Arnie Devoe — former fire chief and SAD 45 bus driver — has undergone three amputations and has recently lost his foot to diabetes, making a ramp necessary for easier access to his home. Under the guidance of Bonnie Lavway, friends, neighbors, fellow veterans, firemen, Rotarians and others all joined in building a new ramp for him, braving the cold weather and rain in order to get the job done. The Devoe family was more than touched by this act of kindness from many. All this for a fellow who only meant to stay in Washburn a year or two after he married local girl Brenda Paradis.
FRIENDS HELP A FRIEND IN NEED — Three friends and fellow veterans of Arnie Devoe started work on a new ramp at his home to enable him to have better access, following the recent amputation of his foot due to complications from diabetes. Pictured working on the project from left are: Kermit Fuller, Bob Ouellette and Dale Lavway.
Artie is a well-known resident of Washburn, a former fireman and fire chief for over 30 years, a school custodian and bus driver for 33 years and a member of the National Guard for over 23 years. He is a community-oriented citizen and was always on hand to help others. It is very special that others have more than willingly rallied around to help him and his family in their time of need.
Many individual residents and entities donated their time as well as building cost donations from various sources. The United Methodist Women’s Group, Saint Catherine’s Catholic Church, the employees of the school, anonymous donors, the Fire Department, Washburn Rotary, White’s Service and Washburn Food Mart all helped in a special way. And a great donation from Rathbun Lumber, giving the construction crew a cost discount as well as a special “good will” discount for the supplies.
The Devoe family notes that “this community is not just friends, it is family.”
Birthdays/anniversaries
Those celebrating birthdays this week include: Brent Tardie, Jenalee Bragg, Gerald Vaughn, Ryan Scott, Taylor Bagley, Avis Drost, Elizabeth Howard, Stephen Rouse, Heidi Crouse, Marissa Emery, Edwyna Mills, Bette Lou Tilley, Charlotte Griffin, Matthew Conley, Cortney MacDonald, Nicole Kennedy and Trina Akerson.
Anniversary wishes go out to: Art and Charlotte Griffin, Rodney and Helena Corey, Benjamin and Cassie Sullivan, Stacey and Kelley Baker and Tim and Carolyn O’Donnell.
Town Council notes
Members of the Washburn Town Council held their regular meeting on Monday, Dec.13, at 7 p.m. at the Washburn Civic Center. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by public participation.
The Council voted and approved the minutes from the Nov. 8 Council meeting as well as the Nov. 18 special Council meeting.
Councilors reviewed the financial figures through Nov. 30, 2010, and it was noted that all municipal departments are within their budgets for this time of the year. It was also noted that the 60-plus members of the Tax Club are all current with their payments.
In other business, the recommendation from the Reuse Committee for the request for qualifications concerning a Community Development Block Grant recommended to hire BR Smith as their general contractor. The Council voted to accept the Committee’s recommendation.
The Council voted to commit a supplemental tax bill to Mariner Tower. Mariner Tower will also be contacted to find out who the providers are on the tower.
The councilors reviewed and signed off on a municipal quitclaim deed and agreed on a possible training opportunity for the Washburn Fire Department, providing all regulations are covered.
In the manager’s report, the Council was made aware of information concerning Northern Aroostook Wells and Septic Program, and they voted to continue working with the programs of this group.
Some discussion was held concerning the “Pay as You Throw” solid waste project and more information will be gathered concerning this. It was also noted that there will be a meeting set up with someone from the city of Presque Isle to explain to the residents of Washburn, Wade and Perham the changes involved in this new program. That will probably occur sometime in January.
A question was raised on the ownership of the Health Center and it was noted that it was the property of the town of Washburn.
The Council voted to make an appointment for the vacancy on the Library Board of Trustees.
The Council retired to executive session to discuss economic development and personnel matters.
The next scheduled meeting of the Washburn Town Council will be on Monday, Jan. 10, 2011, at 7 p.m. at the Washburn Civic Center. All interested residents are welcome to attend.
Reminders and events
The next scheduled meeting for the new group of those interested in participating in the Mill Pond future will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 22, at 7 p.m. at the Washburn Civic Center. All are welcome to attend, and bring your ideas.
qOn Wednesday, Dec. 22, there will be hrades 2 and 3 basketball at the elementary school from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.
The All Aroostook music group will be traveling to Houlton on Friday, Jan. 14, for practice rehearsals and the big event will be Saturday, Jan. 15.
Maine State law requires that dogs 6 months old or older must be licensed by Jan. 1. At the time of registration, bring the old license and proof of a rabies vaccination. The fees are $5 for each dog that is spayed or neutered or $11 for those dogs who are not. A $15 fine may be applied for a late fee on all dogs registered after Jan. 31. For further information, contact the Washburn Town Office at 455-8485 during regular hours.
There is still time to get your Christmas tree from Boy Scout Troop 177. The cost is $25 each, and sizes range from 5- to 7-foot lengths. They are available at the home of Scout Leader Ron Rand on the Washburn- Presque Isle Road. Local delivery will be available on Saturdays in the Washburn, Wade, Perham and Crouseville areas. This is a major fundraising event for the troop, and all sales are appreciated.
Christie Cochran is the correspondent for Washburn, Wade and Perham. She can be reached at 455-8034 or gramchristie@yahoo.com.
