Oakland Memorial Day parade and ceremony go on despite rain (2024)

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The weather did not hamper crowd enthusiasm. (photo by Wally McKenney)

by Mark Huard

For the past three years since the pandemic, the Oakland American Legion Post #51 has directed the Annual Memorial Day parade which is one of the largest in Central Maine. Veterans lined the front of the parade to local school bands, classic cars, military vehicles, Police and Fire departments, Shriners and among many others. Each year they are looking for more to participate. Any groups are encouraged to contact the post for next year’s attendance.

The Kora Drifters are a parade unit of the Kora Shrine, in Lewiston. The Drifters were started by Bernie Fortin, of Vassalboro, in 2018, and have since expanded to 14 members. They raise funds for the Shriners hospitals, in Massachusetts, and all money raised goes to those charities. Any other expenses they pay out-of-pocket. They are known for their distinctive bright green colors and love to entertain. The Shriners are currently scheduled to parade in 27 different events this year, to include Maine’s largest festivals such as the Clam Festival, the Moxie Festival, and the Lobster Festival. Really what you have is 14 guys dedicated to supporting child patients at the hospitals. With the added bonus of making people happy at the same time. On Memorial Day they participated in parades in Oakland, Skowhegan, and Old Orchard Beach.

Tracey Frost riding in the Memorial Day Parade. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

KWD lake levels info now online

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The China Lake Association has posted about monitoring China Lake levels, with historical levels, on Facebook: Kennebec Water District (KWD) recently added a China Lake water level information page to their website. You will find the current level of the lake, along with the most recent Department of Environmental Protection lake level directives.

The link is: https://kennebecwater.org/water-quality/lake-level-info/.

SMALL SPACE GARDENING: Winning perennial plant adds color & fragrance

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Jeana garden phlox is the 2024 Perennial Plant of the Year. (photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com)

by Melinda Myers

Add long-lasting beauty and pollinator appeal to your garden with this year’s Perennial Plant of the Year, Jeana garden phlox (Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’). Selected for its tall sturdy habit and fragrant dense flower heads it is a welcome addition to perennial, meadow, and pollinator gardens as well as mixed borders.

Grow this perennial phlox in full sun with a bit of afternoon shade in hotter climates. It is hardy in USDA zones three to eight, growing and flowering best in moist, fertile, and well-drained soil.

The Perennial Plant of the Year (PPOY) is selected by members of the Perennial Plant Association for its suitability to a wide range of climatic conditions, low maintenance, relative pest and disease resistance, availability, and multiple seasons of beauty. This program began in 1990 and you can find out more about past winners on the Perennial Plant Association website.

This cultivar of the North American native Phlox paniculata was discovered growing along the Harpeth River near Nashville, Tennessee. It was named for the woman, Jeana Prewitt, who discovered this plant. It was a standout with its mildew-resistant foliage. Jeana is the head gardener at Bedside Manor in Brentwood, Tennessee. She took cuttings of the plant and began propagating it. In time, it was declared to be a new cultivar and has been available for several years.

Mt. Cuba Center, a botanical garden in Delaware, found it to be the best-performing phlox in their trials and it attracted more butterflies than the other garden phlox in the two-year study. Fifteen volunteers from the Pollinator Watch Team conducted weekly observations of 94 different phlox over two years. Jeana had 539 butterfly visits – way more than any other phlox in the study – and is especially attractive to eastern tiger swallowtails.

Enjoy the lavender-pink flowers with wine-colored eyes that cover the plant from mid-summer to fall. Although each flower is smaller than other garden phlox, the dense cone-shaped flower head is made up of hundreds of individual petals providing a beautiful show. Removing faded flowers, also known as deadheading, promotes continued bloom and prevents the self-seeding of inferior seedlings.

Combine this three-to-five-inch-tall plant with other perennials like Amsonia, Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum), Iron Butterfly ironweed (Vernonia lettermanii ‘Iron Butterfly’), coneflowers (Echinacea), and switch grass (Panicum virgatum). Or use it as a backdrop for shorter plants like alliums and woodland sage (Salvia nemorosa).

Look for places to add this late-season bloomer to your gardens and landscapes. You’ll enjoy the flowers and butterflies that stop by for a visit.

Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

SNHU announces winter 2024 honors

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Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), in Manchester, New Hampshire,  announces the following students being named to the Winter 2024 President’s List.
Justin Drescher, of Augusta,  Ivette Hernandez Cortez, of Augusta, Grant Brown, of Augusta,  Matthew Bandyk, of Jefferson, Jennifer Anastasio, of Jefferson, Talon Mosher, of Winslow,  Quincy Giustra, of Winslow,  Candice Eaton, of Waterville, Sierra Winson, of Winslow, Andre Coachman, of Waterville, Carrielee Harvey, of Waterville, Heather Hall, of Canaan, Stormy Wentworth, of Fairfield, Misty Ray, of Montville, Zachary Eggen, of Liberty, Christopher Beaman, of Madison, Emily Hernandez, of Embden, Blake Laweryson, of North Anson, and Van Boardman, of Oakland.
The following students were named to the Winter 2024 dean’s list:
Brandon Stinson, of Augusta, Nicholas Stutler, of Sidney, Jaimie Thomas, of Sidney, Grace Marshall, of Waterville, and Ashley Parks, of Anson.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, June 6, 2024

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RONALD MORIN

FAIRFIELD – Ronald Morin, 58, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Ronald, and his twin brother Donald, were born October 6, 1965, the sons of Marc Andre and Francoise Morin, in Jackman.

Ron grew up in a large family with seven brothers and five sisters. He excelled in academics and athletics while attending Forest Hills High School, graduating in 1983.

Ron enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 1983 and trained as a Medical Field Service Technician. In 1986-1987, he deployed on an extended 18-month Mediterranean cruise aboard the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy as a corpsman assigned to Marine Attack Squadron VMF (AW) 533. Ron attained the rank of Petty Officer First Class and separated from the Navy in January 1991.

Throughout his time in the Navy, Ron worked towards earning a college degree. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Old Dominion University (ODU) in 1992 with a B.A. in Environmental Health Sciences. While attending ODU, Ron met Anna Ghorashian. Ron and Anna were briefly married in 1994 before dissolving their marriage. Ron accepted a position with the Department of the Navy as an Environmental Hygienist working for the Navy Inspector General. He remained in that position until medically retired in 1998.

Ronald returned to Maine to be with family; living with his mother in Fairfield and with brothers in Waterville, Winslow, and Bangor. He loved spending time with his large family and visiting friends he met in the Navy.

Ronald was predeceased by his parents, Marc Andre and Francoise Morin, of Jackman; and brothers Hubert, of Limerick, and Pierre, of Willimantic, Connecticut.

He is survived by sisters Danielle Hale, of Jackman, Louise Morin-Smith, of Bangor, Jacqueline (DeLallo) Morin, of Bethel, Christina Stone, of Scarborough, and Monique Swartz, of Bangor; brothers Maxime, of Jackman, Francis, of Hermon, Jacques, of Bangor, his twin Donald ,of Bangor, and Antoine, of Benton; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, June 15, at noon, in Jackman, at Saint Anthony’s Cemetery, with a reception to follow at the American Legion Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: the Arno E. Hughey American Legion Post #122, P.O. Box 351, Jackman, ME, 04945.

GLORIA M. LEWIS

BENTON – Gloria M. (Michaud) Lewis, 91, passed away Friday, May 10, 2024, at Maine­General Medical Center, in Augusta. Gloria was born on August 8, 1932, in Waterville, daughter of Rosaire and Florida (Coro) Michaud.

She graduated from Waterville High School in 1950 as valedictorian. She was a talented artist with two of her paintings Tom Sawyer Whitewashing the Fence and Black Beauty, hung in the Children’s Room at the Waterville Public Library for many years.

On June 14, 1952, Gloria married Howard “Ted” Lewis, at Sacred Heart Church, in Waterville. Gloria’s commitment to family and friends will find them missing her every day. She was passionate about gardening, both flowers and vegetables, baking, canning, and growing giant sunflowers brought her joy.

Gloria is survived by her daughter Debra Lewis Beckwith and husband Durwood Sr., of Hartland; grandson Benjamin Grass and wife Kelly, of Watertown, New York; granddaughter Patrice Harris and husband Benjamin, of Winslow; great-grandchildren Joshua, Jordaan, Jakob, Michaela, Garrison, and Ainsley; and great-great-granddaughter Daisy Kate; brothers Harold “Pit” and Joseph Michaud; sister Jacqueline Morin; and several nieces and nephews.

Gloria was preceded in death by her husband Ted Lewis; her son Michael Howard Lewis; great-granddaughter Katherine Lee Grass Burns; brother Roland Michaud, sister Lorette Clair and Violette Meader, three sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law.

A graveside service will be held June 3, 2024, at 10:30 a.m, at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville. Please join the family immediately afterward at the St. John School Hall, in Winslow.

Please visit Gloria’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/gloria-lewis-2023 where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

Donations may be made in her name to the Waterville Public Library Children’s Room.

ALBERT L. WOODBURY

BENTON – Albert Lee Woodbury, 66, passed away at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, on Monday, May 13, 2024, after bravely fighting stage 4 pancreatic cancer with the utmost courage, and wildly bold determination to face it head on without treatments.

Born on October 25, 1957, Albert lived a life filled with love for his family and a deep sense of empathy for others. He will be remembered for his need for speed, his mischievous laugh, for being the life and soul of the party, but mostly for his unwavering love, guidance, and support that he gave to his daughter, grandson, and granddaughter.

Albert graduated from Mount View High School, in Thorndike, in 1976 and went on to start his life on Town House Hill, in Clinton, at the ripe age of 19. Professionally he spent the majority of his life in the wood business, delivering firewood to residents in central Maine. His most prideful trade was working alongside Harold Bickford for over 30 years gaining the love for and knowledge of building homes here in Maine with one of the people he respected most in this world. Albert transformed three homes into rental properties and became a landlord for more than 30 years when he moved to Clinton. Raising a family in the old one room schoolhouse before making the move to a brand-new home he built on the Sebasticook river, in Benton.

Albert cherished moments spent with his family enjoying the simple pleasures of life. He also experienced extreme pleasure being at the racetracks with his closest friends, smelling the rubber, feeling the vibration from the cars, all with a cold Budweiser in hand. His presence brought such a festive, upbeat feeling to all who knew him, even to the people who did not. His absence will be deeply felt by those who were fortunate enough to have him in their lives.

He was predeceased by his parents William and Caroline Goodblood Woodbury, as well as his brothers Willie and Andy Woodbury.

Albert is survived by his only child Jennifer Woodbury George and her husband Brandon George, of Benton; his grandchildren Zachary Reid, Bralynn George; great-grandson Bentley Reid; brother Paul and wife Mary Woodbury, of Burnham; several nieces and nephews and their families.

Albert did not want a formal service, however there will be a celebration of life to come at a later date.

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

The family kindly requests that donations be made to pancreatic cancer research, in Albert’s memory.

PRESCOTT D. ROBINSON

FAIRFIELD – Prescott D. Robinson, 86, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, May 17, 2024. Prescott was born on April 6, 1938, in Fairfield, son to Albert N. and Flornce E. (Moore) Robinson.

Prescott was a proud lifelong resident of Fairfiled. He was a mechanic at McCormick Tractor and operated heavy equipment. He loved racing at Unity Raceway with his brothers and going to camp to hunt and fish.

He was predeceased by son Lawrence Robinson, and daughter Donna Robinson.

Prescott is survived by sons Prescott Robinson Jr., of Stark,s and Robert P. Robinson, of Fairfield; as well as daughter Robin L. Nelson, of Monson.

At his request, there will be no service.

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

CHRYSTAL P. HASSEN

WATERVILLE – Chrystal P. Hassen, 74, passed away at home on May 18, 2024. She was born in Augusta on January 26, 1951, to Earl and Mary Shorey.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Douglas Hassen; three sons, Reginald Davis, Justin Davis and wife Wendy, Kurt Davis and wife Jen; and her sister Janet; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two nieces.

She was predeceased by her parents Earl and Mary; and son Gregory Davis, Jr.

Chrystal was a very religious person who loved her cats and dogs. She also liked car riding in the country, playing cards. eating out and stockcar racing.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Old Time Pentecostal Church, at 866 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Oakland, on Saturday, June 8, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local animal shelter.

GLORIA J. BLANCHET

WATERVILLE – Gloria Jean (LaPierre) Blanchet, 73, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Mt. Joseph, in Waterville. She was born in Waterville on January 11, 1950, the daughter of Leodore L. and Doris M. (Saindon) LaPierre.

Gloria was educated in local Catholic and public schools and she married Carl S. Blanchet, on May 9, 1992.

Her work consisted of 20 odd years in local department stores (Mammoth Mart, Zayre, and K-Mart). From 1987 until 2012 she was employed by the Town of Fairfield. She worked in the treasurer’s and assessor’s/codes enforcement and town clerk’s offices.

When not working she was volunteering. Gloria was buyer and later president of the Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers. She was happy and proud of her 19 years of helping the home, especially the Christmas miracles that happened there. She also volunteered with the Fairfield Chocolate Fest, served as an officer one year for Fairfield Historical Society, and served as secretary one year for Seton Village Council. Keeping busy, she also helped her mother with the older cousins at Christmas time to get their trees up for the holiday and, of course, to take them down. Some Christmas holidays she’d help with a half dozen trees.

Gloria was predeceased by her parents, her husband Carl, and all her siblings, Doreen, Ronald, Marie, Louis, Theresa, and Francis.

She is survived by a niece Crystal Pomerleau, her husband Robie, and their children Harly and Tucker; with many more nieces and nephews.

At Gloria’s request, there will be no public wake or funeral service.

RONALD A. BUCKNAM

OAKLAND – Worshipful Ronald A. Bucknam, 76, died Friday, May 24, 2024, in his home in Oakland.  Ronald was born Nov­ember 18, 1947, to John and Gladys Bucknam.

He graduated from Messalonskee High School in 1966, entered the U.S. Air Force, and married his lifelong love, Bonnie Whitman.

After returning home, he worked for Peters Gas and Oil and Maine Central Rail Road.

He was a Past Master of Messalonskee Masonic Hall for 34 years and a member of Mount Lebanon Counsel and Drummond Chapter of York Rite.

He leaves behind his wife, Bonnie, of 54 years; his son Steven; two brothers; and eight grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his son, Gary, his brothers John and Steven, and his sisters, Joyce, Helen, and Ellen. He always told the best jokes.

A public viewing will be held at Wheelers Funeral Home, on Saturday, June 15, from 5 – 7 p.m.

A graveside service is scheduled for Monday, June 17, 2024, at Lewis Cemetery, in Oakland, at 11 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at the Waterville Masonic Hall.

WARREN M. POULIN

WINSLOW – Warren Maurice Poulin, 85, son of J. N. Laurier and Yvette (Ferland) Poulin, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at home. He was born October 30, 1938, the day radio announcer Orson Wells reported Earth was invaded by Martians.

Warren was president of his Winslow High School Class of 1956, a member of the National Honor Society, and the American Legion. He earned a BS degree at Suffolk University, an MBA at Northeastern University and a JD from Suffolk University Law School.

He was a member of the Massachusetts and Maine bars, and practiced in the Waterville-Winslow area for 50 years. Warren was a lifelong learner and an avid reader, with a particular interest in World War II history. He and his wife Patricia built their home together, learning and appreciating tradesmen’s skill sets in the process. He hunted, hiked, enjoyed a number of outdoor sports, gardened, and repaired (with occasional success) antique Johnson outboard motors and small engines. A great day for Warren was reading a good book while either relaxing in his recliner or in a hunting blind.

Highlights of his youth athletic career were the day he hit three home runs and two singles in one Little League game and in one football game, he caught a bunch of passes and was dubbed “Sticky Fingers Poulin” and receiving All-State Football Honorable Mention that same year.

Warren took every opportunity during his military service for travel throughout Europe and to Istanbul. He visited the Brandenburg Gate before it became known as Checkpoint Charlie, and the massive Soviet monument to Rodina, in East Berlin. A special treat was seeing the pilfered 5,000-year-old bust of Nefertiti on display in West Berlin. Warren ended his military service in Zurndorf, Germany, as a Secretary-Stenographer for the Commanding Officer, 4th Armored Divarty.

From an early age, Warren was interested in aviation. Every time he heard the drone of an aircraft, he had to look up, one time seeing large formations heading to Europe for D-Day. A ride on a clunky post World War II vintage C-119 Flying Boxcar was a special treat. On his one and only static line parachute jump, he missed the drop zone and landed on a runway. That experience drove home the notion that there are less perilous pursuits in life than jumping out of perfectly good flying aircraft. At age 65 he took flying lessons, soloed, and returned the plane intact to his relieved flight instructor.

He is survived by Patricia (Carroll), his wife of more than 54 years; daughter Aimée Poulin (John Hopkins), son Nathan Poulin (Betsy Melrose); his grandchildren Raegan and Preston; nieces and nephews; his siblings Michael, Thomas.

He was predeceased by a brother, Leonard D. Poulin, Sr.

Warren’s remains will be interred in Maine Veterans Cemetery, in Augusta. A celebration of life will be held at St. Bridget Center, in North Vassalboro, on Monday, June 17, from 2 – 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Winslow Public Library.

SISTER PAULETTE A. DUCHARME

WATERVILLE – Sister Paulette Anne Ducharme, OSU, 76, died peacefully on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Waterville. The daughter of Raymond J. and Yvette (Letourneau) Ducharme, she was born on June 8, 1947, in Brunswick.

She entered the Ursuline community on September 10, 1967, and professed her vows on March 15, 1970.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in scripture and a bachelor of fine arts degree from Emmanuel College, in Boston. She earned a master’s degree in spirituality and a master’s degree in education administration from Boston College, where she also studied spiritual direction and hospital chaplaincy.

Sister Paulette was a teacher, principal, hospital chaplain, retreat director and author. She also held many Ursuline leadership positions, including as a provincial councilor and superior in the Northeastern Province.

She taught at Ursuline Academy, in Dedham, Massachusetts, from 1974-76 and at Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, from 1976-80. She was principal of Mount Merici from 1980-88. She was program director for Catholic Charities in Maine from 2000-02, chaplain for MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, from 2002-06, and chaplain for Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, from 2006-09.

Upon returning to Waterville in 2009, Sister Paulette served as director of pastoral care for Mount St. Joseph. She also was a volunteer chaplain at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville, for many years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Ducharme.

Burial will be at 10 a.m., Friday, June 7, in the cemetery at St. Angela Way, in Waterville. A Mass will be offered in Lewiston at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Ursuline Sisters Retirement Fund, 353 S. Sappington Road, St. Louis, MO 63122 or Ursuline Sisters, 1 St. Angela Way, Waterville, Maine 04901.

RICHARD E. HARRINGTON

WATERVILLE – Richard Edward Harrington, 85 of Waterville, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Born in Gardiner on July 5, 1938, he was the son of Byron and Clara Harrington.

Richard worked at the Lipman Poultry Plant as a young newlywed. He found his career in the plumbing and heating field working for various companies including Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, doing commercial and residential work. In the late ‘70s he started Dick’s Plumbing and Heating which he owned until his retirement.

Richard loved hot rod cars with big engines and loud exhausts systems. He had plenty of stories to tell about growing up in Chelsea and the cars that he had. Richard was known by several different nicknames by people that he worked with, such as; Dick, Dicky, Papa Smurf, Smiley and Grump by his grandchildren. Richard and Joanne loved to go on bus trips to various cities with different casinos. They also enjoyed going camping, doing a little brook fishing, going out to events to dance the night away, playing cards on a Saturday night with Kerwin and Rose, and spoiling their beagle Puppy. In retirement they enjoyed going for rides and eating out. One of their favorite places was Wasses. Most of all, they loved spending time with family near and far. Richard will be remembered as a hard working man with a deep sense of family values.

He was predeceased by his wife, Joanne (Keller); sister, Pauline; brother, Byron Jr. and his
parents.

Richard is survived by his daughters, Diana (Dwain) McKenney, Holly (Skip) Lemar, Tara Harrington (Peter Howard); grandchildren, Hillary (Rob) Turner, Tory (JJ) Winters, Haley (Chris) Cromwell, Nathaniel and Nicholas Howard; and seven great-grandchildren; his brother Paul; brother in-law Michael and sister in-law Mary Keller; as well as many nieces and nephews.

For anyone wishing to honor Richard, his daughters will be hosting a Celebration of Life on Sunday, June 30, from 2 – 4 p.m., at the Sheepscot Fish and Game Clubhouse, Route 3, Palermo.

A private family burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to an animal shelter of your choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at directcremationofmaine.com.

MAXINE BUZZELL

VIENNA – Maxine (Briggs) Buzzell, 79, of Vienna, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 31, 2024, after succumbing to dementia. Maxine was born in Lewiston, to Richard Briggs and Dorothy Badger.

Maxine worked in the Lewiston shoe shop in her early years, then at the L.C. Dill Center and Augusta Mental Health Institute (now Riverview Psychiatric Center).

Maxine was an area coordinator for Somerset County Special Olympics. She received a Volunteer of the Year award from Mrs. Kennedy Shriver as well as a Lifetime Achievement award for the Special Olympics.

Maxine is survived by her husband of 24 years, Jayson Buzzell; her four children, Vanessa Greenleaf and her husband, Robert, of Winslow, Vincent Briggs and his wife, Ellen, of Madison, Veronica Overlock and her husband, Alex, of Winslow, Vance Briggs, of Frostproof, Florida; nine grandchildren; her sister Joanne Grignon and her life partner, John Kelly, of Machias .

Maxine was predeceased by her father, her mother and her grandson, Clint James Briggs.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

DIANE H. Van DEVENTER

WINSLOW – Diane H. Van Deventer, 96, passed peacefully on Monday, April 15, 2024, in Waterville. Diane was born on November 13, 1928, in Lockport, New York, to M. Aloysius and Blanche Hopkins.

She graduated from SUNY Brockport State Teachers College and married her college sweetheart Raymond W. Van Deventer. Diane was an elementary school teacher in Lockport, a frequent substitute at Sanborn, and a classroom teacher at Starpoint Central.

When Diane and Ray retired they moved to Florida. Diane worked with many charities, enjoyed jewelry making, traveling, reading and playing bridge and mahjong.

Diane is survived by daughters Linda Haag (Carl), of Winslow, and Kathy Chandler (Howard), of Lexington, Kentucky: eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister Linda McGrath; sister-in-law Diane Pentz; and nieces and nephews.

Diane was predeceased by her husband Ray and son John.

The family invites you to a Celebration of Life for Diane at St. Bridget’s Center, in North Vassalboro, on Monday, June 24, at 11:30 a.m.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.aablecremationservice.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Diane Van Deventer to Winslow Public Library, 136 Halifax St., Winslow, ME 04901, or Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine, P.O. Box 479, Lewiston, ME 04243-0479.

LEE SOCQUET

AUGUSTA – Lee “Red” Socquet, of Vassalboro, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2024. There will be a graveside service held on Saturday, June 22, at 11 a.m., in the Village Cemetery, Cemetery Street, Vassalboro, ME 04989. Please see full obituary at http://www.gallantfh.com.

SALLY F. ALLARD

Carrabassett Valley – Sally Fontaine Allard, 73, passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Florida. Sally was born and grew up in Rumford, on December 6, 1950, the daughter of the late Leo Fontaine and Barbara McPhee Fontaine.

She was a proud member of the last graduating class from Rumford’s Stephens High School, class of 1969. She met her husband and the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Allard, in Mexico, Maine, at a local restaurant, The Chicken Coop. She was waitressing that summer and Bob was working in the area. Bob swept her off her feet and they were married in 1975. They built a beautiful life together, and raised their two sons in South China. Sally and Bob went on many family adventures throughout the country and the world.

Sally graduated from University of Maine Farmington, with a degree in biology and pursued a lifelong career as an AP biology and math teacher. She touched the lives of many students and faculty at Erskine Academy, in South China. She retired from teaching in 2003 and moved to a home she and Bob built together in Carrabassett Valley.

Sally had a larger than life personality, always smiling. She brought much joy and happiness wherever she was and never gave up the chance to help others. She was an active member and tireless volunteer of the Sugarloaf Christian Ministry.

Sally enjoyed hosting parties and being with friends and family. She adored skiing and traveling, was fiercely independent and loved her DIY projects including building, gardening (and was well known for her amazing tomatoes), painting and sewing. She was also a wonderful cook and baker (except for her ham and butter sandwiches)!

She was predeceased by her husband Robert Allard, parents Leo and Barbara Fontaine and brother-in-law John Makin.

She is survived by her sons Matthew Allard, wife Amanda, and Zachary Allard and wife Jacinth; along with her grandchildren Mason, Jasper, Coralline, and Cole; siblings Nancy Fontaine Makin, Bruce Fontaine and partner Rosey Wolfe, Ann Fontaine-Fisher and husband Gregory Fisher, and Janet Fontaine Crowe and husband Brendan Crowe along with many loved nieces and
nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life was held on June 2, 2024, at Sugarloaf Chapel. A reception followed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who desire consider memorial donations in Sally’s memory to Sugarloaf Chapel, 5085 Access Road, Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947.

Memories may be shared in her Book of Memories at www.wilesrc.com. Honored to be caring for the family of Sally Allard is the Wiles Remembrance Center, of Farmington.

SERVICES

PAUL & PAMELA HATCH

ENFIELD – A Celebration of Life will be held in their honor from 2 – 5 p.m., on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the Poulin-Turner Union Hall (P.A.C.E. Hall), 653 Waterville Rd., Skowhegan, Maine.

RONALD ROSSIGNOL

WATERVILLE – A funeral Mass will be held at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., in Waterville, with Rite of Committal immediately following at St. Francis Cemetery, Grove St., Waterville, on Saturday, June 15, 2024, 11 a.m.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at Brookings­Smith.com.

DAVID S. CAMPBELL

WINDSOR – A graveside service will be held on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at 11 a.m., at the Resthaven Cemetery, Route 32, Windsor, with military honors for his 20 years of service in the United States Air Force. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #2, the Elks Lodge #964, both in Augusta, a Mason and had nine years of voluntary service to the Maine State Credit Union. There will be no gathering after the services. Please bring memories and stories to share with us.

China voters to be presented with three ballots on June 11, 2024

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by Mary Grow

China voters will be presented with three ballots at the polls on June 11: the annual town business meeting, the school budget referendum and a choice of state primary ballots. All ballots can be previewed on the town website, china.govoffice.com, under the Elections tab on the left side of the main page.

Voting will be in the portable classroom behind the town office on Lakeview Drive. After a moderator is elected at 6:45 a.m., polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The warrant for China’s annual town business meeting has 32 articles. Voters will act on authorizations to spend town money on listed purposes (and set the fall 2024 and spring 2025 tax due dates to collect some of the money); grant authority to select board members to carry out official functions; and accept or reject three amended or new ordinances (Arts. 29, 30 and 31).

There are no local elections. They will be held Nov. 5.

Select board and budget committee members debated many of the June 11 articles at multiple meetings, sometimes with input from audience members. A May 6 public hearing on the warrant was sparsely attended.

Some of the articles discussed were:

— Art. 4, administration expenses, $1,184,525, which includes a 3.2 percent cost of living increase plus one percent merit raises (the same increases are in other budget lines that include town employees).
— Art. 5, town boards’ and committees’ expenses, $84,220. For the second year, this article includes no compensation for select board members.
— Art. 7, public safety, increased to $420,931, mostly because Delta Ambulance’s fee has risen from $15 per resident this year to $25 per resident in 2024-25.
— Art. 9, public works, increased to $1.848 million, including planning for truck replacements, but no additional staff.
— Art. 10, $74,000 for community support organizations (China Historical Society, two libraries, two lake associations, Golden Agers, China Rescue, supplemental funds for the three volunteer fire departments, veterans’ markers and Memorial Day expenses).
— Art. 28, authorizing the select board to contract for ambulance services, in case the contract with Delta Ambulance falls through.
— Art. 32, authorizing up to $155,489 from federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) money for the long-discussed records storage vault at the town office and $70,000 from undesignated fund balance (surplus) for a broadband project, the latter to be spent only on (future) town meeting approval.

The budget committee recommends voters approve all proposed expenditures. At their April 3 meeting, budget committee members supported select board members’ plan to spend up to $296,715 for a new town truck, provided that the select board gets at least a second price quote before signing a contract.

* * * * * *

Three articles propose ordinance amendments. These, too, are on the website under the Elections tab.

Art. 29 asks voters to replace the current Planning Board ordinance, dated 2008.

If voters approve the new ordinance, the six planning board members (five regular, one alternate) will be appointed by the select board, instead of elected; and the four planning board districts will be abolished, so that a resident of any part of town can fill any vacancy.

Board members’ two-year terms, their compensation ($25 per meeting with a maximum of $700 per year) and their responsibilities would be unchanged.

Art. 30 asks if voters want to amend parts of three chapters of China’s Land Development Code. Two documents are on the website, one including explanations of the changes.

Substantive changes are mandated by the new state affordable housing law, known as LD 2003 and titled “An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions.” China’s town attorney advised on wording.

Major changes include creation of a South China Development District and its description and regulations. Its purpose is to “provide for the siting and construction of affordable housing, and resources and services in a clustered (higher density) land area.”

The district, described in an appendix, is the area around South China Village and along Route 3 and Route 32 South (Windsor Road) that was recommended as a development district in China’s 2020 comprehensive plan. It goes west to the Vassalboro line and south on Route 32 just past the Weeks Mills Road intersection.

A map titled Future Land Use Map, page 14 of appendices to the China Comprehensive Plan, shows the area. This map is found on the town website under Ordinances, Policies and Orders, named Comprehensive Plan Appendices – March 2022.

A second major change allows for accessory dwelling units on residential lots. Provisions allow a house-owner to add a separate unit or a separate building to provide additional housing.

A third provision required by the state amends the subdivision ordinance in the Land Development Code to add what are named affordable housing developments.

Art. 31 asks voters to accept the long-discussed Solar Energy Systems Ordinance as a new Chapter 8 in the Land Development Code.

This ordinance, if approved, will set standards for large ground-mounted solar energy systems. Large means any system with more than an acre of panel area; some requirements – height limit, setback and screening requirements — apply to systems with more than 5,000 square feet of panel area.

The ordinance includes requirements for decommissioning a system after its useful life ends, with a required pre-construction guarantee of decommissioning funding in the form of a “surety bond, letter of credit or other form of financial assistance.”

The select board and the planning board recommend that voters approve all three ordinances.

* * * * * *

A separate ballot has only one question, asking if China voters want to approve the Regional School Unit #18 budget that was adopted at a May 16 RSU meeting.

Information on the RSU #18 website says the proposed 2024-25 school budget totals $44,377,494.71, an increase of $1,459,447.19 over the current year’s budget.

The income section of the budget shows how much each member town is asked to contribute. For China, the amounts are: under “Local EPS” (Educational Programs and Services), $3,487,526.34, an increase of $216,273; and under “Local Additional,” $2,166,576.72, an increase of $228,274. China’s total share is $5,654,103, an increase of $444,547 over the current year.

In addition, RSU 18 Superintendent Carl Gartley said in an email, there is a $10,716.20 assessment for the adult education program.

The EPS figure, Gartley explained, is the amount “the state deems necessary for all students to achieve Maine’s Learning Results.” State officials calculate each EPS based on the municipal valuation, population, number of students and other factors. Each municipality must raise the amount the state calculates to be eligible for its full state subsidy, Gartley said.

Member towns in RSU 18 are Belgrade, China, Oakland, Rome and Sidney.

* * * * * *

In China’s June 11 primary voting for the state and national legislatures, the only contest is on the Republican ballot for the District One Congressional seat. Andrew Piantidosi, of Cape Elizabeth, and Ronald C. Russell, of Kennebunkport, seek the nomination. The winner will run in November against Democratic incumbent Chellie Pingree, of North Haven, who has no opponent on the Democratic ballot.

There is also a Green Independent ballot, with no candidate’s name.

In the Maine State Senate primaries for District #15 (Augusta, Belgrade, China, Mount Vernon, Sidney, and Vassalboro), Republican Richard T. Bradstreet, of Vassalboro, and Democrat Raegan French LaRochelle, of Augusta, are unopposed.

In House District #62 (China, Palermo, Somerville, Windsor and Hibberts Gore), Republican incumbent Katrina Smith and Democrat Pamela Swift are unopposed. Both are Palermo residents.

State law says voters enrolled in a party may vote only on that party’s ballot; but unenrolled voters may request any one of the three party ballots. All primary ballots have a line for a write-in candidate.

Vassalboro select board seeks ways to relieve VSD financial crunch

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro select board members began their May 30 meeting with a discussion with Vassalboro Sanitary District trustees about ways to relieve the VSD’s financial crunch. Auditor Ron Smith, of Buxton-based RHR Smith and Company, joined the discussion virtually to offer his advice.

A major problem for the VSD is interest payments on the loans the district took out to fund connecting the original in-town treatment system to Winslow’s sewers, whence waste goes to Waterville’s treatment system. Winslow’s recent rate increase has added to the need for funds.

A major problem for the VSD is interest payments on the loans the district took out to fund connecting the original in-town treatment system to Winslow’s sewers, whence waste goes to Waterville’s treatment system. Winslow’s recent rate increase has added to the need for funds.

The May 30 group discussed uses of Vassalboro’s TIF (Tax Increment Financing) money to help cover some VSD expenses. They said $100,000 was previously allocated from the TIF fund to the VSD to help fund the connection to Winslow, but was not used.

As at a prior discussion, Town Manager Aaron Miller said he needs to know what money was spent in Vassalboro (and is therefore TIF-eligible) and what was spent across the Winslow town line. And to make proposed use of additional TIF funds legal, Miller needs more information on other expenditures.

VSD Treasurer Rebecca Goodrich promised figures as soon as she can assemble them from records, perhaps in time for the June 13 select board meeting.

In addition to money questions, Smith agreed with earlier recommendations to amend the VSD charter. Goodrich said a revised draft is already with the VSD’s attorney.

After Smith signed out of the discussion, select board member Frederick “Rick” Denico, Jr., asked if the group had done anything to bring rate-payers immediate relief. There was no affirmative answer.

The other time-consuming issue at the May 30 select board meeting was, again, the town’s personnel policy (see the May 30 issue of The Town Line, p. 3). Half a dozen town employees contributed to the discussion. The topic will be continued.

Select board members signed a proclamation honoring Vassalboro sixth-grade student Sarina LaCroix, a state winner in the Elks Club’s Americanism Essay Contest (see the April 25 issue of The Town Line, p. 1).

They continued consideration of keeping part of a foreclosed property adjoining the transfer station on Lombard Dam Road, to enlarge the transfer station property.

Miller said two pending projects should be done by the end of June, rearranging the fuel pumps at the public works garage and repaving the parking lot at the former East Vassalboro schoolhouse.

Board members accepted Miller’s preliminary recommendation to close the town office at 3 p.m., Thursday, June 27, so staff can do necessary end-of-year bookkeeping before the fiscal year ends Sunday, June 30. The closing time might be changed at the board’s June 13 meeting.

Vassalboro residents take care of 41 of 45 articles at town meeting

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro voters at the June 3 part of the annual town meeting took care of 41 of the 45 articles in this year’s warrant. The remaining four will be decided by written ballot on Tuesday, June 11, with polls open at the town office from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Of the 41 articles, 39 were approved as written. One was defeated, with David Trask, the voter who made the motion presenting it, urging everyone, “Vote no!” Another was amended, on the recommendation of Town Manager Aaron Miller.

The defeated article, Art. 12, asked voters to eliminate the quorum requirement for a special town meeting, which, since 1991, has said that 125 registered voters must be present to open a special town meeting. Select board members have therefore called very few special meetings; and, Miller said, sometimes an emergency might require one.

Former select board member Lauchlin Titus remembered two special meetings under the quorum ordinance. One was to deal with marijuana growing. The other was to deal with Vassalboro’s topless coffee shop – a reminder that drew chuckles from the audience. Titus agreed that the topic “kinda drew folks in.”

However, former select board member John Melrose said, the 1991 quorum was established by the state legislature, as a private and special law, and he doubted a town meeting could repeal it. Former state representative and state senator Elizabeth Mitchell, who sponsored the law – at the town’s request, she said – agreed with Melrose.

Other voters wondered if eliminating the requirement was a good idea anyway. They pointed out that a small group with an agenda might be able to impose their policy on the whole town.

The amended article was Art. 26, which had two parts: voters were asked to appropriate $110,475 for ambulance service, and to authorize the municipal officers to make agreements for such service. Miller pointed out that $110,475 for ambulance service had already been approved in Art. 5, as part of a 15-item, $2.9 million list of town departments and functions.

Voters approved an amendment to delete the duplicate funding, and then approved the article as amended. The money is intended to pay for Delta Ambulance’s service for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

All other articles were approved as presented, by show of voting cards. Where the select board’s and budget committee’s recommendations differed, the select board’s figure was moved and approved.

As the first few articles dealing with the 2024-25 municipal budget were discussed, former town manager Michael Vashon and others asked for a summary of the effect of decisions on the 2024-25 tax rate, information they said had been available at previous town meetings.

They were not pleased when Miller replied that until the assessment of town property values is complete, he cannot calculate possible tax rates.

Under Art. 2 of the warrant, voters re-elected budget committee members Richard Bradstreet, Nate Gray, Douglas Phillips and Frank Richards and elected Laura Jones to fill a vacant seat.

Holly Weidner asked whether the five nominees thought they need additional help, for example a separate committee, to fulfill their responsibilities. None did, though Gray and Richards agreed they deal with complex issue. Phillips praised select board and school board members for their “due diligence” as they prepare annual budgets.

Spirit of America award winner Melrose was recognized with a certificate from the town, presented by select board member Michael Poulin, and another from the Maine legislature, presented by Rep. Richard Bradstreet.

Chris French, select board chairman, recognized members of Vassalboro’s First Responder Service, to whom the annual town report is dedicated.

Moderator Richard Thompson told voters this would be his last year as a town meeting moderator. He estimated he had been elected to serve at 17 Vassalboro meetings, and thanked voters for their cooperation and help.

About 85 people were in the Vassalboro Community School bleachers, and another 18 residents – budget committee, select board and school board members – sat at the head table. The meeting lasted less than two hours, thanks partly to Trask, who repeatedly made motions to consider multiple articles in a single discussion and vote.

On June 11, voters coming to the polls will act on:

— Art. 42, to amend the town’s Solid Waste Ordinance;
— Art. 43, to amend the town’s Marijuana Business Ordinance;
— Art. 44, to re-approve the 2024-25 school budget that was approved at the June 3 meeting; and
— Art. 45, local elections, with two unopposed candidates for re-election, French for the select board and Jolene Gamage for the school board.

Summaries of the proposed ordinance changes are on the opening page of the town website, Vassalboro.net, titled “A synopsis of proposed changes to two ordinances.”

Skowhegan volunteer receives Commitment to Excellence pin from Girl Scouts of Maine

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Victoria Noyes

Victoria Noyes, a dedicated volunteer from Skowhegan for the Girl Scouts of Maine (GSME) within the Somerset Service Unit, recently received the Commitment to Excellence Pin for her above-and-beyond service and support of the organization this year. The Commit­ment to Excellence Pin is awarded to a volunteer who has received a board-level award and continues to serve above and beyond expectation at that scope of service.

As a recipient of the Appreciation Pin during 2023, Noyes continues to serve Maine Girl Scouts by providing above-and-beyond support to members of more than one troop. For the past several years, she has taken on the role of Somerset Service Unit Manager.
Noyes’ sense of volunteerism for Girl Scouts is echoed through vast outstanding achievements. In addition to her service unit position, Noyes has also been an active leader for several troops to help them get started or fill in as a co-pilot.

Noyes lives by the Girl Scout Promise and Law, always leading by example and digging in to take on new responsibilities when necessary.

“There are no people more generous with their time, talent, and investment in growth than Girl Scout adults who go just that bit further, share just that bit more, to make the world a better place,” says GSME Director of Adult Learning, Dawn Walker-Elders.

Noyes’ Commitment to Excellence Award was honored alongside other adult recognitions at this year’s annual celebration held on May 11, in Fairfield.

China Baptist Church gets new sunburst pediments

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Dwayne Bickford displaying his handy work. (photo courtesy of Linda Morrell)

submitted by Linda Morrell

Several years ago the Trustees at China Baptist became aware that the smaller sunburst pediments above the front windows and the larger one above the door were in need of repair or replacement. Dwayne Bickford volunteered to take one of the smaller ones down and make a new one. I don’t think he realized the amount of work he was volunteering for, but he got it done. Then last fall he undertook removing and replicating the larger one above the door.

The old, sunburst pediment that needed to be replaced. (photo courtesy of Linda Morrell)

It surely was a labor of love!

We are so blessed to have craftsman like Dwayne Bickford in our church and community. This is what Dwayne said about the project.

The work in progress. (photo courtesy of Linda Morrell)

“I can finally share my latest project. I am in awe of how the craftsman of probably 200 years ago designed and constructed the decorative sunburst pediments at China Baptist Church (and the one over the entrance of the China Village Library). The upper one on the front of the church had reached its end of life and was taken down last summer so I could use the pieces for a template. It no doubt had been refurbished at some point in the past as evidenced by the plywood backing. The green paint behind the plywood shows the plywood was added some time later. The replacement was made just like the original from Maine cedar. I used modern tools, however. I sure can’t wait to meet the original craftsman some day.”

A plaque was placed behind the pediment for future generation it reads, “made in Belgrade Maine by Dwayne Bickford. This Sunburst pediment was remade for China Baptist Church. May 2024.”

The project is complete and was installed last Saturday. Thank you Dwayne and the crew who helped put it back in place. Nelson Farris, Carl McKeil and Brad Bickford. It looks beautiful!

The finished product: The new sunburst pediment in place. (photo courtesy of Linda Morrell)