Obituaries, Week of April 12, 2018

MERTON D. CAMPBELL

WINSLOW – Merton D. Campbell, 86, passed away Friday, March 30, 2018, at the Lakewood Continuing Care Center, in Waterville. Merton was born in Malagawatch, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, on June 9, 1931, son of Avice and Murdoch Campbell.

Merton graduated from Waterville High School in 1949.

Mert married his childhood sweetheart, Lois M. Armstrong, in May 1951. The couple moved to Dover, Delaware, where he was stationed in the U.S. Air Force. Upon his completion of service, they moved to Winslow, where Mert founded Campbell Taping Company, and was well-respected in the drywall contracting business. His two sons learned the trade from their father and continue to provide these skills and services to many Maine communities.

Mert was always ready to lend a hand to anyone needing his many skills. He was a craftsman, builder, carpenter, welder, and mechanic, often coming to the rescue of his children, neighbors, and friends. He was also a “one-of-a-kind” grandfather who volunteered to babysit his grandchildren as a blessing to their working parents.

Mert had a servant’s heart for many ministries at the Winslow Congregational Church, where he was a trustee for years, tending to the needs of the church building as requests arose. He could always be
found washing dishes in the kitchen during church suppers. He was also a great help in mixing up the batter for blueberry pancakes at the church’s annual Blueberry Festival. Mert and Lois also worked as volunteers for the Meals on Wheels Program.

Mert most enjoyed spending summers at the family camp on Messalonskee Lake, which he built in 1962. Mert and Lois welcomed both family and friends to spend time with them at their beloved “Camp Bell” in Campbell Cove. Mert enjoyed sailing on the lake on boats he designed and built. He was continually working, though, even at camp, raking the property, painting, and making repairs.

Mert’s wife Lois passed away in November of 2013.

Mert is survived by his three children, Debra Clark and husband Dan, of Winslow, James Campbell and his wife Peg, of Fairfield, and John Campbell and his wife Bridget, of Winslow; two sisters Joscelyn Moody, of Macedon, New York, and Peggy Crosby, of Benton; grandchildren Erin Pollock and husband Jonathan, of Durham, David Campbell and wife Heather, of South Portland, Ben Clark and wife Theresa, of Winslow, Beth Carlton, of Fairfield and Haley Campbell, of Winslow; great-grandchildren Emily and Hannah Carlton, Grace, Ella, Lydia, Samuel, Theodore, and Oliver Clark, Gabriel and Lily Pollock; cousin Larry Bailey and wife Linda, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

A memorial gathering will be held at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, in Fairfield, on Saturday, April 28, from 2-4 p.m.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Friends of Messalonskee, a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation of Messalonskee Lake, also known as Snow Pond, Mert’s favorite place, P.O. Box 532, Oakland , ME 04963, or visit www.friendsofmessalonskee.com to donate online.

LUCILLE A. GIROUX

WINSLOW – Lucille A. (Cote) Giroux, 93, passed away on Friday, March 30, 2018, at Glenridge Comfort Care, in Augusta. She was born in Waterville on May 29, 1924, daughter of Onesime Sr. and Stella (Proulx) Cote.

She attended local schools and graduated from Waterville High.

She married Donald L. Giroux, from Winslow, on June 12, 1948.

She stayed at home to raise her three children and then entered the work force in the assessor’s office at Waterville City Hall until retirement in 1989.

Her family was her pride and joy. Holidays and family celebrations were a big part of her life. There was always room for one more person. Two of her favorite hobbies were crocheting and word puzzles. She enjoyed watching old movies, especially musicals, and going out for a drive.

She was predeceased by her husband, Don; her parents; two sisters, Arlene and Jeanette; three brothers, Francis, Onesime Jr. (Zim), and Leo.

She is survived by her son Daniel, and daughters Ellen Grenier and husband James, Janet Delile and husband James; grandchildren, Amber Mitchell and husband Ken, of Corinth, Jennifer Young and partner Jake, of Waterville, Kelly McDonald and husband Joe, of Rhode Island, Matthew and wife Jenny, of Fairfield, Kristen Eppinger and husband Neil, of New Jersey, Aron and wife Jamie, of Michigan; great-grandchildren Erica and Emily Mitchell, Caitlyn Young, Kyle and Kendal McDonald, Charlee Grenier, Lily Eppinger and Delisa Roulo, Dylan and Mia Delile.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Monday, April 23, 2018, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument St., Winslow. Burial will follow in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations cam be made to: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, one of her favorite charities.

BERNICE R. SCHISSLER

OAKLAND – Bernice R. Schissler, 52, of Oakland, died on Friday, March 30, 2018, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. She was born on July 25, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York, a daughter of Monika (Catalano) and Frank Perpinan.

She was educated in Mastic Beach, New York, schools and came to Maine to attend Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield, where she obtained an associate’s degree in accounting.

Through the years she developed a talent for crafts and became adept in primitive art. She was known as a good baker, especially cheesecakes. She had the ability to see humor in most things and readily laughed when appropriate. Bernice had a spirit of kindness that showed itself in a certain spirit of innocence, honesty and dedication. Her greatest joy was found in her family and she took tremendous pride in loving everyone; be it as a big sister, daughter, mother and grandmother.

Bernice is survived by her daughter Andrea Donadio and her fiancé Ron Cloutier and their daughter Bailey Cloutier, of Waterville; son Anthony Schissler, USMC, of South Carolina; mother Monika Catalano and husband Al; sister Jacqueline Cabrera and husband Carlos, brother Ken Hamada and wife Lisa, sister Jennifer Pahlitzsch and husband Kurt, sister Lisa Perpinan, all of Long Island, New York; as well as a large extended family.

MARK A. HUARD

UNITY – Mark Ames Huard, 49, of Unity, passed away suddenly at his home on Sunday, April 1, 2018. Mark was born to Leon and Bette Huard on November 21, 1968, at Redington-Fairview Hospital, in Skowhegan.

Coincidentally, just a few rooms away in the same hospital, the girl who would eventually become his childhood friend, high school locker partner, and dedicated life partner, had been born six days earlier.

Mark grew up in the town of Norridgewock and graduated from Skowhegan Area High School in 1987. He served in the U.S. Army from 1987-1993 and earned a B.S. in Wildlife Management from Unity College in 2004. Mark worked for the state of Maine, Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry, in various positions from 2001-present, with a brief stint at the U.S. Geological Survey.

Mark was a private person, a man of few words who let his actions do the talking. All who knew and loved him would agree that he was a doer in the fullest sense of the word. He could design, build, repair, and invent almost anything. He was known as “MarkGyver” because there was nothing he couldn’t do, from carpentry, mechanics, beekeeping, electronics, construction, plumbing, etc. He was a voracious reader of how-to- books and owner’s manuals, and constantly watched videos to learn as well.

Mark loved projects, and though he may not have immediately appreciated the projects Kim suggested, he always indulged her requests for such things as raised garden beds and a chicken coop. He was in the process of designing a greenhouse for her this spring. Mark and Kim enjoyed working on projects around their home in Unity and taking back road drives in the “Big Red Truck” with their beloved dog, Ginger. They loved spending as much time together in nature as possible, especially being on the water.

Mark is survived by his partner of 27 years, Kimble Ann Hardy; his father Leon Huard and wife Glenda, of Unity; his sister Heidi Jordan and husband Tim, and niece Emily Jordan; Kimble’s family, mother, Bette Anterra (Bette #2), of Colorado Springs, Colorado, father, Malcolm Hardy and partner Marti Gross, of Mt. Vernon; sister, Karin Hardy, of Fairbanks, Alaska; and niece, Kasey Kelley, of Portland; brother Andrew Hardy and wife Teyara and their children Kaenon, Hathaway, and Minka; her brother Aaron Stasulis and his children Isabella and Logan; as well as several uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Memories and condolences may be offered to the family at www.ripostafh.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local animal shelter or a charity of your choice.

RICHARD S. DROHAN

WINDSOR – Richard S. Drohan, 66, of Windsor Neck Road, and formerly of Florida, died Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta, following an extended illness. He was born in Quincy, Massachusetts, on April 12, 1951, the son of Harold Drohan and Edna (Scott) Drohan.

Prior to his retirement, Mr. Drohan was employed by the U.S. Postal Service for many years. He was a member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, in Florida.

Mr. Drohan was predeceased by his parents; two brothers and one sister.

Surviving is his son, Matthew R. Drohan and his wife, Emily, of Halifax, Massachusetts; sister, Jacqueline Fox, of Windsor; and several nieces and nephews.

Condolences, photos and memories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

OTHERS DEPARTED

GLENYS C. RINES, 91, of Pittsfield, passed awat on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at her home. Locally, she is survived by a grandchild, Stanna Alton, of Benton.

WILLIAM A. HALE, 62, of Norridgewock, passed away on Saturday, March 31, 2018, at his home. Locally, he is survived by his mother, Faye Hale, of Augusta, and brothers Douglas Hale and wife Rose, of Augusta, and Steven Hale and wife Lucinda, of Palermo.

Erskine alumni Red Sox trip planned

CHINA – Erskine Academy Alumni has planned a trip to a Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles game on Sunday, May 20, at Fenway Park, Boston. The cost will be $110 and covers the bus and game ticket. Tickets are limited; reserve your tickets now! Coach bus will leave the Erskine Academy parking lot at a.m. For more information and to reserve your tickets, please email Halda hstout@erskine247.com or call the Alumni Office (207) 445-4026.

 

Kennebec Historical Society’s presentation

When it comes to quirky energy, Augusta has it in spades! A capital city with a schizophrenic personality, this little town by the Kennebec River sits in one of the most beautiful valleys in all of Maine. Filled with gossipy neighbors, charming merchants, down and out vagabonds and smartly dressed bureaucrats, there’s no other place in the state that can quite match it.

Michael Hall is the executive director for the Augusta Downtown Alliance, a member of the Main Street Maine program. A native of Florida, Michael moved up to Augusta in the winter of 2016 to realize his goal of working in a historic, urban setting.

The Kennebec Historical Society’s April Presentation is free to the public (donations gladly accepted) and will take place on Wednesday, April 18, at 6:30 p.m., at the Viles Arboretum, located at 153 Hospital Street in Augusta.

China selectmen to hold executive session

The China Board of Selectmen will hold an executive session on Thursday, April 12, at 5:30 p.m., at the town office. This meeting is not open to the public.

China Transfer Station coordinator: Volunteers needed for Earth Day cleanup on April 21

by Irene Belanger
China selectman

Thank you for your continued support of all the transfer station initiatives to “hold the line” on expenses! Once again April brings all of Palermo and China residents outside into warm spring days armed with rakes, large trash bags, and gloves to clean lawns and roadsides of winter debris. Volunteers are needed; April 21 is Earth Day and we will be cleaning roadsides of trash and other debris. Thank you to the Goodine Family and to the Boy Scout Troop #479 for their past years of volunteerism. Please call me to volunteer so that we can plan accordingly. If there is any confusion, please meet at the South China Community Church or China Baptist Church between 8:30 and 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, to be assigned roads for clean-up. We will provide trash bags and gloves and bottles of water for hydration. You may take the full bags to the China transfer station directly or call 445-3033 to have the trash bags picked up or other heavy items left on the roadsides.

Drug Take-Back Day for China and Palermo residents is scheduled for Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Kennebec Sheriff’s Office will again sponsor the event at the transfer station. The KSO will have an officer on site to receive the returned medications. This is a good opportunity to remove unneeded medications out of the hands of those who should not have access to them.

Fiberight process takes solid waste to energy

Fiberight is one of the first companies in the United States to have shown, at scale, that your trash is a resource. Their Hampden project will change the way Maine deals with its trash.

Once municipal solid waste is delivered, a first sort removes unsuitable waste, such as inert materials and large bulky items. A state of the art separation system recovers curbside-type recyclables from food waste and other organics in the waste stream. What’s left after sorting is pulped and converted.

Once the recyclables are removed, the rest of the waste is pulped and remaining plastics are separated from pulped organic materials. The organic pulp is washed to remove contaminants and dirty water is sent to the anaerobic digester to generate biogas and clean the water.

Clean pulp may then be used to make new paper products, biomass fuel or converted into sugars. Fiberight’s system is able to process the clean pulp by using bio-catalysts to break down natural carbohydrates into liquid sugars. These liquid sugars may either be processed into biogas by the anaerobic digester or fermented into biofuels.

Waste water is handled on site and re-used in the process.

Once renewable fuel production is complete, a digestate fiber is available for compost or to be pelletized for energy recovery.

For more information, contact Shelby at 207-592-6432, email info@fiberight.com, or visit their website www.fiberight.com.

CHINA: KWD trustees hear China Lake report

Image Credit: chinalakeassociation.org

by Roland D. Hallee

At their March 15 meeting, the Kennebec Water District board of trustees heard a report, on the request of trustee Allan Fuller, regarding the China Lake water level and maintaining this level within the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) lake level guidance order.

Kennebec Water District Engineer Matt Zetterman informed the trustees that in order to meet the winter target level of one to two feet below the spillway, KWD has recently made an adjustment to increase the flow to the Outlet Stream, from 115 cubic feet per second (cfs) to between 150 and 160 cfs. Zetterman explained that although the DEP allows a maximum water release of 200 cfs, in consideration of the stream volume capacity, property owners, and shoreland, KWD attempts to maintain a flow below this level. In addition, as the lake level decreases, it becomes more difficult to sustain the higher flow. He further explained that the month of April is when the flow is adjusted with the intention of replenishing the lake with water. With the amount of eventual snow melt, raising the level should not be too difficult, but adjustments will continue depending upon weather variables such as the amount of precipitation, or the lack thereof.

Zetterman assured the trustees that KWD has good and constant communications with the DEP, and the DEP is aware of the effort by the Kennebec Water District to maintain the lake level within the state guidelines.

Vassalboro town school officials work to lower school budget

source: http://www.vassalboro.net/

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro town and school and AOS (Alternative Organizational Structure) #92 officials are working to bring down the 2018-19 municipal and school budgets to avert a large tax increase.

Budget committee members talked about both school and municipal budget requests at their April 5 meeting, which followed a short selectmen’s meeting. They had future meetings scheduled and therefore made no formal recommendations.

The current tax rate, Town Manager Mary Sabins said, is 14.5 mils, or $14.50 for each $1,000 of valuation. The preliminary budgets as of April 5 – which everyone emphasized are subject to change – would require a 2018-19 rate of 16.22 mils, or $16.22 for each $1,000 of valuation.

To reduce the new rate to 15.22 mils would require cutting 2018-19 expenditures by around $300,000, Sabins said.

At their previous meeting with the school board, budget committee members learned of $63,000 in savings on insurance costs that had not been figured in the school budget. They hope for additional education savings.

Sabins’ calculations did include an increase in state revenue sharing, bringing that source of non-local-tax income to $170,000 instead of the $160,000 she had expected. Going through the municipal budget and considering a variety of options, budget committee members came up with about $86,000 in cuts they might recommend.

One proposal discussed was to eliminate Police Chief Mark Brown’s position and rely entirely on the State Police and Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office for police coverage. The rationale was not dissatisfaction with Brown, but the possibility of saving more than $27,000, plus the cost of a new police car in the fairly near future. Sabins warned part of the savings might be offset by the need to pay Brown unemployment compensation.

Other items that might be proposed for reduction when the committee makes its formal recommendations include several public works department requests and the increase requested by Vassalboro First Responders.

After an April 10 meeting with the school board, the budget committee was scheduled to hold its final meeting to make recommendations at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at the town office. A week later, selectmen are scheduled to review the draft warrant for the June 4 annual town meeting, where voters will make final spending decisions.

At the short April 5 selectmen’s meeting preceding the budget committee meeting, selectmen unanimously approved new contracts with Sabins and with alewife harvester Ronald Weeks.

China Middle School girls basketball team honored at State House

The China Middle School girls basketball team was recognized in the Maine Senate with a legislative sentiment presented by Senator Roger Katz (R-Augusta) on Tuesday, April 3. The sentiment honors their achievement of winning the Sheepscot Valley Athletic Conference Championship following a perfect season. The team, accompanied by Athletic Director Josh Brooks, was also congratulated by Representative Matt Pouliot (R-Augusta) and Representative Tim Theriault (R-China).

Vassalboro JMG students are pages for a day at State House

From left to right, Rep. Richard Bradstreet, Liberty Massie, Alyssa Trainor, Hailey Fonjemei, Sen. Roger Katz, Lucas Haskell, Jadon Callahan, JMG Director Victor Esposito, and Rep. Matt Pouliot. (Contributed photo)

Students involved with the Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) at Vassalboro Community School visited the State House on April 3 to serve as honorary pages in the Maine Senate. During their visit, they met with their local legislators, Senator Roger Katz, and representatives Matt Pouliot and Richard Bradstreet. The students, chaperoned by JMG Director Victor Esposito, were Liberty Massie, Alyssa Trainor, Hailey Fonjemei, Lucas Haskell and Jadon Callahan. The honorary page program provides an opportunity for students from third grade through high school to participate in the legislative process for one day’s session in either the House of Senate. For more information about the program, please contact Sen­ator Katz’ office at 287-1505.