China select board authorizes assessor to update property valuations

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by Mary Grow

China select board members voted unanimously at their April 22 meeting to authorize assessor William Van Tuinen to update property valuations to bring them close to the state-required level.

Van Tuinen told board members that the State of Maine says China properties are assessed at an average 76 percent of market value. They should be close to 100 percent.

Town officials had two options, Van Tuinen said.

They could ignore the discrepancy. In that case, the state would impose a lot of changes, like reducing taxpayers’ homestead exemption (from $25,000 to about $19,000, he said) and veterans’ exemption; lowering tree growth and farm woodland exemptions; and reducing the value of the Central Maine Power company assets that fund China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) fund.

Or, select board members could approve higher valuations, either across the board or by categories of property.

Select board members chose an across the board valuation increase, authorizing Van Tuinen to calculate the percentage that would bring town valuations close to market values.

Higher valuations will not increase taxes. Tax bills are calculated by multiplying property valuation by tax rate, so a higher valuation will mean a lower rate, to bring in the same amount of money.

Town officials expect local property taxes to increase in 2024-25, because more money is needed than in 2023-24 to cover school and municipal expenses and the Kennebec County tax.

Because taxes are already expected to go up, select board members rejected Director of Public Services Shawn Reed’s request to replace one of China’s 10-year-old public works trucks from the 2024-25 budget.

Reed said the truck he wants to buy is currently out of production, and likely to stay out for months, because of a problem with the transmission supplier. O’Connor Motors, in Augusta, has four suitable trucks on hand. If China officials spoke for one immediately, it could be available in a year or so.

Reed could not estimate when another might be available. He pointed out that the States of Maine, too, has trouble getting trucks, and without trucks (and drivers), neither town nor state can guarantee to keep roads plowed.

Reed did not recommend buying a used truck. It would come without a warranty and likely with problems, he said.

Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood and Reed shared 2024-25 paving bids and recommendations from China’s road committee. Select board members awarded the bid to the low bidder, Maine-ly Paving, of Canaan, at a price of $93.25 per ton of paving mix. Reed said the company’s work for China last year was satisfactory.

Summer resident Eric Lind, vice-president of the China Lake Association, raised three issues: the high water level in China Lake; the recently-received federal water quality grant that requires a local match, in money or in kind; and the South China boat landing.

The lake’s water level is slowly going down, Lind said. High water has caused shoreline erosion that will damage water quality.

Select board members have talked at intervals for over a year about improving the boat landing. Lind asked when action was scheduled.

Hapgood said physical improvements need to wait until the water level goes down. There was agreement that the landing will remain unpublicized, encouraging local use only, and that only small boats will be allowed.

The next regular China select board meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 6. It will be preceded by an ice cream social at 5:45 p.m. in the town office, followed by a public hearing at which voters can ask questions and make comments about articles to be voted on at the June 11 annual town business meeting.

Winslow Girl Scout troop helps develop St. Joseph Center Sanctuary

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Winslow Girl Scout troop #545. (contributed photo)

Every Girl Scout troop has a specific meeting place: a town hall, a school, a church, a fire department, etc. These community spaces provide ample room for Girl Scouts to come together, build connections, share ideas, and participate in skill-building activities across a wide variety of concentrations and topics such as STEM, financial literacy, outdoor skills and more. But what if that meeting space became a troop project itself?

Planting flowers to beautify the grounds. (contributed photo)

Troop #545 is comprised of a mixture of seven Junior and Cadette Girl Scouts who have met at the St. Joseph Center, in Winslow, on a weekly basis for the past few years. In 2021, the property owners, known as the Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon, announced they were developing a sanctuary and asked for help from local civic and non-profit groups on various environmental projects to create a thoughtful plan for the land.

“Our group had just started meeting there and we were happy to tag along with some of the projects,” says Melissa Sullivan, Troop #545 Leader.

Troop efforts began with gardening in the backyard, the genesis of a project that would grow alongside the Girl Scouts for years to come.

“We initially planted a bulb and flower garden in the backyard. We tended the garden for a few years before allowing it to go dormant,” says Sullivan.

Later, when the owners created a few trails behind St. Joseph Center, the troop constructed bug hotels and placed them along with informational signs for hikers to learn more about the insects inhabiting the area.

“We are now going into our second year of partnering with Mid Maine Permaculture to host a plant sale and swap in May, which helps bring more people to the property, and brings in donations to our troop and the sanctuary,” says Sullivan.

At last year’s plant sale, the Girl Scouts were able to help build an herb spiral with help from Mid Maine Perma­culture. During the winter months, when plants and flowers are off the agenda, Troop #545 snowshoes throughout the riverside trail, ensuring it stays clean and clear.

While the sanctuary is still a work in progress, the public is welcome and encouraged to visit the property at their leisure and attend any of the monthly Skill Share events hosted by sanctuary partners.

Winslow Girl Scout troop #545 displaying their “bug hotels”. Below, planting flowers to beautify the grounds. (contributed photo)

OBITUARIES for Thursday, April 25, 2024

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JOHN MICHAUD JR.

AUGUSTA – John Michaud, Jr., 83, of Windsor, passed away peacefully, at Glenridge Nursing Home, in Augusta, on Sunday, March 17, 2024, following a lengthy battle with Alz­heimer’s. John was born on May 10, 1940, in Augusta, the oldest son of John Sr. and Yvette Michaud.

Most of his childhood years were spent in Windsor. Like many of his generation, he entered the workforce early. At the age of 15 he began working. On August 19, 1961 he married Muriel Whittaker.

John tried various jobs which included driving trucks for the State of Maine and a short stint at Edwards Manufacturing, in Pittsfield, before finding his true love of being self-employed in the forest industry.

He supplied wood and logs to an assortment of pulp and sawmills. Later in his career, he enjoyed working for his son Jeff in the same industry.

John loved working outdoors and spending free time outside as well. During the early years of raising a family, he spent much of time camping with his family and brook fishing with his boys.

Over the years he fished many places, finally finding the place he loved the most: The Great Northern Maine Woods. Once his favorite fishing spot was discovered, he took many friends along to share his joy of the sport. For over 30 years, any chance he could get, you would find him fishing his favorite brook with friends, family, his sons, and grandson James.

John was predeceased by both his parents; one sister Lena Irish; and one granddaughter Kara Michaud.

He is survived by his wife Muriel; children Tim and wife Sandy of Topsham, Jeff and wife Michelle, of Vassalboro, and Tammy and husband Nelson, of Windsor; four grandchildren; and six great grandchildren; siblings Cecile Babcock, Raymond Michaud, and Joanne Gagne.

A private celebration of John’s life will be held in the summer.

Condolences may be expressed at http://www.funeralalternatives.net .

In honor of John’s memory, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 383 US-1 #2C, Scarborough, ME 04074 or the KennebecHumane Society, 168 Leighton Rd., Augusta, ME 04330.

SHIRLEY ANN WARE

WATERVILLE – Shirley Ann Ware, of Waterville passed away peacefully on Monday, March 25, 2024. She was born to mother Marie Ware, father unknown, at Sacred Heart.

She was raised in convents for most of her childhood, as a young adult she was at Pineland, Heartland and the Muskie Center until she bought her own home, on Carrean Street, in Waterville.

Shirley never had any education in all the places she had ever been. It was only until she went with her brother Gerry and sister-in-law Janice that she had any simple education, however she was street smart and learned quickly due to the disadvantage she faced her whole life.

She worked at Goodwill, in Waterville, Waterville Boys and Girls Club, in the kitchen, and volunteered at soup kitchens and local food pantries. She enjoyed being helpful and was always a busy body, always asking how or what she could help.

Shirley loved to help, she took care of her brother and anyone who needed it. She saw the best in people so much so that she allowed people to live with her multiple times which in turn allowed for more abuse to happen. Shirley did not hold grudges and she forgave those that wronged her, her spirit was pure and heart was full of love and compassion. Shirley gave all she had and all she could to those she loved. If you were lucky enough to have felt her love you knew what unconditional love was.

Shirley was predeceased by her mother, Lori Ware; her niece, Janice Ware; her sister-in-law.

She is survived by her brother Gerry Ware and his family, her best friend and advocate Ruth and her family, and many friends she made along the way.

Celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 11 a.m. in Brunswick, at Pathway Vineyard Church, 2 Columbus Dr., Brunswick, ME 04011. Reception to follow. Her ashes will be buried at St Francis Cemetery, in Waterville, on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 10 a.m.

They ask in lieu of flowers please donate to these organizations per one of Shirley’s request. Mr Drew And his Animals Too, HerpHaven Reptile Rescue and Sanctuary Wolves of Maine Sanctuary.

ELEANOR DORVAL

WINSLOW – Eleanor “Ellie” Dorval, 83, of Winslow, passed away peacefully on Wednes­day, April 3, 2024, following a long illness, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. She was born in Waterville on June 13, 1940, at the Former Sister’s Hospital, the daughter of John Fehlman Bigelow and Orlean Bigelow Weaver.

Ellie attended all schools in Waterville and graduated from Waterville High School in 1958.

Ellie started working at Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, at the age of 23 as a Nurse’s Aide. After eight years, she attended Licensed Practical Nursing School, in Waterville, and graduated in 1972. She continued her career at Thayer Hospital / MaineGeneral Medical Center, until age 65, a total of 42 years, just like her mother! Ellie was a true giver and definitely loved to help everyone around her, including many patients over the years. She was caring, loving, thoughtful and kind to all who knew her.

She was proud of raising a happy family with two sons in the ‘60s and ‘70s, in Waterville, and in the ‘80s, in Benton. In 1994, she married Ray Dorval and enjoyed living in their beautiful home in Vassalboro, until his passing in 2015. She then moved to Winslow to live out her final years surrounded by family and friends.

Ellie and Ray enjoyed 22 years wintering in Bonita Springs, Florida. They had many good friends and really enjoyed the sunshine away from the cold and snowy winters in Maine. When she was younger, she enjoyed visiting the Family Farm, in Mercer, picking apples, roller skating, and many fun times with friends and family. Later she was known for charity work belonging to the Elks Ladies Auxillary of Waterville and the VFW Ladies Auxillary, of Winslow, becoming an officer and life-long member.

Ellie was predeceased by her parents, step-father Harold Weaver; former husband and father of her sons, Arthur Gagne; daughter-in-law Lisa Gagne; and her Uncle Francis and Aunt Dolly.

Surviving are her sons, Randy Gagne, of Brunswick, and Todd Gagne and wife Jessica, of Singer Island, Florida, step-daughters Becky and Debbie Dorval of Florida; and step-son Michael Dorval, of Oakland; grandchildren, Eric and wife Laura, of Wellesley, Massachusetts, Ashley and husband Jeremy, of Brunswick, Sydney Gagne, of Skowhegan, and Dylan Gagne, of New Haven, Connecticut; and four great-grandchildren, Bryce, Aidan, Burke, and Miles; sisters Gloria Moxcey and husband Blaine, and Martha Johnson, all of Waterville; nephew Jeff Moxcey and wife Cindy, of Waterville, and niece Kim Moxcey and partner Robert Croteau, of Oakland.

At Ellie’s request, there will be a graveside service, at 10 a.m., Friday, June 7, at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville.

A Celebration of Life will follow at the MacCrilliss-Rousseau VFW Post #8835, Winslow, 175 Veteran Drive, Winslow.

Services are under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville. http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: MaineGeneral Health at https://give.mainegeneral.org/give-today.

KATHERINE L. DEVINE

WATERVILLE — Katherine Louise Joly Devine, 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Maine­General Medi­cal Center, in Augusta. Katherine was born on Jan­uary 19, 1936.

Katherine was truly a proud child of Waterville, spending summers at the family lake home and remembering later in life how much she loved taking the canoe out on the lake by herself. As a happy, bright student she was a member of the Waterville Junior High School’s Republican Club and grduated cum laude.

Always gracious, she wrote: “One of the greatest joys of my life was when you appointed me Editor in Chief of the Panther News. I consider this a great honor; it is one ambition fulfilled, and I thank you so much.”

After graduating from Waterville High School, Katherine attended (as her father insisted) Trinity College, in Washington, D.C., an all-girls Catholic school, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Drama in 1957.

The Trinilogue described her as “an auburn crown turned toward Broadway … Lady Hathaway’s super saleswoman … tailored look by day, the sophisticate by night … verbatim notes … innate poise … green-eyed, gracious Anastasia, Kay.” While at Trinity, she was as the nuns described her “extremely active”: wrote for the Trinity Times; secretary of the Literary Society; officer of the Dramatic Society; officer of the Wekanduit Society, which created projects to raise money for the missions; and wrote and directed three of the four annual class plays, a spoof on campus life. She also was selected as the Maine Cherry Blossom Princess while at Trinity.

After college, Katherine moved to New York City to pursue a career as an actress and studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts alongside her friend Robert Redford, where she earned a degree in Drama in 1959 and worked as a page at NBC, in Rockefeller Center. It was in New York that Katherine “famously” met J.P. Devine on the escalator in Bloomingdales Department Store, where they both worked but didn’t yet know one another. When JP needed a partner for his important audition at the Actors Studio, a friend sent Kay to meet him. Kay at that time was a dancing, singing waitress in an exclusive night club where JP waited outside in the alley each night for her and she handed him glasses of champagne out the back door, after which they walked back home to her apartment in the snow. Two months later, the proper daughter of a Maine judge allowed him to move in, but insisted he sleep on the floor near the kitchen — and their six-decade love story began.

After performing together in the theater in New York and on road shows throughout the Northeast, they married in JP’s hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, at City Hall and then quickly traveled back to New York City in a rainstorm aboard a Greyhound bus to perform in a play together. The newlyweds then moved to Los Angeles, California,where Kay, after studying at both Mount St. Mary’s College for Education and Cal State LA for Spanish, began her new life in education, touching the lives of countless students, parents, and faculty for decades to come. Kay taught elementary school for more than a decade at Budlong Avenue in the underserved area of a neighborhood in South Central, where, as one of the only white teachers, she stood shoulder to shoulder with the African American faculty during racial tensions in the ‘70s in Los Angeles.

In 1984, Kay turned to her husband and asked, “Why don’t we move back to my little town in Maine, and you can be a real writer?” And so they did, and the final chapter in their love story began. Kay became a faculty member at the Waterville Junior High School, teaching sixth grade from 1984; Spanish from 2000, and Drama from 1990 to 2009. She held the title of Drama Director from 2001-2009. She also was a member of the Colby Admissions team in the summers. She retired from Waterville Junior High School in the fall of 2013 but returned to teach and tutor part-time in Spanish until she permanently retired in 2017. “Kay was truly special to me and the staff here,” writes Janie Buzzell of Waterville Junior High School. “I have very fond memories of her time here. I used to love chaperoning her field trips to Margaritas restaurant!”

In addition to JP and daughters, Dawn and Jillana, Katherine is survived by two sons-in-law, Richard Sieloff and Wayne Knickel, both of Los Angeles, California; several nieces and nephews, including Ann Joly, daughter of her late brother Robert.

She was predeceased by her brothers Waterville Mayor Cyril M. Joly, Jr. and Robert M. Joly.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to one of Kay’s favorite charities, the Waterville Food Bank.

The family will plan a celebration of life in the summer in Maine.

SISTER PAULINE BELANGER

WATERVILLE – Sister Pauline Belanger, OSU, 98, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Waterville. The daughter of Salomon and Olive (Cyr) Belanger, she was born June 7, 1925, in St. David, Maine.

She entered the Ursuline community on July 16,1943, and professed her vows on January 16,1946. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of New Rochelle and a master’s degree in art from Sienna Heights University.

Sister Pauline was a much respected and well-loved art teacher during her many decades of ministry in Maine, Massachusetts and New York. In Maine, she taught at Notre Dame School, in Waterville, St. Mary’s School, in Lewiston, and St. John’s Catholic School, in Brunswick. In Massachusetts, she taught at Ursuline academies, in Springfield and Dedham. She also taught at St. Angela Merici School, in Bronx, New York.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her nine siblings.

A private interment will be held at St. Angela Way Cemetery.

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

SANDRA L. DOYON

FAIRFIELD – Sandra “Sandy” L. Doyon, 81, peacefully passed away at home on Thursday, April 11, 2024. She was born August 4, 1942, in Stockton Springs, to Charlotte Keast (Smith) and Kenneth Bracy.

Sandy worked at Walmart for several years as a price clerk, was a substitute teacher and also fostered children. She enjoyed music, reading, doing puzzles, and playing card games. Her favorite places to visit were Mount Desert Island and Cadillac Mountain.

She loved all animals, but her all-time favorite was the raccoon. She was known for her sense of humor and extreme competitiveness in playing games. Sandy was a thoughtful and giving person. She will be missed and remembered by all who knew her.

Sandy leaves behind her four sons, Michael R Doyon, of Fairfield, and fiancée Brenda Bolduc, Gerard (Jay) Doyon and partner Wanda Landry, of Fairfield Center, Timothy P. Doyon, of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Jon B Doyon, of Ontario, Canada; 14 grandchildren,; several great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Sandra was predeceased by her sister Madeline Lockard and brother James Bracy.

A private gathering will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where messages and memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate in her name to a charity of your choice

LEON E. FOWLER

OAKLAND – Leon E. Fowler, 87, passed away peacefully Thursday April 11, 2024, at Woodlands Assisted Living, in Waterville. Leon was born in Albion on September 4, 1936, the son of Edgar M. Fowler and Meta (Rowe) Fowler.

He graduated from Besse High School, in Albion, in 1954, where he played basketball and baseball. He continued his education and training in the U.S. Air Force National Guard serving at the Loring AFB, and Bangor reservist air bases.

Leon was a self-made businessman always looking for his next financial investment. His work ethic came at an early age while working on the family farm and at his grandfather’s store. He bought and sold cars before pursuing his passion for real estate.

In his early 20s, he started his 35-year career at Sears & Roebuck and Co., where he met his wife, Betty, his soulmate of 64 years. Successful at sales, Leon soon became the appliance department manager where he excelled in business and won numerous performance awards. He dedicated his career to the company and because of his hard work he was able to retire at the age of 55.

Leon’s family was the center of his world. His wife, Betty, was the love of his life. Together, they made a perfect team. They always treated each other with respect and made it a priority to never go to bed with ill feelings toward one another.

Their connection really shined when they took the floor to dance the jitterbug. People would watch with admiration and feel the joy and excitement fill the room. With love and devotion, they built a life and raised their three children. Leon was a strong supporter of all his children’s sporting events and their other extracurricular interests. He valued education and was proud that all his children graduated from the University of Maine. Leon’s pride and joy was his granddaughter, Ariele. She brought him years of happiness with her sparkle and exuberance. He was extremely proud of the woman that she had become.

Leon was a kind and thoughtful man with a warm and welcoming demeanor. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to others without being asked. He could be seen snow-blowing his neighbors’ driveways, taking care of their homes during a storm, or rescuing a stranded boater. He enjoyed coaching youth basketball, opening the Waterville Boys Club gym on weekends for pick-up games, working at Booster Club events and being on hand for various family home improvement projects. The highlight of his week was his weekly family visits to his mother’s house where extended family would gather.

Leon was an avid outdoorsman with a love for nature and wildlife. He appreciated the serenity of being near water and enjoyed spending time at his camps on Lovejoy Pond, in Unity, Messalonskee Lake, in Oakland, and a shared hunting camp with his friends on Kingsbury Pond. He loved spending time in the woods, walking the boundary lines, tracking deer, watching waterfowl, and dreaming of the various locations that would make a beautiful house lot. Being outside, hearing, smelling and being one with nature was where he felt calm and relaxed.

He passed on his connection with nature to his children. Many weekends and summers were spent at camp on Lovejoy Pond ice fishing, snowmobiling, exploring, and observing wildlife. Summers at Lovejoy, and later at Messalonskee Lake, were filled with swimming, boating and water skiing. He enjoyed playing cards, hosting barbeques, annual fourth of July celebrations, as well as numerous gatherings and impromptu visits from family and friends.

He was predeceased by his brother, Stephen Fowler and wife Beverly, and sister, Carolyn Blaisdell and husband Arthur.

Leon is survived by his wife of 64 years Elizabeth “Betty” Fowler; son, Edgar Fowler and wife Sharon; daughters Michelle Fowler and partner Debra Strout, and Tonya Fowler; granddaughter, Ariele (Fowler) Battipaglia and husband Paul; his sister, Linda Vitale and husband Vite; many nieces, nephews; and cousins.

There will be no visiting hours or funeral services. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

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

CAROLE A. GRAHAM

WATERVILLE – Carole Ann Graham, 76, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at MaineGeneral Medical Center. She was born on September 9, 1947, in Worcester, Massachusetts., the daughter of Ambrose A. Lebel and Leona A. Lebel (Morin).

Carole graduated from Millbury High School, Massachusetts, and attended Our Lady of the Lords Church in Millbury, Massachusetts. Carole worked as an adminstrative assistant at the Togus V.A., in Augusta, until her retirement. Carole enjoyed nature, bird watching and feeding her birds. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, and Suduku. Carole enjoyed family time and Applebees.

She is survived by her eldest son Chris M. Wixon; her daughter Naomi O. Wixon, and son Phillip M. Wixon who goes by Meka; her grandchildren Christeen M. Wixon, Skie Wixon, Phillip Wixon Jr., Shanowah Wixon, Krishtiana Wixon, Ahmik Wixon, Sakari N. Wixon, and Trinity L. Wixon; her brothers Ken Lebel, John Lebel, and Richard (Dick) Lebel. As well as many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents Ambrose and Leona Lebel and her brother Lenny Lebel.

Arrangements are in the care of Veilleux Funeral Home, Elm Street, Waterville, where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

JOHN E. PHELPS

SIDNEY – John Earle Phelps was born in Huntington, West Virginia, on December 2, 1931, the son of Edward and Ethel Phelps. The family moved to Maine in 1932.

John attended Mt. Vernon grade school and graduated from Belgrade High School. He attended the University of Maine in 1951-1952. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in October 1952, and discharged in October 1954. He joined The Maine State Police in March 1955. He patrolled the Maine Turnpike, then was chosen as a driver for Governor Edmund Muskie in 1956. After Muskie he drove for Governors Clinton A. Clauson and John H. Reed.

On May 21, 1960 he married Joyce Richardson, of Farmingdale.

John patrolled in the Winthrop area from 1960 to 1969. He worked in communications in Augusta until 1973, then on security at the Blaine Mansion with Governor Kenneth Curtis. He also drove United Nations representatives to Forest Park off Lily Bay, at Moosehead Lake, during Muskie’s term as governor.

Among some of the people he drove for included Dr. Ralph Bunch (who won the Nobel Peace Prize), Sam Rayburn (Speaker of the House in Washington, D.C.), and Senator John F. Kennedy when he visited Governor Muskie, in Augusta.

He retired from the Maine State Police in 1975 and then was employed at the Blaine Mansion until 1995. Some of the visitors he met at the Blaine Mansion included Senator Walter Mondale, President Jimmy Carter, Bob Hope, Captain Kangaroo and Arnold Schwarzenegger. He worked for eight different governors and retired from state service in1995.

He enjoyed gardening, hunting birds and many sports. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren play baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball. He liked to travel, and he drove to California twice. He also enjoyed going to country western shows and saw many of the country western shows in Nashville, Tennessee; Branson, Missouri; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Florida.

He was predeceased by his mother and father and brothers, Richard, Robert, and James Phelps.

In addition to his wife of 64 years, he is survived by his children, Jim and wife Terry Phelps, of Dresden, Jeff Phelps, of Sidney, and Jean LaFreniere and partner Walter Birkbeck, of Monroe; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, and nephews.

Visiting hours were held on Monday, April 22, . A service followed at Knowlton Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta, ME.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton Hewins & Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church St., Augusta, where memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

Donations may be made to the American Diabetes, Heart, or Kidney Associations.

OTHERS DEPARTED

ELIZABETH A. PELLERIN

DOVER-FOXCROFT – Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Lewis Pellerin, 87, formally of Waterville, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Northern Light Mayo Hospital, in Dover-Foxcroft, She was born August 18, 1936, in Oakland.

Betty graduated from Williams High School, in Oakland, in 1954. She was employed at the Pleasant Street/Albert Hall School, in Waterville, from 1969, retiring in 1995. “Mrs. Pellerin” as the students called her was also a special room mother to a very special class that started in their fourth and fifth grades. She also attended their high school graduation.

Her interests were many, spending quality time with family, played volleyball at the boys/girls club, member of the association of secretaries, collecting antiques and summers at their cottage on McGrath Pond, in Oakland.

Betty married Richard (Dick) Pellerin in 1957.

She is survived by her son, Richard (Rick) Pellerin Jr. and wife Karlene, of Sangerville; two grandsons, Frank and Amy Pellerin, of Fairfield, Richard (Richie) and Shelby Pellerin III, of Dexter; stepson James Oldfield, of Connecticut; three grandchildren, twins Richard (Little Richie) Pellerin IV and Grady Pellerin, of Dexter, and Delana Green Oldfield, of Connecticut.

She is predeceased by her husband Dick, son Frank and a daughter Ann.

For those who desire may give to the Oakland Sidney Methodist Church, 14 West School St, Oakland, ME 04963.

There will be no visiting hours and at her request there will be no funeral. Burial will be private.

A gathering/celebration will be held at a later date.

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

SSG JUAN M. LYNCH

KAPOLEI, Hawai’i – Staff Sargent Juan Matthew Lynch, 31, of Kapolei, Hawai’i, and Lakewood Ranch, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 24, 2023. Born on December 7, 1992, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, the son of James Lynch and his mother, the late Mary Simcock Lynch.

Matt attended Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, and graduated from Waterville Senior High School in 2011. Following graduation, Matt chose to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Army. Over the following 12 years, Matt’s decorated U.S. Army career included assignments with the 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, B Company, 1-27 Infantry Regiment (Wolfhounds) and the 2D Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawai’i. He served tours of duty in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Syria, and an additional Lead Security Specialist assignment in South Korea. His commanders defined Matt as an incredible soldier and exceptional leader who will be remembered for his infectious and cheerful smile. SSG Lynch’s decorations included the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and The Soldier’s Medal.

Matt’s warmth, kindness and quick wit brought much love and great joy to his family and friends. His calm, confident demeanor brought him much respect and admiration from the servicemen and servicewomen that served by his side. Matt took much pleasure in cooking, hosting holiday dinners for his battalion, company and platoon.

His many avocations included physical fitness, photography, creating digital media, golf, scuba diving, camping, surfing, family celebrations and his friendships – old and new. Matthew was particularly loving, protective and proud of his father and cherished brother Jose.

His soul is now reunited with his beloved mother and brother Michael. Matt will forever be remembered for his love of family, love of friends, love of country and his enduring bond of military brotherhood.

His enduring love will always be felt but, Matt will be forever missed by his father; brother Jose; aunt Sherri and uncle Steve Zimmer; cousins Jon, Katie and Michelle; aunt Walli and uncle Steve Fitton, Stephanie and Jason; uncle Stephen Simcock, of New York; uncle Bob and aunt Lora Lynch, of Nevada; aunt Marilyn and uncle Barry Welch, cousins Stacey and Brendan; aunt Pat and uncle Phil Simon and cousins John, Karen and Steven; and cousin Cherie Yannizzi of Colorado.

A full military honors service to commemorate the life of SSG Juan Matthew Lynch will take place June 1, 2024, at 10 a.m., at Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville, Maine. Cremation to follow.

Following the service, all family and friends are cordially invited to a reception and celebration of Matt’s life at Thomas College, 480 West River Road, Waterville, Maine.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine. http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Matt’s memory to Saint John Food Pantry, Corpus Christi Parish, 17 S. Garland St., Winslow, ME 04901.

National prescription drug take back day is April 27, 2024

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On Saturday, April 27, Northern Light Health asks those in our community to join in the national effort to dispose of prescription drugs in a safe, convenient manner while also reducing the risk of medications getting into the wrong hands and causing harm or potential substance abuse.

Dennis Wood, PharmD, director of Pharmacy for Northern Light Pharmacy, shares, “Statistically, a large majority of people who use prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes obtain that medication from a friend or family member. We are joining others across the nation in encouraging people to clean out medicine cabinets, drawers, and other locations of unneeded or expired medication and dropping it off at a designated prescription drug take back location.”

Northern Light Pharmacy offers convenient and easy prescription medication drop off at any of its pharmacies every day. Many law enforcement locations also offer local prescription drug drop off sites. Additional locations can be found on the United States Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Administration website.

“The proper disposal of medication is very important,” adds Dr. Wood. “If they are thrown in the trash, they not only may be taken by a person they were not intended for, but they may also have harmful environmental effects as well. Improper disposal of medications in the trash, down the drain, or toilet can leach into water systems threatening both humans and marine ecosystems.”

According to the United States Drug Enforcement Adminis­tration, as of October 28, 2023, 17.9 million of unneeded medications have been safely removed from communities across the nation as part of National Prescription Take Back Day.

China transfer station committee looks into relationship with Palermo

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by Mary Grow

China Transfer Station Committee members’ April 16 discussion of use and abuse of the waste disposal facility ranged from minutely detailed to widely philosophical.

Two issues dominated, the free for the taking building and relations with Palermo. Palermo residents share use of China’s facility under a contract that China Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood finds unsatisfactory.

The free for the taking building is intended as a swap shop, where people leave things they no longer use but believe other people would. Often, they’re right – station manager Thomas Maraggio said the great majority of items are picked up immediately.

However, as committee chairman Christopher Baumann said, free for the taking is not the same as free for the leaving. Transfer station attendants charge a fee for items they will pay to dispose of – couches were an often-cited example. If the person who left a paid-for item is still there when someone claims it, the fee is refunded.

Some people object to the fee, or try to smuggle in valueless things. Staff members or security cameras often catch them.

Committee member James Hsiang characterized such behavior as abuse of the system. Maraggio and committee member Rachel Anderson said instances are rare.

Most people believe someone else will use their discards, Anderson said – “Ninety-nine percent of people are well-intentioned.” However, the free for the taking building is small, with limited space to store things until a new user claims them.

The 17-year China-Palermo contract, signed June 3, 2016, calls for Palermo to pay an annual $18,000 fee to China, and for Palermo residents to buy special blue bags in which to put their trash. There is no provision for the annual fee to increase (or decrease) over the life of the contract. Disposal fees and bag costs can be adjusted, with six months’ notice to Palermo.

The agreement says identifying decals or window stickers are free. Therefore, when China bought new windshield stickers last year and charged $2 for them, committee and Palermo select board member Robert Kurek said Palermo residents would not pay.

An alternate system was approved, which does not satisfy everyone, leading to occasional arguments between Palermo residents and transfer station staff.

Maraggio said some Palermo residents come in without blue bags. Others bring their trash in black bags, park at the hopper and put each black bag into a blue one, thereby delaying others waiting to use the hopper and doubling plastic use.

The 2016 agreement allows either town to cancel on a year’s notice, for violation of the contract or for just cause. In November 2023, Hapgood sent Palermo the required year’s notice of China’s intent to cancel, citing Palermo residents’ actions.

The two towns’ lawyers are debating the issue.

At the April 16 meeting, Kurek described in detail complaints he received from China and his follow-up discussions with alleged offenders. His point was that the actions described did not amount to a “just cause” to cancel the contract.

He incidentally made the point that different parties’ accounts of the same incident were not always alike.

Baumann and other committee members thanked Kurek for his prompt follow-ups.

Committee member James Hines said China should punish individual repeat offenders, not all Palermo users. Benjamin Weymouth suggested mediation – which is not in the contract, Kurek pointed out.

Hsiang suggested instead of imposing penalties for misusing the transfer station, offering rewards for using it well. He proposed inviting users to enter a contest: each family would have its trash weighed, and every three months those with the least trash – thereby costing taxpayers least, and presumably recycling – would be winners.

Baumann asked Hsiang to develop a more specific plan, with an estimate of costs and time required, and share it before the next meeting, which is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 14.

VASSALBORO: After long meeting, committee agrees to recommend school budget

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by Mary Grow

By the end of an almost-three-hour April 16 meeting, Vassalboro Budget Committee members had agreed to recommend the 2024-25 school budget as presented by the school board, and to recommend rearrangements and reductions in the almost-final municipal budget.

The vote on the school budget was four in favor to three opposed, with two members absent. The decision was preceded by renewed discussion of issues reviewed the previous week (see the April 18 issue of The Town Line, p. 2).

Committee members’ goals as they debated the municipal budget were to provide needed services and to limit the expected tax increase. They considered using money from reserve funds and Vassalboro’s undesignated fund balance (informally called surplus) instead of from 2024-25 taxation, and eliminating or postponing some expenditures select board members proposed.

The $629,826 administration account was recommended with one change: by a six to one vote, budget committee members recommended against select board members’ proposed cost of living increase ($240), leaving a $500 increase intended for the incoming board chairman (see the Feb. 15 issue of The Town Line, p. 2).

Proposed road paving, and costs, were rearranged after public works employee Brian Lajoie presented suggestions. Lajoie reported the lowest paving bid was $93.25 per ton. Committee members unanimously recommended $510,000 for 2024-25 paving.

Other expenditures discussed included the proposed new skidstreer to plow the expected new North Vassalboro sidewalks (and for other uses year-round) and the proposed replacement loader.

Committee members voted six to one not to recommend buying a replacement loader in 2024-25. By the same margin, they voted to set aside $26,436 for the first payment on the skidsteer.

Future projects include putting up a new building to shelter equipment at the public works department lot on Bog Road, replacing the Mill Hill bridge and buying a new plow truck. Committee members discussed how much money should be set aside in what type of account; they voted unanimously to recommend a $100,000 plow truck reserve fund.

Committee chairman Peggy Schaffer tried to calculate recommended savings and the effect on the tax rate. Results were estimates, because the Kennebec County budget was undetermined as of April 16, and Vassalboro’s total valuation had not been set by the town’s assessor.

Valuation helps determine tax rate; the greater the total valuation, the lower the rate required to raise needed funds from taxation.

Select board members will prepare the warrant – list of articles to be submitted to voters – for the Monday, June 3, annual town meeting, where voters will approve the 2024-25 budget. The warrant includes recommendations from the two boards on municipal monetary articles, and from the school board and budget committee on school funding requests.

Vassalboro select board discusses road work, sanitary district

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Town attorney rules protest letter does not meet requirement for petition

by Mary Grow

The April 18 Vassalboro select board meeting was in sections. After an hour and a half discussing road work, Vassalboro Sanitary District customers’ communication and other matters, board members recessed for an executive session with the town attorney.

They then spent another half hour in open meeting talking about the draft warrant for the June 3 and 11 town meeting, before another short executive session.

The only action taken after either executive session was a prompt adjournment after the second one.

Proposed road repaving has been discussed repeatedly among select board and budget committee members, with information and recommendations from Brian Lajoie of the public works department. After the April 16 budget committee meeting, attendees thought they had agreed that the big project for the summer of 2024 would be repaving the Church Hill Road to the Augusta line.

At the April 18 select board meeting, Lajoie advised reconsidering. Central Maine Power Company plans to replace lines along that road, he said, and the company’s heavy machinery would chew up the new pavement.

Although, he said, CMP is supposed to pay for any damage, he still preferred to postpone the repaving.

Select board members therefore tentatively added back into the 2024 paving schedule several shorter stretches of town road. As of April 18, Art. 5 in the draft town meeting warrant allocates $570,000 for road paving.

The other road issue discussed was the state Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) planned replacement of the Meadow Brook bridge on Bog Road, about seven-tenths of a mile west of the four-way intersection in East Vassalboro.

MDOT Project Manager Gary Libby said the current schedule calls for the work to be bid out in December 2024 and done in the summer of 2025.

The plan is to replace the bridge with a box culvert. Libby described the culvert and the roadway above, which he said will have 11-foot travel lanes and three-foot shoulders, making it a bit wider than the current bridge.

Work will include installing a dry hydrant for the Vassalboro Fire Department. The department is to provide materials and oversee the contractor’s installation.

An on-line public forum in May, dates to be announced, will let residents ask questions and offer comments.

Libby expects work to start after June 15 and to take about six weeks.

MDOT’s proposed detour uses Taber Hill and Gray roads. Gray Road runs west from Route 32 to its intersection with Taber Hill, where traffic would make a sharp left turn to go south to Bog Road on the west side of the detour.

Board and audience members questioned whether trucks would have trouble with the sharp turn at the intersection, and whether increased traffic would be hard on Gray Road. Lajoie and others said Gray Road is scheduled for repaving this summer, and it does not have a very strong base.

Libby was willing to investigate a truck route following Taber Hill Road north to Oak Grove Road, where traffic could turn east and join Route 32 in North Vassalboro. The sight lines where Taber Hill Road joins Oak Grove Road would be one factor to consider, he said.

The Vassalboro Sanitary District discussion was sparked by what Town Manager Aaron Miller called a letter of protest from residents served by the District, who have repeatedly asked for help with high user fees. The document was intended as a petition, Miller said, but the town attorney said it did not meet requirements, and it lacked the needed 219 signatures.

Miller said he had advised the senders what to do if they wanted to submit an article for the warrant for the June 3 town meeting.

During the first part of their meeting, select board members:

— Appointed Albion resident Cindy Spaulding to the Vassalboro Cemetery Committee. Miller summarized her credentials and said current cemetery committee members were satisfied.
— Approved $15,000 in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds for the volunteer fire department for turnout gear (see the April 18 issue of The Town Line, p. 3).
— Agreed by consensus to postpone buying a new backhoe.

After the first executive session, they reviewed Miller’s preliminary draft of the town meeting warrant. As of April 18, the warrant had 41 articles to be acted on at the open meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 3, in the Vassalboro Community School gymnasium.

Another three articles are to be voted by written ballot on Tuesday, June 11, at the town office, with polls open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Local elections will be held at the same time and place.

Town Clerk Cathy Coyne reported two incumbents submitted nomination papers for two positions on local boards: Christopher French for a three-year term on the select board, and Jolene Clark Gamage for a three-year term on the school board.

Miller said veteran moderator Richard Thompson has agreed to moderate the town meeting, for the last time; he plans to retire after this year.

John Melrose is Vassalboro’s 2024 Spirit of America choice

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John Melrose

John Melrose will be honored with Vassalboro’s annual Spirit of America award at the June 3 town meeting, in recognition of his many volunteer activities in the town.

Select board member Michael Poulin announced the board’s choice, “appreciative of the depth and length of selfless service rendered to our community.”

Melrose’s service, “so far,” Poulin wrote, includes several terms on the select board; serving on the budget committee; serving as a scoutmaster and baseball coach; and membership (often leadership) on the Vassalboro Cemetery Committee, Kennebec Land Trust, Vassalboro Grange, Vassalboro Historical Society, Vassalboro Trails Committee and Maine Woodland Owners.

Melrose and his wife Molly have been Vassalboro residents since 1976. Melrose worked for the Maine Municipal Association for seven years; served as commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation from 1995 to 2001; and worked as a private consultant, including running his company, Maine Tomorrow, for 20 years.

The Spirit of America Foundation was established in Augusta in 1990 to recognize and honor volunteers in Maine municipalities.

Sarina LaCroix has top state of Maine Americanism essay

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Sarina LaCroix

Vassalboro Community School (VCS) student Sarina LaCroix is the sixth-grade State of Maine winner of the annual Americanism Essay Contest sponsored by the Elks Club.

Becky Fisher, sixth-grade English and social studies teacher at VCS, said the theme of this year’s contest is “What the Bill of Rights Means to Me.”

VCS students entered through the Waterville Elks Lodge in December 2023. Fisher was notified in February that four VCS students’ essays were chosen for the state-level contest. Later, she learned that LaCroix had written what was judged the best sixth-grader’s essay in Maine.

The contest is divided into four levels, for grades five, six, seven and eight. Contest rules say each essay must be no longer than 300 words and must be “typed or legibly printed in ink” by the student.

Each local lodge sends its 12 winning essays, three from each grade level, to a District Americanism Chairman. The district chairman forwards 12 winning essays to the State Americanism Chairman, who chooses 12 state winners.

In addition, by March 31 the state chairman forwards the first-place essay from each grade level to the Grand Lodge Essay Contest Administrator, in Cullman, Alabama. National winners will be announced at the end of June.

LaCroix will attend the Maine Elks Club state convention in Augusta, on Saturday, May 4, where she will read her essay and be presented with a plaque, Fisher said.

Theresa Gagne turns 105 years old

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Theresa Wilson Gagne, with her family, at her 105th birthday party. Inset, 105-year-old Theresa Gagne. (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography)

Theresa Gagne (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography)

Irma Richard and Andrew Wilson gave birth to their daughter Theresa on April 18, 1919, in Brunswick. Theresa was one of eleven children. Theresa continued to live in Brunswick until moving to Waterville when she married the love of her life, Emile Gagne, on October 3, 1942.

Emile and Theresa have three children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Joan (George) Meier, of Oakland, Lorraine Landry, of Waterville and Bob (Patti) Gagne, of Waterville. Michael Meier and Debbie Meier, both of Oakland, Carrie (Nick) Peterson, of South Carolina, Mindy Landry, of Augusta, Randi Burns and Renee Slaney, both of Waterville.

Emile and Theresa celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary just a few months before Emile passed away at the age of 90. Throughout the years, Theresa worked in several mills before retiring in 1977 from Bates Manufacturing, in Augusta. Theresa enjoyed several hobbies such as needlepoint, working with stained glass, quilting and jewelry making. Theresa still enjoys gardening, cooking, gambling, entertaining and spending time with family and friends.

Theresa continues to live on her own without any assistance.

Family and friends gathered for lunch at Front and Main, in Waterville, on Thursday, April 18, to celebrate Theresa’s 105th birthday, and cake and ice cream followed at Theresa’s home.