Courier Connection

Home-grown success: Kate's plans move to Arundel, feels growing pains

2010-03-05T14:06:00Z

By Gillian Graham

Staff Writer

Blame it on the buttermilk.

More than a year after introducing buttermilk to its line of sea-salted and unsalted butters, Kate’s Homemade Butter of Old Orchard Beach is experiencing growing pains. Owner and founder Daniel Patry said his company has outgrown its current manufacturing facility in a single-family home on Arbutus Avenue and needs to move soon.

Several neighbors of the facility say truck traffic on narrow streets is inconvenient and could prevent emergency vehicles from traversing the neighborhood. Town officials responding to a neighbor’s complaint want to know when Patry plans to relocate his company to a better location.

For Patry, a move to a proposed new facility in Arundel can’t come soon enough. He purchased a 38-acre land parcel of land off Route 111 and plans to build a 15,000-square-foot manufacturing facility with a retail store and dairy cows.

With plans to move under way since 2006, Patry said he is anxious to get the project going so his company can work more efficiently in a facility more conducive to producing a million pounds of butter each year. Building plans were downsized because of cost and the economy shortly before receiving final approval from Arundel, he said.

Arundel Town Planner Tad Redway said Patry’s project does not have a conditional-use permit and plans for the project have not been presented to the planning board since a review of original plans by a town engineer in February 2009.

Redway said Patry started the planning board process in 2008, after the town changed its zoning ordinance and Comprehensive Plan to accommodate a butter-processing facility in a rural district. The district already allowed agriculture, but zoning regulations were changed to allow processing and manufacturing. The changes include a stipulation the company demonstrate to the public how butter is made, which Patry said he will do four times each year during tours with schoolchildren.

Patry said he and his son, Lucas, are working with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to expedite approval of a storm water drainage plan and site evaluation. After those permits are secured, they will proceed with the town planning process.

The planning process usually takes about three months, depending on the completeness of applications, Redway said.

“We’ll be happy to see them when they do come in,” he said.

Patry said he hopes to have a foundation in and a building up on the property by this fall so the company can relocate this year. With space and staffing constraints, the company can only take on orders it knows it can fill, he said.

“We have to be out (of Old Orchard Beach) within a year,” he said. “If we don’t fill orders, people won’t order again.”

Kate’s Homemade Butter started in 1981 primarily as a way for Patry’s wife, Karen, to stay home with their children. The zoning board of appeals approved the home business on Jan. 27, 1981, under rules that require the business to be staffed primarily by family members.

The following year, the board allowed the company to build a garage and install all of its butter-making equipment in the new space. Kate’s Butter was licensed by the town as a wholesaler/manufacturer business in 2003 and is legally nonconforming, according to Town Planner Gary Lamb.

In August 2009, the town issued the company a building permit for a 14-by-16-foot building addition to house a 6,000-gallon tank. Code Enforcement Officer Mike Nugent said the permit was issued as an accessory to a previously permitted home occupation and required the addition exterior to appear “residential in design and construction.”

Nugent said he will inspect the Kate’s Butter facility this month to ensure it is not exceeding its original approval. If there are violations, he will issue a notice of correction and work with Patry to resolve any issues, he said. Patry said he welcomes the inspection.

Greg Kidd, who lives about 100 feet from the Patry property line, said he is concerned about additions to the company as well as truck traffic in the neighborhood.

“My concern is the town allowed this expansion to go on with no deadline to get out,” he said. “We have an industrial institution that doesn’t belong in our tiny neighborhood.”

Kyle McCormick, a neighbor on Rosedale Avenue, started the Facebook page “BBB: Ban Butter Boy” after becoming frustrated with trucks going to and from Kate’s Butter. He said tanker and box trucks block traffic, making it difficult for neighbors to pass through narrow streets.

“It’s a public safety hazard. What if a fire truck or ambulance needed to go down that road? They wouldn’t be able to get past,” he said. “The butter is great, but it shouldn’t be here anymore.”

Ward McGovern, who lives two streets away from Kate’s Butter on Shorewood Drive, said he is probably one of the biggest fans of the butter, but feels trucks from the facility block traffic and damage the roads.

“I have no problem with his butter, I just have a problem with his location,” he said.

Kidd spoke at a council meeting last month and asked town staff to look at issues with Kate’s Butter. In response to his concerns, Councilor Mike Tousignant asked town staff to provide more information about the facility, including when Patry plans to relocate.

Tousignant said it his job as a councilor to look into any complaints from residents.

“Any citizen that comes to the podium is going to be heard,” he said. “What we’re really trying to find out is when they’re going to be moving, what’s holding it up.”

Kidd’s comments to the council were not the first Tousignant has heard about the facility. He said he understands why neighbors don’t want large trucks passing through their streets, but the town also can’t kick Patry out because his business is legal.

“The butter factory is exceeding its ability to operate in that neighborhood at this time,” Tousignant said. “His operation is probably not in the best location.”

Patry never imagined his company would grow from producing 300 pounds of butter each year to distributing 1 million pounds of butter west to the Mississippi River and as far south as Georgia. The family’s dairy heritage dates back to the early 1900s in Minot and Patry learned how to churn butter using his grandfather’s recipe.

Patry credits the success of his business to hard work and dedication to the slow-churn process, which he said produces an old-fashioned flavor. The company developed a recipe for traditional buttermilk – which is not made from skim milk like most brands – that has been popular since its debut last year, he said.

Patry said business has increased “tremendously” because of the company’s success in national competitions and the increasing popularity of the buy-local movement. After the buttermilk won first place for innovative product at the World Dairy Expo, demand for the product went through the roof, he said.

“It blew it right out of the water,” he said.

After nearly 30 years in the family home, Patry recognizes it is time to move on. He said he has always stayed in touch with neighbors and talked to them about their concerns.

“To have done what we have done for 30 years, we had to be considerate,” he said.

Still, Patry said he was surprised when Kidd approached the council and when other neighbors voiced concern about the trucks. Patry said the company has tried to limit the amount of time tanker and box trucks spend at the house, where his son still lives. It takes about 15 minutes for trucks to load or unload at the facility, he said.

“I don’t blame them one bit, I really don’t,” Patry said. “It’s grown to the point it shouldn’t be in a residential district.”

Patry said he is anxious to move not only to alleviate these concerns, but to put to use new manufacturing equipment imported from Europe now stored in a Biddeford warehouse. The equipment will allow the company to produce three sticks of butter per second and pack 60 cases of butter per minute.

Though he is excited to set up his new dairy in Arundel, Patry said he is sad to leave Old Orchard Beach, where he was unable to find enough open land.

“There was nothing in town that really fit what we wanted to do. I really didn’t want to leave, but sales are pushing us. We have to do something,” he said. “The town of Old Orchard Beach has been really good to me and so have our neighbors.”

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.

Too cold to swim? Not for Maine triathletes, who still compete in winter

2010-03-05T14:05:00Z

By Gillian Graham

Staff Writer

Jeanne Bryand will be up at dawn on Sunday, a race number painted on her right shoulder and left quadriceps. With her competitors cheering her on, she will swim, run and bike as far as she can – all without leaving the gym where she trains.

She is among nearly 100 athletes expected to take part in the sixth annual indoor triathlon this weekend at Northern York County YMCA in Biddeford.

Participants age 7 and older will spend 20 minutes each swimming laps, running on a treadmill and riding a stationary bike as they try to record the longest distances in nine age groups.

Jenn Wilson, YMCA health and wellness director, started the indoor event with Charles Melton to offer beginners an introduction to the sport and triathletes a fun way to train.

“We hold it indoors when there’s no way to hold it outside. It’s a great event for beginners. It’s also a great opportunity for triathletes to gauge their level of fitness,” Wilson said. “My favorite part is the spirit of it. Most people are doing it not to compete with others but to accomplish their goal to finish.”

Jeanne Bryand’s goal is simple: to swim better than last year. She has completed the indoor triathlon three times and also competes in traditional outdoor triathlons. Last year, she placed first in her age category.

“That was the most touching medal I ever got,” said Jeanne Bryand, who is 55. “That was one of the best moments. It was totally unexpected.”

Following a bike accident in 2008 while training for a local triathlon, Jeanne Bryand spent months going through rehab and training for her next event. With the indoor triathlon as a goal, working out was easier, she said.

“It’s not just getting on the treadmill or swimming laps. I had a goal in mind. It’s not just drudgery in working out,” she said. “It was a reason to get up out of bed, it was a reason to get up on my feet.”

She said she looks forward not only to challenging herself, but the camaraderie of the day.

“Everybody is there cheering for you and you get that extra rush of adrenaline,” she said. “It’s really exciting.”

While Jeanne Bryand focuses on improving her distances, her daughter will focus on finishing. This will be the first triathlon for Tegan Bryand, a 22-year-old substitute teacher and gymnastics coach.

“My goal is to just finish. I’m hoping to make it through it all,” she said. “And to beat my mom.”

Tegan Bryand said she was inspired to take part in the event by her mother and father, Tom Bryand. To prepare, she goes to the gym four or five times each week to run on the treadmill and stationary bike to build endurance.

Tom Bryand, a member of the Kennebunk Triathlon Club, said he has taken advantage of mild winter weather to run outside. When at the YMCA, he prefers to focus on swimming “because I enjoy it.” Though he is not a strong runner, he said he likes triathlons because the format allows participants to make up for a weakness by doing well in another event.

“It’s nice to go from one event to the other,” he said. “It’s an interesting sport and definitely catching on,” he said.

Cal Dunwoody agrees.

The 88-year-old Kennebunk man discovered triathlons 48 years ago and hasn’t looked back. While living in Rhode Island, he traveled a circuit of New England triathlons and climbed to the highest peak in every state. He moved to Maine 20 years ago and continued to compete in events, including the indoor triathlon.

Sidetracked from competition by a back injury, Dunwoody goes to the YMCA four or times each week to keep in shape in hopes of racing again. After rowing 5K on a rowing machine, he pedals a bike seven miles and swims 20 laps.

Dunwoody said triathlons are perfect for beginners and people looking for a fun way to keep in shape, no matter what their age.

“The mixed sport is good. To do one sport all the time can be boring. The change makes it interesting he said. “Here, you’re just racing against yourself.”

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.

In the News

2010-03-05T14:03:00Z

OOB man who allegedly stole ATM is arrested, back in jail

The Old Orchard Beach man charged in the theft of an automated teller machine in Scarborough last November found himself behind bars again this week.

Brian Andrews, 32, faced a court date in Cumberland County Superior Court in Portland on Tuesday, after the Courier deadline.

According to Biddeford Deputy Police Chief JoAnne Fisk, Andrews was arrested on outstanding warrants issued in Cumberland County. Police logs show he was arrested at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 23 on King Street.

Police also found Andrews possessed a usable amount of marijuana, violating his conditions of release. When arrested, Fisk said Andrews tried to pose as his younger brother.

He was taken to York County Jail in Alfred and then transferred to Cumberland County Jail in Portland on Feb. 25, a York County Jail official said.

Cumberland County Jail officials confirmed Andrews has been held without bail since Feb. 25 because of the bail conditions violation.

Cumberland County District Attorney spokesman Tamara Getchell said the Tuesday court date may be a conference regarding the impending theft, burglary and other charges Andrews faces in connection to an alleged attempt to steal the ATM from Eight Corners Market on Mussey Road in Scarborough last November.

Andrews was indicted in January by a Cumberland County grand jury on charges he used a stolen pickup truck to drag the ATM from the store late at night on Nov. 29 before leading Scarborough police on a high speed chase down Gorham and Black Point roads.

Andrews also is charged with ramming a police cruiser at the start of the chase. He was arrested after he crashed the truck near the Prouts Neck Yacht Club in Scarborough.

Court records show officers followed footprints across a beach and discovered Andrews hiding behind rocks and in the water.

Andrews has a list of convictions on burglary, forgery, theft and assault charges dating to 2000, according to the same court records.

DOT says work on Route 112 should be completed in 2012

The Maine Department of Transportation is moving forward with plans to rebuild a section of Route 112 in Saco and Buxton.

Project Manager Ernie Martin said 65 residents attended a Feb. 25 public hearing in Saco about the project, which will repair about 3.5 miles of the state-maintained road. He said the project will cost up to $6 million in construction costs and should be completed by summer 2012.

Martin said the project, which likely will begin in spring 2011, will fix the road from Rocky Hill Road in Saco to the intersection of Routes 112 and 202 in Buxton. Construction crews will excavate the existing road before putting in 30 inches of gravel and 5 to 6 inches of pavement. They also will create consistent 5-foot, paved shoulders.

Martin said the current road was never built to standard and has gravel shoulders that vary in width. Project plans take into account the level of truck traffic and the road will be built to accommodate truck weights, he said.

At the public hearing, residents offered comments about the issues that concern them the most, including speed, truck traffic and road noise, Martin said. A final public hearing will take place in June in Buxton, after which the department will finalize construction plans, he said.

The project has been planned for several years but was deferred because of budget constraints, Martin said. The department will continue to patch problem areas until the project begins.

Developer abandons plan to build CVS on Elm Street

A New Hampshire developer has shelved plans to build a CVS on Elm Street in Saco.

City Planner Bob Hamblen said developer John Grammas notified him by e-mail last week that he was “closing down the project” as of Feb. 16. The planning board last month asked Grammas to provide historical information on houses that would have been demolished to make way for the drugstore.

Bill Kany, an attorney representing Grammas, said CVS decided to defer its decision regarding the location of the store. He said Grammas did not want to move forward with the plan without a tenant for the building.

Kany said he does not know if Grammas will look to build elsewhere in the city.

– Compiled by Staff Writers David Harry

and Gillian Graham

Saco board tables CMP lines issue

2010-03-05T14:01:00Z

By Gillian Graham

Staff Writer

The Saco Planning Board wants more information beforedeciding the fate of a high-voltage transmission power line upgrade near cityneighborhoods.

The board voted unanimously Feb. 23 to table furtherreview of a proposed project that Central Maine Power Co. officials say isnecessary to provide power to Saco Bay residents.

The Maine Public Utilities Commission already hasapproved the $26 million Saco Bay Reinforcement Project, despite objections from Saco residents and city officials.

The board asked the power company to provide moreinformation about how the project would affect property values. The planrequires site plan approval for a new substation in the industrial park andconditional-use approval.

Project engineer Steve Harding of OEST Associatessaid the power company went through an “extensive” 33-month PUC approvalprocess before receiving a certificate of public convenience and necessity. Thecompany asked for permission to replace more than seven miles of 35-kilovolttransmission line with a double 115-kV line.

The commission granted the company permission toinstall a single 115-kV line and a single 35-kV line, which can be upgraded inthe future. Harding said the company will replace 174 existing 35-foot woodenpoles with 96, 85-foot metal poles.

City Planner Bob Hamblen said the project is“extensive and not a simple issue” because of its proximity to neighborhoodsand Saco Middle School, as well as a 2008 city ordinance that requireshigh-voltage transmission lines to be buried.

The ordinance becomes a “sticking point” for theproject near Route 112, where it passes the school, Sierra Woods subdivision,Chelsea Circle and Rotary Drive, Hamblen said. The ordinance requires allhigh-power transmission lines to be buried “within 200 feet of any residence,school building, school playground, publicly owned recreational facility, fieldor park, or any occupied place of employment.”

Harding said there is a “significant costimplication” to bury lines because it costs about $2 million for every 900feet. Saco’s burial requirement places the company in a “difficult position,”he said.

“It would add millions of dollars to the project,” hesaid. “The PUC said it was not appropriate to ask ratepayers to pick up thecost. We can’t go against what the PUC stipulated we do.”

Planning Board Chairman Neil Shuster said he “can’tremember another project that was so obviously set up to fail.”

“Truly our hands are tied (by the ordinance),” hesaid.

Planning Board member Sandra Guay asked Central MainePower to submit evidence of how the value of abutting properties will beaffected by the project.

Harding said the issue of property values is somewhatsubjective because some people believe proximity to existing highways and powerlines where there could be future development already is taken into account. Hesaid anecdotal evidence also shows some people like to live near power linesbecause it provides open space for recreation.

Hamblen said the planning board has no authority todeviate from the ordinance and must either deny the project or approve it witha stipulation that lines be buried. The board is expected to look at theproposal at its March 16 meeting.

Central Maine Power spokesman John Carroll said it isclear the planning board will have no choice but to deny the project because ofthe ordinance. If Saco does not grant approval, the company will go back to thecommission and ask the burial requirement be waived. The PUC has the authorityto waive local zoning requirements, he said.

During the meeting, three residents urged theplanning board to carefully consider the implications of approving the projectnear their homes. Pat and Don Sandos, who live on Sean Place in Sierra Woods,said they respect the need for increased power but are worried about theproject negatively affecting property values.

Carl Moutlon of Chelsea Circle said he has followedthe project for four years. He said there is “no need” for the project and hewould prefer it not happen. However, he said the city has an obligation tofollow the zoning ordinance.

“It’s really not that complicated. The ordinance isclear, it’s black and white,” he said. “If it’s within 200 feet, they’reburied. I think you have an obligation to do that.”

Attorney Joseph Mazziotti, who represents twocommercial abutters to the proposed substation, urged the board to lookcarefully at plans for the station. New transmission lines and a substation onhigher ground than its neighbors could negatively affect property values andcreate more noise and light, he said.

Mazziotti asserted the PUC “cannot ignore theregulations of the city of Saco” and said the board should look closely atrequiring the power company “to be a good neighbor.”

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at282-4337, ext. 213.

Layoff leads to new career, passion

2010-03-05T13:59:00Z

Editor’s note: This is the third story in a series about entrepreneurs from Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach.

By Molly Lovell

Staff Writer

Saco resident Shay Ayers, pictured with her daughter, Gaiya, which means goddess of the earth, opened Eye Sun Holistic Massage in North Dam Mill a couple years ago after being laid off in 2007 as an insurance agent. She decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship and described the process as life-changing and life-saving.

Tell me what you do here.

I practice Swedish, deep tissue, pregnancy massage. I also do off-site sometimes and sometimes during the auctions that are next door people come in on a walk-in basis for a chair massage. I also have my (other) side of the business, which is my retail end. I focus on potions and, as you can see, on the walls I have artwork. Some of it is mine, a lot of it is local artists.

The wooden bowls are hand-spun by a local artisan and some of my clay mugs and what not. I also have a signature tea, which was blended for me by a certified tea specialist specifically for Eye Sun. I like to offer that with a massage along with bottles of water. It’s kind of a little niche I have going.

Do you make the products you sell?

I buy the products. I try to get local, fairly local, Massachusetts. I do have Kennebunk, Maine and Portland, natural hand-crafted small batch kind of things. That’s what I prefer.

Describe what holistic means in terms of your business.

Holistic means looking at a system as a whole – the body as a whole thing. So, if your arm hurts, getting a full body massage, including your head and neck, for instance, is going to help that particular pain. Also, the health maintenance aspect, where getting a massage you don’t have to be sick, you don’t have to be sore, but it’s a great way to maintain health and your whole being. And that’s the way I look at things, I’m very into massage as health maintenance. And it feels good. If you feel good, you’re going to treat other people better. So hopefully, that goes out there in spreading the happiness and health.

Has your business been affected by the weakened economy? Are people cutting down, and in turn, cutting massages out of their budgets?

Well, I’m not so sure. I’ve been in business two years, which isn’t that long, so I don’t have a lot to compare, but I’ve done much better, probably triple the business, the second year as compared to my first year. So I can’t really complain. I’m doing very well and you have to think – I hate to say an “affordable luxury,” because I don’t really consider massage a luxury because it’s a really good thing, a good way to maintain your health. But it is, at $60 an hour, first session half off, at Eye Sun, people can still afford it. And it’s a lot less expensive sometimes than going out to eat. So, yeah, I can’t complain. I’m doing pretty well.

What does a small business owner like you have to do to thrive?

I have to say I think my biggest thing is the commitment. You have to love what you do and be committed and be available. I mean, at the beginning of my business, I had set hours, I sat here. I sat here at my desk and hoped the people would walk by. I advertise, I do constant contact, word of mouth, but you know it’s hard.

There were days I just wanted to cry and I could see how people give up in six months. But I’m on a mission. I love what I do and I firmly believe in it. When I’m here, people come in to ask questions. They might not make an appointment that day, but they do come back because I’m here, smiling and I’m ready to provide service.

I used to be a corporate climber, so this is hugely different for me and I never liked the corporate climber but I thought it was something I had to do to “be a success in America” if you will. But I finally snapped out of it after a layoff, which probably saved my life. I decided to do what I really wanted to do, what I really loved to do, and something to me, that’s very meaningful and fulfilling. So that’s part of it.

If I didn’t like doing this, I couldn’t sit here. When business would be slow, it would be very, very hard. But I love it, I always find something I can do. I’m always making plans to add value to what I do. The tea, I thought was a really cool thing, and helping other small businesses as well. My tea person is another local business, she’s in South Portland – used to be in downtown Biddeford. So yeah, everybody helps everybody.

What did you do for work before this?

I sold insurance. My very last job was selling medical malpractice insurance. It’s a national company that I worked for so I had this territory (southern Maine). So I worked out of my house and did a lot of traveling. I had New England and New Jersey as my territory. But they decided they didn’t need me after a year and a half so I really took stock and thought, “do I really want to go back into this?” – and insurance and corporate, and I decided to make the change. It was kind of a wake-up call for me actually.

Was it then you sought education in massage therapy?

I was already trained actually. You do have to be licensed and go to school and there’s certain requirements, but I had several years before, gotten trained, thinking I was going to do massage. I kept getting pulled back into the corporate, and the benefits, and so I’ve been trained for almost 10 years now. I practiced for a couple years and went all the way back into insurance and did that a while until this recent layoff. And again, I’m a mother, and that’s a very important job for me – I just started to realize I needed to do what was me. I get to make the decisions now and what’s right. And it’s been wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. I know it’s a weakened economy, but I’m very happy. I am very happy.

What’s the best thing about your job?

That I make people feel good. When you’re selling insurance, they have to buy, but when they come in for a massage, they leave very happy, and I feel, even if I have one client a day, it’s all worth it. It makes my day. When people leave here smiling and say “that was wonderful,” it makes me feel wonderful too.

How did you come to find this spot in North Dam?

I knew of the owner of the mill and again, I had gotten laid off and was trying to scramble – what do I want to do? And because I knew him, I said “yeah, let’s look to see what he might have to rent.” And there was a space available. It had a bathroom, which I needed, the rent is very reasonable, and then it turned out to be even better. The community aspect of being inside a mill is really wonderful. I think I made a good decision by coming in here.

What have you gained by being in this location?

There is a lot of walk-by traffic because of the other businesses here in the mill. The community is so important. People talk about each other, the referrals, and cross-marketing opportunities abound here.

How has Biddeford contributed to the success of your business – if it has?

Well, the fact that the college is here has been very helpful. Other mills developing brings more people and jobs, and people seem to be in and out. Being here in Biddeford for the tourist season has been wonderful – Biddeford Pool. I think because it is more affordable here, just comparing it to across the river in Saco. I looked there as well, and that was a big thing for me. I had just gotten laid off and the economy was terrible, it just was a hard decision, but I really needed to do something that meant something. The (Biddeford) ArtWalk has been one of the really great things. Especially since the last art walk where they’re bringing them into the mill for the winter. So many people come through here and it’s so wonderful. For retail, that’s my biggest day, art walk day. I’m probably not the only one that benefits from the art walk, so it’s been really wonderful.

Staff Writer Molly Lovell can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 223.

Letters to the editor

2010-03-05T13:56:00Z

To the editor:

Endless applause to the firefighters of the Biddeford Fire Department.

Recently a young child’s life was saved because of the brave and courageous actions of two Biddeford firefighters. In my opinion, they both deserve national recognition as heroes.

We also must keep in mind that firefighting, like most other endeavors, is a team effort without which the end results may not be successful in most cases.

Therefore, I salute and praise the entire structure of the Biddeford Fire Department, from its leadership all the way down through its chain of command. Furthermore, I praise the Biddeford mayor and city council for their compassion and wisdom in not denying the fire department the proper funding so that they will always have the most updated and necessary life-saving equipment and emergency personnel to do their jobs successfully, which is saving lives and property. Their mission is to keep us safe from harm.

As a lifelong resident of Biddeford, I can truthfully say I am proud of my hometown. Whenever the chips are down, Biddeford always manages to come through in the clutch.

Phil Gadbois

Biddeford

Obituaries

2010-03-05T13:55:00Z

Pauline T. Gendron

Pauline T. Gendron, 81, of Biddeford died Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010, at Southern Maine Medical Center.

She was born in Biddeford on Dec. 1, 1928, to Charles A. and Annabelle Collette Gendron and was educated at St. Andre School.

Ms. Gendron worked for more than 40 years at Youland’s Department Store and the Children’s Shop in Biddeford and the Men’s Shop in Saco. She also cared for her parents until their passing.

She enjoyed reading, dancing, traveling and dining with friends. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella and St. Joseph Church of the Good Shepherd Parish.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Charles A. Gendron, in 1984.

Survivors include two brothers, Raymond Gendron and his wife, Adrienne, of Biddeford, and Normand Gendron and his wife, Shirley, of Sanford; her sister, Lorraine Frost and her husband, Robert, of Biddeford.

Arrangements were by Hope Memorial Chapel, Biddeford

Claude E. Belanger

Claude E. Belanger, 70, of Augusta, died Monday Feb. 22, 2010, at his home.

He was born June 4, 1939, in Biddeford to Emile J. and Elizabeth M.A. Gosselin Belanger.

He was educated in Biddeford schools and graduated from the former St. Louis High School in 1956 and the former St. Francis College in Biddeford in 1960.

On Nov. 24, 1962, he married Wilma M. Mottram in St. Bernard Church in Rockland. She died Sept. 7, 2000.

Mr. Belanger was a high school teacher in the Gardiner school system for many years and retired in 1991. He was a member of St. Mary Church in Augusta.

Survivors include his son, Joseph Belanger and his wife, Laura, of Etters, Pa.; his daughter, Kristina Belanger of California; two brothers, Donald Belanger of Aurora, Colo., and Paul Belanger and his wife, Paulette, of Old Orchard Beach; three sisters, Lorraine Perreault and her husband, William, of Lowell, Mass., Jeannine Hale and Doris Belanger of Aurora, Colo.; two grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were by Hope Memorial Chapel, Biddeford.

Solime J. Corbeil

Solime J. Corbeil, 59, of Saco died unexpectedly Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010, at his home.

He was born Oct. 13, 1950, in Biddeford to Solime and Florence Annie Precourt Corbeil and educated in Saco schools.

Mr. Corbeil worked many years in area auto body shops.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Marie Daughter, in 2008.

Survivors include his son, Rodney Corbeil of Sabattus; his daughter, Chrystal Muse and her husband, Tyrone, of New York; three brothers, Paul Corbeil and his wife, Doris, of Saco, Ovide Corbeil and his wife, Nancy, of Bridgton, and Lucien Corbeil of Saco; three sisters, Florence Picard of Dayton, Sylvia Bourget of Saco and Rita Lehoux of Biddeford; four grandchildren, one great-grandchild, several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were by Hope Memorial Chapel, Biddeford.

Theresa R. Willette

Theresa R. Willette, 65, of Biddeford, died Monday, Feb. 22, 2010, at her home after an 11-year battle with cancer.

She was born Oct. 7, 1944, in Saco to Robert E. and Gloria Chantigny Bedard and was educated in Biddeford schools.

Mrs. Willette worked for more than 25 years in area fraternal organization clubs.

She was a life member of the Rochambeau and Le Voltigeur Snowshoe clubs and a life member of Biddeford Eagles, all of Biddeford.

She enjoyed playing bingo, doing crossword puzzles and having coffee with her friends.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Garnet Lupien, in 1997.

Survivors include her fiancé, Richard C. Perreault of Biddeford; three sons, Paul M. Willette and his fiancée, Kelly Beck, of Westbrook, Ronnie Perreault of Biddeford and Ryan Perreault and his wife, Lisa, of Newfield; two daughters, Kathy G. Willette and her fiancé, Michel Auclair, of Biddeford, and Robin Pierce and her husband, Joseph, of Waterboro; four brothers, Rene Bedard and his wife, Norma, of Old Orchard Beach, Leo Bedard of Biddeford, Raymond “Cocoa” Bedard and his wife, Susan, of Biddeford, and Arthur “Bosco” Bedard and his wife, Diane, of Biddeford; two sisters, Shirley Belanger and her husband, Jr., of Biddeford, and Dianne Chase-Shubat and her husband, Steve, of Newington, Conn.; 11 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were by Hope Memorial Chapel, Biddeford.

Allen ‘Lefty’ Sukalas

Allen “Lefty” Sukalas, 89, of Biddeford, died Monday, Feb. 22, 2010, at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough.

He was born Aug. 29, 1920, in Lowell Mass., to Emmanuel and Areti (Nakis) Tsukalis and was educated there. He attended the Lowell Technical Institute for two years.

Mr. Sukalas worked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He married Anastasia Liegakos in Lowell, Mass., in September 1942.

In 1946, he bought Main Castle from his uncle, George Sukalas, and with his wife operated it first at Main and Foss streets in Biddeford and later at Pepperell Square in Saco for more than 50 years. He owned Castle Realty.

Mr. Sukalas served the community as bail commissioner, mediator for the York County District Court, and as a justice of the peace. He also served as president of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church and the Order of AHEPA as district commissioner. He also was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Lions, Elks, Amvets and American Legion.

Survivors include his son, Mitchell Sukalas and his wife, Jackie, of Wells; his daughter, Holly McIntyre and her husband, William, of Lyman; his sister, Anna Callianos of Lowell, Mass., six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were by Hope Memorial Chapel, Biddeford.

Richard L. Dearborn

Richard Langdon Dearborn, a longtime resident of Beech Hill Road, West Granville, died Feb. 25, 2010, in Biddeford at the age of 90.

Born April 20 1919, in Waverly, Pa., Mr. Dearborn was the son of Sydney A. and Lillian Church Dearborn.

He attended Pennsylvania State University, where he played on the national champion collegiate soccer team before serving in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He was a technical sergeant and P-38 ground crew chief in the China-Burma-India Theatre.

After the war, Mr. Dearborn was a professional singer and recording artist in New York City and from 1948 to 1956 and appeared regularly on the Arthur Godfrey TV show. He graduated from Syracuse University and worked as a mechanical engineer at Hamilton Standard and technical writer and editor for Pratt & Whitney. He was also a teacher in the Southwick and Belchertown school systems.

Mr. Dearborn lived in West Granville from 1963 until 2006, when he moved to southern Maine. He served on the Granville Zoning Board and was town bookkeeper for many years. He was also longtime member of the Granville Federated Church choir.

An avid golfer, Mr. Dearborn excelled in all sports and enjoyed music, friends, books, the outdoors and visiting his children and grandchildren.

He leaves four children, Leanne L. Cronin of Biddeford; David S. Dearborn of Glastonbury, Conn.; Daniel C. Dearborn of Milbank, S.D.; and Gary R. Dearborn of Croton Falls, N.Y.; four grandchildren, Carly and Danielle Dearborn of South Dakota; and Victoria and Aidan Dearborn of New York; daughters-in-law Sharon Dearborn and Christina Horzepa; nephews Brian Kent of Colorado, Syd Dearborn of Arizona and Greg Dearborn of Indiana; and nieces Anne Dearborn of Arizona and Judy Widbin of Indiana.

The family would like to thank the special caregivers at Shaw House, Biddeford, and Mr. Dearborn’s caring neighbors on Beech Hill Road.

Mr. Dearborn will be remembered for his friendly manner, gentle sense of humor, unfailing kindness, wartime service to his country, beautiful singing voice, varied career accomplishments and, most of all, for his deep love for his children and grandchildren.

As in a famous song he recorded, there were always “Blue Skies” when he was there.

Calling hours were Tuesday, March 2, at Forastiere Funeral Home in Southwick, Mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful to accept donations in Mr. Dearborn’s name to American Macular Degeneration Foundation, P.O. Box 515, Northampton, MA 01061-0515, phone 1-413-268-7660 or toll free 1-888-MACULAR (1-888-622-8527). The Web address is www.macular.org and e-mail is amdf@macular.org.