IF WALLS COULD TALK, Week of July 27, 2017

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Katie Ouilette Wallsby Katie Ouilette

WALLS, remember when you wrote and told our faithful readers about how our governor has hoped that products would be made in Maine and sold in other areas of our
United States and you talked about my step-sons selling yachts that are built in both Rockland and Raymond, to Washington State enthusiasts? Well, step-son Dean happened to have a Business Pulse magazine in his luggage when arriving for a visit a couple weeks ago and there was a photo of Dean on the cover! The caption says that No. 81on the top 100 list is Bellingham Yacht Sales.

Are dad Lew and step-mom Katie proud? Well, there is a photo of Nick and Dean standing in front of a Maine-made yacht and the two Ouilette brothers have been standing through the ‘thick and thin’ of a growing business for 33 years. What’s more, business has grown to their opening another office in Everett, Washington, (about an hour down the road from Bellingham).

Now, WALLS, you’ve made the announcement about Bellingham Yacht Sales and Service, but surely you have a lot to say about the family’s (yes, almost the whole family) visiting family members who have a cottage on Pattie Pond, in Winslow, and Lake Wesserunsett, in East Madison. Nick and Dean talked of memories of attending Madison schools and graduating from Madison High School, while Dean’s daughter, Michelle, and her brother, Matt, were also students in Madison as Bellingham Sales and Charters grew. Now, Matt is busy with yacht sales and service and his wife, Heather, is important to the hotel business in Bellingham and mother of Olive and Frances.

Michelle is married to Jason, teaches in Bellingham and is also a busy mom to Kinley and Caden. Oh, WALLS, did you mention that everyone has visited family in Winslow and East Madison and Brittany and her “Bella” are so happy that daddy Chad came along, too. (And a bit of an aside here. Brittany and Chad named their baby girl Arabella Joyce and we are so glad that the grandma who left us years ago, is still remembered.

Yes, we are thrilled that Michelle’s Jason and Brittany’s Chad are truly wonderful additions to the family and really great daddies to our families ‘wee ones’ and ‘little ones’.

Before placing the last “period” at the end, I must tell you about the gathering that daughter Lynn and Chuck hosted on July 22. About 60 wonderful friends gathered at Lynn’s new home in East Madison to celebrate Lew’s and my July birthdays and our 40 years of marriage. Yes, second marriages for each, but how fortunate we are that our kids thought we’d be perfect parents for each one. So now you all know the story of the wonderful family that we truly enjoy, whether in Maine or Washington State …and that is why Katie and Lew proudly point to the greats and grands on their refrigerator door.

SOLON & BEYOND, Week of July 27, 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 Alumni Association met on July 15 at the Solon Elementary School for their annual meeting with 65 members and guests present. The class of 1967 celebrated their 50th year with eight members present. The ones from that class who attended were Michael Bishop, Gary Farnham, Cheryl Hanson Edgecomb, William McDon­ough, Dorothy Padham Dunphy, Eunice Waugh Kenn, Brenda Whitney Padham and Brent Brown, who traveled from California to attend this important occasion.

Others who celebrated were Alice Davis Heald, 77th class, Arlene Davis Meader and Albert Starbird 76th, Mary Bishop Heald, 75th, and Theona Brann Lagasse 70th.

The reunion was catered by the Solon Pine Tree 4-H Club under the leadership of Eleanor Pooler.

There was a $25 door prize won by Arlene Meader and she donated it back to the scholarship fund.

An auction was held and $753 was raised for the scholarship fund.

In the column that I wrote about the upcoming alumni meeting that didn’t make it to the paper it mentions the ones who had lived in Solon and graduated from the high school, who had died, and they were: Norris Padham, class of 1943, Connie Coombs Hopkins, class of 1950, Jack McCarty, class of 1951, Partricia Tolman Reed, class of 1956, Harold Wood, class of 1963, Colby Waugh, class of 1969 and also Ray Greenlaw.

The Embden Historical Society will be having its annual cookout/potluck meal on Monday, July 31. Social time is at 4:30 p.m.; meal at 5 p.m. If you plan to come bring a casserole, salad, bread, pickles or dessert. Drinks, plates and plastic ware will be provided. It will be held at the Moore camp at 4 Fern Drive on the West side of Embden Lake, located 2.7 miles from the fork in the road of the Embden Pond Road and Cross Town Road.

Received the following in an e-mail from Somerset Woods Trustees: “If you have already been helping build the new trails at Coburn Woods, thank you. If you haven’t or are ready to do more, here’s another opportunity. The trail system, designed by Brian Alexander, will be built for mountain bikes but hikers will also enjoy the new trails winding through the woods. Once completed, we believe this will be the longest mountain bike trail in Somerset County!

Percy welcomed his many compliments received from the friends he made through our column and leaves you with this thought in his memoir this week:

“The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship.” (words by Ralph Waldo Emerson).

China Lake Association celebrates its 30th anniversary

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Fifth and sixth grade students who received awards for their entry in the China Lake Association’s annual poster contest. Photo courtesy of Scott Pierz

Submitted by Scott Pierz

The China Lake Association held its annual meeting on July 22 at the China Primary School, celebrating its 30th anniversary with an excellent program for its membership. The meeting was attended by over 75 people.

China Lake Association Directors Elaine Philbrook and Marie Michaud presented the awards for this year’s poster contest held for the fifth and sixth graders at the China Middle School. There were some amazing posters this year, created upon the theme of one of China Lake’s most precious resources, the Maine Loon. Susan Gallo, of Maine Audubon, presented information to the students on loons, and she was also the keynote speaker at the annual meeting delivering a power-point presentation called “The State of Maine’s Loons” covering the lifespan of the Maine Loon.

Director Bob O’Connor gave the loon count for China Lake this year, reporting 22 loons and with four new loon chicks observed. A second keynote speaker, Betsy Barber (a PhD candidate at the University of Maine) presented her thesis on “Modeling the Nutrient Budget for Alewife in China Lake.” These were two high quality presentations and the audience was engaging, asking many questions about both topics.

Selectman Irene Belanger spoke to the association, highlighting the Spirit of America Award that was presented to LakeSmart Coordinator Marie Michaud and the LakeSmart volunteers for their achievement on installing buffers on lake-front properties around China Lake. Marie Michaud updated everyone on the progress being made this summer, with over a dozen LakeSmart buffers already installed with the help of the Youth Conservation Corps. More work is to be completed by season’s end. Volunteers are welcome to step forward to be trained and to help with evaluating shorefront properties. Anyone interested can get more info by e-mailing chinalakesmart@gmail.com.

The association recognized the considerable contributions made by the Kennebec Water District that donated funds to be used to purchase materials for the LakeSmart projects. Also, the Kennebec Water District donated a truck to be used by the Youth Conservation Corps and the Courtesy Boat Inspectors (who are responsible for inspecting boats to check for invasive aquatic plant species). The courtesy boat inspectors can be seen at the Head of China Lake on the weekends. The Kennebec Water District’s representative Matt Zetterman stated that the district monitors China Lake’s water quality at three different (deep hole) locations every two weeks. He reported that on July 14 this year the water clarity in the west basin was the best it has been since 1981, showing a Secchi disk reading of 7.55 meters (over 24 feet!).

China Lake Association directors Elaine Philbrook and Marie Michaud presented the awards for this year’s poster costest held by fifth and sixth graders at China Middle School. Photo courtesy of Scott Pierz

Matt Streeter, the Project Manager for Maine Rivers and the Alewife Restoration Initiative (ARI), spoke on the progress being made on the ARI project. He said that engineering designs continue to be developed for several of the locations that will provide access for the alewives, including the design of an engineered fish passage at the Outlet Dam, in East Vassalboro. Most of the ARI’s recent efforts have involved obtaining the state permit to remove the Masse Dam this year, and the ARI expects the permit to be issued very soon. The Youth Conservation Corps contributed by planting buffers on properties above the Masse Dam to stabilize and protect the shoreline adjacent to the Outlet Stream.

Elaine Philbrook talked about the Volunteer Lake Moni­toring Pro­gram she is participating in along with Ken­nebec Water District personnel. The Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program is designed to train and certify people to monitor a wide range of water quality concerns, especially looking for and identifying invasive aquatic plant species. Anyone who would like to participate in this program can reach out through the association’s website or Facebook.

The association’s president, Scott Pierz, asked members to consider approving two items, the first dealing with funding appropriations and other fiscal matters deemed to be in the best interest of the association; the second item involved seeking a recommendation from the China Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee for additional funding to support and operate LakeSmart. The association membership voted to approve both measures.

The association’s Registered Agent Jamie Pitney conducted the business of renewing some of the director’s terms, and also welcomed two new directors, Dale Worster and Jeff Zimmerman. In addition, the slate of officers will remain the same for another year until the next annual meeting in 2018. These include Scott Pierz (President), David Preston (Secretary), Tim Axelson (Treasurer) and James Pitney (Registered Agent).

For additional information about the China Lake Association or for anyone interested in becoming a member go to the China Lake Association’s website at http://chinalakeassociation.org/ or check them out on Facebook.

TECH TALK: The Internet – At War with Itself

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ERIC’S TECH TALK

by Eric Austin
Computer Technical Advisor

There’s a war going on, although you might not be aware of it. It’s a war between the almighty dollar and the information superhighway.

I began my career in the early ‘90s, just as the internet-fueled tech boom was taking off. I’ve watched the internet grow from a tiny seed in the mind of Al Gore (ha ha) to the social and economic juggernaut that it is today.

But even from its very inception there were two competing ideas fighting to shape its future. One was an outgrowth of a cultural groupthink: the “hippie” movement of the internet, if you will. It’s an apt comparison, as the philosophy it inspired hearkens back to that optimistic era of peace and love.

This group believed the internet was a chance for humans to reinvent themselves. To escape the shackles of corporatism and Gordon Gekko-greed that had defined the previous decade of the 1980s.

The phrase “information wants to be free” defined this school of thought.

The “open-source” software movement, based on the idea of collaborative genius — that a group of unfettered minds could create something greater than any of its individual parts — gave birth to the Linux operating system, Firefox browser, VLC Media Player, GIMP and many other software programs. Each of us benefits from this movement whenever we download free software distributed under the GNU General Public Software License. And while it’s still only a sliver of the desktop market in comparison to Microsoft Windows, Linux dominates on mobile devices (56 percent) and powers more than 40 percent of the world’s web servers.

You can see the influence of this collaborative philosophy everywhere on the internet, and the world wide web is a better place because of it.

But there is another entity on the internet. A menacing, dark presence that wants to swallow up the hope and optimism of the free information movement. This force seeks to monetize and control the avenues of free access which the internet currently fosters. Rather than bettering society through collaborative social effort, this capitalist creature wants to conquer in the name of cold hard cash. It wants to turn the internet superhighway into a toll road.

This shadow over the internet is cast by ISPs, digital distribution giants and communication companies seeking to cement their dominance over their respective consumer markets.

The debate over Net Neutrality is the most recent battle to be waged in the war of $$ vs WWW. It promises to provide greater stability, consistency and service, but takes away freedom, ingenuity and the unexpected.

I’m here to tell you this is a war we need. It’s one of the good wars. This struggle is what keeps corporate greed on its toes. It leaves room for small start-ups to make an unexpected splash, and keeps established familiars from becoming complacent – yet provides the structure and efficiency that stimulates growth.

Without one we wouldn’t have great services like Netflix and Amazon. But without the other, great services like Netflix and Amazon never would have gotten the chance.

Net Neutrality must be retained because it levels the playing field. It doesn’t prevent bullies on the playground, but it makes sure everyone has a fighting chance.

Support Net Neutrality, not because it’s the right thing to do — even though it is. Support it because without the conflict it creates we wouldn’t have the dynamic technical environment that we’ve enjoyed for the last 20 years.

This is one time when conflict is good. Besides, it frustrates the corporate overlords.

Good. Keep them frustrated.

Get involved! Visit goFCCyourself.com and join almost 11 million other Americans who have left comments with the FCC in support of Net Neutrality.

Further reading:

TECH TALK: Why you can’t afford to be neutral on Net Neutrality

TECH TALK: Net Neutrality goes nuclear

CHINA: Board approves codes officer’s request for fines

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by Mary Grow

China Codes Officer Paul Mitnik recommended and selectmen, at their July 24 meeting, accepted guidelines for monetary penalties for ignoring the state’s Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) requirements.

Mitnik’s major problem – which he said is infrequent – is that contractors or homeowners fail to call him for the inspections MUBEC requires at different stages of a building, like the foundation, the framing and the insulation.

When Mitnik finds a violation has occurred, the law empowers him to take down enough of the new construction to do the inspections. He prefers not to use this option, he said; he is more likely to ask questions to try to determine if the work was done to code and to ask selectmen to approve a consent decree with a monetary penalty.

The guidelines are intended to make monetary penalties more consistent. The maximum Mitnik recommends is $500 for an uninspected foundation; the minimum, no fine at all if he can do an after-the-fact inspection, for example for a garage with framing still visible.

If Mitnik believes the violation is deliberate he can double the penalties; and some penalties, notably the $100 for ignoring a stop-work order, are imposed every day of the violation, rather than being one-time. Board members unanimously approved the guidelines.

In other business July 24, selectmen unanimously accepted the higher of two bids for the woods truck formerly used by the Weeks Mills volunteer fire department, $3,500 from a Madison resident.

On a 4-1 vote, with Ronald Breton opposed, they pre-approved an additional tract in Thurston Park for selective timber harvesting, conditional on the Thurston Park II Committee recommending the additional work. The committee and the selectboard previously approved cutting in four areas, totaling about 39 acres; the new area, as shown on a map distributed at the meeting, appears to be about five acres.

The map indicates that the work is about half done. Income from the harvest will go into a fund to support park expenses.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee member Tom Michaud told selectmen the committee asked three engineering firms for designs for a replacement bridge on Causeway Road at the head of China Lake. He hopes to have designs before the selectmen’s Aug. 7 meeting.

Selectmen unanimously appointed Dawn Castner a member of the China for a Lifetime Committee.

They signed the annual state road certification form, promising that $54, 200 in state road funds will be used for capital improvements. Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux said China annually spends several times that amount on paving and other capital expenditures.

Obituaries, Week of July 27, 2017

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GALE YOUNG-RODRIGUE

FAIRFIELD – Gale B. Young-Rodrigue, 61, passed away on Monday, on July 10, 2017, following a brief illness. Gale was born in Western Massachusetts of Irish heritage and adopted as a young child by John J. Young (Yuknavich) and Beatrice E. Young (Sidloski), both the first generation children of Lithuanian and Polish immigrants.

She was raised in Worcester, attending Worcester Public Schools. It was during these years that her lifelong love of all sport, but in particular basketball and swimming, was developed alongside her father. She graduated from Doherty Memorial High School in 1974 and enrolled at Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, with a major in education. She played varsity collegiate sports while at FSC, including basketball and volleyball. During these years she was also a proud member of the service-based sorority, Sigma Alpha Delta, the Adelphian Society. Here she forged many life-long relationships with her friends and sisters. Graduating with honors in 1978, she began her teaching career at Fitchburg High School. She spoke fondly of her days in the Annex and began what would be a long career as a special education teacher.

In 1981 she moved to Maine and continued her teaching career at Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, where she remained as a 7-12 Composite Resource Room teacher for the next 35 years. During this time she was a coach, class advisor, department head,consultant, mentor and most importantly, a teacher and friend to the many students and adults who passed through her classroom.

She met Emile in 1987 and they married a year later on July 2, 1988. She enjoyed exploring the coast of Maine, musical theater, fine dining, reading, spending time around her backyard pool, and of course all form of sport. She was an avid New England sports fan, following the Patriots, Red Sox, the WNBA and of course, her Celtics. Every two years she would immerse herself in the Olympic Games, wherever they were held.

She retired from teaching in June 2016 after a total of 38 rewarding, hard-working and enjoyable years.

She is survived by her husband, Emile, of Fairfield; a brother, James, of Bridgewater, Massachusetts; her brother in-law Dan, of Palmer, Alaska; her parents in-law, Carmeline and Emile Rodrigue, of Clinton; many cousins.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Maine 04976.

Memorial donations may be made to Special Olympics of Maine, 125 John Roberts Road, South Portland, ME 04106.

DYLAN B. HARTKOPF

ALBION––Dylan Barton Hartkopf, 25, of Albion passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2017. Dylan was born on May 11, 1992, in Waterville, the son of Doug and Linda (Hertzel) Kartkopf.

Dylan graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield and from the Landing School, in Arundel.

Dylan was a member of Boy Scout Troop #446, of Albion, and achieved his rank of Eagle Scout upon completion of organizing community members to build 200 feet of bog bridges on Carlton bog, in Unity, for Sebasticook Regional Land Trust.

Dylaln loved the outdoors, being on the water, music and hanging out with friends. Although he succumbed to the disease of addiction, Dylan will long be remembered by his friends and family for his infectious smile and welcoming nature. He was always willing to help out those in need.

Dylan is survived by his parents Doug and Linda, of Albion; his brother Olin, of Arlington, Virginia; sister Myrilla, Dover, New Hampshire; his maternal grandmother, Barbara Hertzel, of Pine Plains, North Carolina; his paternal grandparents David Hartkopf, of Seneca, South Carolina, and Phyllis Hartkopf, of Fairfield, Connecticut; and by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and girlfriend Nicolle Pelletier.

LUCILLE LECLAIR

WATERVILLE/WINSLOW­­­­–– Lucille Leclair, 98, died early Thursday morning July 6, 2017, at Inland Hospital, in Waterville. She was born in Winslow on May 9, 1919, the daughter of Alfred Carey and Bertha (Hyer) Carey.

She was educated in Winslow schools and was a graduate of Winslow High School. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Parish. She worked at the C. F. Hathaway Co., in Waterville. After her marriage she was a home maker and stay-at-home mom and worked part time at the Wyandotte–Worsted Co., in Waterville, and in the Winslow school lunch program. She was a member of the Winslow Boosters Club for many years.

On May 11, 1946, she married Joseph Edmond Leclair and they were married for 46 years before his passing in March of 1993.

During her life she enjoyed travelling and going on bus trips with her husband, daughter and friends. In 1993 and 1996 she also went to many amusement parks in Florida with her grandchildren and other family members.

She enjoyed going to Katherine and Joe’s soccer, basketball and baseball games and track meets. She was their biggest fan. In 2009, when she was 90, she travelled to Cooperstown, New York, to watch her grandson play baseball. The team considered her their good luck charm as they came in third out of 16 teams in their age group.

She was predeceased by her husband; parents; brother Joseph Lucien Carey and his wife Margaret; and daughter-in-law Patricia Leclair.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda, with whom she lived until her hospitalization, and three sons Robert Leclair and wife Mary Heath, of Manchester, New Hampshire, James Leclair and fiancée Donna Bergeron, of Shawmut, and Kenneth Leclair and wife Jodi, of Fairfield; grandchildren, Katherine and Joseph Leclair; two stepgrandchildren, Corey Doherty and husband John and Geoff Heath and wife Alisa; five step-great-grandchildren, Seumas and Cormac Doherty, Molly, Abigail and Ryan Heath, all from New Hampshire; cousin Joanne and husband Edson Small, Jr. and family and her niece Joanne Gurney and nephew Michael Leclair and their families.

An online guestbook may be signed and condolences expressed at www.gallantfh.com.

Memorial donations can be made to Pine Tree Camp, c/o Pine Tree Society, 149 Front St., Bath ME 04530. The money will be used to purchase new sensory equipment.

GLENETTE C. MONAHAN

OAKLAND__Glenette C. (Roy) Monahan, 85, passed away at Mount St. Joseph, Waterville, on Saturday, July 8, 2017. Glenette was born in Waterville on February 2, 1932 to Hazel and Alfred Roy, Oakland.

Glenette was a 1952 graduate of Williams High School, in Oakland, and married her high school sweetheart, Francis Monahan, on July 29, 1952.

She was employed at Furbush Chevrolet, in Waterville, as an administrative secretary and Northern MGA insurance, Waterville, until her retirement.

Glenette was a member of Corpus Christi Parish and a member of the Waterville Auxiliary Elks Club of Waterville.

Glenette was loved by all who met her. She loved and cherished animals, especially her beloved cats, Amos and Tiffany. Once you met Glenette she called you “sweetheart,” a lady with a beautiful smile and giving heart. She enjoyed the coast of Maine, lobsters and clams, traveling, camping, beano, and especially going to the casinos.

Glenette was predeceased by her husband Francis, who died five years to the exact date of her death, on July 8, 2012; by her parents, Hazel and Alfred Roy; brothers, Frederick Roy and Ronald M. Roy.

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

Memorial donations may be made to Waterville Humane Society, 100 Webb Road, Waterville ME 04901.

WILLIAM L. TURNER

WINSLOW––William “Bill” L. Turner, 90, died Wednesday, July 12, 2017. He was born February 15, 1927, in Princeton, the son of Edward James and Caroline (Carlow) Turner.

He was the last surviving member of his family and his generation.

He began his adult life by joining the U.S. Navy at the age of 16 and served for eight years in World War II and Korea, which included his time in the Reserves until his honorable discharge. After the military, he worked at Bath Iron Works, went on to teach welding and then to work for J. R. Cianchette Construction, in Pittsfield; then on to Warren Brothers Construction.

He was a charter member of the VFW, in Fairfield. He was also a member of the American Legion, in Fairfield, as well.

Bill went to Connecticut for a healthier economy and ended his career while working for the East Hartford Federal Aircraft Credit Union. He and Eva then traveled across the country in their camper and split their time between Florida and Maine.

He was predeceased by a brother, Verne; three sisters, Carolyn, Claudia, and Pauline; and granddaughter, Stacey Valeriani.

He is survived by his wife, Eva I. (House) Turner, of Winslow; son, Donald Turner and wife Robin, of South Carolina; two daughters, Vicki Gilbert and husband, Allen, of Oakland, and Shelly Phillips and husband Larry, of Winslow; granddaughter, Sarah, of Connecticut; six grandsons, Jonathan Turner, of Texas, Michael Ross, of Westbrook, Jermy and Joshua Phillips, of Winslow, Anthony Gilbert, of Waterville, and Brian Gilbert, of Skowhegan; granddaughter Aburey, of Vermont; several great-grandchildren; and numberous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Arrangements were under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Rd., in Skowhegan.

Memorial gifts may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

KATHLEEN DELORME

WINSLOW––Kathleen R. DeLorme, 74, of Winslow, died unexpectedly Thursday, July 13, 2017, at MaineGeneral Hospital, in Augusta. She was born on January 1, 1943, in Lowville, New York, the daughter of Margaret (Bullard) and James Rubar.

She grew up in Gouverneur, New York, and graduated from Gouverneur High School, class of 1961.

She went on to study at Central City Business Institute, in Syracuse, New York, and worked as an administrative assistant and finally as a supervisor at the St. Lawrence County Courthouse.

On February 19, 1977, Kathy married Paul E. DeLorme, in Waterville, and began what was to be her “destiny”–devoted wife and doting mother. Through the years, Kathy enjoyed flower gardening and riding horses, as her favorite movie genre was Westerns. Animals, especially “Westies” or any terrier, had a special place in her heart.

She had a lifelong love of reading, but her greatest joy in life was her family and friends. With her faith being her guiding light, she served as an Eucharistic minister in the area hospitals.

Kathy was a great New England Patriots fan; however, her family suspects that any “love” for the Patriots was more for Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. She did “enjoy” the Red Sox on a good day. Kathy had a youthful spirit, enjoyed dancing and had an eclectic range of music.

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Paul E. DeLorme, of Winslow; three daughters, Bronwyn Poulin, of Canaan, Kathleen R. Fleury and husband Shawn, of Winslow, and Autumn DeLorme, of Haverhill, Massachusetts; two stepsons, Daniel Delorme and wife Kathleen, of Florida, and Paul E. DeLorme, of Alabama; two brothers, William Rubar, of South Carolina, and John Rubar, of New York; six grandchildren.

To view a video collage of Kathy’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with her family, please visit: www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations may be made to St. John Catholic School, 15 Garand Street, Winslow ME 04901 or Servants of the Blessed Sacraments, 101 Silver Street, Waterville ME 04901.

OTHERS DEPARTED

KENNETH BOLDUC, 51, of Sidney, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2017, at his home. Locally, he is survived by four sisiters, Patti A. Dube, Ann M. Lion, both of Augusta, Kathy V. Attaya, of Waterville, and Pamala M. Kimball, of Windsor.

JEAN J. LEMORE, 80, of Clinton, passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2017, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. Locally, she is survived by her children, Gary W. Lemore and wife Dawn, of Clinton, Bob Lemore and girlfriend Erin Walsh, of Clinton, Beverly McDonough and husband James, of Winslow, Debbie Nielsen and husband Paul, and Sandy Irving and boyfriend Andy Fortin, all of Clinton.

ROSEMARY ANTHONY, 65, of New Port Richey, Florida, passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2017, following a short illness. Locally, she is survived by brothers Fern Bourque, of Winslow, and Steve Bourque, of Whitefield.

FORMER RESIDENTS

MARJORIE E. GOFF, 87, of Washington, passed away on Friday, June 2, 2017. She was born in Jefferson on February 7, 1930, the daughter of George and Louise Lincoln Ames. She graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, in 1947.

GARDEN WORKS: 10 plants you should be growing in your garden (part 2)

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Emily CatesGARDEN WORKS

by Emily Cates

Click here to read part 1!

Part 2 of 2

Okra. Artichokes. Celery. Squash. Melons. How do these wonderful words make you feel? Do you imagine yourself with a scrumptious bowl of gumbo, a savory dip, a crunchy snack, a versatile side dish, or an ambrosial dessert? All of these mouth-watering dishes can be made from ingredients grown in your very own garden. With a little care, these veggies can bring much delight to your dinner table. In this article, we will conclude our short series on warm-weather plants that would be happy to grow in the garden now, looking at a few helpful hints and suggested varieties mentioned at the intro.

Let’s start off by taking a peek at okra. These good-looking plants with their lovely flowers are reminiscent of hollyhocks, rose-of-Sharon, mallow, and hibiscus. Some varieties are knee-high, while others reach a few feet higher toward the sky. They are cultivated for their cowhorn-shaped green seed pods which are harvested when about thumb-sized. These pods cook up slimy, but are beloved by many folks as the ingredient that makes legendary soups, and for their high nutrient content. Okra likes hot weather, moisture, plenty of room (planted 2′ or so between plants), and a loamy, weed-free soil with well-rotted manure mixed in. Named cultivars worth trying include ‘Clemson Spineless,’ ‘Star of David,’ and ‘Red Burgundy’- which sports beautiful red-hued pods. Start indoors in peat pots and set out four to five weeks later, after all danger of frost has passed – or direct seed into warm soil.

Artichokes are actually a kind of thistle whose unopened flower buds are harvested and prepared as food. Their cultivation results in a tasty treat for the veggie connoisseur. If you’re new to them and wonder how to prepare, cook, and eat them, here’s a helpful link: http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_cook_and_eat_an_artichoke/.

Since they can be tricky to germinate, I would recommend finding a preferred source of transplants. Set out into IRT black plastic into good soil, feed heavily, and keep watered but not waterlogged. Provide lots of space, about 10sq. ft. per plant. Harvest before buds begin to open, and enjoy!

Celery is a plant that rewards the patient gardener with crisp, delightfully-flavored stalks. Some forms – such as celeriac, are grown for their fleshy root that is a European favorite in stews – and cutting celery for its bold-flavored leaves. Even the seeds are used to flavor savory dishes, especially in Eastern cuisines. Celery plants are slow to mature and might need a little extra care, but are worth growing. Start indoors in March and set outside when apple blossoms fall from the tree. Grow in rich soil, and be sure not to let the plants dry out at all at any time. Light autumn frosts are tolerated, but not any colder than that. Celery grown for its stalk will benefit from being blanched- that is, having something like plain cardboard wrapped and gently secured around the plant to keep it light-colored and mild-flavored. Look for the varieties ‘Brillant’ (celeriac), ‘Diamante’ (celeriac), ‘Par-Cel’ (cutting) and ‘Giant Red’ (a beautiful red-colored celery).

Squash, along with corn and beans, is an integral part of the “Three Sisters,” an essential trio of crops that sustained indigenous peoples in the Americas for centuries. They are highly variable and extend the whole rainbow of colors, shapes, sizes, and flavors. Some squash are completely boring, bland, and tasteless, while others are absolutely exciting, flavorful, and delicious. Grow the right ones in the right spot, and you will never forget their potential. Pumpkins, which are in essence the same as squash, are primarily grown as ornamentals and for livestock fodder in many places. However, a few pumpkin varieties make some of the best pies and pickles in all the land, and others are grown for their hull-less “naked” seeds that are delicious as a snack. Squash and pumpkins are heavy feeders and will grow very happily on a manure or compost pile. Bush types can be grown in relatively small spaces, while varieties with long, rambling vines will reach from one end of the yard to the other, and even climb trees!

They love warm weather and can be started a week or two early and set out before the second set of true leaves have appeared (be careful not to disturb the roots), or direct-seeded into warm soil. There are so many varieties to choose from, a delightful dilemma indeed. They range from delectably sweet hubbard, buttercup, and butternut varieties to more mildly-flavored summer squash and zucchini. Cultivars of note are: ‘Gele Reuzen'(pickling, possibly the same as ‘Jaune Gros de Paris’), ‘Burpee’s Butterbush’ (butternut for small spaces), Sweet Mama’ (buttercup), ‘Sweet Dumpling’ (my favorite!), ‘Zeppelin Delicata’ (another favorite!), ‘Carnival’ (beautiful, delicious acorn type), ‘Blue Hubbard’ (sweet and large), ‘Styrian'(naked seeds), ‘Long Pie Pumpkin’ (the best pies), ‘Dill’s Atlantic Giant'(giant pumpkin!), ‘Spaghetti'(spaghetti squash), ‘Benning’s Green Tint Patty Pan’ (unique scalloped good-tasting summer squash), and ‘Costata Romanesca’ (heirloom delectable large zucchini).

We’ll conclude this article by focusing on melons, ambrosia on a vine. Whether we’re growing the honeydew, cantaloupe, or other types like these, or the familiar watermelon or unfamiliar citron melon, they will all cause applause if they are a success. What else can we grow that makes us sit starry-eyed in the garden in the hot part of the day, stuffing our faces with sweet, juicy, refreshing fruits, with no regard for the juice running down our chins and onto our shirts?

Personally, I believe melons are one of the yummiest fruits you can grow. Give them full sun and similar soil as you would squash, but grow them in black plastic IRT mulch under agricultural fabric row covers to enhance success. The IRT mulch will provide additional heat units, and the row cover will protect against cucumber beetles and other pests – just be sure to uncover the plants during pollination. Like squash, they can be started early in peat pots to get a jump on the season, though direct-seeding is fine if the soil is warm. Here’s a few cultivars to look for: ‘Hannah’s Choice’ (muskmelon), ‘Golden Gopher’ (open-pollinated muskmelon), ‘Blacktail Mountain’ (watermelon for short seasons), ‘Cream of Saskatchewan’ (small fruits, cream-colored incredibly delicious flesh, thin rind, my favorite watermelon!), ‘Moon and Stars’ (unique spotted watermelon), ‘Orangeglo’ (orange-fleshed watermelon), ‘Peace’ (yellow-fleshed watermelon), ‘Sorbet Swirl’ (multicolor-fleshed watermelon), ‘Sugar Baby’ (old reliable standby, icebox-type watermelon). Citron melon is a kind of watermelon that is not sweet and is used to make candied citron. It is fairly uncommon, but you can find seeds and a recipe in the Sand Hill Preservation catalog.

Actually, most of the seeds mentioned in this article can be found there, or check out FEDCO, Johnny’s, Pinetree, Baker Creek, Territorial, or other seed companies that offer seeds for our climate. Happy planting, enjoy your garden!

WATERVILLE: New Dimensions car show raises $12,000 for cancer program

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From left to right, Ryan Poulin, president/CEO, New Dimensions Federal Credit Union, in Waterville, Lincoln Nye, winner of both the People’s Choice and Best of Show awards, and Sylvio Normandeau. Contributed photo

New Dimensions FCU hosts its 4th Annual Cruisin’ For A Cure Car Show to benefit The Maine Children’s Cancer Program

Saturday, June 3, started out a bit cold and rainy and certainly wasn’t looking like a great day to host a car show. You can imagine our surprise and excitement as the flow of participants began showing up one-by-one for the 4th Annual Cruisin’ for a Cure Car Show at the Faith Evangelical Free Church parking lot in Waterville. There were nearly 100 participants who had the option to enter into one of 22 classes, which included various makes and models ranging from antiques to Mustangs; special interest to street rods – just to name a few. Once the sun came out, the parking lot quickly filled with spectators who came to see the spectacular automobiles and to enjoy lunch with friends and family.

The annual fundraiser benefits the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, which is based in Scarborough. The program provides state-of-the-art medical care to children with cancer and blood disorders. Similarly, they provide support for the patient and family members who are experiencing the impact of childhood cancer. With the help of the participants, local sponsors, residents and spectators, as well as the many donations that were received, a total of $8,071.64 was raised.

Additionally, the Co-Op Financial Services donated an additional $3,960.67 to benefit the MCCP, bringing the total amount raised to $12,032.31. The $1 million annual Miracle Match program matches contributions raised by credit unions for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Although, 66 trophies would be awarded to different classes, everyone was vying to take home the title of Best of Show or The People’s Choice. Once all votes were cast and tallied, Best of Show as well as The People’s Choice trophies were awarded to Lincoln Nye, of Rome, for his 1960 Chevy Impala Convertible.

Next year’s 5th Annual Cruisin’ for a Cure Car Show will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at the same location.

Winslow fire/rescue dispatcher marks 50 years

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Edson ‘Skip’ Small observed 50 years with the Winslow Fire/Rescue Department in June. Ed monitors calls as a dispatcher for the Winslow Fire Department. Photo by Dan Cassidy

Dan Cassidyby Dan Cassidy
Edson ‘Skip’ Small observed 50 years with the Winslow Fire/Rescue Department in June, joining the fire department in the spring of 1967. Bill Horne was chief of the volunteer department. He has worked with four fire chiefs over the years, including Bill Horne, Ansel Grindall, Bill Page and Dave LaFountain.

“Fire equipment, gear and vehicles have changed dramatically over the years,” Small said. “We had rubber coats and plastic helmets that would melt down over your ears if you got too close to the fire.”

Laws have also changed over the years and the firefighters of today have state of the art gear that will protect them from heat, cold, chemicals and a lot of other things, according to Small.

“The fire trucks and equipment are also more technical than we had back then,” Small said. “I think my favorite truck to drive was the Buffalo. It was a combination pumper and hand ladder truck.”

During the early years as a fire fighter, Small helped form the first Rescue department in Winslow. Norman Woodbury, of Woodbury Motors, in Winslow, donated a second hand Plymouth station wagon.

The vehicle was modified and equipped with rescue gear to assist in emergency calls. Small said that he was asked to take over the dispatch position in 1991, the job that he has held since.

Firefighting lighter moments

As with any department that has volunteers, there have been some light moments that have been remembered, according to Small. “It was a beautiful mid-fall evening when the fire bell rang and a truck was ready to be dispatched. Ed Langevin and Pete Lizotte happened to be at the station playing a game of cards when the call came in. “Fire No. 3, a fire on the Albion Road.”

Langevin and Lizotte quickly jumped into the truck and with siren blaring and the red lights on, they raced in the direction of the fire. They could see a huge orange/reddish glow in the night sky. As they proceeded, the glow got brighter and brighter. Their hearts were pumping, when all of a sudden, they came into contact with a large harvest moon cresting over the horizon! They called back on the radio simply stating it was a false alarm.

Small said that when they were fighting woods fires or grass fires they had hip boots folded down. While walking next to another fire fighter with a pump can on their backs, one would lower the hand pump and fill the boot cuff with water. When he pulled the cuff of his boots up, the water would fill his boots! You can’t make these stories up!

Since these early days, the Firefighters Association was formed in 1991, according to Small. “We have raised a lot of money to help buy equipment, help people who have been burned out of their homes, help school organizations and needy families at Christmas time.”

Small was a state licensed EMT and Paramedic until 1985 and firefighter until 1991, when he became dispather. He resides in Winslow and has been married to his wife, Joan, for 51 years. They have two children, nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. “This would not have been possible without my wife by my side,” he said.

His and hers bass

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The Town Line’s Scores & Outdoors author Roland Hallee, and his wife Joan, of Waterville, recently caught almost identical bass. Joan, on left, caught this 18-inch, 3.91-pound bass on July 14, while Roland caught this 20-inch, 3.8-pound bass on July 15. Both in practically the same spot on Webber Pond, using 7-inch plastic red shad bait.