PHOTOS: Winslow has strong showing at USATF track and field trials

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Winslow’s Natalie Cassiana, competing at the USATF Youth Track and Field championships, held at Cony High School, in Augusta, on August 10.. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

by Mark Huard

The USATF Youth Track and Field Championships took place at Cony High School on Saturday August 10. Over 1,000 youth track & competitors from all around the state of Maine were in attendance for a great day!

Eli Nadeau (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

Dominic Akoa (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

Charlie Young (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

SCORES & OUTDOORS – So many wolf questions: here are some answers

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wolf

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

With the increasing number of wolf sightings reported to me, I found it necessary to revisit the subject. Thanks to John Glowa, of the Maine Wolf Coalition, I will share with you the contents of an email he submitted to The Town Line.

Wolves are attempting to recolonize the northeast after a century’s absence. The closest acknowledged wolf populations are in Québec, just 60 miles from New York and 75 miles from Maine. Thousands more wolves live in southern and central Canada and the Great Lakes states, well within the 1,000+ mile distance that wolves have been known to travel during dispersal.

Dispersal is simply a young wolf leaving its pack’s territory in search of a mate and a territory of its own. These dispersing young wolves are often called “lone” wolves. Just as we humans do, nearly all young wolves leave home to live and possibly raise a family of their own.

Wolves are an essential part of a healthy ecosystem. In the northeast, the lack of wolves after we exterminated them in the 19th century allowed coyote/wolf hybrids to move in from Canada where coyotes and wolves interbred. The offspring of these hybrid animals crossed the St. Lawrence River more than a century ago and their populations grew. Their range expanded because they had no competition from wolves for food and territory. They now live throughout the northeast and maritime Canada including Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. These coyote/wolf hybrids are believed to have established a population in Maine by the 1930s and now number in the thousands in Maine alone.

It is important to know that there are no coyotes in the northeast U.S. All large canids are either coyote/wolf hybrids or wolves. The northeast canid referred to as a coyote or eastern coyote is not a species but is a coyote/wolf hybrid.

coyote coy-wolf

In 1993, a young female wolf was killed by a bear hunter in northern Maine. Since then, a dozen or so wolves have been documented killed by hunters or trappers south of the St. Lawrence River. Most of these were large animals that were primarily gray wolf. It is believed that Maine once had both gray wolves and eastern wolves. Gray wolves are larger animals – the animals that we normally think of as wolves. They generally range from 65-90+ pounds and prey primarily on moose, deer and beaver. Eastern wolves are smaller and generally range from 45-65 pounds. They seldom prey on moose, but do prey on deer, beaver and smaller animals. They will also eat berries, and their diet is similar to that of coyote/wolf hybrids. These animals can easily be confused with “coyotes” and it is likely that some of Maine’s eastern wolves are killed by hunters and trappers but are unreported due to their smaller size. Eastern wolves are now considered a threatened species in Canada. The U.S. government does not recognize the eastern wolf as a species, but rather as a gray wolf. This position is being reviewed and is subject to change. In 2019, the Maine Wolf Coalition collected a scat in northern Maine that was documented through DNA analysis to have come from an eastern wolf.

Wolves in Maine continue to be protected by federal law, but that law is not enforced. It is impossible to tell the difference between a “coyote” and an eastern wolf just by sight. The State of Maine encourages the killing of wolves by encouraging the killing of “coyotes”. The State of Maine wants nothing to do with wolves and excludes them from its State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). SWAPs are revised every ten years, and the 2025 SWAP is presently being written by various state agencies in order to qualify for federal funding for the state.

On a federal level, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has tried and failed for years to have wolves removed from the list of endangered species. Multiple losses in court have resulted in a recent proposal by the Service to develop a National Gray Wolf Recovery Plan. That plan is supposed to be rolled out by late 2025. Wolf advocates including the Maine Wolf Coalition (MWC) recently met with representatives of the service to urge the agency to include the northeast in the recovery plan and to offer our assistance in developing it. Our more than 30 years of wolf advocacy have accumulated a wealth of information about the status of wolves and the potential for wolf recovery in the northeast and Canada south of the St. Lawrence River.

A major recent development has been the establishment of the Northeast Wolf Recovery Alliance (NEWRA) in 2023. MWC is a charter member of NEWRA which includes as members individuals and organizations from New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Ontario and Québec as well as two national wildlife advocacy organizations. We have come to realize that it is essential for the U.S. and Canada to work together for wolf recovery in the region because wolves do not recognize invisible national boundaries.

Since 2019, MWC has actively been collecting canid scat across Maine for DNA analysis. This is work that neither the state of Maine nor the service is doing. We presently have nearly 200 scats at Michigan Technological University awaiting analysis. We have also been collecting some amazing trail camera photos and videos of wolflike canids from the Maine-New Hampshire border to far northern Aroostook County. We hope to document the status of wolves in Maine to try to force the state and federal governments to actively work to protect and recover them.

We have believed and we continue to believe that wolf recovery in the northeast will happen if we simply let it happen. Wolves in Canada and the northeast need real protection from hunters and trappers. We have never advocated reintroducing or bringing wolves into the northeast and releasing them. The evidence tells us that wolves are already here and that they will recover…if we only let them.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

What country has competed the most times in the Summer Olympics, yet hasn’t won a gold medal?

Answer
Philippines.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, August 15, 2024

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RANDALL C. MORISSETTE

WINSLOW – Randall Clifford Morissette, 73, of Winslow, passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Randall was born on September 15, 1950, in Waterville, to Jeanette and Clifford Morissette.

He graduated from Waterville High School and went on to attend Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, where he earned a degree in Machine Tool Technology.

Randall was employed by the United States Postal Service, in Waterville, until his retirement.

Randall was an avid and accomplished outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. His most treasured memories were made when he was sharing his love of the outdoors with his dear friends, his children, and his grandchildren.

Randall was predeceased by his parents Jeanette and Clifford; and his brother, Steven.

Randall is survived by his daughters Amy (Patrick) Guerette and Christine (Ryan) Devoe; grandchildren Maeve Hutchinson, Jonas Hutchinson, Austin Devoe and Wyatt Devoe; stepdaughter, Jennifer (Craig) Hobbs and children Allyson, Emily and Nolan; sisters Diana (Gil) Poliquin and Jane Morissette; nieces Angela Cook and Lisa Dulac; and nephew, Paul Duperry; his former wife, Ann Carrigan.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at noon, at the Saint Bridget Center, in Vassalboro

RICHARD B. FOSTER

UNITY – Richard B. Foster “Pa”, 72, of Unity, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Thayer Hospital, in Waterville. Richard was born on April 1, 1952, in Skowhegan, the son of Edwin and Irene (Lindsey) Foster.

He was raised in Moscow at the family-owned Foster’s Camps. He graduated from Upper Kennebec Valley High School, in Bingham, in June 1971. Later, he attended Northern Maine Vocational Technical College, in Presque Isle, and graduated in June 1973. Richard then began a career in design drafting.

Growing up, he developed a very strong work ethic. He was a hard worker, whether it was cutting wood for teams of horses, surveying, working in the fire tower in Canaan, driving a truck, radar sighting, working on a farm, or in an office designing a house or hydro project. He was employed at Kelienschmidt Associates, in Pittsfield, Acheron, in Newport, Jim’s Coleslaw, in Unity, Larry Ward’s Farm, in Unity, and Depot Bottles’ Redemption, in Unity. He and Madeline met in September 1976 and have been together ever since.

Richard was predeceased by his parents; his grandparents, Edgar and Vera (Collins) Lindsey; his grandparents, George and Evelina Foster; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Norman and Alice (Bechard) Gervais; and his sister-in-law, Rita Gervais.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Madeline (Maddy) Gervais Foster, of Unity; his children, Michael R. Chiott, of Newport, Rose-Marie (Anthony) Bick, of Saint Albans, and Samantha Foster Wells (Michael Wells), of Fairfield; his grandchildren, BreAnna, Brandy, Ricky (Dani), Chadwick, Zenobia, Jace, and Heirdontias; his great-grandchildren, Cooper, Sarah, and Little Ricky III; his brother-in-law, Roger (RoxAnne) Gervais, of Randolph; five younger siblings, Michael (Sal) Foster, Scott Foster, Lee (Paula) Foster, Wanda Faith Foster, and Pamela (Randy) Locke; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He held many offices in the Grange, in Bingham, Solon, and Troy. In Solon, he was a Cub Scout leader and a Boy Scout leader. He was the president of the Unity Pond Kanaukulus Club, a member of the Chess Club, in Waterville, and attended Colby College, in Waterville, for soccer coach training, eventually becoming a coach. As his grandchildren say, “If Pa can’t fix it, it can’t be done.” He was a jack of all trades.

His passion was spending time with family. He loved teaching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren about hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and anything to do with nature or the outdoors. Holidays with his grandchildren were always a special time. He tended to be the biggest kid in the group.

Richard lived life to the fullest. There was always an open door, a cup of coffee, a meal on the table, a sleeping bag, or someone to talk to; he was always there.

A celebration of life for Richard (Pa) will be held at New Hope Church, on Route 201, in Solon, at 1 p.m., on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Immediately following, there will be a small luncheon.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To leave a condolence for the family and to view the online obituary, please visit http://www.gibersonfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Pine Tree Camps, Attn: Lori Chesley, 114 Pine Tree Camps Road, Rome, ME 04963. Please include “In Memory of Richard “Pa” Foster” on the memo line of all checks.

PHYLLIS H. DUMAIS

WINSLOW – Phyllis H. Dumais, 83, passed away, in Farmington, on Saturday, July 27, 2024. She was born on June 8, 1941.

There will be a graveside burial on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 10 a.m., at Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery, in Waterville.

Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Road, where memories, photos and condolences may be shared at dsfuneral.com.

HAROLD J. MICHAUD

WINSLOW – Harold J. Michaud, 99, passed away at the Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta on Sunday, July 28, 2024. Better known as “Pete”, he was born on April 28, 1925, the son of Rosaire and Florida (Caron) Michaud, in Waterville.

Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and served on three ships during World War II. He was a recipient of the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal three Stars, the Philippine Liberation Medal, and the European African Theatre Medal.

Among the many battles he saw, the two he recalled most were the taking of the Kwajalein Atoll and the battle to take Iwo Jima, shelling 40,000 rounds on the volcanic terrain while Kamikaze aircraft rained down on the invasion fleet. When the first Marine reached the summit of Mt. Suribachi and placed the American flag, he was there to celebrate.

When he returned to Maine he married the former Theresa Belanger on May 30, 1950. He was an avid hunter and tying flies and fishing were hobbies.

He was predeceased by his parents; spouse, Theresa; brother, Roland Michaud, and sisters Violette Meader, Lorette Clair, and Gloria Lewis.

Harold is survived by brother Joseph Michaud; sister Jacqueline Morin; as well as his many nieces, nephews; great-nieces, great-nephews.

“Period” – his favorite way to end conversations.

A memorial service was held at Maine Veterans Cemetery, on Monday, August 12, in the chapel, at 163 Mt. Vernon Ave., in Augusta.

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

DIANA M. BICKFORD

SOUTH CHINA – Diana M. Bickford, 43, died unexpectedly Saturday, August 3, 2024. She was born in Augusta on June 18, 1981, the daughter of Mark M. and Dorothy A. (Reynolds) Bickford.

Ms. Bickford was a graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China.

She was a self-employed painter, working with her mother at both commercial and residential job sites.

Ms. Bickford is survived by her parents, Mark M. and Dorothy A. (Reynolds) Bickford, of South China; five children, Alexee Littlefield, of South China, Mark Pilsbury, of Augusta, Joseph, Reed and Annebell Pilsbury, both of South China; two sisters, Tara Hembree and her husband Shawn, of West Gardiner, and Amy Corliss and her husband Jason, of Pittston; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no public visiting hours or funeral services. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Rt. 32, Windsor, ME.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared through the funeral home website at: http://www.plummerfh.com.

LAUREL L. VIGUE

FAIRFIELD – Laurel Lynn Vigue, 71, passed away unexpectedly at her home, in Fairfield, on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Laurel was born in Island Falls, in 195,3 to Auril L. Hartin and Stella M. Hartin.

Laurel’s life journey was marked by dedication, compassion, and a deep love for family and friends. Her early years laid the foundation for her remarkable career in nursing. After graduating from Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC), in Fairfield, with a degree in nursing, she devoted over 30 years to caring for others at Oak Grove Nursing Home, Mount Saint Joseph’s, both in Waterville, and several other local nursing facilities. It was during that time she met many amazing people and forged lifelong friendships that she deeply cherished.

In her personal life, she was a beacon of joy and laughter, known for her tremendous sense of humor and a knack for making people smile. Her direct and sassy personality was a breath of fresh air, and she was adored by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Laurel’s heart was full of love for her family.

She was married to her husband, Richard Vigue, for 27 years. Laurel had three children and three grandchildren who were her pride and joy. Her grandchildren especially brought her immense happiness, and she cherished every moment she spent with them. She actively expressed an interest in their daily lives, which she demonstrated with unwavering support and involvement, such as frequent attendance at their sporting events.

Outside of her professional and family life, Laurel had a passion for reading and cooking. Her delicious pies were a staple at family gatherings and holiday dinners. She also had a special place in her heart for her two cats, Hootie and Stella, as well as her grandcats, Merle and Whitney.

Laurel’s family and wide circle of friends will remember her as a dynamic, caring soul who brought light into their lives. Her legacy of love, laughter, and support will continue to inspire and comfort those who knew and loved her, and her absence will forever leave a profound void in our hearts and lives.

Laurel was predeceased by her first husband, Charlie Weeks, both of her parents, a sister, Bonnie Dunphy, and her father-in-law, Donald Vigue.

Laurel is survived by her husband, Richard Vigue; her son, Christopher, and his wife Julie; her daughters, Stacy, and her husband Lance, and April, and her husband Keven; her grandchildren, Alexis, Zachary, and Ashley; her two brothers, Sterling Hartin and his wife Lori, and George Hartin and his wife Hayley; mother-in-law, Elverine Vigue; and numerous cousins; nieces; nephews; great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 15, at 11:30 a.m., at Wheeler Funeral Home, in Oakland, followed by a burial at Lewis Cemetery, in Oakland, and a reception at a location to be determined.

Arrangements are in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Oakland, where memories of Laurel may be shared, and an online register book can be signed by visiting http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Laurel’s name to the Humane Society WatervilleArea, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME, 04901.

EDWARD L. POLLARD

PALERMO – Edward Leonard (Skip) Pollard, 75, passed away at home on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, following a long illness. He was born April 3, 1949, in Providence, Rhode Island, a son to Edward Sr. and Helen (Dwyer) Pollard.

After high school he attended North Eastern University X-Ray program through Roger Williams hospital, in Providence. At this time he joined the Rhode Island National Guard as a medic, training in California. Ed stayed with the guard for about four years.

He worked at Roger Williams hospital as a special procedures technologist from 1968 until 1973, when he became chief technologist at Newport hospital, in Newport, Rhode Island. This is where he met his wife Anna. They married in May 1976 and moved to the family farm, in Palermo. They led the “Good Life “: garden, horse, cow, pigs and chickens.

Skip was the proud and loving father to two children, Edward lll, and Allison.

For a few years, he would travel every other week to Rhode Island to work for a mobile X-Ray service. In 1980 the farm house burned down, and Skip went into the woods, cut logs, and in three years, had built a new home. He worked cutting fire wood to sell, hauling gravel, and trucking potatoes from the “County” to New York City.

In 1991 he returned to the radiology profession and worked at Kennebec Valley Medical Center and Maine Mobile MRI, until 2001 when he suffered a stroke.

Paralyzed in his right side, he was still able to walk so he went back to the woods and cut his own firewood. With help he added two decks to his home. He built a slide in camper and a Bucket-T hot rod. (He did a few drag races with it and won).

Skip was adventurous, he was a skier, SCUBA diver, learned to fly a plane, and crossed this country twice on his Harley-Davidson.

His greatest joys in this world were his two grandchildren, Scarlett May Pollard and Ella Marie Murphy. No matter how bad he was feeling these two girls brought light into his life.

Skip was predeceased by his grandparents, his parents Edward Sr. and Helen, and his nephew Isaac J. Pollard.

He is survived by his wife Anna; his son Edward lll and partner Nancy Crockett; daughter Allison and husband Mark Murphy; his brothers Wayne Pollard and wife Margie, and Jerry Pollard; and sister-in-law Stephanie Pollard; and niece’s Kelly and Lindsey.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 11 a.m., at the Palermo Christian church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care. Memories and condolences may be shared at ripostafh.com.

JEFFREY C. NEWMAN

WINDSOR – Jeffrey C. Newman, 67, of Windsor, passed away peacefully, on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at his home.

Jeff was raised in Augusta, graduated Cony High School in 1975 and obtained a bachelor of science degree in business at the University of Maine in Augusta. He joined the U.S. Army after high school and served in the cavalry, stationed in Germany.

Jeff was avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting, fishing and especially snowmobiling in the Moosehead Lake area. He also enjoyed playing his guitars, going to local open mic nights and “jamming” with his friends. Some of his happiest times were swimming with his grandchildren at his home on the lake.

He was predeceased by his father, Donald Newman, mother Joan (Poulin) Newman, and brother Scott Newman.

Jeff is survived by his wife Frances (Gingrow) Newman; his two sons, Christopher, of Gardiner, and Daniel, of Palermo; grandchildren, Cooper Newman, Willow Newman, and Rowan Newman; sisters Lisa Shelton and her partner Mark Daniele, of Pownal, and Deborah and husband Kenneth Deck, of Sandpoint, Idaho; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, August 16, from 1 – 3 p.m., at the Western View Golf Course and Pub, 130 Bolton Hill Road, Augusta, Maine.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church St., Augusta, where memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

SHIRLEY S. DUNLAP

SIDNEY – Shirley Smith Dunlap, 92, died on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. She was born in Waterville in 1932 and lived the first half of her life in Norridgewock.

Then Shirley and her husband, Harold, moved to Sidney, where she lived for nearly 50 years. Harold died in 2019 ending a 71-year marriage.

Although she was never the fix-it or the financial director in the marriage, she adapted when she had to. In her late 80s, she learned about, and handled, the household finances, and became handy enough to live on her own for years. She never quite mastered the computer but did have a cell phone and became proficient in the use of the TV remote (no easy task).

Shirley had a large extended family, being one of five children. She became quite self-sufficient early of necessity, helping raise her younger siblings since both of her parents worked. She became then, and remained, a wonderful cook. Her general cooking was fantastic, but among her two children, and her 21 nieces and nephews, her four siblings, and her four grandchildren, her cakes, and especially pie crusts (perfect every time), were legendary. They do not know it yet, but her ten great-grandchildren missed out on something special, never having tasted her dessert cooking.

Very high on her list of favorite things were family gatherings and holiday dinners. She would, almost single-handedly, put on incredible feasts for large numbers of people without a hitch. Until very recently, she would accept only limited help in her kitchen on these occasions. Anyone who has tried to put on a big event involving the preparation and serving of food to many people knows the skill, dedication, and determination it takes. Shirley had all that, and more.

When her children were young, she worked at Riverside Market, in Norridgewock, which was as far as the children were concerned, the best job ever, with a penny candy after school every day. She moved on and worked for LaVerdiere’s Drug Store, in the purchasing department, for almost 30 years. When LaVerdiere’s was bought out by Rite Aid in the nin’90s, she retired. Upon retirement, she and Harold amazed everyone by how much mileage they put on their cars then. Much of it was at least several trips a week to Yarmouth to be involved in her grandchildren’s lives and activities.

Shirley is survived by two children, Mark (Martha), of Yarmouth, and Jayne, of Winslow; four grandchildren, Nate (Jessica), of Burke, Virginia, Amos (Corina), of Falmouth, Lucas (Melissa), of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Maggie Keeshan (Connor), of Old Greenwich, Connecticut; and ten great-grandchildren.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral.

Please visit Shirley’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/shirley-dunlap-2024 where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

CARMELA P. GREENE

SIDNEY – Carmela (Palmieri) Greene, 93, passed away peacefully, in Hallowell, on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. “Mimi” was born on May 13, 1931, in the Bronx, New York, the fifth and last surviving of six children of Joseph and Michelina “Margaret” (Milano) Palmieri, both infant Sicilian immigrants.

In the 1940s she moved with her family to Waterville.

On April 17, 1948, she married John Greene, of East Madison, where they lived and raised a family until 2010 when they moved to Sidney. Mimi adapted quickly to life away from the city and was active in her new community in the East Madison Fire Department Auxiliary and other social and fundraising groups.

Her life revolved around their five children whose ages spanned 14 years, but she also worked periodically as a waitress and a shoe inspector in nearby Skowhegan. In 1983 she finally achieved her goal of obtaining a diploma from Skowhegan Area High School.

With their children out of school or in college, Mimi and John bought a home in a park in Plant City, Florida, in 1988 and became snowbirds for the next 30 years. There she developed new and lasting friendships, was a Red Hat and an avid reader, and enjoyed hosting family excursions, crafting with her neighbors and church friends, and helping with clubhouse holiday dinners.

After John began treatment for a chronic illness, he and Mimi settled in Sidney with their daughter and son-in-law and were both able to enjoy the early years and newer arrivals of eight great-grandchildren (Kelsey, Kayleigh, Noah, Micah, Madeline, Graysen, Olivia and Sterling). Mimi devoted herself to caring for her husband until his death in 2016, after nearly 68 years of marriage. She later saw the addition of two more great-grandchildren (Sophie and Hendrix) and a great-great-grandson (Evander).

Mimi remained self-sufficient in her in-law apartment until 2020 when she entered assisted living in Hallowell during Covid-restricted visitations. However, she brought with her memories of long-time and rekindled friendships and became adept at using Facebook Messenger to stay in touch with family, especially her daughter who contacted her daily.

Mimi’s deep love for her family was apparent, especially her joy at seeing the pictures of young ones and her laughter at wise cracking from her older “children.” She listened intently and without judgment to stories about their happiness and disappointments.

Mimi was predeceased by her husband, John; a granddaughter, Nikki Grayling; her parents; and five siblings: brothers Christopher, Michael, and John, and sisters Mary Laury, and Frances Antoncich.

She is survived by her five children, a daughter, Becky Greene (and husband Peter Grant), of Waterville; and four sons, Daniel (and partner Sue Palakawong), of Sidney, Garry (and wife Chris), of Saco, Allen (and wife Janice), of Woolwich, and Vincent (and partner Julie Foster), of Brunswick; seven grandchildren, Richard Greene, Melissa (Greene) Young, Jonathan Greene, Nathan Greene, Joseph Greene, and Jasmin Greene; and a step-grandson Brandon Grant; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews.

A service and committal at Maine Veterans Cemetery, in Augusta, will be held on a date to be determined.

Death Notices

CAROLL S. WEEKS SR.

PITTSFIELD – Caroll S. Weeks Sr., 79, of Pittsfield, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Arrangements through Dan and Scott’s, in Skowhegan.

JOSEPH E. ROBINIA

WATERVILLE – Joseph E. Robinia, 81, of Waterville, passed away Wednessday, August 7, 2024. Arrangements through Dan and Scott’s, in Skowhegan.

LETTERS: Let’s all support Laura Jones!

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To the editor:

I am excited and fully support Laura Jones’ candidacy for House of Representatives for our district (i.e., Vassalboro and Sidney). Laura’s Vassalboro ties go back four generations, and her dedication and devotion to our area and our state are remarkable. Laura recently retired from a stellar career in the military (which highlights her commitment to country as well as community). Laura has taken on a leadership role in engaging citizen participation in the community, providing opportunities for people to share ideas, activities, and ways to make our community better. Laura has the energy, enthusiasm and abilities to take her knowledge and skills and do the same things for us at the state level. Please vote for Laura Jones, House District #61 on or by November 5.

Amy Davidoff
Vassalboro

LETTERS: Elise Brown for Waldo County Commissioner

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To the editor:

We who live in Liberty are fortunate to witness Elise in action – as our long-time Director of Emergency Management and for many years as budget committee chairman. But what personally impresses me the most is her thoughtful presence at selectboard and annual town meetings.

No matter how controversial the issue, Elise articulates a common-sense path forward taking into account the facts in a manner that respects all views. To me, this is why Elise was honored with the dedication in a recent town annual report.

I hope more of you can get to know her as our Waldo County Commissioner. She’s a star. We’re willing to share her talents!

Bob Kohl
Liberty

LETTERS: Elise Brown is dedicated to our community

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To the editor:

When Elise Brown told me she was running for Waldo County Commissioner in District #3, I went online to learn what a County Commissioner does. Much of our quality of life here in Waldo County is affected by county government. Here are some functions for which County Commissioners are responsible: our District Attorney’s Office, Emergency Management Agency, Sheriff’s Office, Registry of Probate, Registry of Deeds, as well as 911 services.

Elise is well prepared to take on this important role. She has a history in Liberty as fire chief, EMT, emergency manager and firefighter. She has served on Liberty’s budget committee for seven years, and as its chairman for four years. She co-owns a local weatherization contracting company, and has demonstrated experience managing people and budgets. She is articulate, caring, and involved in community. That’s why a vote for Elise Brown will make a difference.

Jean Wakem
Liberty

Vassalboro planners hear request to amend subdivision

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by Mary Grow

The three leaders of Augusta’s All Season Home Improvements company met with Vassalboro Planning Board members on Aug. 6 to talk about amending a nine-year-old subdivision.

The 2015 plan was for land on Church Hill Road; it included a dead-end road named Karen Lane that runs southeast off Church Hill Road near the Augusta line. Robert Grieg, Robert “Bobby” Grieg and Carl Brickett explained that the plan had two lots for single-family homes and a larger “parcel” that was to provide space for seven duplexes sharing a common septic system.

The single-family houses were built, but none of the duplexes. Now the applicants want to create one or two separate lots in that area, too.

During discussion, they mentioned that the boundary of one of the single-family lots had been changed.

Planning Board Chairman Virginia Brackett said that change should have been brought to the planning board as a requested amendment. Subdivisions are recorded not just in the town office, but also in the Kennebec County Registry of Deeds; any lawyer involved in a land transfer will require the record to be up to date if the transaction is to be valid, she explained.

Brackett and Town Manager Aaron Miller, filling in as board recorder until Vassalboro hires a new codes officer, advised the Griegs and Brickett on how to find a subdivision application form on line.

Board member Douglas Philips and Brackett raised two other issues they had observed: woodchips apparently being stockpiled on a shoreland lot in East Vassalboro; and possible violations of Olin Charette’s Route 201 junkyard license that the select board approved in February. Miller planned to investigate both situations.

The next regular Vassalboro Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, Sept. 3.

VASSALBORO: Town receives good news of $200,000 grant for Mill Hill bridge replacement

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro select board members began their Aug. 8 meeting with the good news of a $200,000 grant toward the Mill Hill bridge replacement project.

The Mill Hill bridge, also called the Dunlap bridge, is actually a double culvert. It carries Mill Hill Road over Seven Mile Brook, which alewives use to migrate from the Kennebec River into Webber Pond.

The Maine Department of Transportation (DOT) letter announcing the award says the $200,000 Municipal Stream Crossing Grant requires a local match of $68,000.

Lars Hammer, of Maine’s Department of Marine Resources, explained that the money comes from a federal Department of Transportation program created to repair or replace culverts in order to improve passage for anadromous fish. He said state DOT officials intend to apply for additional federal grants, perhaps including more money for the Vassalboro project. They expect to hear next spring how successful they have been.

Eric Calderwood, of Brunswick-based Calderwood Engineering, the town’s consultant, said the culverts are in bad shape and should be replaced as soon as possible. The company presented three alternative replacement plans, with different costs and grant opportunities.

Select board members were considering the possibility that this and potential future grants might require a hasty special town meeting to raise more local money. They focused on whether town funds already set aside will be enough for the required local share and when the town will be expected to make payments.

After considerable discussion, with Mill Hill Road residents and the majority of the town budget committee among a larger-then-usual audience, they concluded the project does not require voters’ action this fall.

Select board members considered two related issues. They approved Town Manager Aaron Miller’s draft request for proposals from alewife harvesters; and they reviewed plans for work at the Webber Pond dam, where Seven Mile Brook leaves the pond.

Miller said dam improvements might also be partly funded with grant money, though there is no guarantee.

Select board sets mil rate at 13.33 mils

At their Aug. 8 meeting, Vassalboro select board members set the 2024-25 local property tax rate at 13.33 mils ($13.33 for each $1,000 of valuation), in the middle of the range of possible rates presented by assessor Ellery Bane, of RJD Appraisal in Pittsfield.

Town Manager Aaron Miller said last year’s rate was 12.72 mils; so current-year taxes increase 61 cents for each $1,000 of valuation, or about 4.8 percent.

Town office staff will promptly send out tax bills. By town meeting vote, the first quarterly payment is due by the 3:30 p.m. close of business Monday, Sept. 30. Subsequent due dates are Nov. 25, 2024, and Feb. 24 and April 28, 2025.

On another issue, select board members added a local referendum question to the Nov. 5 national and state voting. They will ask voters’ approval of a revised charter for the Vassalboro Sanitary District, which maintains sewer lines in East and North Vassalboro.

The principal change discussed would be to have VSD trustees elected by the residents of the area served. If voters approve the change, Miller and board members expect VSD elections to be held with municipal elections in June 2025.

In other business Aug. 8:

— Board members and the manager discussed whether their fall meeting schedule should avoid Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, or whether they could plan to skip that meeting. They decided to plan to skip it: regular select board meetings are scheduled for Sept. 5 and 19, Oct. 3, 17 and 31 and Nov. 14 and 28.
— Miller reported that China Lake water level reports are being forwarded to state officials as requested, after the high water this spring led to on-going discussions among interested parties in Vassalboro, China and the state Department of Environmental Protection. Select board chairman Frederick “Rick” Denico, Jr., added that a newly-installed rain gauge at the town garage should provide more accurate measures of local rainfall.
— Miller said the transfer station is running smoothly under new manager Adam Daoust.

The next regular Vassalboro select board meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, Sept. 5.

China select board sets tax rate at 11.7 mils

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by Mary Grow

Lower than last year, but property owners should expect larger tax bills

China select board members set the 2024-25 tax rate (in their role as town assessors) and lined up several local referendum questions for Nov. 5 at a busy Aug. 12 meeting.

The tax rate they chose, based on assessor William Van Tuinen’s figures and recommendation, is 11.7 mils, or $11.70 for each $1,000 of valuation. This rate is lower than the 2023-24 rate, which Van Tuinen said was 12.26 mils.

However, local property-owners should expect their 2024-25 tax bills to be larger than last year’s.

Van Tuinen explained that town expenses will be higher in three areas: the Kennebec County tax, the municipal budget voters approved at the June town business meeting and the Regional School Unit #18 school budget.

The assessor did a comprehensive upward revision of property values, land and buildings, this spring. Because the values are higher, a lower tax rate will raise enough more money to cover higher expenses.

Tax bills should go out promptly. By town meeting vote, the first half payment is due at the town office by the close of business Monday, Sept. 30.

Potential Nov. 5 referendum issues include amendments to China’s Land Use Ordinance; an amended Tax Increment Financing (TIF) document; an amended Budget Committee Ordinance; and a map of the development district in South China (to complement the description voters approved in June).

Depending partly on the outcome of an Aug. 26 public discussion, there might also be a question requesting a moratorium on high-voltage power transmission lines through China. Board members received a petition to discuss the moratorium; they invite interested residents to participate at their Aug. 26 meeting, which will be in the town office meeting room at 6 p.m.

Many have requested nomination papers

As of Aug. 12, China Town Clerk Angela Nelson reported the following people had taken out nomination papers for local elective office:

— For the select board, incumbent Brent Chesley, Edwin Bailey, Tod Detre and Thomas Rumpf. Incumbent Janet Preston has announced she is not seeking another term; Blane Casey’s term also ends this year.
— For the budget committee, District 4 incumbent Timothy Basham. The other openings on the budget committee are for the secretary (currently vacant), District 2 (northeastern China; incumbent Taryn Hotham) and the At-Large position (incumbent Elizabeth Curtis).
— For one of China’s two seats on the Regional School District #18 board of directors, no one. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said at the Aug. 12 select board meeting incumbent T. James Bachinski does not intend to run for another term.

Signed nomination papers must be returned to the town office by Friday, Sept. 6, for candidates’ names to appear on the Nov. 5 local election ballot.

In other business Aug. 12, select board members and Recreation Committee chairman Martha Wentworth discussed a proposed dog park on the town-owned lot south of the town office, near the red barn.

Wentworth had an estimate of $7,648.52 for 150 linear feet of fencing, with double gates, from Maine Fence of China. The recreation budget can cover the cost, she said.

Board and audience members considered whether the park would be large enough. Wentworth proposed asking local dog-owners for donations and seeking grants for a larger area.

Wentworth said since dogs already use town trails, there would be no extra insurance considerations. Maintenance would include mowing and trash pick-up as needed; dog-owners would be expected to clean up after their pets.

She presented the dog park as a place for residents and their dogs to socialize. Her committee proposes moving the ice rink to the same lot, and she talked of picnic tables and areas for cornhole and similar games.

Select board chairman Wayne Chadwick, a dog owner himself, questioned the need for a dog park in a rural area where most people have room for their dogs to play. He was also concerned about disease transmission among dogs. And he said he was opposed to creating another town park without voter approval.

After 40 minutes’ discussion, board members voted 4-1, with Chadwick opposed, to authorize Wentworth to continue to plan and to seek additional funding, with the understanding they were not making an appropriation for the project.

Other Aug. 12 decisions included:

— Authorizing a little over $14,000 for Provost Monuments, of Benton, to repair headstones in the Branch Mills cemetery;
— Accepting a bid from S. D. Childs & Sons Excavation, of Palermo, for $12,850 for trail work in Thurston Park;
— Accepting bids for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) remediation at the transfer station and public works garage, from Radon Technologies and EverClean Water, in Fairfield, for $9,530, after discussion of water usage and options. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood praised the company’s earlier installation of a system in a nearby private home and said the remedial technology should eliminate the staining and odor that have bothered staff at the facilities.
— Appointing resident Dwaine Drummond to fill a vacancy on the planning board until Nov. 5; board member Blane Casey, the town’s alternate representative to the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (board member Janet Preston is the representative); and codes officer Nicholas French to represent the town at China Region Lakes Alliance board meetings, in response to a request from CRLA.

Hapgood reported on Maine’s blue envelope program, which provides legal-sized blue envelopes for drivers for whom encounters with police might be challenging – those diagnosed with autism, Down Syndrome or anxiety, for example. The China town office has envelopes to distribute.

The next regular China select board meeting will be Monday evening, Aug. 26, with the agenda including the discussion of a power line moratorium.

PHOTO: Beautiful flowers, beautiful day

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Lindy Sklover, of Vassalboro, snapped these peonies at Fieldstone Gardens, in Vassalboro.

CORRECTION: In the print edition, this photo was incorrectly credited to Gary Mazoki, of Palermo, in the print edition, instead of Lindy Sklover, of Vassalboro. We apologize for the error.