Whitefield Lions announce speak out contest winners

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Left, Hagen Wallace. Right, Conor Skehan.

The White­field Lions Club hosted the annual Speak Out contest at their March 22nd meeting.

The contestants, both juniors at Erskine Academy delivered a talk of allotted time that they feel strongly about.

The students were accompanied to the Lions meeting and contest by their parents and Nicholas Waldron, the acting advisor for speech and debate teams at Erskine Academy.

First place was presented to Hagen “Joki” Wallace who is also active in FBLA and speech and debate teams at Erskine.

Second place was awarded to Conor Skehan who is on the math team and the founder of the Erskine Film club.

The winner moved on to compete in the Region 5 Speak Out contest on March 27 at the Margaret Chase Smith Library, in Skowhegan.

Lamontagne named to SNHU’s president’s list

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Taylar Lamontagne, of Waterville, has been named to Southern New Hampshire University’s fall 2017 president’s list, in Manchester, New Hampshire. Eligibility for the president’s list requires that a student accumulate an academic grade point average (GPA) of 3.7-4.0 and earn 12 credits for the semester.

Erskine girls honored at State House

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The Erskine Academy girls basketball team at the State House in Augusta. (Contributed photo)

The Erskine Academy girls basketball team, accompanied by Coach Mitch Donar and JV Coach Meghan Hughes, visited the State House on Wednesday, March 28.

During their visit, the team was recognized in the Maine Senate by Senator Roger Katz (R-Kennebec) with a legislative sentiment recognizing the team for finishing first in a nationwide fundraiser called the American Cancer Society Coaches vs. Cancer shooting challenge.

As part of the fundraiser, the team took pledges for every free throw or three-pointer made in January. In the end, they raised $10,000, beating out 323 high schools around the country with a free throw challenge.

“What the Eagles accomplished won’t be immediately felt,” said Sen. Katz. “Raising money doesn’t come with the instant gratification and the cheers of a big win. But that $10,000 will go into cancer research, and somebody who is connected to one of these players just may be helped, or even cured.

“I’m proud to represent such dedicated students, athletes and their coaches. Coach Donar and these teams went far beyond what anyone expected, and I can’t thank them enough for raising this money.”

The students were also greeted by Representative Richard Bradstreet (R-Vassalboro), Representative Matthew Pouliot (R-Augusta) and Representative Timothy Theriault (R-China).

China public hearing planned on proposed teen camp

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China Planning Board members will begin their April 10 meeting with a public hearing on plans for a leadership camp for teenagers on Three Mile Pond and also hear at least preliminary information on a proposed Dollar General store at 9 Windsor Road, at the intersection of Route 3 and Windsor Road.

At the board’s March 27 meeting Wesley and Susan Horton explained their new use for the existing building and grounds at 24 Pond Hill Road, with enough interested neighbors present to lead the board to schedule the public hearing for 6:30 p.m. April 10. After hearing comments, board members are scheduled to continue to review the application.

The new agenda item is an application from Zaremba Program Development LLC for a Dollar General store, described as a retail department store, to be built on the corner lot that currently has a house on it. At an informal discussion some weeks ago Planning Board members heard that the store will be the smallest Dollar General builds and that access is planned off Windsor Road. Because of the location and size of the lot, board members expressed concerns about traffic, especially motorists turning right onto Windsor Road from Route 3.

See our related story: China planners set to hear proposal on camp for teens

 

CHINA: CEO to seek court order against Bio Renewable Fuels to cease operation

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by Mary Grow

China selectmen acted on one of two ongoing issues on their April 2 agenda, but need more information and warmer weather to deal with the other.

By a unanimous vote, board members granted Codes Officer Paul Mitnik’s request to have the town attorney seek a court order requiring Ralph Howe, owner of Bio Renewable Fuels (BRF), to cease operations at his Dirigo Road property and clean up the property.

China Village Fire Chief Timothy Theriault told the board he and the two landowners involved are satisfied with the Neck Road fire pond that selectmen have talked about spending more money on, though he agrees a guard rail is needed. The contractor who dug the pond will return to finish the job after the ground thaws and Tom Michaud, the major landowner involved, returns from Florida.

The dispute between Howe and the town goes back to the summer of 2017, when Mitnik determined Howe needed a permit for his expanded commercial use. Howe declined to apply for one and appealed Mitnik’s notice of violation to the Board of Appeals, which twice denied his appeal. Mitnik said since Howe closed down his operation in Fairfield he has moved trailers and tanks onto the Dirigo Road property, in no apparent order and without spill containment under the tanks. Neighbors have complained, he said.

Howe said he has only consolidated his waste tanks; he is not doing any new business, has not made biofuel in a long time, is not treating the waste (because Mitnik threatened to fine him for operating without a permit) and does not need a new town permit.

Selectmen told Howe he should go to the planning board. Board member Donna Mills-Stevens asked repeatedly for a business plan; Jeffrey LaVerdiere said Howe’s business should be run properly with respect for neighbors or should stop.

When LaVerdiere asked Howe if a cease-and-desist order would lead to a protracted legal battle, Howe replied, “Yes.”

The Neck Road fire pond also dates back to 2017. Voters approved $8,500 to create the pond in November; Theriault said after the first contractor pulled out, he found a second contractor who dug the pond late in November.

The original plan was to expand an existing pond on two properties, Michaud’s and that of a neighbor who was not named in the discussion. The neighbor asked for legal documents, including an easement or right of way letting the town use the property. Instead, his part of the pond was walled off and the work done entirely on Michaud’s property, with Michaud’s support, Theriault said.

Selectmen have questioned legal and liability issues and the safety of the steep-sided 15-foot-deep pond. They talked about spending up to another $25,000 on improvements they consider necessary.

“We love the pond. I’ve used it,” Theriault said at the April 2 meeting. Availability of water provides additional fire protection for the area, he said. He does favor a guard rail, and said rocks from Michaud’s land can be used to stabilize eroding areas.

Theriault said once Michaud returns, he expects the two neighbors to agree on uniting what are now separate ponds and the contractor to do whatever more is needed to make the pond permanent and safe.

In other business April 2, selectmen scheduled a public hearing for 6:15 p.m. Monday, April 16, before their next meeting, on Michael Marois’ application for a liquor license for his MJEK restaurant on Lakeview Drive.

Theriault, in his capacity as District #79 State Representative, presented former Selectman Joann Austin an award from the 128th Maine Legislature recognizing her 25 years of public service.

Selectmen appointed three committee members: Neil Farrington to the Historic Preservation Committee, Raigan Messier to the Recreation Committee and Simeon Blake Brown as Palermo’s second representative on the Transfer Station Committee. Board member Irene Belanger distributed new Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce brochures describing the greater Waterville region, including China. Copies are available in public places.

Belanger gave selectmen copies of the proposed RSU (Regional School Unit) #18 budget for 2018-19, which voters in the member towns (Belgrade, China, Oakland, Rome and Sidney) will approve or reject at the polls June 12.

She announced a drug take-back day at the China transfer station, scheduled for Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Asked the effect of the 2018-19 budgets on the tax rate, Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux replied that he expects a decrease on the municipal side and an increase on the school side will approximately balance, leaving the Kennebec County budget the factor that will determine the tax rate. “There is a very good possibility it will stay where it is,” he summarized.

After adjourning their meeting, selectmen went into executive session to open what L’Heureux and board Chairman Robert MacFarland said were 17 applications from people seeking to succeed L’Heureux when he retires at the end of June.

SOLON & BEYOND: Annual inside sale planned, town in need of volunteers for youth sports

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Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percyby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

Good morning, dear friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

The Solon Congregational Church is once again hosting its annual Inside Sale, featuring a combination of crafters, venders and new/used sales (yard) sellers. Don’t miss out on reserving a space there this year. Lots of people look forward to getting out and shaking off the winter blues at this time of year! This event will be taking place on Saturday, April 28, at the Solon Elementary School. If you have questions you may call Jennifer Hebert at 643-2180 or 399-6510 or email at hebertjennifer@gmail.com.

Space reservations are mailed to: SCC PO Box 86, Solon, Maine 04979. Please make checks payable to: Solon Congregational Church. Thanks so much, Jennifer, for sharing this information.

Stopped in at the Solon Elementary School this morning to see if there was any newsletter out to share from there, but it wasn’t out yet. Teacher Terry Corson saw me there and told me some interesting news. On 98.1 Hous Skow Radio, the Solon Elementary School students will be reading poetry on the radio at different times.

I then went to the Solon Town Office to see if there was any news from there, and Leslie Giroux, who is involved in the Town Youth Program, said they need volunteers to help with the sports.

Have been trying to think about why I named this column, “Solon and Beyond” for the The Town Line? And if there was a matter of miles involved as to how far I could stretch this column for “Beyond?” Any way, I hope it takes in this exciting news, (for Lief, anyway). There will soon be a new shop, entitled, R C Destination at 415 Waterville Rd., in Norridgewock. Those of you who know Lief understand fully how much he is into airplanes and flying. This new shop will have, not just planes, but other items of interest as well. Lief had heard that the store in Oakland where he visited quite often for planes and parts had been sold, and there would be a new one starting up. This new one will be closer and we had been riding around quite a bit lately trying to find out where it was going to be. We got lucky one day last week and found it and the owner, Bob Gilcott at the new place of business that will be opening soon. Gilcott was very excited about this new venture he is undertaking. He plans on having other items as well as airplanes, I can’t wait to check it out! Will try and let you know when it is open for business.

Happyknits will be taking part in a display at the Portland Public Library, Lewis Gallery from April 5 through 28 as part of an exhibit entitled “Reverence to the Thread.”

Happyknis will also be participating in “Paint the Town Blue” Child Abuse Prevention sponsored by KVCAP, in Skowhegan. To support this important effort, Happykits will be donating $1 for every skein of blue yarn purchased on “Wear Blue Day,” Friday, April 6.

Lief and I enjoyed a family supper with Ellwood and Judy Ellis, in China, on the night before Easter, followed by lots of good conversation on family history. Judy is one of Lief’s nine sisters.

On Easter day following the church service, we had been invited to dinner with Mary, Dave and family in North Anson. Another wonderful meal, shared with family, we are indeed, blessed.

And so now for Percy’s memoir:

To show joy is to show love,
To show love is to know God,
To know God is to do good,
To do good is to spread happiness.

(words by Caroline S. Kotowicz.)

Aiden Pettengill achieves rank of Eagle Scout

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Eagle Scout Aiden Pettengill

CHINA – Throughout its history, the Boy Scouts of America has provided leaders for tomorrow who are prepared as good citizens, always ready to serve others. Service often occurs in small, unassuming ways – good turns and acts of kindness by individual Scouts, often unnoticed throughout their daily lives. It happens on a larger scale, too, when an Eagle Scout candidate plans and carries out his major service project. The celebration of this event was held March 17, 2018, at the China Baptist Church, for Eagle Scout Aiden Pettengill of China Troop #479.

Friends, family members, elected officials and other scouts gathered together to honor Aiden for earning his wings – the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. The Eagle is the highest rank that scouting bestows in the advancement program. Eagle Scout Aiden Pettengill, his family, his Scout leaders, and other members of the community were recognized in this special presentation.

Assistant Scoutmaster Matt Bodine gave a brief description Aiden’s Eagle Project. Aiden’s Eagle Project was at the new location for the South China Library. His project was to design and build a reading outdoor station. His final design included clearing a space under a large tree, having two benches built, two large flower beds surrounded by two layers of round rocks. He had many donated flowers and bulbs to plant. Scouts and Leaders came the morning he selected to work under his leadership. His outdoor reading station will be available this summer when the Library is moved. His project couldn’t have happened without Aiden’s leadership and drive to succeed.

Assistant Scoutmaster Darryl Praul and Assistant Scoutmaster Doug Leonard were introduced. Darryl Praul asked Eagle Scout Aiden Pettengill to advance his name on the board of Eagle rank. Doug Leonard presented the gift from the Troop Committee, Running Toward Danger – Real Life Scouting Action Stories of Heroism, Valor & Guts by Michael S. Malone

Advance Chairman Ron Emery introduced special guests. Sentiments were presented by Daniel L’Heureux, China’s Town Manager and Chuck Mahaleris, Kennebec Valley District Advancement Chairperson. It should be noted that letters of sentiment were received from Past President George W. Bush and his father and members of U.S. Congress, and many others.

Aiden expressed gratitude to all those who helped him to reach the Eagle Rank. Especially Scoutmaster Scott Adams, Assistant Scoutmaster Matt Bodine and Advance Chairman Ron Emery and his parents who all gave him help whenever needed. Aiden also thanked all the guests who took time to come to his Eagle ceremony on his special day and for all the Scouts who helped him with the ceremony.

He is the son of Lee and Danielle Pettengill, of South China, and is a freshman at Erskine Academy, in South China.

Obituaries, Week of April 5, 2018

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RANDY DAMREN

BENTON – Randy Damren, 56, of Benton, passed away at his hone, on Friday, February 23, 2018, following a long battle with diabetes. He was born on May 4, 1961, the son of Bunnie Damren and the late Richard Damren, of Norridgewock.

Upon graduation from Skowhegan Area High School, Randy served in the U. S. Navy.

Randy will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, especially fishing.

He is survived by his son, Richard R. Damren, and his fiancée Chantal Beane, of Benton; his granddaughter, Halley Damren, of Benton; his mother, Bunnie Damren, of Norridgewock; a sister, Gina Lauze, and husband Marc, and their family, of Berlin, New Hampshire; and a brother, Steve Damren and wife Katrina, and their family, of Fairfield and Winslow.

GERTRUDE M. BERNARD

WINSLOW – Gertrude M. Bernard died on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, following a brief illness. She was the daughter of the late Alexandre and Maria (LaFlamme) Bernard.

She was an alumni of Catholic University, Washington, D.C., and graduated magna cum laude. She did post-graduate studies at Boston University.

She graduated as a cadet nurse during World War II. Following a long career in nursing as an instructor at Metro General Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, and at St. Margaret Hospital in Boston, she retired, and returned to Winslow to be with her family.

Gertrude leaves a legacy of abundant generosity and unwavering faith; love of nature, especially animals and flowers. She was a very accomplished singer, having sung with the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. She was a long-active member of her church choir and several other choral groups.

She was predeceased by her parents; four sisters, Florentine, Cecile, Marie Ange, and Laurette Kickham; and three brothers, Roy, Gerald, and Victor Bernard.

She is survived by one sister, Madeline Vigue, of Winslow; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and their families.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument St., Winslow, at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 5, 2018, and interment at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville.

An online guestbook may be signed and condolences expressed at www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations could be made to: ‘Blessed Sacrament, 101 Silver Street, Waterville ME 04901

NICK SCOTT

EAST VASSALBORO – Nick Scott, 84, died on Friday, March 23, 2018. He was born in London, England on September 11, 1933. He served in the Royal Air Force, and was a Professor of Theater at University of Maine Farmington for 28 years.

He leaves behind his children, step-children, many grandchildren, and Vivian, his life partner for the past 11.5 years.

We will remember Nick at Shabat Services on Friday, April 6 at 7 p.m., at Temple Beth El, 3 Woodlawn St., Augusta.

EVELYN M. FRAZIER

WINSLOW – Evelyn M. Frazier, 95, passed away on Monday, March 26, 2018. She was born July 24, 1922, in Winslow, the daughter of George and Florida (Quirion) Melanson.

As a young girl she went to work to help support her parents and siblings. She worked as a waitress in her father’s restaurant, The Central Maine Café, among many other Waterville Main Street restaurants. She also worked at C. F. Hathaway, in Waterville, for 28 years and was voted president of the union, local #486, in which she served many terms. She was the former Regent of the Joan of Arc circle, Daughters of Isabella, of Fairfield, as well as a member of the Volunteers of GOD. She was the Grand Warden of the State of Maine chapter for the New England Order Of Protection. She belonged to the Maine Counsel of Senior Citizens, and was also a member of the National Counsel. She was always an advocate for the working class.

She was a faithful member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Corpus Christi parish.

Her faith was very important to her, she was a very devout Catholic.

She married Shirley Otis Frazier in 1943. They had six children. He predeceased her in 1991. She was also predeceased by five sisters: Carmeline Languet, Irene King, Violette Boulette Sheehan, Lucille Roy Sinclair, Bernadette Melanson; two brothers Robert and Harold Melanson; infant son Bruce; daughter Linda; grandson John Gush; and recently her son Vernon Frazier.

She is survived by her two daughters: Nancy Johnston, of Maine, Bunny Brier, of Idaho; and her son Robert Frazier, of Maine; grandchildren: Tammy, Debra, Sonya, Troy, Bruce, Brian, Laurie, Tracey, Kathleen, Karen, Jeff, Jennifer, and Christopher; many great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren; her daughter-in-law Donna Frazier; and many nieces and nephews. including nephew Dick Martineau, who helped her for many years with her property.

An online guestbook may be signed and condolences expressed at www.gallant.com.

OTHERS DEPARTED

RODGER D. COTE, 52, of Chelsea, passed away on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland, following a brief illness. Locally, he is survived by a daughter Jennifer L. Cote, of Waterville; a brother, Roland B. Cote, of Oakland, and a sister, Deborah M. Core, of Whitefield.

JOHN E. POTTER SR., 75, of Edgecomb, passed away on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at his residence. Locally, he is survived by daughters Beth Jordan and husband Clayton, and Tina Lear and husband Bob, all of Whitefield.

DAVID A. HARTLEY, 49, of Waterville, passed away on Friday, March 23, 2018, at his home. Locally, he is survived by his partner, Alan Smith Jr., of Waterville; adopted daughters, Morgan, Taylor nd Quinn, Smith, and a son, Darren Hartley, all of Waterville; his mother Carol Hartley, of Winslow; and a sibling, Terry Hartley, of Winslow.

LAUREN W. RUYBAL, 70, of Waldoboro, passed away on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at Togus Springs, in Augusta. Locally, he is survived by a granddaughter Sierra Sproul and companion Austin Owen, of Washington.

JOYCE ANNE BARBUTO, 48, of Skowhegan, passed away on Sunday, March 25, 2018, at her home. Locally, she is survived by nephews Egide III and Robert II, and niece Elise Dostie, all of Fairfield.

CURTIS R. PRIME, 69, of Augusta, passed away on Wednesday, March 28, 2018. Locally, he is survived by a sister, Rebecca Gilman and husband Sonny, of Windsor.

FORMER RESIDENTS

RACHEL M. (BUMPS) CUNNINGHAM, 94, of Waterville, passed away on Sunday, March 25, 2018, at Lakewood Continuing Care Center. She was born on October 21, 1923, to Arvide and Susie (Martin) Bumps, on the family farm in China. She was employed with the China School Department from 1957 until her retirement in 1992. She worked as a cook in the cafeteria and drive a school bus.

Letters to the Editor: Thanks, Pray for Jacob’s success

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To the editor:

I know I’m late getting this letter written but it’s needing to be done. The fundraising 3-on-3 basketball “extravaganza” was just fantastic. So many people put so much time and effort into that day at the China Primary and Middle schools and at Erskine Academy where it went all day. Amazing!

Teams came from Brunswick, Rumford and other towns to contribute to the fundraiser and paid $5 a head to play and be a part of such an amazing fundraiser.

Many helped cooking, selling food, tickets, etc. Plus, all the refs and announcers, etc.

As Jacob’s great-grandmother, I just have to say how impressed I am to have witnessed such an event. To observe so many supporting, caring, loving and fantastic people who came to participate or just watch and be a part of it.

I did participate in the entertainment and Dan (my son) and Terry (the grandparents) and I played against Joe, Joe’s brother, Achiva and Bella (sisters of Jacob), and I made a basket, which was a miracle! Great fun for the fundraiser and one of the men from the Brunswick team called mine “The Granny Dunk.”

Many thanks to all who participated in any way, especially the China Primary and Middle schools and Erskine Academy for sharing their facilities. To those who put this all together and all those who worked many hours on it, your efforts and generosity were noted and the family is sincerely grateful. God bless you all and keep praying for Jacob, he’s going through a lot.

Nancy Seigars
Windsor

Waterville art scholarship registrations now being accepted

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The Waterville Area Art Society (WAAS) is now accepting applications for its annual $500 scholarship award to be given to a graduating high school senior who pursues a degree in visual arts, performing arts or music. It is open to students from the following high schools: Waterville, Winslow, Lawrence, Messalonskee, Erskine Academy, Snow Pond Arts Academy and Mid-Maine Technical Center.

Information has been sent to the schools. Teachers are asked to submit nominations and include: student contact information; recommendation; information about student’s artistic ability and need; three photos or video clips of student work. These can be submitted by mail (WAAS) PO Box 2703, Waterville, ME 04903-2703) or digitally to waasmaine@ gmail.com. Nominations must be submitted by May 1.

Previous winners and former applicants are eligible to apply again with a former high school or college teacher’s nomination and materials. To receive further information, send email to waasmaine@gmail.com or contact Mary Morrison at 872-5843.