Obituaries for Thursday, July 18, 2019

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WILLIAM C. TAYLOR

WINSLOW – William C. “Bill” Taylor, 88, of Winslow, died on Friday. June 7, 2019, from complications of Kidney and heart disease. Bill was born on September 2, 1930 in Belfast to William Taylor and Marion (Dickey) Taylor.

He grew up in Belfast and graduated from Belfast High School in 1949. On February 15, 1958 he married his wife of 61 years, Julia (Famolaro) Taylor. Together they raised a son, Christopher W. Taylor, also of Winslow.

Bill worked in the newspaper industry for much of his life. As production manager at the Fremont News Messenger, in Fremont, Ohio, and the Morning Sentinel, in Waterville. He played a major role in modernizing both newspapers during the 1970s and 1980s.

An avid motocyclist, Bill customized and rode several motorcycles over the years. He often travel with his friends all over Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, parts of Quebec, and Pennsylvania Dutch country.

Bill often joked about his wife, Julie, getting him “addicted” to bowling in his late twenties. It was a pastime he would enjoy for the rest of his life. In his later years, he and his good friend, Dennis Bowman ran the Pro shop at Central Maine Family Fun, in Skowhegan, where Bill gave lessons and drilled bowling balls for bowlers throughout the area.

Bill was predeceased by his father, William and his mother, Marion.

He is survived by his wife Julia; his son, Chris; and several cousins.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at T & B Celebration Center, 414 Madison Avenue, Skowhegan, on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Waterville Area Humane Society.

ROBERT H. FERREIRA

UNITY – Robert Henry Ferreira, 76, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on September 7, 1942, the only child of Henry and Edna Ferreira.

Bob, as he liked to be called, was raised in Unity and graduated from Unity-Freedom Academy, class of 1961. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol Beaulieu, on September 2, 1961.

Bob loved living in Unity and staying connected with many lifelong friends. He was a hard worker and if not at work you could find him always out mowing the lawn, plowing the snow or tinkering on whatever he could find. He was the owner of Ferreira Trucking, which he started will still working a full-time job at the former Chinet Co., in Fairfield, or Richard L. Hodges, in Unity.

Upon his retirement he worked along side his son, Tim Ferreira, to make Ferreira Trucking what it is today. Bob’s passion was to be at the garage with all his employees, his dog, Max, and around the trucks. Aside from the passion of trucks he loved to go to the races and watch NASCAR, and happily shared this passion with his children and grandchildren. In his early years he enjoyed hunting, camping and snowmobiling.

He was predeceased by his parents, Henry Joseph Ferreira and Edna Anderson Ferreira; his son-in-law, Michael Dean Jones, and father and mother-in-law, Edward and Edwina Beaulieu.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carol Beaulieu Ferreira.

He was the father of Lori Ferreira Jones, of Unity, son, Timothy Ferreira and his wife, Suzanne, of Unity; grandfather of Amy Jones Corson and husband, Michael, of Unity, Adam Robert Jones and Nikki Abrahamson, of Unity, Alissa Jones Keene and husband,m Kyle, of Belfast, Nicholas Ferreira and Hannah Ferreira, of Unity; his eight great-granddaughters, Kaylee, Allyee and Rylee Corson, Mikala, Kristyn, Kelsey and Savanna Jones, all of Unity, and Raegan Keene, of Belfast; his sister-in-law, Ann Beaulieu Maglaras and husband John, of Pittsfield.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home & Cremation Care.

MILDRED M. LAGASSE

WINSLOW – Mildred “Millie” Lagasse, 100, passed away peacefully at home on
Friday, June 21, 2019. She was born in Long Pond on August 1, 1918, the eldest daughter of George and Amanda Paradis Butler.

At the age of 16, Millie began working at the Skowhegan Woolen Mill where she remained for several years. She marred Joseph J. Lagasse on August 3, 1940. They were married 56 years before his passing in 1997. After getting married, Millie and Joe moved to the family farm at Twelve Corners in Madison, where they raised their five children. Millie was known for planting large vegetable gardens, canning most of the bounty for her family, and also sharing with neighbors.

After Joe passed away, Millie and her German Shepherd moved to Winslow to be closer to her daughters. While in Winslow, Millie made numerous friends through attending daily morning Mass at St. John the Baptist. Millie enjoyed making jigsaw puzzles, watching EWTN and Judge Judy, weekly lunches with her sons, going for rides, and especially spending time with her family.

She was predeceased by her husband; daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Alfie St. Peter; and her five sisters, Evelyn, Alvina, Irene, Frances, and Theresa.

Survivors include her sons, David (Del), of Skowhegan, and Edward (Kathy), of Madison; daughters, Susan (Lou) and Nancy (Anna), of Winslow; grandchildren, April, Carol, Mark, Ted, Ben, and Erin; great-grandchildren, Samantha, Abby, Dresden, Owen, Drakke, Holly, and May; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share condolences, memories and tributes with her family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John School, 15 So. Garand Street, Winslow ME 04901 or St. John Food Pantry, c/o Corpus Christi Parish, 70 Pleasant Street, Waterville ME 04901. (Checks payable to St. John Food Pantry)

PHILLIP H. WEBBER

CHINA – Phillip Harry Webber, Jr., 73, passed away Saturday, June 15, 2019, at his home, in China. Clarence. He was born July 25, 1945, in Anson, the son of Phillip H. Sr. and Florence (Sealey) Webber.

He earned his GED from Madison High School and attended Thomas College, in Waterville. He was a veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1966 until his honorable discharge. Phillip worked for many years as a post office clerk and enjoyed fishing, hunting, building and fixing things (he was called “Mr. Fix-It”). He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. On October 5, 2013, he married Luanne (Connelly) Caldwell.

He is survived by his wife of six years, Luanne (Connelly) Webber, of China; his mother, Florence (Sealey) Webber, of Madison; three daughters, Stacey L. Bodwell and husband Matthew, of Ipswich, Massachusetts, Shannon Webber, of Biddeford, Elaine McClamma and husband Jaso of Embden; step-daughter, Betty Calcagni and husband Joshu of West Warwick, Rhode Island; step-son, Michael Roy and wife Stevan of Homer, Alaska; five sisters, Beth Crosley, of New London, Connecticut; Sherry Messer and husband Chet, of Madison, Euletta Seavey and husband Raymond, of Madison, Florence Bachelder and husband Rick, of Kingfield, Hattie Spaulding and husband Charlie, of Palmyra; two brothers, Clarence Webber, of Madison, and David Webber and wife Cathy, of Madison; uncle Theodore Sealey of East Madison, Maine; 11 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Phillip H. Webber Sr. and brother, Tommy Webber.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Phillip’s memory to the Veterans Association of America, Inc., P.O. Box 309 Audubon Station, New York, New York 10032-0309.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

LAURIS L. MONK

BENTON – Lauris L. Monk, 84, passed away Friday, June 26, 2019, at Lakewood Continuing Care Center, in Waterville. He was born July 24, 1934, in Clinton, the son of Oscar and Ila (McNally) Monk.

He graduated from Clinton High School and the University of Maine at Orono. On June 23, 1956, he married Barbara Clukey, in Clinton. He spent most of his life farming and teaching and also worked for General Electric Co. and Edwards Corp., both in Pittsfield.

Lauris was a past member of the Clinton Lions Club and loved NASCAR, local raceways, Boston Celtics and college basketball.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara (Clukey) Monk, of Benton; son, Brian Monk and wife Melanie, of Skowhegan; daughter Laurie McLellan and husband David, of Benton; two granddaughters, Ashley Bouwkamp and husband David, of Virginia, Christina Monk, of Topsham; two grandsons, David Monk, of China, Brian Monk II, of Benton; two great-granddaughters, Alana Monk, of Waterville, Bellamie Monk, of Clinton; two great-grandsons, Aiden Bouwkamp and Kamden Bouwkamp, both of Virginia.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Lauris’s memory tothe American Cancer Society, New England Division, One Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, Maine 04086-1240.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

CONSTANCE Y. HALLEE

WATERVILLE – Constance Yvette Hallee, 101, passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2019, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. Connie was born in Winslow on February 9, 1918, and was the daughter of Leda and Donat Tardiff.

She attended Winslow public schools. Connie was an accomplished gardener, seamstress and homemaker, and in her spare time she liked to sew, embroider, crochet, read romance novels, bake delicious pastries and go shopping.

She is predeceased by her husband, Florian Francis Hallee; her brothers, Milton Tardiff and Maynard Tardiff, her sister, Lorraine Viguel; and her daughters-in-law, Karen Hallee and Peggy Hallee.

She is survived by her sister, Carlene Shores and spouse, Carroll Shores; and her children and spouses, Gerard Hallee, of Hillsboro, Oregon, Claudette and Pearly Simpson, of Waterville, Neal Hallee, of Auburn, Alan and Linnea Hallee, of Nashua New Hampshire, Gary Hallee, of Seattle Washington, and Lori Saleski and John Slusarz, of New Boston, New Hampshire; grandchildren and spouses, Justin Hallee, Steven Hallee, Karen and Jim Mayhew, Marc and Nancy Simpson, Richard Hallee and Larry Griffin, Margaret and Mike Tibbetts, Kris and Floriane Hallee, Jen and Katherine Little; and many great-grandchildren.

Services will be conducted at a later date.

Funeral 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 www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Employee Appreciation Committee, Oak Grove Center, 27 Cool St., Waterville, ME 04901.

GLADYS YEATON

HAYESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – Gladys Yeaton, 96, passed away Saturday, July 6, 2019 in a North Carolina hospital. She was born April 6, 1923, in Vassalboro, the daughter of the late William and Myrtle Gove.

She graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta, and married Raymond L, Yeaton in 1944. Gladys was a lifelong active member of the Church of God, most recently she was an active member of Shooting Creek Church of God, in North Carolina. She has served as Sunday school teacher, Women’s Ministry Leader and taught Children’s Church. Her greatest love was that of her family and the joy they brought her throughout her life.

She was predeceased by her brother, Richard; her husband; two sisters, Ruth Haney and Evelyn Zilher; son Bennie; granddaughter, Carlene Yeaton; and great-grandson, Isaac Demers.

She is survived by her daughter and faithful caregiver, Carolyn Demers, of Hayesville, North Carolina; her husband, Bishop Scott Demers; sons Kennedy Yeaton, of Brooksville, Florida, and Ronald Yeaton of Mill Hall, Pennsylvania; daughters Gladys Weymouth, of Augusta, and Mary Ann Robinson of Chelsae; sister Kay Steward; 15 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are with South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium, Gastonia. Condolences may me made online at www.greenefuneral.com.

CYNTHIA M. BRAWN

OAKLAND – Cynthia “Cindy” Mary Brawn, 67, passed away at home on the morning of July 8, 2019. She was born in Waterville on October 18, 1952, to Basil E. Trask Jr. (May 15, 1924 – June 12, 1999) and Corinne (Simons) Trask (Feb. 9, 1927 – Jan. 24, 1974).

Cindy graduated from Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, class of 1971, where she enjoyed playing basketball, softball, and bowling. As an adult, she worked at Dead River Co., in Waterville, LaVerdiere’s Drug Store, and finally New Balance Shoe, in Skowhegan, from where she retired.

She liked 12 ounce curls, horseshoes in the backyard, bowling and Victor Newman from Young and the Restless, but she loved winning. She was one of a kind. A loving wife and a legendary mother.

She is survived by her husband; and son; her sister; a nephew, Wade Stevens and his family; nieces Melissa Emery and her family, Amber Snell and her family, Sonia Poulin and her family; and nephew Darrel Trask and his family.

She was predeceased by her parents; her two brothers, Craig Trask, 57 (March 26, 1954 – Jan. 6, 2013) and Doug Trask, 62 (Nov. 8, 1949 – May 10, 2012); and great-nephew, Parker Millard Stevens (Sept. 30, 2009 – July 24, 2018).

LEO D. SYLVAIN JR.

VASSALBORO – Leo D. Sylvain Jr. passed away on July 9, 2019. Leo was born and brought up in Winslow, attending the Winslow schools and also Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield.

In 1988 Leo met, fell in love with and married Tammy Ouellette. They were married one month shy of their 31st wedding anniversary.

Together, Leo and Tammy had two children, Virginia and Colby. Leo loved to travel and to make wonderful woodworking projects. He just loved any kind of gathering, especially big gatherings at his house. His wonderful laugh and sense of humor were one of a kind, they will be missed forever.

At the time of his retirement, Leo was working for the VA Togus as a boiler operator, a job he loved. Leo was a faithful communicant at Corpus Christi Parish,in Winslow/Waterville.

Leo was predeceased by his parents, Leo Sylvain Sr. and Virginia (Morris) Sylvain; his sister, Laura Jean, his brother, Michael Brandon; and his grandparents.

Leo is survived by his wife, Tammy (Ouellette) Sylvain; his daughter, Virginia Tuggle and her husband Steve, along with his grandsons, Blayd and Colton; and his son, Colby Sylvain; siblings, MaryAnn Veazie, Susan Ryder and her husband John, Kathleen Sylvain, Deborah Johnson, Sandra Campbell, James Sylvain and his wife Kathy, and Timothy Sylvain and his wife Doreen; Tammy’s family, mother and father-in-law, Jim and Patricia Ouellette, Allison (Ouellette) Ring and husband Dan, Kim (Ouellette) and Souliere husband Bob, Cary Ouellette, Jennifer (Ouellette) Frederick and husband Todd; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home, please visit their website at www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to view a video of Leo’s life and share your memories and condolences with his family.

In lieu of flowers, please give to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, MGMC Hospice or give to your local food pantry.

VERONICA M. RANCOURT

FAIRFIELD – Veronica Mary Rancourt, 87, passed away at MaineGeneral Medical Center on Tuesday, July 9, 2019. Veronica was born in Fairfield on February 19, 1932, the daughter of Ignacy Zimba and Staniska (Biedor) Zimba.

Veronica graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield. She went on to have a 42-year career at Huhtamaki (formerly Keyes Fibre Co.), in Waterville.

Veronica belonged to the former Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, of Fairfield. She enjoyed time with her family on Snow Pond, going to the coast for lobster, taking trips out of state and playing slot machines.

She was predeceased by her parents, Ignacy and Staniska Zimba; her son, Rodney Rancourt; six brothers, John Zimba, Eddie Lambert, Frank Zimba, Ted Zimba, Albert Zimba, and Robert Zimba, and two sisters, Stella Popolaski and Mona Couture.

Veronica is survived by her spouse, Eugene Rancourt; son Daniel Rancourt and his wife Gail Rancourt, of Oakland; grandsons, Christopher Rancourt and companion Rae Ann Dennis, of Waterville, Corey Rancourt and his wife Danica Rancourt, of Sidney; great-grandchildren, Logan, Landon, Jayden, and Bentley; and granddaughter, Jasmin.

Services will be held at a later date.

An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Maine Street., Fairfield.

WINDSOR: “Take it or leave it” fundraiser a success

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“Take it or leave it” fundraiser for the Windsor Fire & Rescue Department on Saturday, July 12, 2019. (photo courtesy of Windsor VFD)

On Friday, July 12, the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department hosted their “Take It or Leave It” Game Show fundraiser. Nearly 300 local residents attended the event, which raised several thousand dollars that will go toward updating and upgrading their firefighting equipment. “Windsor Fire is very appreciative of the townspeople of Windsor and surrounding towns for coming to our annual fundraiser and making it another successful year,” a spokesman for the department said. “We are also grateful to the individuals and companies around town, out of town and even out-of-state for their continued contributions to our fundraiser.”

“Take it or leave it” fundraiser for the Windsor Fire & Rescue Department on Saturday, July 12, 2019. (photo courtesy of Windsor VFD)

“Take it or leave it” fundraiser for the Windsor Fire & Rescue Department on Saturday, July 12, 2019. (photo courtesy of Windsor VFD)

WINDSOR: Nuisance ordinance to be reviewed by board

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by Sandy Isaac

Dog barking and the Veterans’ Memorial fundraising efforts were major topics at Windsor’s Selectmen’s meeting on July 9.

A recent dog barking incident sparked conversations about ordinances at the last two selectmen’s meetings. Animal Control Officer Kim Bolduc-Bartlett attended the July 9 meeting at the request of the Town Manager Theresa Haskell.

During the June 25 meeting, a resident requested re-examination of the Windsor nuisance ordinance and asked that it include wording regarding barking dogs. The resident expressed concerns over futile attempts to maintain tranquility in her neighborhood due to several barking dogs.

Currently, state laws do not address dog barking. Some municipal ordinances do. For example, Sidney’s dog nuisance ordinance states, “Any owner or keeper causing or permitting a dog to bark, howl, or yelp continuously for twenty (20) minutes or intermittently for one (1) hour or more shall be in violation of this section.”

The town of China has a kennel ordinance with similar wording, stating that “the owner or operator of a kennel…shall not permit the dogs therein to disturb the peace of any person in the vicinity of such kennel by barking, howling, baying, whining, yelping or other loud and unreasonably long or frequent periods.”

However, Windsor’s nuisance ordinance does not mention dog barking. Therefore state police and animal control officers are not able to proceed farther than checking on the animals’ welfare and making sure all animals are properly licensed.

During the June 25 meeting, the selectmen agreed to do additional research, contact the town attorney and re-discuss the subject during the July 9 meeting. On July 9, Bolduc-Bartlett presented copies of her reports on the dogs of whom the resident had complained. Since the resident was unable to be present, selectmen tabled further discussion.

Joyce Perry, chairman of the Windsor Veterans’ Memorial Committee, informed the selectmen about fundraising efforts for the Veterans’ Memorial, including a free concert by the Downeast Brass Band at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 25, at the Town Hall, featuring ‘60s music and discussion of the history of the music.

During the upcoming Windsor Fair, the memorial committee was offered two tables, one for items to sell and one to display information. The Windsor Historical Society offered the first table for free but planned to charge for the second. Haskell inspired the selectmen to each donate $5 to pay for the second table. She added her $5 to bring the total to $30: $20 for the table and $10 donated to the Veterans’ Memorial.

The Memorial will be located on Ridge and Reed roads and incorporate the existing monument. Original cost estimates for the project were over $45,000. Since 2017, over $14,500 has been raised through beano games at the Windsor Fair, flower sales, pie auctions, public suppers, other concerts and private donations. Windsor voters appropriated $19,000 from the last two budgets. In addition, J.C.Stone Inc., of Jefferson, donated two stone benches for the site. However, the committee still needs to raise over $11,000 to complete the project.

In her capacity as cemetery sexton, Perry provided an update on cemetery maintenance. The Windsor Neck Cemetery’s fencing has been replaced with poles and chains, thanks to the public works crew. While replacing the fencing, some granite with attached iron piping had been found. Due to safety concerns, the public works department will request permission from residents abutting the cemetery to remove the granite. A pile of rocks in the North Windsor Cemetery will be removed at the same time. If usable, all of the rock and granite collected with be repurposed on other projects.

In other business, Public Works Supervisor Keith Hall gave an update on preparing for the anticipated installation of a new diesel tank. The cement pad has been set and Hall is submitting drawings of the project’s layout to the state fire marshal for approval. Hall is requesting pricing for a 1,000-gallon and a 2,000-gallon double walled tank for comparison. Once installed, the tank will then be enclosed in a protective cement barrier. Although money for the tank was not part of the budget for the current fiscal year, selectmen deemed it necessary after John Moody announced his pending retirement. Moody has supplied the town with around-the-clock fuel service; selectmen want to have an alternative in place prior to snow plowing season.

The fire department also needs to find a source for after-hours fuel. Selectmen are discussing options for allowing firefighters to access the new tank.

Selectmen planned the final steps in acquiring the new Ford super-duty truck for the public works department. Arrangements will be made for the publics work crew to travel to Massachusetts to pick it up. Despite extensive research, officials could not find a locally-available truck meeting the town’s specifications.

The selectmen hold their next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, July 23.

CHINA: Medical marijuana plan presented to planners; can’t rule yet

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by Mary Grow

Clifford Glinko gave his well-prepared presentation on his proposed medical marijuana facility on Route 3, in South China, at a July 9 public hearing – to no audience, and without enough detail to satisfy the China Planning Board, which can’t rule yet anyway.

Glinko has applied for a marijuana growing facility with a retail storefront for marijuana patients in the Route 3 building that has housed Mabel Charles’ used book store and Maine-ly Trains, among other past businesses. He was initially scheduled to present the application at a June 11 meeting, but was not notified. In his absence, board members scheduled the public hearing.

Three neighbors of the project attended the June 11 meeting. Glinko said he talked with them before his July 9 presentation.

Another development between the two meetings was Planning Board Chairman Tom Miragliuolo familiarizing himself with the new state law’s “opt in” provision. According to information from the Maine Municipal Association, municipalities must vote to allow medical marijuana operations before any can be approved. Those in operation before December 13, 2018, are grandfathered, so Nathan White’s business farther west on Route 3 is not affected.

Glinko brought to the July 9 hearing a slide presentation in which he explained why a medical marijuana facility would be a good neighbor – odor controls, normal business hours, not much traffic, extensive security – and described his family and his interests. His wife Tracey is a dentist who heads Kennebec Valley Dental Arts, in Fairfield.

Glinko said he does not use marijuana himself, but became interested in medical marijuana after hearing some of the dental patients, including one who was on chemotherapy, describe it as “better than opiates.”

Miragliuolo asked for more specific details about proposed business operations. Glinko referred the question to his consultant, Jared Jandreau, who prepared the application with guidance from former codes officer Paul Mitnik.

After a discussion of the many definitions in state law, whether the facility would be closer to Grace Academy than the law distancing marijuana operations from schools allows, different odor control methods and related topics, board members remained in need of more information.

Glinko and Miragliuolo agreed an “opt-in” town vote is a preliminary necessity. If China voters allow medical marijuana businesses, Glinko can present a more detailed application, Miragliuolo said. New Codes Officer William Butler offered suggestions for revisions.

The July 9 meeting was the first in China for Butler, a former Maine Department of Environmental Protection staffer and codes officer elsewhere in Maine. Butler said he applied for the job after Mitnik, a former DEP colleague, told him he did not want the full-time position China officials decided they need.

“Paul was incredibly efficient,” Butler commented, keeping up on things during his two days a week.

The next China Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, July 23.

Benton students honor bus drivers

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To show their appreciation, the Benton Elementary PTO gifted Fairfield/Benton bus drivers with 240 books for students to use while on their buses. From left to right, Dennis West, Roland Grandmaison, Jim Greene, Mark Gregory, Mindy Hughes, PTO secretary, Amy Harrington, PTO president, Mr. Wedge, principal, Heather Giroux, PTO vice president, Kathy Burkhart, PTO teacher advocate, Kathy Dow, Misty Avery, Gregg McGoff and Lucas Leblanc. (Photo courtesy of Amy Harrington)

Vassalboro American Legion recognizes volunteer, donates to FD

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The Vassalboro American Legion presents a recognition plaque to Don Breton for his work placing flags on the graves of local veterans. From left to right, Tom Richards, Don Breton and James Kilbride. (Contributed photo)

The American Legion Post #126, Vassalboro, donated $1,000 to the Vassalboro Volunteer Fire Department for the mobile communication at their meeting July 15, 2019. From left to right, Tom Richards, Don Breton, accepting check for Vassalboro Volunteer Fire Department, and James Kilbride. (Contributed photo)

China CEO Mitnik moves on with regret and pleasure

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Former China Codes Enforcement Officer Paul Mitnik. (Contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

“I’m saying goodbye to China,” Paul Mitnik said toward the end of our June 25 conversation in his office in the town office. After four years as codes enforcement officer, licensed plumbing inspector and building inspector, Mitnik is moving on, sooner than he intended, with a mixture of regret and pleasure.

Regret because he has enjoyed working in China. Most people are “friendly and want to do the right thing,” and “I like the [Town Office] staff a lot – they work as a team and get along really well,” he said.

Pleasure because “I’m kind of excited about entering another chapter of my life.” Mitnik has three jobs already: as the two-day-a-week codes officer and plumbing inspector in Wayne, where he’s worked since May; as Palermo’s very part-time plumbing inspector; and as an on-call construction inspector with Augusta-based Kleinfelder engineers.

He said Wayne is another nice town with a pleasant town office staff. As in his previous jobs, he’s in a town with lakes – nine, he said – and therefore handles shoreland zoning issues with which he’s very familiar. Mitnik expressed appreciation to former China Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux and the selectboard who hired him four years ago as a part-time codes officer. He’s worked Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and occasionally, especially when he first came and had to learn about China, Wednesdays.

This spring, he said, the current town manager and selectboard decided the codes officer’s position should be full-time. Mitnik was not interested; this is a man who’s already retired twice, from the state Department of Environmental Protection and from the town of Manchester, and wants to keep on working without committing to 40 hours a week.

He therefore resigned, earlier than he had planned. He considers the town action “kind of like a breach of contract,” since he was hired for a part-time job, but instead of arguing found the Wayne position.

In Mitnik’s opinion, “You don’t need a full-time codes officer here [in China],” as his four years as a part-timer have demonstrated.

Mitnik’s full-time replacement was hired late in June, after two false starts. The first advertisements brought no qualified applicants (because, Mitnik believes, the salary offered was too low) and the first person hired left after two weeks. Now selectmen have hired William “Bill” Butler, another ex-DEP employee whom Mitnik commends as knowledgeable and experienced.

When he worked as a Department of Environmental Protection environmental engineer, Mitnik had “a technical job with tight deadlines.” Being a codes officer is harder, he said, because “You have to know so much more.”

A good codes officer, he said, has to be a psychologist and a policeman, able to be patient with the people who need and appreciate assistance and with critics.

One piece of his job that Mitnik has enjoyed in China but will give up in Wayne is applying MUBEC, the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code. Under current law, MUBEC applies in municipalities with at least 4,000 residents; Wayne is too small. MUBEC requires inspections at different stages as a new building goes up. Some towns use third-party inspectors; Mitnik thinks having a town employee qualified as a building inspector is more effective and less expensive.

Builders receive a list of required inspections and are supposed to notify the inspector as they’re ready for each one. Where an out-of-town inspector might not follow up, Mitnik used a spread-sheet to keep track and remind builders.

The code authorizes inspectors to fine builders who neglect notification requirements and to make them tear down recent construction to reveal earlier work. Mitnik said he’d be unlikely to have something torn down, except maybe a deck built without a permit and illegally close to a water body.

Mitnik offered China officials and residents two pieces of advice on his way out: protect your water quality, and try to change China’s image as business-unfriendly.

Good water quality is vital all over Maine to keep up the tourism that supports the state’s economy. Mitnik recommends strict enforcement of shoreland ordinances, especially limits on development within 100 feet of a water body. He called China’s Phosphorus Control Ordinance “a great thing,” but pointed out that it is “badly outdated” and recommended an update, especially to add alternative techniques to control run-off instead of relying so heavily on buffer systems.

Mitnik said during his first year the planning board reviewed 18 business-related applications. Now it’s three or four a year. Yet, Mitnik said, in a state that’s considered too far from the rest of the country and too cold to attract big industries, small businesses are vital.

Townspeople “really should consider zoning,” he said, realizing his view is unpopular. If one deterrent to business is the NIMBY (not in my back yard) syndrome, zoning helps: it designates areas where commercial development is welcome and protects residential neighborhoods where business is not wanted.

With a zoning ordinance, “people are in a way losing rights,” but the town is “encouraging and controlling growth,” in Mitnik’s view. Wayne has had zoning since 1972, he added.

Common Ground Round 7: Win a $10 Gift Certificate

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DEADLINE: Friday, August 9, 2019

Identify the people in these three photos, and tell us what they have in common. You could win a $10 gift certificate to Retail Therapy boutique, 11 KMD Plaza, Kennedy Memorial Dr., Waterville, next to the Dairy Queen!* Email your answer to townline@fairpoint.net or through our Contact page with subject line “COMMON GROUND 7.” Please include your name and address with your answer, so we can mail your prize if you are the winner!

You may also mail your answer to The Town Line, PO Box 89, South China, ME 04358. (To be eligible for the drawing, you must email or snail mail your answer to us.)

* Should there be more than one correct answer, a random drawing will be held to determine the winner.

Previous winner: Pat Clark, Palermo

Left to right, William Shatner (Capt. James T. Kirk); Patrick Stewart (Capt. Jean-Luc Picard); Kate Mulgrew (Capt. Kathryn Janeway); All were Star Trek starship captains.

Week of July 11, 2019

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GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: Starting your own business? Here’s how to get started

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by Dan Beaulieu
Business consultant

You want to be your own boss. You’re tired of working for someone else, and feel it’s time to go into business for yourself.

What are you going to do? What are you good at? What are your interests? What makes your heart sing? Do you like carpentry? Are you handy with your tools? Do you like building furniture? Maybe you’re a great seamstress, or maybe landscaping is your thing, it could be you have a green thumb? So, what is it going to be? What would you like to do with the rest of your life? How would you like to make a living doing something you love? Think carefully now because to start and keep a successful small business you are going to have to be creative, passionate and very hard working, because you are going to work harder than you ever have before. But as a famous man once said. If you find something you love to do, and get paid for, you’ll never work another day in your life. So, what’s it going to be? Think about it, and while you think about it ask yourself these questions:

  • What is it I love to do best in life?
  • Can I make money at this?
  • Who will pay me for this service?
  • Who will be my customers?
  • What kind of people need what I have to sell?
  • Are other people selling the product or service I want to sell?
  • Why will my products and services be better than anyone else?
  • What will I charge for this product or service?
  • How much will be enough to make a good living?
  • Will it take other people?
  • Will I have to start a company?
  • How will I get the word out about my new company?
  • What will I call my new company?
  • How much money will I need to get started?
  • How will I live while the getting gets started and no money is coming in?
  • Should I keep my current job while I get started?
  • Once started how will I make sure that my business keeps growing?

So many questions, so little time. It’s a lot to think about, isn’t it? And yes, there is considerable risk involved but if you choose the right product or service. Something that you are really good at, the rewards will be inestimable and, yes, with the right amount of courage, creativity and passion you will not only in the end survive, you will thrive!

Are you ready to join me on the greatest adventure of your life? Then come along because in the next few months I am going to be your guide. I am going to go through the process of starting and growing your business in a way that will be fun, exciting and rewarding. Together we are going to work on answering these questions and we are going to help you realize your dreams of working for yourself in your own successful business. Stay tuned for the next exciting episode of growing your business.

Dan Beaulieu has owned his own business consulting firm since 1995, during that time he has helped hundreds of companies all over the world with their sales growth challenges and issues. Originally from Maine, he returned a few years ago and is ready and willing to help his fellow Mainers start and grow their business. He can be reached at 207-649-0879 or at danbbeaulieu@aol.com.