BUSINESS NEWS: HealthReach welcomes Dr. Martini

Dr. Jenna Martini

This November, HealthReach staff in Strong, Livermore Falls, and Belgrade are happy to welcome Dr. Jenna Martini to their care teams.

Dr. Martini grew up in Peru, Maine. She earned her doctorate degree, Doctor of Osteopathy, from Touro University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in Vallejo, CA. She previously earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from The University of Vermont.

Dr. Martini has a wealth of experience across the healthcare field. After completing family medicine training, she worked as a primary care physician and education faculty in a remote region of Northern California. She recently completed a second residency training program in Osteopathic Neuromusculo skeletal Medicine through Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency in Augusta, Maine. Dr. Martini will bring these experiences to her position at HealthReach by providing osteopathic manipulative treatment to patients at three HealthReach locations.

Dr. Martini shares, “I believe in meeting people where they are at and working as a team to help achieve their goals. I consider each person as a whole – including body, mind, and spirit. Osteopathic treatments can help the body to function optimally so a person’s underlying health can shine through. It’s amazing to see how much a person’s life can improve in all areas when they feel healthy and well.”

Belgrade Regional Health Center, Strong Area Health Center, and Western Maine Family Health Center are all part of HealthReach Community Health Centers – a Federally Qualified Health Center consisting of twelve community health centers located across Central and Western Maine. Dedicated clinicians deliver high-quality healthcare – inclusive of behavioral health and dental services – to Maine residents. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers.

In addition, an Affordable Care Program is available to both uninsured and underinsured residents. Assistance is available for applications to programs that help with the cost of your healthcare and medications, including Maine’s Health Insurance Marketplace.

PHOTO: Harvesting success

Reese O’Brien became a member of the Big Buck Club of Maine on Saturday October 21, the second day of the youth hunt, when he harvested an eight point Buck which weighed 200 lbs in Vassalboro. This was the third deer that Reese has harvested since he started hunting. Reese is from Winslow and was being mentored by his great-uncle Jim Rafuse. (contributed photo)

TEAM PHOTO: Messalonskee grades 5/6 red football team

Front row, from left to right, 57 Tyler Fisher, 15 Chase Dempsey, 72 Landon Dunbar, 27 Kamden Hafford, 42 Landen Bolduc, and 77 Blake Bouchard. Second row, 11 Blake Tibbetts, 28 Trentyn Goodrich, 87 Joe Maheu, 82 Jordyn Goodrich, and 33 Peter McLaughlin III. Back row, Coach Peter McLaughlin Sr., and Coach Peter McLaughlin Jr. Absent Coach Nick Tibbetts. (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography)

TEAM PHOTO: Fairfield PAL teams winners at Senior Bowl

Fairfield PAL fourth and sixth grade senior bowl players painted their helmets with L’s and hearts as a way to support and honor Lewiston Strong as they played in Hermon, on Pottle Field, on Sunday, Oct.29. The fourth grade Bulldogs won, 18-0, and the sixth grade Bulldogs won, 20-0. Front row, from left to right, Conner Nadeau, Bryce Manzo, Tucker Graves, Wyatt Barnes, Dylan Gagnon, Landon Blaisdell, Levi Brann, Jackson Grenier, Brayden Dickson and Alex Frappier. Second row, Kaden LaChance, Clay Morse, Jackson Hansen, Chase Proctor, Jace Linnell, Kaiya Stevens, Wyatt Jones, Nathaniel Meswain, Mike Thomas, Ryker Miklos and Carson Bellows. Third row, Mason Guerette, Connor Stuart, Jacobi Peaslee, Hunter Pooler, Issac Dostie, Adrian Serrano and Hunter Lockhart. Back row, coaches Luke Peaslee, Gary Morse, Nick Nadeau, Blair Blaisdell, Brian Guerrrette, Toby Gagnon and Todd Proctor. (photo by Ramey Stevens, Central Maine Photography)

SCOUTS: Tristan Morton completes orienteering course

Tristan Morton, of Augusta, shooting a reverse azimuth.

by Chuck Mahaleris

Tristan Morton, of Augusta Troop #603, moves across terrain and trails as part of his Orienteering Requirement for the First Class Rank at Augusta’s Viles Arboretum. Working over a mile, he navigates to landmarks and cross-country, Tristan shoots a back azimuth to verify his position after boxing around Viles Pond. After verifying his position, he is ready to navigate to his next objective.

Scouts need skills like map reading, terrain identification, and compass work to be at home in Maine’s woods. Since ancient times, rough maps of the Earth and simple compasses have guided explorers, warriors, and pioneers like Lewis and Clark, Marco Polo, Christopher Columbus, and Amelia Earhart. The skill of learning to understand a map and compass are vital to anyone who spends time outdoors and is an integral part of Scouting itself.

The World Crest is a Scout emblem that has been worn by an estimated 250 million Scouts worldwide since the Scouting movement was founded in 1907 by Lord Robert Baden-Powell. He later explained the significance of the World Crest, “Our badge we took from the ‘North Point’ used on maps for orienteering.” His wife, Lady Baden-Powell, added, “It shows the true way to go.” The emblem’s symbolism helps to remind Scouts to be as true and reliable as a compass in keeping to their Scouting ideals and showing others the way. It is hard to show others the way if you are not familiar with map and compass skills, and so all Scouting programs teach Scouts orienteering.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Let’s take a look at what’s to come

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

We’ve turned another page on the calendar and we are now entering into the time of year when the holidays are upon us, and the wintery weather is on the horizon. What is in store for us this year?

Well, most of my natural signs are not visible this year. One of the forecasters of snow amounts, the hanging of bee hives, was not present this year. The activity of the bees was almost non-existent toward the end of summer. Remember, the higher the hives, the more snow can be expected.

Secondly, the wooly bear caterpillar. Old farmers folklore states the wider the rust colored band on the furry caterpillar, the milder the winter. I have not seen one single, solitary wooly bear caterpillar this year.

The onion peelings are the only one that I have been able to use. My wife and I use a lot of onions. In this case, folklore has it the easier to peel, the milder the winter – the onions have been relatively easy to peel.

The first cicadae was heard on or about July 26 this past summer. Farmers’ folklore says 90 days following that, we will see the first killing frost. Although the 90-day period ended on October 26, it usually doesn’t take effect until after the next full moon, which was October 28. Although a frost was predicted, it didn’t happen in the Kennebec Valley. Side note: It was 37-degrees when I drove to work on October 30. However, there was a frost on October 31.

So what’s in store? Well, I had to go to several sources to find out. Coming up with a consensus was difficult. But here goes.

Winter officially arrives this year on December 21, 2023. On the winter solstice, those of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere are tilted as far away from our Sun as possible.

Many sources are predicting snow, seasonable cold, and all of winter’s delights! This winter’s forecast will surely excite snow bunnies and sweater lovers alike, promising a lot of cold and snow across North America.

Snowfall will be above normal across most snow-prone areas. Get prepared for plenty of snow throughout the season! Keep a shovel at the ready early, especially in the Northeast, where snow will arrive beginning in November with a myriad of storms, showers, and flurries continuing through the beginning of spring.

Along with above-normal snow, we’ll see normal to colder-than-normal temperatures in areas that typically receive snow. Expect just the right amount of chill in the air for an afternoon of adventurous snow sports like snowmobiling, skiing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing. Only snowy New England and the Atlantic Corridor will enjoy winter temperatures milder than typical for their regions. Which I guess is good news when it comes to the heating bill. Much of the U.S. coastline, from New England down to Florida will see mild to cool temperatures.

The Old Farmers’ Almanac explains that we are approaching the middle of Solar Cycle 25, which is increasing in intensity and already as strong as Solar Cycle 24, which possibly had the lowest solar activity in about 200 years. Such low activity has historically meant cooler-than-average temperatures across Earth, but this connection has become weaker since the last century.

They go on to say the expected El Niño has emerged and should gradually strengthen into the winter. El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon marked by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. Typically, El Niño conditions result in wetter-than-average conditions from southern California to along the Gulf Coast and drier-than-average conditions in the Pacific Northwest. Will we see a “Super El Niño?” We also expect a warm Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) and a cool Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). Also significant are the equatorial stratospheric winds involved in the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation, or QBO.

Wow! My head is spinning!

WAKE UP, FANS!

Amazing how much of a difference a week makes. After feeling good about the New England Patriots’ last second upset win against the Buffalo Bills, our collective bubbles were burst with this past Sunday’s performance against the Miami Dolphins. The 31-17 loss was disappointing, especially after scoring a touchdown on a long pass early in the game that gave the Pats a 7-0 lead. I guess it’s on to Washington and a showdown with the Commanders. A winnable – and loseable – game.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

When was the last time the New England Patriots started a season 2-6.

Answer
2000. Bill Belichick’s first year as head coach.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, November 2, 2023

HENRY C. DILLENBECK

EXETER, New Hampshire – Henry “Hank” C. Dillenbeck, 94, passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2023. He was born August 18,1929, in Pittsfield, Massa­chusetts, to parents Ben and Emilie.

Henry along with his siblings, lived in Interlaken, New Jersey, before settling in China, Maine, where he had spent summers with his grandparents. After attending Coburn Classical Institute for Boys, in Waterville, Hank obtained a bachelor’s degree in forestry from the University of Maine, Orono.

Having been admitted into pilot school his senior year, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after graduation. He trained in the desert heat of Arizona before he was deployed to serve in the Korean War in 1953. He flew several missions and endured enemy gunfire, which left him with permanent tinnitus. One positive memory of his time in Korea was the chance to meet Marilyn Monroe, whose picture he proudly displayed as a widower in later life.

Hank returned to civilian life in 1957 and was proud to be hired by what he considered the best airline in the world, American Airlines. Based out of Boston, he purchased an old Colonial in Kensington, New Hampshire, with seven acres of land – the perfect setting to grow vegetables and maintain his small farm with laying hens, ducks, Canada geese, quail, pheasant, sheep, steers, oxen and the family dog Snoopy.

After flying the Boeing 727 for 30 years, he took early retirement in 1987, and relocated back to family property in China. A pilot by profession, in his heart, Hank considered himself a biologist, a farmer, an ad­venturer, and a man from Maine. Even into his 90s, he would fondly tell new acquaintances, “I never worked under a roof!” “Biologist Hank” could rattle off the identities of seemingly any tree, bird or insect (including the Latin ones) and was particularly fond of butterflies of which he had a prized collection. (His eggshell and Indian arrowhead collections, a close second and third.)

“Farmer Hank” loved working in the woods to keep his home warm in the winter, living off his harvested vegetables all winter long, and hunting for deer with family and friends.

“Adventurer Hank” enjoyed fly-fishing in Canada, hiking into the Grand Canyon, mushing huskies in the arctic circle, trekking across glaciers in Switzerland, going on safari in Africa, and soaking up the natural beauty found in the breezes and women of Hawaii.

Hank lived a life of vigor and wanderlust, and was a man who “stayed on his feet”, just as his father instructed him to do.

“Man from Maine Hank” designed and built a cedar log camp at Killdeer Point, on China Lake, the perfect launching point to paddle his birch bark canoe, (a preferred vessel over a noisy and polluting motor boat), skip rocks at Killdeer Point, or sleep tentless under the stars. He built and installed the World Traveler Signpost still located at the four corners, in South China Village.

He cared deeply for environmental conservation and contributed to numerous wildlife groups. In both New Hampshire and Maine, he served on the boards of the town library, historical society, and community church. He was an enthusiast of Native American and Japanese culture, western art, early American history, and he supported and volunteered at the New Hampshire Farm Museum, and The Benedict Arnold Expedition Historical Society. When old age finally forced its hand, dimming once eagle-eyed vision and restricting his step, reading – another favorite pastime – became a welcomed escape and comfort. A good book took Hank to places he’d visited and still wished to explore.

He was predeceased by his wife Noriko in 2020.

He is survived by his children, Chris Gernert, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Lee Young, and Amy Dillenbeck, both of Exeter, New Hampshire; four grandchildren; brother Richard Dillenbeck, of Augusta, Georgia, and China.

There will be a private family interment of ashes this summer in Waterville, followed by a celebration of life with friends at the camp he built on Killdeer Point, in China.

TERESA BUTKIEWICZ

AUGUSTA – Teresa Butkiewicz, 97, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Maine Veterans’ Home, in Augusta. Terri was born to Omer and Doris Proulx, in Oakland, on July 30, 1926.

Following her graduation from Waterville’s Mt. Merici Academy, Terri attended the Boston Conservatory of Music to pursue her passion for opera and to hone her beautiful mezzo-soprano voice. She later moved to New York City, where she immersed herself in its rich opera and classical music culture. In New York, Terri met Alexander Butkiewicz, who was attending Columbia College as he prepared for a career in medicine.

Terri and Alex were married in 1956. Lisa was born in 1958 and Christopher arrived in 1960. After Alex graduated from Boston University Medical School and served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force, he took his young family back to New York City, where he began his medical career. The family settled into a happy life in nearby Westchester County. Terri and Alex ultimately enjoyed retired life by dividing their time between their homes on China Lake, and in Palm Beach, Florida.

Terri will be remembered for her effervescent and charismatic personality, her enchanting operatic voice, and her love of the arts, travel, and all things French. In particular, she enjoyed singing with her local opera group, attending weekly performances at the Metropolitan Opera House, spending time with the Maryknoll Sisters, and entertaining at her home. A frequent full house of guests was clear evidence of Terri’s love of people – she had a gift for making everyone feel valued and welcome. Most of all, though, Terri will be remembered for her unshakable love of and dedication to her family.

Terri was preceded in death by a son, Christopher, and four siblings, Patricia, Raymond, Richard, and Shirley.

She is survived by her husband, Alexander, and daughter, Lisa.

A funeral Mass will be held at Notre Dame du Perpetual Secours Church, in Waterville, on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 11 a.m.

A private interment will take place at St. Francis Cemetery on a date to be determined.

MARJORY L. LALIME

DAMARISCOTTA – Marjory Lucy (Robbins) (Feeney) Lalime, 91, of Damariscotta, peacefully passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at LincolnHealth’s Miles Campus, in Damariscotta. She was born in Waterville on September 24, 1932, the daughter of Maurice Smiley Robbins and Malvena (Masse) Robbins.

Marjory attended Vassalboro schools and East Vassalboro Friends Meeting (Quaker). She graduated from Higgins Classical Institute, in Charleston, and continued her education at the University of Maine in Orono. There, she submitted the winning entry to name a new student gathering place, The Bear’s Den. Marjory graduated from the University of Maine in 1954 with a B.S. degree in nutrition. She completed a dietary internship at Beth Israel Hospital ,in Brookline, Massachusetts, in 1955.

One memorable event was the time Marjory got to shake John F. Kennedy’s hand at an event in Boston.

Marjory’s first career was as a dietician, beginning at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. She met Joseph Patrick Feeney, a Dorchester native and U.S. Air Force veteran; they married on June 23, 1957. Just three months later, as they were expecting their first child, “Joe” (aged 24 years) died of a heart attack. Now a young widow, Marjory returned to her parents’ home in East Vassalboro. In 1959, she married Ronald Lalime, a widower with three small children. Their combined family grew to six girls.

Marjory’s love of sewing allowed her creativity to thrive as she made clothing for her daughters. She was a wonderful interior decorator and created beautiful living spaces in all her homes, throughout her life.

Marjory resumed her career as a dietitian and worked at Thayer and Seton hospitals, in Waterville, for 15 years. During this time she took up running and won many prizes.

She moved to Midcoast Maine in 1983, started a new life and established the successful Serendipity House gift shop, which became the “store to visit” for both locals and tourists. She used her composed eye and was an intelligent marketer. She was always ready to offer her clients help in finding just the right gift. Her store was full of whimsical and also practical objects sourced from all over the world. Marjory was one of the first shopkeepers to practice recycling at her shop and encouraged other shop keepers in the community to do the same.

After retiring from her business in 2002, Marjory was active in multiple bridge groups in the Midcoast area. She organized The Lincoln Home weekly bridge group, served on the board of The Lincoln Home, and supported community health care for Lifespan Family Health. She loved her volunteer work at Skidompha Secondhand Book Shop. Marjory dedicated time to support Barack Obama’s campaign volunteers. She dabbled in local theater productions and was an avid reader, Scrabble player and river watcher. She passionately lived for 40 years on the Damariscotta River.

Marj enjoyed traveling to her children’s homes in many states: Florida, Missouri, New Mexico, California, and New York; also, to Italy, the former Yugoslavia, and Aruba. She vacationed with family in Maui, The Turks and Caicos Islands, and in the Caribbean. Her work for her shop took her to many locations in the U.S. on buying trips, which she greatly enjoyed.

Marjory was predeceased by her parents; and three brothers, Louis, Gerald, and Wallace.

She is survived by her six daughters; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be in May 2024, and held outside.

Notes of condolences may be expressed to the family in care of Andrea Lalime Keushguerian, at 52 Water St., Damariscotta, ME, 04543.

STEPHEN MONTMINY

BAR HARBOR – Stephen (Steve) Montminy, 65, died unexpectedly on Thursday, September 7, 2023, in a tragic accident on Mount Desert Island.

Steve, the oldest of five children, was born on February 15, 1958, to parents Philip Arthur and Joy Maire (Bureau) Montminy, in Portland. He grew up in Waterville and graduated from Waterville High School in 1977. If a common thread could be seen through Steve’s life, it would be his unerring and steadfast commitment to family and public service and the lifelong pursuit of helping people. Steve joined the United States Air Force in 1977 and had a highly successful career of 24 years, serving in Desert Storm. He retired as a Master Sergeant in 2001 with an Associate Degree in Applied Science under his belt, many honors, and countless peers and subordinates who called him a friend and mentor.

Steve started his prolific military career at Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, as an avionics technician. Here he reconnected with a childhood acquaintance, Kathleen (Kat) Riley, of Winslow, who he quickly realized was his soul mate, best friend, and meant to be his wife. Without hesitation, Kat stepped into the role of wife and mother to Steve’s son, Nathaniel (Nate) Montminy, from his first marriage. The trio embarked on a life of fun and adventure together at stations in Atwater, California; Okinawa, Japan; and lastly, Grand Forks, North Dakota, where Steve retired from the Air Force.

Steve had a passion for learning and living life to its fullest. He earned his pilot’s license and diving certification in Okinawa, often spending weekends flying with Nate over the Ryukyu islands, diving among some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world with Kat and Nate, and immersing himself in the Japanese culture. While overseas, he connected with many people who have spread across the world but remain lifelong friends and family.

Upon retiring, Steve, Kat and Nate settled in Bar Harbor, where he worked for Hinkley Yachts for two years and then stepped into his role for the last 21 years as the Chief Water Operator for the Northeast Harbor Water Plant, in the Mount Desert water district. Steve’s commitment to public service continued when he joined the Mount Desert Fire Department as a volunteer and EMT. He was also past president of the Blue Hill Rifle and Pistol Club, and a member of the American Legion and MDI Photo Club. Steve loved nothing more than making a connection with people. His mustache-lined smile and infectious laugh were hallmarks of the community. It was often joked that any activity with Steve would require hours of extra time because he would inevitably run into someone or a dozen someone’s he knew who would want to catch up. He was a kind and gentle soul who not only had an unparalleled way of connecting with people but also with animals. He had countless stories of fun animal encounters and spent most mornings feeding his chipmunk friends directly out of his hands and evenings chatting softly with the generations of deer that visited him on his back deck.

Steve is survived by his wife, Kat Montminy of Bar Harbor; and son, Nate Montminy, of Hampden (wife Lera and grandsons Cash and Bayu); sister Sharon Jolicoeur, of Oakland, (husband Ken, son Tyler and daughters Jessica and Kylie); brother Stan Montminy, of Waterville (wife Colleen and daughter Casey); sister Sonya Marrello, of Londonderry, New Hampshire (husband Joe and sons Matt St. Cyr, Alex St. Cyr and Andrew St. Cyr); and brother Philip Montminy Jr., of Las Vegas, Nevada (partner Kendra Gray and daughters Kaia and Jade); several cousins.

Steve was predeceased by his parents and a uncle, Lee Bureau.

A celebration of life was held on Thursday, October 5, 2023. A graveside service was held on Friday, October 6, 2023, at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 143 Blue Star Ave., Augusta, ME.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.

SHARON A. KNIGHTS

UNITY – Sharon Alberta Knights, 80, died peacefully at Heritage Rehabilitation and Living Center, in Winthrop, on Saturday, October 21, 2023. She was born in Belgrade, April 20, 1943, daughter of Clyde E. Cummings and Rena V. (Warren) Cummings.

After graduating from Belgrade High School, she married the love of her life, Lewis Knights, with whom she had five children.

Sharon worked for Depositor’s Trust Co., in Waterville, for five years before beginning her long career at shoe manufacturers – Norwalk Shoe, New Balance, Dexter Shoe. After her position was eliminated at Dexter, she attended college at KennebecValley Community College (KVCC), in Fairfield, graduating in May 2001, then worked for Pine State Trading until retirement.

One of Sharon’s favorite pastimes was listening to classic country music. In her earlier years, she and Lewis frequented The Fox Den to enjoy country music and dance, and spent many weekends camping at Smith Pond, in Brighton. Finding treasures at yard sales and anniversary trips to Campobello Island were also favorite activities. After her husband passed, she learned to crochet and enjoyed making towel hangers for people, and was blessed with the company of close friends in Unity.

Sharon was predeceased by her husband, Lewis Knights; her parents; and her son, Kris Knights.

Sharon leaves behind four children: Sharon (Maurice) Cormier, of Belgrade, Keven (Katrina) Knights, of Virginia, Kurt (Gena) Knights, of Pennsylvania, and Rebecca (Russell ‘Kato’) Ramos, of Missouri; two brothers: Robert Cummings, of Oakland, and Carroll (Sharon) Cummings, of Vassalboro; 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., on Friday, November 3, 2023, at Gould Cemetery, in Smithfield; son-in-law, Russell Ramos will officiate.

A celebration of life will follow immediately at the North Belgrade Community Center (508 Smithfield Road).

Arrangements are in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church Street, Oakland where memories may be shared and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a local food pantry.

AGNES M. CASSIDY

AUGUSTA – Agnes May Cassidy, 92, a veteran of the United States Army, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 21, 2023, while in the care of the Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta. Agnes was born in Skowhegan on May 15, 1931, to Daniel E. and Odell (Thibodeau) Cassidy.

The family moved to Portland before settling in Winslow in 1948. They owned and operated Cassidy’s Market, on Augusta Road, in Winslow, for many years.

After graduating from Winslow High School in 1949, Agnes enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps for a tour of duty and studied to become a laboratory technician. She was stationed at hospitals in Colorado, Virginia, Texas, Europe, and Okinawa. Deservedly so, Fitzsimons General Hospital, in Denver, Colorado, awarded her the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.

Agnes returned to the Northeast where she worked as a medical technician in New York. She continued her studies at Hudson River Valley Hospital, in Poughkeepsie, New York, to become a registered nurse, specializing in mental illness. She also earned a bachelor of science degree.

In 1960 Agnes was stationed at the 97th General Hospital (Army and Air Force) near Frankfurt, Germany. While there, Agnes discovered the sport of skiing. She introduced skiing to her brother, Daniel, and several of her nieces and nephews. She is, thankfully, responsible for creating a lifelong love of skiing for her family. Agnes also developed an interest in Volkswagen vans. After her return to the United States, with the help of family members stationed in Germany, she ordered and was shipped a VW camper in the early 1970s. Agnes traveled the country in the camper and shared her love of exploration with her nieces and nephews. She took them to many places including Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, and Canada.

Proudly, Agnes served at Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals (MASH) during the Vietnam War where she earned the rank of Captain. She was honorably discharged in 1969 and returned to Winslow where she continued her nursing career working at Togus VA Hospital, in Augusta, and other area hospitals. She frequently volunteered to take weekend and holiday shifts so her colleagues could spend more time with their families.

Agnes was a devoted member of the Catholic Church. She worked to promote Catholic ideas and principles throughout her community. She regularly attended the Latin Mass at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, in Portland. Unfortunately, Agnes was not the most punctual and often had to race to Portland to be on time for Mass. As a result, she received many speeding tickets in order to show her devotion to her faith!

After retirement, Agnes provided care to her mother, for which her family is very thankful. She also enjoyed spending time at her camp on Belgrade Lakes.

Agnes was predeceased by her parents, Daniel E. and Odell, and her brothers Lionel and Francis.

She is survived by her brother Daniel E. and his wife Jean (Mathieu), of Winslow, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument St., in Winslow, at 10 a.m., on Friday, November 3, 2023. A burial with military honors will immediately follow at Saint Francis Cemetery, in Waterville.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville.

An online guestbook can be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to MaineGeneral Hospice, 10 Water Street, Suite 307, Waterville, ME 04901. (www.mainegeneral.org/ hospice)

LYNNDA B. HACKETT

WINSLOW – Lynnda Beverlie Hackett, 88, of Winslow, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Glenridge Nursing Home, in Augusta. She was the wife of the late Arthur August Mea Sr. Lynnda was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on December 14, 1944, daughter of the late Arthur Acker and Muriel Hubbard Chmielewski.

She lived in Connecticut until she moved to Maine in 1984.

Lynnda is survived by her children, Arthur Mea Jr. (Rhonda) and Michael Mea (Denielle), both of Winslow, Regina (Linwood) Smith, of Port Charlotte, Florida, and Nicole Mea, of Augusta; her grandchildren, Paul (Adriana) Killam, Heather (Michael) Clark, Ashley McCutcheon (Danny) and Sarah (Derek) Poulin, Tyler and Michael Greenlaw, Mikayla Mea; six great-grandchildren; her sister, Lexie (Jeff) Klarman and her sister-in-law Mary Martin, both of Branford, Connecticut, and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her son, Edward Mea, and brothers, Arthur Acker, August and Robert Helland.

Lynnda, known to many as “Mama Mea”, was a fabulous cook, had an amazing green thumb, loved her cats and was the strongest woman we knew.

Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Sunday Oct. 29, 2023, from 2-4 p.m., at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield. A graveside service was held on Monday, October 30, at Libby Hill Cemeter,y in Albion.

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.

JEFFERY THOMAS

CLINTON – Jeffery Thomas passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. He was born in Provi­dence, Rhode Island, the son of Edwin and Harriet (Snell)Thomas. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Burial with military honors took place at Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter, Rhode Island, on Saturday, October 28, 2023.

A full obituary may be seen at http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

DONALD E. LaROCHELLE

WATERVILLE – Donald E. LaRochelle, 86, of Waterville, died Wed­nesday, October 25, 2023, at Oak Grove, in Waterville. Born February 16, 1937, in Waterville, he was the only child of Wilfred and Alice LaRochelle (Joler).

Don attended Waterville schools and married the love of his life, T. Pauline LaRochelle, on February 5, 1965, in Oakland. He worked at the Wyandotte-Woosted Woolen Mill, in Waterville, for 26 years where he gained the nickname “Red” for his red hair, until the mill closed. Don then worked at Mount St. Joseph, in Waterville, until he retired in 2010.

Don loved dancing, was a member of the Boy Scouts of America for many years and enjoyed spending time with his family and watching his favorite shows on TV including football, wrestling, and the Hallmark channel.

Don was predeceased by his parents, and his wife, T. Pauline LaRochelle (Poirier) who passed away in 2009.

He is survived by his three children, Julie Stillwell, of Winslow, Tim, of Smithfield, and Dan and his wife Libby, of Waterville; and two grandchildren Sara Warner (Stillwell) and her husband Forest, of Topsham, and Joshua Stillwell, of Winslow; and two great-grandchildren, Madelyn and Elijah, of Winslow; along with several cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m., Thursday, November 2, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville. He will be buried at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Waterville.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made online to the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/ by following the link Ways to Give, then make a memorial donation.

STEPHEN F. THOMPSON

OAKLAND – Stephen F. Thompson, 69, of Oakland, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 26, 2023. Stephen was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, on November 5, 1953, the son of Edward and Constance (Reed) Thompson.

He graduated early from Brookline High School to join the U.S. Air Force where he served four years as a sergeant in U-Tapao Air Force Base, in Thailand, during the Vietnam conflict.

After leaving the Air Force, Stephen moved to Waterville, where he served in the police department for four years. While on the force, he met Tom Hachey, who became his lifelong friend and business partner and, some may say, his “partner in crime.” Together, they owned and operated Arbo’s Towing and Repair service for several decades.

Stephen was known by all for his extraordinarily generous heart. He organized countless fundraisers in the community and brought immeasurable joy to numerous local daycares and nursing homes as Santa Claus every holiday season. Stephen and Tom originated the annual “Buck Night” fundraiser at the Waterville Elks Lodge and were recently recognized for their efforts with the dedication of the Thompson and Hachey Pavilion.

He was predeceased by his father Edward Thompson, mother Constance (Reed) Thompson, brothers, Jimmy and John Thompson, and brother-in-law Richard Paquette.

Stephen is survived by his wife of 22 years Carol (Paquette) Thompson; sons, Thomas Thompson, of Ingleside, Texas, and Barry Martin with wife Rebecca, of Drummonds, Tennessee; daughters, Nicole Boivin with wife Laura Casey, of Limerick, and Katie (Boivin) Demanche with husband Leo, of Standish; grandchildren, Steven Charles Thompson, Caitlyn and Dean Martin, Brennan and Noah Demanche, and Broghan and Finnegan Casey; his sisters, June McNulty with husband Jack and Cheryl Long with husband Mark; brothers-in-law, Michael Paquette, Gary Paquette with wife Kathleen, and Roger Paquette with wife Shari; sisters-in-law, Judy Paquette with husband Brian Bertelsen, Michele Lacombe with husband John, and Melissa Paquette; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of Stephen’s life will be held at the Waterville Elks Lodge, Industrial Park Road, on Thursday, November 9, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Stephen to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. To learn more about the amazing work of this organization, visit: https://t2t.org/.

EVELYN M. POTTER

CHINA – Evelyn M. Potter, 87, passed away on Friday, October 27, 2023, at Woodlands Senior Living, of Hallowell. She was born on December 27, 1935, a daughter of Elmer and Isabelle (Halloway) Haskell.

Evelyn grew up in China and attended Erskine Academy, in South China. After marrying David Potter in 1952, she became a mother to children, Lorraine and David. Evelyn received her associate degree from the University of Maine at Augusta and her bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s College. She became a Registered Nurse and worked at various healthcare facilities including AMHI and Riverview.

Evelyn enjoyed tending to her gardens, shopping, and traveling. She was pleased to have the experience of traveling to Europe and the Amazon. Time spent with family made her happy, especially during the Christmas season. Evelyn will be remembered for her spicey personality, generous spirit, and independence.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; her son, David T. Potter; her son-in-law, Dean Rhoades; and her brother Merton Haskell.

She is survived by her daughter, Lorraine Rhoades; her grandchildren, Kevin Rhoades and his wife Jerry, Kelly Rhoades, and Shawn Potter and his partner, Danielle Guimond; and her niece Sandra Campbell and her husband, Albert.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 7, at 10 a.m., at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 143 Blue Star Ave., Augusta ME 04330.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Branch Mills Grange, 20 Branch Mills Rd., Palermo, ME 04354.

ISABELL WITHAM

FAIRFIELD – Isabell Witham, 92, passed away Friday, October 27, 2023. She was born October 14, 1931, to Ethel Marshall and Frank Niles, in Augusta.

Isabell married Bill Witham and raised their daughter Linda at their home in Benton. She worked many years at the Cascade Woolen Mill, in Oakland, where she retired. Isabell enjoyed spending time with her family by hosting dinners on Sundays. She enjoyed cooking, knitting and crocheting. She made many hats and mittens for the church and afghans for her family and friends. She loved to chat on the CB and would go by the handle Biscuit Maker.

She is predeceased by her parents; her husband Bill Witham and her brother Frank Niles.

Isabell is survived by her daughter Linda Davis; granddaughter Christine Fontaine and husband Ted Fontaine; grandson Keith Davis and wife Magda Davis; three great-grandchildren, Mariah, Nicolas and McKenzie; and two great-great-grandchildren, Reed and Walker.

Funeral services will ve held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 11 a.m., at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield, Maine. Burial will take place at Maplewood Cemetery, ,in Fairfield.

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.

WINDSOR: Trucks/equipment discussed at select board meeting

by The Town Line staff

At the October 10 meeting of the Windsor Select Board, there was discussion of the truck/equipment schedule. Public Works Supervisor Keith Hall spoke to the time line and the notes he made on a handout for replacing each of the trucks and equipment. He informed the board that two trucks – #5 and #6 – are currently in the shop for repairs. He noted the parts are expensive and the dealereship seems to be having problems getting the parts. His plan is to have the trucks back in service before snow fall.

The select board noted that with the cost of parts and repairs, it may be time to look at increasing the budget line for the public works department in the future.

Hall also told the board the quote to replace the 2016 International dump truck with plow would be upwards of $160,000. The board said it would have to be included in the 2024-25 budget. More discussion is planned.

Town Manager Theresa Haskell gave out the monthly transfer station report. September was up from last year with $2,471.75, making the overall today for the year to $6,644.45.

Transfer station committee member Tom Reed spoke about the solid waste ordinance that the the committee has already approved, and he has a few additional updates to be made to the wording before the final print of the ordinance is approved by the select board.

In other business, the select board unanimously accepted the resignation of Sean Teekema from the Windsor Transfer Station. Hall said that he and Tim from public works have been helping at the transfer station due to the short staff in the department. The position will be posted on the town webpage and on the town office sign, with the hopes of filling the position soon.

Monique Crommett was present on behalf of RSU #12. Haskell inquired about the electric bus. Crommett said the bus is not yet here and they are still waiting for it.

Sandra Grecrenko asked the select board what the requirement is for a property to be considered a residence. The select board answered to the best of their ability giving the answer the property would need to have a dwelling, water, septic and electric present. Following more discussion, the board felt they didn’t have appropriate answers or information. The board suggested she set up a meeting with Codes Enforcement Office Arthur Strout for answers.

Crommett suggested it would be helpful to residents if Strout have available a list when residents come to him, explaining “A-Z” what is needed when someone is getting ready to build whether it is from ground up or simnply putting in a new septic system. She feels it would cut down on confusion and questions by a lot of residents if they had a simple check list to which to refer.

F. Gerard Nault inquired about the upcoming public hearing. The hearing will be to see if the town would enact a Maine Site Plan Review Ordinance, set for November 1, with a special town meeting slated for November 9, at 6:30 p.m., at the Windsor Town Hall.

The next meeting of the select board was planned for October 24, 2023.

China assessment review board denies abatement request

by Mary Grow

At an Oct. 25 meeting, three members of China’s board of assessment review unanimously upheld the board of assessors (also the select board), who on Aug. 28 denied Marie Michaud’s application for a property tax abatement.

Michaud believes her shorefront lot on the west side of China Lake is overvalued. She said the lake bottom in front of her property is weedy and muddy and the water is shallow, making the area unfit for swimming.

Select board members denied Michaud’s abatement request on a 3-2 vote. Michaud appealed to the board of assessment review.

Assessor William Van Tuinen answered questions about how he – or any assessor – determines property values, based on the property’s characteristics and on area selling prices.

There are three categories of lake frontage, he said. The highest, A, is for properties with a good view of the water and usable frontage. A lot with a buffer – conforming to recommended water quality protection practices – that blocked the view, or with less usable frontage, would be rated B.

Michaud’s lot Van Tuinen rated C, the lowest category, indicating he shared her opinion that it was not among the most desirable lots on the lake. He calculated the valuation and resulting tax bill using that rating.

After considering Van Tuinen’s information and lists of “comps” – supposedly comparable properties – presented by both parties, board members voted unanimously that the assessment was appropriate.

The board’s meeting, the first since February 2021, began with re-election of chairman Dale Peabody and secretary Harold Charles.

CHINA: Only three of six candidates take part in forum

Albert Church Brown Memorial Library in China Village.

by Mary Grow

Three of the six candidates on China’s Nov. 7 local election ballot attended the Oct. 28 candidates’ forum at the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library, in China Village.

Moderator Louisa Barnhart, chairman of the library’s board of trustees, asked about the candidates’ favorite charities, their reading preferences and their positions on local issues.

  • Jeanne Marquis, candidate for select board, lives on Neck Road and described her occupation as an organizer for Mobilize Recovery (see Box below).

Mobilized Recovery explained

Mobilize Recovery is a national organization with a branch in Augusta. Its purpose is to deal with the national addiction crisis, including preventing addiction and helping people already addicted to survive and to recover.

The Maine Recovery Advocacy Project Facebook page says:

“We are thrilled about the level of support we have received by Kennebec County and our awesome volunteers. We are now beginning to see that our first year’s goal of visiting 5,000 homes is well within our reach. We want to thank the Kennebec County Commissioners who provided the grant to enable us to do this project and thank all the 3,882 homes we have visited so far.

“We are encouraged to see so many people realize the importance of carrying Narcan in their purses, back packs, brief cases or glove compartment of their cars – even if they don’t know someone who uses drugs. You’ll never know when you might be able to save someone’s life.”

It adds details about achieving the 2023 goal:

“So far this year, we visited 3,882 homes, trained 1,592 people to use Nar[c]an and distributed 3,510 boxes of Narcan.”

The Facebook page says the physical address is 59 Bangor Street, Augusta; the telephone number is (207)593-6251; and the email address is courtney@recoveryvoices.com.

Nonprofit groups she supports include local organizations (China Lake Association, the volunteer fire department and China for a Lifetime); environmental organizations (Nature Conservancy and Sierra Club); and addiction recovery organization (Maine Recovery Advocacy Project and Mobilize Recovery).

Her favorite living author is non-fiction writer Johann Hari. Her favorite writer is the late Toni Morrison, especially her poetry.

  • Elaine Mather, planning board candidate, lives on Weeks Mills Road and is retired from her job as a prosecutor for misdemeanors in Henderson, Nevada. She moved to China to be near family members.

Mather’s charities include the American Diabetes Association, the Salvation Army and the Boy Scouts of America. Her favorite writer is Brad Thor, author of the Scot Harvath thrillers.

  • Thomas Rumpf, budget committee candidate, lives on Hanson Road and works as a bridge estimator. He devotes volunteer time – up to 60 hours a week, he said — to the China Four Seasons Club, of which he is president.

He also supports the Masons and is a member of two local lodges; and the Red Cross, including as a platelet and blood donor. He spends his working hours reading blueprints and has little time for leisure reading.

The two policy questions Barnhart asked were about the proposed LS power line and about a future public beach on China Lake. Candidates added two more issues, lack of volunteers for town boards and organizations, and the need to entice more businesses to locate in China.

None of the three supports the LS powerline. Rumpf’s principal objection is “the very sneaky way it came about – the landowners were all taken by surprise.”

Marquis and Mather were concerned about the effect on China’s rural nature and environment, especially the potential loss of good farmland. Marquis emphasized she was speaking personally, not for the select board. Mather said her decisions as a planning board member would be based on ordinances, not on her personal views.

No candidate had a plan for providing public beach access to China Lake. All agreed a town-owned beach would make more work for the town’s public works department and would require additional insurance.

Marquis praised the Four Seasons Club beach on China Lake’s east shore. It is open to club members for what the club website says is an annual $35 general membership fee.

All three regretted the lack of volunteers for town boards and local organizations. Rumpf praised the excellent volunteers who keep the Four Seasons Club active, and said if there were more, the club could add projects and events.

He raised the issue of attracting business, calling China “business-unfriendly” and naming businesses that have moved to other towns. China officials do not offer tax breaks to new businesses; and they collect the state-mandated personal property tax on businesses, a requirement he said some Maine municipalities ignore.

Rumpf’s main argument was that more businesses would increase the local tax base. He acknowledged the need for regulation to protect local values.

Librarian Miranda Perkins’ video of the forum is available on line for interested voters, via a link on the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library website.

No contests on China ballot

There are no contests and no new names on China’s Nov. 7 local election ballot, though there are lines for write-in candidates.

For the board of selectmen, Wayne Chadwick and Jeanne Marquis seek re-election.

For planning board District 3 (southeastern China), Elaine Mather, appointed in late August to finish Michael Sullivan’s term, is a candidate for re-election. There is no candidate for District 1 (northwestern China).

For the budget committee, chairman Thomas Rumpf and District 1 candidate Kevin Maroon are unopposed for re-election. There is no candidate for District 3.

The position of budget committee secretary is also open, Trishea Story having resigned some months ago. Because that term does not end until 2024, it is not on the ballot.

Anyone interested in serving in an unfilled position is invited to call the China town office at 445-2014.

On Nov. 7, China polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the former portable building behind the town office on Lakeview Drive.