Growing up in Augusta: Priceless

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Pages In Timeby Milt Huntington

Our family moved from Belfast to Augusta when I was a mere 10 years old. I knew Augusta was the capital of Maine, because every time we drove through town to visit out-of-state relatives, my parents would wake me up to see the State House dome.

The only other thing I knew about Augusta was the fact that it was the home of a mental hospital which, back then, was commonly called an insane asylum. I experienced a few nightmares before moving here about crazy people walking the streets. When our moving truck pulled up at our new home on Swan Street, my bicycle was the first thing to be unloaded. That drew the attention of the kids in the new neighborhood who would soon become my childhood friends.

I was small. My bike was a 22-inch affair compared with the 31-inch bikes most kids had. That seemed to fascinate the Swan Street gang with the exception of one guy who didn’t accept this new kid on the block. That was OK with me. I didn’t accept him either. He was a grammar school football hero who became bigger than life when he broke his nose. We got into a fight over some exchange of words, and a lot of fists were flying back and forth. I don’t remember any of them making a serious connection, and we never fought again. He became my closest friend from that day on.

What a neighborhood! A family with five kids lived next door. Down on nearby Gage Street, there was another family with five, plus another Gage Street boy who would also become a life-long friend. We played street hockey using a tin can for a puck; All-y, All-y Over, which involved throwing a ball over the roof of a house and Ring-A-Lebo which was sort of like hide-and-seek. We also played Mother, May I, which involved taking giant strides or baby steps when you remembered to ask: “May I?” and Red Light, a game where the person who was “it” shut their eyes and counted to ten while the others tried to sneak up and tag him before the “it” person said: “Red Light”.

We stole apples, broke a few street lights on Halloween and played football on the approach road to the new Memorial Bridge before it got paved. As a matter of fact, while the bridge was under construction, a few of us walked out on the steel work one night and made our way across the river. After making it safely to the other side, I remember remarking to my friends: “Hey! We beat the governor across!” A KJ reporter heard the remark and printed it in the next day’s news.

Swan Street was located right behind the Hartford Fire Station, and provided a neat short cut through its alley on the way downtown. The fire whistle sounded loudly every night at 9 p.m. to signify curfew time for the younger set. There were times when we would be cutting through the alley way when the whistle would blow and frighten us about ten feet off the ground. There’s no curfew anymore. I wonder why the 9:00 whistle continues to blow? Right beside the fire station, two nice men named Frank and Howard worked at a small shoe repair shop. We hung out there because we liked it when they teased us half to death. We thought we were kind of tough. They laughed and called us “pansies.” We were also firemen wanna-be’s, and pestered them a lot.
I always liked walking down Rines Hill when the trains passed under the bridge. Once, we stood there as a smoke-spewing locomotive went underneath. We were covered with black soot as we leaned on the soot-smudged railing, and we had to go home to get cleaned up. The marvelous old brick railroad station at the bottom of the hill would see some of us come and go from the Korean War. The next place down Water Street was Frank Turcotte’s shoe repair and shoe shine parlor where “Our Gang” would go on Sunday mornings after getting all gussied up for church or some such thing. Next to the shoe shine shop was the coolest store in town–the Depot News. A really nice guy named Joe Kaplan ran the place and provided a second home for all us kids who played his pin ball machine for a nickel a game. All the downtown merchants were good to us kids.

We always stopped at Joe’s on the way to the movies at the Capital or the Colonial theater to load up on candy bars. It was also the place to buy comic books. Between the Depot News and the Capital Theater was a nice little store that sold fruits and vegetables. When I was flush, I used to buy a quarter pound of cherries there to eat in the movie theater.

Next to the fruit store was Partridge’s drug store, where we pigged out on ice cream sodas and chocolate malts or milk shakes, often referred to as chocolate velvets. In my high school days, I would work there as a soda jerk. I even took two years of Latin at Cony High in preparation for a career as a pharmacist. Didn’t happen! My high school year book prophesized that my writing would take me far in the literary world. Yeah, right! All the Way to the Capital Weekly and Kennebec Journal, in Augusta.

Getting back to the movie theaters, the Capital provided all the B-Class movies, westerns and such in black and white. It did have a weekly serial, however, which drew us in every weekend without fail. The serials ranged from Superman to Flash Gordon to Tom Mix and The Shadow. The feature was often Gene Autry, Roy Rogers or the Three Musketeers, starring John Wayne as Stony Brooks and Bob Steele as Tucson. I forget who the third one was – somebody very funny, but forgettable. My first ticket at the Capital cost me 12 cents. What a shock one day when it jumped all the way to 20 cents. We used to horse around noisily a lot at the movie theaters, and it was something to brag about to get ejected at least once during our young lives.

Down at the other end of the street was the old Colonial Theater where Class-A pictures were shown. On Sunday, after week-long previews of coming attractions, we would be rewarded with musical extravaganzas starring Esther Williams, Bing Crosby or Jane Powell in living color or flicks like Casablanca, The Wolfman or war movies like Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo. The Colonial played their movies continuously so we could sit through a good movie twice for the price of a single ticket.

Once in a cowboy thriller, an Indian chief, played by blue-eyed Jeff Chandler, stood in the middle of a pow-wow session, folded his arms and dramatically declared: “I walk away!” “Our Gang” had seen the movie once, but we stayed for a second showing to get back to that pow-wow scene again, when we stood in the theater, one by one, folded our arms and declared to the rest of the audience: “We walk away. People call them punks today. We were harmless “hooligans” then.”

On the way home from the Colonial was Ed Houdlette”s Drug Store which was known to have a particularly vulnerable pin ball machine. We hung out there a lot because Mr. Houdlette was also nice to us.

Water Street is what I like to call a street of dreams because it conjures up so many memories of shops and businesses that vanished with our youth. Remember the five- and ten-cent stores that anchored the center of down town Augusta – McLellan’s, Kresge’s and Woolworth’s. We had ‘em all. I was a stock boy and soda jerk for the Kresge operation, but it suvived anyhow for awhile.

Then of course, we had JCPenny, D.W. Adams, Chernowsky’s, the Army-Navy Store, Lamey-Wellahan, Montgomery-Ward and Sears & Roebuck. A jewelry store graced the corner of Water Street and Bridge Street – A.J. Bilodeau’s. Another one sat on the corner between Farrell’s Clothing Store and the post office. It displayed a sign with a picture of a diamond ring. The caption stated: “I came here to talk for Joe,” a popular World War II love song. Speaking of Farrell’s, it once boasted just a single aisle between two counters with a little space downstairs where I bought all my Boy Scout gear and a tux for the senior prom. Nicholson & Ryan Jewelers was always there, it seems.

Near the botom of Rines Hill was a liquor store where my father and grandfather liked to surreptitiously shop. They would always leave their change with the Salvation Army lassie who parked out front. Once, running an errand for my mother, I dropped some change into the lassie’s tambourine. When my mother questioned me about that, I replied: “That’s what Papa and Grampy always do.”

On the other end of Water Street were the beer parlors which gave the neighborhoods a shoddy reputation. Across the street was Allen’s Grocery Store. a fish market and Berry’s Cleaners. Depositor’s Trust Co. on Haymarket Square was on the ground floor of a six-story affair which is now the site of the Key Bank building. We’re talking ancient history, I know, but who can ever forget Stan Foster’s Smoke Shop next to the old Hotel North. He specialized in meals, smokes and some real great pin ball machines. Near the Depot News was Al’s Barber Shop which took care of ducktail haircuts and crew cuts in the early years. His partner and relative bought him out and opened Pat’s Barber Shop at the other end of Water Street near the lights.

Swan Street and Water Street have undergone a lot of change in the last 60-plus years or so. Downtown was the main thoroughfare to all those movies, and it was the pathway to Cony High before the new bridge opened up. Most of those downtown places are now long gone, but the memories (some a little fuzzy now) will remain forever. I wouldn’t swap those memories for anything. Growing up in Augusta was as good as it gets.

Read Part 2 here: Growing up in Augusta: Priceless (Conclusion)

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

IF WALLS COULD TALK, Week of 12, 2017

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Katie Ouilette Wallsby Katie Ouilette

WALLS, there is no doubt that the past week has been reminiscing time for me. Yup, I have experienced my 66 years bumping into my memories for days and days. Where am I going? Well, let’s start with Lew’s and my attending a memorial gathering to honor Attorney “Bill” Townsend at the place he called ‘home’…..the town of Canaan.

Frankly, Bill was “Bill” to me for many years, but until I heard the accolades delivered by those who spoke at his memorial, I had no idea how this man had touched my life through his courageous efforts (and winning!) in his many fields of interest. I think, WALLS, you should lead us from the minute we passed through the door at the famous Canaan House. We were directed to the second level for the memorial and, upon our arrival, there was nearly standing-room only! Yes, people attended from far away and close to home. Lew and I sat next to two men from Massachusetts, with whom Bill had been a young student and the elder brother had not returned to Maine for over 40 years.

Now, faithful readers, you are wondering where my reminiscing comes into the picture. Well, I served on Bill’s first conservation committee when we of the Denis family moved back to Maine and brought Z.D.Wire Manufacturing to Norridgewock and Skowhegan. What does that have to do with conservation?

Well, my mom, Roxie Valliere, worked for “Bill” Philbrick and Kennebec Log Driving and Bill Townsend had a goal to get the logs out of the Kennebec River.

Obviously, I would be a valuable member of the conservation committee. Well, I’m not sure I did much except that the committee asked me to testify before the state legislature and my words were intended for everyone, just as the song that we were asked to sing at the closing of Bill’s memorial: “This Land is Your Land…This Land is my Land”.

Attending the memorial was Chris Perkins. His dad, George, has been a partner with Bill Townsend and their office was where I worked when in Skowhegan High School. I worked for Dr. Harold Dumont, dentist, after school and on Saturdays. Now, Chris and I are partners for CATV 11….his being host of Now You Know and a panelist on Keeping Pace, both of which I produce/direct.

Yes, WALLS, so much has transpired over these years. Bill Townsend will forever be revered for the gifts that he has given Maine and the town of Canaan people. The Kennebec is free of floating logs and fishermen and women and children can enjoy their boats’ passage and fishing. Dams that once held fish back from breeding grounds and fishing have been torn away and, as folks drive or walk next to our precious waterways, we may be reminded that an attorney from Canaan made his life’s work to save this land for you and me.

SOLON & BEYOND, Week of January 12, 2017

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

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

It’s a happy day when I receive the Solon School News letter.

The Solon Kids Care Club sponsored a Secret Santa activity again this Christmas. Students and staff members drew names and each one designed a tree ornament for the person whose name he/she selected. These ornaments looked great on our school Christmas tree.

The Solon PTO sponsored a Children’s Shopping Day on December 15. Students were able to shop for inexpensive gifts for their families at a “store” set up by the PTO. Thanks to parents who donated items for this activity and to the PTO, and to the PTO members for helping out.

The Solon Christmas Program took place on December 19. Families joined in as Mr. Rich Roberts led them in singing favorite Christmas carols. Hot cocoa and cookies were served.

The annual District Christmas Concert took place at Carrabec Community School on December 14. Band and chorus students from grades 4-8 performed holiday songs under the direction of Mr. Gilbert.

The Solon Fire Department invited the students in grades K-2 to the Fire Hall for a Christmas Party on December 20. We appreciate this special activity the fire department does for the students every year.

RSU #74 Disrict fifth grade ski and snowboard trip to Sugarloaf Mountain will be held on Friday, February 3, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Parents are welcome to join the students. Look for permission slips and other forms to come home with students. Contact Mr. Kirk Robinson with any questions.

Third grader Karen Baker was the winner of a contest sponsored by the Solon Fire Department. As the winner, Karen received a special T-shirt and a ride to school in a fire truck.

When the Solon Fire Department came to the Solon School in October in conjunction with Fire Safety Week, they taught students how to keep themselves and their families safe in the event of a fire. They asked students to write about what they learned and draw a picture to go with their writing. The firefighters chose Karen’s entry as the winning one. Congratulations, Karen.

Just a reminder; The Embden Historical Society will not be meeting during the months of January and February.

Don’t know whether any of you made New Year resolutions but when I do, it is usually hard to keep them all. But this week’s memoir from Percy is a good one entitled, ” Do It Now!” If all of the things that could have been done, Were done at the time they should have been done, There never would be any reason to say, “Do it now!” If our unanswered letters were answered , And all thoughtful acts were performed, There never would be any reason to say, “Do it now!” If we didn’t cling so tight to our old friends, And neglect to make any new, There never would be any reason to say, “Do it now!” If all of the things we thought about doing, Were done each day as it passed , There never would be any reason to say, “Do it now!” But since we are all very human, And tend to forget as we go, Let’s remind ourselves of kind deeds undone By the three little words, “Do it now!” (words by Jean Grindle).

Dr. Rice joins staff at Nadeau Chiropractic

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Dr. Ashley Rice grew up in California, Kentucky, and has concentrated her education on the study of biology, human anatomy and physiology. After experiencing a back injury in high school, her parents sought out the help of a chiropractor. With the help of adjustments from her doctor, she experienced great relief and became very interested in chiropractic.

Following high school, Dr. Rice joined the United States Air Force as an air traffic controller and medic. Following the military, she received her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University, in Montgomery, Alabama. While there, she completed an accelerated program that allowed her to start chiropractic school earlier than most. She then moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where she attended Logan University College of Chiropractic. While there, Dr. Rice completed her certification in acupuncture, applied kinesiology, and fascial work.

In her free time, Dr. Rice loves to experiment with paleo and gluten free cooking, exercise, and spend time with her family.

Moving up the ranks

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Young students from Huard’s Martial Arts, in Winslow, recently earned new ranks of blue and green belts. Front row, from left to right, Sabastialn Rail, Wyatt Huntley, Makenna Huntley, Madison Field, Isabella Citro, Caden Pellotte, Elijah Ker, Jackson Hineman and Dan Ouellette. Back row, Xander Giguere (green belt), Madisyn Hines, Isaac Andrews, Lucas Andrews, Logan Grenier, Ian Farrell and Trey Gunzinger (green belt).

Photo by Mark Huard

Obedience: The foundation of all we do with our dogs

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by Carolyn Fuhrer
Owner North Star Dog Training

AKC defines its obedience program as trials set up to demonstrate the dog’s ability to follow specified routines in the obedience ring to emphasize the usefulness of the dog as a companion to humans; and it is essential that the dog demonstrate willingness and enjoyment while it is working, and that handling be smooth and natural without harsh commands.

In other words – the dog and handler enjoy working together. If you have ever seen beautiful heeling, you understand the wonderful flow of energy between the dog and handler. If you have ever seen bright, crisp signals and recalls, then you understand the focus and understanding between the team that comes from the heart.

Obedience is the foundation that enables our dogs to do all the wonderful things they do with us and for us. Obedience enables our dogs to be search and rescue dogs, herding dogs, therapy dogs, assistance dogs, agility dogs, freestyle dogs, and on and on.

Without obedience as a foundation, dogs could not participate in these activities. They need to be able to ignore distractions, make good choices, work under pressure, follow directions and have focus and attention. This is what obedience teaches and this is not a bad thing. All pet dogs could use these skills – it could even save their lives at some point.

There seems to be some feeling that commands are bad. Actually, in reality we give our dogs commands all the time, such as “wait” when we open the door to let them out; “sit and wait” when we go to put their food bowls down; “come” when we need them to join us. Whether you want to call them cues, requests or signals, is a question of semantics. We still expect some compliance and good manners when we ask something of our pets. This is not bad.

Correction seems to be another difficult term – correction is simply a way of showing how something should be done. It does not imply pain or harshness mentally or physically. To anyone who has a poor opinion of obedience my guess is that they have never attended a good obedience class. In a good class there is fun, excitement, laughter, challenges and lots and lots of rewards in many shapes and forms. Dogs are never – and I repeat – never corrected in any way for something they do not understand. This would be self-defeating for all involved. How could we create a willing, joyful, trustful partner if this was a method we employed? Are there poor obedience teachers out there? I’m sure there are, just as there are bad doctors and poor attorneys.

Positive training is not an entity in and of itself, but simply a way to teach obedience. Positive training and obedience training should not be an antithesis. Positive methods are employed to teach dogs obedience and life skills, and most successful obedience instructors use positive methods. There are also people out there claiming to use only positive methods and are not very good at it because they do not understand how to teach.

Even improper use of “clicker training” can cause terrible mental stress to a dog that is overwhelmed by the improper criteria.

So, let’s hope 2017 will be a year to bring more mutual respect to all those in the dog world and for how we choose to spend quality time with our dogs. We all basically share the same goals to enjoy living with our dogs and enjoy special activities with them.

A dog with an obedience foundation is a joy to live with and actually gets a lot more freedom than an uncontrolled dog. It is irresponsible to allow an uncontrolled dog total freedom. All dogs need an obedience foundation.

I am very proud of all of my students and the relationship they have developed and built upon through obedience. Not sure? Find a good obedience class to watch and talk with the students and learn how much it could do for you and your dog.

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.

Area students on dean’s list at UNH

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The following area students have been named to the dean’s list at the University of New Hampshire, in Durham, New Hampshire.

Kelly McCormac, of South China; Michaela Hinckley-Gordon, of Benton; Kellie Bolduc and Luke Violette, both of Waterville; Sarah Wildes, of Winslow; Myrilla Hartkopf, of Albion; Andrew Marden, of Bingham, Maxwell Kenney and Kyle McLain, both of Fairfield; Adam Bovie and Rebecca Grenier, both of Vassalboro.

Obituaries, Week of January 12, 2017

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MURIEL A. MacLEAN

FAIRFIELD – Muriel Ann MacLean, 56, passed on Thursday, December 29, 2016, at Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Bangor. She was born in Portland on June 11, 1960, the youngest daughter of the late Walter E. Oakes.

She graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, class of 1978. She shared her life with her husband, Kent, for over 37 years. Together they had a love for one another that lasted a lifetime. Muriel and Kent traveled to Prince Edward Island on more than one occasion to celebrate their anniversary. Muriel was a housewife and raised her two children, Brian Paul and Joanne, proudly.

Muriel also enjoyed arts, crafts, an occasional game of bingo, and making her yearly batch of peanut butter fudge for her very grateful family. But most of all, she enjoyed the time she shared with her family, especially her four grandchildren, Aria, Vincent, Morgan and Ian. She loved being a grandmother and had an unconditional love for all of her family. Her heart was always full of love for others around her.

In addition to her husband, children, grandchildren, she is also survived by her mother, Priscilla M. Oakes; daughter-in-law, Nicole; father and mother-in-law, Ken and Patricia MacLean; sisters and brothers, Karen and Louis Gilbert, Gary and Janette Oakes, Brian and Tammy Oakes; sister-in-law, Brenda and Gordon Reynolds, and Jill MacLean; brothers-in-law, Mark and Penny MacLean, Greg Maclean, Neil and Philomena MacLean, and Brett and Karen MacLean; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Steve MacLean.

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

NORBERT R. KELLEY

ALBION––Norbert R. Kelley, 94, died at Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta, on Thursday, December 29, 2016. Norbert was born on November 7, 1922, in Cold Spring, New York.

He was the youngest child of Jessie (Sproston) Kelley and Norman H. Kelley. Norbert attended PS#45 and John Adams High School in Cornell Park, Queens, New York. He moved to Maiine with his parents in 1939 and he graduated from Besse High School, in Albion, in 1940. He earned an associate’s degree from Thomas Business School, in Waterville, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Husson College, in Bangor.

Norbert loved his country and spent some of the happiest years of his life in her service. He served in the 454th Bombardment Group in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was the top turret gunner and engineer on a B-24 Liberator. On his 28th mission his airplane was shot down over Blechammer, Germany. Norbert spent nine months as a prisoner of war-–five months in Stalag Luft IV, in Poland, and four months on a 600-mile death march through the frozen countryside with no shelter and very little food. After the war, Norbert enlisted in the new US Air Force and served during the Korean “conflict” from 1948 to 1952. He returned to the military for the third time in 1961. He served in the US Army and spent a year in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971. He retired from the Army in 1977. Norbert was drawn to continue working with the armed services so he worked as a civil servant at Fort Wainwright, in Fairbanks, Alaska, for 10 years from 1980 to 1990.

Norbert was a member of the Albion Christian Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled Veterans and the Grange.

Norbert loved Maine and the ‘little white house” on the Kelley farm, in Albion. He loved to travel and was an avid photographer. Norbert enjoyed camping and hiking. Norbert had a beautiful tenor voice and he liked to sing at home and at church. He played the guitar and harmonica, wrote poetry and prose and loved to talk about religion and politics.

Norbert was deeply spiritual and loved God and service to others.

Norbert was predeceased by his parents; his sister Norma Kelley; and his brother Gordon W. Kelley.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Nancy (Worrall) Kelley, of Albion; his daughter Kathleen (Kelley) Crawford and her husband Randy Crawford, of Albion; his three grandchildren, Kelley Crawford, of Richmond, Nancy Crawford and her significant other Dan Shea, of Albion, Joshua Crawford and his significant other Jennifer Crawford, of Albion; his great-granddaughter Victoria Crawford, of Albion; and two nieces and two nephews.

An online guestbook may be signed and thoughts expressed at www.lawrybrothers.com.

Memorial donations may be made to Maine Veterans Home, 310 Cony Road, Augusta ME 04330, or MaineGeneral Hospice.

ELBERT D. HAYFORD JR.

WHITEFIELD­­––Lieutenant Colonel, USAF, Elbert (Bert) D. Hayford Jr., of Whitefield, passed away Thursday, December 29, 2016, at Glenridge Long Term Care, in Augusta. He was born April 21, 1921, in Farmingdale, to Elbert and Gertrude (Boothby) Hayford.

Bert graduated from Gardiner High School in 1938. Following graduation he learned to fly at the Augusta Airport, contiinued his flight training in Boston and then went on to join the Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant for 27 years of honorable service. He was a highly decorated pilot. His military duties took him all over the world and included, among other things, flight instruction to new pilots, flying 357 missions in the Berlin Airlift––a humanitarian mission, the Candy Drop, and photo mapping Alaska, Iceland and Greenland. Bert also landed a B-17 at Augusta Airport upon learning of his father’s death. At the time it was the second time that a plane of a four-motored type had landed there. Bert was a three-war veteran serving in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

Upon retirement, he and his wife purchased the family farm in Whitefield where they went “back to their roots,” haying the field, growing three gardens, owning a milk cow, chickens, and various other farm animals. During this time, he also owned and operated a Shell station in Augusta. He was a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy, where he volunteered for the Blue Light program visiting community elders to check on their needs. Later, Bert returned to flying for Maine Instrument Flight in Augusta.

Bert also greatly enjoyed joining the Happy Hearts Program at the Augusta YMCA where he exercised three times a week for many years. At age 95 he remained faithful to his exercise routine and especially enjoyed “pool day” on Fridays.

He was very proud to have been a founding father of Whitefield Senior Men’s Group and always looked forward to his Thursday morning discussions with them.

Bert also enjoyed photography, travel to and watching Formula 1 car racing.

He was predeceased by his parents; wife, Dorothy Alice (Meigs) Hayford; sisters, Eleanor Cunningham, Olive Washburn, Margaret Dodge, and Nancy Harrington; brother, Donald Hayford Sr.; and sons-in-law, William Glazier and Henry F. Bremer.

Elbert is survived by son, Elbert Hayford III, of Augusta; daughters, Bonnie Glazier, of Palermo, Betsey Bremer, of Windsor, Barbara and Daniel Bonenfant, of Whitefield, and Connie Libby and husband Jim, of Newcastle; sister, Janice Perkins, of Edgecomb; nine grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and family.

JONATHAN W. WHITE

CHINA––Jonathan William White, 42, passed away at his residence in China on Saturday, December 31, 2016. Jonathan was born in Waterville on August 12, 1974, to Carrol and Susan White.

He was a 1992 graduate of Erskine Academy.

Jonathan was predeceased by his grandfathers, Roy Dow and Benny White.

He is survived by his parents Carrol and Susan; brother Nathan and wife Alison and their son Tyler; grandmothers Carolyn Dow and Virginia White; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memories and condolences may be offered at www.ripostafh.com.

THEODORE C. FARRINGTON

SOUTH CHINA––Theodore Carleton Farrington, age 62, died Saturday, December 31, 2016, at his home of a heart attack, with his brother Tom, and niece, Johanna, by his side. He was born in Augusta, a son of Carleton F. Farrington and Marcia (Brann) Farrington.

He was a graduate of China Elementary School and Erskine Academy, in South China.

Ted worked at Farrington Clothing Outlet for a few years as manager. After, he worked with his brother, Tom, painting houses for over 30 years.

Ted loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting and trapping for many seasons. He had several close buddies that he shared these memorable seasons with and some wonderful stories too. Ted also enjoyed golfing at local courses for many years and was a longtime member of The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks#964.

Ted was the kindest man, always willing to lend a helping hand and always greeted all with a genuine smile.

He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Timothy Farrington; and a step-nephew, Stephen Campbell.

He is survived by his brother, Thomas C. Farrington and wife, Nancy A.; nieces, Jessica L. Farrington and Johanna L. Studholme, husband Kirk M. and their sons, Parter T. Studholme and Ethan M. Studholme; nephew, Carleton “Chip” Farrington, wife Alysia, and their daughters, Madyx Kennedy and Megan Marie Farrington; a step-nephew, Michael Campbell; stepnieces, Kelly Niles and Terry Mehuren; several uncles, aunts, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the South China Legion Hall on Sunday, January 15, at 2 p.m.

JULIA F. MARTIN

BENTON––Julia F. Martin, 94, passed away at her home on Monday, January 2, 2017. She was born Julia Florence Buker in East Benton on October 30, 1922, the daughter of Leroy and Bertha (Witham) Buker.

She attended the local one-room school and graduated eighth grade. Julia worked at household chores from a young age and tended to various nieces and nephews. She grew up extremely fast. She would spend her entire life taking care of others and it was done well.

Julia married Henry Martin on January 14, 1939, at Clinton. They were together for more that 65 years. In the early years, she was involved with the 4-H Club, Ladies Aid Society, selling Avon, and the local church (many, many public suppers). In later years she retired from the Hathaway Shirt Company, of Waterville. She hunted deer with two sisters, picked berries, played cards, had holiday gatherings, and went on picnics and camping trips with friends and family. She knew how to have fun.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Henry Martin in 2004; her son Thomas Martin in 1999; daughter-in-law Betty Martin in 2000; and grandson Donald Shores Jr. in 2015. She outlived all her siblings, Cony Witham, Harold Buker, Earland Buker, Daphne Robinson, Violet Grenier, Celia Littlefield, Willard Baker, and Marion Buker.

Survivors include her three children, Kathleen Humphrey, of Freeport, Judith Shorey, of Oakland, Henry Martin Jr. and wife Pat, of Benton; 13 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

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

WILLIAM J. KOLREG SR.

OAKLAND––William J. Kolreg Sr., 87, died Monday, January 2, 2017, at Glenridge Nursing Home, in Augusta. He was born in Lewiston on October 23, 1929.

William lived several years in Connecticut, where he worked for Neilsons Gas Company. Returning to Maine, he was employed by Hinmans Lumber and later North Anson Reel Company.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

William was predeceased by his wife Grace; a daughter, Elaine; and three brothers, Wally, Marshall, and Mont.

Surviving are a son William Kolreg Jr. and wife Terry; daughters Linda Markham, Lori Soucy, and Yvonne Armor and husband Charles; a a brother Wendall; several step-children; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

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

PETER J. OTIS

FAIRFIELD––Peter J. Otis, 47, passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2017, in Portland. He was born in Waterville on September 19, 1969, the son of James W. Otis and Sandra Larsen Otis.

Peter grew up in Fairfield and graduated from Lawrence High School class of 1987. After graduation Peter was employed by United Parcel Service (UPS) where he worked as pre-loader and air driver for 27 years.

He always knew how to put a smile on someone’s face. Peter was very generous and enjoyed giving things to people he cared about and he often did; whether they needed it or not.

He loved to fish and was often the first to fish the local fishing holes, rain or shine. Other hobbies he had were hunting, stand-up comedy, and he had a soft spot for animals. Peter enjoyed spending time with his daughter Ashley, her sisters Hannah and Jaiden, and his nieces. He took them fishing, four-wheeling, and to the movies and out to eat. He loved to hang out and watch football with his lifelong friend, John Poplaski. His pride and joy was his granddaughter, Sailer. He looked forward to teaching her to drive, fish, play golf, snowmobile, and “to have an attitude”.

Peter was predeceased by his father James W. Otis.

Peter is survived his daughter, Ashley A. Otis; a granddaughter, Sailer J. Otis; his mother, Sandra Otis; sister Brenda Adams and husband Andy; brother Darby Otis and wife Sherie; and nieces Danielle Otis, Michaela Otis, Ashley Bellows, and Erica Ratner.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.lawrybrothers.com.

Memorial donations may be given to Animal Humane Society, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville ME 04901.

ROGER G. RICH

FAIRFIELD––Roger G. Rich, 72, of Fairfield, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, January 4, 2017, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. He was born on January 5, 1944, in Hartland, the son of Margaret J. (York) Rich.

Roger grew up in Fairfield Center with his mother, stepfather Laurence Jewell, and siblings Larry and Priscilla. He graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1962, then immediately enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1968.

Roger married Brenda A. Harrison on February 19, 1966, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, in Fairfield.

He worked for 33 years at Scott Paper Co., in Winslow, until their closure in 1998. From there, Roger went on to earn his CDL and became a professional truck driver, driving for Fabian Oil until his retirement. Roger was a longtime member of the Grover-Hinckley American Legion, in Fairfield. He was an avid football enthusiast, watching high school, college, and professional teams. He frequently could be seen on Friday nights that the Lawrence football field cheering for his beloved Bulldogs and on every Sunday watching the Patriots, often with his mother-in-law. Roger shared his passion of football with his granddaughter Nicole, whom he turned into a die-hard Patriots fan.

Roger had a love for classic cars, especially Fords, and spoke often of the first new car he ever bought, a 1965 Mustang.

Roger enjoyed traveling with his wife and they shared many trips together through the years. He also enjoyed camping with his family when his children were young.

He enjoyed vegetable gardening and was an excellent cook! Often trying new recipes and making special meals for his family and friends. Roger also enjoyed reading and was a constant visitor of the Lawrence Public Library; a passion he shared with his wife.

Roger was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Brenda; his mother and stepfather; brother Larry Jewell; sister Priscilla Gullifer; and close friend and brother-in-law John Harrison.

Roger is survived by his daughters, Laurie, of Waterville, and Cathy, of Benton; his granddaughter Nicole, of Waterville; mother-in-law Theresa Harrison, of Albion; brothers-in-law, Mike Harrison, of Winslow, Steve Harrison and wife Jen, of Albion, Greg Harrison and wife Arlene, of Albion; many nieces and nephews.

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

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2917, at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., in Fairfield, from 1-2 p.m. with a funeral service following at 2 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 2589, Augusta ME 04338 or Maine Greyhound Placement Service, 231 Old Belgrade Rd., Augusta ME 04330.

OTHERS DEPARTED

JACQUELINE BUMFORD, 84, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 17, 2016. Locally, she is survived by grandsons Scott Bumford and wife Kim, of Oakland, Michael Bumford, of Windsor.

MONA RIDLEY, 87, of Nobleboro, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, following a long period of ill health. Locally, she is survived by her grandchildren Sarah Ridley Geroux and husband Jamie, of Jefferson, and great-grandchildren Cody Beaucage and Kaleigh Beaucage, both of Jefferson.

FLORENCE M. CARRELL, 91, of Belgrade, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, in Augusta. Locally, she is survived by sons Jon Carrell, of Augusta, and Robert Carrell and wife Linda, of Vassalboro.

NINA B. AHO, 96, of Union, passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2016, at the Augusta Center for Longterm Care, following a period of declining health. Locally, she is survived by sisters Frances Gould and husband Don, of Whitefield, and Betty Crocker, of Coopers Mills, and sister-in-law Marti Brann, of Vassalboro.

BETTY JEAN WILLETTE, 49, of Smithfield, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2016. Locally, she is survived by a daughter, Marta Bourque, of Oakland; grandchildren Aliya and Bryson; siblings, Roger and wife Donna, of China, Ronnie and Lorraine Cox, of Freedom, Peter and wife Alnetta, of Unity, William and wife Kathy, of China, and Madelyn Morgan, of Clinton, and Arthur and wife Beth, of Waterville.

AUDREY F. BENNER, 49, of Nobleboro, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 26, 2016, at LincolnHealth – Miles Campus, in Damariscotta. Locally, she is survived by a son, Andrew Corson and wife Nancy, of Jefferson.

JEAN ANN BOURGOIN DIERIG, 62, of Wichita Falls, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2016. Locally, she is survived by her mother, Jeannette Bourgoin, and a brother John Bourgoin and wife Carmen, all of Winslow.

NOEL E. GILBERT, 83 of Chelsea, passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2016. Locally, he is survived by sons Michael Gilbert and wife Denise, and Jeffrey Gilbert and partner Tina Murray, all of South China.

MARTHA V. ST. AMAND, 91, of Waterbury, Connecticut, passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2016, in Waterbury. Locally, she is survived by a sister, Theresa LePage and husband Alphonse, of Winslow.

JENIESE SENIOR, 83, of Hallowell, passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2016, at her home. Locally, she is survived by a son, Robert Senior and wife Lynn,, of Whitefield.

MARY E. ABBOTT, 93, of Wiscasset, passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2016, at LincolnHealth – Miles Campus, in Damariscotta. Locally, she is survived by a grandson, Bill Abbott, of Jefferson.

LEO E. BEAULIEU, 76, of Norridgewock, passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2016, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. Locally, he is survived by children Kelly Hill and husband Blair, of Winslow, Shelby Nelson and husband Kevin, of Skowhegan, Daniel Beaulieu and wife Michelle, of Benton; and step-daughter Kelly Adams, of Norridgewock.

JANE McMULLIN, 80, of Waterville, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2017, following a brief illness. Locally, she is survived by a son, Daniel Bureau and wife Janice, of Fairfield.

FORMER RESIDENTS

ROBERT E. WALDRON, 86, of Venice, Florida, passed away on Monday, January 2, 2017, at ManorCare Health Services, in Venice, Florida. He was born in Albion on March 26, 1930, the son of the late John and Ruth Waldron. He married the former Joan Getchell in 1949, and were both active members of the Fairfield Baptist Church. Joan is living at North Port Pines, in North Port, Florida, an assisted living facility.

LOCAL TIES

CHARLES A. MOORE II, 66, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2016, the result of a kayaking accident on the Susquehanna River, in Pennsylvania. For many years, in the 1980s and ‘90s, Chuck was owner of The Maine Image, a commercial photography studio, located on Common St., in Waterville.

BRIDGET I. (ROONEY) WHITMAN, 69, of Bethel, passed away on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, at Marshwood Center, in Lewiston. A graduate of Waterville High School in 1966, she operated Bridget’s School of Dance, which was located on Western Ave., in Waterville. Locally, she is survived by two sons, Eric Bourgoin and wife Laurie, of Oakland, Jimmy Bourgoin and wife MaryBeth, of Winslow; grandchildren Lindsay and Morgan Bourgoin, both of Oakland, and Jo Ann Bourgoin, of Winslow.

Letters to the editor, Week of January 12, 2017

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Thanks to supporters

To the editor:

The Albion Lions Club thanks all area citizens for their support in the 27th annual Christmas Giving Tree Project. Your generous support enabled the club to help 25 Albion families and their 69 children with gifts of clothing, books and toys. Special thanks go to the Albion Corner Store, Albion Mini Mart, Albion Post Office, Albion Town Office, Central Maine Pharmacy, Johnny’s Selected Seeds, and Yeaton Service & Supply.

On behalf of the Lions and the children who received the gifts we sincerely say thank you and may you all have a wonderful new year.

The Albion Lions Club

Lasell College announces dean’s List for fall 2016

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Lasell College, in Newton, Massachusetts, has announced that Benjamin Allen, of Augusta, and Vincent Marchesi, of Waterville, have been named to the dean’s list for outstanding academic achievement during the Fall semester of the 2016-17 academic year.