Kombucha: Hooch or healer?

Emily CatesGARDEN WORKS

by  Emily Cates

Part 1 of 2
Why would anyone want to make this drink?

I must confess that, for me, writing about gardening in the dead of winter is a challenge! Faced with little willing to grow in the garden (unless it’s super-hardy veggies under cold frames), I have decided to do an article on something cultivated indoors. Now, before you get any big ideas about what that might be – just relax and try to appreciate the intriguing idea of a live-cultured (and potentially controversial) drink celebrated for centuries for its purported health benefits that probably anyone could make with a few simple ingredients found in most kitchens. Let’s do this article in two parts – this time a brief overview of what kombucha is, and reasons why people are so excited about it. Next time, we’ll look at how to make it.

Now, if you haven’t heard of it before, I would be surprised, because kombucha has recently attained a cult-like status as a “superdrink” – along with a heaping helping of hullabaloo. Go to a natural food store or even Hannaford and you’ll find a 16.2 fl. oz. bottle for three or four bucks! Needless to say, someone is making a living off this trendy beverage. Why would anyone pay that much for a drink? And if it’s so great, how could a frugal-minded person enjoy the so-called benefits of this cocktail on the cheap?

For starters, kombucha – which has been an esteemed infusion in Asia for ages – has the reputation among followers as a health tonic. Along with B-vitamins, raw kombucha is loaded with probiotics and enzymes. As it goes with many trend-setting products, kombucha has been claimed to be helpful for just about every ailment under the sun. To be fair, though, it should be noted that kombucha definitely has its share of critics in the scientific community. Please don’t interpret these articles as medical advice. I would recommend doing some thorough research if you have never tried drinking or making kombucha before you embark on a brewing escapade. Allergies and contaminations are possible, so prudence and discernment are the sensible course.

Kombucha

Kombucha

How does it taste? Basically a fermented black tea and sugar concoction transformed by a vinegar “mother,” plain kombucha has a typically tangy, heady flavor reminiscent of a tart molasses elixir. Home-brewed kombucha has the tendency to vary in taste and effervescence, making each batch unique in its own way. With the addition of a pinch here-and-there of something from the garden, additional layers of flavor can enhance the kombucha experience. Store-bought brands include enticing varieties such as citrus, cranberry, chai, chia, currant, chaga, bilberry, cherry, cayenne, elderberry, ginger, grape, grapefruit, guava, lavender, mango, pineapple, raspberry, and strawberry. While many of these flavors may seem exotic for our area, they give us a good idea of possible flavors we can emulate in our own brews.

So, exactly how is kombucha made? And what’s that “mother” thingy all about? The next article we’ll explore some answers to those and other questions.

Resurgence of the pileated woodpecker around us

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee

A couple of weeks ago I received a phone call from a reader telling me about spotting a pileated woodpecker at her backyard feeders. For one thing, that is curious in itself because they are such isolated birds. They don’t like to to come out into the open. But what grabbed my interest in talking with this person was that she didn’t only see one, but three of them at one time.

pileated woodpecker

pileated woodpecker

I had never heard of that.

She did follow that up by saying there was one smaller than the other two. So, logic would indicate two adults and a young.

We have had pileated woodpeckers at camp, but in the 28 years we’ve been there, I have seen one on only three occasions. And every time was by accident. I just happened to catch a glimpse of it in flight through the thickest part of the woods.

I did, however, see one a couple of years ago in my backyard in the middle of Waterville. I just happened to be looking out the kitchen window when I saw it perched on an apple tree stump. My first thought at the time was it was obviously lost.

Unlike the ivory-billed woodpeckers, which some people say are extinct, much to the chagrin of others, the pileated woodpecker has made a comeback following a period of decline in numbers. The pileated woodpecker is the second largest of the species, smaller than the ivory-billed. If they still exist, they are extremely rare, although authorities believe that reported sightings may be the mistaken identity of a pileated.

Numbers in the eastern United States declined sharply during the 18th and 19th centuries with the clearing of forests. However, since 1900, they have made a gradual comeback, becoming common in some areas.

The incubation period is about 18 days, with both sexes participating (with the males incubating at night and part of the day). Both parents feed the young by regurgitation. After about a month, the young are ready to fledge on their own. However, some young have been known to stay with the parents up to three months.

Pileated woodpeckers favor mature hardwood forests, but will inhabit smaller woodlots as long as they contain some taller trees.

They remain in their area all year round, and are not migratory. They defend their territory all season, but will tolerate others passing through during the winter.

Pileated woodpeckers are relatively long-lived, with the oldest known living almost 13 years. Predators include martens, weasels, squirrels, rat snakes, and gray foxes. Once they mature to full size, they have fewer predators, which include Cooper’s hawks, northern goshawks, red-tailed hawks, great-horned owls and barred owls.

Its ability to survive in many different wooded habitat has allowed the species to survive human habitation. Even though they do not migrate, they are protected under the U.S. Migratory Bird Act.

Despite the fact they control many insect populations, especially tree beetles, some people consider them a nuisance because of the harm they can inflict on trees.

Offering woodpeckers food in an environment in which they are comfortable and familiar is the best way to bring them out of the woods and into your yard. My wife has several feeders at our home, one with a buffet of different seeds and nuts, also spiced with cayenne pepper (to discourage the squirrels) which attracts many song birds. But we also have a steady showing of both hairy and downy woodpeckers. We have yet to see a pileated.

I’m Just Curious: Critical thinking

by Debbie Walker

“Once upon a time,” I love those words for the beginning of a story! Doesn’t really fit for this story, but I like it! Critical Thinking is almost a fairy tale or story of wonder but I will see what I can do with it here. I had a class, at a New Hampshire college, called “Critical Thinking.” I enjoyed it and the instructor.

One of the things the instructor pointed out was the truth about statistics. I am still quite naïve about a lot of things, even at my age! The instructor told us that before we bought into the statistics of any study to consider who did the study and what did they want to justify. I can’t tell you how many times that thought has traveled through my mind.

Recently I heard the statistics for new employment. Nope. I can’t buy into their study. I was hearing the numbers given and then I remembered something I learned last year. This may even give you thoughts:

I know a man who had been unemployed for quite some time. He had gotten the new job through an employment agency. YeHaw!! He was getting a chance to get back on his feet, finally. He even enjoyed the job! He’d been on the job for about two months when his supervisor stopped at his work station one day to tell him that he was really doing a good job. Imagine his surprise when that evening he got a phone call from the employment agency and they told him he was laid off. He had that happen either two or three times. He also discovered he was not the only one to whom this was happening. Every so many months employment statistics will show up on the news. It goes sort of like this: Look at us, see how many people we employed this month or the past four months. BUT, do they tell you how many people lost their jobs; do they tell you that the same jobs are being refilled every so many months? I don’t think so. I think it is a disgusting practice. Does anyone ever check statistics?

A school, the vo-tech in Florida that my daughter attended for a while had an interesting activity going on. Deana had started a program at the vo-tech and she wasn’t doing very well. These people were going all out to bring in more high school kids. It seems their interest was in how many kids they were bringing in. However, they didn’t have to be concerned about how many quit because their money came in with their enrollment, no consideration was given for students who left. Quite a deal they had.

Okay, so when you hear statistics quoted start your questioning. It makes for some interesting conversations. Oh yeah, you will have to forgive me for part of what follows. In the north a story starts out, “Once upon a time.” In the south it may start out “Hey man, you’re not going to believe this s—.” Thank you for reading. Love to hear your thoughts!!!

Contact me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com Sub. line: Critical Thinking.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: CD – Mozart Sonata in F Major; Two very bad records

Peter Catesby  Peter Cates

Mozart Sonata in F Major

K. 497; Fantasy No. 1 in F Minor, K. 594; Sonata in B-Flat Major, K. 358- Artur Balsam and Gena Raps, pianists; Arabesque Records – Z6635, CD, recorded June 15-18, 1992.

This CD features three of nine compositions that Mozart scored for four hand piano. He created the genre during a 14-month stay in London at the age of nine; there, he wrote a piece to perform in public with his sister, thus creating a new type of repertoire that would prove fertile ground for Schubert, Brahms, Dvorak, Debussy, Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky and others.

Artur Balsam

Artur Balsam

My wonderful friend, Gena Raps, and her mentor/colleague, Artur Balsam (1906-1994), have selected the above-listed repertoire and give solid performances . Among Balsam’s bountiful experiences are several years touring with violinist, Yehudi Menuhin, during the ‘30s and recording batches of lesser known Mozart, Haydn, etc., for the Concert Hall, Musical Masterpiece Society and Musical Heritage Society labels between tthe 1950s and ’70s.

I recommend this very enjoyable CD to both beginning collectors and the most seasoned connoisseurs.

Two very bad records,
for different reasons

Arthur Godfrey

For Me and My Gal; Too Fat Polka- Columbia 37921, 10-inch 78 shellac, recorded 1947.

Arthur Godfrey (1903-1983) achieved an astounding popularity as a radio/TV talk show host, emcee, talent scout and formidable power broker throughout the ‘40s and ‘50s, mostly at CBS. His main gift was connecting with each listener, as though he was talking just to him/her personally, the friendly neighbor dropping in for a visit beaming with good will, affability and humor. At his peak, he had two daily programs and a weekly evening one.

Arthur Godfrey

Arthur Godfrey

Unfortunately, he was often a different man off the air – controlling, vindictive, not very nice. He fired his most popular regular, singer Julius La Rosa, mostly because La Rosa’s fan mail exceeded that of Godfrey’s, and did the firing on live TV. That may have been the straw that broke the camel’s back because Godfrey’s own popularity began waning afterwards.

His 1947 record of Too Fat Polka, a very very, very bad song, and For Me and My Gal, a mildly pleasant oldie, sold millions of copies, thus indicating a vast liking of Godfrey’s very four square singing.

Electronic Pioneers

music by Bolent Arel, Mario Davidovsky, Kenneth Gaburo, and Vladimir Ussachevsky and recorded at the electronic music centers of the University of Illinois and Columbia University; CRI 356, 12-inch vinyl LP, released 1976.

This week’s second very bad record is this group of so-called musical compositions, which is generated by gongs, voices, instruments, oscillators and other such sources, to create, to my admittedly very biased ears, a lot of auditory hokum. I do hope others curious enough to check out these works might find “meaning” and I will leave it at that!

SOLON & BEYOND, Week of January 26, 2017

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

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

Received the following e-mail from “Somerset Woods Trustees” entitled “Spring on Your Mind Yet?” Do You Have Apple Trees That Need Pruning and Want Expert Advice? Somerset Woods Trustees are pleased to announce that Joe Dembeck, executive director of the Somerset County Soil and Water Conservation District, is offering a class on pruning apple trees on February 12 (snow date, February 19) from 9 a.m. to about 2 p.m. This opportunity is being offered to ten people but there are only six slots remaining open .

We’ll park at the Margaret Chase Smith Library and walk (or snowshoe) to SWT’s Taylor Field, in Skowhegan. More directions will be given once we have our class roster! Don’t wait! Joe’s classes are always very popular and this one will fill up quickly. First-come, first-serve! Write Nancy at somersetwoodstrustees@gmail.com today. (since I received the above information too late for last week’s publication this notice may be too late, sorry.)

The Somerset County 4-H Leaders Association is holding a fundraising effort: a “Luck of the Draw” Auction on May 6, 2017, in Skowhegan.
4-H is the largest youth organization in the world. Our 13 local Somerset County 4-H clubs and independent project volunteers/members learn life skills and participate in community service activities. Research studies document that 4-H youth are more likely to go to college than youth engaged in other out-of-school programs. We provide funds to enable youth participate in programs like Engineering Day, the 4-H @UMaine Conference. summer camps and various county educational activities, along with awarding five county scholarships to youth who attend college. In an effort to reach more youth, we are coordinating with local schools and teachers to establish after-school programs.

Would you be so kind as to help by donating an item or gift card? Many people love gift certificates for services or fun events. We are collecting new items or gently used things; no used clothing please. Your cash donations may also be used to purchase gas cards, a popular item in the auction for much needed help to many local residents. Items may be dropped at the Skowhegan Cooperative Extension Office.

Your donations will help further the leadership skills developed and demonstrated by many youths participating in 4-H in our county. We would love to acknowledge your contribution by listing your name or business name in the program for the event. Thank you for your support of the 4-H, a nonprofit organization.

Received an e-mail from a volunteer scheduling coordinator for the local AARP Tax-Aide Program. As a community service, our IRS trained personnel provides free federal and state income tax preparation for area Seniors and low income families.

They have openings available in March and early April on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings at the Cross Roads Bible Church, in Madison, however, our schedule is filling up, so interested persons should call and schedule an appointment ASAP. Please include my phone number, and my first name, (Ferra). I can be reached for an appointment at 643-2559. My thanks in advance.

Just a reminder, don’t forget the Solon Congregational Church supper at the Solon Masonic Hall on Saturday, January 28, from 5 to 6 p.m.
And now for Percy’s memoir this week, I’m still told how much you enjoy his wise words! It’s a Wonderful World: In spite of the fact we complain and lament An view this old world with much discontent, Deploring conditions and grumbling because There’s so much injustice and so many flaws, It’s a wonderful world, and it’s people like you Who make it that way by the things that they do. For a warm, ready smile or a kind, thoughtful deed or a hand outstretched in an hour of need Can change our whole outlook and make the world bright Where a minute before just nothing seemed right. It’s a wonderful world and it always will be If we keep our eyes open and focused to see The wonderful things we are capable of When we open our hearts to God and His love. (words from a little book called, “A Collection of Blessings” by Helen Steiner Rice.)

Legal Notices, Week of January 26, 2017

STATE OF MAINE
KENNEBEC, ss.
TONI M. FREDETTE,
Plaintiff,
V.
MARY ANN FREDETTE
f/k/a
MARY ANN WENTWORTH
Defendant
SUPERIOR COURT
CIVIL ACTION
DOCKET NO:

ORDER ON PLAINTIFF’S
MOTION TO PERMIT
SERVICE BY PUBLICATION
TITLE TO REAL ESTATE IS INVOLVED
688 AUGUSTA ROAD, WINSLOW, MAINE
BOOK 12300, PAGE 133

A Complaint has been filed with the Court against Defendant MARY ANN FREDETTE f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH, which requires personal service in accordance with Rule 4(d) of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure.

Upon motion, the Court hereby ORDERS:

That service cannot be made upon MARY ANN FREDETTE, f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH in any of the usual manners prescribed by Rule 4 despite the due diligence of the Plaintiff. Service shall therefore be made upon MARY ANN FREDETTE, f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH and all those who claim or may claim by, through, or under MARY ANN FREDETTE, f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH by publishing this Order once a week for three (3) successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the County of Kennebec, the county in which the property at issue in the Complaint is located and the county in which MARY ANN FREDETTE, f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH was last known to reside.

The first publication shall be made within twenty (20) days after this order is issued. Service by publication shall be complete on the twenty-first (21st) day after the first publication.

Plaintiff seeks a judgment in Kennebec County Superior Court against MARY ANN FREDETTE, f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH to obtain a partition of certain property now owned by Toni M. Fredette and Defendant, and previously owned by Leo and Loretta Fredette, being located at 688 Augusta Road, Winslow, Maine.

The property at issue in the Complaint consists of the property described in the deed recorded at Book 12300 Page 133 at the Kennebec County Registry of Deeds.

A copy of the complaint for partition may be obtained from Plaintiff’s attorney at the address and number below.

If you wish to oppose this lawsuit, you or your attorney MUST PREPARE AND SERVE A WRITTEN ANSWER to the complaint WITHIN TWENTY (20) DAYS after service is completed by the foregoing method.

You or your attorney must serve your answer by delivering a copy of it in person or by mail to the Plaintiff’s attorney, Bryan B. Ward, of the firm of O’Donnell, Lee, 112 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine. You or your attorney must also file the original of your answer with the Court by mailing it to the following address: Kennebec Superior Court, 1 Court Street, Augusta, Maine, before or within a reasonable time after it is served.

IMPORTANT WARNING: IF YOU FAIL TO SERVE AN ANSWER WITHIN THE TIME STATED ABOVE OR IF, AFTER YOU ANSWER, YOU FAIL TO APPEAR AT ANY TIME THE COURT NOTIFIES YOU TO DO SO, A JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU IN YOUR ABSENCE FOR THE RELIEF DEMANDED IN THE COMPLAINT. IF YOU INTEND TO OPPOSE THIS LAWSUIT, DO NOT FAIL TO ANSWER WITHIN THE REQUIRED TIME.

IF YOU BELIEVE THE PLAINTIFF IS NOT ENTITLED TO ALL OR PART OF THE CLAIM SET FORTH IN THE COMPLAINT OR IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A CLAIM OF YOUR OWN AGAINST THE PLAINTIFF, YOU SHOULD TALK TO A LAWYER. IF YOU FEEL YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY A FEE TO A LAWYER, YOU MAY ASK THE COURT FOR INFORMATION AS TO PLACES WHERE YOU MAY SEEK LEGAL ASSISTANCE.

Dated: January 15, 2017
/s/ Michaela Murphy
Justice, Superior Court
Plaintiff’s Attorney:
Bryan B. Ward
O’Donnell and Lee
112 Silver Street
Waterville, Maine 04901
Telephone: (207) 872-0112
(2/9)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
Court St., Skowhegan, ME
Somerset, SS
Location of Court
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 is January 26, 2017

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.

2017-001 – Estate of CLINTON B. TOWNSEND, late of Canaan, Me deceased. Benjamin P. Townsend, 76 Williams Road, Chelsea, Me 04330 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-002 – Estate of CLIFFORD J. FECTEAU, late of Fairfield, I deceased. Thomas A. Little, 4 Sterling Drive, Westbrook, Me 04092 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-004 – Estate of SCOTT E. GREEN, late of Harmony, Me deceased. Thomas Bellen PO Box 277, North Conway, NH 03860 and Anna L. Green, 17 Carson Hill Road, Harmony, Me 04942 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2017-005 – Estate of DANIELLE A. DAVIS, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Maureen D. Davis, 418 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-006 – Estate of EDGAR L. BEAULIEU, late of Pittsfield, Me deceased. Madalyn L. Ring, 116 Higgins Road, Pittsfield, Me 04967 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-007 – Estate of KATHLEEN ANN BERNIER, late of Solon, Me deceased. Cristi Ann Dickey, 383 South Solon Road, Solon, Maine 04979 appointed Personal Representative.

2016-334 – Estate of VALERIE TIEMAN, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Gene Allen Harmon, 805 Ikes Road, Taylors, SC 29687 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-009 – Estate of LEWIS B. HAYES, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. James D. Hayes, PO Box 496, Canaan, Me 04924 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-013 – Estate of JACK E. RANDALL, late of Palmyra, Me deceased. Linda M. Burleigh, 7 South Street, Newport, Me 04953 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-014 – Estate of ELIZABETH D. RANDALL, late of Palmyra, Me deceased. Linda M. Burleigh, 7 South Street, Newport, Me 04953 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-015 – Estate of DORIS H. ISHERWOOD, late of Albany, NY deceased. Sharron-Linn Schmidt, 1124 Howard Street, Schenectady, NY 12303-1241 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-018 – Estate of CHRISTIE ANN JAMES, late of Madison, Me deceased. Ruth Lyons, 77 Bennoch Road, Orono, Me 04473 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-019 – Estate of ROY E. FICKETT, late of Norridgewock, Me deceased. Randal R. Fickett, 520 Stevenstown Road, Litchfield, Me 04350 AND Diana L. Wade, PO Box 116, Norridgewock, Me 04957 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2017-020 – Estate of WILLIAM C. ROACH, late of Athens, Me deceased. Marlene F. Roach, 11170 Broadstone Way, Apex, NC 27502 appointed Personal Representative.

To be published on Jan 26 & Feb. 2, 2017.
Dated: January 23, 2017 /s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(2/2)

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, on February 8, 2017. 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.

2016-344 – Estate of NATALIE ELIZABETH LEPAGE. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Stacey Slate, PO Box 56, North Anson, Me 04950 requesting minor’s name be changed to Natalie Elizabeth Slate for reasons set forth therein.

2017-003 – Estate of ALICE MARIE MULLEN. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Alice Marie Mullen, 20 AJ Drive, Norridgewock, Maine 04957 requesting that her name be changed to Alice Marie Berry for reasons set forth therein.

Dated: January 23, 2017 /s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(2/2)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
SOMERSET, SS
NOTICE TO HEIRS
STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT SOMERSET, SS.
41 COURT STREET, SKOWHEGAN, MAINE 04976

Estate of RAYMOND P. WALTERS, Docket No. 2016-346

A Petition for Informal Probate of Will or Appointment of Personal Representative Under a Will or Both has been filed in the estate of RAYMOND P. WALTERS. Said petition notes that there is the possibility that unknown and unascertained heirs may exist whose identity and whereabouts cannot, with the exercise of due diligence, be determined. Accordingly, notice is hereby given to such possible heirs of the existence of the Petition for Informal Probate of Will or Appointment of Personal Representative Under a Will or Both filed.

The following are the names of the unknown and unascertained heirs whose complete address is unknown:

Robert Read

THEREFORE, notice is hereby given to them as heirs of the above named estate, pursuant to Maine Rules of Probate Procedure Rule 4(d) (1) (a), and Rule 4 (e) a.

This notice shall be published once a week for two successive weeks in the Town Line, a newspaper having general circulation in Somerset County, with the first publication date to be January 26, 2017.

Name and address of proposed Personal Representative: Teri McRae, 107 Parsons Pond Drive, Portland, Me 04103.

Dated: January 10, 2017
Victoria M. Hatch
Register of Probate
(2/2)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
SOMERSET, SS
NOTICE TO HEIRS

Estate of DORIS H. ISHERWOOD
Docket No. 2017-015

It appearing that an heir of Doris H. Isherwood as listed in an Application for Informal Appointment of Personal Representative is of unknown address as listed below:

Tracy Lynn Arnold aka Nikki Taylor

And any and all other heirs of said decedent who are unknown and whose addresses are unknown.

THEREFORE, notice is hereby given as heir of the above named estate, pursuant to Maine Rules of Probate Procedure Rule 4(d) (1) (a), and Rule 4 (e) a.

This notice shall be published once a week for two successive weeks in the Town Line, with the first publication date to be January 26, 2017.
Name and address of proposed Personal Representative:

Sharron-Linn Schmidt, 1124 Howard Street, Schenectady, NY 12303-1241.

Dated: January 19, 2017
/s/ Victoria M. Hatch
Register of Probate
(2/2)

SWANA scholarship available

The Northern New England Chapter of SWANA (Solid Waste Association of North America) is announcing the availability of a scholarship for current undergraduates, graduate students, or high school seniors who have been accepted into an undergraduate program committed to a degree closely tied to Solid Waste Management, Environmental Science, Engineering or a related field of study.

The award is offered in remembrance of Steve Parker, a founding member of the SWANA Northern New England Chapter and long-term member of International Board of Directors. The scholarship is for $1,000 and is limited to students from Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Applicants do not have to be SWANA members; however, if the applicant has identified a SWANA family member (parent, grand-parent etc.) their application may be submitted for consideration for additional scholarship funding from the International Board of SWANA for up to $5,000.

Please mail completed application to Kevin Roche @ecomaine, 64 Blueberry Road, Portland ME 04102. Completed applications must be returned no later than March 8, 2017. For questions you may contact Kevin Roche or Denise Mungen at 207-523-3100 or email mungen@ecomaine.org.

A copy of the application can be found on our website at www.swanachapters.org/nne.

Erskine watercolors

Three students in the art program at Erskine Academy hold their watercolor paintings, which have been matted and framed with a grant from the Oak Grove School Foundation. Students’ artwork will be on display at the China Dine-ah. From left to right, Ally Clark Bonsant ‘17, Michael Haoming Shi ‘18, and Katherine Keller, ‘17. Photo by Emily Foss

ACT I and II – AKC Agility: New agility opportunity for beginners

TRAINING YOUR PERFORMANCE DOG

TRAINING YOUR PERFORMANCE DOGby Carolyn Fuhrer
Owner North Star Dog

There are two levels of ACT events: ACT 1 and ACT 2. ACT 1 is designed for the beginning level dog to show beginning sequencing and performance skills. ACT 2 requires an increased skill level by the addition of weaves and seesaw.

Who can enter?

Any dog 15 months or older that is in sound physical condition.

The dog cannot have earned an AKC agility title.

Non-registered and AKC registered dogs may enter.

Dogs without an AKC registration number will be issued a temporary one after the event by the AKC office.

If an unregistered dog earns a title, they will not receive a certificate until they are registered.

In order to earn an ACT 1 title, the team must run a course at any height they choose from 4 – 24 inches. The course will consist of 10 -12 obstacles, including a five-foot A frame, table, jumps (no spreads) and open tunnels. The course must be completed in 60 seconds (max time) with a score of 85 out of 100.

There can be no dropped bars, no missed contacts, no more than three attempts to complete any obstacle, and no more than three wrong courses.

A team must earn two qualifying legs to earn a title.

To earn an ACT 2 title, the team must run a course, at any height, which will include 11 – 13 obstacles. Obstacles will include A frame (five-feet), teeter, table, jumps (one spread jump), open tunnels and six weave poles. The dog walk is allowed in course design but is not required to be used in an ACT two test.

For an ACT 2 title, the team is allowed 70 seconds maximum time to complete the course with the same performance requirement for the ACT 1 test. A team needs to qualify in two ACT 2 courses to earn a ACT two title.

An ACT 1 title is not necessary to enter an ACT 2 test.

These ACT events are to encourage the sport of agility and help the dog and handler team prepare for regular agility events. ACT competitors can learn how to time, score, ring crew, course build, and learn how to help a trial run smoothly. ACT competitors will also learn about ring procedures and protocols, helping them to enjoy their first agility trial experiences.

The exciting news for all of us here in Maine is that Mid Coast Kennel Club will be hosting an ACT 1 and 2 test in March 2017 at Mainely Agility in Raymond, Maine. Mid Coast Kennel Club will also host two fun, informative workshops at the same location on February 4 and February 25 to help teams prepare for these events.

For more information on how you can register, contact Kathy Duhnoski of the Mid Coast Kennel Club at kduhnoski@myfairpoint.net or call Kathy at 207-691-2332.

Don’t miss out! Put this on your 2017 schedule – Happy New Year!

Carolyn Fuhrer has earned over 90 AKC titles with her Golden Retrievers, including 2 Champion Tracker titles. Carolyn is the owner of North Star Dog Training School in Somerville, Maine. She has been teaching people to understand their dogs for over 25 years. You can contact her with questions, suggestions and ideas for her column by e-mailing carolyn@dogsatnorthstar.com.

Part-time curator sought by Vassalboro Historical Society

This position requires experience in grant writing, and membership development and/or volunteer recruitment and supervision. In addition the curator will:

  • be responsible for accessioning, storing and displaying of Museum holdings, including documents, photographs, books & three dimensional objects.
  • Provide advice to Building and Grounds Director regarding storage and display needs.
  • Carry out research requested by individuals who contact the museum.
  • Using Past Perfect museum software, enter description and photos (if available) of all accessioned items and backup software regularly.
  • Direct volunteers in a variety of tasks including cleaning, accessioning, etc.
  • Work with the President and the Board of Directors to continue maintenance and development of the Society and its programs

If you are interested please contact Jan Clowes, VHS President by e-mail at vhspresident@hotmail.com or by leaving a message at the museum at 207-923-3505.