SCORES & OUTDOORS: Where have all the birds gone?

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Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee

Where have all the birds gone? That is a question that has been asked of me many times over the last several weeks. My wife first brought it to my attention when we first moved back to town from camp in early October. So, like a good husband, I ignored it. I said that I had seen birds at the feeders. Then, someone called a couple of weeks ago, and asked the same question. Many friends have also brought the situation to my attention.

So, thinking back, I realized the birds I had seen at home did not amount to the same number that have frequented our feeders in the past. Namely, one nuthatch, one chickadee and one house finch. The feeders are usually covered with gold finches, woodpeckers along with many other species. So, where did they go?

Even at camp, we noticed a shortage of birds this season. We did not see any grosbeaks, orioles or cardinals. And the hummingbirds left two weeks earlier than usual. So, where did the bird go?

Research showed me there is no definite answer. One of the reasons could be the loss of insects. Birds are highly dependent on them. When was the last time you had to clean your windshield of insects in the summer as we once did? Even at camp this summer, we noticed a shortage of insects. I haven’t seen a June bug in two years. There were hardly any hickory tussock caterpillars this fall, and definitely a decline in the number of harvestman spiders.

The loss of bird populations in the Western Mountains of Maine includes three major causes. First, there has been a coincidental drop in insect life. No one completely understands how or why this has happened. Another reason is loss of habitat.

Has anyone seen a wooly bear caterpillar this fall? They usually begin to appear in mid-September. I have seen zero, nil, zilch this fall.

Lepidoptera – Arctiidae – Pyrrharctia isabella caterpillar (woolly bear caterpillar)

Birds are the warning lights that tell us our natural systems are stressed out. Seen as indicator species for the health of America’s natural landscape, they are declining in numbers at an alarming rate.

I think it was in July when we first noticed there weren’t as many birds around as usual. We kept the feeders filled, but the time lapse between fill-ups was getting longer.

Was the summer too cold for baby birds to survive? Also, organized spraying campaigns can kill birds as well as the massive caterpillar population. Or, did the birds just go somewhere else. I guess we shouldn’t take it personally because birds do move from place to place in search of food. Birds migrate, so did they leave to head south a little earlier than normal. Did the violent hurricane activity this year have an affect on the bird migration? Did the storms mess up the birds’ timing and navigation? I guess the questions are endless on the possibilities.

The best reason I was able to find was from the Audubon Society, along with other bird information sources, insisting that nothing is wrong. That because of the warmer than usual fall weather and the unusually abundant sources of natural food, the birds are still finding plenty to eat in the wild. Also, another explanation was that bird populations naturally fluctuate from year to year and that a feeder that is really “busy” one year may have fewer birds the next.

It is apparently a universal question in our area right now, and one that seems to have fewer answers.

Read the follow-up, Update on Birds

REVIEWS: Conductor: von Karajan; Novelist: Arnold Bennett; Film: Four Brothers

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Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates

How I Started Collecting Records! (Beginning a series of weekly paragraphs.)

The first records I ever owned, at 2 years old, were Columbia yellow label 10-inch 78s – three in number – all featuring Burl Ives applying his warm, cuddly baritone to such titles as The Little White Duck; Lollipop Tree; Old Witch, Old Witch; The Little Engine That Could; and several others. I discovered the thrill of ownership, of music being transferred from a round circulating disc through a needle to a speaker and of the escape to be had from the mundane everydayness of one’s life that could creep in at any moment!!

Haydn

Paris and London Symphonies
Herbert von Karajan conducting the Berlin Philharmonic; DG -477 7917, six CDs, recorded 1981-82.

Herbert von Karajan

I have had a long listening love/hate relationship with Herbert von Karajan (1908-1989). He could do a performance that would send one into clouds of bliss, such as, for example, a mid-’60s Deutsche Grammophon LP of Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons. Then an early 1980s digital recording of the Holst Planets that would drive one crazy with its bombastic slickness and superficiality, as if he didn’t give a hoot !

Hearing the above set of 18 of the most beautiful symphonies Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) ever composed, I wanted to take back every bad response and rehear the bad records. These symphonies each have captivating opening movements; playful and heart-warming Andantes, Adagios and Allegrettos, often with a little joke thrown in; cheerful Minuets; and perky, snappy Finales. They rank among the select group of musical works that are truly life-affirming, thus making this box of CDs a genuine bargain of under 20 bucks in several venues I have checked.

Arnold Bennett

Imperial Palace
published 1930, 625 pages.

Arnold Bennett

For me, Arnold Bennett (1867-1931) was one of the most consistently readable and enjoyable novelists, as well as critics and essayists, of a generation of English writers that include such powerful names as Joseph Conrad, John Galsworthy, and Ford Madox Ford. Bennett’s gift was in re-creating the lives of middle- and working-class folks, but he could do memorable rich individuals too.

Imperial Palace would be Bennett’s last novel. Consisting of 625 pages, it would be his longest as well. Focusing on a luxury hotel modeled after London’s Savoy, it chronicles the type of panorama one would expect as its inner workings, but told mainly through the eye of its manager, Evelyn Orcham, and a meticulously competent one at that!

The reader encounters a most memorably depicted array of characters and situations. In fact, there is not a dull page in the book due to Bennett’s extraordinary story-telling skills at placing one in the novel as the proverbial fly on the wall. One scene that will always stick in my mind is a breakfast meeting between Orcham and a multi-billionaire in the latter’s private suite. I could feel the hearts of both men beating throughout this early morning chess game.

Totally recommended to anyone who enjoys a first class, old-fashioned reading experience!!

Four Brothers

starring Mark Wahlberg, etc. 2005.

Mark Wahlberg

A woman is murdered at work during a hold-up. Her four grown-up adopted sons inevitably investigate the circumstances and take joint action. This is a very entertaining revenge film, shot – no pun intended – mainly in Detroit!

Letters to the Editor, Week of October 26, 2017

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Food drive to assist residents in Puerto Rico

To the editor:

Erskine Academy Spanish teacher Sonia Stevenson has informed me that the school is holding a food drive to assist residents of the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico which, as I’m sure all readers know, was almost completely devastated by a recent hurricane. In an attempt to support three specific towns, Erskine students and staff are seeking foods that are stable and that will better survive what will possibly be a long journey to the island. This includes dry vegetables like beans, rice, canned foods like tuna and chicken and also, over the counter medications. There are drop boxes at the Erskine Academy campus and any and all donations will be greatly appreciated!

Bob Bennett
China

Local production nominated for Grammy

To the editor:

A few weeks ago I made reference to the music presentation that was done last year for the board in connection with the Holocaust. I told you that it was catching on nation wide. I was holding off until it became official, but I can now share with you the rest of the story:

On Monday, October 16, 2017, the Grammy Awards ballot was published by the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. In the Choral category is listed the Messalonskee Public Schools album “Songs of Darkness and Hope.”

Yes, the production that was produced by our students has been nominated for a Grammy. I heard from Kevin Rhein today, the CD is being sent to every Holocaust Museum in the country.

Congratulations to everyone involved. As you can imagine they are incredibly proud and excited. I know you are as well.

Carl Gartley
Superintendent of Schools
RSU #18

Urges large voter turnout on school question

To the editor:

On Election Day, Winslow voters will decide if they will borrow $10.325 million to consolidate the Winslow School system. Of that total amount, $5.14 million will be spent to expand and renovate the high school for the addition of the seventh and eighth grades, $755,000 to expand the auxiliary gym at the high school, $230,000 to expand the cafeteria at the high school and $2.95 million for a 600 seat Performing Arts Center. Another $600,000 will be dedicated to the renovation of the Elementary School to accommodate the sixth grade. In addition, $650,000 will be provided for demolition of the Junior High if other uses can not be found. Over the next 20 years, Winslow property taxpayers will repay at least $13.73 million including interest.

For the median household, property taxes will increase by at least $158 more per year to pay the annual debt cost of at least $687,000 per year for the next 20 years. Combined with the existing school debt payment of $415,000 per year, the median household in Winslow will need to pay over $250 per year to support the education debt. The Winslow School Board concluded that the Junior High structure was no longer viable due to the decrease in school’s sixth to eighth grade enrollment from 413 students in 2000 to a projected 227 students in 2020, and the significant capital investment needed to restore the structure to an acceptable standard. Overall, Winslow’s school enrollment is decreasing. In 2020, there will be 472 fewer students than were enrolled in 2000.

The proposed $2.95 million expenditure for a 600-seat Performing Arts Center is based on the stated need for more space to support the programs and activities. In 2008, there were 527 students in the high school utilizing the existing 210-seat auditorium. In 2020, there will be a projected combined 7-12 grade enrollment of 533.

When the school board voted to close the Junior High in August 2016, it was reported that the proposal to consolidate to the existing Elementary and High School would cost less than $5 million. Voters are now being asked to support a $10 million project.

I would urge Winslow residents to vote early or on November 7 since the outcome will have a significant impact on property taxes as well determine the voter’s approval to borrow $10.325 million to support the school consolidation proposal. A large voter turnout will ensure that the will of the people of Winslow is represented.

Ken Fletcher
Winslow Town Councilor

IF WALLS COULD TALK, Week of October 26, 2017

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Katie Ouilette Wallsby Katie Ouilette

Faithful readers and WALLS, I’m writing and listening and learning history and, yup, Channel 772 on Beeline Cable TV. Just imagine it, faithful readers, there never used to be television!

Actually, in my growing years, our radio was on most of the day for Mémère Zelia to hear about favorite recipes. Her sitting time was devoted to Ma Perkins, the soap opera of the day! My, how our lives have changed. We neighborhood kids played until lunch-time, then nap time, then we’d repeat the ritual: play time and supper-time and bedtime.The men-folk would either carry their lunch-pails to work or be home at noon. Ah, memories of yesteryear!

Last week, WALLS talked about Skowhegan and Waterville downtowns changing and more changes are on the way, faithful readers!

It seems like the old world and the new are, again, on a collision course. So, does history really repeat itself, as we learned over and over in our history classes?

Everyone who knows me are aware of my singing. I sang for concerts, for Rotary Club in Skowhegan, for different clubs and, at 11 years old, was the youngest person in the Federated Church’s Senior Choir. Radio? Yes, as I studied singing with Roger Nye, of Fairfield, and he had a regular weekly program on an Augusta station. Yes, I sang classical music and nobody does that any more except with Andrae Riew’s Orchestra or the Metropolitan Opera (Yes, I sang with an opera star in college and was invited to audition at the Metropolitan, but how was I to live in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and sing in New York City?)

O.K., I’ve wandered, but I did live in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the Atomic City, as husband, Joe Denis, worked there after his graduation from Colby College. But, now we hear about another war…and an atomic one, at that. And all the while, Colby College’s campus is changing Waterville’s downtown. Hmmm, does history repeat itself, since Joe Denis’ class of ’52 was the first to graduate from the Mayflower Hill campus?

Well, faithful readers, it is time for you to think about all that WALLS has said today. Yes, next week, WALLS will make you laugh. WALLS, promises no more gloom, as Halloween is really a happy time!

SOLON & BEYOND, Week of October 26, 2017

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

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

The Solon Pine Tree 4-H Club reorganized for a new year on Saturday, October 14, at the Solon Fire Station with 12 members. Plans were made to attend County Achievement Night on October 27 at Kennebec Valley Grange Hall, in Madison.

Plans were also made to hold a family supper on Friday, November 3, at the Solon Masonic Hall.

For a fun activity the members painted pumpkins that were donated by the Seavey Farm, in North Anson.

They also made Nature Frames using silk from milkweed pods, different kinds of leaves and flowers.

After the meeting the members enjoyed apple cider.

The next meeting will be on Saturday, November 11, at 9:30 a.m., at the Solon Fire Station..

My many thanks to Eleanor Pooler, the leader of the Solon Pine Tree 4-H Club for always sharing their interesting meetings with us. It is always greatly appreciated. And many thanks also, to Eleanor, for her devotion to leading this great club!

I was very glad to receive an e-mail(which had been written while we were in Rangeley) so wasn’t able to get it in in time for the supper) My many thanks to Aryke Coombs for the e-mail that said, “We had our annual roadside cleanup on the morning of Saturday, September 30. We also have a spaghetti dnner and Luck of the Draw coming up on Saturday, October 28. There will be a door prize, the dinner, a Luck of the Draw, and a lot of fun to be had. Our local heroes, the members of our Solon Fire Dept., will be the waiters and waitress. The dinner and Luck of the Draw will be from 4 – 7 pm at the Solon Elementary School. The above was done by the Solon Fire Auxiliary. I was very happy to see the above e-mail to share with our friends, I have stressed before how much I would like to have news of what is being done.

We had a wonderfully relaxing week at the Rangeley Lakes Resort, it is a very nice peaceful place for a vacation. This year we were happy to have several visitors. Lief’s sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Elwood Ellis, of China Village, came up to see us one day. My brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Insowa Jones and their dog Wekow, came up from Farmington and spent Tuesday night with us, then we drove over to New Hampshire on Wednesday. (I could not get used to the fact that you don’t have to pay a sales tax over there, it was great!) On Friday, my daughter Mary and son-in-law Dave Walz came for a visit and we ate at the Red Onion. We were so happy to have visitors and…. we also had four-legged friendly visitors! One evening we arrived back to our cabin and there were two friendly deer waiting for us right on the lawn near the porch. They stayed around and visited for awhile, then slowly meandered off into the trees. Another day a deer came out on the road that leads to the main highway and walked along slowly ahead of us as if he was showing us how to get to the main road.

Another day, we were doing a little shopping across from the Red Onion and heard some one over at the outside eating area call out, “Hey, Lief,” and we looked, and it was Ronnie Brown and several of his ATV friends having lunch there. We went over and talked with them for awhile.

And now for Percy’s memoir on Love: “Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.” (Unknown) and a question by Benjamin Franklin; “Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life and love is made of.”

TECH TALK: Virtual Money – The next evolution in commerce

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ERIC’S TECH TALK

by Eric Austin
Technical Consultant

Commerce began simply enough. When roving bands of hardly-human migratory hunters met in the Neolithic wilderness, it was only natural that they compare resources and exchange goods. The first trades were simple barters: two beaver skins and a mammoth tusk for a dozen arrowheads and a couple of wolf pelts.

As people settled down and built cities, there was a need to standardize commerce. In ancient Babylon, one of our earliest civilizations, barley served as a standard of measurement. The smallest monetary unit, the ‘shekel,’ was equal to 180 grains of barley.

The first coins appeared not long after. Initially, a coin was worth the value of the metal it was minted from, but eventually its intrinsic value separated from its representational value. When the state watered down the alloy of a gold coin with baser metals, such as tin or copper, they invented inflation. With the introduction of paper money, first in China in the 7th century CE and later in medieval Europe, the idea of intrinsic worth was done away with entirely for a representational value dictated by the state.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, corporations took over from the state as the main drivers in the evolution of commerce. Then, in the 1960s, the foundations of e-commerce were laid down with the establishment of the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). The EDI defines the standards for transactions between two electronic devices on a network. It was initially developed out of Cold War military strategic thinking, specifically the need for logistical coordination of transported goods during the 1948 Berlin Airlift.

Worry about the security of such communication kept it from being used for financial transactions until 1994, when Netscape, an early browser technology company and the foundation of browsers such as Firefox, invented Secure Socket Layers (SSL) encryption, a cryptographic protocol that provides communications security for computers over a network. After this breakthrough, various third parties began providing credit card processing services. A short time later, Verisign developed the first unique digital identifier, or SSL certificate, to verify merchants. With that our current system for online commerce was complete.

So why is Internet security still such a constant worry? Part of the problem is embedded in the structure of the Internet itself. The Internet is first and foremost designed to facilitate communication, and its openness and decentralized structure is paradoxical to the financial sector, which depends on the surety of a centralized authority overseeing all transactions. Most of our existing security issues on the internet are a consequence of these diametrically opposed philosophies.

Cryptocurrencies are the result of thinking about money with an Internet mindset. Classified as a virtual currency, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin aim to solve a number of problems present in our current online transactional system by embracing the decentralized structure of the Internet and by lifting some novel concepts from cryptography, the study of encryption and code-breaking.

Introduced in 2009, Bitcoin was the world’s first virtual currency. Bitcoin tackles the security issues of our current system by decentralizing its transaction data. Bitcoin’s public ledger is called a ‘blockchain,’ with each block in the chain representing a financial transaction. The database is designed to prevent data alteration by building references to other transactions into each record. To alter one record, a hacker would need to alter every other record that references it in order to avoid detection.

And since the database is maintained by every computer participating in that chain of transactions, any data altered on one computer would be immediately detected by every other computer on the network. This ‘decentralized data’ concept eliminates the big weakness in our current system. Today, the control of data is concentrated in a few centralized institutions, and if the security of any one of those institutions is penetrated, the entire system becomes compromised.

Beyond creating a secure financial transaction system for the World Wide Web, another goal of cryptocurrencies is to reduce or even eliminate financial fees by removing the need for a middleman overseeing the transaction. Since no centralized banking authority is necessary to track transactions, many of the costs associated with the involvement of banking institutions disappear. This has made Bitcoin the preferred currency for moving money around the world, as it can be done with a minimum of bureaucratic fees. Western Union currently charges 7-8 percent transfer cost per $100. For migrant workers sending money home to their families, that’s a big hit.

With no personal, identifying information recorded as part of a Bitcoin transaction, it provides a level of anonymity not possible with our current system. However, as pointed out by MIT researchers, this anonymity only extends as far as the merchant accepting the transaction, who may still tag transaction IDs with personal customer info.

The anonymous nature of Bitcoin transactions is a boon to the security of consumers, but it presents a real problem for law enforcement. Bitcoin has become the favored currency for criminal activity. Kidnappers frequently insist on payment in Bitcoin. The WannaCry virus that attacked 200,000 computers in 150 countries earlier this year required victims to pay in Bitcoin.

The value of Bitcoin has steadily increased since it was introduced almost 10 years ago. In January 2014, one bitcoin was worth $869.61. As I write this in October 2017, that same bitcoin is valued at $5,521.32, an increase of more than 500 percent in just three years. With approximately 16 million bitcoins in circulation, the total current value of the Bitcoin market is almost $92 billion. The smallest unit of Bitcoin is called a ‘satoshi,’ worth 1 millionth of a bitcoin.

WannaCry isn’t the only cyberthreat to leverage Bitcoin either. Since Bitcoin is designed to reward computers which keep its database updated with new bitcoins, some malicious programmers have created viruses that hijack your computer in order to force it to mine bitcoins. Most people are not even aware this has happened. There may simply be a process running in the background, slowing down your PC, and quietly depositing earned bitcoins into a hacker’s digital wallet.

The benefits to be gained by this revolution in commerce – security, anonymity, and the elimination of the need for a financial middleman – are great, but the risks are not to be dismissed either. Even as the anonymous nature of cryptocurrencies provide the consumer with greater security and lower costs, it creates a haven for criminals and makes it more difficult for law enforcement to track cybercrime.

Whether Bitcoin sticks around or disappears to be replaced with something else, the philosophy and technology behind it will transform the financial sector in the decades to come. Our current internet commerce model is a slapdash attempt to stick an old system onto the new digital world of the Internet and cannot last. The road to a new financial reality is bound to be a rocky one, as banking institutions are not likely to accept the changes – and the recession of their influence – easily. But, as shown by the recent Equifax hack, which exposed the personal information of 143 million Americans, maybe trusting our financial security to a few, centralized institutions isn’t such a great idea. And maybe cryptocurrencies are part of the answer.

Howe defends position in legal controversy with town

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Ralph Howe, one of the four candidates for a one-year term as selectman, is involved in a legal controversy with the town, which will come before the Board of Appeals at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2. Board of Appeals meetings are open to the public. Howe is appealing rulings by Codes Officer Paul Mitnick that he has expanded his business, Bio Renewable Fuels Corp (BRF), without planning board approval and is therefore in violation of town ordinances. Through his lawyer, Howe claimed at the Oct. 2 selectmen’s meeting that he has not expanded the business, and since previous Codes Officer Scott Pierz approved what he is doing, he does not need a permit now. In the appeals board filing, Howe’s attorney, Kristin Collins, of Preti-Flaherty, writes that BRF has had wastewater treatment lagoons and storage tanks on the property at 168 Weeks Mills Road since 2012.

BRF was not required to get a commercial permit to start operations and, Collins writes, received a 2012 building permit to add 4,400 square feet to an existing building and a 2015 building permit for a 25-by-40-foot water treatment building “without being required to obtain approval of a new or expanded commercial use.”

Collins writes that BRF has a state waste discharge license that “covers the entire property and all of BRF’s wastewater disposal and treatment activities at the property.”

CHINA: Eight candidates seek three seats on selectboard; two running for planning board

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by Mary Grow

Two dozen China voters took advantage of a chance to meet and question candidates for local office at an Oct. 22 forum sponsored by the China Village Library.

Attending were all eight candidates for three seats on the board of selectmen and one of the two candidates for planning board District 1.

Candidates for two three-year terms as selectmen are:

  • Incumbent Irene Belanger, retired real estate agent, Ingraham Road resident who has lived in China since 1969 and has been on town committees and boards almost since she arrived, including the planning board and board of selectmen;
  • Incumbent Ronald Breton, Lakeview Drive, an Augusta native and China resident for 32 years, retired since 2008 after a career as a federal employee including 34 years in the Department of Veterans Affairs at Togus, also a former planning board member;
  • Frederick Glidden, China native, retired from the Merchant Marine, who said he is running for selectman because his family told him to “stop bitchin’ and start doing something”; and
  • Former Selectman Robert MacFarland, Alder Park Road resident and self-employed contractor.
    Candidates to serve the final year of retiring board member Joann Austin’s term are: • Wayne Chadwick, Palermo native who’s lived in China more than 30 years, self-employed excavation contractor;
  • Randall Downer, 19-year Neck Road resident, New York native, computing manager for Colby College who hopes if elected to emulate Austin’s qualities: “respectful, polite and a good listener”;
  • Ralph Howe, owner of Bio Renewable Fuels on Dirigo Road, who has spent his whole life in China except for six years in the army; and
  • Donna Mills-Stevens, owner with her husband of Stevens Dairy Farm on Pleasant View Ridge Road since 1995, assistant vice-president of Bar Harbor Bank and Trust with 20 years’ experience in banking.

Steven Hadsell and Kevin Michaud seek the District 1 Planning Board position from which James Wilkens is retiring. Hadsell was not at the forum.

  • Michaud, a Maple Ridge Road resident since 2003, has spent more than 30 years in education and is now director of the Waldo County Technical Center in Waldo.

Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux moderated the hour-and-a-half hour presentation and discussion, which repeatedly came back to two themes: China’s future should include more small businesses to meet local needs and to add to the tax base; and selectmen are not all-powerful, but are instruments of the voters’ will, so voters should educate themselves about town affairs, attend more meetings and express their views. Belanger endorsed small businesses, and pointed out that larger ones whose owners were respectful of neighborhood and town needs and wishes could also fit in – for example, the once-opposed Hannaford supermarket.

Breton recommended businesses, affordable housing, a health care clinic, children’s programs and maybe a youth center.

Glidden listed small machine shops or a meat market as examples of businesses that might be welcome.

MacFarland thinks China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) money should be used to promote small businesses. He would like to see local businesses provide the services for which residents now travel to Waterville and Augusta.

Chadwick supports both more housing and small business, but pointed out few small business owners can afford to provide the benefits that will attract young workers. Downer would like to see diverse residential development as a contributor to the tax base.

Howe said China’s reputation for being anti-business should be corrected. He believes TIF money and grants should be used to attract investors for projects like senior citizens’ housing near Hannaford, and that TIF funds should be used in ways that encourage repayment, not for projects like the causeway bridge. He called for an end to the Not in My Back Yard (NIMBY) attitude. Mills-Stevens thinks China should take more opportunities to seek state and federal grants, an area in which she has expertise. She proposed more local business and entertainment, like parks and a community center. The town-owned former subdivision near the north end of Lakeview Drive might be a good site for such improvements, she suggested.

Michaud called for making the town more business-friendly, suggested trying to get more use out of the China Conference Center buildings on Neck Road and proposed “small manufacturing where appropriate.” Retiring Planning Board Chairman Wilkens asked all the candidates whether, when quality of life and location of a new business conflicted, their priority would be quality of life or business. He got four different answers:

Glidden, Mills-Stevens, Downer and Michaud would all choose quality of life, with Downer adding “under the rule of law.” Howe replied that a “business was a greater public benefit than a handful of negatively impacted neighbors.”

Breton said firmly, “Both” and did not expand his answer.

Belanger, MacFarland and Chadwick said each decision would have to be made on a case-by-case basis.

Asked more specifically about zoning as a means to separate residential and business areas, only Downer and Michaud were willing to consider it, with the understanding that it would be complicated to define and implement if voters approved it.

Discussion of business development led to a discussion of China’s comprehensive plan. The 2008 plan needs to be updated in 2018, Belanger said.

To objections that the 2008 plan was never implemented, Belanger and Breton said selectmen and an Implementation Committee proposed several measures and voters consistently rejected them.

Chadwick and Howe said the plan is too long and contains too much that is irrelevant to China. Belanger replied most of the irrelevant material is required by the state – and, she said, towns without a state-approved plan are disadvantaged when they apply for state grants.

Proposals for encouraging participation and educating voters included several candidates’ recommendation that the town collect email addresses, perhaps at the polls, and send email notices of selectboard, planning board and other meetings. Use of social media was also recommended.

A suggestion of notices in the Central Maine newspapers was countered by Howe’s suggestion that the money they would cost be used instead to subsidize mail delivery of The Town Line, which Breton said selectmen made the town paper some years ago when it was mailed weekly.

Howe thought coffee and donuts would be an inexpensive way to make residents feel more welcome at board meetings, and MacFarland, less seriously, proposed “a keg of beer.”

Glidden and Chadwick were pessimistic about getting people routinely involved. People are too busy to come to a meeting unless an issue affects them, Glidden said. Downer suggested that before each town meeting, warrant articles and explanatory material be posted on the website, so voters would arrive informed and meetings might be shorter.

Chadwick, Howe and MacFarland all called in their opening statements for “common sense in spending” taxpayers’ money. Former Selectman MacFarland thinks board members do use common sense and do a good job of carrying out voters’ policies; Chadwick and Howe see room for improvement.

Glidden and Mills-Stevens also had reservations. Mills-Stevens said selectmen listen to residents but don’t always follow through and Glidden cited examples of their acting against voters’ will, for example by installing cameras at the transfer station.

China voters will decide among the candidates at the polls on Nov. 7. There are also state questions, three local referendum questions and a school bond issue on the ballots. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the former portable classroom behind the town office on Lakeview Drive. Absentee ballots are available through Thursday, Nov. 2, at the town office.

Obituaries, Week of October 26, 2017

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MARY L. MACMILLAN

COOPERS MILLS––Mary Lorette MacMillan, 99, died on Sunday, October 1, 2017, at Country Manor Nursing Home, in Coopers Mills. She was born in Waterville on September 28, 1918, the daughter of Adelard and Clara (Pooler) Labbe.

She was educated in local schools and was a graduate of Thomas College, in Waterville.

She was employed for many years as manager at Knowles and Dressel, in Skowhegan, and was a 13-year member of the Rebekah’s Society.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Reginald MacMillan Sr.; her stepson, Reginald MacMillan Jr.; and her sister, Cecile Betit.

Mary is survived by her nephew, Richard Grenier, of Winslow; her niece, RaeJean Beane, of Moscow; her daughter-in-law, Ernestine MacMillan, of Skowhegan; two granddaughters, Carol Pavone, of Farmingdale, and Judy Clark, of Skowhegan; three great-grandchildren, Ashley and Gretchen Clark and Monica Kittredge; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

NICK E. HARVEY

OAKLAND––Nick E. Harvey, 45, died suddenly Monday, October 2, 2017. Nick was born June 24, 1972, in Hawaiian Gardens, California.

He graduated from Silver Creek High School in 1990. Immediately following his graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served for nearly 17 years. Nick was a veteran of Desert Storm. His time in the Navy eventually lead him to the state of Maine where he started his own business, Harvey Construction. In recent years he found much enjoyment in his new career as a truck driver.

He was very patriotic and loved spending time and volunteering with his friends from the Oakland Legion Post#51. Nick was very passionate about the Navy and met many friends throughout his years of service.

Many of Nick’s favorite activities included playing darts and pool. He loved using his hands to build and fix things like his new truck and doing renovations in his home. Nick was a kind hearted man, always lending a hand when he could.

He was predeceased by his sister, Carrie Harvey; and his grandfather, Francis Carter.

He is survived by his mother, Anna Harvey; his sister, Lisa Harvey; his wife, Neecko Harvey; his son, Erik Harvey; his daughters, Samantha and Victoria Harvey; his step-daughters, Abbyjoi Dungan and Willow Blanchette; his grandchildren, Finn Aresnault and Caius Frankel.

CATHERINE M. MARDEN

ALBION––Catherine M. Marden, 92, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2017. Catherine was born in Portland to Wilbur and Eva Moses.

After high school, she attended and graduated with honors from the nursing program at the University of Maine in Orono. She met Mickey Marden at the University of Maine; they married December 19, 1948.

While Mickey built the family business, she selflessly raised their five children, tended gardens, canned vegetables, and was a solid and steadying presence in the family. Countless mittens, sweaters and hats were knit, many a chocolate birthday cake was devoured, Thanksgiving and Christmas tables were laden with delights from Mama’s kitchen.

Books, more books and Scrabble games were a joy to Mama.

After child-raising years and assisting Mickey as he built the business, winters were enjoyed in Englewood, Florida. She loved the beaches, shells she collected, southern plants, walks on nature trails near the condominium, and art lessons.

After Mickey’s death in 2002, she continued to enjoy Florida winters.

Wild flowers, fleecy clouds, ferns, fall leaves, birds, books, knitting, painting and family genealogy were enjoyed. She was private, independent, contented, and frugal.

Close proximity blessed her Hutchins and Willey great-grandchildren who will fondly remember her. They delighted her with mischievous ways, bunches of wild flowers, bird feathers, laughter, insects and rocks.

Her last months were spent at Lakewood, in Waterville.

She was predeceased by her parents; two sisters; her husband Mickey; and first-born Nancy.

Catherine is survived by daughter Martha and husband Brent Hutchins; sons, David and wife Sigrid, John and wife Jane, and Ham and wife Lois; along with 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and her brother-in-law John Crumpton, who blessed her with faithful visits.

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

Memorial donations may be made to Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, or Albion Lions Club, Christmas Project, c/o Mr. and Mrs. Vite Vitale, P.O. Box 25, Albion ME 04910.

MARALYN W. MITCHELL

VASSALBORO––Maralyn W. Mitchell died on Saturday, October 13, 2017. Born in Madison, on June 27, 1941, to the late Garth W. and Mary M. Collins, she was the second among seven children: Jacquelyn Steward, Elayne Charron, John Collins, Garth Colling Jr., Roxanne Cannon, and Rhonda Stewart.

In 1958 she married “the boy next door,” Bradford Mitchell, and over the past 59 (plus) years they built a family, including their six children and spouses: Scott Mitchell, Linda and Mike Dickey, Catherine and Ikuo Seki, Stephen and Cheryl Mitchell, Robin and Clint Walker, and Jennifer and Corey Hight. She enjoyed working with her hands––from sewing quilts for her grandchildren and teaching her children to knit, to creating flower arrangements and baking delicious wedding cakes. She cultivated beautiful flower gardens, and her melodic alto voice blessed many as she sang––with family, in church choirs, and with the King’s Men Gospel Quartet.

Maralyn’s love for her Saviour, Jesus Christ, was the motivation for everything she did. She taught the gospel at the Sunday School, Children’s Church, VBS, Good News Club, homeschool co-op, and Christian School. She imparted patience and grace to all who knew her.

Her legacy continues with 14 grandchildren and their spouses: Luke and Shelly Mitchell, Jacob and Shannon Mitchell, Joshua and Kristina Mitchell, Amanda and Matthew Smith, Zachary and Natasha Dickey, Hannah and Geoffrey Winkler, Ryan and Jenacy Mitchell, Rachael Mitchell, Dennis and Emily Walker, Margo and Eric Hardy, Anna and Jessie Champagne, emily McKenney, Joshua McKenney, and Jackson Hight; and 15 great-grandchildren; also Maralyn will be missed by many nieces and nephews; Brad’s brother and his wife Rodney and Dottie Mitchell.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215.

DANA V. GALLAGHER

OAKLAND––Dana V. Gallagher, 80, died Saturday, October 14, 2017, at Bedside Manor, in Oakland. He was born December 29, 1936, in Waterville, the son of Beecher and Dorothy (Brann) Gallagher.

Dana graduated from Williams High School in 1955.

He ended his employment for many dedicated years at the Chinet Company, formerly Keyes Fibre, in Waterville. The highlights of his life were his wife, Muriel, of 37 years and family. He enjoyed spending time in Eustis where he helped build the family camp with his Dad, where he enjoyed hunting fishing and many vacations with family and friends. He loved working outdoors cutting wood and doing the upkeep of his and his children’s properties.

Dana was predeceased by his parents; his wife; and his in-laws.

Dana is survived by three children, daughter Brenda Gallagher Thomas, of Sidney; son Clayton Gallagher and his wife April, and son Dean Gallagher and his wile Melinda, all of Oakland; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

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

Memorial donations may be made to Bedside Manor, P.O. Box 603, Oakland ME 04963 or, The Alzheimer Association.

CAROLYN A. LANE

WINDSOR––Carolyn Cole “Kelly” Lane, 73, of Windsor, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, October 14, 2017. She was born on October 19, 1942, in Gardiner, the daughter of Max and Alberta Pushard Cole.

Kelly received her diploma from Cony High School, in Augusta. She was employed for many years at the former Carlton Woolen Mills, in Winthrop. Kelly enjoyed baking homemade breads, canning relishes, knitting socks and mittens, gardening, and watching sports. Her kitchen was always open and there was always something to snack on.

Kelly was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Robert L. Lane Sr.

She is survived by her four children, Kevin and his wife Diane, of West Gardiner, Robert Jr. and his wife Beth, of Chelsea, Kim Belanger and her husband Tom, of Belgrade, and Elizabeth Cumber and her husband Jay, of Fayette; four step-children, Norman, of Falmouth, Massachusetts, Roy and his wife Meg, of Belgrade, Andy and his wife Judy, of Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania, and Linda Veilleux and her husband Gary, of Augusta; her sister and two brothers, Shirley Taylor, of Belleview, Florida, Bernard Cole, of Augusta, and Stanley Cole, of Fayette; 19 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

LEONEL E. LIBBY

WINSLOW––Leonel E. Libby, 83, passed away Saturday, October 14, 2017, at Mount Saint Joseph nursing home in Waterville, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Leonel was born on May 21, 1934, in Winslow, a son of Alphonse and Roseanna (Paradis) Labbe.

He graduated from Winslow High School, class of 1954.

Leonel had been employed at Levine’s Clothing Store, in Waterville, for 45 years, retiring in April 1996. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, in Winslow. He was a chartered member of the Winslow Jaycees, the Lions Club and the Waterville Elks Club #905.

He enjoyed bowling and playing cards, especially cribbage, pool and making puzzles. He was a big fan (die Hard) of the Giants, the Patriots and the Red Sox. He enjoyed his grandchildren and loved family gatherings.

He was predeceased by four sisters, Ida May Hallee, Jeffrine Bouchard, Cecile Patrie, Lorette Roy; six brothers, Ovide Libby, Laurier Libby, Raymond Libby, Fernand Libby, Emile Libby and Victor Labbe.

Leonel is survived by his wife of 61 years, Donna (morn) Libby, of Winslow; his two daughters, Melissa Routhier and her husband James, of Vassalboro, Celeste Dechaine and her husband Bruce, of Winslow; his son Mark Libby and wife Lynn, of Vassalboro; his grandchildren, Jason Rodrique and his partner Adam Smith, Nicole Hawkins and her husband James, Ryan Deschaine and his wife Alison, Stephanie Marcoux and husband Bradley, Brett Libby; his step-grandchildren, Jamie Routhier, Jessica Routhier, Danielle Dechaine, Cassandra Dechaine; great-grandson Cooper Routhier Starkey; great-granddaughter Aria Marcoux; many nieces and nephews; one brother Robert Libby, of Enfield, Connecticut; and sister-in-law Carmen Audet Libby, of Farmington, Connecticut.

Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Leonel’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with his family.

Donations may be made in his memory to: Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough ME 04074.

KATHLEEN A. DUNN

VASSALBORO – Kathleen “Katie” A. Dunn, 56, passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at her home, in Vassalboro. She was born the oldest of five children in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Her family moved around in her younger years, which played a large part in shaping her world view. She spent two years in France where she learned the language, marveled at the museums, and attended a French high school. She also spent a large part of her childhood in Vermont, where she developed a fondness for New England. This appreciation inspired her to attend Colby College, in Waterville, where she in turn fell in love with Central Maine.

In the mid-’80s, Katie met her best friend and life partner, Ron, and they traveled together through Georgia and Florida planting trees, eventually traversing the country to settle in Northern California. Their daughter Eileen was born and shortly after, Katie and Ron realized how much they missed Maine, so they then moved back to Central Maine where they had their son Tyler. After working as a chef and server at The Last Unicorn, Katie pursued her passion for literature and education and started her career as a teacher while also pursuing multiple graduate degrees. After four years teaching at Williams Junior High, in Oakland, she landed at Waterville Senior High School, where she taught English for 19 years. Katie was passionately invested in the community at WSHS, with her years on the School Leadership Team, and as the advisor of both the school newspaper and the school’s Gay/Straight Alliance.

Katie spent decades traveling and experiencing nature in some of the most beautiful places, for which she had an enduring admiration; from her second home in Carrabassett Valley to Costa Rica, Utah, Colorado, the National Park system and beyond, she skied, paddled, biked, and hiked her way around the world. She loved education, and was committed to the growth and well-being of each of her students. She will be lovingly remembered by the many souls whose lives she touched throughout the years, but especially by her husband Ron, her daughter Eileen, and her son Tyler.

Memorial donations may be made to Maine Family Planning, Hardy Girls Healthy Women, or the Mid Maine Homeless Shelter, and/or are encouraged to think of her next time they see a beautiful flower or tree.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

HERMAN J. WILLETTE

FAIRFIELD – Herman J. Willette, 76, died on Wednesday, October 18, 2017, at Inland Hospital, in Waterville, following a long illness. He was born August 13, 1941, in Waterville, the son of Eugene and Odile (Levesque) Willette.

After being educated in Waterville schools, he started working at the Lambert Farm. After working on the farm and trucking wood chip all over the state to chicken farmers, he began roofing and worked for Altas Roofing. Then he worked as a foreman at Drew’s Roofing Company until they closed. He continued working for Local #1284, helping to build what is now SAPPI, in Hinckley. He began his own family roofing business, and with the help of a few employees, continued to help Project Local Homes until a second heart attack prohibited him from working any longer.

Herman loved hunting and fishing, going to camp where he enjoyed to BBQ, playing horseshoes, and spending time with family. He and Joanne put together extravagant Christmas Eve parties for family and friends. He loved a good joke and was quick to laugh. Lake St. George State Park held a lot of great memories for him.

He is survived by three sons, Richard Willette, of Fairfield, Jamie Willette and wife Laurie, of Windham, Jimi Willette, of Portland; three sisters, Linda Fortin and husband Richard, of Oakland, Angela Buker, of Clinton, and Cindy Gandee and husband Wesley, of Fort Worth, Texas; brother, Roger Willette and wife Jennifer, of Windham, Connecticut; sisters and brothers-in-law, Frances and Lionel “Butchie” Marcoux, of Sidney, Alfred “Sonny” Vigue, of Waterville; four grandsons, Phillip Willette, of Waterville, Jason Willette, of Gorham, Justin Willette, of Gray, and Michael Willette, of Windham; five great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Joanne Willette; parents, Eugene and Odlie Willette; sisters, Phyllis Munster, Joyce Beaudoin, Gloria Vigue; brothers, Eugene, James and Stanley.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowehgan, ME 04976.

MICHAEL R. WESCOTT

WINDSOR––Michael R. Wescott, of Windsor, 56, passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2017, following a brief battle with cancer. He was born Iain Danville, Virginia, on September 23, 1961.

He attended Erskine Academy, in South China, later obtaining his GED. Besides being self-employed, doing many different types of work, he had been employed by J. C. Stone.

He was predeceased by his father, Robert Michael Wescott.

He is survived by his mother, Nanette (Crane) Wescott; his sons, Jason Wescott, of Austin, Texas, Joshua Wescott, of Windsor; his partner Cheryl Young, of Windsor; his brother Richard Wescott and his partner Ivana Wilson, of Windsor; his sister Marcia (Wescott) Luszczki and her husband Carl, of Manchester; and one grandson Ellis Wescott, of Austin, Texas.

Three candidates vie for vacant selectman’s seat in Vassalboro

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro voters will choose among three candidates to serve on the Board of Selectmen until June 2018, finishing the late Philip Haines’ term. The candidates are Larisa (Reese) Batchelder, Lewis (Lew) Devoe and John Melrose.

When Batchelder ran unsuccessfully for the selectboard in June, she was 38 years old, a resident of Main Street, in East Vassalboro, since December 2015. She listed her occupation as co-owner of Cozy Barn Antiques and mentioned her education in political science.

Her goal in running for selectman, she said, was “to open communication between the community and the board of selectman. I want to have an open mind when listening to the community and only make decisions after they have been heard, not before.”

She added, “I want to be sure that our small town government is free of cliques that can hinder good choices and cause favoritism. My aim is to vote according to the law and the people of Vassalboro of whom I would represent.”

Devoe, 69, is a Gray Road resident who has lived in Vassalboro for 38 years. He is a veteran, and is retired after 34 years as first a Maine Facilities Manager for New Balance factories, warehouses and retail stores and then a Maintenance Process Manager for Scott Paper Company.

He has been a state-licensed master electrician for 44 years and has experience in planning, project management, security, loss prevention, safety and environmental issues. He and his wife Deb have three grown sons.

Devoe listed three goals he would pursue if elected selectman: understand and oversee budgets using his business skills, like experience with utility costs; increase publicity for meetings and agendas; and coach town employees on ways to reduce energy costs.

Melrose, 66, lives on the Bog Road and has been a Vassalboro resident for 41 years. He recently retired from the Eaton Peabody Consulting Group, after a 44-year career working with municipalities that included seven years with the Maine Municipal Association, 20 years running his own company, Maine Tomorrow, and eight years as Governor King’s Commissioner of Transportation. Governor LePage has appointed him chairman of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, which is in charge of the Amtrak Downeaster.

Melrose thinks Vassalboro benefits from good leadership on the board of selectmen and the school board. He believes town officials and residents can “creatively solve problems through consensus” while keeping the tax rate low and providing good services. If elected, he plans to use his experience to “constructively build on these strengths of our community.”

Vassalboro polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 7 at the town office. Absentee ballots are available at the office during office hours until Nov. 2.