further his education by attending classes at Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield. Conner was a skilled gamer and enjoyed playing video games and watching anime. Some of his favorite shows included Law and Order and South Park.

Despite living with muscular dystrophy, Conner had a good sense of humor. He loved spending time with his animals and although a homebody, Connor enjoyed going out on trips and looked forward to future adventures.

Connor was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Donald and Esther McCurdy, his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Carmeline Plourd; his uncles, Russell Manduca and Ronald Plourd; and his father, Stacy McCurdy in 2023.

Connor is survived by his mother Donna McCurdy; his brother Ian McCurdy; uncles Shawn McCurdy (Lois), Bruce Plourd (Dana); aunt, Tammy Manduca; many cousins.

A memorial service was held on Monday, September 16, at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330. Burial followed at Holy Family Cemetery, on Townsend Rd., in Augusta.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Connor’s name may be made to Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901 or at hwsa.org or, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc., 1016 W Jackson Blvd #1073, Chicago, Il 60607 or at mda.org.

JAMES A. MILLIGAN

SIDNEY – James A. Milligan, 73, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024. He was born November 2, 1950, following a period of declining health.

He could build or fix anything. His belief was there are no problems, only solutions.

His sense of humor was one of a kind. He loved to tell a good joke with that grin and sparkle in his eyes, never taking life too seriously.

His career consisted mainly of being a meat cutter, managing his own business, Mace’s Meat Market, in Ashland, for many years before returning to Sidney and turning the former Bangs Beach into what it is now, The Lakeside Lodge. He passed down his tireless love and care of the family property on Bangs Beach to the next generation.

He would tell stories of the glory days as a Cony High graqduate of 1969, his childhood adventures and his weekly recaps of Days of our Lives. He will be remembered fondly for many family camping trips, summers at the lake, his love of cooking, fishing and most of all the countless sunsets around the campfire.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, wife Agnes Milligan; daughters Laurie, Maggi and Mandy; sons-in-law Royce Witham, Adam Stone, and Andrew Campbell; grandchildren, Jason, Derek and Owen; great-grandchildren, Sophia, Lucas, Harper and DJ; and son, Daniel and family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 5, from 2 – 4 p.m., at The Lakeside Lodge, 28 Marigold Lane, Sidney.

META LEE HART

Meta Lee Hart, 73, of Canaan, (formerly of Wood-Ridge, New Jersey) passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

She is survived by her brother Ernie and his wife Susan; her nephew Dalton Strunck; niece Victoria Pandel, and many friends both near and far.

Meta was predeceased by her husband, Frank, parents Ernest and Josephine Strunck, brothers Walter, Bruce, and sister, Elaine.

At Meta’s request there will be no service.

ROBERT S. REED

VASSALBORO – Robert “Bob” S. Reed, 61, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024, at MaineGeneral Comfort Care at Glenridge, in Augusta. He was born in Waterville on February 27, 1963, the son of the late Alva and Shirley (Fletcher) Reed, of North Anson.

He grew up in North Anson and graduated from Carrabec High School in 1981. He then obtained his bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering technology in May 1986 at the University of Maine, Orono. He was inducted into the Phi Kappy Phi Engineering Society.

Bob met his wife, Jessica, while she was a senior in high school, and he was a junior in college in Maine. They dated for five years while both finishing degrees at different colleges, including Bob graduating and traveling to Texas for a Texas Instruments (TI) training program for 18 months, and then he accepted a position in Waltham, Massachusetts, with TI as a distribution channel sales manager for six years. He then worked for Genesis Associates, as a distribution channel manager, sales engineer for almost 13 years, in Burlington, Massachusetts, before returning to Maine in June 2007. Once in Maine he became a project Manager/Developer with Paine Properties, and then held the position of General manager at NETCo Inc., and finished his working career as a general manager at Thayer Corporation. He then focused his attention even more on battling his cancer and fighting as hard as possible every day.

On October 7, 1989, Bob married Jessica (Paine), and they lived briefly in Burlington and Framingham, Massachusetts, before moving to Westford for almost eight years, then Hampstead, New Hampshire, for almost 10 years, returning to Maine to settle in Vassalboro in 2007.

Bob was a devoted family man and loyal friend who would lend a hand to anyone in need without hesitation. He was also “Mr. Hobby,” who enjoyed learning magic tricks and performing magic shows for neighborhood birthday parties, collecting stamps, working on model trains, and teaching himself how to whittle wood. Bob loved Scouting and devoted over 20 years volunteering as a Cubmaster, in Hampstead, and then as an Assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster,, in Vassalboro, Troop #410. His two sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, and he assisted 14 other young men in Troop #410 to Eagle rank as well. Bob also had a passion for music and the outdoors. Enjoying and playing music on his guitars was a big part of his life. He was an avid hiker, snowboarder, and loved being outdoors as much as possible – especially on Embden Lake.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Alva and Shirley Reed, Aunt Essie Ferguson, and cousin Bill Ferguson.

He is survived by his wife, Jessica; their four children, Becca, Josh, Seth, and Paige; brother David Reed; brother-in-law Mark Paine; sister-in-law Wendy Paine; nephew, Conner Paine; nieces Courtney Paine, and Laurie Ferguson, wife of cousin Bill Ferguson.

A Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, September 15, at the Winthrop YMCA Camp of Maine, located at 305 Winthrop Center Road, Winthrop, Maine.

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/.

Those who wish may make a memorial contribution to the MaineGeneral Comfort Care Unit at Glenridge, online at https://give.mainegeneral.org/comfort, or by mail payable to MaineGeneral Health, Comfort Care at Glenridge, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903 – marked as a “Tribute Gift for Bob Reed” or by phone at 207-626-1809.

The family also set up a Bob Reed Memorial Campership for Vassalboro Troop #410 for Scouts that would like to attend Scout Camp in the summer but need financial assistance to do so.

Donations can be sent to Assistant Scoutmaster Steve Polley, 19 Szady Drive, Vassalboro, ME 04989.

JAMES S. MIXON JR.

WINSLOW – James Sidney Mixon Jr., 61, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. He was born on September 18, 1962, in Amite, Louisiana, the son of James S. Mixon Sr. and Mary Emma (Noel).

With his dad passing away a year later, Mary returned to Maine where her sister lived. Jim grew up in Winslow where he was a member of the Babe Ruth league in school and also participated in cross country. He often ran the five miles from home to school as practice.

Jim attended Job Corps, in Bangor, where he learned to weld. He also met his future wife, Heather Inman.

They moved to Medway and to Sanbornton, New Hampshire, where he held various positions and soon became a member of the pipe fitters association with the Local Union #537, in Massachusetts.

During that time, he was able to travel with his mother to New Brunswick, Canada, to re-acquaint with relatives at the Red Bank Indian Reservation. He also established his Native status. He became a firekeeper and participated in sweat lodges, learning many customs. He was able to fish the Miramichi River and landed a 40-pound salmon on a 10-pound test line, following a 45-minute struggle. He bragged about that for years.

Following his divorce from Heather, he continued his welding career and traveled all over the country. He remarried and lived in Tilton, New Hampshire. An accident disabled him and he was forced to retire. He returned to Winslow to retire, leaving Nashua, New Hampshire.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, along with aunt and uncle Jerry and Maggie Languet; his half-brother Monroe Mixon, and great-nephew Sidney James Boynton.

He is survived by his children, Bridget, of Sanbornton, New Hampshire, and Ryan, of Winslow; stepson Eachan, of Winslow; grandson Gabriel, of Sanbornton, New Hampshire; sisters Margaret, of Waterville, and Carole, of Caldwell, Georgia; nieces, Jessica Turner and fiancé Jason, and two sons Daniel and Anthony, Jaime Fagan and husband Chris, with daughter Lorelai, and Salina Young and her three children, Trinity, Harmony and Kaysin; many cousins, the Languets, Greg, Gary, Melanie, Denise, Dolores, Cindy, Peter and Jay, and their spouses, children and grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at the Sidney Event Room, 255 Trafton Road, Sidney, from 1 – 3 p.m.

Others Departed

RACHEL J. PRADILLA

INWOOD, W. Va. – Rachel Judy Pradilla, 68, of Inwood, West Virginia, passed away Friday, September 13, 2024, at Berkeley Medical Center.

Born October 8, 1955, in Waterville, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Felix Hutchison, Sr. and Rella Fernette Hutchison.

Rachel is survived by her husband, Diego Pradilla; sons, Ryan Frank Nason Sr. and wife Kim, and Rodney Allen Nason and wife Rachel; daughter, Robin Leah Pradilla; grandchildren, Cassidy, Katrina, Ryan Jr., Robert, and Sky Lee; brothers, David Sr., and Brian, both of Vassalboro, and Peter, of Port Charlotte, Florida; sisters, Betty, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Jean, of Waterbury, Connecticut, Janet, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Cindy, of Waterville; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Richard, Joseph Jr. and Allen; sisters, Norma and Sally; and an Aunt Evelyn.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 3 p.m., at the Brown Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be offered at http://www.BrownFuneralHomesWV.com.

DANA HAMMOND

AUGUSTA – Dana Hammond, 79, of Somerville, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024. He was born June 24, 1945, to Irvin and Reta Hammond.

Dana’s graveside service with military honors will be held on Thursday, September 19, at 1 p.m., at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.

BETTY JANE BURNHAM

 

AUGUSTA – Betty Jane Burnham, 70, passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Glenridge Hospice, in Augusta, where she suffered from frontal lobe dementia. Betty was born October 2, 1953, to Lucy and Arthur Whitaker, Sr., in Augusta.

She was the fourth youngest of 18 children. Betty went to China schools and graduated Salutatorian at Erskine Academy, in South China, Class of 1973.

She married Lyle Burnham Sr., on April 20, 1973, and they made their home in Belgrade. Betty went to work after graduating at the State of Maine’s Inland Fisheries & Wildlife for four – six years. She and her husband went on to raise a daughter, Lisa, and a son, Lyle Jr.

When her children were older, Betty would also clean camps in Belgrade during the summers. She worked for over 20 plus years as a secretary/custodian at Central Maine Power Company. She loved watching cooking shows and listening to country music. She would get up at 5 a.m. to have a cup of coffee with her husband and read the newspaper.

Betty enjoyed her life with her family, husband, children, and adored her grandchildren. She was a big help with her grandchildren cooking delicious foods and desserts. She also enjoyed going to the Winterport Raceway with her sisters Muriel, Mary, Marie, Elaine, and Brenda to watch their brother Mike drag race.

She was predeceased by her parents; four sisters Vera Whitaker, Wilma Whitaker, Eltheia Girard, and Susie Potter, one brother Harold Whitaker (2021); several nephews; grandniece; grandson Bradley (2006); Lyle Sr (2013), and daughter Lisa (April 2024).

Betty is survived by her son Lyle Jr; eight sisters Belva MacComb, Marie Vigue, Elaine Brochu, Muriel Michaud, Mary Shaw, Jean Mason, Irene Poulin, Brenda McCamish; four brothers Willard Whitaker, Meldon Whitaker, David Whitaker, and Mike Whitaker; four grandsons David, Connor, Jayden, and Ricky III; and one granddaughter Alina Rodrigue; along with many nieces and nephews; many grandnieces and grandnephews; and cousins.

Graveside services for Saturday, September 21, at 2 p.m., at Pine Grove Cemetery, in Belgrade, are handled by Gallant Funeral Home and Mary-Anne MacArthur.

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.

Vassalboro school board updated on final summer renovations, other building related projects

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Vassalboro Community School (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Community School’s new staff for 2024-25 include two people with experience in Alaska, Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer said. One of them spoke with school board members at their Sept. 10 meeting.

Seventh- and eighth-grade science teacher Tracy Hodge said his previous jobs included five years teaching in Alaska, three in a Yupik village and two in Kodiak.

He has also been in Maine before, he said, a brief stay as a youngster plus visits with friends in the Belgrade Lakes area.

Also speaking at the meeting was Cory Eisenhour, director of facilities for Winslow and Vassalboro schools, who updated board members on final summer renovations.

Pfeiffer expects more comprehensive information on plans for the VCS building from Thomas Seekins, co-president of Portland-based Energy Management Consultants, Inc. (EMC), later this fall.

School board members in June authorized Pfeiffer to agree with EMC “to perform an energy audit and HVAC [heating, ventilation and air conditioning] infrastructure analysis of the Vassalboro Community School.”

Seekins said at the Aug. 13 board meeting that the audit will include expert inspections of everything about the building – heating, lighting, electrical and mechanical systems, roofs, windows, even the driveway paving and drainage.

His team will evaluate needed updates, replacements and repairs and do a comprehensive budget, balancing costs with expected savings. After school board members decide on priorities, EMC personnel will develop a schedule, help arrange financing, select contractors and oversee work.

As of the Aug. 13 meeting, Seekins said EMC staff had begun inspecting the building. Pfeiffer expects a report at either the October or the November school board meeting. Board members proposed inviting Vassalboro Budget Committee members to Seekins’ presentation.

Another topic at the Sept. 10 meeting was VCS student enrollment, which Pfeiffer and Principal Ira Michaud were pleased to report is growing. Michaud reported 425 students, up from 411 in June.

Pfeiffer said so far there are three new secondary-school students, for whom Vassalboro will pay tuition to the high schools they choose. The state education department announces the 2025-26 secondary school tuition in December; Pfeiffer hopes the six percent increase in Vassalboro’s school budget will be enough for the first half of 2025.

The superintendent urged families who have not yet filled out and returned their “green sheets” – officially, the Household Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals – to do so. They are no longer needed to save families money, since school meals are free, but the state uses the information to calculate Vassalboro’s share of state funding.

VCS still needs substitute educational technicians, food service workers and bus drivers, Pfeiffer said. Shortages are state-wide; the mutual aid agreement among Vassalboro, Waterville and Winslow is helpful.

School has started smoothly, the administrators said, except for a major problem with the VCS intercom system. Pfeiffer expressed thanks to Marc Nabarowsky for getting it running again and said a part is being ordered for a full repair.

The next Vassalboro school board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8.

OPINION: Town elder concerned about seniors in China

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COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

by Sheldon Goodine

The Rise of Senior Homeless in Maine?

We cannot let this happen in the China area. Maine folks are tough and try to go with the flow as long as possible, then it may be too late to solve the problem.

We tell our young children and adolescents, that if they see something wrong or are bullied themselves to “tell somebody”. That should apply to seniors as well. It may be very difficult to talk with a family member or maybe they don’t have a family member to talk to. “Tell Somebody”, the help you need may be as close as the town office. China Town Manager Becky Hapgood has agreed to act as a soundboard on a temporary basis and she can get you the help that is needed. Talk to her, tell her your problem and she will listen and find a solution. Some of the problems may be as follows:

Homelessness, elder abuse, food insecurity, transportation issues, medication, energy assistance, balance checkbook or paying bills, companionship and scams.

The list is long and varied. So do not carry the problem alone. “Tell Somebody”. Bottom line, you are not alone, there is help out there – start with Becky!

Good luck and God bless.

Novel Energy granted one-year extension on project

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by Mary Grow

China Planning Board members approved one request at their Sept. 10 meeting and postponed action on another, probably to Sept. 24.

Novel Energy, represented virtually by Ralph Addonizio, received a one-year extension to begin construction of a solar development on the section of Parmenter Hill Road called Moe’s Mountain.

Board members approved the project at their Nov. 28, 2023, meeting. Codes Officer Nicholas French said it expires Nov. 28, 2024, if the project has not started.

Addonizio explained that a redesign (which planning board members approved at their July 30 meeting) and “supply chain delays” were holding up beginning work. He expects another 10 months’ wait.

“We want to start, believe me,” Addonizio said.

The other application was from Ironwood Maine LLC, doing business as The Ridge RTC, represented by Wade Bedsaul and Alexander Blackstone. They applied to add two small buildings and expand parking on their property at 24 Pond Hill Road, between Route 3 and Three Mile Pond.

The property is a residential facility for teenagers needing therapy and support as they deal with mental, behavioral and emotional health issues. The planning board approved it in April 2018.

Blackstone said a 12-by-10-foot trailer would be used to store tools and sports equipment. A 12-by-20-foot one would provide extra meeting space. The proposed additional parking area would be about 6-by-20-feet.

Because a resource protection district is involved, board members decided they needed additional information on setbacks and tree removal (for the parking area) and a map. Bedsaul and Blackstone indicated they should have the information in time for a revised application at the board’s next meeting, scheduled for Sept. 24.

China transfer station committee discusses relations with Palermo

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by Mary Grow

Relations between China and Palermo were a major topic discussed, in a friendly way, at the Sept. 10 China Transfer Station Committee meeting. Only one of Palermo’s two committee members, Bob Kurek, was present.

He reported that the Palermo select board is “all set” with the draft revised agreement between the two towns, but town voters need to accept it. He hoped a special town meeting could be scheduled in October. (See the Sept. 12 issue of The Town Line, p. 2.)

Meanwhile, he, China Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood and staff in both town offices continue to contact Palermo residents who do not abide by regulations, mostly by not using the required blue bags. Kurek reminded the group that requiring Palermo residents who use the China facility to buy and use special bags is a measure of fairness to the many residents who use dumpsters or other alternatives.

Kurek, as he has done at previous meetings, summarized conversations with residents identified by the transfer station staff or security camera recordings and reported to him.

Committee member James Hsiang, resenting the staff time spent on a few individuals, proposed increasing Palermo’s annual payment to China in compensation, to cost Palermo taxpayers and “put peer pressure on the cheaters.”

James Hines doubted the plan would work – “Some people just can’t change,” he said. Benjamin Weymouth preferred China try to be a good neighbor to Palermo. And committee chairman Chris Baumann pointed out that the issue is not systemic; only a small minority of Palermo residents are uncooperative.

At previous meetings, committee members have noted that an occasional China resident challenges regulations, too.

Hapgood added that town officials can ban repeat offenders from the transfer station.

“I think some of your stories investigating this stuff are the best part of the [committee] meetings,” Hines told Kurek.

In other business, transfer station manager Thomas Maraggio reported two summer projects, lighting in the free-for-the-taking building and an improved compost area, are essentially complete. More signs promoting and explaining recycling have gone up, and still more are planned.

Hapgood is planning the 2025 transfer station stickers that will be required for vehicles registered in China or Palermo to enter the transfer station beginning Jan. 1. The new ones, she promised, will adhere properly to windshields, unlike the 2024 ones that generated many complaints.

Committee members scheduled the rest of their 2024 meetings for 9 a.m., the second Tuesday of each month, Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10.