MY POINT OF VIEW: Who really discovered America?

/0 Comments/in /by

Christopher Columbus

by Gary Kennedy

Once a year we find time to check out our roots and how we came to be, and who made it all happen. Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas at Guanahani, an island in the Bahamas, on October 12, 1492. Many do not celebrate this holiday anymore as it is believed that genocide occurred and paved the way to slavery. Although many say that the greater glorification is the exploration. Indigenous people of North America take exception to this holiday as they were already settled here. So now many states refer to this holiday as Indigenous People’s Day. South Dakota became the first to officially celebrate this holiday calling it Native American Day, in 1992. Many cities throughout the United States have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day. It appears that the change of this holiday is a national work in progress but some still cling to Columbus Day.

An example of conflict on a local level is Boston. Mayor Kim Janey, Boston’s first black woman mayor, had Boston as Indigenous Day to replace what was referred to as Colonial Myths passed down over generations. In 2022 an incoming Democrat, Michelle Wu, under pressure, was compelled to change back and add to this already holiday in conflict. Along with Indigenous Peoples Day was added Italian Heritage Day. This was a clever way of getting Columbus in under another guise. We know during those times slavery was popular and felt needed for the growth of the colonies.

Also, it was very profitable. People basically don’t care much for change. To be honest about it, I don’t care much for it either. As a youth I was taught and learned many lies. The topic was real and good but taught in a non factual manner. I had to get old and experience life to finally see the truth. Sometimes you need to stand on your own and extrapolate from that which the prudent feed you. As far as the reason for Columbus Day it is most likely a happening that is true and the players in this somewhat factual occurrence are probably not even close to Christopher Columbus, period, and even more precisely on the continent.

It was Amerigo Vespucci who realized Columbus had found a new land and in 1507 named it America. Texas A&M believes Indigenous peoples discovered America, not European explorers. Some evidence has been discovered that leads some scholars to believe that Polynesians were the first/ others believe Leif Ericson may have been the first to step on the continent, from Europe. However, to say Columbus “discovered” America would be a bit of a misnomer because there were many people already here.

American Archaeology’s Michael Bawaya states the Native Americans came here from Asia probably “no later than about 15,000 years ago. They walked across the Bering land bridge that connected Siberia and Alaska. In those days the ocean was much lower and the bridge was hundreds of kilometers wide. From there they traveled south to America, Mexico and South America. Remnants’ of these migrants were discovered in Mexico dating back 11,000 years. These people were known as Clovis people. If you travel Asia you can see the similarity in peoples of American Indian decent. In any case we still have Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day. Best of all we get another day off to enjoy our family and friends. God bless you and yours and have a fun, safe holiday.

The views of the author of this column are not necessarily those of The Town Line newspaper, its staff and board of directors.

Around the Kennebec Valley: Education in 18th & 19th centuries, Part III

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Hallowell Academy

by Mary Grow

Hallowell & Supply Belcher

The local responsibility for public education made it one of the first topics for voters in each newly-organized 18th and 19th century Maine town. Frequently, historians wrote, it was not easy for people in a low-cash economy to raise money to pay a teacher, provide instructional materials and maintain a building.

(Nor to fund other civic duties. For example, James North wrote in his 1870 history of Augusta that residents of Hallowell [from which Augusta separated in February 1797] sent no representative to the Massachusetts Great and General Court from 1775 until May 1783. The reason, he said, was probably the cost, which the town had to bear; and the incentive in 1783 was a newly- created system of fining unrepresented towns.

(Similarly, North said, taxes Maine towns owed to the Massachusetts government frequently went unpaid in whole or in part. In November 1784, the legislature authorized payment in commodities – beef, pork, wheat, oats, Indian corn, butter, cordwood, boards and tow cloth. Kennebec Valley goods were to be delivered at Bath.)

This and following articles will provide town-by-town information about Kennebec Valley voters’ early steps in creating local education systems, and about the systems they created, which differed considerably from contemporary public schooling.

One major difference, for most of the 19th century, was that towns were divided into school districts (which were frequently reorganized). Many town histories include lists of districts as of various dates, with their boundaries as presented at town meetings.

Most of the time, each district had its own one-room, or occasionally two-room, school building for primary-school students. Grammar schools, the equivalent of a modern high school, were less common.

District boundaries mostly ran from one landowner’s lot line to another’s, making it difficult for modern readers to locate a district. Sometimes there was a more helpful reference to a town line.

Another feature of these early schools that has changed markedly was the length of time students spent in them. Until late in the 19th century, there was no standardized school year; local voters and officials set their own school terms.

One on-line source pointed out that the school day was shorter, too, because students needed time to walk from home and back. This source said school might run only from about 9 a.m. to about 2 p.m.; and “homework,” despite its name, was done in school.

Textbooks were not standardized between towns or even within a town; they were not even available all the time.

Especially in the early years, teachers were likely to be young men – or, increasingly, women – who finished district school and came back to share their learning with younger children, without further training.

* * * * * *

Three of the towns covered in this series were incorporated on April 26, 1771: Augusta (as part of Hallowell), Vassalboro (including Sidney) and Winslow (including Waterville and Oakland).

North wrote that Hallowell’s first town meeting, held May 22, 1771, was primarily to elect town officials. Meeting again July 1, voters raised 16 pounds for “schooling” (and 36 pounds for laying out the first roads).

Captain Charles Nash wrote, in his Augusta chapters in Henry Kingsbury’s Kennebec County history, that “the prompt provision for schools attests the loyalty of the settlers to the policy of their Puritan forefathers, who ordained (in 1647) that every town of fifty houses should provide for the instruction of its youth.”

At the 1772 annual meeting, voters defined “schooling and preaching” as necessities, and appropriated 15 pounds for both, Nash said (his sentence makes it impossible to tell whether he meant “both” or “each”).

Where the money came from is unclear; he wrote that 96 “persons who were assessed for taxes” paid almost 14 pounds. His examples suggested the local tax base in 1772 was similar to 2024’s: a merchant was assessed for his stock of goods, a landowner for his real estate.

(North thought it worth mentioning that as early as these 1772 meetings, inhabitants were charged a Massachusetts provincial tax, apportioned according to the value of each householder’s real and personal property.)

In 1773, North wrote, voters at the March annual meeting directed their selectmen to procure two months’ preaching plus as much more as they had money for, and only as much schooling as they had money for. They showed the same priority in 1774, appropriating 20 pounds for preaching, half that amount for schooling.

The Revolutionary War was hard on Hallowell, disrupting civil proceedings (North’s emphasis) and the economy (Nash’s). Many able-bodied men were off fighting, or had been killed or wounded. The currency depreciated drastically; military demands for men, money and supplies were onerous; state taxation increased. And the winter of 1780 was exceptionally long and cold.

In 1776, North said, Hallowell voters held only one town meeting, at which they elected town and county officials – “no money [was] raised for any purpose.” Not until the spring of 1778 did a Hallowell town meeting again raise money for education (and preaching and other necessary purposes).

In 1780, Hallowell voters held 10 meetings, North said. At the annual meeting in March, they raised 200 pounds for education (and the same for preaching), and in May added another 100 pounds.

The next year they repented: North quoted a March 12, 1781, vote saying “That the town if it think proper may raise money for preaching and schooling at some after meeting.” On July 10, voters approved 50 pounds for preaching; if they funded education in 1781, North failed to mention it.

Nash found that Hallowell created eight school districts in 1787, four on each side of the river, and divided 80 pounds equally among them for a year’s expenditures. Each district had its three-man school committee, charged to “provide schooling, and see that the money is prudently laid out.”

The east-side districts ran from the north boundary downriver into what is now the separate town of Chelsea. Three west-side districts ran from the Vassalboro (later Sidney) line downriver to take in present-day Gardiner; the fourth included the area west of those districts.

Nash commented that the districts were created two years before they were legally required. “Thus promptly the founders of the town lined off the yet untamed wilderness into educational preserves, for the benefit of their youth.”

In 1790, North wrote, town meeting voters were feeling so poor they raised no money for preaching; but they appropriated 100 pounds for education (and thrice that amount for roads).

* * * * * *

Hallowell had what Nash labeled “the first incorporated institution of learning in the district of Maine.” Hallowell Academy was chartered by the Massachusetts legislature in 1791 and opened May 5, 1795. (William B. Lapham, who wrote the Hallowell chapter in Kingsbury’s history, said Berwick Academy was chartered on the same day in 1791; an on-line source says the Governor of Massachusetts signed Hallowell Academy’s charter on Aug. 31, 1791.)

The legislature gave the Academy a land grant its 20 trustees could sell – Lapham said the area became Harmony, a Somerset County town northwest of Skowhegan.

The Academy’s first building burned in 1804. A new one opened in 1805, and in 1807 the trustees bought a Paul Revere bell for it, for $78, Nash wrote. This building was succeeded in 1839 by a brick one.

The Academy served area students. After Augusta separated from Hallowell, it had its own post-primary school from to 1804 to 1807 and again after 1836; in the interval, Nash wrote, “the Hallowell Academy, then in its full vigor, offered the youth of Augusta ample facilities for obtaining a good education.”

Lapham said after town high schools began to proliferate, the Academy lost students. It survived through the Civil War, and in 1873 became Hallowell Classical Institute, “a Congregational school and a feeder for Bowdoin College.”

An on-line Hallowell history site dates the Classical Institute to 1872 and says it offered a high school education for both sexes, with boarding and day students, until it closed in June 1888.

Hallowell’s early music composer: Supply Belcher

Supply Belcher

One of Hallowell’s 1787 district school committeemen was Supply Belcher, a man whose name historians of music will recognize as an early composer, choir director, singer, violinist and compiler of books of psalms.

Born in Stoughton, Massachusetts, on March 29, 1751, Belcher served in the Revolutionary War, marching to Cambridge with the Stoughton Minutemen to meet the British on April 19, 1775, and later becoming an army captain

After the war, he opened Belcher’s Tavern, in Canton, Massachusetts, where he hosted local musicians for informal concerts. In 1785, he and his family moved to Hallowell (why? your writer asks in vain); in 1791, they moved to Farmington, where he lived out his life.

Historians agree that he was popular and respected as a musician and as a local civic leader.

Wikipedia says Belcher “apparently led Farmington’s first choir,” which was well reviewed. A local newspaper nicknamed him “The Handel of Maine” after a 1796 concert featuring his Ordination Anthem, which the Wikipedia writer says partly resembled sections of Handel’s famous Messiah.

Another source, however, says, “Handel” was more likely used as a generic term to denote a well-known composer, not necessarily because Belcher’s and Handel’s music were similar.

In Farmington, Belcher taught school; served as selectman in 1796 and 1797, town clerk and tax assessor; was a justice of the peace and a magistrate; and represented the town in the Massachusetts General Court in 1798, 1799, 1801 and 1802.

Belcher married Margaret More in May 1775. One on-line source says they were married for 60 years and had 10 children; Find a Grave lists three sons and three daughters, born between 1780 and 1814.

According to this source, their first son, Samuel, died Oct. 27, 1814, at the age of 34. When they had another son on Dec. 8, 1814, they named him Samuel. The second Samuel lived until May 22, 1886.

Youngest daughter, Eliza, born in 1787, died when she was seven. The inscription on her gravestone reads: “My little mates when you come near / Look at my grave and drop a tear.”

Middle son, Hiram, born in 1790, went to Hallowell Academy, got a law degree and began practicing in Farmington in 1812. He was Farmington’s town clerk from 1814 to 1819, the town’s Maine state representative in 1822, 1829 and 1832 and its state senator in 1838 and 1839. From 1847 to 1849, he served in the U. S. House of Representatives as a member of the Whig party.

Belcher’s first published piece was in 1788; by 1819, he had published more than 70 works, mostly in the typical tunebook of the time that contained works by multiple composers. His only collection of his own works is titled The Harmony of Maine: An Original Composition of Psalm and Hymn Tunes (Boston, 1794). One critic referred to his “original and creative spirit in psalmody.”

Belcher died June 9, 1836, in Farmington. His widow died May 14, 1839.

Main sources

Kingsbury, Henry D., ed., Illustrated History of Kennebec County Maine 1625-1892 (1892)
North, James W., The History of Augusta (1870)

Websites, miscellaneous

OBITUARIES for Thursday, October 10, 2024

/0 Comments/in /by

HELEN L. BOURGET

WINSLOW – Helen L. Bourget, 89, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024. Helen was born on September 3, 1935, in Dover-Foxcroft, at the home that her father built.

She attended school in Winthrop where she was the schools Head Majorette. She took this role very seriously. Once she was hurrying to a parade line-up so she wouldn’t be late and was struck by a car!

Helen graduated from Waterville High School in 1955. Soon after graduation she began working at the C. F. Hathaway Shirt Co., in Waterville, and soon went to work for Scott Paper Co., in Winslow, where she met her husband of 55 years, Arthur.

Helen loved dressing with style, for several years she worked at Stern’s Department Store, in Waterville, as a fashion model and sales clerk. She then worked briefly at Butler’s Department Store, also in Waterville,“ until finding the job that suited Helen to a“T”, Marden’s, in Waterville. She enjoyed a good bargain and what better place to work!

She and Arthur owned a camp at Baker Cove, on Moosehead Lake, where they spent most of their summers. Helen loved being at camp and fishing with her father and George Richie. She also enjoyed X-country skiing. Helen had a beautiful soul and would help anyone without judgment or questions. She had lots of energy; it was rare to see her sit to relax. Her quirky little jokes, costumes and sayings would always be followed up by her laugh and smile.

There was so much more to Helen that words cannot describe. She touched many lives but the ones most important to her were her husband, a son, and two stepchildren that she raised from toddlers. Her Siamese cats, Cinnamin, Ming, and Ching along with the family dog Snuff brought her so much love and joy. She was very proud to have been in a clip-on AFV with Bubba, her mother’s cat.

Helen is survived by her husband Arthur Bourget, of Winslow; son James (Jimmy) Begin and partner Karen, of Winslow; stepdaughter Kim Larrabee and husband David, of Fairfield; two sisters, Betty Parsons and husband Linwood, of Millinocket, Susan Sarto and husband Rick, of Hermon; grandchildren, Jason, Heather, Sam and Emma; great-grandchildren, Bella, Aria and Nola; and many nieces and nephews.

Helen was predeceased by her parents, Gordon and Shirley Carlson, and stepson Arthur Bourget Jr (Joe / Joey)

Services will be held on Saturday, October 19, 11 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow, lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901..

STEPHEN A. ERSKINE

WATERVILLE – Stephen A. Erskine, 93, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024, one day after his 93rd birthday. He was born on September 22, 1931, in Bath, son of Alfred Erskine and Elizabeth Perro.

He met the love of his life, Lucille Pelletier, when he moved to Waterville and they were married for 45 years, until her passing in July of 2000.

Stephen worked for Harris Baking Company, in Waterville, before he enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. He worked in the plumbing and heating trade after the Army until his retirement.

It was then that his best job began as pépère to his three grandchildren who called him Pep. His special names for them were Pumpkin #1, Pumpkin #2, and Little Man.

Stephen loved to putter around the house and spend time with his family.

He was predeceased by his wife, Lucille; his parents; his sisters Betty, Beverly, Joyce, Marilyn, and Patricia; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his daughter Laurie Joler and her husband John; his granddaughters Sarah Joler and Erica Childs, and his grandson Daniel Joler. He is also survived by his sisters Jackie and her husband Lynn McCommic and Julie and her husband Denton Ayers, his brother Ted Erskine and his wife Linda; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service with military honors was held on Wednesday, October 9, in the Committal Shelter at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 143 Blue Star Ave., Augusta.

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.

JAMES T. McGAREY

ALBION – James “Jeep” T. McGarey, 53, passed away unexpectedly of a car accident, in Albion, on Friday, September. 20, 2024. He was born in Biddeford, September 2, 1971. He was employed at Flood Farms hauling milk and wood at the time of his passing.

Jeep had the biggest heart, best hugs and was always there for his family and friends. His love for his only son Jesse filled him with pride and he looked forward to their camping and fishing adventures. He joined the American Legion Riders Post #14, in Fairfield, earning the rank Sergeant of Arms.

He was predeceased by his father Richard McGarey, of Biddeford, and his mother Deborah Sylvester, of Unity, a brother Spencer McGarey, of Lewiston, and brother Micah Taylor, of Auburn.

He is survived by his son Jesse James McGarey; his mother Linda (Leighton) McGarey, of Poland; step-parents and the man he called “Dad” Lawrence and Beth Taylor, of China; his brothers Lendal “Rusty” Taylor, of Unity, and John Taylor and his wife SunMi, of Vine Grove, Kentucky; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The American Legion Riders Post #14 dedicated their annual fall ride in honor of Jeep, on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

A celebration of life will be held in honor of Jeep at the VFW, 246 Main Street, in Fairfield, on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at noon.

He will be buried at a later date in a private ceremony.

PHILIP SCHLEGEL

WINSLOW – Phil Schlegel passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 20024, at his home in Winslow.

He is survived by his wife and devoted companion Linda; daughters Kimberly and Kate; his children’s mother Janet; his sister Deborah; and two grandchildren, Lea and Ethan.

He was predeceased by his parents, Elmer G. and Barbara (Johns) Schlegel.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Phil served from 1970 – 1972 in Texas and Germany, satisfied to have had a bit part in that centuries-long lineage. After completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history at Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, he came to Maine in 1978 and embarked on a 30-year career in municipal and state government, retiring in 2007. After retirement, Phil continued his pursuit of two intensely personal endeavors, to follow his life-long interest in the study and interpretation of history and to attempt to discern the meaning of things.

His gratitude for Linda’s unconditional love and support through joys and challenges is undying. To those he let down he is truly sorry. To his family, his friends, and those who lent helping hands along the way he thanks all of you very, very much for your love and caring, with a sincere hope that all of you may find peace.

According to Phil’s wishes, his family will schedule a private gathering.

Arrangements are in the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm Street, Waterville, where memories of Philip may be shared, and an online register book can be signed by visiting http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com.

BERNARD F. LEWANDOWSKI

JEFFERSON – Bernard F. Lewandowski, 78, of Jefferson, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at his home, in Jefferson. “Bern” was born on February 2, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, to Frank Lewandowski and Shirley Gitchlag.

Bern grew up in Detroit, Michigan. When Bern was 10 years old his dad passed away leaving him with his mom and brother. When he was a teenager his mom married Joseph Bozzo who became a second dad to Bern.

He attended local schools and enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served from 1963 – 1967. After his discharge from the Navy Bern met his wife Linda Braun. He attended Macomb County Community College where he earned an associate’s degree. In 1983 Bern and Linda moved to Jefferson to raise their three daughters. Bern loved his daughters and was always attending all their sporting events when they were younger. He enjoyed taking his three girls fishing, taking them to the beach and he even stepped in when a soccer coach was needed. He may have even been asked to go to the other side of the soccer field for yelling at the referees, but that’s not here or there.

Later in life Berns role changed from “Dad” to “Pa” given the title by his seven grandchildren. He always enjoyed making them laugh and having fun with them. He was a great cook, gardener, Uber driver to his grandchildren, sports lover of any Michigan team and a John Wayne enthusiast. In 2010 Bern retired from the Veterans Association at Togus. During retirement Bern and Linda became snow birds and spent the winters in Florida. Many nights Bern and Linda would be found at the puzzle table. Bern would always point out that Linda took all the easy pieces. During the day you could always find Bern out in the sun soaking it all up or watering his flower and vegetable garden.

Bern was predeceased by his parents.

Bern is survived by his wife of 50 years Linda Lewandowski, of Jefferson; daughters Jennifer St.Cyr and her husband Shawn, and Melissa Lewandowski, all of Jefferson, Sara Rogers and her husband Jason, of Nobleboro; grandchildren Abby St.Cyr, Allison St.Cyr, Adam St.Cyr, Lillian Powell, Cooper Powell, Kadence Rogers and Logan Rogers.

A celebration of Bern’s life will take place in the summer of 2025 for all of Bern’s family and friends to celebrate his life as he lived it in the sunshine, warmth and laughter.

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

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bern’s name to Home for Little Wanders, c/o Development Department, 72 E. Dedham St., Boston, MA 02118.

MARY LOU MARTIN

WINSLOW – Mary Lou Martin, 72, of Winslow, passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2024, following a long battle with breast cancer. She was born on September 28, 1951.

At a young age Mary Lou had a passion for hairdressing. While in high school she would do her own hair along with her friends. She attended cosmetology school after graduating from Waterville High School. She then went on to fulfill her lifelong profession as a beautician. She eventually owned her own beauty salon, Classic Cuts, in Winslow.

After working at the beauty salon, Mary Lou would always make sure there was a home cooked meal for her family before heading to Cindy’s School of Dance where she taught dancing with her sister Cynthia. Mary Lou and Cynthia started dancing as little girls with Miss Patsy. Miss Mary Lou and Miss Cindy passed on their passion for dance to many students throughout the years.

Mary Lou loved life and lived it to the fullest. She loved to share her bountiful experiences with her family and friends. Mary Lou and her husband Michael went to Aruba for the past 25 years. If you were lucky enough to visit them in their favorite place, she would have had a full itinerary planned. All you had to do was show up and she took care of the rest. She also loved her yearly trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, with her girlfriends where they would attend shows and gamble.

While Mary Lou’s health allowed, she loved to play golf. That transitioned to watching golf on TV on the weekends. She also organized many different football pools that kept her busy keeping up with weekly NFL scores. Mary Lou loved to play cards. Sitting down at the table with family after dinner and playing several card games was a Martin tradition. Gathering with their best friends on the weekend always included card games. Later in life she learned to play the game of Mahjong and played with her lady friends weekly. Her best friend and sister Marie was a huge part of Mary Lou’s life and shared in many of her hobbies and passions.

Mary Lou was outgoing and loved being around people. She hosted many gatherings and was the life of the party. Mary Lou and Michael’s home was always open to her son’s friends. There were swimming pool parties, billiard and card tournaments, and Friday night bonfires before a Saturday Winslow High School football game. They attended all Chad and Corey’s football games decked out in Orange and Black.

Mary Lou loved spoiling her four grandchildren and shared many experiences with them. As much as she loved her family and friends, she loved and spoiled her animals just as much. You were always greeted by a Yorkie or a cat when you entered their home.

Mary Lou was predeceased by her mom, Loretta Desveaux; siblings, Joanna Wilbur, Ralph Paradis, Cynthia Crowell and Joyce Paradis.

She is survived by her husband, Michael; their sons, Chad and Jennifer Martin, Corey and Emily Martin; her four grandchildren, Sophia, Andrew, Sarah, Alex; and her sister Marie Paradis.

A Mass of Christian Burial took place on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, on 116 Silver Street, Waterville.

In lieu of flowers, the Martin family is asking for donations to Cynthia’s Challenge.

Donations can be made to P.O. Box 213, Eaton, NH 03830. Cynthia’s Challenge is named after Mary Lou’s god-child and is a nonprofit organization created to support children and their families faced with staggering expenses associated with special medical needs.

DAVID J. MAYO

SHAWMUT – David J. Mayo, 96, passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024. He was born in Portland on January 3, 1928, son of Joseph and Corris Mayo.

He spent most of his life living in Shawmut and was a proud father of nine children as well as a proud grandfather and great-grandfather.

David graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1946 and joined the U.S. Marine Corps in June of that year and served until 1948. He married Beverly Works on July 2, 1951, and enjoyed 67 years of marriage until her passing in September 2018. Together they lived and raised their family in Shawmut.

David was a hard worker, often working two jobs to support his growing family. He was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for over 30 years, where he made numerous friends and acquaintances. In conjunction with the postal service, he also worked for Keyes Fibre Corp., at the Shawmut pulp mill, as well as the machine shop, in Waterville, and the paper mill in Fairfield.

David was an avid bowler, loved to do crossword puzzles, and was a dominant player at many card games such as Skip-Bo. He mastered the art of making mac and cheese and peanut butter fudge, which everyone looked forward to indulging in at family gatherings.

Through the years, he and Beverly could be found proudly cheering for their children and grandchildren on the sidelines of many of their athletic events.

David was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Beverly Mayo; son Jeffery Mayo, daughter-in-law Tina Mayo; grandson, Aaron Wadleigh.

He is survived by eight children. Michael Mayo, Stephen Mayo and wife Melanie, James Mayo, Corrisann Vigue and husband Joey, Donna Fortin and husband Bob, Timothy Mayo and wife Karen, Mary Wadleigh and husband Brian, Ronald Mayo and wife Heather; a daughter-in-law, Genie Mayo; and brother-in-law, Derwood Works and wife Debbie; 16 grandchildren, Rob Fortin and wife Christy, Krystal Blaisdell and husband Josh, Nicole Fortin, Ashley Johnston and husband Mac, Krysten Bailey and husband Ryan; Brittney Turner and husband Ricky, Chelsea Mayo and husband Jonathan Baker, Katye Mayo-Chipman, Cody Vigue and wife Brittany, Lindsay Mayo, Casey Wadleigh, Lauren Wadleigh, Andrew Mayo, Ethan Mayo, Grace Mayo, Lucas Mayo; and 11 great-grandchildren, Aubrie and Robbie Fortin, Rylynn and Adalyn Turner, Kinzley and Kiley Vigue, Declan and Corbin Johnston, Hazel and Holden Bailey, Kaden Mayo-Chipman, Drake Johnson, Hannah Clowes.

Visiting hours will be from 6 – 8 p.m., on Friday, October 25, at Veilleux and Redington Funeral home, 8 Elm St., Waterville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville, with a reception to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities, Development Office, PO Box 10660, Portland, ME 04104-6060.

RITA HIKEL

VASSALBORO – Rita Hikel, 93, passed away on Sunday, September, 29, 2024. She was born on January 16, 1931, in a tiny house on what is now Ken­nedy Memorial Drive, in Waterville, to a large French-Canadian family, where she gained a passion for music and a devotion to her Catholic faith.

Rita attended elementary and high school in Waterville until she developed tuberculosis as a teen. She spent three years in the sanatorium, in Fairfield, missing both the death of her mother, Dora, and her high school graduation.

Rita, through drive and perseverance, would go on to receive her high school diploma. Afterwards, she put her talent of painting to use and worked as photographer’s colorist and touch up artist. She was also a teller at the Waterville Savings Bank and worked as an inspector at the C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville.

In 1963 Rita married Adam Hikel at a well-attended ceremony at St. Joseph’s Maronite Church, in Waterville. After the birth of her daughter, Anne, in 1965, they moved to Illinois and then to Tennessee where son Joseph would be added to the family. From there, they moved to Michigan where, on Christmas Eve 1970, her third child, Adam, was born.

During the ’70s, Rita packed up the family no less than six times, and was pretty much over it by the time they moved to Wilton. Finally, after all the children were out of the house, Adam and Rita moved one last time to Vassalboro, where they were able to reunite with many friends and family and never worry about moving ever again.

Rita’s passion was music: she loved to sing and could play piano by ear. She sang with her older sister, Theresa, at the Waterville Opera House and in Skowhegan when they were still in grade school. She sang in the choir at St Joseph’s for many years to the delight of the congregation, learning songs in Arabic and Syriac.

Not only did Rita have a beautiful voice, her tourtière pies were blue ribbon winners. She could assemble a killer pie crust in the time it took to say “preheat oven to 350°”. Known to many as a fabulous cook, she loved to bake and make treats for the people she loved. Needless to say, she made a lot of treats.

Her skill in the kitchen and her love of art, theater and music she passed on to her children. She also passed on her sarcasm and stubbornness and the philosophy that nothing is insurmountable with a little effort, and everything else can be fixed with some aspirin and a nap or copious amounts of duct tape.

Most importantly though, she taught by example what it meant to be a decent, kind, and positive force in the world, and what generosity and living in faith was truly about.

Rita was predeceased by her husband Adam; her parents John Theriault and Dora (Ouellette); brothers Renee Theriault, Ray Theriault, Leonard Theriault, Wilfred Theriault, and her sisters Grace Huard, Teresa White, Madeline, Marie, and most recently, Jeffrine Quirion who passed in August.

She leaves her daughter Anne; sons Joseph and Adam; a grandson, Ian El-Habre and his wife Taylor; younger brother Paul Theriault; many nieces and nephews.

Ginnaz for Rita will be at 10 a.m., on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Maronite Church, 3 Appleton Street, Waterville. Her remains will be interred following the service 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, donations may be made in her name to the Maine Children’sHome, 93 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901.

CHARLENE F. STAIRS

SOUTH CHINA– Charlene F. Stairs, 92, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at the Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta. She was born on June 26, 1932, a daughter of Gilbert and Myrtle (Clement) Keller.

Charlene attended grade school in Montville and graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta, in the class of 1947. In 1952, she enlisted in the United States Army and worked her way up to becoming a surgical medical technician. While in the service, Charlene received training in Virginia and spent time stationed in Washington State as well as Germany.

Upon her honorable discharge, Charlene was employed as a nurse at various places including Waldo County General Hospital, Monmouth Medical (in New Jersey), and AMHI. In 1968, she began her long time career as a nurse at the VA, in Togus, retiring as the OR supervisor in 1996.

Charlene was a hard-working and dedicated employee, but she was even more committed to her family. Known by her grandchildren as “Mim”, Charlene played a vital role in her grandchildren’s upbringing and eventually her great-grandchildren’s lives. She was an unwavering supporter of all activities and groups her grandchildren were involved in, particularly sports and the Cub Scouts.

Charlene enjoyed reading, researching family genealogy, and traveling, especially with her best friend, Ardith.

Charlene will be remembered for her hard work ethic, tough resilience, and for the unconditional love she had for her family.

She was predeceased by her parents; and four brothers, Merton Keller, Myron Keller, Gilbert Keller Jr., and Carleton Keller.

Charlene is survived by her daughter, Sharen Careen Grenier and her husband, John; grandchildren, Shawn Porter and his wife, Deann, Chasity Robichaud, and Sonya Porter-Burrill; great-grandchildren, Kaylee Olivier and her husband, James, Kaden Porter, Nicholas Robichaud, Hannah Robichaud, Kali Porter and Kyle Burrill; three great-great-grandchildren, Aliyah, Isabella and Ayla; a brother, Leroy Keller and his wife, Mary; and several nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held for the family at Maine Veterans Cemetery, located at 143 Blue Star Ave., in Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local children’s sporting group.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting www.plummerfh.com.

LEO E. GOULETTE

WATERVILLE – Leo Edward Goulette, 98, died on Monday, September 30, 2024. He was born in Waterville on November 24, 1925, to J. Edward and Alfreda (Poulin) Goulette.

He was educated at St. Francis School, in Waterville, and left home at the age of 13 to attend school at the Brothers of Christian Instruction, in Alfred. As a “Brother”, he taught school in Plattsburgh, New York, and Montreal, Québec, Canada. He left in 1946 and returned to Waterville because he wanted to marry and raise a family. His years with the Brothers shaped his life and he enjoyed telling stories of his time there.

He served in the U.S. Army for two years active duty and four years in the reserves and in later years was a member of American Legion Bourque-Lanigan Post #5, in Waterville.

He met his future wife, Geraldine Beaulieu, on a blind date, married on November 14, 1953, and raised five children together. He worked for R.E. Drapeau, in Waterville, for 20 years and at Scott Paper/Sappi, in Winslow/Hinckley, as a master electrician and then as an electrical planner until he retired in 1989.

He was good natured, humble, and loved people. He had a remarkable memory, able to recall detailed stories even in his later years. He could repair just about anything and enjoyed working on his home and camp.

Hockey was a big part of his life, playing from a young age and later coaching youth hockey and refereeing high school and college games. He maintained a backyard rink and his children have fond memories of their time skating and playing hockey with friends.

He was a devout Catholic, served as a Eucharistic minister and was a member of the Notre Dame choir. He volunteered at the Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen for 26 years and served on the Waterville City Council.

He loved to golf and was able to do so into his 90s. He was a long-time member and ranger at Natanis Golf Course, in Vassalboro. He enjoyed card games, especially cribbage. Leo and Gerry loved to travel, making numerous trips around the country to visit family, as well as frequent day trips to the Maine coast. Their trip to Europe, shortly after Leo retired, was a highlight.

He treasured summers on China Lake, often saying it was his favorite place. He and Gerry loved having family visit, which allowed their grandchildren a connection to each other and to Maine lake life they would not have enjoyed otherwise.

Leo was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Geraldine (Beaulieu); a newborn son; his parents; his sister Yvette Michaud, his brother James Goulette; his nieces Elaine Belcher and Margaret Goulette; his nephew Russell Michaud; and his first grandchild, Christopher P. Goulette.

He is survived by his daughter Debra Goulette Carter (Scott), of Falmouth; four sons: Paul (Dianne), of Baldwinsville, New York, Andrew (Linda), of York, Dana (Suzanne), of Stafford, Virginia, and Thomas, of Pittsfield; his grandchildren, Natalie Carter Leishman, Aimee Goulette Reakes, Nicholas, Spencer and Joseph Goulette, Cadie Goulette Yeager, Nathan and John Goulette, Avery, Patience, Kristanna and Matias Goulette; great-grandsons, Henry Goulette and Connor Reakes; his sister Jeannette Bolduc (Robert); sister-in-law Elisabeth Goulette; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 10 a.m., at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville, followed by a burial at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville. A reception will follow.

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, memorial donations may be made to Maine Veterans Home, Atten: Employee AppreciationCommittee, 35 Heroes Way,Augusta, ME 04330. It would be helpful if you also included Employee Appreciation on the check memo line.

BARRY W. THOMAS

CHINA – Barry W. Thomas, 81, passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Lakewood Continuing Care Center, in Waterville, following a long illness. He was born on September 13, 1943, the son of the late William and Juanita (Pierce) Thomas.

Mr. Thomas was a 1961 graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China, then earning his bachelor’s degree in education from then Farmington State Teachers College, now the University of Maine at Farmington.

Upon graduation, he was then employed for 33 years in the China school system, where he taught subjects such as science, mathematics, and history. During these 33 years he also coached both basketball and baseball for China schools. He was also a long-time coach and counselor, with friends John Mitchell, Richard Meader, and Richard Whitmore, at Pine Tree Basketball Clinic, coaching there for over 25 summers. Barry took immense pride from his opportunity to coach and shape, to some extent, the young men who played for him and was always proud to see their achievements as they grew older.

Barry was a long-standing member of the Erskine Academy Board of Trustees, serving as its president for well over a decade and was immensely pleased to see the school’s continued growth and evolution over the course of his tenure. He also was a caretaker of Erskine Academy’s history and was honored to have Erskine’s formal archives named after him. Mr. Thomas was also a member of the Dirigo Masonic Lodge #104, where he served as Grand Master over several years in the 1970’s.

Barry was an avid sports fan, especially of the New York Giants and Boston Celtics, and a lover of classic 1950s country, and rock and roll music. This love of sports and music led him to being an active collector of both records and sports cards, which he enjoyed doing with his son, Jason, for many years.

He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Milford Thomas, and a sister, Marilyn Gray.

Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra G. (Grimshaw) Thomas, of South China, who would have been celebrating their 60th anniversary on November 7 of this year; his son, Jason W. Thomas and partner, Hollie Kunesh, of Waterville; a brother, Wayne Thomas and his wife, Diane, of Foley, Alabama; two grandchildren, Olivia and Riley Kunesh; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Per his request, there will be no public visiting hours or funeral service. Burial will be at a later date with a private Masonic service at Chadwick Hill Cemetery, in South China, and a public celebration of life, open to all, also to be announced at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Rt. 32, Windsor, ME.

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

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Best Buddies of Maine, an organization helping those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in memory of Barry W. Thomas, at Best Buddies of Maine, PO Box 573, Cumberland, ME 04021 or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

TAYLOR B. WILSON

SKOWHEGAN – Taylor B. Wilson, 27, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, September 20, 2024, from an unforseen medical event. He was born April 10, 1997, in Farmington, the son of Tracy Karr and James Wilson.

Taylor graduated from Skowhegan Area High School. He went on to Spectrum Generations, in Skowhegan, where he enjoyed being with his friends. His favorite activity was Meals on Wheels. He loved Thursdays when he helped to deliver meals and visiting. He was especially fond of Michelle, Carrie and Jill, who accompanied him.

Taylor was a sweet, caring, kind, loving person. He loved people and made friends wherever he went. Animals gravitated to his calm, gentle manner. If he met you, he never forgot you.Taylor gave the best hugs. We called him our “gentle giant”.

Taylor was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Harold and Phyllis Gallant, and his fraternal grandparents, Dan and Kathy Wilson.

He is survived by his mother, Tracy Karr and her partner Chris; his father, James Wilson and his wife Tammy; sister, Brooklyn; half-brothers, Harley and Josh; step-sisters Becky and Taylor; grandmother, Kathleen Norris; grandfather M. Benjamin Pinkham; aunt Laurie Mowatt; cousins Becky Daly and children Cole and Ciara, Ashley Mowatt; his special friends Nancy and Peter Worthley and children Molly and Sam.

Cremations arrangements are by Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Services, Skowhegan.

Memorial donations may be made to Spectrum Generations, 30 Leavitt St., Skowhegan, ME 04976.

Obituary Policy

Because The Town Line has always published obituaries as a public service, free of charge (donations accepted), we reserve the right to edit for length and content, when necessary. Since newspapers are recorders of local history, and for future genealogical purposes, the basic information will include name, date of death, date of birth, parents, and a brief history of the decedents life. Predeceased and survivors are listed by blood or law. The service will be included if it takes place after the publication date. We do not publish first person messages nor thank you’s.

Others Departed are published to alert residents that a neighbor or acquaintance in the community has lost a loved one from outside our coverage area.

EVENTS: Veterans urged to take part in Veterans Day parade

/0 Comments/in , , /by

All veterans and community members are invited to participate in the Waterville Veterans Day parade on Monday, November 11, 2024. Lineup begins at 10 a.m., at The Elm, 21 College Ave. Waterville. A ceremony will be held at Castonguay Square, on Main St., at 11 a.m. It will be followed by lunch at MacCrillis-Rousseau Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8835, on Veterans Drive, in Winslow.

EVENTS: Explore China’s transportation history at upcoming presentation

/2 Comments/in , , , /by

Railroad owner Carson Peck and his party, on an inspection trip, around 1910 or so, in Windsor. (courtesy of the WW&F Museum)

by Eric W. Austin

The China Historical Society is pleased to invite the public to an engaging presentation on the history of the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington (WW&F) narrow gauge railway. This event, featuring local experts Bob Wallace and Phil Dow, from the Albion Historical Society, will take place next Thursday, October 17, at 7 p.m., at the China Baptist Church.

The presentation will offer a unique opportunity to explore the history of the narrow gauge railway that once played a vital role in connecting China to other towns in the region. Wallace will provide an in-depth look at the railway’s development and its significance to local communities, particularly the Weeks Mills station. In addition to the talk, attendees will be treated to a slideshow of historical photographs, offering a glimpse into the past and showcasing the railway’s impact on the area.

The WW&F railway, launched in the 1890s, was an essential transportation route for residents and businesses, ferrying people, produce, and goods between towns from Wiscasset to Windsor.

However, as automobiles and gasoline-powered trucks became more widespread in the mid-20th century, the narrow gauge railway could no longer compete, and it eventually ceased operations. While the tracks are no longer in use, the history of the railway continues to be an important part of the town’s heritage, offering a window into a time when the railroad was the lifeblood of rural Maine.

In addition to the historical insights provided by Bob Wallace, attendees will have the opportunity to see rare, archival photographs that capture the daily workings of the railway, including images of the Weeks Mills station and the railway’s trains.

The event is free and open to the public, although the China Historical Society encourages donations to support its ongoing work in preserving local history, and attendees are invited to consider joining the society as members. Annual membership dues are a modest $10, and these contributions help ensure that important stories like that of the WW&F railway continue to be shared with future generations.

The China Historical Society’s Narrow Gauge Railway Presentation will be held on Thursday, October 17, at 7 p.m., at the China Baptist Church, at the north end of the lake. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the role the railway played in shaping the town’s development, this event promises to be an informative and engaging look into a fascinating chapter in China’s past.

Attend the presentation to meet other members of the community who are passionate about preserving and sharing China’s rich heritage, and for more information about upcoming events, follow the China Historical Society Facebook page.

China select board approves concept plan for new vault

/0 Comments/in , /by
by Mary Grow

China select board members approved a concept plan for the new storage vault they’ve discussed for three years, and will have an engineer’s plan prepared as soon as possible.

Building committee chairman Sheldon Goodine presented the plan at the board’s Oct. 7 meeting, after he outlined it for the board on Sept. 23. The vault will be in a new room added on the south side of the town office building, close to the east end.

Goodine said the room would be 26-by-28-feet. Adding it would cover two windows in what is currently deputy clerk and assistant to the assessor Kelly Grotton’s office, and would require a corridor to a second east-end door.

Select board chairman Wayne Chadwick queried the price. Glad you asked, Goodine replied: about $80,000 less than the original plan, which he said would have cost around $267,500.

At the 2023 and 2024 town business meetings, China voters appropriated more than $255,000 from federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds for the vault.

Board members voted unanimously to ask Keith Whitaker, the engineer from Presque Isle based B. R. Smith Associates who has been working on the project, to convert the concept plan to an engineered plan. With that plan, they will decide whether to seek bids from contractors for the whole project or to act as the main contractor and seek bids for specific tasks.

The vault will provide storage space for paper records that the state requires municipal offices to keep forever. Whitaker said in earlier discussions that it needs to be all concrete, with temperature and humidity controls.

Another ongoing town project is relocating the ice rink from the school grounds to the town-owned lot south of the town office, on the north side of the intersection of Lakeview Drive and Alder Park Road. Town Manager Rebecc Hapgood said she, recreation committee chairman Martha Wentworth and Director of Public Services Shawn Reed inspected the lot recently and tentatively sited the rink, minimizing tree-cutting.

Hapgood revived another topic: in May 2023, after board and public discussion, select board members unanimously agreed to join the Community Resilience Project (CRP), a state program administered in this area by the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments.

Hapgood summarized progress on China’s seven chosen projects. The first, minimizing erosion at the South China boat landing, has been started, but work is delayed until spring by the unavailability of concrete planks.

The Thurston Park Committee has been working on improvements in Thurston Park, and town office staff are investigating digitizing town records. Board member Janet Preston has been looking for sites for electric vehicle charging stations.

Adding sidewalks in China Village appears prohibitively expensive. So far little has been done toward installing solar panels on the school forest building or improving public transportation.

Select board members appointed Melissa Cowing, one of China’s representatives on the Regional School Unit #18 board of directors. She will serve until the Nov. 5 election, succeeding T. James Bachinski, who has resigned. At the election, she is a declared write-in candidate for a full term on the board.

Hapgood asked board members’ opinions on Delta Ambulance’s offering member towns a discount if they pay their 2024-25 accounts in advance. Voters at the June town business meeting approved $110,200 as part of the public safety budget, based on Delta’s bill of $25 per resident. The manager estimated paying by the Nov. 1 deadline would save China about $5,500.

Hapgood said if Delta’s board of directors has a contingency plan in case the organization’s funding situation becomes unmanageable, she would recommend the pre-payment. She hopes to have more information before the next select board meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21.

Vassalboro planners OK ReVision Energy plan for community solar farm

/0 Comments/in , /by

by Mary Grow

The four Vassalboro Planning Board members at the Oct. 1 meeting unanimously approved ReVision Energy’s plan for a community solar farm on Eileen Flanagan’s property, at 1026 Webber Pond Road.

As first presented in November 2023, the plan required a waiver from boundary setback requirements. A revised plan, submitted at the planning board’s February 2024 meeting, relocated the solar panels so no waiver was needed.

At the Sept. 3 meeting, ReVision spokesman Annalise Kukor said a final plan should be ready for Oct. 1. By then, she said, ownership might have changed; and it did.

The applicant is now Community Solar of New England, LLC (CSNE). This organization, Kukor said, is staffed and run by ReVision Energy employees; its eight community solar farms include one on Main Street, in Vassalboro.

Planning board members found that the application met all requirements in Vassalboro ordinances, including the recently-added amendments tailored specifically to solar farms.

The project still needs four out-of-town approvals, Kukor said:

— A new Maine Department of Transportation highway entrance permit, because although the solar farm will use an existing driveway onto the property, the purpose has changed.
— From the state Department of Environmental Protection, a stormwater permit and a decommissioning permit.
— From Bangor Savings Bank, confirmation of a letter of credit to cover decommissioning costs.
Board members made their unanimous approval of the community solar farm conditional on receipt of these four documents, plus a copy of the lease that allows CSNE to use the land.

Kukor expects construction to begin in the spring of 2025.

The decommissioning plan was the only requirement discussed at length by planning board members. Several thought the estimated cost, $33,714, low.

Dan Bradstreet wanted assurance that “removal” of components once their useful life ended included taking them off the property, as the ordinance requires. Others discussed recycling possibilities. Kukor said she would find the answer to Bradstreet’s question.

Town Manager and acting Codes Enforcement Officer Aaron Miller reminded board members that the letter of credit was only a back-up to fund decommissioning, in case CSNE and ReVision were out of business or otherwise unable to cover the costs.

The town ordinance says the financial guarantee is to be 125 percent of the estimated decommissioning cost. It is to be updated after seven years and every five years thereafter.

VASSALBORO: Nine residents hear select board on three local ballot questions

/0 Comments/in , /by
by Mary Grow

Vassalboro select board members began their Oct. 3 meeting with a public hearing that drew nine residents to learn about three Nov. 5 local referendum questions.

The first question asks residents to approve matching funds to be available if the town receives grants to help replace the Dunlap Bridge on Mill Hill Road. Specifically, if voters approve it, select board members will be allowed to appropriate $360,000 from TIF (Tax Increment Financing) money or from the town’s undesignated fund (surplus), as they choose.

The second question asks voters to amend the Vassalboro TIF program to allow TIF money to fund “environmental improvement projects” in town.

As Town Manager Aaron Miller explained, the two questions are related. Amending the TIF document under the second question will allow use of TIF money for the Dunlap Bridge under the first question.

Select board member Chris French talked about three alternative bridge plans. The currently preferred option, dependent on more grant money, would cost a total of $1.8 million, of which the town would pay $360,000, he said.

Last summer, Vassalboro received a $200,000 Municipal Stream Crossing Grant to help with the bridge. An application for a larger grant has been filed and is awaiting approval or rejection.

Resident Douglas Phillips asked why the proposed TIF amendment is limited to environmental improvements. Miller replied that authority to use the money for the Dunlap Bridge is needed urgently, because the sructure is in such poor shape. A more comprehensive overhaul of the TIF program would take “a tremendous amount of time.”

Holly Weidner asked for a clearer explanation of local funding. Board members and Miller said they are working on explanatory background documents, and discussed ways of making it easy for residents to obtain them before Nov. 5.

During previous discussions, and on Oct. 3, board members emphasized that approving the bridge funding is appropriating money the town already has, not asking taxpayers for more money.

The third ballot question asks voters to amend the Vassalboro Sanitary District’s charter, specifically how the district’s trustees are chosen, their organization and their duties and responsibilities. There were no comments on this question. Copies of the proposed changes are attached to the local ballot and available from Town Clerk Cathy Coyne.

During the meeting that followed the hearing, select board members talked briefly about the bridge. Board chairman Frederick “Rick” Denico endorsed French’s statement at the Sept. 19 board meeting: board members should postpone further action until they hear from voters on Nov. 5.

Board members made three unanimous decisions.

— They accepted the lower of two prices for a new pole barn for the public works department, $141,140 from All Season Home Improvements, of Augusta. Miller said, in response to concerns about a nearby wetland, that someone from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection had visited the site. Work is not scheduled to start for six to eight months.
— They prepared an instruction for K & K Land Surveyors, of Oakland, expected next week to survey the tax-acquired property on Lombard Dam Road adjoining the transfer station. Board members want them to draw a lot line 25-feet from the property’s westernmost building, unless a well or other structure is in the way. The goal is to maximize the transfer station lot to allow for future expansion.
— They appointed Cara Kent a new member of the Vassalboro Cemetery Committee.

The next Vassalboro select board meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, Oct. 17.

Former Palermo man receives award from MDIF&W

/0 Comments/in , /by

Zach Glidden

by Roland D. Hallee

Former local resident Zach Glidden, along with two other biologists, has been presented with the 2024 award from the Maine Department of Fisheries and Wildlife for a rescue last year.

On September 7, 2023, at approximately 3:30 p.m., retired fisheries biologist Nels Kramer took a direct phone call of a missing angler on Cold Stream Pond. The angler, an amputee of the leg, was reported missing by his wife. She called Nels, who is well known in the town, and said her husband had gone fishing on the lake and had not returned home, and was not answering his cell phone. Nels retrieved his personal boat and headed to the lake to initiate a search for the individual. While en route, Nels contacted his former colleagues in Enfield and asked for some help. Fisheries biologist Kevin Dunham and Zach Glidden immediately responded to assist in the search.

“This incident highlights that employees of MDIFW, even retirees, are truly committed to serving the public.”

– Maine Game Warden Joseph E. Bailey

About 45 minutes after the initial call, Nels, Kevin and Zach found the fisherman’s boat drifting in Sand Beach Cove with him aboard. The boater had fallen in the area of the transom and was in such a position that he was unable to get up or yell for help. He told the trio of rescuers he had fallen in the boat and later lost consciousness due to the heat.The three biologists were able to upright the fisherman and get him to shore. The estimation is that he was stuck there for up to five hours.

According to the nomination letter, “These three members of DIFW went outside of their wheelhouse to assist someone in need. Nels, Kevin and Zach acted quickly to rescue a boater in distress. Their decisive action saved the angler from further harm and potentially extended search incident by [the] warden service.”

According to Game Warden Joseph E. Bailey, who submitted the nomination letter, “this incident highlights that employees of MDIFW, even retirees, are truly committed to serving the public.”

Zach is the son of Rodney and Jane Glidden, of Palermo. He attended Erskine Academy, in South China, and was an Eagle Scout. He grew up in Palermo and now resides in Howland.

Issue for October 3, 2024

/by

Issue for October 3, 2024

Celebrating 36 years of local news

Shoreline buffer workshop offers property owners ways to protect China Lake

More than 30 area residents gathered at China Baptist Church Park* for a Shoreline Buffer Workshop on August 21, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce phosphorus runoff into China Lake. The hands-on workshop was hosted by the China Lake Association (CLA) and reminded the community of the importance of vegetated shoreline buffers, demonstrated planting methods, and offered free, native plants for local owners to take home to plant on their shorefronts… by Gerry Boyle, CLA Director

Town News

China Village library launches renovation to improve accessibility of historical building

CHINA – The Albert Church Brown Memorial Library in China Village will soon be more accessible to the community thanks to an upcoming renovation…

PHOTO: Moose on the loose

CHINA – A Killdeer Point resident provided The Town Line with this photo of a moose that wandered down the road after a swim in China Lake…

CHINA: William Lankist turns 90

CHINA – William Lankist, of China, was honored on the occasion of his 90th birthday, at his home, recently…

Vassalboro scouts community service for local church

VASSALBORO – A community service by Viking Axolotl Patrol of Scout Troop #410, and the Arrow of Light Cub Scouts #410, culminated on Sunday, September 22, when they gathered at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) and presented $300 to the VUMC finance secretary, Nancy Adams, and treasurer, Hellen Paulette… by Dale Potter-Clark

PHOTOS: Central Maine high schools’ homecoming

CENTRAL ME – Photos area school homecoming festivities by Casey Dugas of Central Maine Photography…

Scouts drive provides scouting uniforms for 23 scouts; also helps food bank

WINSLOW – Kennebec Valley District Scouting volunteers, under the leadership of Christopher Bernier, of Winslow, held two uniform drives this month providing Scout uniforms to 23 children. The first uniform drive took place at the Waterville Goodwill of Northern New England location, on Wednesday afternoon, on September 8…

Spectrum Generations’ Celebrity Chef Challenge raises over $50K

AUGUSTA – Three Maine chefs went head-to-head September 16, at the Augusta Civic Center, competing in Spectrum Generations’ 12th annual Celebrity Chef Challenge fundraiser and serving over 200 guests…

Northern Light Health goes pink

WATERVILLE – Breast Cancer Awareness Month has long been associated with the color pink. To show their support for breast cancer patients, Northern Light Health is encouraging team members at every location to wear a pop – or even an entire outfit – of pink on Friday, October 4…

SNHU announces summer 2024 President’s List

CENTRAL ME – Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), in Manchester, New Hampshire, congratulates the following students on being named to the Summer 2024 President’s List. The summer terms run from May to August…

Name that film!

Identify the film in which this famous line originated and qualify to win FREE passes to The Maine Film Center, in Waterville: “What we have here is a failure to communicate.” Email us at townline@townline.org with subject “Name that film!” Deadline for submission is October 10, 2024.

Webber’s Pond comic

Webber’s Pond is a comic drawn by a local central Maine resident (click on the thumbnail to enlarge)…

Local happenings

EVENTS: Vassalboro library to host theatrical play

VASSALBORO – Vassalboro Public Library will host a theatrical play, to take place at the Vassalboro Grange, 353 Main Street, for two exclusive shows, Saturday, October 19, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, October 20, at 2 p.m…

EVENTS: Erskine Academy Parent/Teacher Conferences scheduled

VASSALBORO — All parents of Erskine Academy students are invited to attend fall Parent/Teacher Conferences on October 9 and 10, 2024, from 3 – 7 p.m. To avoid long waiting lines, Wednesday, October 9, has been designated for students whose last names begin with A – K; and Thursday, October 10, has been designated for students whose last names begin with L – Z…

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Weeks Mills VFD fundraiser

WEEKS MILLS – The Weeks  Mills Volunteer Fire Department will hold its 3rd annual fundraiser on Saturday, October 5, and Sunday, October 6, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the American Legion Post #179, 79 Legion Memorial Dr., in China… and many other local events!

Obituaries

ROME – Richard LaBelle, 96, passed away on Monday evening, September 23, 2024. Richard “Dick” LaBelle, Rome’s oldest resident. Born October 3, 1927, in Pearl River, New York, Richard was the sixth child of Ernest Adelbert and Ruth (Bickford) LaBelle…

Celebrating Maine history

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

Around the Kennebec Valley: Education in 18th & 19th centuries, Part II (new)

MAINE HISTORY — Massachusetts residents who moved to Maine brought with them the Massachusetts enthusiasm for education, as noted last week. Alma Pierce Robbins, in her 1971 Vassalboro history, quoted from a report coming, ironically, from an October 1785 Portland convention called to discuss separating Maine from Massachusetts… by Mary Grow

Around the Kennebec Valley: Education in 18th & 19th centuries, Part I

MAINE HISTORY — One of the many questions your writer has not yet answered – and may never – is why, in the 1700s, people left comparatively comfortable homes in Massachusetts and similar places to come to the Kennebec Valley, on the Massachusetts frontier… by Mary Grow

Around the Kennebec Valley: A history of Ford’s Corner, Part II

PALERMO HISTORY — In Part 1, we explored the lives of three key families at Ford’s Corner around the turn of the 20th century: Frank & Addie Wood, Daniel & Nettie Batchelder, and Leander & Alice Bowler, all active members of the church at the corner of Chisholm Pond Road and Arnold Lane. Part 2 will explore the history of that church building and what Ford’s Corner is today… by Andy Pottle

Around the Kennebec Valley: A history of Ford’s Corner, Part I

PALERMO HISTORY — In North Palermo, where Arnold Lane and Chisholm Pond Road meet, the North Palermo Road just before Wilder Young Hill goes down into Freedom, is a place once known as Ford’s Corner. You wouldn’t know it today, but over a century ago this quiet corner was the center of a bustling community in North Palermo… by Andy Pottle

Common Ground: Win a $10 gift certificate!

DEADLINE: Wednesday, October 17, 2024

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

Previous winner: Shirley Kinney, Augusta

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about different colored squirrels and what was the cause. That prompted an email from a reader who wrote, “Might you consider writing about their various calls? A week ago Thursday, I heard something making noise in my far tree line”…

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates | Pianist Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli (1920-1995) had, like Vladimir Horowitz and Sviatoslav Richter, a superhuman lightning speed virtuosity at the keyboard that brought much deserved fame…

VETERANS CORNER

by Gary Kennedy | I always wonder what I will write about each week. Sometimes I even change my mind after writing for hours. It’s not because I’ve made an error but for some reason the article doesn’t seem to be timely or appropriate for that week…

FOR YOUR HEALTH

HEALTH | While there’s no distinct COVID-19 season like there is for the flu, it’s been shown that COVID-19 can peak during the winter months. To help fight respiratory illnesses, it’s recommended you get a flu vaccination, as well as the updated COVID-19 vaccine…