REVIEW POTPOURRI: CD – Mozart Sonata in F Major; Two very bad records

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Peter Catesby  Peter Cates

Mozart Sonata in F Major

K. 497; Fantasy No. 1 in F Minor, K. 594; Sonata in B-Flat Major, K. 358- Artur Balsam and Gena Raps, pianists; Arabesque Records – Z6635, CD, recorded June 15-18, 1992.

This CD features three of nine compositions that Mozart scored for four hand piano. He created the genre during a 14-month stay in London at the age of nine; there, he wrote a piece to perform in public with his sister, thus creating a new type of repertoire that would prove fertile ground for Schubert, Brahms, Dvorak, Debussy, Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky and others.

Artur Balsam

Artur Balsam

My wonderful friend, Gena Raps, and her mentor/colleague, Artur Balsam (1906-1994), have selected the above-listed repertoire and give solid performances . Among Balsam’s bountiful experiences are several years touring with violinist, Yehudi Menuhin, during the ‘30s and recording batches of lesser known Mozart, Haydn, etc., for the Concert Hall, Musical Masterpiece Society and Musical Heritage Society labels between tthe 1950s and ’70s.

I recommend this very enjoyable CD to both beginning collectors and the most seasoned connoisseurs.

Two very bad records,
for different reasons

Arthur Godfrey

For Me and My Gal; Too Fat Polka- Columbia 37921, 10-inch 78 shellac, recorded 1947.

Arthur Godfrey (1903-1983) achieved an astounding popularity as a radio/TV talk show host, emcee, talent scout and formidable power broker throughout the ‘40s and ‘50s, mostly at CBS. His main gift was connecting with each listener, as though he was talking just to him/her personally, the friendly neighbor dropping in for a visit beaming with good will, affability and humor. At his peak, he had two daily programs and a weekly evening one.

Arthur Godfrey

Arthur Godfrey

Unfortunately, he was often a different man off the air – controlling, vindictive, not very nice. He fired his most popular regular, singer Julius La Rosa, mostly because La Rosa’s fan mail exceeded that of Godfrey’s, and did the firing on live TV. That may have been the straw that broke the camel’s back because Godfrey’s own popularity began waning afterwards.

His 1947 record of Too Fat Polka, a very very, very bad song, and For Me and My Gal, a mildly pleasant oldie, sold millions of copies, thus indicating a vast liking of Godfrey’s very four square singing.

Electronic Pioneers

music by Bolent Arel, Mario Davidovsky, Kenneth Gaburo, and Vladimir Ussachevsky and recorded at the electronic music centers of the University of Illinois and Columbia University; CRI 356, 12-inch vinyl LP, released 1976.

This week’s second very bad record is this group of so-called musical compositions, which is generated by gongs, voices, instruments, oscillators and other such sources, to create, to my admittedly very biased ears, a lot of auditory hokum. I do hope others curious enough to check out these works might find “meaning” and I will leave it at that!

SOLON & BEYOND, Week of January 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!

Received the following e-mail from “Somerset Woods Trustees” entitled “Spring on Your Mind Yet?” Do You Have Apple Trees That Need Pruning and Want Expert Advice? Somerset Woods Trustees are pleased to announce that Joe Dembeck, executive director of the Somerset County Soil and Water Conservation District, is offering a class on pruning apple trees on February 12 (snow date, February 19) from 9 a.m. to about 2 p.m. This opportunity is being offered to ten people but there are only six slots remaining open .

We’ll park at the Margaret Chase Smith Library and walk (or snowshoe) to SWT’s Taylor Field, in Skowhegan. More directions will be given once we have our class roster! Don’t wait! Joe’s classes are always very popular and this one will fill up quickly. First-come, first-serve! Write Nancy at somersetwoodstrustees@gmail.com today. (since I received the above information too late for last week’s publication this notice may be too late, sorry.)

The Somerset County 4-H Leaders Association is holding a fundraising effort: a “Luck of the Draw” Auction on May 6, 2017, in Skowhegan.
4-H is the largest youth organization in the world. Our 13 local Somerset County 4-H clubs and independent project volunteers/members learn life skills and participate in community service activities. Research studies document that 4-H youth are more likely to go to college than youth engaged in other out-of-school programs. We provide funds to enable youth participate in programs like Engineering Day, the 4-H @UMaine Conference. summer camps and various county educational activities, along with awarding five county scholarships to youth who attend college. In an effort to reach more youth, we are coordinating with local schools and teachers to establish after-school programs.

Would you be so kind as to help by donating an item or gift card? Many people love gift certificates for services or fun events. We are collecting new items or gently used things; no used clothing please. Your cash donations may also be used to purchase gas cards, a popular item in the auction for much needed help to many local residents. Items may be dropped at the Skowhegan Cooperative Extension Office.

Your donations will help further the leadership skills developed and demonstrated by many youths participating in 4-H in our county. We would love to acknowledge your contribution by listing your name or business name in the program for the event. Thank you for your support of the 4-H, a nonprofit organization.

Received an e-mail from a volunteer scheduling coordinator for the local AARP Tax-Aide Program. As a community service, our IRS trained personnel provides free federal and state income tax preparation for area Seniors and low income families.

They have openings available in March and early April on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings at the Cross Roads Bible Church, in Madison, however, our schedule is filling up, so interested persons should call and schedule an appointment ASAP. Please include my phone number, and my first name, (Ferra). I can be reached for an appointment at 643-2559. My thanks in advance.

Just a reminder, don’t forget the Solon Congregational Church supper at the Solon Masonic Hall on Saturday, January 28, from 5 to 6 p.m.
And now for Percy’s memoir this week, I’m still told how much you enjoy his wise words! It’s a Wonderful World: In spite of the fact we complain and lament An view this old world with much discontent, Deploring conditions and grumbling because There’s so much injustice and so many flaws, It’s a wonderful world, and it’s people like you Who make it that way by the things that they do. For a warm, ready smile or a kind, thoughtful deed or a hand outstretched in an hour of need Can change our whole outlook and make the world bright Where a minute before just nothing seemed right. It’s a wonderful world and it always will be If we keep our eyes open and focused to see The wonderful things we are capable of When we open our hearts to God and His love. (words from a little book called, “A Collection of Blessings” by Helen Steiner Rice.)

Legal Notices, Week of January 26, 2017

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STATE OF MAINE
KENNEBEC, ss.
TONI M. FREDETTE,
Plaintiff,
V.
MARY ANN FREDETTE
f/k/a
MARY ANN WENTWORTH
Defendant
SUPERIOR COURT
CIVIL ACTION
DOCKET NO:

ORDER ON PLAINTIFF’S
MOTION TO PERMIT
SERVICE BY PUBLICATION
TITLE TO REAL ESTATE IS INVOLVED
688 AUGUSTA ROAD, WINSLOW, MAINE
BOOK 12300, PAGE 133

A Complaint has been filed with the Court against Defendant MARY ANN FREDETTE f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH, which requires personal service in accordance with Rule 4(d) of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure.

Upon motion, the Court hereby ORDERS:

That service cannot be made upon MARY ANN FREDETTE, f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH in any of the usual manners prescribed by Rule 4 despite the due diligence of the Plaintiff. Service shall therefore be made upon MARY ANN FREDETTE, f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH and all those who claim or may claim by, through, or under MARY ANN FREDETTE, f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH by publishing this Order once a week for three (3) successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the County of Kennebec, the county in which the property at issue in the Complaint is located and the county in which MARY ANN FREDETTE, f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH was last known to reside.

The first publication shall be made within twenty (20) days after this order is issued. Service by publication shall be complete on the twenty-first (21st) day after the first publication.

Plaintiff seeks a judgment in Kennebec County Superior Court against MARY ANN FREDETTE, f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH to obtain a partition of certain property now owned by Toni M. Fredette and Defendant, and previously owned by Leo and Loretta Fredette, being located at 688 Augusta Road, Winslow, Maine.

The property at issue in the Complaint consists of the property described in the deed recorded at Book 12300 Page 133 at the Kennebec County Registry of Deeds.

A copy of the complaint for partition may be obtained from Plaintiff’s attorney at the address and number below.

If you wish to oppose this lawsuit, you or your attorney MUST PREPARE AND SERVE A WRITTEN ANSWER to the complaint WITHIN TWENTY (20) DAYS after service is completed by the foregoing method.

You or your attorney must serve your answer by delivering a copy of it in person or by mail to the Plaintiff’s attorney, Bryan B. Ward, of the firm of O’Donnell, Lee, 112 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine. You or your attorney must also file the original of your answer with the Court by mailing it to the following address: Kennebec Superior Court, 1 Court Street, Augusta, Maine, before or within a reasonable time after it is served.

IMPORTANT WARNING: IF YOU FAIL TO SERVE AN ANSWER WITHIN THE TIME STATED ABOVE OR IF, AFTER YOU ANSWER, YOU FAIL TO APPEAR AT ANY TIME THE COURT NOTIFIES YOU TO DO SO, A JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU IN YOUR ABSENCE FOR THE RELIEF DEMANDED IN THE COMPLAINT. IF YOU INTEND TO OPPOSE THIS LAWSUIT, DO NOT FAIL TO ANSWER WITHIN THE REQUIRED TIME.

IF YOU BELIEVE THE PLAINTIFF IS NOT ENTITLED TO ALL OR PART OF THE CLAIM SET FORTH IN THE COMPLAINT OR IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A CLAIM OF YOUR OWN AGAINST THE PLAINTIFF, YOU SHOULD TALK TO A LAWYER. IF YOU FEEL YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY A FEE TO A LAWYER, YOU MAY ASK THE COURT FOR INFORMATION AS TO PLACES WHERE YOU MAY SEEK LEGAL ASSISTANCE.

Dated: January 15, 2017
/s/ Michaela Murphy
Justice, Superior Court
Plaintiff’s Attorney:
Bryan B. Ward
O’Donnell and Lee
112 Silver Street
Waterville, Maine 04901
Telephone: (207) 872-0112
(2/9)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
Court St., Skowhegan, ME
Somerset, SS
Location of Court
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
18-A MRSA sec. 3-801

The following Personal Representatives have been appointed in the estates noted. The first publication date of this notice is January 26, 2017

If you are a creditor of an estate listed below, you must present your claim within four months of the first publication date of this Notice to Creditors by filing a written statement of your claim on a proper form with the Register of Probate of this Court or by delivering or mailing to the Personal Representative listed below at the address published by his name, a written statement of the claim indicating the basis therefore, the name and address of the claimant and the amount claimed or in such other manner as the law may provide. See 18-A MRSA 3-804.

2017-001 – Estate of CLINTON B. TOWNSEND, late of Canaan, Me deceased. Benjamin P. Townsend, 76 Williams Road, Chelsea, Me 04330 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-002 – Estate of CLIFFORD J. FECTEAU, late of Fairfield, I deceased. Thomas A. Little, 4 Sterling Drive, Westbrook, Me 04092 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-004 – Estate of SCOTT E. GREEN, late of Harmony, Me deceased. Thomas Bellen PO Box 277, North Conway, NH 03860 and Anna L. Green, 17 Carson Hill Road, Harmony, Me 04942 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2017-005 – Estate of DANIELLE A. DAVIS, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Maureen D. Davis, 418 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-006 – Estate of EDGAR L. BEAULIEU, late of Pittsfield, Me deceased. Madalyn L. Ring, 116 Higgins Road, Pittsfield, Me 04967 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-007 – Estate of KATHLEEN ANN BERNIER, late of Solon, Me deceased. Cristi Ann Dickey, 383 South Solon Road, Solon, Maine 04979 appointed Personal Representative.

2016-334 – Estate of VALERIE TIEMAN, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Gene Allen Harmon, 805 Ikes Road, Taylors, SC 29687 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-009 – Estate of LEWIS B. HAYES, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. James D. Hayes, PO Box 496, Canaan, Me 04924 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-013 – Estate of JACK E. RANDALL, late of Palmyra, Me deceased. Linda M. Burleigh, 7 South Street, Newport, Me 04953 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-014 – Estate of ELIZABETH D. RANDALL, late of Palmyra, Me deceased. Linda M. Burleigh, 7 South Street, Newport, Me 04953 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-015 – Estate of DORIS H. ISHERWOOD, late of Albany, NY deceased. Sharron-Linn Schmidt, 1124 Howard Street, Schenectady, NY 12303-1241 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-018 – Estate of CHRISTIE ANN JAMES, late of Madison, Me deceased. Ruth Lyons, 77 Bennoch Road, Orono, Me 04473 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-019 – Estate of ROY E. FICKETT, late of Norridgewock, Me deceased. Randal R. Fickett, 520 Stevenstown Road, Litchfield, Me 04350 AND Diana L. Wade, PO Box 116, Norridgewock, Me 04957 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2017-020 – Estate of WILLIAM C. ROACH, late of Athens, Me deceased. Marlene F. Roach, 11170 Broadstone Way, Apex, NC 27502 appointed Personal Representative.

To be published on Jan 26 & Feb. 2, 2017.
Dated: January 23, 2017 /s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(2/2)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
41 COURT ST.
SOMERSET, SS.
SKOWHEGAN, ME
PROBATE NOTICES

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE ESTATES LISTED BELOW

Notice is hereby given by the respective petitioners that they have filed petitions for appointment of personal representatives in the following estates. These matters will be heard at 10 a.m. or as soon thereafter as they may be, on February 8, 2017. The requested appointments may be made on or after the hearing date if no sufficient objection be heard. This notice complies with the requirements of 18-A MRSA §3-403 and Probate Rule 4.

2016-344 – Estate of NATALIE ELIZABETH LEPAGE. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Stacey Slate, PO Box 56, North Anson, Me 04950 requesting minor’s name be changed to Natalie Elizabeth Slate for reasons set forth therein.

2017-003 – Estate of ALICE MARIE MULLEN. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Alice Marie Mullen, 20 AJ Drive, Norridgewock, Maine 04957 requesting that her name be changed to Alice Marie Berry for reasons set forth therein.

Dated: January 23, 2017 /s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(2/2)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
SOMERSET, SS
NOTICE TO HEIRS
STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT SOMERSET, SS.
41 COURT STREET, SKOWHEGAN, MAINE 04976

Estate of RAYMOND P. WALTERS, Docket No. 2016-346

A Petition for Informal Probate of Will or Appointment of Personal Representative Under a Will or Both has been filed in the estate of RAYMOND P. WALTERS. Said petition notes that there is the possibility that unknown and unascertained heirs may exist whose identity and whereabouts cannot, with the exercise of due diligence, be determined. Accordingly, notice is hereby given to such possible heirs of the existence of the Petition for Informal Probate of Will or Appointment of Personal Representative Under a Will or Both filed.

The following are the names of the unknown and unascertained heirs whose complete address is unknown:

Robert Read

THEREFORE, notice is hereby given to them as heirs of the above named estate, pursuant to Maine Rules of Probate Procedure Rule 4(d) (1) (a), and Rule 4 (e) a.

This notice shall be published once a week for two successive weeks in the Town Line, a newspaper having general circulation in Somerset County, with the first publication date to be January 26, 2017.

Name and address of proposed Personal Representative: Teri McRae, 107 Parsons Pond Drive, Portland, Me 04103.

Dated: January 10, 2017
Victoria M. Hatch
Register of Probate
(2/2)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
SOMERSET, SS
NOTICE TO HEIRS

Estate of DORIS H. ISHERWOOD
Docket No. 2017-015

It appearing that an heir of Doris H. Isherwood as listed in an Application for Informal Appointment of Personal Representative is of unknown address as listed below:

Tracy Lynn Arnold aka Nikki Taylor

And any and all other heirs of said decedent who are unknown and whose addresses are unknown.

THEREFORE, notice is hereby given as heir of the above named estate, pursuant to Maine Rules of Probate Procedure Rule 4(d) (1) (a), and Rule 4 (e) a.

This notice shall be published once a week for two successive weeks in the Town Line, with the first publication date to be January 26, 2017.
Name and address of proposed Personal Representative:

Sharron-Linn Schmidt, 1124 Howard Street, Schenectady, NY 12303-1241.

Dated: January 19, 2017
/s/ Victoria M. Hatch
Register of Probate
(2/2)

SWANA scholarship available

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The Northern New England Chapter of SWANA (Solid Waste Association of North America) is announcing the availability of a scholarship for current undergraduates, graduate students, or high school seniors who have been accepted into an undergraduate program committed to a degree closely tied to Solid Waste Management, Environmental Science, Engineering or a related field of study.

The award is offered in remembrance of Steve Parker, a founding member of the SWANA Northern New England Chapter and long-term member of International Board of Directors. The scholarship is for $1,000 and is limited to students from Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Applicants do not have to be SWANA members; however, if the applicant has identified a SWANA family member (parent, grand-parent etc.) their application may be submitted for consideration for additional scholarship funding from the International Board of SWANA for up to $5,000.

Please mail completed application to Kevin Roche @ecomaine, 64 Blueberry Road, Portland ME 04102. Completed applications must be returned no later than March 8, 2017. For questions you may contact Kevin Roche or Denise Mungen at 207-523-3100 or email mungen@ecomaine.org.

A copy of the application can be found on our website at www.swanachapters.org/nne.

Erskine watercolors

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Three students in the art program at Erskine Academy hold their watercolor paintings, which have been matted and framed with a grant from the Oak Grove School Foundation. Students’ artwork will be on display at the China Dine-ah. From left to right, Ally Clark Bonsant ‘17, Michael Haoming Shi ‘18, and Katherine Keller, ‘17. Photo by Emily Foss

ACT I and II – AKC Agility: New agility opportunity for beginners

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TRAINING YOUR PERFORMANCE DOG

TRAINING YOUR PERFORMANCE DOGby Carolyn Fuhrer
Owner North Star Dog

There are two levels of ACT events: ACT 1 and ACT 2. ACT 1 is designed for the beginning level dog to show beginning sequencing and performance skills. ACT 2 requires an increased skill level by the addition of weaves and seesaw.

Who can enter?

Any dog 15 months or older that is in sound physical condition.

The dog cannot have earned an AKC agility title.

Non-registered and AKC registered dogs may enter.

Dogs without an AKC registration number will be issued a temporary one after the event by the AKC office.

If an unregistered dog earns a title, they will not receive a certificate until they are registered.

In order to earn an ACT 1 title, the team must run a course at any height they choose from 4 – 24 inches. The course will consist of 10 -12 obstacles, including a five-foot A frame, table, jumps (no spreads) and open tunnels. The course must be completed in 60 seconds (max time) with a score of 85 out of 100.

There can be no dropped bars, no missed contacts, no more than three attempts to complete any obstacle, and no more than three wrong courses.

A team must earn two qualifying legs to earn a title.

To earn an ACT 2 title, the team must run a course, at any height, which will include 11 – 13 obstacles. Obstacles will include A frame (five-feet), teeter, table, jumps (one spread jump), open tunnels and six weave poles. The dog walk is allowed in course design but is not required to be used in an ACT two test.

For an ACT 2 title, the team is allowed 70 seconds maximum time to complete the course with the same performance requirement for the ACT 1 test. A team needs to qualify in two ACT 2 courses to earn a ACT two title.

An ACT 1 title is not necessary to enter an ACT 2 test.

These ACT events are to encourage the sport of agility and help the dog and handler team prepare for regular agility events. ACT competitors can learn how to time, score, ring crew, course build, and learn how to help a trial run smoothly. ACT competitors will also learn about ring procedures and protocols, helping them to enjoy their first agility trial experiences.

The exciting news for all of us here in Maine is that Mid Coast Kennel Club will be hosting an ACT 1 and 2 test in March 2017 at Mainely Agility in Raymond, Maine. Mid Coast Kennel Club will also host two fun, informative workshops at the same location on February 4 and February 25 to help teams prepare for these events.

For more information on how you can register, contact Kathy Duhnoski of the Mid Coast Kennel Club at kduhnoski@myfairpoint.net or call Kathy at 207-691-2332.

Don’t miss out! Put this on your 2017 schedule – Happy New Year!

Carolyn Fuhrer has earned over 90 AKC titles with her Golden Retrievers, including 2 Champion Tracker titles. Carolyn is the owner of North Star Dog Training School in Somerville, Maine. She has been teaching people to understand their dogs for over 25 years. You can contact her with questions, suggestions and ideas for her column by e-mailing carolyn@dogsatnorthstar.com.

Part-time curator sought by Vassalboro Historical Society

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This position requires experience in grant writing, and membership development and/or volunteer recruitment and supervision. In addition the curator will:

  • be responsible for accessioning, storing and displaying of Museum holdings, including documents, photographs, books & three dimensional objects.
  • Provide advice to Building and Grounds Director regarding storage and display needs.
  • Carry out research requested by individuals who contact the museum.
  • Using Past Perfect museum software, enter description and photos (if available) of all accessioned items and backup software regularly.
  • Direct volunteers in a variety of tasks including cleaning, accessioning, etc.
  • Work with the President and the Board of Directors to continue maintenance and development of the Society and its programs

If you are interested please contact Jan Clowes, VHS President by e-mail at vhspresident@hotmail.com or by leaving a message at the museum at 207-923-3505.

CHINA NEWS: TIF committee recommends several economic allocations; voters to decide

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by Mary Grow

China’s TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Committee is recommending selectmen ask voters at the March 25 town business meeting to allocate up to $897,923 for specific economic development projects, as follows:

  • For the causeway project at the head of China Lake’s east basin, up to $750,000 over three years.
  • For a revolving loan fund to provide bridge funding for local businesses on request, not more than $25,000 for fiscal year 2017-18.
  • As a donation to ARI, the Alewife Restoration Initiative for China Lake, $30,000.
  • As a donation to the Thurston Park Committee to improve access to the town-owned land in northeastern China, $40,000.
  • For China’s 2017 contribution to FirstPark, the Oakland business park, $37,923. • As a donation to the China Region Lakes Alliance, $15,000 (of the $30,000 the CRLA usually requests from the town, leaving $15,000 to come from taxation if voters approve).

The money would come from the TIF account, formally called the Development Program Fund, which collects taxes Central Maine Power Company pays on its expanded power line through China.

Currently, the TIF program is set up for 20 years, running from 2015 to 2035. The committee recommends selectmen ask voters to extend it to the maximum 30 years allowed by state law.

The committee further recommends asking voters to put tax revenue from the new CMP substation off Route 3 into a TIF, the same one if possible or a separate one if state law so requires.

The power line TIF gets about $265,000 each July 1, Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux told committee members. The town does not yet have the final valuation of the substation, so he cannot tell how much it would add.

The advantage of a TIF, selectman and committee member Joann Austin reminded the other committee members, is that the valuation of TIFed projects is shielded; that is, it does not count toward the town’s valuation as calculated by the state. Without the TIF, China’s valuation would be higher. A higher valuation in comparison to other municipalities results in higher county taxes and less state revenue sharing money and state aid for education.

The causeway project is the most complex of the proposals and generated the longest discussion Jan. 17. It involves improvements to the present boat landing, including expanding parking on the north side of the causeway east of the bridge; changes along the lake shore to provide better access for fishermen, including handicapped access; rebuilding or replacing the bridge; and perhaps relocating the China Village fire station to make more parking space west of the causeway.

A new fire station would probably not qualify for TIF money under state law. Whether a new bridge would qualify appears uncertain from committee discussions. L’Heureux said the state finds the present bridge, though old – built in 1930, he said – and narrow, is safe; committee member and former state legislator David Cotta doubted the state would contribute highway funds to replace it.

Several committee members, however, see a new bridge as key to the whole project. Jim Wilkens said the narrow bridge is already a safety hazard, with fishermen, including children, too close to passing vehicles, and increasing recreational use would make the situation worse. Cotta said the town might be held liable if officials promoted increased use despite a recognized hazard.

A further unresolved issue is what to do along the lake shore, and perhaps along the back of the expanded parking lot to reduce run-off into the wetland known as the Muldoon. Committee members discussed a pervious gravel lot versus a paved lot; for the lake frontage, consulting engineer Mark McCluskey has proposed sheet piling, but at the Jan. 17 meeting committee member Dale Worster recommended using landscaping blocks to make a terraced shoreline. Committee member Stephen Nichols said if the shoreline improvements are done before the bridge is replaced, they will be ruined when the shore is dug up for the bridge work.

The revolving loan fund would be administered by Kennebec Valley Council of Governments, whose staff helped committee members plan it. Wilkens and Cotta opposed recommending it to selectmen and voters, questioning whether local businesses need bridge loans and whether, if granted, they would be repaid.

The donation to ARI is based partly on the assumption that introducing alewives back into China Lake will improve water quality. The alewives supposedly eat tiny plants and animals containing phosphorus and take the phosphorus with them when they migrate back to the ocean in the fall, leaving less food for algae. Better water quality is an economic advantage.

Alewives’ role in improving water quality is hotly debated locally, with anecdotal evidence supporting it but scientific studies inconclusive. L’Heureux stressed that ARI’s goal is to restore historic fish runs, not specifically to affect water quality.

At the March 2016 town business meeting, voters approved two TIF articles for the current fiscal year. One appropriated the same amounts as recommended this March for FirstPark ($37,923) and CRLA ($15,000) plus $6,000 for administration, $2,500 for China Community Days, $650 for Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce dues and $5,000 for a bicentennial events coordinator (who has not been hired). The last three items were not discussed at the Jan. 17 TIF Committee meeting.

The second March 2016 article authorized selectmen to appropriate up to $50,000 “in the 2016-2017 fiscal year and thereafter” from TIF funds for technical, administrative and legal expenses associated with proposed economic development projects.

The draft warrant for the March 25, 2017, town business meeting includes all the 2016 items, with the Chamber of Commerce dues reduced to $500, plus all the Jan. 17 TIF Committee recommendations. Selectmen have not yet reviewed the proposed expenditures.

In November 2016 voters approved two more expenditures recommended by the TIF Committee, donating $50,000 to the China Four Seasons Club for trail work and authorizing selectmen to spend up to $10,000 to buy a piece of land near the boat landing as part of the causeway project.

L’Heureux said the land purchase is almost completed. During August 2016 discussion of the Four Seasons Club request, club President and TIF Committee member Frank Soares said he planned to ask for $30,000 a year in following years. Soares was not at the January 17 meeting and the issue was not mentioned.

The draft March 25 warrant does not include TIF funds for the Four Seasons Club’s trail work. It does include the traditional request to give the club part of the snowmobile registration tax refund the state returns to the town.

The TIF Committee is scheduled to meet again Monday evening, Jan. 30.

 

Cracking Your Genetic Code in Palermo

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Many of us have journeyed into our pasts through the study of genealogy, but now we can have the information in our DNA – all three billion chemical letters of it – read, stored, and available for analysis. What will this mean? We stand on the verge of a medical revolution that enables scientists to pinpoint and neutralize the genetic abnormalities that underlie a number of medical conditions. Who has access to this information? (Insurance companies, prospective mates, employers?) One thing is certain: the era of personalized, gene-based medicine is relevant to everyone.

Join them at 6 p.m. on Friday, January 27, at the Palermo Community Center for a delicious potluck dinner. Bring a dish to share or contribute to the Food Pantry. After dinner, they’ll show “Cracking Your Genetic Code,” in the downstairs screening room. All are welcome, and it’s free. For more information, please call Connie at 993-2294.

Obituaries, Week of January 26, 2017

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SHEILA F. SCALZI

WHITEFIELD––Sheila Frances (Halko) Scalzi, 73, of Whitefield, and former resident of Fairfield, Stratford and Naugatuck, Connecticut, passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2017, at her daughter’s home following a yearlong courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Sheila was born June 6, 1943, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the daughter of the late George and Dorothy (Tichy) Halko.

She graduated from Andrew Warde High School, Fairfield, Connecticut, class of 1961.

She worked as a telephone operator, a stay-at-home mom, and at RAF Electronics and General Data Comm Industries, performing office work. In 2004, she retired and moved to Maine, and worked part-time here and there: at the local Country Farms Restaurant as a hostess, at her grandsons; elementary school as a substitute teacher, and starting her own small business, “The Candy Lady” where she created holiday confections that were sold in her local community. She was always very creative and loved to bake, make candies, knit, crochet and quilt.

Sheila was also a free spirit who loved to travel to new places. Yet making memories with her loved ones came first, and she always had a camera in her hand to capture them. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, teaching them how to cook and bake some of her favorite recipes, creating a new craft project or playing a new game. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend and she will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Terri (Scalzi) and husband Bob Soohey, of Whitefield; sons, Frederick Scalzi Jr. (Fritz) and wife Kristie(Lambert), of Berlin, Connecticut, Mark Scalzi and wife Stephanie (Piscitelli), of Southington, Connecticut; seven grandchildren, Robert, Stephen, Anthony, Amanda, Alexander, Annabelle and Ava; brothers Robert Halko and wife Linda, of Shelton, Connecticut, George Halko and wife Irene, of Shelton, Connecticut; sister Janice Autore and husband Frank, of Naugatuck, Connecticut, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and aunts.

To share condolences and memories with the family, please visit www.hullfh.com.

Memorial donations can be made to The Toy Closet Program, Yale New Haven Hospital, 20 York St., New Haven CT 06510.

ERMA P. ROBINSON

VASSALBORO – Erma P. (Leathers) Robinson, 93, of Vassalboro, died Friday, January 13, 2017, at home, following a battle with colon cancer. She was born the sixth of eight children, in Corinna, on May 23, 1923, to Ivory and Viola Leathers.

She is predeceased by all. She married the boy next door, Ervin R. Robinson, in Vassalboro on October 24, 1943. Ervin passed away in 1991. He was her one and only.

She spent the majority of her life as a homemaker, getting great satisfaction from gardening, berry picking, canning, sewing, and Do-it-yourself home remodeling projects. Active into her 90s, she continued to plant a vegetable garden, split and stack wood, feed the birds, shovel snow, and refinish furniture. She especially enjoyed decorating for the holidays, which included a Christmas tree in every room. Throughout their 48 years of marriage, she and Ervin road tripped with a camper all over the United States and in her later years she traveled to other countries, including Germany, Russia, and Latvia. She kissed the Blarney Stone in Ireland at the age of 85 and zip-lined in Costa Rica at 82.

She is survived by two of her three daughters, Sherry Cennamo and her husband Ralph, and Robin Robinson, all of Vassalboro; her son-in-law of 50 years, Phil Astwood of Newberry, South Carolina; eldest daughter and Phil’s wife, Valarie Astwood, of Newberry, South Carolina, passed away in 2015.
Erma will be missed by eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; Heather Astwood and her husband Greg Kemp, of Germantown, Maryland; Owen Astwood and his wife Holly, of Irmo, South Carolina, and their daughters Isabel and Madelyn; Scott Robinson Sevigny, of Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica, and his sons Jordan and Anthony; Staci Fortunato and her husband Peter, of Augusta, and their sons Andrew and Daniel; Shelly Wilson, of Windsor, and her sons, Lukas and Isaak; and grandsons Michael Cennamo, of Portland; Anthony Cennamo, of Hallowell; and Nicholas Cennamo of Monhegan. Her Facebook fans, who have followed her escapades over the past few years and to whom she is known as the “Ermalator.”

Erma planned her own Memorial Service which will be held in the Quaker style on Saturday, January 28, at 2 p.m., at the Friends Meeting House, Stanley Hill Road, Vassalboro. To honor her, she wanted everyone in attendance to wear something in her favorite color: red. A reception will be held immediately following at the meeting house. There are no visiting hours. Graveside services will occur at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made in to the Vassalboro Community School, 1116 Webber Pond Road, Vassalboro, ME 04989.

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

MARK E. PILSBURY

PALERMO – Mark E. Pilsbury, 67, died Sunday, January 15, 2017, at the Gosnell Hospice House, in Scarbo­ough, following a brief, yet courageous battle with leukemia. Mark was born in Augusta, on September 2, 1949, a son of the late Ralph K. and Frances F. (Farrell) Pilsbury.

He grew up in Palermo and graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, class of 1969. Shortly after graduation, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Turkey, Colorado, and Las Vegas, Nevada, during his four-year service to our country.

In June of 1972, Mark married the former Gail Hathorne, of Gardiner, and they had two children.

A life long communicant of St. Michael Parish, in Augusta, Mark worked for the State of Maine, Wal Mart, in Augusta, and Togus VA among other places during his time with us.

Mark was an avid hunter in his younger years, and has bragging rights as a member of the “Biggest Bucks in Maine” club. He also loved to fish on Branch Pond, Sheepscot Lake, and other secret fishing holes he would never divulge. A friend of Bill W., Mark was very proud to be sober for over 30 years.

Despite facing several challenges during his life, Mark always had a positive attitude and a unique way of looking at life, even facing his disease with a practical outlook and a sense humor during his final days.

Mark was predeceased by his parents and his daughter, Rebecca Pilsbury, of Humansville, Missouri.

He is survived by his son, Christopher Pilsbury, of Augusta; a sister, Jane Hussey and husband W. Carr Hussey, of Vassalboro; four brothers: Ralph Pilsbury and wife Susan, of Damariscotta, and Land O Lakes, Florida, Peter Pilsbury and wife Natalie, of Turner, Joseph Pilsbury and companion Patsy Glidden, of South China, and Thomas Pilsbury and husband Stan York, of Palermo; two aunts, Sally Pilsbury and Mary Lou Pilsbury, both of Augusta; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd, Windsor, ME.

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

GEORGE CLARK JR.

WINSLOW – George “Dewey” Clark Jr., 77, passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2017. Dewey was born on March 28, 1939, to the late George D. Sr. and Arlene (Johnson) Clark, in Waterville.

He attended Clinton grade school until moving to the vocational program in Waterville, where he graduated in 1957.

Following graduation, Dewey enlisted in the National Guard and served for four years. Along with being in the National Guard, Dewey also worked for Ski-land Woolen Mill, in Clinton, from 1957 to 1960. After the woolen mill, Dewey worked for the Maine Central Railroad from 1960 to 1986 as machinist. From 1986 to 2014, Dewey worked with his son at Clark’s Machine Shop as a machinist.

Dewey’s hobbies consisted of building airplanes, making hunting knives, and anything that had to do with metal. He was known as the guy who could make anything and fix anything, and was truly a master at his craft.

Dewey also was very proud to be a 32rd Degree Mason.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Dewey is survived by his wife Joyce, of Winslow; son George Dewey Clark III and wife Sue, of Clinton; stepson Chris Mason, of Canaan; stepdaughter Karen Lemieux and husband Keith, of Winslow; grandchildren, George Dewey Clark IV and wife Jessica, of Corpus Christi, Texas; Bo Clark and wife Elizabeth, of Clinton; Matthew Clark and wife Kellie, of Exeter, New Hampshire; and Ben Lemieux, of Winslow; great-grandchildren, Austin, Anthony, Ian, Jocelyn, Jackson, and Carter; one great-great-grandson, Hayden.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice Volunteers of Waterville, 304 Maine St., Waterville, ME 04901 or a charity of your choice.

GERALD S. DUMOUCHEL

FAIRFIELD – Gerald (Jerry) Dumouchel passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 10, 2017. He was born August 10, 1945, to Louis and Doris Dumouchel in Worcester, Mass.

Following graduation from high school, Jerry served in the United States Air Force for four years. Jerry had a long career as a respiratory therapist for hospitals in Augusta, Lewiston and Waterville.

Jerry enjoyed bowling, camping, gardening and playing cards with friends and family.

On March 20, 1971, he married the former Patricia (Pat) Huff, and they were happily married until her death in 2014. He is also predeceased by his parents; and brother-in-law Clifton (Kip) Huff.

Jerry is survived by his son Jeff Dumouchel and wife Karen, of South Carolina; his sister Joan Pratt and brother Ronald Dumouchel, of Massachusetts, sister-in-law Barbara Hart and husband Stewart, of Florida, brother-in-law Frederick Huff and wife Mary, of Augusta, sister-in-law Edna Huff, of Maryland; and many nieces and nephews. Also, two special ladies he considered daughters, Bridgette Kram and husband Shawn, of North Carolina and Ashley Jadczak and husband Michael and their son Aiden, of Vermont.

Memorial donations may be made to Maultiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Abe., 5th Floor, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.

TRAVIS L. GREENE

FAIRFIELD – Travis Leon Greene, 37, of Fairfield, passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at his home in Fairfield. Travis was the son of Sharon and Leon Greene of Fairfield., born on May 29, 1979, in Waterville.

Travis graduated from Lawrence High School in 1997.

Travis enjoyed working on stock cars with his father and lifelong friend Shawn Knox. Travis also enjoyed NASCAR races, the Raiders, and his dog Bentley. He loved his daughter, Shaylee, and her sister, Danika.

He started out doing construction with his father at the age of 12 and then went on to work at Huhtamaki, North Center Foods, and Sheridan Corp., all in Fairfield.

Travis was predeceased by his grandparents Elaine and Herman Greene, grandfather Randy Getchell Jr.; and nephew Conner John Alley.

He is survived by his parents Leon and Sharon Greene; his sister Bobbi Boothby; his daughters Shaylee Brooke and Danika Marie; many aunts, uncles; nieces, nephews; cousins.

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

Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

ARTHUR MUNN

WINSLOW – Arthur Raymond Munn, 70, of Winslow, passed Monday, January 9, 2017, in Augusta. He was born on April 12, 1946, in Presque Isle, one of 11 children of Annie (Grant) Munn and Elwin Munn.

Following graduation from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in the fall of 1964 as a PVT (E1) and was honorably discharged in July 1968 as an SP5 (E5).

Art would marry the former Pauline Dionne and together they had a daughter, Elizabeth, and made their home in Winslow. Art worked as a loan officer for Keyes Fibre Federal Credit union and Taconnet Federal Credit Union.

Art is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Dionne; son-in-law, Jason Joyce, and their two sons Christopher and Benjamin Joyce; as well as a large extended family of brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

Art was predeceased by his granddaughter, Megan Joyce.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the (old) Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 289 Civic Center Dr., Augusta.

To share condolences, memories and tributes with Art’s family, please visit: www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

OTHERS DEPARTED

HARRIET C. LANCASTER, 85, of Canaan, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2016. Locally, she is survived by her children Bruce W. Lancaster and partner Lisa Fowler, of Vassalboro, Mark A. Lancaster and wife Janet, of Oakland, and Karen Thibodeau and husband Scott, of Clinton; sister Helen Bronn, of Vassalboro.

PATRICIA A. TEWKSBURY, 60, of Crystal River, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2017, at the Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast ahospice House in Crystal River. Locally, she is survived by a daughter, Aimie Thomas, of China, and brother Peter Tewksbury, of Oakland.

PATRICK R. POULIN, 49, of Windham, passed awat on Friday, January 13, 2017, following a lifelong battle with diabetes. Locally, he is survived by brother, Michael Poulin and wife Janet, of Vassalboro.

DOREEN A. CRAIN, 77, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2017, following a long stay at Golden Villa Group Home, in Las Vegas. Locally, she is survived by sister Gloria Blanchet and husband Carl, of Waterville and Theresa Reny and husband Patrick, of North Vassalboro.

CAROLYN M. STANDRING, 49, of Waterville, passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. Locally, she is survived by a daughter Kacee Standring, and son-in-law Luis Rodriques, both of Waterville.

GLORIA M. CHAREST, 66, of Augusta, passed away on Monday, January 16, 2017, following a courageous four-year battle with cancer. Locally, she is survived by a son, Craig Charest, of Windsor.

ALOHA B. HILTON, 73, of Norridgewock, passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2017, at Cedar Ridge Center, in Skowhegan. Locally, she is survived by her husband John; daughter Katey Hilton, of Waterville.