IF WALLS COULD TALK, Week of August 11, 2016

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Katie Ouiletteby Katie Ouilette

Well, here you are!  Yes, your accolades to Karen Lambke for doing such a superb job in making the Kneading Conference and Bread Fair so successful again this year, and certainly the many who attended the Run of River’s many activities deserve so many thanks for the organizing and hard work to bring fun to the many who attended.  Speaking of ‘attending,’ many thanks to the many supporters, as well.

Next, we shall welcome those who have planned another Skowhegan State Fair for us.  Imagine it, faithful readers, our Skowhegan State Fair is the oldest continually operating fair in our U.S.A.!   WALLS, much has changed over the years with our wonderful fair. Goodness, I remember when women and little girls got all dressed up and the men wore their Fedora hats. What’s more, the walk through the Exhibition Hall brought new and exciting things for folks to learn about, as they met friends and talked-the-talk during the walk.  Those were also the days of fish swimming in the water that had been prepared for them under the grandstand.  Oh, yes, the ‘back gate’ became a reality as we drove past the sign for Joe and Katherine Cayoette’s Somerset Motor Lodge,  The Roxiettes danced to entertain and the Banana Man did likewise every night.  Yes, and we had fireworks after each night show.  WALLS, have you ever wondered why those animals kept their cool and didn’t stampede through it all?  Oh, yes, the horses will race, but only at night, this year!  Well, as Judy Garland once sang:  “Hi-ho, come to the fair.”  Oh, lest you forget, WALLS, the Allan Karns Building is now showing floral displays….but, when we were young, we could ride by or bike past the magnificent display of gladiolas that Allan planted on Greenwood Avenue, in Skowhegan.

Y’know, WALLS, you made some promises to Vi Ferland, of the Skowhegan Garden Club, and you should tell folks about it.  Yes, yes, when she was asked how to ‘let folks know,’ she quickly told them about WALLS.

First, Vi told you about Amanda Black’s creating a beautiful wedding spot for those who prefer to plan an outdoor event.  She is a hair stylist, but she and her husband have purchased a home on Norridgewock Avenue, in Skowhegan, and hope they will have many brides-to-be calling them with a preferred wedding date.  They have also done over the historic barn, in case the couple prefers to not worry about our ‘sometimes’ unpredictable weather.

Secondly, Vi told you about the Skowhegan Garden Club’s planting a tree in honor of Charlotte Tripp, at Coburn Park, on August 16.  10 a.m. is the gathering time.  Yes, Vi told of the many good deeds that Charlotte did when a member of the garden club, and that ‘doing good for people young and old’ was her life’s work.  And WALLS adds (Surprise to Vi and Edna) that Edna Marshall and Vi Ferland are the ‘eldest’ members of the Skowhegan Garden Club.  Y’all invited!

In ‘signing off’ for this issue of The Town Line……….we hear about ‘older’ folks, but we are truly lucky to have folks who remember the goodness of days past.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Film – A Mighty Wind; Composer – Franz Haydn

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Peter Catesby  Peter Cates

A Mighty Wind – starring Bob Balaban, Parker Posey, Catherine O’Hara, Fred Willard, Christopher Guest, etc.; directed by Christopher Guest; Warner Borthers, DVD, 2003, 92 minutes.

A Mighty Wind

A Mighty Wind

A very good comedy.

A Mighty Wind is a satire or mockumentary, done in the style of a real documentary, on the folk music business as it transpired during its major heyday between roughly 1957 and 1968. The story details the efforts of the son of a recently deceased record producer/ impresario to re-unite the three leading groups whose careers flourished during the previously mentioned period under the old man, for a live concert, to be broadcast by a public TV network across the nation. The two reasons are  a memorial concert and the earlier mentioned 40th anniversary reunion.

The three groups are patterned after such ensembles as the Kingston Trio, the Limelighters, the Mitchell Trio, Peter, Paul and Mary, and the New Christy Minstrels. The songs were composed for the film, sound much like the folk music of the earlier groups but are still first class and very enjoyable, instead of merely derivative. In documentary style, the interviews, flashbacks, rehearsals and other so-called background material ring true with context.

I have viewed the film several times, mainly because it is hilarious. And that is the main reason I highly recommend this dvd.

Franz Haydn

Franz Haydn

Haydn String Quartets, Opus 77, No. 2 and Opus 103 – the Schneider Quartet; The Haydn Society, Inc.- HSQ-38, 12-inch LP, recorded early ‘50s.

A beautifully played pair of Haydn Quartets.

In addition to composing 104 symphonies and piles of piano sonatas, masses, oratorios, operas, songs, and pieces for other combinations, Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) left upwards of 82 string quartets, each of which is reputedly musically charming for both listening and background purposes. During the very early ‘50s, the Haydn Society record label in Boston was established for the exclusive purpose of recording as much of his music as possible, with most of the works appearing on lp for the first time.

The Schneider Quartet was engaged to tape as many of the quartets as possible but, after 53  were completed, the label ran out of money. It was, in the opinion of myself and others, the finest foursome to have done these works and  has been rarely equalled in the 60 or more years since, although some formidable groups have emerged, the Hagen Quartet from the ‘80s being a personal favorite. The players – leader and first violinist Alexander Schneider, second violinist Isidore Cohen, violist Karen Tuttle and cellist Madeline Foley – poured such passion, heart-stopping beauty, and searing virtuosity into every note.

During the last year, a set of 15 CDs has made available all of the LPs in this series and it is listed with various Internet vendors.

Pages in Time: Mushy stuff from years gone by

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by Milt Huntington

Fifty percent of the many responses I received from my newspaper articles come from senior citizens over 65 years of age. I know this for a fact because one of them told me so. Both responders agreed that they love all the mushy stuff from years gone by.

So, let us reminisce. Flipping back through the dog-eared pages of time, I found a piece about the home front in World War II. I told of air raid wardens, rationing of butter and gas, patriotic movies and buying savings stamps at school. Yes, there were no bananas, and we ate sherbet instead of ice cream. Contributing to the war effort by helping mother squish red dye into white margarine to make it yellow was a genuine source of pride.

Growing up in Augusta was a priceless chunk of my young life, so I described the beauty of early Western Avenue and the bustle of Downtown Water Street. Western Avenue was lined with shade trees back in the good old days, and it had a skating pond. It didn’t have a federal building or a shopping mall. You could actually cross the street without taking your life in your hands. Heck, you could even watch soap box derbies there or ride down the hill on your bike with your feet on the handlebars.

There was no traffic circle at the bottom of Western Avenue – just the intersections of State Street, Grove Street and Grove Street Extension. There was, however, an elegant yellow brick building – The Augusta House. The historic old meeting place played host to the rich and famous and was the site where many legislative measures were lobbied to death but often revived by mouth-to-ear resuscitation. Gone now – all gone.

To our young eyes, Water Street was the Broadway of the Capital City. There were Class “A” movies at the Colonial Theater featuring musicals with new Technicolor technology. The Capital Theater drew us in with the Class “B” westerns, vaudeville and cliff-hanging serials. The names of a lot of the flicks are beginning to fade from memory, but I remember well, and always will, the nickel candy bars, the Ju-Jy fruits and buttered popcorn. I also remember the 11-cent price of admission.

Thoughts of the old American Legion building by the little park stir memories of teen-age dances, football on the lawn, post-war suppers and playing pool with friends in that old front room. Those, indeed, were the good old days.

Still there at the top of Rines Hill is the Hartford Fire Station with all of its history and its bellowing  9 o’clock whistle. The beautiful train station at the bottom of the hill was replaced by a parking lot. Arlene’s Bakery and the aroma of doughnuts and pastries is still a tantalizing memory. You can’t get your shoes repaired or shined anymore at Turcotte’s.

The shop is long gone along with Augusta’s shoe factories – R.P. Hazzard and Taylor Shoe.

You want to talk about change? Just take a look at Bangor Street. Whatever became of Hussey Hardware, Doc’s Lunch, Mike’s Lunch, Williams School, The A&P, Charlie’s Market and the Esso gasoline station?
I can still remember, with delight, the taste of a good steak at Hazel Green’s, a shrimp scampi at Al Biondi’s 89 Winthrop or First Tee on Water Street. I remember well how great the meals were at Ray Lammer’s Pioneer House. Nobody served up cheeseburgers like John McAuley did at his place on Outer Western Avenue. Then, of course, we salivated over the fare at the Roseland Restaurant on the Waterville Road and McNamara’s in Winthrop. The beer was also pretty good over a hamburger and fries at the Oxbow hangout in Winthrop.

Don’t even get me started about Island Park. Suffice it to say, the memories are many. All I need to resuscitate recollections of your own is to casually mention the revolving ball that left colorful squares on the dance floor below and the 21 Club that got us high on a bottle of beer. It was the site of my first date with the girl that I married.

For the beer drinkers in the crowd, I would be remiss in failing to mention Ray’s Dine and Dance in the lower end of Water Street and Duffy’s Tavern on the Bond Brook Road. Don’t talk to me about inflation. I remember when “dimies” went to 20 cents a glass. In some of those places and in most cafeterias, juke boxes were mounted on the walls over the tables. For the drop of a nickel, you could listen to Sinatra, the Chairman of the Board; Mel Torme, The Velvet Fog; Vaughn Monroe, Frankie Laine, Perry Como, Patti Page, Jo Stafford, Joni James and Doris Day. If you’ve read this far, you can easily recall the names of all the others who helped promote romances of the teenage years.

OK! That’s it for now. I’m beginning to tear up. I just hope that all my fans, (both of them), will think back on all the things that they remember if I’ve been successful in jump starting their memories again.

Milt Huntington is the author of A Lifetime of Laughter and Things That Make You Grin.

Fun in the sun, with chocolate help

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Mathis Washburn

Left photo, Mathis Washburn, of Canaan, makes his way down the Chocolate Slip ‘n Slide, at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, at Yonderhill Campground, in Madison, on July 30.
Photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography

 

Riley Landry, of Vassalboro, Tate Jewell, Adam Fitzgerald and Landon Nunn, all of Skowhegan

Right, from left to right, Riley Landry, of Vassalboro, Tate Jewell, Adam Fitzgerald and Landon Nunn, all of Skowhegan, get set to join in the slide.
Photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography

Solon & Beyond, Week of August 11, 2016

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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 7th annual barbeque to support the Kennebec River Picnic Area on Wednesday, August 17, at the Kennebec Banks Picnic Area on Route 2 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

As many of you know the state of Maine is no longer maintaining the Route 2 picnic area. The trustees of Somerset Woods stepped up to protect this important and historic community asset. This fundraiser is to help raise funds for SWT’s ontinued maintenance. You can purchase a ticket at the event for only $5 and get a great lunch provided by the trustees.You will be served either a hamburger, chips and drink or two hotdogs, chips and drink.

For more information you may contact Jack Gibson at 474-0057, Davida Barter at 474-3324, or Greg Dore at 431-5021.

Lief and I joined several members of the Franklin County Aircraft Modelers at the Carrabassett Valley Summerfest – Display and Demo Flights at the airport on Saturday. It was a perfectly beautiful, clear day but a breeze came up after a little while which made it rather hard to fly some of the model planes…but some of the more experienced flyers gave some great breathtaking examples of their talents. There were several small real planes at the airport that day, and they were taking off and landing also, which we all enjoyed. There was also much visting and talk of flying their model planes which I find fun to listen to. At noon, member Dick LeHay cooked hot dogs with buns and all the fixings, and chips in one of the sections at the airport. It was very tasty and a fun day.

On Sunday, Lief and I retraced our steps up to Eustis to the little replica of the church in Flagstaff for the annual Old Home Days service. Each year there are a few missing former residents who have died . Was very pleased that my class mate, Isabelle (Burbank) Millbank was there. Betty Wing who lived in Flagstaff, was there and Nancy McLean who lived in Dead River came up from Embden to attend. It is always a great joy for me to sit on the old, old pews, sing the hymns from the old Flagstaff Church hymn books and remember walking the half mile to the little church in my days of youth. There was no way of heating the building, so in the winter time we worshiped in the gym of the school house.

Now for Percy’s memoir: “Not what we have, but what we use: Not what we see, but what we choose – These are the things that mar or bless The sum of human happiness.”

Gold medal winner at tourney

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Syrus Washburn

Syrus Washburn, 11, of Canaan, a member of Huard’s Jiu-jitsu team, captured a gold medal at the Black Fly Kids Brazilian Jiu-jitsu tournament in Rangeley on June 26.
Photo by Mark Huard, owner Central Maine Photography

New Dimensions raises funds for Maine Children’s Cancer program

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by Mark Huard

New Dimensions Federal Credit Union hosted their third annual car show at the Faith Evangelical Free Church at 250 Kennedy Memorial Drive on June 4. There were 20 different vehicle classes available, ranging from antiques to street rods. More than 110 people registered their vehicles at the show, surpassing more than double the participants from the first show. NDFCU staff volunteered at the event in order to sell food, merchandise, and facilitate the trophy ceremony and silent auction. With the help of local sponsors and community donations, the event raised $12,345.16. An additional $10,000 was donated by CO-OP Financial Services’ Miracle Match Program, bringing the total amount raised from the show to $22,345.16.

Members of the New Dimensions Federal Credit Union

Members of the New Dimensions Federal Credit Union, in Waterville, surround Sylvio Normandeau, front center, who recently met his lifetime goal of $500,000 raised towards Maine Children’s Cancer program.
Photo by Mark Hard, owner Central Maine Photography

All proceeds from the Cruisin’ for a Cure Car Show are donated to the Maine Children’s Cancer Program (MCCP) on behalf of local fundraising legend Sylvio Normandeau. Since the mid 1990s, Normandeau has been inspiring others with this dedication to the MCCP, all because he made a promise to his late wife that he was going to help kids in Maine with cancer. Since making that commitment to her, he has devoted years of his life to children and their families in our state in an effort to reach his personal fundraising goal of $500,000.

For several years during the summer months, Sylvio could be found at many area businesses as well as at Sam’s Club handing out hot dogs, where he would “give you a smile, a treat, and a thank you” in exchange for a small donation. He also helped facilitate and organize the annual MCCP Walk for the Waterville area for several years and continues to place spare change containers in central Maine businesses. His mantra of no donation is too small or too big has proved successful – at the close of 2015, Mr. Normandeau has raised just over $474,000 for his charity!

On July 6, New Dimensions FCU held an event at the Waterville branch to reveal the total amount raised for the MCCP. Normandeau was overjoyed when he learned that he reached his lifetime goal of $500,000.

New Norridgewock Dunkin’ Donuts

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Local officials help Ed and Colleen Bailey celebrate the grand opening of their new Dunkin’ Donuts

Local officials help Ed and Colleen Bailey celebrate the grand opening of their new Dunkin’ Donuts, in Norridgewock. From left to right, Sen. Rod Whittemore, Ed Bailey, Colleen Bailey, Rep. Bran Farrin and town manager Richard A. LaBelle. Contributed photo

Humanitarian caregivers seeking aid

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Gary Kennedy
by  Gary Kennedy

Partners For World Health was founded many years ago by Elizabeth McClellan, RN. The mission of medical service to mankind globally has really taken root from Maine to Bangladesh and many places in between. This 501 (c)3 organization is truly something of which to be proud, not only Nurse McClellan but to those of us, who endeavor to live up to the concept of Service Beyond Self.

In the few short years this great organization has existed, thousands of needy individuals around the world have benefited from its caring outreach with medical equipment, and supplies as well as much needed surgeries which would be out of reach of the poor if not for them. This, for the most part, is made of Maine medical professionals sharing their skills as volunteers to an in-need world. World Peace isn’t won by wars but by the warm, caring touch of humanitarian caregivers such as these.

This organization is based in South Portland but is expanding into the Augusta area. In so doing, it finds itself in need of a small, clean warehouse within 20 minutes of the Augusta area. If you know of a warehouse possibility please give us a call. Also, since we are a service to mankind organization, we are always in need of volunteers both medical professionals as well as much needed support staff including those of you who could be on call with a truck.

This is a great opportunity for church and civic organizations to give a helping hand sorting and cataloging medical supplies and equipment for missions throughout the world. If your school requires a certain amount of volunteer hours, here is a great opportunity to get credit for that, and at the same time, know that you are contributing to the welfare of those who wouldn’t have it without you.

To become part of the team call us at 207-774-5555, or you can email the department head at tori@partnersforworldhealth.org. Our website is www.PartnersforWorldHealth.org. If your group or civic organization needs a speaker we would be happy to do that.

You will make new friends and become part of something that you will certainly be proud of. Retired medical professionals are always welcome to assist on missions. Add meaning to your life and join the team “P.F.W.H.” The world needs you.

Obituaries, Week of August 11, 2016

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LINWOOD A. GROTTON

WINDSOR––SSgt. Linwood A. Grotton (Retired), born February 4, 1947, died at his home on Thursday, July 28, 2016, following a long illness.

Linwood “Woody” was a member of the United States Army for 21 years, serving during the times of Panama, Grenada and Vietnam and served one tour of duty in Korea. Linwood served four tours in Germany with his family and spent most of his military career in aviation and retired as a quality assurance/safety engineer and teacher for incoming aviation soldiers. He said upon discussing his time in the Army that he lived the longest camping trip of his life. Upon his retirement from the military he worked three years for Lockheed-Martin where he worked on aircraft across the country.

Linwood, with his wife Darlene, loved Munich, Germany, a favorite of theirs though they traveled extensively across both Europe and the United States with their daughters. Linwood was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman who loved taking his family camping. He was a protector, hero, and great father to his daughters and his marriage to Darlene was nothing less than adventurous. Through all life’s foibles and health concerns, Linwood lived each day to its fullest.

Linwood was a man who believed in family and shared this strong belief with his children and grandchildren. He loved history and learning about his ancestry. He was a man to be reckoned with, but a man whose heart far outweighed his gruff exterior. He was honest, honorable and real. He cared for those he loved with an unwavering loyalty.
He was predeceased by his mother, Alfreda (Young) Grotton and father, Leroy Henry Grotton; and brother Theodore Grotton.

Linwood is survived by his wife of 49 years, Darlene L. (Laukka) Grotton; five daughters, Tammy Anderson and husband, Erik, Lauri Alejandro, Heidi Grotton, Wendy Zwecker and husband Sam, and Billie Jean Niederowski and husband Mike; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister Naomi Wilson and fiancé Joe, of Warren; brother Gregory Grotton and wife Joyce, of Union; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Please make memorial donations to: The Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka KS 66675.

DONALD A. PEASLEE

WHITEFIELD––Donald A. Peaslee Jr., passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2016. Donald was born in Union on July 25, 1944.
In the summer of 1959 he met Barbara Jean Hall at a Knights of Columbus Hall dance. September 7, 1963, Donald and Barbara were married, lived in Whitefield and raised three children.

He is survived by his wife Barbara; daughter Tammy Peaslee, two sons, Scott Peaslee and wife Paula, Steve Peaslee and wife Bobbi-Jo; sister Vivian Gale; 16 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three nieces and two nephews.

REGINALD W. GRENIER SR.

ALBION – Reginald W. Grenier Sr., 77, passed away Monday, August 1, 2016, at Maine General Medical Center, in Augusta. He was born June 1, 1939, in Waterville, the son of Leo Edmond and Lucille Grace (Gullifer) Grenier.page4pict1

He was educated in the schools of Waterville and graduated from Waterville Senior High School in 1957, then continued his education at MVTI, graduating in 1960 earning an A.S. in electronics. On July 25, 1959, he married Pauline McCoy at Sacred Heart Church, in Waterville. He was a self-employed businessman for 22 years and owned and operated Grenier’s TV Repair. He enjoyed NASCAR racing, photography, was a watch collector, and loved to travel, and especially enjoyed riding trains and collected model trains as a hobby.

Reginald is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pauline (McCoy) Grenier, of Albion; daughter, Robbin Henderson and husband Franklin, of South Berwick; three sons, Reginald Grenier, Jr and wife Wanda, of Waterville, Stephen Grenier and wife Brandi, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Michael Grenier, of Fairfield; brother, Eddie Grenier, of Winslow; sister, Diane Grenier, of Winslow; 13 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to American Diabetes Association, Attn: Memorials, PO Box 2680, North Canton, Ohio 44720.
Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Maine 04976.

AUDREY I. TYLER

WINSLOW––Audrey I. (Witham) Tyler, passed away following a long battle with cardiac disease, on Thursday, August 4, 2016. Audrey was born on February 13, 1924, in Benton, to Elmer and Eliza (Shores) Witham.

She was the wife of Ervin H. Tyler and they shared 75 years together. Audrey lived in Freedom, and has resided in Winslow since 2002.
Audrey was a gentle, loving woman who always had a smile, and her twinkling brown eyes danced with excitement as she greeted everyone who touched her life.

As a child Audrey loved to slide, play in the brook building rafts, going to the movies with her father and cooking with her mother. She also enjoyed going to the coast with the family and going to local fairs. She loved sliding with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as playing basketball and cross country skiing, with she learned at age 70. In her later years, she enjoyed doing word search puzzles, playing beano, going for rides and meeting friends.

Audrey was a member of the Benton Falls Congregational Church, was a member of the Ladies Aide and cooked and worked on church suppers for years. She was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and was so excited to see them win the World Series three times. She attended the University of Maine’s women’s basketball games for years, even at the age of 85.

Audrey worked at the Winslow Poultry Plant for 29 years. She went there the day it opened and left the day it closed. She was a union representative and was well like and respected. She worked at the Mid_Maine Medical Center in the housekeeping department for 11 years and wa loved by staff and patients alike. She was made an honorary substance abuse counselor in recognition of the distinguished service, loving care and listening ear she gave to patients. They couldn’t say enough about the positive influence she was in their lives. Audrey was identified on several occasions as being an outstanding employee who committed a great deal to Mid-Maine’s caring environment. She was cited five times for giving extra care and kindness. Everyone who knew her loved her because they realized how much she cared for them.

Audrey took the initiative to do things on her own without being told, she was a very perceptive person, no wonder so many people looked up to her. One of her evaluators wrote, “she is very co-operative and understanding in all areas. She worked on detox, sixth hall. It isn’t an easy floor to work on, it takes a special understanding person to handle sixth hall and she is surely that type of person, a very polite, understanding and easy going person.”

Audrey was predeceased by her parents, Elmer (Joe) and Eliza Witham; her daughter, Nancy Tyler McCutcheon; sisters, Barbara Martin, Pauline Bessey; brother Irving Witham; sister-in-law, Maxine Gurney and husband Edmond; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband of 75 years, Ervin H. Tyler; she leaves one daughter, Bonnie R. Tyler; grandsons, Mark McCutcheon and wife Laurie, and Michael McCutcheon and wife Deanna; three great-grandchildren, Justin McCutcheon and wife, Sara, Kristi Francey and husband, Dana, and Ian McCutcheon; one great-great-grandchild, Madeline Francey; a son-in-law, Harold McCutcheon and friend, Sharon Lamb; niece and her family, Pamela Wallace and husband, Bob, Liza Wallace and Devon Wallace; nephews, Lawrence Lee and wife, Doreen, Dennis Witham and wife, Laura; and friend Alice Alexander.

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

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Benton Falls Congregational Church, c/o Dawnella Sheehan, 274 Bellsqueeze Road, Benton ME 04901.

OTHERS DEPARTED

JOSEPH M. LACHANCE, 84, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, at The Pavilion of Brightmore, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Locally, he is survived by a brother, Florian (Babe) Lachance, of Winslow.

DAVID L. GRUHN, 56, of Bristol, Connecticut, passed away on Friday, July 22, 2016, from complications of pneumonia. Locally, he is survived by siblings, Mary Bixby and husband Joseph, of Oakland, Frank Gruhn, of Fairfield, Robert Westman and wife Bobbi-Jo, of Oakland, and Patricia Hagerty and husband Patrick, of Clinton; nephew Christopher Gruhn, of Fairfield, neice Emily Hagerty, of Clinton, and step-nephews, Dorian and Zachary French, of Fairfield.

SHIRLEY J. O’NEAL CARON, 58, of Orange Park, Florida, passed away on Friday, July 22, 2016, following a long battle with cancer. Locally, she is survived by her father Wayman O’Neal and stepmother Lena, of Benton; siblings, Jerry O’Neal, of Benton, Betsy Lindell and son Ryan, of Waterville, Linda Hebert and companion Allen, of Fairfield.

DAVID L. HARRIS, 82, of Waterville, passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2016. Locally, he is survived by his wife Doris, of Waterville. daughters Deanna Bennett and partner Pete Tait, of Winslow, Dawn Starkey and husband George, of Benton, and Donna Sevey and husband James, of Waterville.

JOAN GIFFORD, 75, of Waterville, passed away on Friday, August 5, 2016, at her residence. Locally, she is survived by a brother, Ronney Perreault and wife Rose, of Waterville.