EVENTS: Recycled Shakespeare announces auditions

Recycled Shakespeare Company (RSC) will hold auditions for their upcoming play Richard III on Sunday, November 26, 5 to 7 p.m., at South Parish Congregational Church, in Augusta, and Monday, November 27, 5 to 7 p.m., at Fairfield House of Pizza, in Fairfield.

Auditions will consist of individual and group cold readings, but you may come with a memorized piece if you wish. If anyone would like to audition but cannot do so at these times, please call 314-4730 in advance to discuss alternatives. All parts will be offered by Friday, December 1. RSC also seeks people to do tech and stage work, costuming, props, and concessions. Please come to audition or call to join the crew. People of all skill levels and abilities are invited to participate with this grassroots community theater company.

The play will be performed in Fairfield, Waterville, and Augusta, February 23 through 25. Table Read will be 5:30 p.m., on Wednesday, December 21, at Fairfield House of Pizza. All actors are responsible for learning their lines before Blocking rehearsals begin on Saturday, January 6. Rehearsal schedule is basically Saturdays 1 to 5 p.m., in Augusta, and Wednesday 5:30 to 8 p.m., in Fairfield.

Richard III is the tragic story of a tyrant who rises to power through his cunning charm which does not stop at murder. “Plots are laid” as characters build alliances, break the bonds of friends and family, and strive to maintain the kingdom as England nears the end of the brutal War of the Roses. One of Shakespeare’s often performed plays, this production by RSC is reduced to 90 minutes with script editing by Becca Bradstreet and a directorial team of Lyn Rowden, Shana Page, and Murray Herard.

For more information contact 207-314-4730 or see, like and follow Recycled Shakespeare Company on Facebook.

EVENTS: Festival of Wreaths to benefit Winslow Community Cupboard Food Pantry

by Dave Carew

The Festival of Wreaths – a raffle-benefit for Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry – will be held on Friday, November 24, from noon to 8 p.m., and on Saturday, November 25, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Winslow Congregational Church, 12 Lithgow Street, Winslow. Admission to the event will be a $1 donation; raffle tickets will be 50 cents each. Food and beverages will be available for sale and there will be a very special appearance by Santa Claus!

Featuring more than 50 wonderful Christmas and holiday wreaths, the raffle-benefit will seek to raise urgently-needed funds for the food pantry, which has served more than 20,087 food-insecure households in Winslow, Waterville, and surrounding towns so far in 2023.

According to Operations Manager Bruce Bottiglierie, Winslow Community Cupboard – which also operates a Mobile Food Pantry that directly serves locations in Waterville, Skowhegan, Fairfield, and more than a dozen other local towns – has experienced a 39 percent increase in the number of households needing food-pantry service this year. The Festival of Wreaths is sponsored by Healthy Northern Kennebec.

For more information, please contact Bruce Bottiglierie, Winslow Community Cupboard, at 207-616-0076 or WinslowCupboard@Gmail.com.

VETERANS CORNER: Let’s talk about D.I.C.

by Gary Kennedy

I hope everyone had a very enjoyable Veterans weekend holiday. It’s always great to have three days off in a row to share time with family and friends. Some vets and I see each other every week. Often on Tuesday mornings we will meet in the rear section of the cafeteria and share information. Perhaps one day we will see you there. The coffee is not bad and the company is enjoyable and enlightening.

This week we talked about many topics but the one that drew the most attention was D.I.C.. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is a VA benefit awarded to eligible VA deceased veterans, spouse, child or parent due to the loss of life of a Veteran who died in the line of duty or the survivor of a veteran who passed away from a service related injury or illness.

Some of the qualifications are you were married to the veteran for more than a year or had a child with the veteran. You would be eligible even if you remarried after age 55 or older. Evidence needs to be made available such as proof that the service member died on active duty or the service member died from the service connected illness or injury. If the veteran was totally disabled they must have had this rating 10 years before their death or five years immediately after military release or one year before their death if they were a former prisoner of war, who died after September 30, 1999. Totally disabling means veteran could not work. You will need to supply some evidence, military medical records, doctors reports, etc.

You should be able to show veteran died on active duty, training or died from service connected illness or injury or the veteran was eligible to receive VA compensation for a service connected disability rated at totally disabling for a certain period of time. If the veteran died from their service connected / aggravated condition and had Covid-19 then perhaps you can secure a connection because of the aggravation.

Another point I would make that isn’t showing up for veterans or dependents review: it has been my experience that you can be married to a veteran with less than 100-percent disability and still receive DIC. One trick that I use is one that isn’t usually sought after or mentioned and that is diabetes. If your loved one had diabetes when he / she passed it is quite possible that the diabetes had something to do with it. When you turn over the body of your loved one make sure you mention that your family member had diabetes so he can put that on the death certificate. I know that sounds a little inhuman but trust me, it can make the difference. This would be the same scenario for Covid.

Now I will try to explain the monetary rates. Benefits are possibly available for you, your children under 18 years of age or 23 if in college, also a parent may be eligible for this benefit. The same would be true of adopted children. The rate this year, 2023 is $1,562.74. You may also be eligible for other money depending on your loved ones Special Monthly Compensation awards. So, make sure you do the legwork to obtain all that you may be entitled. I think I am starting to sound like a social security ad.

Most VA staff are working for your best interest but it’s ultimately up to you to get what is intended and that which your veteran would have wanted for you. So, when this sad day occurs you need to remember what I have said, go to Social Security and report the passing, there is a small amount of money there as well. Then you will have also contacted Veteran Service Officer, (VSO) who will aid you through the process. There is also the possible burial benefit that VA can help you with.

I have given you only a brief as there is so much more in many cases. This will at least help with some of your questions and direct you on how to answer others. VA has a fine staff of V.S.O. officers who are caring, compassionate and really want to help you through your ordeal. I hope this has helped in some small way.

God bless and guide you through this traumatic time in your life. We are here for you.

PHOTO: Youth action on the gridiron

Messalonskee Youth Football 5/6 Red team member, Peter McLaughlin (33), running down field while Augusta Jr. Rams Liam Ferran (48) goes for the tackle, in football action earlier this fall. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

SCORES & OUTDOORS: What is that funny-looking chicken?

A Pearl Guinea Fowl, front, and White Guinea Fowl.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

A little while back, I went to a friend’s house at the lake to help bring in his dock. But before we did that, he had to go to Hannaford to pick up his weekly issue of the Boston Sunday Globe – he wouldn’t read anything else. I stayed back to start getting things ready.

When he returned, he asked me about a flock of birds he had seen crossing the road that looked like fat, gray chickens. Immediately, the guinea fowl came to mind. Rather than have him describe the bird to me, I described it to him, and it was exactly what he had seen.

Guinea fowl, Numida meleagris, in our area are generally domestic stock, kind of like chickens and bantams. It is believed they are of West African origin. There are two common varieties, the Pearl and the White. The bird rarely weighs over 3-1/2 pounds, although they appear larger than this alive. The bones are quite small, and the carcass produces a relatively large amount of meat.

There is good demand for Guinea fowl in the large markets, and because of their wild game flavor the birds are served extensively in the larger hotels and higher priced restaurants.

The eggs are small, of dark color and fine flavor, and are apt to be laid in secluded places in the grass and weeds.

It is not easy to distinguish the sex of Guineas. The male has slightly larger head appendages and the female seldom screeches like the male. They are normally monogamous, mating for life. All guinea fowl are social, and typically hang out in small groups.

The Guinea fowl is a family of insect-eating, ground-nesting bird that resemble partridges, but with featherless heads. Most speciest have a dark gray or blackish plumage with dense white spots.

Guinea fowl have a long history of domestication, mainly involving the helmeted Guinea fowl. They eat lice, worms, ants, spiders, weedseeds and ticks while on the range.

They are a very noisy bird, and are said to be good for controlling the Lyme disease-bearing deer tick. They range well and eat lots of small things. In fact, if you keep bees, you don’t really want to keep guineas. They’ll stand by the hive and snap up the bees as they come out. Some have reported that since they started keeping guinea fowl, they have not seen yellow jacket hives in their fields.

You can reduce ticks and other insects by raising them. They are a little tricky to raise, but they are interesting, friendly and they eat bugs. Contrary to popular opinion, they are quite intelligent.

Guineas often lay their eggs in fields and hatch their young by themselves. Being native to dry areas of Africa, they are very susceptible to dampness during their first two weeks, and can die from following their mother through dewy grass. After two weeks of age, they are probably the hardiest of all domestic land fowl.

Guinea fowl live in the wild once you raise and release them.They are territorial so they will stay pretty much in one area.

Once you have raised them, their release can be tricky. If you release them all at one time, they may wander off forever. The best bet is to release one or two. They will hang near the others in the hutch. They hate to be alone. After dusk, you will find them roosting on the ground nearby. Capture them from the top so they can’t open their wings. This shouldn’t hurt them. Wear gloves as their claws and beaks are sharp. Put them back in the hutch and let another pair out the next day.

They are extremely vulnerable to hawks, cats and raccoons. They are most vulnerable when they are bedded down as a group at night. These birds cannot fly when their feathers are wet.

Do not confine male guineas with chickens if there are roosters in the same flock. Male guineas will run the roosters ragged and keep them from food and water. Females do not cause the same problems.

If you wish to raise Guinea fowl, there is much information on-line on that subject. Your local feed store will either sell keets (babies) or they will be able to tell you who does. You will need 15-20 to get started as they have a high mortality rate. They generally cost $3 – $5 each. There are benefits to raising these birds but there are some tricky steps along the way. Make sure you have done some homework, not to mention having the room (their range is usually 3 – 5 acres) before you begin to raise these wonderful birds.

During our many trips to Mexico, and the Caribbean, for that matter, my wife and I have noticed Guinea fowls are kept at all the resorts we have stayed at to control insects.

I have seen several Guinea fowl in the central Maine area, and maybe there should be more of them, considering the large population of deer ticks that have been reported lately.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

In what year did the Boston Patriots become the New England Patriots?

Answer
1971.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, November 16, 2023

LAWRENCE A. TILTON

WINSLOW – Lawrence A. Tilton, 88, passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2023, following a short illness. Lawrence was born in Skow­hegan to Myron and Fern Tilton on February 21, 1935.

Lawrence is best known for owning Tilton’s Dairy Bar and Tilton’s Log Cabin Restaurant. Lawrence was most proud of his sons’ musical abilities. He made sure they had what they needed to succeed as musicians. Lawrence enjoyed being part of Skowhegan Music Boosters when Larry and Greg were in school. Then in later years, he spent time going to clubs to dance and listen to Larry play in bands.

He was predeceased by son Gregory Tilton; mother to his children Wilma Tilton; father Myron Tilton, mother and stepfather Fern and Carroll Beal.

Lawrence is survived by son Larry Tilton; daughter-in-law Suzanne Tilton; granddaughter Alyssa Tilton, Anne-Marie Dubois and Stephanie Thompson.

SANDRA TUTTLE

BENTON – Sandra Tuttle, of Benton, passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023. She was born in Man­chester, New Hamps­hire, to Clarence and Denise Bean.

She attended Lowell High School, in Lowell, Massachusetts. She worked as a telephone operator in her early 20s. She started her family in Dracut, Massachusetts, with Robert Schutz whom she had four children with. They decided to move to Maine in 1988 to raise their children. They found a beautiful farmhouse in Benton.

Sandy worked for C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, until the mill shut down; then in a warehouse as a shift leader and ended her career as a telephone operator for L.L. Bean.

Together Sandy and Robert raised their children. Sandy enjoyed going to the beach, visiting friends and really loved being a mémère most of all. She was an avid cribbage player. She often played in many tournaments. Sandy found her new church after the passing of her first husband. The Clinton Baptist Church became her new family, and this is where she met her second husband, Roger Tuttle.

Her retirement years were spent enjoying all life had to offer. Sandy and Roger were married and began a new life together. They were the cutest couple filled with so much love. They could be found almost anywhere hand and hand. They enjoyed going to camp, to the movies, visiting friends and family and providing support to everyone around them. They spent many Sundays going to church and family functions, or just sitting together listening to some great music from the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Sandra was predeceased by Robert Schutz; Roger Tuttle, Tara Schutz, Ellisa Nelson.

She is survived by her children, Greg and Kathy Bean, of New Hampshire, Kurt Schutz, of Massachusetts, Eric Schutz, of Maine, Holly Holmes, of Maine, Tammy Schutz, of New Hampshire; stepchildren Paul Schutz, of Massachusetts, Robin Schutz, of Massachusetts; her grandchildren, Corey Schutz, Riley Holmes, Keith Fennelly, Allianna Fennelly, Julia Schutz, Alicia O’Brien, Rickey Saunders, Angelique and David Schutz, of Massachusetts, and William and Jacob Bean, of New Hampshire; great, great grandchildren Liam and Addison Bean and Connor and Logan Bean, of New Hampshire.

A memorial service will be held at the Clinton Baptist Church, in Clinton, on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 1 p.m., with a celebration to be held after the services in the hall.
Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Clinton Baptist Church, 10 Spring Street, Clinton, Maine 04927.

RITA M. GLIDDEN

VASSALBORO – Rita M. (Pare) Arbour Glidden, 95, passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2023.

Burial will take place at a later date at the Maine Veteran’s Cemetery.

Arrange­ments are being handled by Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330. Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

FLORENCE C. MESERVE

WINSLOW – Florence Cecile (Bonin) Meserve, 88, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023. Florence was born in her family’s Westbrook home on January 15, 1935, and was the daughter of the late Ephrem and Bernadette (Harvey) Bonin. She attended St. Hyacinth’s School and Westbrook High School.

Florence was married to the late Robert Meserve for 50 years before his passing in 2007.

As a young adult, Florence worked for several businesses including Sebago Shoes and the local drugstore’s soda fountain. In 1957, she married the love of her life, Bob, and eventually moved to the Waterville area to settle down and raise their family. She really enjoyed being a wife and mother to her five children. Extremely generous and giving, she always loved unconditionally. Her grandchildren became a big part of her life, and she was very proud of all of them and being called their “Memere”. She’ll always be remembered as a great cook and homemaker. Every meal included a dessert, and every holiday was beautifully decorated, even President’s Day!

She really enjoyed her time traveling the world with her husband and looked forward to going places that would get her away from the rough Maine winters. Along with dressing to the nines wherever she went, Florence and her husband spent their free time socializing with their close friends. Florence had many cherished friends and stayed in close contact with all of them. These relationships lasted for decades.

After her husband passed away, she downsized and moved into a condo in Winslow with her son Matthew. They enjoyed sitting back and watching the trials and tribulations of the Boston Red Sox and taking care of each other. In the last few years, she started playing bridge and volunteering with Caring Friends. She left her family with a treasure trove of unforgettable memories.

She was predeceased by her husband, Bob; son, James; siblings Armand and his wife, Hazel, Donald, Arthur, George and his wife, Lorina, Emile and his wife, Muriel, as well as Georgette and husband, Raymond Cote.

Florence is survived by her children, John and his wife Anke, of New York, New York, Paul and his wife Patricia, of Falmouth, Mark, of Waterville, Matthew, of Winslow; dear “Mémère” of Margaret and Kathleen, of Boston, Massachusetts, and Brendan, Anna and Luke, of Long Island, New York. She shared a special relationship with her former daughter-in-law, Andrea Meserve; sisters-in-law Donna and Sherrill Bonin; cousin, Maurice Harvey; also including many nieces and nephews.

A communicant of Corpus Christi Parish, a Mass of Christian burial was held on Wednesday November 15, at St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow. A celebration of Florence’s life was held after Mass. Internment alongside Bob and Jim at St. Hyacinth’s Cemetery, in Westbrook, will take place with her family at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Services in Skowhegan where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/florence-cecile-meserve.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Maine Children’s Home Christmas Program, Development Dept., 93 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901.

CONSTANCE E. SNOW

WINSLOW – Constance Elaine (Kervin) Snow, 95, of Winslow, died peacefully at home Thursday, November 2, 2023. She was born on January 3, 1928, to William and Mary (McInnis) Kervin, in Waterville.

She graduated from Waterville High School in 1945 and graduated from the Fay Secretarial School, in Boston. She married the love of her life, Kenneth Snow, in September 1958, and they enjoyed 51 years together until his death in 2009.

In addition to raising her family, Elaine worked for Maine Central Railroad for 30 years as a stenographer, freight car clerk and lead clerk typist. She taught CCD at Sacred Heart Parish, in Waterville, for several years. She was a parishioner of St. John the Baptist, Corpus Christi Parish, in Winslow. Following retirement, Elaine and Ken enjoyed their winters in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where they made many wonderful life-long friends.

She was an active member of Champions Fitness Club,, in Waterville, for 34 years until the age of 92, enjoying the many friendships she made there. She and Ken were members of Lakeview Golf Club, in Burnham, for several years. She continued to enjoy golfing with her good friends Joan and Dick Roderigue and Mary Anne Trafton. She played her last round of golf at the age of 94. Elaine also loved family get-togethers, traveling, kayaking, bowling, eating out, playing cards and her daily Sudoku.

Elaine is survived by her son, David, of China, daughters, Susan Gurney, of The Villages, Florida, Lisa and her husband Kurt Manelick, of China, and Linda and her husband Scott Dart, of Winslow; six grandsons, Nicholas, Jeffrey and his wife Tory and Andrew Gurney; Christopher Snow and Evan and Holden Dart; great-granddaughter, Margot Gurney; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Elaine was predeceased by her husband; her son, William; her parents; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Helen and Lester Franck, of Auburn, and Virginia and Everett Gager, of Ridgefield, Connecticut;.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Saturday, November 18, 2023, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow. The family will hold a private graveside burial service at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, in Augusta, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elaine’s memory to her favorite charity of providing free hot lunch to students in need at Winslow Elementary School, 285 Benton Ave., Winslow, ME 04901 or to MaineGeneral Hospice, 10 Water St., Suite 307, Waterville, ME 04901.

LARRY K. PAMPHREY

FAIRFIELD – Larry Kempton Pamphrey, 82, passed away at the Maine Veterans Homes in Scarborough, on Thursday, November 2, 2023. Larry was born on February 2, 1941, in Norridgewock, son to Lena (Stickney) and Elmer Pamphrey.

He attended Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, and then went on to the U.S. Army where he attended electronics school and then jump school at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, and became a member of the 82nd Airborne Division.

Afterward he attended Wentworth Institute, in Boston, Massachusetts, and then the University of Maine-Orono, studying electrical engineering. His first job in the electronics industry was at the National Semiconductor, in South Portland, in 1966. Larry continued to pursue the electronics industry until 1986.

In 1986 Larry was inspired to create sports fields at LHS that reflected the same level of pride that the athletes had in their school. He took courses in turf management and turned the sports complex into a show piece. He loved that this brought him closer to the kids, parents and the camaraderie of school sports. You could always find Larry making rounds to the fields moving sprinklers, walking the turf or mowing the grass.

Larry had deep love and pride for his children, family and friendships. He enjoyed being outside camping, fishing, gardening and exploring new places with his friends and family. Lasting memories were made at the family camp in Unity, Brassua Lake, in California, with his girls and with his lifelong friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Lena and Elmer Pamphrey; his sister, Pamela Dyer; and his son, Randy Pamphrey.

He is survived by his daughters Libbi Pamphrey, of South Portland, Heather Wilson and her husband Dan, of Fairfield, and by Kenneth Pamphrey and his spouse Michael, of Fairfield; along with his grandson, Derek Pamphrey, of Waterville; his sister, Joyce Decker and his sister Pam Dyer’s children.

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

PATRICIA H. HARDING

BELMONT – Patricia H. (Harding) Higgins, 86, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 4, 2023, due to cancer. She was born in China.

She is a graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China, and Thomas Business School, in Waterville. She married her life time love Milton Higgins in 1955. Together in 1964 they moved to Belmont and raised their six children.

Patricia will be remembered for her passionate love for her family, church family and community of friends. She was teased that she never met a stranger, just friends she hadn’t hugged yet.

Her main hobby was people and her life’s purpose was to spread God’s love with a servant’s heart.

Patricia was predeceased by her parents Lawrence and Gladys Harding, of China, and in-laws Roland and Muriel Higgins, of Albion, siblings, Dennis Harding, Nelson Harding and Muriel Adams, all of China, her husband, Milton Higgins Sr., and daughters Sandra Littlefield, of Charlotte, and Sally Higgins, of Belmont.

Patricia is survived by her children Susan and Dale Finley, of Northport, Sharon and Carmen Torrey, of Dawsonville, Georgia, Shirley and David Diepenbrock, of Deltona Florida, and Milton and Wendy Higgins Jr., of Swanville; her sisters Marilyn Levesque, Priscilla Gould and brother-in- law Allen Higgins; 14 grandchildren, Sonja, Crissy, Amanda, Victoria, James, Travis, Patrick, Carmen Rae, Anna, Tristan, Caitie, Ashley, John and Elias; 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, November 12, 2023, Veracity Chapel (Morrill Baptist Church), in Morrill.

In lieu of flowers gifts can be sent for the new church building for the Ivanga people of Papua New Guinea, at https://ethnos360.org/missionaries/david-and-shirley-diepenbrock (https://ethnos360.org/missionaries/david-and-shirley-diepenbrock), or to the Childhood Evangelism Fellowship Neighborhood House in Belfast Maine. https://www.cefofmaine.org/chapters/the-neighborhood-house/. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com.

CARI M. PHILBRICK

SIDNEY – Cari M. Philbrick, 49, died Saturday, November 4, 2023, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta, following a long illness. She was born in Augusta on June 25, 1974, a daughter of John A. and Rebecca M. (Pelotte) Philbrick.

Ms. Philbrick was a graduate of Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, Thomas College, in Waterville, and Northwood University, in West Palm Beach, Florida.

She had been employed by the State of Maine, Department of Health and Human Services for several years.

Cari loved horses, camping, the Miami Dolphins and quilting. She was a Cub Scout leader, belonged to 4-H and the Silver Spur Riding Club.

Ms. Philbrick was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Leonard and Geraldine Pelotte and her paternal grandparents, Clarence and Joan Philbrick.

She is survived by her children, Garrett and Ryder Bernier, of Sidney; her parents, John A. and Rebecca M. (Pelotte) Philbrick, of Sidney; her sister, Lisa Philbrick and her significant other Travis Willette, of Sidney; her brother, Matthew Philbrick and his significant other Megan Cross, of Sidney; nephews, John and Joey Philbrick; nieces, Kristen Thompson, Morgan Arbour and Mia Philbrick; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared through the funeral home website at: http://www.plummerfh.com.

The family requests that donations in Cari’s memory be made to Silver Spur Riding Club, c/o KV Federal Credit Union, 316 West River Rd., Augusta, ME 04330.

ROBERT “CUFFY” PHAIR

WINSLOW – Robert R. Phair “Cuffy”, 91, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023. He had many health issues over the last five years. Cuffy was born on May 10, 1932, to Ernest and Catherine (Goodchild) Phair, in Berlin, New Hampshire.

He moved to Waterville as a child and graduated from Waterville Senior High in 1951, before attending the University of Maine-Orono. Cuffy married Janice Fortier in 1951 and they had three children Scott, Peter, and Melanie. Later he married Lana Bragg in 1988 and were married for 35 years.

Cuffy worked for 42 years as a Pharmaceutical Representative for Glaxo Smith Kline. He excelled at his job and retired in 2002. He was a member of the Winslow Baptist Church for many years. He was also involved in the Elks Club and his hobbies included golf, tennis, woodworking, crossword puzzles, and reading. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and super proud of his grandchildren.

He was predeceased by both his mother and father; sister Eleanor, brothers Ernest, Clayton, Donald, and Arnold; stepdaughter Kristen Caouette; and mother-in-law Glenna Bragg.

Cuffy is survived by his wife Lana; children; Scott (Karen), Peter, Melanie, Lynn Jurdak (Nick), and Shannon Lockwood (Joel); grandchildren, Josh Phair, Jessica Phair, Ally Phair, Olivia Wheat, Sophia Wheat, Jalyn Thompson, Noah Michaud, Madelyn Lockwood, Norah Lockwood, and Jared Smith; great-grandchildren Quinn and Chloe Phair, Aria Thompson, Liam Michaud, Jared Jr., and Rylan Smith; sister Shirley Roy (Chubby); sisters-in-law Judy Whitaker (Colby) and Donna Glenn (Jerald); and brother-in-law Wayne Richardson (Dodi).

A memorial service will be held at Winslow Baptist Church, 1040 Augusta Road, in Winslow, on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at 1 pm. Immediately following there will be a reception at the Children’s Discovery Museum, formerly First Congregational Church, at 7 Eustis Parkway in Waterville.

Condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/robert-phair.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to the Winslow Community Cupboard, 12 Lithgrow St., Winslow, ME 04901.

GLORIA J. BROWN

CLINTON – Gloria J. Brown, 73, died on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, in Waterville. She was born on September 24, 1950, in Oakland, the daughter of the late Raymond and Clara (Morrison) Campbell.

She loved to cook and was famous for her biscuits. She enjoyed knitting hats and mittens and giving them to those in need. She loved her family, enjoyed making the kids happy, and was a mother to many. She loved the holidays and always enjoyed working the super slide for Smokey’s Greatest Show.

She is survived by her husband, David Brown; children, Carla Tuttle and husband Keith, Herbie Watson, Brenda Wakefield and husband Roger, Amy Crommett and fiancé Eric Vigue, Nathan Watson, David Mason, and Mary Dillenbeck and husband Matt; 17 grandchildren; granddaughter, Selena Watson; many great-grandchildren; siblings, Brenda Lambert and husband Mike, Raymond Campbell Jr, Clarence Campbell, Pam Lavelle, Gail Whitney, Eugene Campbell, Wilda Bradstreet, Cindy Miller and husband Royce, Pauline Sibley and husband Clifford, and Cathy Moshier and fiancé Stephen Richardson; brother-in-law, Allen Hartsgrove; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; infant daughter Ann, daughter Cheryl Cahill; grandsons, Nathan, Joseph, and Dustin; a great-granddaughter; and siblings, Gloria, Vernal, Marie, and Sylvia.

To leave a message of kindness or to share a memory, please visit http://www.shoreynichols.com.

Care has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Pittsfield.

JUDY A. GRANT

CHINA – Judy A. Grant, 78, of China, passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at her home following a lengthy battle with her health. Judy was born on November 14, 1944, to Mellvin and Regina Lawrence.

In 1961, Judy married Joe Grant, the love of her life, her “Charlie”. Together they began their life, had three children and moved to the Maine from Connecticut in m1976.

Judy had various jobs throughout the years but the two she was most known for, and she talked about the most, was her bus driving in Connecticut and cake decorating. She loved baking cakes and decorating them for all occasions. When arthritis got the best of her hands, she reluctantly gave that up.

Judy had a heart of gold and wore it on her sleeve; she would help anyone if she could. She was beautiful with the written word; to her, intelligence was the counter measure to many problems we face today. She would encourage you to think by being quick with her wit. She spoke her mind freely and always had great advice and insight, even when you didn’t ask for it.

Judy had a few hobbies and various interests. Above all, Elvis, Lucy and Charlie were on top of her list. She loved Disney movies with Beauty and the Beast, as her favorite. Others include Phantom of the Opera, Wizard of Oz and The Rifleman. Judy was also known for her love of cooking and baking. Her clam dip was expected at family gatherings and her apple pie during the holidays. She also shared “Taco Tuesday” with her granddaughter, Emily.

Judy was predeceased by her brothers-in-law, Robert Pepoli and Jerry Grant, her husband Joe in 2009, her great-grandson Noah in 2012 and her daughter Kelly in 2023.

She is survived by her son Scott (Trish) and daughter Shannon (Carlton); grandchildren Melissa, Nick, Emily, George, Shane and Sarah; great-grandchildren Grant, Charlotte, Aubrey, Autumn, Lilian, Arthur and Connor; siblings Jimmy and Charlene Lawrence, Carol and Tom Siviski, Sheila Pepoli; sister-in-law Patty Grant, of Connecticut.

Love fiercely and freely; it is the greatest gift you can give and the one that others take with them when you’re gone. Judy will always be remembered for the love she gave others.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 1 p.m., at China Baptist Church, Causeway Rd., China. A gathering will follow.

RICHARD P. WILLIAMS

WINSLOW – Richard Paul Williams, 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, in his favorite chair while watching his favorite gameshow channel. He was born December 3, 1941, three months after Jean (his wife) and was delivered by the same physician, Dr. Ovid Pomerleau, at the same hospital. His parents were Winfield Elias Williams and Margaret Serena Stevens Williams.

At the age of 10, his family moved from Waterville to Winslow where he would remain.

He met the love of his life, Jean Fedorovich, in the fourth grade at Halifax Street School. They were married for more than 45 years and shared 58 Christmases. They are together again.

His grandparents were Clinton Stevens and Edith Bickford Stevens and William Williams and Mary Smith Williams.

He and Jean graduated from Winslow High School in 1960. He earned an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree at Thomas College, in Waterville, and a master’s degree at the University of Maine. He was a teacher and administrator in the town of Winslow for 39 years. He worked at UPS when it first came to Central Maine doing the operation report.

Richard and Jean were members of the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, in Waterville. They co-chaired several committees and helped establish Young at Heart. He was the former vice president of the Howard Cemetery, in Winslow. He was a member of the Winslow Ed. Assoc., Maine Teachers Assn., Nat. Ed. Assn., and the Elementary Principals Assn. He served as an official for state sanctioned high school swim meets and YMCA Dolphin swim meets.

If Jean was involved, Dick was driving and/or lugging. They were a team in all they did. They were strong supporters of all their children’s activities. Field hockey, even in the snow, all day state swim meets at Orono and Bowdoin, cheerleading championships in Bangor, Homecoming Queen pageant in New Hampshire, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, fishing and hunting, and much more. From Jean’s Girl Scout tent, to an L.L. Bean tent, to a pop-up camper, to a Lexington RV, camping was always part of their lives.

They also traveled throughout New England, the entire Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Florida, six Eastern Canadian Provinces and Nassau. In Dick’s later years, he traveled to many destinations with his daughter Susan and son-in-law Rick. They shared vacations and great adventures in Hawaii: Oahu, Kauai, the big island and Maui, Alaska: Fairbanks, the North Pole, Chena Hot Springs, Sitka, Ketchikan, Anchorage, the Canadian Rockies: Banff and Jasper, Turks and Caicos: Grace Bay, the Bahamas: Nassau, Exuma Island, Paradise Island: Atlantis, Bermuda, Key West, Disney World, Mohegan Sun: Barrett Jackson, Niagara Falls and more. He enjoyed Maine road trips, especially in his T-Bird with the top down.

Richard is survived by their children, Susan Elizabeth Williams Dutil and husband Rick, of Winslow, Janna Jean Smith, of Key West, Florida, and Christopher Paul Williams, of Jackman; and one grandchild, Brianna Kathryn LaFond, who he called Breezie.

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

In lieu of flowers, please send your donations to: Winslow Elementary School for local youth learning or the Winslow High School music program.

LAURIE A. POULIN

WATERVILLE – Laurie Ann Pelletier Poulin passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023.

A Cele­­bration of Life will be held Nov­ember 19, 2023, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Winslow VFW, 175 Veteran Drive, Winslow.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. A full obituary can be found at http://www.gallantfh.com.

 

 

 

 

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Love is Louder rally held at Mill Park in Augusta

photo by Jonathan Strieff

by Jonathan Strieff

Well over 200 demonstrators gathered at Mill Park, in Augusta, on Sunday, November 12, to take part in the Love is Louder rally organized by State Representative Regan La Rochelle and the Greater Augusta Unity Committee. The event came in response to recent incidents of vandalism and hate speech in Augusta and Hallowell and a rise in neo-Nazi organizing taking place statewide. The rally featured eight speakers including elected officials, the Augusta chief of police, various faith leaders, and the regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, as well as live music, sign and banner painting, and crafts and activities for families.

On August 12, two dozen masked men assembled at the State House behind a banner reading “Keep New England White,” to chant racist and anti-immigrant slogans at passersby. Similar demonstrations occurred in Portland and Lewiston in 2022. Following the August event, swastika graffiti appeared at Mill Park and Cony High School and at least one city council meeting in Hallowell was disrupted by anonymous “zoom bombers,” calling in remotely to shout racist, antisemitic, and homophobic comments at the council members.

Addressing the crowd on Sunday, LaRochelle explained that the Unity Committee organized the event following an outcry from residents looking to “do something” to counter the recent series of hateful displays. “(Residents) were looking for an outlet,” said LaRochelle, “to show what our community and the beautiful state of Maine is truly about.”

The rally began with an up-tempo performance by Pat Colwell and the Soul Sensations. Following a moment of silence and a reading of the names of the shooting victims in Lewiston, LaRochelle first introduced Augusta Police chief, Jared Mills. Mills spoke briefly to commend the organizers and liken the days event to other random acts of kindness that he and his department encounter daily.

Hallowell mayor George LaPointe (photo by Jonathan Strieff)

Next, Hallowell mayor, George LaPointe, described the values of love, tolerance, inclusiveness, and community as fundamental to the character of his city, despite occasional reminders that not everyone feels the same way. “Our work to become a better place is everyones and is ongoing.” LaPointe closed by paraphrasing Edmund Burke, saying, “the only thing necessary for the triumph of hate is for good people to do nothing.”

Rabbi Erica Asch from Temple Beth El, in Augusta, spoke next, connecting recent events in the capital area to a larger national trend. “What has been happening here in Augusta is part of a larger pattern of antisemitism in our country. Since my family and I moved here to Maine 10 year ago the number of antisemitic incidents in the United States has quintupled… Most synagogs, including ours here in Augusta, regularly have police officers patrolling during our holidays and our Hebrew schools.” Rabbi Asch spoke to the many ways the Jewish community feels targeted today and of the importance of events like Love is Louder to grow solidarity.

Augusta mayor, Mark O’Brien, celebrated the Augusta City Councils unanimous decision to establish a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee as sending a decisive message that the city welcomes, recognizes, and values all people.“We don’t always have the power to change the hatred that exists, but we do have control over how we react. We will not be accepting. We will not be intimidated. We will not be silent…No matter what our backgrounds or upbringings, we are united in striving for the protection of individual rights, free and civil debate, and the rejection of intolerance.”

Jonathan Strieff is a freelance contributor to The Town Line newspaper

photo by Jonathan Strieff

Volunteers at The Mill help with basic needs

Unidentified volunteers stand ready to help folks. (photo by Roberta Barnes)

by Roberta Barnes

The Olde Mill in Vassalboro (photo by Roberta Barnes)

We all need a little help at various times. For the past year, people have been receiving food as needed at The Mill, in Vassalboro. Food is the fuel needed to keep our bodies functioning and proper nutrition matters.

Nevertheless, there can be times when the cupboards in a household do not have enough food to provide that fuel. Whether a person is trying to learn something new to him or her, or doing a job in the right way, it is difficult if that person does not have enough food to provide the needed fuel for his or her body. Enjoying the simple things in life or having a restful night’s sleep do not always happen if a person has not eaten the food that his or her body needs.

Through the Winslow community cupboard and Good Shepard food bank, volunteers at The Mill, in Vassalboro, are helping put the needed food in those cupboards. Wednesdays from 4 – 7 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., (except on Holidays) donated breads, canned goods, vegetables, cheeses, fruits, and more are available to put in your grocery bag when needed.

By 9 a.m. Sunday morning volunteers were unloading boxes of donated food from the Winslow Community Cupboard truck and carrying them into The Mill. Other volunteers were busy taking donated food out of those boxes and arranging them on the appropriate tables.

It takes time to safely handle all the donated foods and organize them in the best way. Samantha, the primary organizer, and some other volunteers began setting things up at 7:30 that morning.

Volunteers not only organized things so that people passing by the tables in single file could pick up the food needed for their household but were watching over so that people could get needed food in the best way. While the donated foods are free, any monetary donation is welcome as each dollar allows this program to continue to help provide food to those needing it at certain junctions in time.

Needing food can happen at unexpected times. Signing in you simply include your first name, the town in which you live and the number of people in your household. As you move through the line your focus only needs to be on the nutritional needs for you and others in your household.

Roberta Barnes is a freelance contributor to The Town Line newspaper.

Tables of food available for those in need. (photo by Roberta Barnes)

(photo by Roberta Barnes)

CHINA: Two positions filled with write-ins

by Mary Grow

Two positions on China boards have been filled, after Nov. 7 write-in votes were counted and winners informed.

Town Clerk Angela Nelson reported incumbent Michael Brown received six votes for the District 1 planning board seat, and incumbent Michael Sullivan received five votes for the District 3 budget committee seat. Both have accepted re-election.

The town website, china.govoffice.com, says there is still an opening for a planning board member from District 4, the southwestern quarter of the town.

Appointed boards that need additional members include the comprehensive plan implementation committee, the board of appeals (two open positions) and the board of assessment review (an alternate member). These board members are not appointed by districts.

Residents interested in serving on any of these boards or committee are invited to call the town office at 445-2014.

China TIF committee hears reports

by Mary Grow

Members of China’s Tax Increment Finance (TIF) committee met Oct. 30 to receive progress reports on town projects funded with TIF money.

Representatives from the China Lake Association, China Region Lakes Alliance, Four Seasons Club, Thurston Park committee and China Broadband committee reported on expenditures and plans. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood summarized town use of TIF money.

The Four Seasons Club uses TIF funds to rebuild recreational trails in China. Club president Tom Rumpf said the goal is trails so good they will need only routine maintenance in the future.

He told Hapgood the annual Ice Days fishing derby that the club coordinates is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024.

China Region Lakes Alliance executive director Scott Pierz and China Lake Association president Stephen Greene explained hold-ups in some of the work planned in the China Lake watershed to improve the lake’s water quality.

Earlier this fall, the lake association and the Kennebec County Soil and Water Conservation District received a federal Clean Water Act grant for about $100,000, to be spent in 2024 and 2025. Greene intends to use the TIF grant and other association money toward projects carried out under the grant.

Hapgood said once money is approved for a project, it carries forward if the planned work gets postponed.

Committee members decided to set Friday, Dec. 29, as the deadline for submitting applications for TIF funding for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

The TIF committee advises select board members on how to allocate TIF funds each year, after committee members review proposals and recommend expenditures. The money comes from taxes Central Maine Power Company pays on its north-south line through China and its substation in South China.

The TIF program was created by the Maine legislature and is overseen by the state Department of Economic and Community Development. Participating municipalities develop local plans for using TIF funds, which local voters approve.

China’s 60-page “Second Amended TIF Program,” approved in 2021, is on the website china.govoffice.com, under the TIF Committee in the category Officials, Board & Committees.

Committee members scheduled their next meeting for Monday evening, Jan. 22, 2024.