SOLON & BEYOND, Week of June 1, 2017

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Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percyby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

Good morning, dear friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

The Solon Pine Tree 4-H Club met on May 13, with vice president Cooper Dellarma presiding. Hailey and Cooper Dellarma helped at the “Luck of the Draw” that was held on May 6. The “Luck of the Draw” benefits 4-H activities in Somerset County.

The members voted to do flowers on Mothers Day at the Solon Congregational Church. Two leaders, two members and two visited church to pass out the flowers.

The members and leaders are planning to have a cleaning day with flower beds at the church.

Kathleen Randall was the guest speaker. She helped the members make baskets for their Mothers on Mothers Day.

The next meeting will be on Saturday, June 10, at 9:30 a.m., at the Solon Fire Department. The members will be making another craft item. Hunter Soucer and Desmond Robinson will be furnishing refreshments.

Rance and Eleanor Pooler spent three days in Augusta attending the Eastern Star Grand Chapter. Rance received a plaque for being a Grand Escort.

The special Solon town meeting was held on May 22 and since I had sent my news before to meet my deadline this account is a bit late.

There were three other articles added on to what I had written about earlier, for a total of seven articles. Phil Curtis was elected moderator and there were around 40 people in attendance. Art. 5 was to see if the town will set up a Grounds Maintenance Reserve Account to be used for summer maintenance of the grounds at the town office/fire station, Coolidge Library and the sports field at the Solon Elementary School.

Art. 6: To see if the town will raise and appropriate by taxation funds for the Ground Maintenance Reserve Account; $2,500 was voted for this. Art.7 was about property that the taxes haven’t been paid on for several years.

All articles passed in half an hour with very few comments made.

The North Anson Congrega­tional Church will be having the last Children’s Sunday School class on June 4. There will be a recognition during the worship service of all the Christian education programs of the church and a party for the children. After the worship service the choir members will be going to Maplecrest to sing to the residents and then off for a year end celebration of their own.

On May 22, Lief and I, along with several hundred people attended the Kennebec Valley Community College 47th Commencement Class of 2017 at the Augusta Civic Center. It was a very impressive graduation with at least 28 different programs listed.

Those from Solon who were graduating were Paul Allen Dawe II, Caledonia Cornell and Joyce Alexandra Mottram-Flanagan. Another graduate, formerly from Solon, was Allen Lionel Bernier, of Waterville.

We were there that day, along with many of his family, because of our love and support for a very special guy, Alexander Walz who was one of the 300 who graduated that day.

Now, I love a mystery, but I have been waiting in hopes that someone would confess to the surprise I received on Mothers Day when we returned from church. There haven’t been any confessions so I’m writing about it in hopes this will jog their memory, I truly loved the gesture, it was a beautiful carnation. Come on now, relieve my mind and admit to the wonderful gift! Thank you!

And so for Percy’s memoir which he would feel was fitting for this column: May your path be strewn with flowers, Memories, friends and happy hours. May blessings come from heaven above, To fill your life with peace and love. (These words were from An English Blessing, hope they bring you all peace and love.)

Kahl of Waterville inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa

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Sydney A. Kahl, of Waterville, was inducted into the St. Lawrence University chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society.

Kahl is a member of the Class of 2018 at St. Lawrence University, in Canton, New York, and is majoring in environmental studies. Kahl attended Plymouth Regional High School.

GARDEN WORKS: Gathering what nature provides in springtime (Conclusion)

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Emily CatesGARDEN WORKS

by  Emily Cates

Conclusion (read Part 1 here)

In Part 1 of the previous article about foraging for wild foods in the springtime, we explored “The Forager’s 10 Commandments.” With that under our belts, we’re ready to hit the trail and forage. Whether it be on a garden path or in the deep woods, nature generously provides delicious, edible plants for our enjoyment and health. I’ve singled out six of them for today: dandelions, fiddleheads, groundnut, Jerusalem artichokes, nettles, and ramps. Though they are universally known to be safe and are usually easy to identify in our area, please use good sense and sensibilities when dealing with them. Consult your physician if you have health concerns and questions.

I have tried every and regularly consume most of the plants we will talk about, and I hope you enjoy them as much as many other wild-food enthusiasts and myself do.

Center, in bowl, groundnuts. Counter clockwise from top left, fiddleheads, Jerusalem artichokes, ramps, nettles and dandelion greens.

Now we will take a minute and explore the wild foods mentioned above. Let’s start with dandelions. Taraxicum spp. are a commonly known weed with a rosette of jagged, lance-shaped leaves and a yellow flower which turns into a white globe of fluffy seeds that float around when dispersed. The entire plant is edible and most often harvested in the spring and fall when its bitterness is minimized. It is said to be good for detoxification and for building the blood. I like to steam the greens and serve with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Delicious! When young, the sweet flower heads are good too, raw or cooked. Some winemakers tediously pull off the flower pedals, leaving the green sepals at the base of the bloom, and make them into dandelion wine. (I haven’t tried this yet successfully, but if you have accomplishments in this area, I would like to hear from you!) Also, the root makes a lovely herbal “coffee.” I simply dig up, scrub, slice into pieces, and roast. The dried root can be stored in jars whole or ground. Maybe not exactly like conventional coffee, but wonderful in its own right in the evenings or when relaxing.

Most folks in this area are acquainted with fiddleheads, the unfurled fronds of the Ostrich Fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris. Commonly found in groups of about three to 12 along the banks of rivers, streams, and brooks, they are identified by being coiled, close to the ground, and about an inch in diameter. A brown, paper-like covering clings to the coiled part, and along the stem is indented with a U-shaped groove. Fiddleheads must be cleaned before use, a potentially time-consuming activity if large amounts are harvested. I’ve heard of someone using a pressure washer to blast off the brown papery scales, and the job was done in a jiffy. I always just clean them by hand – it’s not as bad a job as it sounds as long as you don’t have more than a few pounds to process. Be sure to cook thoroughly, they are delicious with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. For more information on fiddlehead identifying, cleaning, cooking, and recipes, check out this link from the UMaine Cooperative Extension.

Groundnut, Apios americana, has the history of being essential to the survival of many peoples, including natives of the era of pre-European contact, and also the settlers of early colonial America. This twining, climbing, leguminous vine with marble to golf-ball-sized tubers grows vigorously and is oftentimes found at areas where Native Americans once inhabited. The pink and maroon flowers are especially fragrant when they appear in August, and one can even smell them before they are seen. I recall walking by China Lake many times as a child smelling this fragrance, wondering for a good part of my life what it was. How delighted I was to finally discover what it was and that it was edible when cooked! High in protein, the tubers can be cleaned and then cooked in a variety of ways that highlight their nut-like flavor. They are said to keep indefinitely if dried.

Jerusalem Artichokes, Helianthus tuberosus, is a native, vigorous, tuber-forming species of sunflower. Another plant commonly found around abandoned Native American sites, sunchokes – as they are also known – can be dug up anytime of year and their water-chestnut like flavor and texture enjoyed raw or cooked. I have a hard time recommending it because of the spirited gas it produces in many folks, myself included!

Stinging Nettle, Urtica dioica, is one plant you really don’t want in your garden – but if it is, then it at least can compensate for its presence by its culinary and nutritional qualities. This plant actually stings when brushed up against, releasing irritating substances such as histamine via tiny hypodermic-needle-like trichomes on the leaves, stems, and rhizomes. The plant does not sting when cooked or dried, however, and makes a very pleasant and rejuvenating spring green with a spinach-like flavor. One look at the cooking water and there is no question this plant is plum loaded with minerals. I love to drink this infusion and the pick-me-up it gives. Just a tablespoonful in a quart jar of water makes a dazzling bright green concoction that can be enjoyed throughout the day as needed.

Ramps, Allium tricoccum, is the last but certainly not least, foraged food we’ll look at today. Before I go on about the glories of the wild leek, I must pause to caution everyone to be mindful that this herb with unparalleled gustatory virtues is considered a species of “special concern” with regard to its conservation status here in Maine. If you ever forage this precious treasure, please do as the Cherokee do in Appalachia and cut it above the roots so that it can grow back. It would be a sad day indeed if the ramps disappeared!

This plant is so beloved that numerous festivals each springtime in the Eastern U.S. are dedicated to ramps. Great numbers are often harvested for these festivals with no regard to conservation. I don’t mean at all to spoil the fun, but I think all who love ramps should be mindful of how they are harvested so this highly esteemed wild food will continue to delight humankind. As with many alliums, ramps is perennial, bulb-forming, and leek or scallion-like in appearance, fragrance, and flavor. (Actually, a better description might involve the declaration that it is the most delicious leek or scallion ever, with a wild side.) I never had a chance to try them until last year, and I was so happy I did. I put them in a stir-fry, and wow!

So, here our journey into the wild ends for now. Enjoy springtime and all nature has to offer in this beautiful time of year.

OAKLAND: Statewide fishing derby planned to fight Variable Leaf Milfoil

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From June 20 to July 20, bait your hook, cast your line and you might reel in not only fish, but cash and prizes too. In this Statewide Fishing Derby, earn your chance to win cash prizes from 50 percent of the ticket proceeds and sponsorships. This is a fundraising derby to benefit the programs of Friends of Messalonskee that directly fight the battle against the invasive aquatic plant Variable Leaf Milfoil.

There are 13 species of fish that qualify. Enter as many fish in as many categories that you wish-no limit of entries! There is no weigh station- just take a picture of the fish against a measuring tape, include the FOM ticket in the photo, and email it to friendsofmessalonskee@gmail.com. A weekly updated leaderboard will be available on our Facebook as well as our website. All first through third place winners in each category will be placed in a raffle style drawing, respectively, and winners will be drawn for the cash prizes. Out of the 50 percent purse, 60 percent of will be first place, 30% second place, and 10 percent third place. Winners also have chances to win other great prizes as well!

Winners will be drawn on July 22 at Oakfest, in Oakland, where derby door prizes will be drawn and a separate 50/50 raffle will take place. Order tickets through their website at www.friendsofmessalonskee.com or call (207) 465-8333. Derby Rules, How-to video, and other information can be found on the website! You can also go to their Facebook Derby Page: All Belgrade Lakes Fishing Derby (This particular derby is statewide.) Have fun!

TECH TALK: How to get your news from the internet

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ERIC’S TECH TALK

by Eric Austin
Technical Advisor

Image Credit: Vanessa Otero, Facebook

Ah, information. The internet has so much of it! In this climate of political chaos, news breaks faster than most of us can keep up. Fortunately, the internet is here to fill our heads with all kinds of wrong information!

While the convenience of the internet is undeniable, information no longer comes with the guaranteed editorial oversight of a print newspaper or magazine. That means more of the responsibility is on us, as consumers, to discern good information from bad. This is particularly true of current news, as it is often reported before all the facts are in.

In this week’s column, I’d like to convey a few tips I rely on to sift through all the information on the internet and figure out what’s really going on!

AllSides.com

Know Your Bias. Everyone has a bias, and every source has one as well. It’s inescapable and unavoidable, but as they used to say on Saturday morning cartoons when I was a kid: Knowing is half the battle. Be aware of how your own bias might color your perspective and dictate which sources of information you gravitate to. Purposely expose yourself to the other side — if for no other reason than so you can understand what information other people are using to reach their own conclusions.

There are a number of resources online that examine bias in the media. AllSides.com is a multi-partisan, crowd-sourced website that examines bias in the media and tries to present multiple perspectives of controversial issues. Journalism.org, a site sponsored by the Pew Research Center, is another good resource.

Use Multiple Sources. The great thing about the internet is how easy it is to check multiple sources for a broader perspective. Once you’ve identified which way your preferred news outlet leans, take a look at a respected source that leans in the other direction!

But don’t just stop there! Check out some of the English-language news outlets from around the world, like BBC News and the Middle-Eastern Al Jazeera. It can be enlightening to hear what journalists and pundits outside America have to say about us and the conflicts in which we’re embroiled.

YouTube is a great resource for checking out a variety of sources, as most of the major networks have channels on Google’s video site. Everything is uploaded as three to five minute clips of a particular news item, so it’s easy to add news clips from multiple sources to your “Watch Later” playlist for back-to-back viewing.

Independent, internet-only news stations have also blossomed, especially if you’re interested in what the younger generation is talking about and listening to. The Young Turks and Democracy Now! are two of the most popular and each have channels on YouTube.

Image Credit: journalism.org, Pew Research Center, “Trust levels of News Sources”

Don’t just get your news from Facebook! According to a recent article in Slate magazine, 44 percent of Americans primarily receive their news from the giant social media site. However, it’s easy to miss the source of an article when reading it on Facebook, and knowing the source of a particular bit of information is your greatest asset in determining if it is valid.

Facebook also tends to emphasize headlines and minimize context. This encourages us to have gut reactions to news rather than contemplating it thoughtfully, and encourages news sources to present the most salacious headline in an effort to capture more clicks.

And your Facebook feed is designed to give you more of what you ‘like.’ Facebook has a vested interest in showing you things in which you’re interested and will cater to your existing views. Every time you ‘like’ a news item someone shares, that preference factors back into Facebook’s algorithms in order to more finely tailor your feed. This subtly warps your views based on the news Facebook assumes you most want to see.

Bookmark some fact-checking sites. If you follow my advice, you might be dismayed to find a lot of conflicting reports, based on where you go for your information. Enter fact-checking sites. PolitiFact.com is a website maintained by the Tampa Bay Times in which reporters and editors evaluate statements made by politicians, pundits and media outlets. They were awarded the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting in 2009, and have a great format that allows you to fact check by politician, news channel (ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, and Fox), or political pundit. But prepare to be shocked when you learn how often your favorite talking head makes inaccurate or outright false statements!

Like in everything else, checking multiple sources is your best bet in evaluating truth, so also visit FactCheck.org, The Washington Post’s “Fact Checker,” and Snopes.com which looks at the veracity of rumors and urban legends circulating the internet.

Finally, know the difference between news and opinion. Good sources will make it clear which stories are straight news and which are opinion pieces. Know which is which before you start reading!

In this day and age, separating true information from false can be challenging. But if you follow these tips, you’re more likely to have an informed and balanced view of the world around you! Good luck!

Have a comment on something you read? Know of a resource I failed to mention? Let your voice be heard on townline.org or email me directly at ericwaustin@gmail.com!

University of New Hampshire announces local May 2017 graduates

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The following students participated in the University of New Hampshire Commencement Ceremony held Saturday, May 20, in Durham, New Hampshire.

Kelly McCormac, of South China, graduated summa cum laude with a BS degree in social work.

Myrilla Hartkopf, of Albion, graduated with a BS degree in environmental conservation and sustainability.

Kevie Rodrigue, of Augusta, graduated with a BS degree in nutrition and wellness.

Obituaries, Week of June 1, 2017

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HOWARD R. WILSON

VASSALBORO – Howard R. Wilson, 81, of Vassalboro, passed away Thursday May 11, 2017, at the Togus VA Pallative Care Unit, in Augusta. Howard was born on August 10,1935, in Augusta, to his parents Lew A. Wilson and Rena (Barrows) Wilson.

He attended Cony High School for a while and then joined the U.S. Air Force where he earned his GED and graduated courses for jet bomber mechanic. He received the National Defense Medal and Good Conduct Medal as well as earning the rank of First Class Airman A/C-1.

While serving he met and married the former Dorothy A. Holm, and they had eight children together .

During the course of his life he worked various positions – a heat treat operator at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, in Middletown, Connecticut, jet mechanic, and multiple laboring positions over the years and then retired after many years of service from Cives Steel, in Augusta.

He loved fishing, boating, hunting and gardening (he had quite a green thumb). He loved to lawn sale, pick fiddleheads, and putter with his tractor and various projects. He loved to feed his wild animals – birds, squirrels, raccoons. He spent many an hour fixing their food.

He was predeceased by his wife Donna M. (Tweedie) Wilson; his parents; and first wife Dorothy.

He is survived by his eight children, Julie White and husband Keith, Gerald Wilson and wife Brenda, Robert Wilson, Guy Wilson, Suzanne Dudley, Clay Wilson, Stacey Wilson and wife Renee, Lisa Emery and husband Don; his two sisters, Judith Ashby, Jane Johnson and his brother Stanley Wilson; multiple stepchildren; and numerous grandchildren.

LYNETTE W. SIMS

VASSALBORO – Lynnette (Weston) Sims, “Lynnie,” passed away peacefully at her home, in Vassalboro, on May 20, 2017, following a courageous battle with ALS. She was born November 16, 1961, in Augusta.

She also lived in Hallowell, Coopers Mills, Waterville and Vassalboro.

She was predeceased by her mother Isabelle (Lincoln), her father Hubert Weston, and her brothers Douglas and Martin Weston.

She is survived by her husband and best friend, John Sims, of Vassalboro; her daughter Jacinth Allard, her husband Zachary, and grandson Mason, of China; her son Thomas Sims and his wife Asia Alexis-Sims, and expected baby, of Waterville; her mother-in-law Jean Sims; her sisters, Donna, Joyce, and Christine; along with cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Lynnette was a graduate of Erskine Academy Class of 1980.

Lynnette was employed at L.L.Bean for over 15 years. Lynnie grew up riding and training horses, and loved telling stories of trail rides she took, while ringing bells to warn off bears. She loved to dance, and won numerous competitions in her “hey-day.”

She was an active participant at her children’s school, volunteering baked goods, assisting teachers, helping with field trips, and being a Girl Scout leader for numerous years.

Lynnie’s biggest joy in life was her family. She loved spending time and causing trouble with her sisters: a mysteriously epic outhouse fire, a few pumpkins wandering off, and numerous late night giggle sessions with cousins and a famous “talent.” She supported her husband’s fishing addiction while reading romance novels in the canoe.

ROBERTA J. McPHETERS

FAIRFIELD – Roberta (Bobbie) Joyce McPheters, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 21, 2017. Bobbie was born in Waterville on June 10, 1935, to Madeline Dunn.

She graduated from Waterville High School.

Bobbie worked as a bookkeeper and office manager for a few different companies over the years. After retirement she often told wonderful, detailed stories about her experiences and the people she worked with at North Street Dairy, Sterns Department Store and Bill’s Tire Company, all in Waterville.

She married Mark McPheters in 1955 and they were married 62 years. At recent family weddings they easily won the generation dances. Throughout the years Bobbie was a member of various organizations and volunteered her time for Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls, Fairfield Woman’s Club, The First Baptist Church, in Waterville, and as a Fairfield town ballot clerk. All who knew Bobbie knew that what made her the most happy was working on her endless knitting, sewing, paper crafts projects and reading books. A shopping trip to Yard Goods Cent4er, in Waterville, was her favorite activity. Her little known paintings and charcoal drawings are also treasured by family.

Bobbie is remembered for her generosity, determination, patience, willingness to listen, common sense advice and her wit.

She is survived by her husband Mark McPheters; her son Mark McPheters II and his wife Lynn of Richmond, her daughter Mary Scanlon and her husband Neil of Bethel; her sister Mary Merrick and her husband Jimmy of Fairfield; her beloved nieces, Barbara Guimond and Lenette MacDonald and their families; her loving grandchildren Kaitlin Hilchey, Benjamin McPheters, Cody-Ann Scanlon and Cassidy Scanlon; and great grandchildren Sophie Harbaugh and Jolene McPheters.

MARK V. GOLDEN

OAKLAND – Mark Vincent Golden, 58, died Monday, May 22, 2017, at Gray Birch Long Term Care, in Augusta. Mark was born on November 2, 1958, to Dorothea Cunningham Golden.

He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Eugene Sipowicz. Mark attended school in Hallowell and Readfield and was among the first class to graduate at Maranacook High School in 1977.

He received a scholarship at graduation and attended Texas Bible College, in Texas. While in Texas he was employed at the Johnson Space Center. When he returned to Maine he followed his dream and started his own business as a landscaper and became a licensed master arborist. For 30 years Mark left his “golden touch” in every county except Aroostook. In 2012, Mark was proud to have completed his A.S. degree in Theology through correspondence courses.

Mark has always been an avid Red Sox fan. He even caught a fly ball at Fenway Park and players autographed it after the game.

He was predeceased by his mother, Dorothea Sipowicz, stepfather, Eugene Sipowicz; and brother-in-law Donald Carleton.

Mark is survived by his sons Derek Baker and Jesse Baker, of Randolph, and daughter Markayla Morris, of Skowhegan; his sisters and brothers, Judy Carleton, John (Wayne) Golden, Paul Golden, Carollee Robinson, Karen O’Brien, and Gale Hasenfus as well as several nieces and nephews.

STORMY A. GUZZO

BENTON – Stormy Angel Guzzo, 17, of Benton, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, as the result of a tragic automobile accident. She was born in Waterville on October 3, 1999, the daughter of Lori Tozier and Raymond Guzzo.

She attended Lawrence High School, Dean Baker Academy.

Stormy was employed at her dad’s wood lot as a crew chief and wood cutter. She was also a winger for Fairfield PAL hockey and participated in the Christian Dutch Reformed Church, in Newport.

Stormy enjoyed all types of music, going fishing, hunting, and trapping, working on her Cummings Diesel, and was an excellent photographer, taking photos of all the above and beautiful photos of sunsets and scenery.

She was predeceased by her grandparents, Herbert and Rose Tozier and Anthony and Louise Guzzo.

Stormy will be greatly missed by her mother and stepfather, Lori Tozier and Jeffrey Maitland, of Benton, her father and his significant other, Raymond Guzzo and Donna Ward, of Benton; her brothers, Steven Guzzo, of Newburg, New York, Anthony Guzzo, of Middletown, New York Thomas Tozier, of Ft. Benning, Georgia, and Hunter Guzzo, of Benton; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

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

THERESA F. HARRISON

ALBION – Theresa F. Harrison, of Albion, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in Albion. She was born in Wilton on April 6, 1930, the daughter of the late Stanley and Anna Costello.

She married Augustus Harrison and the couple shared over 50 years of marriage until his passing.

Theresa retired from C.F. Hathaway Co., in Waterville, following 47 years of dedicated service.

Her greatest joy was when she was with family and friends. Theresa enjoyed many summers on Unity Pond, lobster and clam cookouts (where she always made sure there was plenty to eat), and she truly loved her cats and any other cats that would wonder over to her door. She was also a big New England sports fan.

She and her husband also enjoyed their weekly adventure of following harness racing throughout the state. Theresa always wanted to drive to Florida and see the sights. Her son Greg made that happen; she loved the view through the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Poconos, and while in Florida, she enjoyed her thrift shops, yard sales, flea markets, and of course the warm weather.

Besides her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by her son, John Harrison, her daughter, Brenda Rich. her son-in-law, Roger Rich; her brothers, Stanley and Edward Costello, and her sisters, Helen Sylvester, Celia Hunt, and Jenny Bessey.

Theresa will be sadly missed by her sons, Mike Harrison, of Winslow, Steven Harrison and his wife Jennifer, and Greg Harrison and his wife Arlene, all of Albion; 13 grandchildren; 21 great- grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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

JOHN W. SHORT JR.

FAIRFIELD – John W. Short Sr., 75, passed away in Waterville on Tuesday, May 23, 2017. John Short was born on March 23, 1942, in Fairfield, the son of Frederick H. Short Sr. and Ethel B. (Towle) Short.

He was a graduate of Lawrence High School, class of 1961 and went into the Army National Guard where he was stationed in West Point, New York.

John’s teenage years were spent with the pedal to the metal as a teenager doing timed street racing in Florida.

John was a proud ironworker and master welder of Local #496, working throughout the state of Maine. In later years, he went on to drive milk truck for the late Butch Clark of Clark Milk Transport out of Canaan.

He was a member of the NRA, American Legion, Elks Lodge and attended the East Benton Christian Church.

John was a life-long, avid sportsman and believed hunting and fishing was more than just a sport, it was a lifestyle where quality family time and cherished memories could be made. He truly lived up to Maine’s saying, “Maine, the way life should be.” It is agreed by all, that some of the fondest family memories was time spent camping at Cathedral Pines, in Eustis.

John was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Joan (Letourneau) Short of 42 years; son Frederick H. Short IV; and friend, Pat Deblois.

He is survived by his wife, Mary (Dixon) Short; his children, Dana J. Short, Debra Short, widow to the late Fred Short, Tina and David Newell, John and Ali Short, and David A. Short; his brother, Mike Bowman; his grandchildren, Dave Newell II and his fiancé, Nicole Gagnon, Katie-Lyn and husband Josh Lund, John J. Short and his fiancé, Dana Germain, Brian L. Short and his wife, Brittany, Trisha and Katrina Morey, Theresa and Matt Stowe, Jessica Morey; and many great-grandchildren.

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

SANDRA J. LANGUET

BENTON – Sandra J. Languet, 66, of Benton, passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, May 23, 2017. Sandra was born in Hart­ford, Conn­ecticut, on February 21, 1951, to Phildora Boulett and Wentworth Carr.

Sandra was retired, but previously worked at the Senator and Keyes Fibre.

She was predeceased by her parents; and her brother, Arnold Corson.

She is survived by her daughter, Barrett J. Benedict; her grandchildren, Leighton J. Benedict and Logan K. Benedict; her brothers, Delmont Corson and Richard Carr; and her nieces and nephews.

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

OTHERS DEPARTED

DANIEL A. HAWES, 69, of Waterville, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2017, at his home. He was born September 25, 1947, in Waterville, the son of the late Mark A. Proctor and the late Anita E. (Parady) Violette. Locally, he is survived by daughters Sheri LaVerdiere and husband Bryant, and Kelly LaChance, all of Fairfield; three sons, Randy Hawes, of Waterville, Daniel Hawes and wife Tonia, and Jerry Hawes, all of Fairfield. Memorial donations may be made to MaineGeneral and HomeCare and Hospice, PO Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903-0828.

FORMER RESIDENT

MURIEL P. FRYE, 92, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2017, at the Mennonite Home, in Lancaster. She lived in Waterville for many years with her husband Miles P. Frye on Bartlett Street. She went to school at the University of Maine and got her bachelor’s degree, and went on to get a masters degree at the New York School of Social Work. Not many women of her generation went on to an advanced degree. She became involved in many organizations volunteering her time to include the Home for the Mentally Retarded, was President of the Woman’s Garden Club, became a member of the school board for the Watervile local school system, and was a director at the Sunset Home. Her crowning achievement was becoming an advocate for the local technical college, Kennebec Valley Community College, helping them to get enough funding to build an entirely new campus and grow exponentially. Her assistance was rewarded with a building being named after her which to this day is called The Muriel P. Frye building. Muriel had two children, daughter Rebecca Frye Marin whose husband is Dan Marin, and son Andrew Miles Frye whose wife is Gladys Frye. She had three grandchildren, granddaughter Stephanie Purnell whose husband is Kevin Purnell II, granddaughter Andrea Frye and grandson Miles Reed Frye. She also was fortunate enough to have two great-grandchildren, Brynn Purnell and Korbin Purnell. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

Erskine’s Hannah Burns wins national scholarship

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Hannah Burns

Hannah Burns, a senior and member of the National Honor Society (NHS) at Erskine Academy, has been named one of 400 national semifinalists in the National Honor Society Scholar­ship program. Burns was chosen from more than 9,000 applicants and will receive a $2,325 scholarship.

High school seniors who are members in good standing of an active National Honor Society chapter are able to apply for an NHS Scholarship. Finalists are selected on the basis of their leadership skills; participation in service organizations, clubs, and other student groups at school and in the community; and their academic record.

Poulin property receives China Lake Smart award

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From left to right, Russell Poulin, Jeannette Poulin and Emily Poulin display the China Lake Smart award they received recently. Contributed photo

The Poulin family bought the property in 1975. Once a large hay field the land had already begun to change when they became owners. Jeannette and family enjoyed picking wild blueberries, blackberries and strawberries which grew in abundance back then. However, the spring rains made portions of the land quite wet so young pine trees were found and relocated to help stabilize the ground and to help with erosion control.

Tending to the land, by doing their part in promoting a healthy lake, the land looks very different now (decades later). A mix of conifer and deciduous trees have grown up, low growth shrubs and ferns have spread, and less lawn is being mowed allowing for wild areas of grass and wildflowers to grow and mature.

No chemical grass fertilizers are ever used. A natural buffer zone has been established and maintained. Rocks have been moved and/or added to the shoreline and shrubs have been planted over the years for erosion control, to name a few of the things the Poulin’s have done to help benefit the lake. For more info on the Lake Smart program contact: Marie Michaud, China Lake Lake Smart coordinator, 207-968-2668.

Weeks Mills VFD brings home new pumper

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The town purchased the new (to the WMVFD) truck for $50,000 to replace WMVFD Truck #72. The funds for the new truck were approved at a recent select board meeting at the request of the officers of the department and the funds were appropriated out of the Fire Department Reserve Account in the town’s Fund Balance. Voters have annually approved of appropriating funds to that reserve account for long term fire department capital needs. This mini-pumper will better serve the current and future needs of the department.

The truck is a 2008 Ford F450 Super Duty Two Door 4×4 Mini Pumper and has a Pierce aluminum body. It is powered by a 6.4L 325 HP V8 diesel engine. It had 12,647 miles on it when picked-up. William Van Wickler and Dean Sheaff, of the Weeks Mills Volunteer Fire Department, drove to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to inspect and operate the vehicle before taking possession and returning to China. The Rohrestown Fire Department in Lancaster was the seller.