Obituaries, Week of October 19, 2017

CRAIG C. WRATTEN

WINSLOW – Craig Charles Wratten passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2017. Craig was born in Batavia, New York.

ALS made him a prisoner in his own body, but never stole his sharp mind or sense of humor. His early years of education were in Amherst, New York, schools and he graduated from Amherst Central High School. He followed in his brothers’ footsteps and attended Bethany College, in West Virginia, graduating in 1960, summa cum laude with a B.S. in chemistry. He furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin completing his M.S. and Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1965. He did post-doctoral research at the Institute of Molecular Biology, at Florida State University, in Tallahassee, Florida. Craig taught in the biochemistry Department at the University of Maine at Orono for seven years. In 1973 Craig attended The University of Connecticut and earned his B.S. in pharmacy, magna cum laude.

He was a pharmacist for 25 years. The majority of his pharmacy career was spent as a community pharmacist at Berry’s Pharmacy, in Pittsfield. Craig also worked for Wellby’s, LaVerdiere’s, Rite-Aid, and Hannaford in the Central Maine area. In addition, for two years, Craig had the chance to live in Oregon and enjoyed exploring the West Coast. After his retirement, Craig embraced his passion of photography. For over 15 years he sold his photography at art shows. Thanks to those sales, his photographs can now be found in 39 states and seven countries. In addition to photography, Craig pursued many hobbies. He loved canoeing and fishing the quiet waters of Maine. He enjoyed woodworking, making bookshelves and other items for family and friends. Recently he taught himself the traditional skill of using hand tools and crafted wooden banks, boxes, and furniture totally by hand.

Craig is survived by Ardeene, his wife of 19 years; who cared for him 24/7 and whose love was unparalleled. His daughter Stephanie Wratten and husband David Engerman and children Nina and Simon; daughter Jennifer Bragg and children Emily and Rachel and her daughter Lily Ann; stepson Darren Moscrip and wife Jody; stepdaughter Tammy Moscrip and husband Ben Boese and children Tristin and Brennan; his brother Jim; nieces and nephews Darcy, Gary, Chris, Linda, Tim, Leigh, and Tom.

Craig was predeceased by his parents William and Geneva Wratten; a brother Gary, an Army surgeon killed in Vietnam; and Nancy, his first wife of 31 years.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m., on Sunday, October 22, followed by a lunch reception and visiting hours from noon – 2 p.m, at Maple Hill Farm Bed and Breakfast, 11 Inn Road, in Hallowell. For anyone who wishes, there will be a chance to share memories of Craig during the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Nature Conservancy of Maine or the ALS Association Northern New England Chapter.

Arrangements were under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation Services, Skowhegan, Maine 04976.

ROLAND J. LEARY

FAIRFIELD––Roland Joseph Leary, 66, passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2017. Roland was born in Waterville on February 27, 1951, son of the late Milton K. Leary and Katherine Leary (Grenier).

Roland attended schools in Fairfield and graduated from Waterville High School following his discharge from the Army.

Roland served in the Army and was deployed to Korea with the military police during the Vietnam War. After his tour in Korea Roland returned home to Fairfield. Roland went to work at Maine Central Railroad and stayed there until 1986. He then worked for Mushero Concrete, of Fairfield, until 1990. Roland was then hired at Sappi Paper company, in Hinckley, until his retirement in 2016.

For over 45 years, Roland lived on West Street, in Fairfield, right next to the high school. He always attended and supported Lawrence High athletics, especially football. Roland would go to every home game and of the away games as well. He even took time off from work to make sure he didn’t miss the playoff or championship games. Roland was also sure to support the teams by buying a couple of hot dogs at every game.

Roland was a diehard New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan. Roland also was his grandchildren’s biggest fan. He always made time to attend their games, recitals, or any activity they were involved with, rain or shine, sick or healthy he was always there. Roland had a heart of gold and would help anyone at anytime,

Roland was predeceased by his parents; brother Reginald Leary, sisters-in-law, Yvonne Leary and Debbie Leary.

Roland is survived by his sons, Todd Leary, and Travis and his wife Kristal; seven grandchildren; brothers, Robert Leary, Raymond Leary and his wife Claire, Ronald Leary and his wife Hazel, Russell Leary and his wife Beverly, Richard Leary, and Roger Leary; sister Rose Marie (Dodge) and her husband Guy; sister-in-law Katherine (Kitty) Leary; ex daughter-in-law Tauri; ex wife Melody; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

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

Memorial donations can be made to the Fairfield PAL Baseball Program, PO Box 362, Fairfield ME 04937.

PETER A. MCKENNEY

OAKLAND––Peter Andrew McKenney, 80, of Oakland, passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2017, at Mount Saint Joseph Residence and Rehabilitation, in Waterville. He was born in Waterville on October 15, 1936, at the original Thayer Hospital at Post Office Square, in Waterville, the son of Joseph Andrew McKenney and Helen (Frost) McKenney.

He grew up in a working class family in Waterville. He became active in theater in junior high and high school. He was a graduate of Waterville High School.

In his early years, he delivered newspapers for the Waterville Morning Sentinel, worked for his uncle at Civil Engineer at age 14, was a counselor at Boys Camp (YMCA); and worked behind the counter at Park’s Diner on Main Street in Waterville.

He married Joan Lila Amburg, of Winthrop, and they shared many wonderful years together.

On February 3, 1955, he entered the United States Air Force, and trained in air police and security duties. He did the original assignment to Vietnam, and then his assignment changed to the air control site near Machias. Later, with his wife, they harvested blueberries in Maine’s Washington County. He also cut pulpwood while working shifts at the base in nearby Whiting. He later transferred to Presque Isle’s air base. He served as an air policeman, and retrained supervisor at Base Detention Center. He took FBI courses, and studied law by correspondence during this time.

Upon being discharged in 1958, he entered college in Presque Isle, which was part of the University of Maine system. He missed the G.I. Bill by three days. The Bill ran out January 30, 1958, and he entered college February 3, 1958.

He was hired as a television newsman and announcer at a local commercial television station. He began college for another half semester, and worked 48 hours a week. Upon receiving his degree, he taught fifth grade at Presque Isle Grammar School. Later, he moved to Central Maine, and taught government and history, and contract law at Williams High School, in Oakland. He also taught driver education, and worked at a local radio station after school. He later became an administrator of a state agency. He served on state and national committees (wrote the first 13 amendments to the Nation Highway Safety Law), and four years later left the state position to become a municipal manager. He worked for, and put together a state-wide health agency, Cystic Fibrosis and Children’s Lung Patients Advocate.

With his wife and daughter, they purchased a business on Maine’s coast. They managed the day-to-day operation of the successful restaurant in Boothbay Harbor, the Carousel Music Theatre. They owned the Carousel Music Theatre, in Boothbay Harbor, for 30 years.

He was predeceased by a brother, Ted.

He is survived by his wife, Joan L. McKenney; four daughters, Barbara, Donna McKenney Welch and her husband Anthony Joseph Welch, of Winslow, Jayne and Sherry; a brother, Nick; nine grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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

SHIRLEY J. ESKELUND

WINSLOW––Shirley Jedele Eskelund, 89, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. She was born on July 6, 1928, in New York City, the daughter of Ruth (Hastings) and Earl Jedele.

Shirley graduated from University High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1947. She continued her education at Michigan State University (MSU) and in 1951 earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

While at MSU, Shirley met Kenneth H. Eskelund and on March 19, 1950, they married in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Shirley and Ken moved to Waterville in 1953, where she focused on raising her family of three boys. She became active in many local organizations and served as the chairman of the Interim Department of the Waterville Women’s Club for several years. She served on the board of United Way of Mid-Maine and the Sunset Home. Shirley was a constant friend, supporter and volunteer for the Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers for over 50 years. She served various capacities including one term as president of the Friends. She served six terms of office on the board of directors between 1976 and 2007. She was much recognized for her service to these organizations. Especially meaningful for her was recognition by the Maine Children’s Home, both with a tea at the governor’s mansion as well as the naming of their conference center on their Silver Street Campus as the Eskelund Center. She also opened her home to local organizations and hosted fund raising functions for many charitable groups.

When her family was mostly grown, Shirley went to work at Waterville Junior High School Library as assistant librarian. She enjoyed her work with librarian Ann Benbow and stayed for 15 years. She also worked for several years Maine Biological Laboratories, in Winslow.

Shirley was an outstanding cook and loved entertaining; she hosted many dinner, cocktail, and holiday parties.

She enjoyed art in all forms and became an accomplished watercolor painter. Shirley hosted a weekly painting group at her Schoolhouse Studio, in Winslow, for many years. Shirley truly loved her summers at the family camp on Snow Pond, in Oakland. She was an avid swimmer, swimming regularly in the lake, at Colby College in the winters, and then in her much-cherished pool at her home in Winslow.

Shirley loved to travel. She and Ken vacationed in several destinations in Europe, including Majorca, Spain, Austria, and Sweden, as well as in Hawaii, and Japan. She especially treasured the family ski vacations to Austria and Colorado. For over 25 years, she and Ken traveled to their timeshare condominium, Westwind II, on Cable Beach, Nassau, Bahamas, where they made many lifelong friends.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Kenneth H. Eskelund, of Winslow.

She is survived by sons David Eskelund and wife Cindy Grabinski, of Gray, Donald Eskelund and partner Heidi Jacobs, of Winslow and Richard Eskelund and wife Carol Paradis, of Sidney.

To share condolences, memories, and tributes with her family, please visit: www.redingtonfuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations should be made to the Shirley Eskelund Memorial Fund, Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, 93 Silver Street, Waterville ME 04901-5923.

JAN S. HOGENDORN

VASSALBORO––Jan Stafford Hogendorn, 79, died Tuesday, October 10, 2017, of natural causes. He was a longtime resident of East Vassalboro. He was born October 27, 1937, in Lahaina, Hawaii, to Paul Earl Hogendorn and Helen Isabel Stafford Hogendorn.

Evacuated from Hawaii by flying boat after Pearl Harbor, he grew up in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He was a champion debater at Oskaloosa High School, and he won the 1956 Voice of Democracy contest, and addressed that year’s Democratic National Convention.

He came East to Wesleyan University, and in 1958 he was in the inaugural group of student to visit Africa as part of Operation Crossroads Africa. Inspired by the promise of economic growth in Africa, he decided to major in economics.

In 1958, he met Dianne Yvonne Hodet, and they married in 1960. They immediately set sail for England on the RMS Queen Elizabeth, and Jan studied at the London School of Economics on a Fulbright Scholarship. Returning to the U.S., Jan taught briefly at Boston University and at Colby College, in Waterville. The couple again traveled to England, and Jan studied at LSE for his Ph.D. on the subject of British colonial agricultural policy in northern Nigeria. In 1965, the couple drove their Volkswagen Microbus across the Sahara Desert to reach the site of Jan’s dissertation fieldwork.

Jan became assistant professor of economics at Colby College in 1966, and soon afterward he and Dianne settled into the old Samuel Cates farmstead in East Vassalboro. He rose through the ranks at Colby, served as chairman of the economics department, and was appointed the Grossman Professor of Economics in 1977. He visited Nigeria and Britain several more times, including a visit to Oxford University on a John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship in 1986.

During his career he published more than 50 articles and essays; multiple editions of textbooks in introductory, international, and development economics; and three books on the history of agriculture, slavery, and abolition in West Africa.

In later life, Jan participated in local politics, serving as chairman of the Vassalboro Democratic Party and several times as moderator of the Vassalboro Town Meeting.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne; his son Christian, who also is a professor of economics; daughter-in-law Erika Naginski; and two grandchildren.

To share condolences, memories and tributes visit: www.redingtonfuneralhome.com.

Erskine Academy to Host Trunk or Treat

Erskine Academy will host its annual Trunk or Treat event on Tuesday, October 31st from 5:30 – 7:00 pm in the front parking lot. Representatives from Erskine’s various athletic teams, clubs, and departments will hand out candy from the trunks of vehicles parked around the front parking lot. Children aged twelve and under who are accompanied by an adult are invited to participate in this safe and fun way to celebrate Halloween. Families planning to attend should park in the back parking lot located off the Arnold Road. Please contact the school at 445-2962 with any questions.

TIF committee hears progress report on bridge

by Mary Grow

At their Oct. 16 meeting, China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee members heard a progress report on the planned new causeway bridge at the head of China Lake.

Committee member Tom Michaud, point man on the project, said relations are good with representatives of Wright-Pierce, the Topsham engineering firm working on project design and permit applications, and Mark McCluskey, the engineer with A. E. Hodsdon, in Waterville, who represents the town as an overseer and contact person.

Michaud said a subcontractor completed hydraulic borings so recently that results are not yet available. The next step is a wetlands survey.

The project needs local and state permits, and Michaud made reference to possible Army Corps of Engineers involvement. Committee members and Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux believe the new bridge is compatible with town ordinances.

On another issue, committee members discussed setting up an organized application process for TIF funds, with an annual schedule to give themselves an opportunity to weigh and prioritize requests.

The next TIF Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, Nov. 20.

Tisdale thanked for service

China Town Manager Dan L’Heureux and the board of selectmen recently thanked Mary Tisdale, above, for her service at the China Transfer Station, and wished her good fortune in her next endeavor.
Contributed photo

Window inserts offer available for residents

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro and area residents tired of drafty windows or interested in lower fuel bills – or both – are invited to sign up for energy-saving, draft-blocking window inserts provided through a Vassalboro organization.

Leaders of FAVOR (Friends Advocating for Vassalboro Older Residents) decided at an Oct. 11 meeting they will enroll with Window Dressers, a Rockland-based non-profit organization. The organization helps local residents build and install custom-fitted window inserts, clear plastic with wooden frames, to add a layer of insulation.

FAVOR’s primary target is Vassalboro residents, but people in nearby towns are welcome to join. The program offers financial assistance to low-income homeowners and tenants, but is not a welfare program — any homeowner, any renter who pays his or her own fuel bills or any landlord who pays tenants’ fuel bills is welcome.

Churches and businesses are also eligible for the program, Window Dressers representative Laura Seaton said at the Oct. 11 meeting.

Those interested need to get in touch with Town Manager Mary Sabins, who volunteered to be the local program coordinator, by Wednesday, Nov. 8, at the latest. The date was chosen to give people one more chance to learn about Window Dressers at the polls on Nov. 7.

The other volunteers needed are a volunteer coordinator to work on scheduling and related issues; two two-person measuring teams who will go to houses and apartments and measure windows, starting with initial sign-ups and continuing through mid-November; and many more people to put the inserts together at in-town workshops scheduled to start Friday, Dec. 15, and continue through the weekend and if necessary into the next week.

Seaton said people from Window Dressers will train the Vassalboro measuring teams, who will use laser measuring tools (borrowed from Window Dressers) and enter results into a computer. Once Rockland headquarters people get Vassalboro’s list of windows, they cut the wooden frames to size and may, depending on the size of the order, put them together.

Just before Dec. 15 someone from Vassalboro brings the pre-cut wood and other materials to Vassalboro for a community build, the name given to the assembly process. Seaton said usually the transporter rents a U-Haul van, for which Window Dressers pays. Volunteers, including but not limited to people getting inserts, put the frames together if necessary, stretch the plastic tightly over them and add an outside foam gasket that makes them fit snugly.

The place for the December community build is not firm. Sabins said possibilities include a room in Ray Breton’s mill in North Vassalboro, the East Vassalboro Grange Hall or the town office meeting room.

The volunteer assemblers usually work four-hour shifts with a meal break. The not-yet-named volunteer coordinator is responsible for scheduling and for soliciting donated food.

Seaton said residents usually prioritize windows, doing north and west ones, for example. The inserts are removable and reusable. Vassalboro resident Holly Weidner, who participated in a build some years ago, said the inserts are so clear that she leaves some in year-round.

The price of a window insert varies with the choice of finish, pine or white-painted, and with the size of each window. Seaton estimated eight feet as the maximum length or width available.

She said this year Window Dressers has led 27 community builds and provided between 5,000 and 6,000 inserts.

In addition to making houses more comfortable, Seaton said a study by University of Maine at Orono economists and customer feedback find an average 20 percent reduction in fuel use.

Mary Follet recognized for 30 years of service

Mary Follett, left, accepts 30-year service award from District Governor Norman Hart as Whitefield Lions Club President Cindy Haskell Lincoln looks on. Contributed photo

Mary Follett, a local member of the Whitefield Lions Club, was honored at a meeting in Whitefield recently, celebrating 30 years of service to her community. District Governor Norman Hart and past District Governor Paula Beach were on hand for the event.

For more information on the Whitefield Lions Club go to www.WhitefieldLionsClub.com or call President Cindy Haskell Lincoln at 242-2477.

Erskine Academy inducts 22 Leo Club members

New members of Erskine Academy’s Leo Club. Contributed photo

Twenty-two Erskine Academy students were inducted into the Erskine Academy Leo Club at the Whitefield Lions Club, on October 12.

The new members joined an original 25, making the Erskine Academy Leo Club the largest in the state.

Leo Club members were presented with a banner supplied by the Whitefield Lions Club.

During the induction ceremony performed by District Governor Norman Hart, and past District Governor Paula Beach, members were awarded Leo pins by Whitefield Lions Club President Cindy Lincoln and Club Director and Leo Club organizer, Barry Tibbetts.

The Leo Club was formed last Spring in conjunction with the Whitefield Lions Club and Erskine Advisor Roxanne Malley.

Whitefield Lions Barry Tibbetts, Ron Kenoyer and Calvin Prescott have been instrumental in the formation and support of this club, which helps students conduct local civic duties and develop leadership skills.

Erskine Leos have attended Whitefield Lions Club meetings and helped with their local fundraisers including a golf tournament, fishing derby and working at the Windsor Fair.

The Erskine Leos plan a pumpkin painting and visitation day at the Country Manor Nursing Home, 132 Main Street, in Coopers Mills, on October 26, at 2:30 p.m. They are also looking for donations of pumpkins.

For more information about the Leo club or to make a donation, please contact Roxanne Malley at 314-9859/rmalley@erskine247.com or Barry Tibbetts 549-3109. To learn more about the Whitefield Lions Club and upcoming events www.WhitefieldLionsClub.com.

Get Back On Your Feet—Tips For Running At Any Age

(NAPSI)—Running can seem like a daunting workout no matter your age. It takes an impressive amount of dedication to run long distances. However, 66-year-old Barbara McGirr did not let that deter her. Starting at the age of 62, McGirr set her sights on completing her first half marathon. After only six months of training and a lot of hard work, she achieved that goal.

Running can seem like a daunting workout no matter your age. It takes an impressive amount of dedication to run long distances. However, 66-year-old Barbara McGirr did not let that deter her.

Taking advantage of the free fitness membership she received through the SilverSneakers program offered by her Medicare plan, McGirr started her training by walking to build up endurance. From there she started running small increments and gradually increased over time to reach her ultimate goal. Now, even after retirement, McGirr continues to compete in 4K and 5K races.

Her inspiring fitness journey was recently recognized by SilverSneakers as she was named the national winner of the SilverSneakers Richard L. Swanson Inspiration Award, which honors older adults who improve their health through fitness. Running has greatly improved McGirr’s quality of life, and she shares that it helps keep her body and mind in shape.

If you are interested in running and improving your health, SilverSneakers offers the following tips:

• Talk with your doctor: You’re never too old to start running, but it’s always good to check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine.
• Get the proper gear: Invest in a good pair of shoes. Consider getting fitted at an athletic store to keep your feet comfortable.
• Start slow: Start with brisk walks and then slowly transition to running. Running for one minute, then walking for one minute is a great way to build stamina.
• Set manageable goals: Take it easy at first and listen to your body. If running a longer distance is your goal, work up to it gradually—walking for a few weeks, then intervals of jogging and walking. Before you know it, you’ll be running with ease.
• Don’t skip the cooldown: Always cool down with a slow walk and lots of stretching to reduce recovery time.

SilverSneakers partners with more than 13,000 participating fitness locations and wellness centers, giving members access to the site’s basic amenities, including weights, treadmills, pools, etc., as well as specialized SilverSneakers exercise classes led by certified SilverSneakers instructors. The program is offered at no additional charge through the nation’s leading Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement carriers and group retiree plans.

For more information, to check eligibility or enroll, visit www.silversneakers.com.

Winslow youth football at homecoming

Members of Winslow Youth Football teams pose for a photo at the homecoming game at Poulin Field, in Winslow, on September 23. Photo by Carol Fredette, Central Maine Photography

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Gathering winter’s fare

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee

During one of the final weekends of camp, my wife and I, one day, were sitting on the deck, enjoying the unseasonably warm weather and watched nature as we made our plans for closing up camp for the summer. It was a warm, sunny day with a slight breeze coming out of the northwest. During that time I was able to watch this one particular chipmunk, which I would have to describe as resilient and determined.

Right in front of our storage sheds, he had dug one of his many entry holes. As we later went about our business of closing things up, the chipmunk’s hole kept getting filled in. Over the next few days, we would wake up in the morning and the hole had been re-opened.

On the fourth day I noticed his hole had not been re-opened from the day before.

Suddenly, out of the brush he came, and right there in front of us, began to dig as if we were not there. I know he knew we were there, but I couldn’t figure out whether he wanted to show us that we were not going to discourage him, or maybe he was just being plain defiant.

They are cute little buggers and very industrious. We watch them at our camp all the time, and they become braver as the summer turns to fall.

The common name of the chipmunk comes from the native Ottawan word jidmoonh, meaning “red squirrel.” The earliest form of “chipmunk” appeared in the Oxford Dictionary of 1842, although it appears in several books from the 1820s. They are also referred to as striped squirrels, chippers, munks and timber tigers.

They are omnivorous, primarily feeding on nuts and other fruits, buds, grass, shoots and many other forms of plant matter, as well as fungi, insects and other arthropods, small frogs, worms and bird eggs. Oh, and did I mention bird seed.

They forage basically on the ground but will climb trees for hazelnuts and acorns. They begin to stockpile food in early fall. They stash their food in their burrows and remain underground until spring, unlike some other species which make multiple small caches of food, such as the gray squirrel.

As small as they are, they fulfill several important functions in forest ecosystems. Their activities harvesting and hoarding tree seeds play a crucial role in seedling establishment. They consume many different kinds of fungi, including those involved with trees, and are an important vehicle in the dispersal of the spores of truffles which have co-evolved with these and other mammals, and thus lost the ability to disperse their spores through the air.

The eastern chipmunk hibernates during the winter.

Chipmunks also play an important role as prey for various predatory mammals and birds, but are also opportunistic predators themselves, particularly in regards to bird eggs and nestlings.

Chipmunks, on average, live about three years, but have been known to live up to nine years in captivity. In captivity, they sleep an average of 15 hours a day. It is thought that mammals which can sleep in hiding, such as rodents and bats, tend to sleep longer than those that must remain on alert.

Well, when we left our little friend on Sunday afternoon, his hole was open and he was seen scurrying around in the leaves, gathering the acorns that were falling from the trees …as if we weren’t even there.