EVENTS: Albion bicentennial photo contest underway

Albion town office. Photo source: Town of Albion Facebook page

Albion bicentennial photo contest is open to anyone, but photos must be taken in Albion.

There are four categories: people, animals, still life and landscape in three age groups, 12 years old and under, 13-20, and over 20.

All submitted photos must be in printed form and matted. Photos no larger than 5×7. Mat will be pinned up so when it is returned the mat may be damaged. Pictures may be in color or black and white. The photos must be taken by the entrant, and entries are limited to one entry per category.

Cash prizes will be awarded to first, second and place place in each age group and each category. All first place winners will be entered in a grand prize contest with the winner’s photo to appear on the front cover of the 2025 town report.

Photos must include name of entrant, phone number, address and location of photo taken. The town of Albion reserves the right to use the photos on their website.

Entries must be submitted by Thursday, July 18. Entries may be dropped at the town office or with Pam Wallace and Miranda Perkins at the Besse Building on a designated date to be announced later. Questions may be emailed to pllwallace@gmail.com or acbmperkins@gmail.com with subject “photo contest”.

EVENTS: L.C. Bates Museum activities

Good Will-Hinckley’s L.C. Bates Natural History Museum (photo credit: https://www.gwh.org/)

The following programs will be presented at L.C. Bates Museum, on the campus of the Goodwill-Hinckley School, on Rte. 201, in Hinckley.

Saturday, June 22, 10 a.m. 
The Magic of Letterpress
The concept of movable type was invented in China a thousand years ago, but the refined and efficient Gutenberg press of 1439 rocketed Europe into the Renaissance.
Where would we be without books? “Unplug” for the morning and come learn the art of setting type on our 1830s Acorn press. Print your own card to take home!
Saturday June 29, 10 a.m.
Mammal Day!
What do humans, whales, and bats have in common? Quite a lot, it turns out! We will talk about what makes a mammal a mammal, and the adaptations we can observe in a mammal’s fur, teeth, and feet to find out who they are, and what they’re good at! Skulls and pelts will be on display for you to examine up close.

EVENTS: A China school reunion planned for July 18

photo source: JMG.org

by Bob Bennett

As we all know, history cannot be changed and, sometimes unfortunately, it can be repeated in a negative sense. But most important of all, it must never be forgotten. This is one of the primary goals of our now, solidly in place, China Historical Society, and to follow that path we are going to coordinate an event with our annual meeting on Thursday, July 18. Since this is the 75th anniversary of the opening of the consolidated China School, we intend to hold our meeting at the present Middle School, on Lakeview Drive, and follow that event with a reunion of China students who attended the school from as far back as we can find them up to and including the present day.

While some of the fine points of this plan still need to be worked out, it is receiving strong support from RSU #18. While we realize that folks who switched to the school when it opened in 1949, from the numerous “neighborhood” facilities, are pretty well along in years, we hope there are a few who might be willing to share their memories of this change, which must have been dramatic to say the least.

Even though my personal ties to China only go back 42 years, I know several folks who started their education, as did most of us, at age 5 or 6, here in town in the early 1950s. Richard Dillenbeck, of the first class, is one of those and he has agreed to be the featured speaker for the discussion. If you readers have knowledge of other individuals who might be willing to share their memories and experiences in the new building, please inform them of our plan and have them reserve the date and a time frame of 6 to 6:30 p.m. We also would like to do a tour of the Middle School to allow those earlier “residents” who haven’t been inside for a while and all others to see the huge changes that have occurred in the five room original structure with a kitchen in the basement.

So, in conclusion, we will use The Town Line and social media sites related to China to keep everyone up to date and work to make this a memorable activity; stay tuned!

PHOTO: Winslow Majors Orange team

Winslow Majors Orange baseball team: Front row, left to right, Gabe Loubier, Ayson Marshall , Rusty Vigue, Isaac Pepin, and Vinny Morin. Middle row, Matthew Harrington, Brice Moody, Chase Rancourt, Jace Poulin, Cameron Beaster, Bronsen Nelson, and Boston Blaney. Back, coaches Jordan Vigue, Mike Loubier, Jared Poulin, Mathew Beaster, and Richard Blaney. (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography)

OBITUARIES for Thursday, June 20, 2024

FRANK A. PREO

WATERVILLE – Frank Alan Preo, passed away Friday, May 3, 2024, due to health complications and early onset dementia.

He spent his childhood in Augusta, and attended Augusta schools. He was involved with sports and drumming, “The Sharpies,” and was gifted musically. He could play the drums, flute, guitar and piano.

Frank married his first wife Karen, had two children and raised them in Vassalboro. Karen died tragically in 1994 leaving Frank to raise them with the help of family. He took up gardening and cooking after Karen’s death and excelled at both.

Frank spent most of his career as a sales person and a reset specialist in the grocery field. He was always close to his children, but was especially close to his son Chad, who helped him tremendously in the last years of his life.

Frank was predeceased by his father Charles Preo; his mother, Lorette Lajoie and her husband Wilfred; his brothers-in-law, Bob Rancourt and Ronald Breton; and his first wife Karen Preo.

Frank is survived by his daughter Jaime Pooler, her husband Mark and their children, Bentley and Bianca; and his son Chad Preo; his brother, Fred Preo and his wife Rachael; sister, Charlene Breton, and many nieces and nephews; his ex-wife and longtime companion Jackie Preo.

A burial service will be determined at a later date.

BARRY W. DOLLEY

HARPSWELL – Barry William Dolley, 84, died peacefully at home in South Harpswell on Friday, May 31, 2024, following a long battle with cancer. He lived most of his life in Winslow, before retiring to South Harpswell in 2005, with his wife Sandy.

Born prematurely at three pounds two ounces on November 8, 1939, Barry defied expectations from the beginning. During his early school years, the teachers, try as they might, were not able to cure him of either his left-handedness nor his colorblindness. Later in life, his grandchildren would take up the latter challenge, with the same result.

At Winslow High School, Barry played football and track, and excelled in industrial arts. He would sneak into school early mornings to work on projects in the shop. Barry won first place nationally for a desk he made. He was voted most likely to succeed in his class.

Following high school, against his guidance counselor’s advice, Barry went to college. It was during his senior year of college that he met the love of his life, Sandra Adrienne Paradis. Although he believed he had no chance with her, they began dating, got married, and eventually settled in Winslow, where they raised their five children.

Following graduation from Gorham State Teacher’s College, Barry began working as an industrial arts teacher at Messalonskee High School, in Oakland. He had a lifelong love for building, and eventually left teaching to start building houses. He ventured into solar energy; and designed and built energy-efficient homes in central Maine during the 1970s and 1980s. He was ahead of his time.

People who knew Barry found him highly knowledgeable on a number of topics, particularly World War II and college football. And he could really tell a story. He had a rare talent for building furniture and cabinetry, and built many pieces that he gave to his children and loved ones. He was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers and Vince Lombardi. He taught his children the value of hard work – all five of them went on to operate their own businesses.

Barry was a self-made man, an innovator. He was intelligent, witty, compassionate to others and always willing to share. He was a fantastic cook, a gifted teacher and a great example in life. He will be dearly missed. The boy from Winslow did good. Barry was predeceased by his parents, Donovan “Duke” and Rollande “Jackie” (Pelletier) Dolley; and by his wife, Sandy.

He leaves behind his five children, Michelle Dolley and husband Gilles Langlois, Barry Dolley II, Jeffrey Dolley and wife Jessica, Shawn Dolley, and Reneé Dolley and her friend Jim Sloan; seven grandchildren, Adrienne Dolley and her fiancée Kristen Thompson, J. Luke Dolley, Adeline Dolley, William J. Dolley, Dylan Dolley, Liam Dolley and Luke Dolley; his brother, William Dolley and wife, Bonnie; a sister-in-law, Jolyne Paradis; Nieves Lanoy and son Lance; many nieces and nephews, and cousins.

The family will host a celebration of life for Barry at the Village Inn, in Belgrade, on Saturday, June 29, from 3 to 6 p.m. There will be plenty of food and all are welcome.

SEAN A. RANCOURT

WATERVILLE – Sean Alan Rancourt, 39, of Waterville, passed away on Friday May 31, 2024, doing what he loved, welding at Rockport Steel, In Rockport. Sean was born in Waterville, December 31, 1984, to Bernard Rancourt and Michele Rancourt.

Sean attended high school at Waterville Senior High, he completed his Welding Certification at Lyman Morse Fabrication, of Rockland. Sean could master many trades and never stopped learning. He excelled in welding and looked forward to opening his own fabrication and welding shop. Sean was on a path to a bright future. His future was bright, and he had his goals set, Sean was ready for life. Sean will always be remembered for his kind heart, his loving soul and his devotion to his family, and his signature grin, that he always shared.

Sean is survived by his father, Bernard Rancourt, of Waterville; his mother, Michele Rancourt (Don Agee), of Sebastian, Florida; his son, Darius Ladainan Rancourt, of Bangor; his brother Adam Rancourt (Leeanne), of Windsor; his sister, Amanda Deroche Rancourt (Marjorie); nephew, Levi; his sister, Katelyn Rancourt (Jaime Dawe); his nieces Audrianna, Adielynne and future baby to be named; his uncle, Reggie and aunt, Marie Rancourt; his aunt Betty and uncle Dan McCaslin, his aunt Roslind and uncle Lewis Smith, and his uncle Ricky Welch.

Sean‘s life recently was brightened by the addition of his love for Jessica Grierson, of Rockland. They shared many positive goals and were on the path to a bright and lasting future.

Sean was previously deceased by his paternal grandparents Francis and Regina Rancourt, of Waterville, maternal grandparents Clifford Welch (Jean), of Wilton, and Phyllis Woods (Leonard), of Waterville; his aunt, Jean Rancourt, Accomac, Virginia, his aunt, Sherry Rancourt, Waterville, uncle, Micheal and aunt, Denise Welch, Nashua, New Hampshire.

Service for Sean will be held at St. Francis Cemetery, Grove St., Waterville on Thursday, June 13, at 11:30 a.m.

The family will be doing the traditional welders send off. Each person can put their thoughts, jokes, or pictures on a welding rod. These will be placed with Sean.

PETER GAUG JR.

TRUMBULL, Connecticut – Peter Gaug Jr., 94, of Trumbull, Connecticut, and formerly of Waterville, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was the husband of 72 years to Evelyn (Speicher) Gaug. Born in the Bronx, New York, on June 1, 1930, he was the son of the late Peter and Katie (Jeck) Gaug Sr., and was a resident of Waterville for over 43 years before moving to Trumbull, Connecticut, three years ago.

Peter joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He went on to receive his undergraduate degree from Columbia University and his master’s degree from Rutgers University. His career took him to banking where he retired after many years an assistant vice president.

In addition to his wife Evelyn, survivors include his four children, Jeanne Steffens, JoAnne Gaug, Peter E. Gaug and Matthew Gaug and five grandchildren, Katherine and Andrew Steffens, Kristy, Nicholas and Scott Gaug.

He was predeceased by a son-in-law, Scott Steffens.

All funeral services will be private.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, Conn. To leave an online condolence, visit us at http://www.abriola.com.

BEATRICE M. GIROUX

WATERVILLE – Beatrice Marie Giroux , 92, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Mount Joseph, in Waterville, in the early morning. Beatrice was born in Waterville on April 6, 1932, the daughter of Louis and Eva Gauthier.

She attended St. Francis de Sales Catholic School, in Waterville. She worked various jobs in the area and later took care of many children in her home. She was an immaculate homemaker who also loved to cook for her family. She was always ready to help a friend in need. Beatrice loved spending time with her family playing cards and listening to French music and dancing the French jig. She was also an avid walker.

She was predeceased by her husband Leland Giroux; her parents, Louis and Eva Gauthier, brothers, Larry, Alphie, Norman and Bill Gauthier; sisters, Jeannette Veilleux and Lucille Lagasse, son-in-law, David Althenn and her first husband Renald Lachance.

Beatrice is survived by her daughters, Terri Althenn, Linda Hamlin and husband Larry; sisters Arlene Brownd and Doris Main and husband Bert; grandchildren, Jason Evans and wife Samantha, Jamie Evans and partner Jessica Wittnebert, Holly Hamlin and partner Paul Kinsey, Darcy Sears and husband Chris; great-grandchildren, Michael Evans, Alysa Evans, Connor Evans, Jordan Gurney and partner Desiree Keyser, and Jayden Gurney. Also, stepchildren, stepgrandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, June 18, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville, followed by a committal service at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the deceased’s name to:

Alzheimer’s Association, 383 US-1 #2C, Scarborough, ME 04074, (207-772-0115).

MARIA YOTIDES

AUGUSTA – Maria Yotides, 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 8, 2024. Born in Winslow, on May 8, 1931, Maria was the only daughter and last surviving child of James and Olga (Boodry) Yotides, of the first Greek pioneers to settle permanently in the Winslow/Waterville area in 1907.

Maria made her family extremely proud, graduating with honors from Winslow High School, class of 1949. She continued her pursuit of higher education at Westbrook College, in Portland, becoming the first member of the Yotides family to obtain a collegiate degree in 1951. Following her schooling, she worked alongside her parents and brothers in the family business, City Cab, on Siver Street, in Waterville, serving their local community and visiting guests for decades.

Known for her wit, vibrant personality, and spunky sense of style, Maria’s energy was contagious and brought to life any room she entered. Her memory will live on through photos and family stories of her adventurous spirit and passion for good fun, not the least of which included her love of an Elvis Presley sing-a-long!

In her niece’s book Don’t Worry About a Thing – Growing Up in Maine, Katherine Yotides Sullivan wrote of her Aunt Maria: “Maria may not have looked like the movie stars on the pages of the magazines she kept in the waiting room (of the taxi stand), but she had an outgoing personality and many friends, and she was so much fun…People she knew stopped in to chat even when they didn’t need a cab. I never heard her complain…”

Maria was predeceased by her parents and siblings: George, Konstantina, Thomas, Spiro (Spike) and Antonios.

She is survived by her nieces, nephews and their growing families along the East Coast.

There will be a graveside service on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 1 p.m., at Pine Grove Cemetery, Grove Street, in Waterville.

MACKENZIE M. STRICKLAND

WATERVILLE – Mackenzie Marie Strickland, 27, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at her home. Mackenzie was born in Augusta on October 16, 1996, the daughter of Kevin and Nancy (Brawn) Strickland. Later Mackenzie happily welcomed her brother Patrick.

On Valentine’s Day 2000, Mackenzie was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. Throughout her life she needed support, and we met many special people along the way to help her.

In 2004, Mackenzie received a pool from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She was gifted a party at our home and the entertainment was provided by her favorite singer, Rick Charrett.

Mackenzie attended Waterville public schools and she graduated in 2016. Mackenzie participated in Brownies, Girl Scouts, Go Girls, and enjoyed having fun with her friends.

Mackenzie attended Pine Tree Camp where they had some of her favorite activities like swimming, boating, canoeing, dancing, sitting around the campfire, and watching fireworks. She had the time of her life!

Mackenzie attended “Night to Shine”, a dance in honor of special needs adults. She would proudly take her tiara and walk down the red carpet, with a ginormous smile as she danced the night away!

Mackenzie also attended Goodwill Lifeworks, an adult day program. They took her bowling, shopping, and other fun activities, but her favorite activity was swimming.

Visitation will be held June 30, 2024, at 2 p.m., with a memorial service immediately following at 3 p.m., at CenterPoint Com­munity Church, 155 West River, Waterville. A reception will follow.

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

ANDREW R. PERRY

WINSLOW – Andrew Robert Perry, 67, passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024. Andy was born in the city of Portland, to parents Robert Perry and Norma (Emerson) Perry on November 24, 1956.

Andy graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1975 and graduated from the University of Maine-Orono in 1979 with a bachelor of science degree in finance.

The profound impact he made in his 67 years is evident in the myriad of lives he touched and the legacy he leaves behind.

Andrew owned and operated Allstate Insurance Company, in Augusta, for over 20 years and sold the agency in 2010. He then worked for the Bureau of Insurance for a number of years until his retirement in 2021. He was known for his unwavering dedication and loyalty. As an insurance agent, he found joy in providing security and peace of mind to countless families. His charismatic personality, coupled with his expertise, made him a cherished figure in the industry. His work was not just a job, but a manifestation of his innate desire to care for others. The ripple effect of his work will continue to be felt by those he served.

Andy had many interests. He loved music, cars, motorcycles and all New England sports. He was an active member of Corpus Christi Parish, in Waterville. He was a cantor and choir member at St. John the Baptist church, in Winslow. He played trumpet and read and wrote music often creating harmonies for other choir members. He sang a cappella with three friends and often performed for church functions. Andy also had a flair for the corny and collected bad jokes as a hobby.

Andy was a fantastic husband, loving family man, and a great friend and neighbor. He always joked, “ Never let it be said I didn’t do the least I could do.” But he was always “doing something” for someone. He was the epitome of a caregiver.

As we mourn the loss of Andrew, we also celebrate his remarkable life. We remember him not only for his accomplishments but for the man he was – a beacon of integrity, resilience, and love. Andrew will continue to live in our hearts and memories. So, let us not just grieve his passing but also cherish the times we spent with him.

He is survived by his wife, Beth Perry, who was his rock and guiding star. Their love story, like a well-woven tapestry, was filled with shared dreams, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to each other. Andy is also survived by his children, son James Perry and wife Jennifer and their children, Theodore and Sullivan; his daughters Alison Hopcraft and husband Charles, and Andrea Perry and fiancé Alex Batey; his brother John Perry and wife Margaret; and his Uncle Charles and Aunt Nancy Perry.

Andy was preceded in death by his father, Robert Perry, and his mother, Norma Perry. Their love and teachings were the foundation upon which Andrew built his life. He carried their wisdom and love in his heart, and it was reflected in the way he lived. He was also predeceased by his brother Peter Perry.

We invite you to share your memories and upload photos of Andrew on the memorial page. Each story and picture will help keep his spirit alive and remind us of the beautiful life he lived.

There was a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John Catholic Church, 26 Monument St., Winslow, on June 20, 2024, with the burial following at St. Francis Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville.

Services are in the care of Veilleux Funeral Home Waterville Maine.

Any donations in Andy’s memory should be made to your favorite charity.

NANCY G. YORK

PALERMO – Nancy G. York, 81, died Monday, June 10, 2024, following a long illness. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 10, 1943, a daughter of the late Alan and Shirley (Gould) Chesebro.

Ms. York was educated at Vermont College, earning her associates degree. She had been employed for many years at the Kennebec Valley Medical Center, now the Alfond Center for Health, and was employed as the Director of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review. She then worked at Falmouth Hospital, in Falmouth, Massachusetts, retiring in 2012.

Nancy enjoyed the times she spent at the family cottage in East Boothbay, rowing the Nina around the bay and sitting on the porch, watching the sunset over the ocean with her golden retrievers, Zoe, Frances and Sooner, who all had predeceased her.

Ms. York was predeceased by her twin, Gordon Chesebro.

She is survived by her daughter, Allison Y. Aley, of Concord, Massachusetts; her son, Andrew A. York and his wife Cheryl, of Palermo; two brothers, John and Robert Chesebro, both of Westbrook; six grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

At her request there will be no public visiting hours or funeral services. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Route 32, Windsor. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared through the funeral home website at: http://www.plummerfh.com.

PHILLIP HENRY

BANGOR – Phillip Henry, 86, of Waterville, passed away at Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Bangor, on Monday June 10, 2024. Phil was born on January 19, 1938, in Burnham to Aden and Lina Henry (Frost).

In 1975 Phil married Charlene Loisel, of Waterville, where they lived and raised their five children.

Phil started out working for a construction as a mason in his earlier years as well as various jobs. He later went to work at Keyes Fibre (now Huhtamaki) company as a machine operator for 28 years where he retired,

After retirement Phil spent time helping his children with building their houses and helping with other projects. He loved hunting, fishing, biking, walking, and animals, especially his beagles. (He was the guy who would stop and remove a turtle from the road for fear of it being run over).

Phil was predeceased by his wife Charlene Henry of 64 years.

Phil is survived by his children, Raymond Henry and partner Glenda Amburg, Gail Young and husband Scott, Lisa Carter and husband Mike Inman, Randy Henry and wife Debbie, and Robert Henry; grandchildren: Michelle Von Bernewitz, Kevin Young, Andrew Young, Joseph Henry, Bethany Gade, and Jason Carter; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Geraldine Brooks, Cheryl Basford, Barbara Drake, Doris Hinds, Phyllis Later; and a brother Aiden Henry.

A graveside committal service will be held at 11:15 a.m., on Wednesday, June 26, at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville.

Following the committal service the family would like to invite everyone to a Celebration of Life at the Forrest J. Pare VFW Post #1285, 51 Water Street, Waterville.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Phillip to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd,. Waterville, ME 04901.

DAWN M. VASVARY

OAKLAND – Dawn Marie Vasvary, 63, of Oakland, passed away on Wed­nesday, June 12, 2024. Dawn fought courageously against cancer.

Dawn’s fa­vorite pastime was fishing and being in the outdoors with the love of her life Lou. Dawn and Lou met in their hometown of Spotswood, New Jersey, as teens and were married on September 30, 1979, they had 44 years of marriage as best friends.

They moved to Oakland in August 1994 with their three sons and opened their business, D&L Country Store. Dawn and Lou had many happy years raising their family and running their business always together. Dawn’s greatest joy were her children and her grandchildren who she loved dearly.

Dawn was predeceased by her mother, Helen Willett (2018) stepfather, Leroy Willett Sr. (2002).

She is survived by her husband, Lou Vasvary, of Oakland; sons, Louie Vasvary Jr. his wife Amanda and their children Hunter and Corinne, of Gardiner, Bruce Vasvary and his daughter Kaya, of Sidney, Kenny Vasvary his wife Christy and their children Tucker and Katarina, of Mercer; brother, Wayne Willett and his wife Diane, of Florida, their children Lisa and Kim; her sisters, Wanda Adro and family, of Florida, Stacey Barnhart and family, of Florida; and her stepbrother, Leroy Willett Jr. and his wife Anita of North Carolina; along with many extended family members.

Please join the family for a celebration of life on Saturday, June 29, at their family home, on 81 North Pond Rd., Rome, ME 04963, at 2 p.m.

The family encourages donations to those care facilities in her name to support other families battling cancer.

MARGARET . THOMPSON

WATERVILLE – Margaret M. Thompson, 97, affectionately known as Peg or Peggy, peacefully passed away at her daughter’s home in Boylston, Massachusetts, on April 4, 2024.

Peggy will be remembered as Mom, Grandmama and Gigi. Peggy’s warm and vibrant personality showed through in everything she did. Though she may have left this world physically, her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Peggy was born on May 18, 1926, in Arlington, Massachusetts. She lived a life filled with love, kindness, and laughter. Peggy graduated from Jamaica Plain High School and then worked at Boston Gas and Worcester Gas during the 1950s.

On the weekends, Peggy loved to go dancing at Moseley’s on the Charles. It was there that she met the love of her life, Bob Thompson, whom she married on September 22, 1951. Their honeymoon was the start of adventurous traveling around the world. Peggy and Bob started their family, in Natick, Massachusetts, and so began the most rewarding job of her life, a devoted stay-at-home mom to her four children and her beloved Dino, a black male Standard Poodle. In 1968, Peggy loaded up their four children, family pets and moved to Waterville, where Bob had begun his career as the owner of Thompson Volkswagen, Inc. At Bob’s passing, Peggy then became the president and owner of the business that had grown into Thompson Volkswagen, Audi, Mazda, Inc.

Peggy was loving, kind, full of life, funny, generous, and a devoted friend to many. Her hobbies included knitting, playing bridge, porcelain doll making, golfing, cross-country skiing, gardening, and indulging in any craft class that was available. Peggy was also an avid reader.

Memories of Peggy will forever be cherished by all who knew her. She loved spending time with family and friends at the family’s camp on Snow Pond, in Oakland. On summer days, she enjoyed boat rides, cookouts, playing cards with her family, sitting on the deck watching all the activity, and listening to the loons. Her homemade lemon chiffon pies, brownies, and peanut butter cookies were always waiting for her children after school and on special holidays. Her home was a haven filled with love and warmth.

Peggy shared a special bond and love of family with her late husband Robert (Bob) Thompson, who passed away on August 23, 2004. She was also predeceased by her parents, Sarah and Timothy Buckley; and two brothers Jack and William Buckley.

Peggy is survived by her three sons, Robert and wife Kim Thompson, of Indianapolis, Indiana, Timothy Thompson, of Oakland, Mark and wife Karen Thompson, of Waterville; a daughter Theresa Redgate and her husband Laurence Redgate, of Boylston, Massachusetts; sister-in-law Sr. Anita Thompson, of Convent Station, New Jersey; grandchildren, Heather Redgate and spouse James Guaragna, Julia Redgate and spouse Thomas McHenry, Courtney, Mackenzie, and Tyler Thompson, Katie and Jack Thompson; along with great-granddaughter, Sophia Guaragna.

There will be a private burial at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta, Maine.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Silver Street Tavern, Waterville, Maine, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Donations may be made in memory of Margaret to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, or The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation or The Jewish Healthcare Hospice Center, Worcester, MA, or Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, Waterville, ME.

Services

RICHARD HARRINGTON

For anyone wishing to honor Richard Harrington, who passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, 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.

 

 

 

 

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Windsor select board deals with multiple agenda items

by The Town Line staff

At the May 21, 2024 meeting of the Windsor Select Board, Road supervisor Keith Hall reported on several repairs being done to town equipment. Also select board member Tom McNaughton asked Keith for an update on the Amish signs. Keith said he had gotten prices on the signs and that is as far as he had gone with the project. Keith said he had not gotten the final answer to order signs. Moira Teekema added she had conversations with the Amish, they were happy with the selected locations discussed for placement for the signs. After some discussion, Thomas McNaughton made a motion to purchase five Amish signs and Chevron signs for the corner on Coopers Mills Road by Piper Road, seconded by Chester D. Barnes and approved 5-0-0.

From the transfer station, Keith reported the following:

a.) Freon units have been picked up from the Transfer Station.
b.) Maine Scale LLC will be coming to calibrate the scales at the Transfer Station on 5/30/24.
c.) Transfer Station employees Hunter, Allison, Dan, and Amelia, who covers for the transfer station, completed Core 1 training virtually. Core 1 training helps employees gain a better understanding of department regulations and concerns, learn methods of operation that achieve compliance and improve efficiency.

On behalf of animal control office Ryan Carver, town manager Theresa Haskell reported there is an issue on Rte. 105 of cows getting out. Ryan has been to the residences four times in 15 days. One time the cows made it all the way to Wingood Road. There were reports of the cows going head on with cars on Rte. 105. The owner says the deer keeps knocking his fence over. The town ordinance is a fine up to $500 payable to the town per call. Carver would like to know the select boards suggestion to enforce this. The select board will ask Carver to be available at a future meeting for more discussion.

In other business, Haskell reported the following.

Theresa has a Certificate of Appointment for Greg Feltis for the position of E-911 Alternate Addressing Officer, to be effective until a new Alternate Addressing Officer is appointed. Chester D. Barnes Jr. made a motion to sign the Certificate of Appointment for Greg Feltis appointed as E-911 Alternate Addressing Officer effective until a new Alternate Addressing officer is appointed, seconded by Thomas McNaughton and approved 5-0-0.
Ray Bates reviewed the Town Hall’s water results received by Water Quality & Compliance Inc. The water test results were normal.
– Theresa read aloud a letter from Lake Stewards of Maine requesting $500 in funds from the town to support water testing. Theresa will send back a response to the request.
The Safety Grant Press Release will be posted on the website for the town to view.
Friday June 28, 2024, is the last day of FY 2024. The town office will be closing at noon to get all reports and books closed for FY 2024. Andrew Ballantyne made a motion to close the town office at noon on June 28, 2024, for office staff to get all reporting and books closed by the end of day for FY year 2024.
A handout was given to the Select Board regarding the Ridge Road property. There will be discussion at a later date when the select board has time to look over what the town’s attorney has drafted. There is currently no other information to give on the property.
The Kennebec County budget began at 44.1 percent and after several meetings and discussion about the final budget it is now down to 28.9 percent.
The select board was handed a copy of the Public Works monthly 4-day work week schedule. It was noted that public works will swap their day off if their day off falls on a holiday so they can still get paid for that holiday.

Tim had questions about signing the smoking policy. He asked for clarification before he signed anything. He would like to see it amended. The select board assured Tim that there was zero finger pointing intended when the memo and the smoking policy were sent to be signed by all employees.

The memo was initiated from a letter that was left anonymously by a resident. The select board thought at the time it was an opportunity to remind all employees of the smoking policy. Allison Wynot wanted to comment that confidentiality should not be broken. With no details, she said she believes that confidentiality has been broken to her in public.

Chester D. Barnes Sr. would like to arrange a Conservation Committee meeting sooner than later. Haskell and Chester looked at the calendar and a date of June 17, 2024, at 6 p.m. was set. They will reach out to other committee members with the date and time.

Haskell received a resignation letter from Moria Teekema, resigning from both the transfer station committee as secretary and resigning from the Conservation Committee. Chester D. Barnes Jr. made a motion to accept Moria Teekema’s resignation from both the transfer station committee as secretary and from the Conservation Committee, seconded by Andrew Ballantyne and accepted 5-0-0.

Tom Reed noted the walls upstairs at the town hall looked a mess. Discussion about town hall use and the cost it would take to keep fixing and painting the walls because residents put holes and peel the paint, also the cost of tables and chairs that get broken and need to be replaced. More discussion will follow at a future meeting about the town hall use policy and if that should be updated.

Tom McNaughton updated he has not seen a new contract come through from Delta Ambulance Service. He has also not heard any response regarding being on the board for Delta.

Andrew Ballantyne gave a brief update about the power line restarting their engine on Renewable Wind Energy. The best advice that is being passed around to towns is to be sure your ordinances are in place, and you have a strong comprehensive plan. William Appel Jr. said we will need to devote time to the comprehensive plan.

Vassalboro board OKs TIF funds for VSD

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro select board members began their June 13 meeting by electing Frederick “Rick” Denico, Jr., board chairman, succeeding newly re-elected member Christopher French.

After a very sparsely attended public hearing on Vassalboro Sanitary District (VSD) Treasurer Rebecca Goodrich’s request for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds, board members unanimously approved:

An allocation of $200,000, of which at least $124,000 will be put toward repaying debts for the VSD’s connection to Winslow and the remainder used for other expenses; and
Reallocation of $100,000 approved in 2019 to current needs.

Town Manager Aaron Miller said the VSD’s proposed uses of the money meet TIF requirements.

On a related issue, board members appointed Lisa Miller (no relation to Aaron Miller) a member of the VSD board. One pending issue is a rewrite of the district’s charter, slated to include provisions for electing VSD board members at the same time as municipal elections.

Only VSD customers would be eligible to become, or to vote for, board members. Town Manager Miller said town officials will need to prepare a separate VSD voter list.

Also pending is a long-term solution that will provide VSD with sufficient operating funds without bankrupting its approximately 200 customers who live in and between East Vassalboro and North Vassalboro villages.

French recommends housing projects in the villages to spread the costs among more people. Denico, saying that solution will take too long, proposes Vassalboro join the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) and ask its experts to apply for grant funding for the VSD.

The June 13 select board meeting began with a presentation by Kennebec Water District (KWD) General Manager Roger Crouse and Water Quality Manager Robbie Bickford. They explained KWD’s plan to discharge excess process water from the Vassalboro treatment plant into Outlet Stream.

The plant is on the west side of the stream, on Route 32 (Main Street) a short distance north of East Vassalboro village. Bickford said it has been treating China Lake water since 1993. It has a capacity of 12 million gallons a day, but processes only about 3.5 million gallons a day, he said.

The process water washed filters in the plant. It is clean enough, Bickford said, so that federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines allow a small percentage to be added to the plant’s output.

KWD would like to discharge some or all of the process water, part of an ongoing effort to reduce chemical use to help save rate-payers money.

Bickford and Crouse made two main points. The process water varies from the water already flowing in Outlet Stream in only one respect; it contains slightly more aluminum – “the most common metal on earth,” Bickford said. And the amount of water the outfall will add to the stream will be so small that neither the aluminum concentration nor the water level will be affected.

Bickford said KWD is getting necessary local, state and federal permits this spring, aiming to have a final plan and a chosen contractor in time to begin construction in the summer or fall of 2025.

Town and KWD officials touched briefly on a question raised by the high water level in China Lake earlier this spring: should some entity other than the Town of Vassalboro manage the Outlet Dam, in East Vassalboro? Crouse said KWD would like to stay involved in discussions of dam management.

Miller intends to schedule a workshop meeting with interested parties.

In other business June 13, select board members followed up on some of the actions voters authorized at the annual town meeting June 3 and made preparations for the new fiscal year that begins July 1.

In the first category, they:

authorized Miller to proceed with buying a new skid steer;
approved the lowest of three bids for removing tiles containing asbestos at the former East Vassalboro school building, from New Meadows Abatement, Inc., of Bath, for $10,310; and
discussed first steps for a new building on the public works lot.

For 2024-2025, they approved a long list of appointments and reappointments to town boards and committees. Miller announced vacancies on the planning board (John Phillips is resigning, he said); the Conservation Commission (he commended retiring member David Jenney for many years of service); the cemetery committee; and the trails committee.

Board members reaffirmed their prior decision to close the town office at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, to give staff time for end-of-year record-keeping. If necessary, staff members will return Friday morning, June 28.

The next regular Vassalboro select board meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, June 27.

China select board tours Thurston Park, makes appointments

Hikers on Bridge in Thurston Park (Photo courtesy: Town of China)

by Mary Grow

China select board members and Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood began the June 17 select board meeting with a motor tour of Thurston Park, in northeastern China.

Afterwards, board member Blane Casey expressed approval of the way the park is being maintained. Others agreed.

In the town office meeting room, board members:

Allocated an additional $1,000 from the fire department reserve fund to help pay for the South China Volunteer Fire Department’s planned addition of a three-phase converter at the fire station on Route 32;
Approved minor clarifications to the transfer station access policy, dealing with temporary passes for renters; and
Acted on a long list of re-appointments to town boards and committees before the new fiscal year begins July 1.

Hapgood explained that town office staff had asked each board or committee member whose term ends June 30 if he or she would serve again. Those who said no, and those who did not reply, were not on the appointments list.

In an unusual move, board members declined to re-appoint board of appeals chairman Spencer Aitel, who has held the position for at least a decade. A motion to re-appoint him failed for lack of a second. No one offered an explanation.

In addition to the vacancy on the board of appeals, there are openings on the comprehensive plan review committee, which has one member, and the recreation committee, which has two. All other committees that lost members kept at least five.

There are also two vacancies on the town planning board, which, under the new ordinance voters approved June 11, consists of five regular members and one alternate appointed by the select board. Planning board appointments were not on the June 17 list.

Board members re-appointed Hapgood to eight positions. They re-appointed town clerk Angela Nelson; codes officer Nicholas French; animal control officer Joshua Barnes; superintendent of cemeteries Adam Ellis; and China’s three fire chiefs, Richard Morse (South China), Joel Nelson (China Village) and William Van Wickler (Weeks Mills).

Votes were not all unanimous. Select board members who serve (mostly in non-voting capacities) on a committee being re-appointed abstained; and board chairman Wayne Chadwick voted against committee lists that included non-resident members – on principle, he stressed, not because he objected to any individual.

The next regular China select board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, July 1.

China TIF committee completes recommendations on revising document

by Mary Grow

At their June 10 meeting, China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee members completed recommendations on revising the document that governs the use of TIF funds. (See also the June 6 issue of The Town Line, p.8.)

They recommended deleting two accounts: the revolving loan fund intended to help businesses in town, which has been used only once, and the job training account, which has never been used.

They proposed adding an account, a second project at the causeway at the head of China Lake’s east basin. TIF money paid for previous improvements there: rebuilding the bridge across the lake’s major inlet stream, adding sidewalks and parking spaces and improving the boat landing.

The new project tentatively includes extending the sidewalk westward on the south (lake) side of the road, adding a floating dock from which people can fish and making improvements at the boat docks. Cost will be determined as soon as possible.

Committee members are aware that there is too little parking area for vehicles hauling boat trailers, but there is not space to expand the parking.

Committee members recommended increased funding for two existing projects that have regularly used all their allotments.

— The project named “Environmental Improvements,” which includes China Lake water quality, was listed to receive a maximum of $30,000 for each of the fiscal years 2024, 2025 and 2026. No amount was listed thereafter. Committee members recommended $50,000 a year until the TIF ends in 2045.
The “Trails” project, which has funded trail work by the Four Seasons Club townwide and by the Thurston Park Committee in Thurston Park, was to receive not more than $65,000 a year through 2045. Committee members recommended $80,000 a year.

Funds to match grants, a different category from the projects, have not been spent, but committee members said they could be. That account has been accumulating at $15,000 a year; its allocation is scheduled to end June 30, 2026. Committee members recommended extending it to 2031.

The TIF enabling legislation says grants to a municipality or a plantation can be matched. One candidate for a match is the China Lake Association, its president, Stephen Greene, said. Committee member Jamie Pitney, a lawyer, is unsure whether the state Department of Economic and Community Development, the TIF program’s overseer, would approve a grant to an organization.

Committee members know approximately how much unallocated, and allocated but unspent, money is in the TIF program now. They calculated how much money they recommend transferring from unused accounts to overused ones. Combining the figures, they decided their recommendations for additional funding are financially feasible.

They further discussed estimates of FY 2024-25 TIF income. The income comes from taxes Central Maine Power Company pays on its transmission line that runs north-south through China and on its South China substation.

Each year’s TIF income therefore depends on two factors: the valuation of the CMP properties and the town’s tax rate, or mil rate (the amount of tax for each $1,000 of valuation). The valuation waits on completion of a review by the town’s assessor; after that work is finished, the assessor will recommend a range of tax rates to generate money to cover projected 2024-25 expenses.

Select board members will then set the rate. In 2023, they made the decision at their Aug. 28 meeting, setting the current 12.26 mil rate ($12.26 for each $1,000 of valuation).

TIF committee members scheduled their next meeting for Monday evening, Aug. 5. They expect by then to have firmer numbers on most of the program, even without the 2024-25 tax rate.

Their goal is to present a revised TIF document to China voters at the polls on Nov. 5. If voters approve it, the appropriate state officials’ approval is also needed, a process likely to take several months.

New industrial business-space complex planned for Winslow

Artist’s rendering of exterior look. (Contributed artwork)

submitted by Dave Carew

Kennebec Roofing, a family-owned business in Waterville, has begun construction of The Kennebec Roofing Industrial Annex (KIA), a premier, $2.8 million, 16,500 square foot industrial office-space property for local contractors and others, to be located at the high-visibility location of 875 China Road (Route 137), in Winslow, minutes away from Route 201 and Interstate 95. Named in memory of Kierra “KIA” Ann Lint, the strategic complex will offer state-of-the-art, 1,650-square-feet business spaces with mezzanine offices, garages, and amenities for mid-size contractors, such as roofing companies, those who install flooring, electricians, garage door companies, plumbers, and HVAC. At least 10 units are planned, which also may be used as warehouses or storefronts. A unit for sports organizations, available for rent by the hour or day for practice and games, will also be available, along with year-round storage facilities for boats and RVs.

View from the mezzanine. (Contributed artwork)

“The $2.8 million investment in The Kennebec Roofing Industrial Annex is critically important and impactful for our community,” said Garvan Donegan, Director of Planning, Innovation, and Economic Development for the Central Maine Growth Council. “This new commercial project brings much-needed commercial square-footage inventory into the Winslow and regional market, providing opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs to establish a presence in Winslow, Maine. The Central Maine Growth Council, in conjunction with the Town of Winslow, is available to discuss public-private finance tools and economic development programs to support businesses looking to benefit from this key development project.”

George Lint, owner of Kennebec Roofing and a Winslow native, said The Kennebec Roofing Industrial Annex represents the culmination of one of his major business goals. “I am excited to see my dream of developing a much-needed commercial and multi-use facility in my hometown become reality,” Lint said. “I’m looking forward to future expansion plans to benefit the entire Winslow community.”

Among the benefits of renting office/business space within The Kennebec Roofing Industrial Annex will be flexible lease options; a year-round, climate-controlled environment; ample parking for tenants and their clients; secure outdoor and indoor storage for equipment and materials; custom-building of units to meet specific business needs; and high-bay commercial doors that allow easy access for large equipment and vehicles.

For more information, please call Kennebec Roofing at (207) 873-6128.