Siobhan Billings Pearce on dean’s list

Siobhan Billings Pearce of Norridgewock was named to the Emmanuel College Dean’s List for the Spring 2016 semester, in Boston, Massachusetts.

To earn a spot on the Dean’s List, students must achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or higher for a 16-credit semester.

Owen named to fall dean’s list at ENMU

Brittanie Owen, of Augusta, has been named to Eastern New Mexico University’s dean’s list for the fall 2016 semester, in Portales, New Mexico.

 

Erskine Academy first trimester honor roll

Grade 12

High Honors: MicKayla Audet, Erica Basham, Jaime Boudreau, Beth Bowring, Andrew Browne, Heather Buckley, Hannah Burns, Ally Clark Bonsant, Emma Cote, Cody Elsemore, Katherine Grant, Madison Grass, Brianna Guilfoyle, Abigail Haskell, Aubrey Hendsbee, Hayley Hinds, Zachary Loubier, Mayann McGrath, Morgan Savage, Kelsey Stuart, Eleanor Rose Theriault, Rosalie Wilson, Leann Wright, Yang Xi, Ziman Yuan and Justin Zhang. Honors: Seth Allen, Veronica Black, Alexis Bonenfant, Michael Bourque, Joshua Breault, Kaitlyn Brundage, Makayla Busque, Joshua Buzzell, Julie Buzzell, Nicholle Clark, Tyler Condon, Shaun Cosgrove, Brandon Coulombe, Sydney Cummings, Michael Dorval, Samuel Dorval, Benjamin Eason, Danessia Ewen, Ashley Farrington, Ian Ferguson, Gabriel Gervais, Brianna Gosselin, Lucas Griffeth, McKenzie Haver, Broderick Hodsdon, Gavin Hoffman, Kaleb Howard, Katelyn Hustus, Jordan Jowett, Brandon Keezer, Katherine Keller, Miranda-Lee LaRose, Breanna Liebowitz, Adam Morrill, Caleb Patnaude, Alyssa Pelletier, Grayson Petty, Dylan Presby, MacKenzie Sawyer, Shirlynn Sears, Austin Shaw, William Sugg IV, Caitlyn Van Wickler, Ashley Viles, Marc Walther and Tyler Williams.

Grade 11

High Honors: Annemarie Allen, Maggie Anderson, Gabe Ashey, Courtney Austin, Mariah Blanchard, Lauren Boatright, Miranda Carey, Harald Christiansen, Alexander Cleaves, Noelle Cote, Stephen Csengery, Kalib Deschamps, Bryanna Emery, Hannah Farrington, Jadelynn Giroux, Angel Hall-Stuart, Luke Hodgkins, Billy Howell III, Kayla Hubbard, Carleigh Ireland, Samantha Jackson, Megan Lemieux, Nicholas Levesque, Rita McCausland, Kassandra Nadeau, Jakob Peavey, Christopher Pelletier, Kaylee Porter, Leanna Prime, Mercedes Richard, Chantelle Roddy, Haoming Michael Shi, Kaili Shorey, Michael Sprague, Emma Stone, Makayla Tobey, Taylah Trask, Caleb Tyler, Christopher Wight, Lauren Wood and Olivia Wyman. Honors: Cassidy Baldwin, Noah Bonsant, Jacob Burk, Victoria Chabot, Madison Choate, Kylie Clark, Ashlee Cooley, Grace Crouse, Corvus Crump, Caleb Daggett, Joshua Davis, Elijah Dos Santos, Chelsea Duplessis, Derrick Dyer, Morgan Emond, Shaylee Fisher, Brooke Fongemie, Hunter Gagnon, Melissa Gallagher, Melissa Garbacki-Hamm, Brock Glidden, Spenser Grasse, Elizabeth Green, Jonathan Hickey, Hunter Hoague, Nicholas Howes, Robin Jefferson, Isabella Johnson, Bjorn Jorgensen, Allyson Kiefer, Kyle Kirkpatrick, Jacob Lamoreau, Dalton Lee, Angela Letendre, Jordan Lewis, Alex Logan, Aaron Lohoff, Andrew Lyon, Brendan McGrail, Emma Meader, Hunter Merrill, Chandler Moore, Harrison Mosher, Cassidy Penney, Dustin Phillips, Daniel Pleau, Kali Porter, Chance Reed, Jered Reed, Michaela Roy, Catherine Silva, Adam Silvia, Emma Sullivan, Hunter Swift, Alexis Tenney, Rebecca Truman, Haylea Turner, Tyler Walker, Martie Young and Morgan Young.

Grade 10

High Honors: Molly Babson, Lydia Boucher, Jenna Butler, Marshall Dugal, Dominic Durant, Cameron Falla, Ashley Gillis, Sage Hapgood-Belanger, Samantha Heath, Eleanor Hodgkin, Kayla Hodgkins, Amber Rose Holmes, Peyton Houghton, Christopher Jamison, Kyli Julia, Robert King, Morgaine Kmen, Olivia Kunesh, Caitlin Labbe, Haeden Landry, Milo Lani-Caputo, Paige Leary, Rivers Malcolm, Tara Maltese, Noah Miller, Conner Paine, Jacob Praul, Hannah Reid, Christina Roy, Hunter Rushing, Caleb Sacks, Seth Savage, Conor Skehan, Braden Soule, Briana Strout, Elizabeth Sugg, Willow Throckmorton-Hansford, Megan To, Jack Tobey, Kassidy Wade, Hagen Wallace, Christopher Weymouth, Jacob Wright and Alana York. Honors: Samantha Allen, Brenna Audet, Mark Barney, Gavin Blanchard, Nina Boudreau,William Bourque, Madison Boynton, Justin Browne, Braydon Busque, Shannon Cornett, ArizonaLee Crooker, Mireya Dos Santos, Keara Doughty, Travis Dow, Tiffany Doyle, Austin Dunn, Dakota Estes, Samuel Falla, Ethan Furlong, Madeline Geidel, Aaron Gilbert, Regina Harmon, Alexis Haskell, Tristan Hawk, Kaleb Hopper, Alicia Hotham, Andrew Jackson, Antonio Jacobs, Jack Jowett, Garrett Keezer, Dylan Keller, Noah Labbe, Maverick Lowery, Alexander Mahon, Osiris Marable, Mya Maxim, Myles Nored, Isaiah Pacholski, Nicholas Rancourt, Seth Reed, Logan Reny, Andraya Roque, Dylan Rowe, Jessie Sepulvado, Krystina Shorey, Katherine Smith, Shayleigh Springer, Sophie Taylor, Mercedes Tibbetts, Caden Turcotte, Trent Wharton, Ashlyn Wing and Peilin Yu.

Grade 9

High Honors: Lucy Allen, Jay Austin II, Alec Baker, Julia Basham, Derek Beaulieu, Haley Breton, Cassidy Clement, Michael Dusoe Jr, Dominick Dyer, Vincent Emery, Chloe Fleck, Mitchell Gamage, Alyssha Gil, Annika Gil, Lydia Gilman, Boe Glidden, Summer Hotham, Nicholas Howard, Sarah Jarosz, Cameron Johnson, Colby Johnson, Luke Jordan, Parker King, Brandon LaChance, Cole Leclerc, Jordan Linscott, Jakob Mills, Adalaide Morris, Cambelle Nutting, Lyndsie Pelotte, Hunter Praul, Miina Raag-Schmidt, Benjamin Reed, Dominic Rodrigue, Lily Roy, Alyssa Savage, Taylor Shute, Ryan Sidelinger, Dominic Smith, Lily Solorzano, Courtney Tibbetts, Brandon Tibbs, Katelyn Tibbs, Ashleigh Treannie, Cameron Tyler, Matthew Veilleux and Richard Winn.

Honors: Lucas Anderson, James Berto, Adam Bonenfant, Faith Bonnell, Kole-Tai Carlezon, Bridget Connolly, Abigail Cordts, Shiela Corson, Summer Curran, Colby Cyr, Norah Davidson, Sean Decker, Dominic Denico, Nathan Evans, Cheyann Field, Gabrielle Forbes, Jada Fredette, Ella Giroux, Bryce Goff, Joshua Gower, Clara Grady, Tori Grasse, Alyssa Hale, Emma Harvey, Nicholas Hayden, Jesse Hayes, Gage Henderson, Ashley Huntley, Emily Jacques, Ricker Jean, Marisa Klemanski, Tristan Klemanski, Eleena Lee, Stephanie Libby, Brandon Loveland, William Mayberry, Reece McGlew, Grady Miller, Jamara Moore, Krysta Morris, Nathaniel Mosher, Alecia Paradis, Joseph Peaslee Jr, Isaak Peavey, Chloe Peebles, Matthew Picher, Hailei-Ann Reny, Jennifer Reny, Mitchel Reynolds, Andrew Robinson, Emily Rodriguez, Katelyn Rollins, Shawn Seigars, Serena Sepulvado, Santasia Sevigny, Nicholas Shelton, Danielle Shorey, Alissa Sleeper, Kayla Sleeper, Samuel Smith, Jacob Sutter, Nicole Taylor, Hailee Turner, Andrew Weymouth, Curtis Weymouth, Shirley Weymouth and Wesley Wood.

 

IF WALLS COULD TALK, Week of January 5, 2017

Katie Ouilette Wallsby Katie Ouilette

Certainly, our faithful readers are going to be especially happy throughout 2017, because at noon on December 31, WALLS, you are wishing each and every one a happy new year. Yes, you, WALLS, have assured each of us that 2017 began with the age-old New Year’s Eve celebration in New York City and that ball announced that 2017 was for all of us to be super happy throughout the new year, because it is said, “….never met a strong person with an easy past.”

Well, WALLS, admittedly, happy started for all the family as we gathered at daughter Lynn’s and significant other Chuck’s new home in East Madison on Christmas Eve. Chuck has made sure that the house has been refurbished just beautifully and that outside is absolutely beautiful with a deck, white siding and rosy-red trim, while Lynn has decorated the inside for Christmas par-excellence that the entire family enjoyed. Yes, those wonderful great-grandchildren not only had an introduction to their cousins, but a very special time was had with Aunt Roxie, who recently ran a marathon in Antarctica. Yes, you have read it right, faithful readers. granddaughter Roxie, our world traveler, was joined by 40 other members of the team and ran a marathon in Antarctica!

Now, that snowstorm that blessed the Northeast on December 30, 2016, probably didn’t seem like much snow at all to our Roxie, but those of us who are looking out our windows today know that Winter has begun, for sure. Yes, it is Maine outside at last!

Y’know, WALLS, we promised our faithful readers something old and something new with this column, and that we shall. Actually, you thought Antarctica would do it, WALLS, but you forgot to tell our faithful readers about the photograph that is for everyone to see on our kitchen table. Yes, everyone, that photo is of Antarctica having an American flag’s being waved by Roxie (maybe) with the large plane that took them there in the background. Amazing, right?

Well, last evening, National Geographic showed the bottom of the world’s oceans on TV. Yes, it was amazing to see that some of the oceans in our world have growth of cliffs and tree types that are taller than our Grand Canyon! Well, WALLS, you can’t get much older than our world, so you sure have kept your promise for this first week of 2017!

Speaking of National Geographic. All the little kids in our family received a year’s subscription of NGM for Little Kids and the older kids received a year’s subscription to NGM to Kids. Then, Lew surprised all the men with cans of mixed nuts, which was no surprise, as he does it every year.

This year, his traditional gift to each woman was a half-dozen red roses and the little girls got their daisies. Yes, he is a wonderful Apa (grandfather in Eskimo, as our Landon Ouilette was born there). Our Bellingham, Washington, family will be here next summer for Apa’s birthday, but since our Landon spent seven years at St. Jude’s Cancer Research Hospital, in Tennessee, and he just celebrated his 19th birthday, Lew and I have donated to St. Judes in everyone’s name and in Landon’s Wellness Honor. Now, when you faithful readers see advertising for St. Judes’, you will know we all had a dream come true, as Danny Thomas, the founder, did.

Happy 2017 to everyone from WALLS!

SOLON & BEYOND, Week of January 5, 2017

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

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

As I sit down to write this week’s column, it is already 2017! Where did 2016 go? My mother-in-law always told me, “The older you get, the faster the years go!” Truer words were never spoken. It is nice to be busy, but there is such a thing as too busy! And that is what I was in 2016, hope 2017 won’t be quite so busy, ( I can dream!) Anyway, I wish you a very Happy New Year.

Starting January 4, for the months of January and February, the Embden Thrift Shop (and Lending Library) will be closed Wednesday afternoons. Bone Builders (9 – 10 a.m.) and Sewing (10 a.m. – noon) will meet as usual on Wednesdays.

Because the name of this column is Solon and Beyond, I have always appreciated news from other communities as well. This week I have room for some words from a very interesting e-mail I received from Somerset Woods Trustees about Bill Townsend receiving SWT’s 2016 Conservation Award. “Somerset Woods has many reasons to thank Bill, his dedication to conservation has bequeathed us with Townsend Preserve, the Land for Maine’s Future, free-flowing rivers and surely the best fishing stories in the county.”

Another one of Bill Townsend’s favorite hometown (Canaan), projects was the Canaan Public Library. More words from the e-mail I received: “Just a few feet from Rte. 2 sat the Canaan Public Library, located in a one-room schoolhouse from the 1850s. Despite its tough location and lack of a restroom, it was a popular place. Schoolchildren walked down in groups from the Canaan Elementary School for special occasions, people in need of a computer or wireless service logged in to connect to the internet , a knitting group met there, and books, DVDs, and a variety of items loaned.

“The Library’s trustees had long wanted to build a new library, but it seemed like a bridge just too, too far for our small town. But then Bill Townsend did something extraordinary. He donated 14 acres of land across the street, behind the town hall and fire station, and made it available to the library for a new location. His generous donation was catalytic. The townspeople, loath to take on debt, contributed up to $25,000 per year to a building fund; private foundations such as the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, Skowhegan Savings Bank, Davis Family Foundation, Morton-Kelly Foundation, The Betterment Fund, and Plum Creek granted about a third of the cost of new construction; a local engineer Steve Ruell patiently designed the building with endless citizen input; and Friends of thye Library baked pies, sold used books, held events, and wrote checks.”

It took several years, with help from many people working together but in 2014 they reached their goal of paying cash for a new library on the land that Bill donated. “In 2014, we opened our doors to a lovely library that sits quietly in a field with old apple trees, ample parking, and a trail to the Carrabasset Stream.”

He envisioned a trail by the stream for children to fish from and it was built with the help of volunteers. A veteran’s memorial now graces the grounds. Flowers have been planted by the entryway and “thye little library that could” now sits on the brow of the hill that Bill Townsend donated.

“Bill Townsend will be remembered with fondness and gratitude for many, many generations, for without his generous gift to the town of Canaan, as well as his vision, this library would never have been built.”

My many heartfelt thanks for that e-mail, it was very heart warming.

I do have one more little piece of news to share. The Pilgrim Fellowship of the North Anson Congregational Church will be meeting at the church at 6 p.m. on Sunday, January 8.

Percy always did like to quote words from important people so this week his memoir is from Eleanor Roosevelt : “Do whatever comes your way to do as well as you can. Think as little as possible about yourself and as much as possible about other people and about things that are interesting. Put a good deal of thought into happiness that you are able to give.”

TECH TALK: How safe is online shopping?

by Eric W. Austin
Computer Technical Advisor

My mother is paranoid. The idea of using her credit card to shop online fills her with dread. And she has good reason. A few months ago, she got a call from her credit card company asking whether she had recently used her card to purchase two round trips to Miami?!

She had not!

She was a victim of credit card fraud. In fact, 31.8 million Americans had a similar experience in 2014 – that’s three times the number in 2013. Very likely, this has already happened to you or someone you know.

Is it safe to shop online?

First, the bad news. Credit card fraud has become epidemic in the internet age. But it’s not just about hacking – it’s also about distribution: trading and selling stolen credit card information has become easier than ever.

So, how does your credit card get stolen in the first place?

Skimming is when a device is attached to a credit card reader like an ATM, gas pump, or merchant card reader which scans and stores card numbers as it is used. The thief then detaches the skimmer and downloads the credit card info.

Phishing happens anytime someone is able to trick someone into giving them personal information that they have no right to. They may do this by calling you and pretending to be a collection agency seeking a payment, or your electric company verifying your address. Or by building websites that look like your bank or favorite internet store.

SpyWare/Malware: This is software that is inadvertently downloaded and then attempts to siphon personal information from your computer and send that information back to a criminal who then sells your information, along with thousands of others on the internet black market.

Data Breaches/Hacking: You may have heard of the recent Yahoo data breach where over one billion accounts were hacked (if you have a yahoo account, and haven’t changed your password – do that RIGHT NOW!). What about Ebay, The Home Depot, JP Morgan Chase, Michael’s, Staples, Domino’s Pizza, Sony Pictures Entertainment, or Target? Yep, all these companies have been hacked!

Scary? Almost makes you want to do all your holiday shopping at Hussey’s Hardware this year, huh? But it’s not all bad. And there are some things you can do to minimize your risk.

Credit card companies are well aware of this problem, and most major banks have policies in place to protect you. Often, they will call you when they see a charge that is out of character for you. Check with the bank that issued your card to make sure you are protected and are aware of the procedures in case fraud occurs.

Keeping a close eye on your account is also important so you can spot fraudulent charges and report them immediately. You can set up fraud alerts with most card companies and the three major credit bureaus.

Install anti-virus and malware protection software on your home computer, and run a scan before you do any shopping. Two good free anti-virus programs are Malwarebytes and AVG Anti-Virus.

Never use public WiFi or a public computer to do shopping. Also avoid checking your email on a public connection if you use that email for finance or shopping. Secure your WiFi at your home with a password and encryption. Activate Windows Firewall or install a third party option to further protect yourself.

Upgrade your credit cards to the new EVM chip versions. These new type of credit cards have chips which change the information being passed each time it is used, and thus prevents skimming. Countries that have adopted EVM, such as the UK, have seen a drop in counterfeit fraud by as much as 70 percent. The United States’ slow adoption is one reason this is so prevalent here.

Never give out your personal information to anyone without verifying their identity. This includes phone calls, emails, or letters asking you to provide personal or financial data. Get a phone number and call them back to ensure it’s an authentic representative of that company.

And what if it does happen? Relax. Credit card companies are so used to this by now that in most cases all that is required is a phone call and the charge is immediately taken off your account. Disappointingly, you’ll probably never know how your information was stolen. They will tell you an investigation is being undertaken, but the fraud is so prevalent that I think most companies simply consider it a cost of doing business.

How about purchasing on sites like Amazon? Amazon is one of the safest places to shop, storing all credit card information on servers not connected to the internet. While not all sites go to the extent Amazon does, generally shopping with reputable merchants online is as safe as purchasing in a traditional brick-and-mortar store. Smaller online merchants typically use third-party services to process payments, so check out that service before committing to a purchase.

I hope that you have noticed that the lion’s share of fraud that happens is not the direct result of online shopping. Much of it occurs locally on your computer (malware & viruses), at a physical location where you use your card (skimming), by someone convincing you to give away information (phishing), or by hacking the companies that store your information. All of these things can happen to you even if you never buy anything off the web!

So, be smart, take precautions, but relax and enjoy the convenience of online shopping.

Have a tech question for me? Maybe I’ll answer it in my next column! Write me at ericwaustin@gmail.com subject line “Tech Talk” or use the contact form on the website.

Miller graduates from basic military training

U.S. Air Force Airman Aaron E. Miller graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
Miller is the son of Franzie Pinkham, of Windsor, and Adam Miller, of Waldoboro.

He is a 2013 graduate of Richmond High School, Richmond.

Kilian named to president’s list

Grace Kilian, a senior special education major of South China, was among approximately 490 Bob Jones University students named to the fall 2016 President’s List, in Greenville, South Carolina.

 

KHS January program on researching house history

Did you ever wonder about the history of your house? When was it built and by whom? Did George Washington or Abraham Lincoln sleep there? We will discuss how to utilize existing land and other records to reconstruct the past of your house and learn about past occupants. Included will be an overview of the registry of deeds and other sources, strategies for identifying and extracting pertinent information and tips for dealing with “stone walls” and other problems.

Our speaker, Richard Bridges, is a Maine native and a graduate of the University of Maine and the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law. He has been a practicing attorney since 1983, concentrating on real estate and probate law. He also serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Central Maine Community College and as a research consultant for the Augusta Historic Preservation Commission.

The Kennebec Historical Society January Presentation is free to the public (donations gladly accepted) and will take place on Wednesday, January 18, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lithgow Public Library, Community Meeting Room, located at 45 Winthrop Street in Augusta.

Richard Bridges homestead. Contributed photo

Obituaries, Week of January 5, 2017

DEBRA J. BURKE

WATERVILLE ­ Debra Jean Burke, 60, of Waterville, died Thursday, December 15, 2016, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born May 20, 1956, the daughter of the late Blanche Burke.

She was a lifelong resident of Waterville.

Debra proudly worked as the head night custodian at NRF, in Augusta. She also worked at Harris Baking Co., in Waterville, for many years. Debra nursed her partner, Malcolm Brann, until his death and for several years cared for her disabled mother.

Debra was an avid reader and nature-lover who enjoyed camping, fishing and gardening. She loved animals. In recent years she acquired an interest in art and was learning to sketch and paint. She enjoyed her solitude, but she had a generous heart and was quick to share her garden bounty and help friends and neighbors in need.

She is survived by her sisters, Sharon L. Hammer and Cindy L. Burke, both of Waterville.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

RICHARD R. MERRILL

CHINA – Richard R. Merrill, 80, died unexpectedly Friday, December 16, 2016, at his home. He was born in Augusta on July 2, 1936, the son of the late Frank Merrill, Sr. and Anita C. (Ayotte) Merrill Goodchild.

Mr. Merrill attended Augusta schools and was a communicant of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church.

He had been employed by McGee Construction for 15 years. He had also worked for Caterpillar Heavy Equipment and Power Systems, City of Augusta Public Works, Isaacson Lumber Company and Sargent Corporation.

Mr. Merrill enjoyed camping, fishing, horseshoes, playing cards, gambling and hunting. Most of all he loved telling stories (reminiscing) and enjoying life.

Mr. Merrill was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Solange A. (Dulac) Merrill; a son, Richard W. “Billy” Merrill; his parents, Frank Merrill, Sr. and Anita C. (Ayotte) Merrill Goodchild; his paternal grandparents, who raised him as their own, Ernest and Clara (Lagasse) Ayotte.

He is survived by two sons: Andre Dulac and wife, of Augusta, and Ricky Merrill and wife Sarah, of Windsor, his daughter, Linda “Lynn” Ross and husband Danny, of Zephyrhills, Florida; his fiancée, Delores McCaslin, of China; Delores’ son, John McCaslin and wife Wendy, of Vassalboro; two brothers, Frank Merrill, Jr., of Eddington, and Ronald Merrill, of Chicago, Illinois; two sisters, Carlene Byrne, of Pittston and Priscilla Rideout, of Sidney; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

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

Memorial donations may be made to

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, Tennessee 38101-9908.

CLIFTON L. GLIDDEN

VASSALBORO – Clifton L. “Cliff” Glidden, 91, passed peacefully at the Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta, on Monday, December 19, 2016. Cliff was born to Ona (Kimball) Glidden and Harold (Jack) Glidden of Vassalboro.

A survivor of World War II, Cliff joined the Army and was a participant of the Normandy invasion. His many active duty awards include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Silver Star, and the France Legion of Merit. He was later awarded the World War II Veteran Eagle-head Cane; and attended a luncheon at the Blaine House hosted by the Governor and Mrs. Paul LePage.

Cliff married Rita M. (Pare) Glidden on September 1, 1973, and resided in Vassalboro.

The majority of his career was spent at the City of Augusta Public Works Dept. While there Cliff initiated and led the Augusta School District School Bus Maintenance Program with a later promotion to maintenance supervisor.

Cliff and his wife, Rita, enjoyed most of their adult life camping with family and friends. As members of the Good Sam Club their camping trips led them through every state in the U.S. including an extended trip through Alaska.

He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Clarice (Glidden) Rabideau.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Rita (Pare) Arbour Glidden, of Vassalboro; four sons, Dale Glidden and wife Janice, of Manchester, David Glidden and wife Pam, of Readfield, Roland Arbour and wife Jean, of Sidney, and Robert Arbour and wife Sheryl, of Readfield; 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Cliff held a special bond with his granddaughter, Tamera Ellis and great-grandson, Thadd Clark.

A graveside Committal Service and Celebration of Life will be held this spring. Burial will be in the new Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Rd, Augusta.

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

Memorial donations can be made to your organization of choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta.

CLIFFORD J. FECTEAU

FAIRFIELD – Clifford James Fecteau, 65, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, December 20, 2016, at his home, in Fairfield. He was born December 15, 1951, in St. Petersburg, Florida, the son of Philmore and Georgia (Kenniston) Fecteau.

He graduated from Waterville High School class of 1970. He was a veteran who proudly served his country in the US Army until his honorable discharge and retired after 20 years of service with the Maine Air National Guard. He earned an associate degree in business administration with a major in marketing/management from Kennebec Valley Technical College in 1988 with honors. He became a building custodian at KVVC, in Fairfield, then was employed as a bookstore manager until he retired. After he retired, he opened Central Maine Textbooks which he owned and operated.

Clifford is survived by his mother, Georgia (Kenniston) Fecteau, of Waterville; brother, Thomas Little, of Westbrook; step sister, Elizabeth Glidden, of Augusta; uncle, David Kenniston, of Amherst. He was predeceased by his father, Philmore Fecteau.

Memorial donations may be made to HART of Maine, Inc., Adoption Center & Shelter for Cats, PO Box 351, Cumberland, Maine 04021 or the Humane Society-Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

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

DONNA M. FRENCH

FAIRFIELD – Donna Marie French, 65, passed away on Thursday December 29, 2016, following a courageous battle of many illnesses. She was born in Van Buren, October 5, 1951, the daughter of Maurice and Regina Ruel.

She was educated in the schools of Winslow and graduated from Winslow High School, class of 1971. Then continued her education and graduated from Kennebec Valley Vocational Technical Institute, KVC, and University of Maine Augusta School of Practical Nursing, and most recently, was a post-graduate in pharmacology. Donna worked at a local nursing home for 20 years until she opened French Residential Care facility for challenged adults, which she owned and operated for 15 years. She was also Queen Mother of the chapter of Red Hat Society (elegant red hat ladies).

She was predeceased by her twin sons; parents, Maurice and Regina Ruel; biological mother, Rita; biological sisters, June, Joyce and Christina McInnis; brothers, Robert King, Edward Paul King; nephew, David Goldsmith; a very special pet, Sir Rilley Ho French, a Bishon Frezie.

Donna is survived by three daughters, Rebecca Hughes and husband Mike, of Windsor, Monica Hammock and Paul Hammock, of Winslow, Tonia Savasuk and partner Keith Spencer, of Oakland; a son, Reggie French, of Windsor; daughter, Jillian French; 11 grandchildren, Samantha, Tasha, Reggie Jr, Dallas, Jillian, Jessica, Kyler, Paul Jr, Khristopher, Joshua, and Calia; two great-grandchildren, Bailey and McKenna; six biologial sisters; two biological brothers; many aunts and uncles; and a brother, Robert Ruel who was so special to her.

Memorial donations may be made to Beacon Hospice Inc. 45 Commerce Drive, Suite 12, Augusta, Maine 04330.

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

MICHAEL SPAULDING

ALBION – Michael Spaulding, 61, of Albion, passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2016. He was three days shy of his 62nd birthday when he lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. Mike was born in Waterville on January 3, 1955, the middle of three children, to Helen (Economu) and Clyde Spaulding.

He graduated from Waterville High School in 1973, and from UMaine in 1977. Shortly after graduation he married Cindy (Jones), his high school sweetheart. This coming June would have been their 40th wedding anniversary. They went on to have two children, Michel and James. Mike was a devoted father, the kind who planned lots of camping trips and never missed a game.

He retired seven years ago after working in sales for Altria for 30 years, which included a three-year stint commuting to New York City and a year in Richmond, Virginia. Among his many hobbies and interests were traveling abroad and in the U.S. with his wife, sailing the beautiful coast of Maine with Cindy on their boat, bird hunting with his beloved dog Emma, and enjoying time with his four grandchildren. Mike packed a lot of living into his 61 years. He had so many interests that he was constantly picking up side jobs over the years: volunteer firefighter in Fairfield Center, Somerset County deputy sheriff, private pilot, sports referee, bus driver, tractor services, codes enforcement officer, plumbing inspector for Albion, and many more.

Mike is survived by his wife Cynthia Jones Spaulding, of Albion, his daughter, Michel Gross and husband Alex, of Maynard, Massachusetts, son James Spaulding and wife Carol of Mt. Vernon, four grandchildren Evan and Justin of Maynard, Massachusetts, and Trinity and Tyler, of Mt. Vernon, brother Greg “Kiki” Spaulding and wife Brenda, of Oakland, sister Kathleen Spaulding, of Aurora, Colorado, brother Mark Spaulding and wife Nancy, of Randolph, brother Timothy Spaulding and wife Martha, of Chesapeake, Virginia, brother Eric Spaulding and wife Megan, of Benton.

Memorial donations may be made to his favorite charity, Pine Tree Camp, 114 Pine Tree Camp Rd., Rome, ME 04963, www.pinetreesociety.org.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

GARY C. PULLEN SR.

WINDSOR––Gary Chester Pullen Sr., 43, of Windsor, died unexpectedly on Saturday, December 17, 2016. He was born in Augusta to Gary E. Pullen and Debra E. (Hysom) Pullen on April 27, 1973,

He attended Windsor School, Erskine Academy, and graduated from Northeast Trucking School. Being a trucker was in Gary’s heart, he loved being on the road and driving big rigs.

Gary was predeceased by his sister Lynnette M. Pullen; uncle Warren Staples, and uncle Robert E. Pullen.

He will be sadly missed by his children, Alyssa Lee Pullen and Gary Chester Pullen Jr.; his mother Debra E. Pullen and father Gary E. Pullen; stepmother Wendy Gogan, Aunt Glenis Staples, aunt Louise and uncle Fred O’Clair, Aunt Sheila Hysom, uncle Jerry Day and Aunt Carlene Day; nephew Dakoda Cole; and many cousins.

CLIFTON L. GLIDDEN

VASSALBORO––­­Clifton L. “Cliff” Glidden, 91, passed away at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta on Monday, December 19, 2016. Cliff was born to Ona (Kimball) Glidden and Harold (Jack) Glidden, of Vassalboro.

Cliff joined the Army and was a participant of the Normandy invasion. His many active duty awards include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, and the France Legion of Merit. He was later awarded the WWII Veteran Eagle-head Cane, and attended a luncheon at the Blaine House hosted by the Governor and Mrs. LePage. A survivor of WWII, he was considered a member of this world’s “greatest generation.”

The majority of his career was spent at the City of Augusta Public Works Dept. While there Cliff initiated and led the Augusta School District School Bus Maintenance Program with a later promotion to maintenance supervisor.

Cliff and his wife, Rita, enjoyed most of their adult life camping with family and friends. As members of the Good Sam Club, their camping trips led them thru every state in the US including an extended trip through Alaska.

Cliff married Rita M. (Pare) Glidden on September 1, 1973, and resided in Vassalboro.

He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Clarice (Glidden) Rabideau.\

He is survived by Rita; Dale and Jan, of Manchester, David and Pam, of Readfield, Roland and Jean, of Sidney, Robert and Sheryl, of Readfield; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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

Memorial donations can be made to your organization of choice.

CANDACE R. HILL

OAKLAND––Candace Ruth Hill died Tuesday, December 27, 2016, in Oakland. Born September 24, 1952, in Wakefield, Rhode Island, she spent her life helping others as a social worker, a bookstore owner, an educator, a health-care administrator, and a uniquely generous person.

She is survived by her husband, Stephen Collins; sons Sterling and Baron Collins-Hill; her father; her sister and her brother. She regarded family, friends, and others who connected with her life as gifts that she received.

Memorial donations may be made to the nonprofit Community Dental Center, 93 Main St., Waterville ME 04901.

NICHOLAS SHANE TYLER

FAIRFIELD––Nicholas (Nic) Shane “Tyler, 27, died unexpectedly at his residence on Wednesday, December 28, 2016. He was born in Waterville, on July 7, 1989, the son of Robin and Tammy (Coro) Tyler.

A 2008 graduate of Cony High School, Nic attended Lawrence High School until 2006, and strongly identified with Bulldog athletics, especially football and basketball. Nic could not dunk a basketball, but that never stopped him from trying. He also thought that the three-point line was added to the rules of the game with him in mind. He was also a fan of the Miami Dolphins.

Nic remained active in sports after high school. He did not invent disc golf, but he was confident that he could perfect the game if given the chance.

Blessed with a wide social network in center Maine, Nic was a stout friend to many. He was especially close to Robert Hubbard, who died in 2012.

Nic was a skilled telemarketer, employed by Integrated Sales Solutions and Great Falls Marketing, and was on a management track at the time of his death.

He is survived by his wife, Kylie Paige Cheever Tyler; four daughters, Madilynn June, Amileya Marie, Annelise Paige and Gwendolyn Shyann Tyler; brothers Travis

Tyler and Benn Tyler; and sisters, Monica Gunning, Tia Brawn.

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

Memorial donations may be made to the Asthma Research Center of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

OTHERS DEPARTED

MAGGIE J. BROOKS, 96, of Bocawen, New Hampshire, passed away on Friday, December 2, 2016. Locally, she is survived by brother-in-law Donald LaCroix, of Fairfield, and niece Evelyn Knights, of Fairfield.

ROBERT R. SOOHEY, 77, of Bremen, passed awat on Thursday, December 8, 2016, at the Togus VA Facility, in Augusta. Locally, he is survived by a son, Robert S. Soohey and wife Teresa, of Whitefield, and twin grandsons, Robert and Stephen Soohey.

MICHAEL J. BAUCOM, 60, of Gardiner, passed away on Friday, December 9, 2016. Locally, he is survived by a stepson, David Curtis and wife Kelly, of Windsor.

DENNIS W. HUTCHINGS, 76, of Cathedral City, California, passed away on Friday, December 9, 2016. Locally, he is survived by great-grandchildren Hannah Owen, of Windsor, and Allen Albert, of Waterville.

MARY J. EGELER, 84, of Cornville, passed away on Monday, December 12, 2016, at her home. Locally, she is survived by a daughter Wendy Sylvain and husband Shawn Sherman, of Benton.

KEVIN A. JOHNSON, 46, of Monmouth, passed away suddenly on Thursday, December 15, 2016. Locally, he is survived by his fiancée Janet Patterson, of Oakland; and brother David D. Johnson Sr. and wife Cherry, of Waterville.

DOROTHY A. SAUNDERS, 94, of Blackstone, Massachusetts, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2016, at St. Camillus Health Center. Locally, she is survived by and won, Lee M. Saunders and wife Darlene, of Jefferson.

AGNES E. MILLS, 82, of Mount Vernon, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2016, at Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. Locally, she is survived by a daughter, Karen Bowden and husband Bob, of Whitefield.

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.

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.

JEAN ANN BOURGOIN DIERIG, 62,s 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 Michel Gilbert and wife Denise, and Jeffrey Gilbert and partner Tina Murray, all of South China.