GARDEN WORKS: Wake up sleepy head, maple sugar time is here

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Emily Catesby Emily Cates

Wake up, wake up! No more excuses for hibernation or procrastination, Springtime is here. Yes, I know I know – it’s still cold and there’s plenty of snow, each flake erasing an equal amount of motivation to be outside in the garden.

But let’s look at the possibilities anyways, since eventually the window of early-springtime activities will close whether we complete them or not. Why not enjoy a taste of spring by making maple syrup? Let’s whet our appetites by taking a look at this delicious task.

Ah, maple syrup – the amber nectar of our beloved maple tree, made from the sparkling, crystal-clear sap that is a delightful Spring tonic on its own. At 40-45 degrees in the daytime and freezing at night, this luminous sap flows from tree wounds and can be collected.

Maple sugaring supplies are super easy to find at hardware stores or online, and YouTube has an amazing amount of helpful how-to videos.

It is extremely important to use clean, food-grade materials for anything that comes in contact with the sap and syrup. Avoiding trees in polluted areas might be a good idea as well. Also, never overload a tree with too many taps. The best advice I can think of is to use recycled materials if possible, be safe, and to have fun!

To collect the sap, I gather containers such as traditional metal sap pails, water jugs, or buckets. Then, with a 5/16th drill bit, I drill a hole slightly upwards about 2-2-½ inches, preferably on the south-facing side of the tree. Depending on the setup, I’ll either hang the pails on the tree by the hooks provided on spiles that are gently hammered in the hole, or I run food-grade tubing to a container set on the ground.

Once there’s enough collected, it’s time to strain it and boil it down. Since I only have a small amount of taps and my wood stove is already running this time of year, I usually evaporate the sap in big pots on the stovetop.

40:1 is a common ratio for sap to syrup, which is quite a lot of work for a small amount of product. Oftentimes, depending on how full my hands are this time of year (and how much of it gets raided by my family or myself!), I’ll make the decision to cook with the sap instead of making syrup. I always try to reserve some to slow-cook a chicken…Delicious!

Large quantities of sap are traditionally steamed off in a sugar house with an evaporator suited for many gallons. (I know folks who make a fire in a barrel on its side with foodservice basins fitted on the top.) The sap boils in the basins and is carefully watched, especially as it thickens. Ladle off any foam and impurities from time to time, adding a drop of cream if it threatens to foam over.

Now it’s down to the nitty-gritty! Tell the kids and pets to wait at a safe distance, and put on a pair of steady hands, because this is hot stuff. When the syrup reaches seven degrees above boiling, or 219 degrees F, it’s ready to carefully strain and pour off into containers. I prefer mason jars, which are handy for canning the syrup. If desired, process in a hot water canner for 10 minutes.

Enjoy maple syrup in as many ways as your imagination allows. How sweet it is to start spring on such a delicious note!

ROTARY CLUB NEWS: Worldwide humanitarian group seeks to establish chapter in central Maine

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Gary Kennedy, second from right, of Chelsea, with his wife Julie, at the biennial assembly and election of Supreme Trustees of the Knights of Rizal for 2018-2020, in the Philippines. (Contributed photo)

Gary Kennedyby Gary Kennedy

As most of you know my brother and I have been involved in humanitarian projects for the poor in Southeast Asia for many years. We are mostly involved with projects that target the health and welfare of children as they are the future and they need and deserve a healthy start. We here in the USA are in a position to help and we should. That area of the world has been a safe haven for our men and woman in uniform through several wars; also, the Amerasian race is a product of our soldiers. These people are a beautiful and intelligent segment of the population there. Helping them, is a great pleasure for me.

I don’t remember if I mentioned it or not but approximately 16 years ago I was invited to join another humanitarian group with basically the same values that I have regarding the less fortunate. I had friends that were members so I spent a year studying the organization and finally decided that it was a great fit, as I spent so much of my life in Southeast Asia. I continued with my “Rotary” projects but added the new organization for particular projects. My traveling back and forth from USA to Southeast Asia stood in the way of my being promoted within the organization. This in the beginning wasn’t important to me until I noticed some friends that had joined with me were being promoted and even though I was doing many projects; I was hardly known. The organization that I am speaking of is the “Knights of Rizal.” I won’t go into the history of this organization as it is lengthy and can be found on line. Later perhaps I will address the organization in greater detail. For now I will just try to make you curious. If you want to know more, it would be my pleasure to share more with you.

I mentioned a few months ago that me and my group of volunteers spent time in the Cagayan mountains of the Philippines eradicating 400 cases of Scabies, in children under 12 years of age. Our efforts were successful. Someone in the Tanza Cavite, Philippines Knights of Rizal club, made our success known and opened the door for my upward advancement in the group. I have never been one for pomp and ceremony but this ended up giving me a great deal of pleasure.

I was promoted to the rank of commander. I have included a couple pictures so you will understand more clearly, what I am talking about. The Knights are the only legislated group of humanitarians who live under the umbrella of the martyr Dr. Jose Rizal.

Basically his philosophy was all men are created equal and should have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and should not be in subservience to any one other than God. This organization acquired the ability to bring members into the organization through Knighthood. This allowed all new members accepted by the body to be knighted. This would be for a lifetime as long as the individual lived by the Knights of Rizal doctrine; a doctrine that is based in love and charity. Through the years this organization has spread throughout the world including the USA

I bring all this to you because there is a good chance the knights will start a branch of this organization here. I am the one encouraging this to happen. I would be interested in talking to anyone who would have an interest in becoming a knight and sharing humanitarianism here and throughout the world. Before you ask more use your computer and search Dr. Jose Rizal. You will learn what he stood for and how he became a martyr. Non Omnis Moriar ( not all in me will die). God bless.

Obituaries for Thursday, March 28, 2019

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VICKI S. BRYAN

WINSLOW – Vicki Sue (Whitley) Bryan, 44, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2019, at her home, in Winslow, following a courageous battle with health problems for many years. She was born June 16, 1974, in Waterville, the daughter of Paul A. Sr. and Helen S. (Miller) Whitley.

She attended school at Valley Forge Christian College. Her hobbies included working with young children, spending time with her family, reading, and writing in her journal. She had a strong Christian faith and loved a variety of music from country to gospel, to classic rock. In her free time, she recently began playing Free Cell all the time. She had a love for giraffes.

Vicki is survived by her husband, Shawn M. Bryan, of Winslow; two children, Shawn M. Bryan, Jr and Suzanne R. Bryan; brother, Paul Whitley and wife Kim; step-mother, Heidi; several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Vicki’s memory to Vicki Bryan Memorial Fund, c/o of Shawn Bryan, 652 Maple Ridge Road, Winslow, ME 04901.

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

PATSY B. GLIDDEN

SOUTH CHINA – Patsy B. Glidden, 69, of the Windsor Road, died Monday, March 18, 2019, at her home following an extended illness. She was born on the family farm in China on April 2, 1949, the daughter of Maxwell Bumps and Elizabeth (McCaslin) Bumps.

Patsy was a 1967 graduate of Erskine Academy, in China. She was a stay at home mom for many years, worked at Beth’s Family Hairstyling as a receptionist and was employed as a food service worker at Erskine Academy for several years.

Patsy was predeceased by her parents and a daughter, Libby A. Glidden.

Surviving are two daughters: Betsy Glidden, of Westbrook, and Buffy Whitaker, of Scarborough; one son, Bruce Glidden, of Scarborough; her companion, Joseph Lloyd Pilsbury, of South China; a brother, Ronald A. Bumps, of South China; a sister, Bonnie B. Studley, of China; 19 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Condolences, photos and stories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

Family and friends may visit from 1-2 PM Saturday March 30, 2019, at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Rte. 32, Windsor.

A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:30 p.m., until 4:30 p.m., at Erskine Academy, 309 Windsor Road, South China, ME.

Spring burial will be in Chadwick Hill Cemetery, South China, ME.

Memorial donations may be made to either: March of Dimes, Donation Processing Center, P.O. Box 18819, Atlanta, GA 31126, or National Kidney Foundation, 209 West Central Street, Suite 220, Natick, MA 01760 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

ROBERT E. FENNELL

ALBION – Robert E. Fennell, Jr., 93, passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at his home in Albion. He was born March 23, 1925, in Eastondale, Massa­chus­etts, the son of Robert E., Sr. and Jennie (Bowers) Fennell.

He attended schools in Brockton, Massachusetts. On December 14, 1946, he married Priscilla Perry, in Brockton, Massachusetts. Priscilla and Robert were married for 72 years. He was employed by Draper Brothers, of Canton, Massachusetts, for 27 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, metal detecting, camping, was a Red Sox fan, loved his dogs and cats.

Robert is survived by his wife, Priscilla L. (Perry) Fennell, of Albion; son, Robert E. Fennell III, of Albion; two daughters, Virginia L. Fitch and husband David, of Florida, Debbie Fennell-stern and husband Joseph, of Massachusetts; two grandsons, David L Fitch, Jr. and wife Patricia, of Massachusetts, Robert E. Fennell IV and wife Leslie, of Maine; granddaughter, Bridget S. Bolduc, of Massachusetts; great-granddaughter, Eva P. Sullivan, of Massachusetts.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Robert’s memory to the American Kidney Foundation, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 20852.

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

JANICE O. PELOTTE

VASSALBORO – Janice Ola (Lindberg) Pelotte, 51, passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2019, due to complications from pneumonia. Janice was born August 4, 1967, the only child of Eileen (Marden) Ronco and Erek Lindberg.

She graduated from Winslow High School and Southern Maine Vocational College. While in high school, she was active with WHS Marching Band Color Guard and the 20th Maine Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps.

Janice worked at Colby College, dining services, for many years. She devoted all her time raising her two daughters alone.

Janice was predeceased by her grandparents, Frank W. and Ola Marden; and aunt and uncle, Frank (Skip) and Susan Marden.

She is survived by her mother Eileen Ronco, father and stepmother Erek and Helen Lindberg; and daughters Rebecca and Courtney Pelotte and partner Josh Long.

Memorial donations in her name may be made to the Vassalboro United Methodist Church, 614 Main St., Vassalboro ME 04089.

PAUL A. LESSARD SR.

WINSLOW – Following a courageous battle with multiple myeloma, Paul A. Lessard Sr., 65, of Winslow, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2019. He was the child of Reginald and Simone (LaFlamme) Lessard.

Following a 26-year career in retail, Paul found his passion teaching children at Good Will-Hinckley and Harland area schools. His true love in life was his family, he lived his life to the fullest, devoting his time to raising his wonderful, loving family. In retirement, Paul enthusiastically researched his family’s genealogy and loved to share family facts when gathered with his children. Paul could also be found spending time with any of his many grandchildren. He especially enjoyed going to super hero movies or discussing comics with his oldest grandson, Logan. Paul has been a long time active member at Winslow Baptist Church. Paul’s loving and caring heart shines on through his children and grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his mother, Simone.

He is survived by his father, Reginald Lessard, of Waterville; wife, Anne, of Winslow; daughter, Sarah Phillips and husband John and their children, Logan, Matthew, and Gabriel, of Vassalboro; son, Paul Lessard Jr., wife Rachel and their daughter Adyson, of Winslow; daughter, Amanda Young and husband, Kevin and their children, Samuel, Levi and Asher, of Bangor.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, Paul’s family would appreciate donations in his name to the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Cure, 361 Old Belgrade Rd., Augusta ME 04330.

SANDY LYNN TAYLOR

WHITEFIELD – Sandy Lynn Taylor, 62, of Whitefield, died Thursday, March 14, 2019, at the Togus Veterans Hospice Unit. She was born in La Russell, Missouri. on August 15, 1956, the daughter of Lenville and Virginia (Ramsey) Smith.

Sandy was a graduate of Sarcoxie High School in Sarcoxie, Missouri.

Sandy enlisted in the United States Air Force, in January 1978. It became her 20-year career, retiring in January 1998 as SSGT. She served several tours of duty overseas, one where she was stationed in Kuwait, during the Persian Gulf War. She was very proud to have served her country.

She married the love of her life, Carlos R. Taylor Sr., and together, they traveled extensively all over the world including, France, Germany and Canada, just to name a few. Sandy was devoted to her family, especially her parents, using all means of communication to remain in contact with them during her tours of duty in the military. Once she retired, she began a new full-time career, managing her husband. She was very involved with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, also contributed to the discovering the Jewish Jesus.

Sandy’s focus in life was God, flag and country.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Carlos R. Taylor Sr., of Whitefield; her parents, Lenville and Virginia Smith, of La Russell, Missouri.; a daughter, Cala R. Taylor, of Dover, Delaware; two sons; a sister, Lois Ann (Smith) Shearer, of Branson, Missouri.; one granddaughter, Aleen; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Arrangements were in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website: familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

JANICE E. PAYSON

SOUTH CHINA­­ – Janice E. Payson, 72, died Saturday, March 16, 2019, at Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Bangor. She was born in Augusta on June 22, 1946, the daughter of Burton and Helen (Trombley) Williams.

Janice was co-owner of Sonny’s Seafood, in Readfield.

She enjoyed gardening, puzzles and baking. Her two cats, Patches and Shadow, brought her joy daily and Janice loved chatting with her many friends.

She was predeceased by her brother Burton Williams Jr., her husband Clarence (Sonny) Payson Jr.; and her son Frank Payson.

She is survived by her boyfriend of many years, Donald Campbell; her two sons, Floyd Frost, of Readfield and Brian Frost and wife Jennifer, of Fayette; two brothers, Curtis Williams and wife Brigette, of Readfield and Donald Williams and wife Gail, of Winthrop; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Spring burial will be in Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Augusta. Date to be announced.

VICKI S. (WHITLEY) BRYAN

WINSLOW – Vicki Sue (Whitley) Bryan, 44, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2019, at her home in Winslow, following a courageous battle with health problems for many years. She was born June 16, 1974, in Waterville, the daughter of Paul A. Sr. and Helen S. (Miller) Whitley.

She attended school at Valley Forge Christian College.

Her hobbies included working with young children, spending time with her family, reading, and writing in her journal. She had a strong Christian faith and loved a variety of music from country to gospel, to classic rock. In her free time, she recently began playing Free Cell all the tie. She had a love for giraffes.

Vicki is survived by her husband, Shawn M. Bryan, of Winslow; two children, Shawn M. Bryan Jr. and Suzanne R. Bryan; brother, Paul Whitely and wife, Kim; step-mother, Heidi; several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

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

In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to: Vicki Bryan Memorial Fund, c/o Shawn Bryan, 652 Maple Ridge Road, Winslow ME 04901.

      PATSY B. GLIDDEN

SOUTH CHINA – Patsy B. Glidden, 69, of the Windsor Road, died Tuesday, March 18, 2019, at her home following an extended illness. She was born on the family farm in China, on April 2, 1949, the daughter of Maxwell Bumps and Elizabeth (McCaslin) Bumps.

Patsy was a 1967 graduate of Erskine Academy, in China.

She was a stay-st-home mom for many years, worked at Beth’s Family Hairstyling as a receptionist and was employed as a food service worker at Erskine Academy for several years.

Patsy was predeceased by her parents; and a daughter, Libby A. Glidden.

Surviving are two daughters, Betsy Glidden, of Westbrook, and Buffy Whitaker, of Scarborough; one son, Bruce Glidden, of Scarborough; her companion, Joseph Lloyd Pilsbury, of South China; a sister, Bonnie B. Studley, of China; 19 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may visit from 1-2 p.m., Saturday, March 30, at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Rte. 32, Windsor. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at Erskine Academy, 309 Windsor Road, South China. Spring burial will be in Chadwick Hill Cemetery, South China.

Condolences, photos and stories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

Memorial donations may be made to either: March of Dimes, Donation Processing Ctr., P.O. Box 18819, Atlanta GA 31126. or National Kidney Foundation, 209 West Central Street, Suite 220, Natick, MA 01760, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105

JOSEPH N. POULIN

WINSLOW – Joseph Norman Poulin, 92, of Winslow, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, in Winslow. He was the son of Joseph Albert and Marie Dora (Michaud) Poulin.

Norman was a Seamen First Class in the United States Navy, serving his country during World War II. He was a longtime supervisor at Colby College in their physical plant operations until his retirement. Norman lived in his log cabin, that he built on Bay Street, for 40 years.

He was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church, Winslow, where he was an Acolyte, a leader for the Amore Dei Prayer group, and a member of the St. John Grotto group. Norman was a longtime member of the Winslow Fire Department, Winslow MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post 3835, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Winslow.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Lita (Tibbetts) Poulin; his sister, Jackie Marcoux; two step-sons, David and William Brill.

Norman is survived by son, Gary Poulin and wife, Louise, of Benton; step-son Timothy Brill; three grandchildren, Christian D. Poulin, of West Gardiner, Jason G. Poulin and wife, Lora Joy, of Bonita Springs, Florida, and Jessica Willette and husband Jeff, of Waterville; great-grandchildren, Avery, Hunter and Tatum Willette.

Arrangements were under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at www.gallantfh.com.

Heath explains redesigned town meeting warrant

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by Mary Grow

CHINA — Town Manager Dennis Heath explained the revised town report and redesigned town business meeting warrant to two dozen residents at an informational session held March 24 at the library in China Village. The 2018 town report is in four sections: the usual lists of officials, overdue taxes, deaths and marriages and information on town organizations, followed by three addenda: a 43-page audit report for the fiscal year that ended June 31, 2018; Heath’s summary and explanation of the budget proposed for the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2019; and the warrant for the April 6 town business meeting.

The town business meeting begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at China Middle School, if the 119 voters required for a quorum are present. Pre-meeting presentations and notices are scheduled to begin about 8:40 a.m.

Heath said he started budget preparation in October 2018, working with heads of town departments to develop a budget that would meet their needs without raising taxes for municipal services. The school budget and the Kennebec County budget requirement are outside the town’s control. Summarizing some of the changes, Heath said:

  • China will need about $400,000 less for road work because two major culvert replacements were finished last year, with some of the money coming from taxes;
  • The public works department will have an additional full-time employee so that no snowplowing will be contracted out and routine vehicle repairs can be done in-house; and
  • Expenses have been made clearer by assigning costs to appropriate individuals and departments, instead of having, for example, a separate warrant article lumping all insurances.

The result is elimination of 13 accounts, reduction of the April 6 warrant to 31 articles (there were 43 articles in 2018) and, Heath promised, a meeting that will last less than five hours.

Copies of the report are available at the town office and other public places in town. The manager encouraged voters to read it before the meeting so they will understand for what they are voting.

The budget committee and the selectboard agree in their recommendations on all but two warrant articles, including the major expenditures for administration, public works and the transfer station.

On Art. 9, fire and rescue services, the budget committee recommends$181,499 and the selectboard $171, 199, for reasons firefighters and selectmen have explained (see The Town Line, March 14, page 8, and March 21, page 1).

On Art. 23, asking voters to increase the selectmen’s annual stipends from $1,000 to $1,800, four selectmen recommend approval (the fifth was absent) and five budget committee members recommend denial (Chairman Robert Batteese was the only supporter, with one member absent).

Selectmen discuss proposed sewer fee increase with residents

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro selectmen spent most of their short March 21 meeting talking with residents about the proposed hike in sewer fees, a topic that came up again in the following discussion with the budget committee.

More than a dozen Vassalboro Sanitary District customers came to protest the higher rates needed to fund the connection with the Winslow sewer system. When the project is completed, sewage from East and North Vassalboro will run through Winslow to the Waterville treatment facility, and the Vassalboro District will close the aged sand filter beds currently treating the villages’ sewage.

Christina O’Rourke, from North Vassalboro, and others said Vassalboro already has the highest sewer rates in Maine, before the proposed increase almost doubles them. Many of the 192 customers are behind on their bills.

The increase will cause some residents to consider moving while making their houses harder to sell, people said.

They asked for an article in the June town meeting warrant requesting tax money to help the Sanitary District. Selectmen explained the petition procedure to put an article on the warrant.

In past years, selectmen have given money from Vassalboro’s TIF (Tax Increment Finance) fund toward the Sanitary District project and toward ARI (Alewife Restoration Initiative). The TIF fund collects the tax money from the gas pipeline that runs through Vassalboro and sets it aside in a state-regulated program that allows it to be used only for economic development projects.

When the budget committee met, ARI representatives Landis Hudson and Nate Gray asked its members to continue supporting ARI, which is intended to allow alewives access to China Lake. This year’s projects are building fishways at the Ladd and Box Mill dams in North Vassalboro.

ARI has already overseen removal of the Masse dam, in East Vassalboro, and the Lombard dam between the two villages. Only the Morneau dam, which Hudson said is under discussion, and the China Lake Outlet dam, where a fishway is planned, remain as obstacles.

Alewives currently running into and out of Webber Pond are harvested each spring and sold for lobster bait. Town Manager Mary Sabins said until last year the town had been earning around $18,000 annually; last year, a higher price increased the amount to more than $25,000. Gray predicted the run into China Lake would be significantly larger, so once state officials are satisfied that it is self-sustaining, Vassalboro can expect more income.

Selectman Lauchlin Titus suggested taking funds for ARI, if voters approve them, from alewife income, leaving more TIF money for the Sanitary District.

Budget committee members also heard from representatives of the Vassalboro volunteer fire department, the Cemetery Committee and the China Region Lakes Alliance (CRLA).

Firefighter Mike Vashon said the department’s two-year reroofing project at the Riverside fire station will slightly exceed the $25,000 budgeted, judging by preliminary information. A bid opening is scheduled for Wednesday, April 3.

Vashon said the department is applying for grant money to buy new Scott air packs and a new fire truck. Some of the department’s current air packs are old enough so they could fail when a firefighter is inside a burning building, and a 38-year-old fire truck has already cost a lot of money for repairs and now needs a new radiator.

The department welcomes donations to be used as matching funds if a grant is awarded, Vashon said. The Sukeforth Foundation has already assisted.

Cemetery Committee spokesperson Jane Aiudi said the committee’s increased budget request is intended to cover tree removal, not done for the last four or five years, and purchase of a software system to inventory and maintain cemetery records. She and Sabins agree that an $8,000 system is most suitable.

CRLA President Scott Pierz presented a four-page document explaining the organization’s request for $14,000 from Vassalboro. Part of the money would support CRLA’s operational costs; the majority would fund a survey around Three Mile Pond to identify gravel roads contributing run-off into the pond, Youth Conservation Corps projects on Webber Pond and Seaward Mills Stream and the Courtesy Boat Inspectors at the East Vassalboro boat landing, whose job is to protect China Lake from invasive plants.

The next budget committee meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at the town office, after that evening’s 6 p.m. selectmen’s meeting.

Give Us Your Best Shot! Week of March 28, 2019

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To submit a photo for The Town Line’s “Give Us Your Best Shot!” section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@fairpoint.net!

MOM AND YOUNG: A doe with her little one in a bog, in Clinton, snapped by Tina Richard, of Clinton.

 

LOOKING FOR DIRECTIONS: Willian van Wickler, of China, caught this owl sitting on a street sign at the entrance to his road.

 

SPRING CARDINAL: Michael Bilinsky, of China Village, photographed this male cardinal perched in a tree.

Keeping French heritage alive in central Maine

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Some of the students who participate in the Maine French Language Heritage program. (contributed photo)

by Eric W. Austin

“French is French,” Charles Hicks tells me adamantly over coffee at Pat’s Pizza, on State Street. Hicks is the coordinator and sole teacher for the Maine French Heritage Language Program, in Augusta. He’s lamenting the idea that the French spoken in Maine isn’t perceived as “real” French.

Maine has a rich French heritage with nearly one-third of our residents having French in their background. That heritage is evidenced by the many French names of towns in Maine, among them Calais, Caribou, Montville, Presque Isle and, of course, Paris, just to name a few.

“There was a time when they would beat kids in elementary school for speaking French,” Hicks says, “so it totally made sense that you wouldn’t want to teach your kids something that would get them hurt.” But in consequence, much of the French language and Maine’s deep French legacy is being lost.

The Maine French Heritage Language Program (MFHLP) looks to change that. Established six years ago by Julia Schulz, who also co-founded the prestigious Penobscot School of Language Learning and Cultural Exchange, in Rockland, and Chelsea Ray, an associate professor of French Language and Literature, at the University of Maine at Augusta, MFHLP is a nonprofit after-school French language and culture program for children in grades first through sixth. Held from 3-5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Buker Community Center, in Augusta, the program is open to any interested students in central Maine.

Charles Hicks

Hicks himself has had a roundabout trip on the way to his position as coordinator of Augusta’s Maine French Heritage Language Program. Growing up in western Massachusetts, on the border with New York, his first experience with the French language came in college where he was, initially, a political science major. After spending his junior year abroad in France, he fell in love with the language and culture. It inspired him to pursue his master’s degree in the French language at the University of Maine at Orono. This led to a two-year stint in Fort Kent, an Aroostook County town in northern Maine with a large Franco-American population, followed by another prolonged stay in France as part of an advanced graduate program.

On returning to the states, Hicks spent 12 years as a traveling French language teacher to students in grades K-6 for schools in Manchester, Wayne and Mount Vernon. After budget cuts in 2007 killed the French language programs in many Maine elementary schools, Hicks took a position with MFHLP as a French teacher. When the coordinator left a few years later, Hicks embraced the dual roles of sole teacher for the program and also coordinator for its nonprofit fundraising efforts.

In addition to those duties, Hicks also teaches at Lawrence Junior High School, in Fairfield, and is an Adjunct Professor of French at Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield.

There are nine central Maine students in this year’s Maine French Heritage Language Program, seven from Augusta and two from Waterville, although Hicks would like to see that number increase to 20 in order to have enough students to organize both a beginner and an advanced class. Currently, all students are taught together. The program teaches children French language and culture through the use of fun activities and games, and with cultural excursions to places like the Maine State Museum. The program costs $9/class or $18/week per student.

On Saturday, April 27, 2019, the Maine French Heritage Language Program will host its big annual fundraiser, “Springtime in Paris,” from 6 – 9:30 p.m., at Le Club Calumet, on West River Road, in Augusta. The event features French food and music, as well as both a live and silent auction in order to raise money for the program. They are looking for people interested in attending, at $40 per person, or sponsoring a table of eight for $300. The money raised from this event will support the continuance of the program for the rest of the year. Tickets can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com, or by calling Wendy at the Buker Community Center, in Augusta, at 626-2350. Checks should be made out to “City of Augusta.”

They are also looking for people willing to donate items for the auction. Although items related to the French culture or language are preferred, and will usually go for a higher bid-price, any type of item will be gratefully accepted.

Anyone with questions about the program, or the “Springtime in Paris” fundraiser on April 27, is encouraged to contact Hicks by email at MFHLPAugustaME@gmail.com or phone at 215-3621. The language program is also in need of community volunteers, especially those with a knowledge of the French language, history or culture.

“French is French,” Hicks says again, at the end of our interview, “and we want the kids in Maine to learn it because it’s part of our heritage.”

Common Ground Round 3: Win a $10 Gift Certificate

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DEADLINE: Friday, April 10, 2019

Identify the men in these three photos, and tell us what they have in common. You could win a $10 gift certificate to Retail Therapy boutique, 11 KMD Plaza, Kennedy Memorial Dr., Waterville, next to the Dairy Queen!* Email your answer to townline@fairpoint.net or through our Contact page.

You may also mail your answer to The Town Line, PO Box 89, South China, ME 04358. (To be eligible for the drawing, you must email or snail mail your answer to us.)

Please do not leave the comment on this page!

*  Should there be more than one correct answer, a random drawing will be held to determine the winner.

Previous winner: Gisele Levasseur, Gilman, VT

Legal Notices for Thursday, March 21, 2019

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STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
COURT ST.,
SKOWHEGAN, ME
SOMERSET, ss
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
18-A MRSA sec. 3-801

The following Personal Representatives have been appointed in the estates noted. The first publication date of this notice March 14, 2019

If you are a creditor of an estate listed below, you must present your claim within four months of the first publication date of this Notice to Creditors by filing a written statement of your claim on a proper form with the Register of Probate of this Court or by delivering or mailing to the Personal Representative listed below at the address published by his name, a written statement of the claim indicating the basis therefore, the name and address of the claimant and the amount claimed or in such other manner as the law may provide. See 18-A MRSA 3-804.

2019-037 – Estate of LARRY P. WORSTER, late of Moose River, Me deceased. Dawn K. Amaya, 36 Talpey Road, Moose River, Me 04945 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-038 – Estate of EVELYN MITCHELL, late of North Anson, Me deceased. Dawn Parker, 71 Brown Farm Road, Benton, Me 04901 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-040 – Estate of ALICE J. SOUTHER, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Jennifer Dawn Chandler, 130 Madison Avenue, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-043 – Estate of RYAN W. WORSTER, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Corinne Mathieu, 1328 Hill Road, Canaan, Me 04924 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-044 – Estate of PRISCILLA A. NORRIS, late of St. Albans, Me, deceased. Shirley Humphrey, 91 North Street, Hartland, Me 04943 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-045 – Estate of JOE W. CREAMER, late of Embden, Me deceased. Lori A. Creamer, 685 Fahi Pond Road, Embden, Me 04958 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-047 – Estate of CLIFFORD A. RAYE, late of Pittsfield, Me deceased. Randy L. Raye, 15 Shy Road, Palmyra, Me 04965 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-048 – Estate of DEBORAH A. ROLFE, late of Anson, Me deceased. Gary Morin, 131 Embden Pond Road, North Anson, Me 04958 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-051 – Estate of PHYLLIS G. WARREN, late of Smithfield, Me deceased. Terry Tiner, 840 Oakland Road, Belgrade, Maine 04917 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-052 – Estate of JOAN C. SY, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Vincent A. Sy, 32 Farwell Avenue, Cumberland, Me 04021 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-053 – Estate of JUDEAN E. GODIN, late of Norridgewock, Me deceased. Carlene L. Lybarger, 91 Salisbury Road, Canaan, Me 04924 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-054 – Estate of BETTY M. VEILLEUX, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Gail Berry, 117 Norridgewock Road, Fairfield, Me 04937 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-056 – Estate of ROLAND L. DUFRESNE, late of Hartland, Me deceased. Yvette D. Huskey, 1646 Monte Mar Road, Vista, CA 92084 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-057 – Estate of DOUGLAS L. ARNO, late of Bingham, Me deceased. Doris Vermette, PO Box 363, Bingham, Me 04920 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-059 – Estate of THOMAS D. LUCKERN III, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Aaron P. Luckern, 33 Six Rod Road, Fairfield, Me 04937 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-062 – Estate of MERVIN C. GREENE, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. James W. Greene, 31 Currier Road, Fairfield, Me 04937 appointed Personal Representative.

2019-063 – Estate of RANDY V. ERVING, late of St. Albans, Me deceased. Amanda Kenney, 50 McNally Road, St. Albans, Me 04971 and Heidi Hartsgrove, 39 Pond Road, St. Albans, Me 04971 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

To be published on March 14, & 21, 2019
Dated: March 11, 2019 /s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(3/21)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
41 COURT ST.
SOMERSET, ss
SKOWHEGAN, ME
PROBATE NOTICES

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE ESTATES LISTED BELOW

Notice is hereby given by the respective petitioners that they have filed petitions for appointment of personal representatives in the following estates. These matters will be heard at 10 a.m. or as soon thereafter as they may be March 27, 2019. The requested appointments may be made on or after the hearing date if no sufficient objection be heard. This notice complies with the requirements of 18-A MRSA §3-403 and Probate Rule 4.

2017-130 – Estate of AIDEN BRYCE BURGESS, minor of Fairfield, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Benjamin W. Erskine, 22 Martin Stream Road, Fairfield, Me 04937 requesting minor’s name be changed to Aiden Benjamin Erskine for reasons set forth therein.

2019-050 – Estate of NICHOLAS GENE PALMER. Adult of Solon Me 04979. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Nicholas Gene Palmer, 783 Hole in the Wall Road, Solon, Me 04979 requesting his name be changed to Nicholas Gene Pooler for reasons set forth therein.

Dated: March 11, 2019 /s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(3/21)

I’M JUST CURIOUS: How about some word puzzles?

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by Debbie Walker

Recently I was given a 2019 Old Farmer’s Almanac magazine that was prepared for Boy’s Town and their 100th year. It is done in a monthly manner. It is a nice “read;” I felt lucky to have been given one. And I decided to share the “Puzzle of the Month” with you and hope that you will enjoy it. The answers will be in The Town Line’s edition next week. So, we move on:

January: Soon as I’m made, I’m sought with care, for one whole year consulted. That time elapsed, I’m thrown aside, neglected and insulted. What am I?

February: What’s that in the fire, and not in the flame? What’s that in the master, and not in the dame? What’s that in the courtier, and not in the clown? What’s that in country, and not in the town? What am I?

March: I am composed of four letters. My first’s in a fish, but not in an owl. My second’s in shad, but not in a fowl. My third’s in a crab, but not in a quail. My fourth’s in a mackerel, but not in its tail. My whole is a thing that it pays to hoe well.

April: A motorcar is three times as old as its tires were when it was as the tires are now. When its tires are as old as the car is now, the car will be a year older than the tires are now. What are the present ages of cars and tires?

May: Often we are covered with wisdom and wit, and oft with a cloth where the dinner guests sit; in beauty around you and over your head, we are countless, though numbered when bound to be read.

June: What key is the hardest to turn?

July: What is the longest word in the English language?

August: A dealer ordered a picture 12 inches by 18 inches to be framed so that it would cover just twice its former wall space, the frame to be of uniform width. How wide should the frame be?

September: Name a bird whose name contains the name of another bird.

October: What word of six letters contains seven words, besides itself, without transposing?

November: This word is both an adjective and the name of a flower.

December: I move incessant to and fro, obedient to Moon and Sun, but though I serve both high and low, all wait on me, I wait on none.

I hope you enjoy! Let’s be good now and not get on the computer looking for answers. Try saving it for a snowy day activity. You know you are good for a couple more before winter is done with you.

I will continue here in sunny Florida. The people here are cleaning up their little “winter” reminders. My daughter and her hubby got out their kayaks to spring clean them Sunday. I see a river trip coming up for them soon.

My activities are somewhat limited as I work on getting rid of bronchitis. I don’t feel really bad but that cough…yuck!

I am just curious how many of you are going to jump right into that little game. Remember, no cheating! Answers in our next edition. Please contact me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com with any comments or questions!