Jefferson Food Pantry gives thanks

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It was a dark and stormy night, cold and rainy. On November 22, the Jefferson Area Community Food Pantry passed out turkeys, hams, assorted other meats, fresh and canned veggies and fruit to feed over 100 of our friends and neighbors.

Good Shepherd Food Bank and the DRA farm provided dry and canned goods and fresh produce. Lots of folks donated boxes of thanksgiving fixings, turkeys and money for the pantry to purchase more turkeys. One special giver donated 35 pies to insure that every family had a yummy desert.

Many new and dedicated volunteers came for set up and distribution. Thank you. Spirits were high in spite of the weather and they were all thankful for the generosity of the community. It was a great night. Happy Holidays

The Jefferson Food Pantry would not be possible without cash donations that we use to purchase food from the Good Shepherd Food Bank. If you would like to participate to help those in need with a monetary gift, please send donations to St. Giles Church, PO Box 34, Jefferson, ME 04348, with JACFB written in the memo area of your check.

They distribute food on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at St. Giles Church, 72 Gardiner Rd. ( Rt 126), from 4 -5:30 p.m. For more information, please call 315-1134.

Roland’s trivia question, Week of December 7, 2017

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Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Since 2003, the New England Patriots have won 14 of 15 AFC East division titles. In what year did they not win the division?

Answer:

2008, when they finished second to the Miami Dolphins on a tie-breaker. Their record was 11-5. It was also the season that Tom Brady was lost for the season during the first game of the season, due to a knee injury.

Back to Scores & Outdoors!

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Doves as a symbol of peace: what is the history?

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White dove

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

As we enter into the Christmas season, I notice a lot of Christmas cards and greetings with the picture of a dove as a symbol of peace on earth and goodwill to all men. Where did that all start? Why is the dove a symbol of peace?

Actually, there are several cultures that depict the dove as a bearer of peace and goodwill.

But before we get into some of the reasons the bird is viewed in that light, let’s look at some general facts about the bird. Doves belong to the Columbidae family, which is the same family as the pigeons. They have a round and stout body, short neck and beak. They are excellent navigators, which also makes them capable of delivering messages. Apart from these traits, they are extremely popular, and are often associated with strong emotions.

The Egyptians were the first to record doves used in ceremonies to announce, to the people, the rise of a new pharaoh.

Central Asia also has a legend about two kings heading to battle against each other. One of the kings called for his armor and is told a dove has made a nest in his helmet. The king’s mother pleads with him to leave the mother dove, a gentle bird associated with love, innocence, tenderness and purity, undisturbed.

The king agrees, and heads off to battle without his protection. The second king sees the king without armor and calls for a parley. Both kings lay down their weapons and talk. When the second king hears the first king’s story, he figures he has misjudged his enemy, whom he thought to be a tyrant. Both kings agree to peace. And the dove becomes known throughout the lands as a bird of peace.

It also had a place in Greek mythology. Aphrodite is always depicted with a dove because she brought love and beauty and peace. The dove was also the bird of Athena because it represented a renewal of life.

European superstition holds that the devil and witches can turn themselves into any bird shape except the dove.

In Japan, the dove with a sword is a symbol to announce the end of war.

Some Native American cultures believe that the deceased spirit takes the form of a dove.

In America, the most well known portrayal of the dove comes from the Bible. In the Old Testament a dove is released by Noah, following the Big Flood, in search of land. It returns with an olive branch to show the flood waters had receded.

The birds have developed into histories of cultures all around the world. The birds have always nested in areas close to developments and show a remarkable fearlessness of humans, possibly believing the humans will not harm them, even to the point of protecting them.

Doves are birds who mate for life and are extremely loyal to their mate. They raise their young with great care and dedication. They are harmless birds and feed on fruits, plants, and seeds.

Many religions associate the dove with peace. Christianity and the Bible describe doves as the symbol of peace and love. It is the symbol of the Holy Spirit, during the baptism of Jesus Christ.

Picasso’s lithograph, La Colombe (The Dove)

For centuries, artists have depicted the dove as a symbol of peace. The lithograph by Picasso-La Colombe, showing a dove with an olive branch in its beak, was chosen as the emblem of peace in 1949, for the World Peace Congress, in Paris. After this, the dove became very popular as a symbol of peace in the modern world.

The dove is truly a bird that has touched the human mind and heart. It has inspired mankind with its innocence and purity. It reminds people of the very basic traits to live a fruitful life-love and peace.

The next time you seem stressed, and you think the world is out to get you, just think of the dove, the symbol of tranquility and peace.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Since 2003, the New England Patriots have won 14 of 15 AFC East division titles. In what year did they not win the division?

Answer here.

Legal Notices, Week of December 7, 2017

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STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
COURT ST.,
SKOWHEGAN, ME
SOMERSET, ss
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
18-A MRSA sec. 3-801

The following Personal Representatives have been appointed in the estates noted. The first publication date of this notice is November 30, 2017.

If you are a creditor of an estate listed below, you must present your claim within four months of the first publication date of this Notice to Creditors by filing a written statement of your claim on a proper form with the Register of Probate of this Court or by delivering or mailing to the Personal Representative listed below at the address published by his name, a written statement of the claim indicating the basis therefore, the name and address of the claimant and the amount claimed or in such other manner as the law may provide.

See 18-A MRSA 3-804.

2017-309 – Estate of SHIRLEY J. HILTON, late of Norridgewock, Me deceased. Franklin C. Hilton, 940 Sandy River Road, Norridgewock, Me 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-312 – Estate of HAROLD E. WILBER, late of Hartland, Me deceased. Dianne J. Whalen, PO Box 373, Canaan, Me 04924 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-314 – Estate of JONATHAN R. VINING, late of Jackman, Me deceased. Lori Vining, 82 Dana Mill Road, Woolwich, Me 04579 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-317 – Estate of MARVIN T. BRANN, late of Norridgewock, Me deceased. Trixie Brann, 204 White School House Road, Madison, Me 04950 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-319 – Estate of RICHARD E. MOORE, late of Moscow, Me deceased. Stephanie A. Moore, 279A Langdon Road, Richmond, Me 04357 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-320 – Estate of DAVID S. MILLS, SR., late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Holly Hannon, 42 Carey Lane, Apt 1, Waterville, Me 04901 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-321 – Estate of HENRY S. DUNLAP, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Patricia D. Knowles, 4489 NW 2nd Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-322 – Estate of ELIZABETH STOCKFORD, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Galen L. Stockford, 214 Case Road, Winthrop,Me 04364 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-324 – Estate of MERVIN L. KERR, late of Harmony, Me deceased. David Kerr, 148 Beans Corner Road, Pittsfield, Me 04967 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-327 – Estate of LIONEL R. MARQUIS, late of Athens, Me deceased. Dolores Marquis, 44 Vernal Huff Road, Athens, Maine 04912 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-328 – Estate of MADELINE E. NANGLE, late of St. Albans, Me deceased. Ryan P. Nangle, 5 Pinewood Drive, Hudson, NH 03051 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-329 – Estate of GEORGE O. COONEY, late of St. Albans, Me deceased. George M. Cooney, 36 Rand Hill Road, St. Albans, Me 04971 appointed Personal Representative.

To be published on November 30 & December 7, 2017
Dated: November 27, 2017 /s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(12/7)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
41 COURT ST.
SOMERSET, ss
SKOWHEGAN, ME
PROBATE NOTICES

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE ESTATES LISTED BELOW

Notice is hereby given by the respective petitioners that they have filed petitions for appointment of personal representatives in the following estates. These matters will be heard at 10 a.m. or as soon thereafter as they may be, on December 13, 2017. The requested appointments may be made on or after the hearing date if no sufficient objection be heard. This notice complies with the requirements of 18-A MRSA §3-403 and Probate Rule 4.

2017-326 – Estate of PARKER JAMES SEWALL. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Joshua Paul St. Clair, 258 Birchwood Terrace, Pittsfield, Me 04967 requesting minor’s name be changed to Parker James St. Clair for reasons set forth therein.

[Item removed at owner’s request. August 24, 2018.]

Dated: November 27, 2017 /s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(12/7)

I’m Just Curious: “Nana Daffy”

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by Debbie Walker

Recently, I referred to myself as “Nana Daffy.” I commented that I would tell that story at another time. TIME is here.

Have you ever been in a conversation about names with a little one?

It goes something like this: “Momma’s name is ….?., Daddy’s name is ….?” It was one of those discussions when I added “Nana’s name is …?”

Tristin reached that age first. When asked “what’s my name?” She answered “Nana Deffy.” I looked at my daughter and we both giggled. I remember quietly telling Deana that I thought I liked Deffy better than Debbie anyway. However, Tristin, it seems, heard us and that little rug rat called me Nana Deffy after that.

Then along comes Blake and when he hit “the” age he had other ideas about my name. I then became Nana Daffy and it has stuck for 23 years!

When my grandkids were in Day Care I would often pick them up. It wasn’t long before every little one there noticed when I came in. Just picture about 30 of these little cookie crunchers charging towards the door yelling, “Nana Daffy!!!”. It was a great way to start or end a day.

Christmas at School

This is my second school year as a foster grandparent. I just love it! I am working with a classroom of first and second graders. Last year we only had two weeks of Christmas. (I only volunteer two days a week) My teacher, Kathy, had me wait until mid-December to get into anything Christmas. Well, that’s not happening this year! I have warned/told her that Christmas starts Dec. 1! That’s the Friday before you get/got The Town Line paper.

I am wearing one of my wild Christmas sweaters, headband of antlers with flickering lights, Christmas jewelry and my story time that morning will be a Christmas story! Humpfree will have lights on his antlers until Christmas is over. And… my craft/art class time will certainly be another bit of annoyance to Kathy because it is bound to be more Christmas!

I have been rather chatty tonight; hope you don’t mind all this information.

Important Studies?

Just when you have pretty much heard about all you want to about wasting of money, along comes a humdinger! The only saving grace for this one is it has been done in another country. But wait – if it is being done in another country, you don’t suppose this country would waste money like that, too, do you?

Dogs sleeping skills are being recorded. It seems they (whoever that country was) are studying sleeping dogs. Isn’t there some kind of saying about “let sleeping dogs lie”? I only remember them saying dogs could learn in their sleep!!! Maybe I’ll try that myself, hopefully I will learn something interesting.

Okay, I know, enough of that stuff! As usual you can find me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com. I’m just curious if you have nights like this when several things jump you in one day and you just have to have an opinion? I hope I helped you smile.

REVIEWS: Bandleader: Spike Jones; Composers: Telemann & Maurice Ravel

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Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates

How I Started Collecting Records, Part 7

As I slowly edged into liking classical music, via cartoons and storybook records, I remember Beethoven being the first composer to grab my attention, through two symphonies – the 5th and 6th, better known as the Pastoral. The great conductor, Bruno Walter (1876-1962), would be the first to give me the intensive exposure to both pieces. Mom owned a 78 set of Walter’s 1941 5th, a very satisfying performance full of conviction and spirit.

My Uncle Paul Cates owned an LP of the sublime Bruno Walter/Philadelphia 1946 Pastoral that he left at the family homestead along with a pile of other interesting disks while he lived in West Berlin for much of the ‘50s and ‘60s. I played that record many times while visiting Grammie Cates. My introductions to the beauties of the composer’s Emperor and Violin Concertos followed within the year.

Spike Jones

Spike Jones

Thank You, Music Lovers
RCA Victor, LPM-2224, recorded 1960.

A dozen of Jones’s wacky, weird 78s, featuring spoofs and putdowns of musical classics, such as Der Fuehrer’s Face, William Tell Overture , You Always Hurt the One You Love, My Old Flame, etc.; have been re-recorded in better sound and provide fun similar to Frank Zappa’s shenanigans from the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Telemann

George Telemann

Concertos for Oboe, 2 Flutes and Orchestra; Suite for Recorder and Orchestra
Kurt List and Zlatko Topolski conducting the Austrian Tonkuen­stler Orchestra; various soloists; Musical Heritage Society, MHS 743, recorded 1967.

George Philip Telemann (1681-1767) was quite the prolific composer, much of his music, whether sacred or secular, very pleasurable. This assortment of works are the most beguiling listening experiences I have encountered in a very long time, and receive top notch performances. During his lifetime, he achieved far greater popularity than his friend, Bach.

Maurice Ravel

Bolero, Rhapsodie Espagnole, La Valse and Scheherazade Overture
Jean Martinon conducting the Orchestre de Paris; Angel, S-37147, recorded 1975.

Maurice Ravel

Most every recording of Jean Martinon (1911-1976) that has come my way has given enduring pleasure, whether Beethoven or the Rus­sian, Sergei Prokofiev. His career as the conductor of the Chicago Symphony after succeeding the phenomenally brilliant Fritz Reiner was cut short mainly by hostile music critics.

However, he returned to Paris and recorded a series of LPs devoted to the complete works of Debussy and Ravel that were superbly balanced, tasteful and yet musically alive examples of really great conducting. And the above record was every bit as fine as the others I have heard.

IF WALLS COULD TALK, Week of December 7, 2017

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Katie Ouilette Wallsby Katie Ouilette

Well, faithful readers and WALLS, do you agree with me that it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas?

Yup, everywhere we read! The advertising hardly leaves time for viewing and reading and Black Friday and ‘whatever Monday’ has happened already. Now, bring on the parades and Christmas tree lightings and, then, Santa, if he’s not appeared and listened to all good little boys and girls (and sure, moms and dads, grandmas and granddads, too). Santa will be riding in parades, folks. Yup, he’ll be waving from even a firetruck!

WALLS, you told about my having a Story Hour at the Sudbury, Massachusetts, library, several years ago, and son, Craig, surely set kids straight as we drove back to the neighborhood. Yes, WALLS, you know that all the kids were talking about Santa’s being real, when Craig joined into the conversation and said “you don’t believe your folks bought all that good stuff, do you?” Well, you know full well, WALLS, that the library hour kids all agreed that their mom and dad wouldn’t! Case closed! There is a real Santa, but surely he does have helpers. Yup, the Elves are surely very busy right now.

Now, back to son, Craig. He caught Santa as he was filling the stockings for him, brother Russell and sister Lynn and his mom and dad in Towanda. Oh, Santa is real for sure!

Many thanks to those who are working on organizing parades and planning events. Don’t miss it all folks. Christmas is the loveliest time of the year! In fact, I believe someone wrote a song about it’s “being the most wonderful time of the year…” and hopefully, everyone’s most wonderful time of the year.

SOLON & BEYOND, Week of December 7, 2017

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

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

The L.C. Bates Museum, in Hinckley, has received a grant which is benefiting students at Solon Elementary School this fall. Elizabeth Comstock of the museum staff visited the school once a week for six weeks to present natural history outreach programs to students in second and fourth grades. Topics for these presentations were wetland habitat, forest habitat, ocean habitat, Maine birds, bugs, and pollination.

The L.C. Bates Museum and the Colby College Museum of Art invited the school’s second and third graders to participate in a “Bird Day” on October 24. Then they went to the Colby College Museum of Art where they took a “nature walk” through the museum galleries, compared and drew bird bills, feet, and feathers in the Audubon exhibit, The grant paid the cost of the bussing, the museum programs, and lunch for the students, staff, and chaperones.

Lief and I attended the seventh annual Christmas Program, (along with a large crowd, even though I neglected to write that it was going to be held at the North Anson Congregational Church).

The audience was invited to sing several of the old familiar Christmas hymns, followed by a special Christmas Pageant Mary Walz organized this event and in mind, anyway, it was a great success!

Lief and I were blessed with two Thanksgivings this year. We were invited over to Andrew and Ashley Higgins’ home, in Skowhegan, on the weekend that Dean and Cheryl were here from Georgia. Others present were Cynthia and Allen Fitzmaurice, Hailey, Aaron and Jessica.

Received an e-mail recently about the Embden Historical Society having the following items for sale: “Embden Town of Yore,” they have recently reduced the price from $60 to $40, plus shipping if necessary. “South of Lost Nation,” $20 plus shipping if necessary. An Embden afghan which has been reduced from $50 to $25 plus shipping.

And so for Percy’s memoir, which is a great one! “Faith Is A Mighty Fortress.”

We look ahead through each changing year
With mixed emotions of Hope and Fear,
Hope for The Peace we long have sought,
Fear that Our Hopes will come to naught…
Unwilling to trust in the Father’s Will,
We count on our logic and shallow skill
And in our arrogance and pride,
Man is no longer satisfied
To place his confidence and love
With Childlike Faith in God above…
But tiny hands and tousled heads
That kneel in prayer by little beds
Are closer to the dear Lord’s heart
And of His Kingdom more a part
Than we who search and never find
The answers to our questioning mind,
For faith in things we cannot see
Requires a child’s simplicity…
Oh, Father, grant once more to men
A simple Childlike Faith again,
Forgetting Color, Race and Creed
And seeing only the heart’s deep need…
For Faith alone can save man’s soul
And lead him to a Higher Goal,
For there’s but one unfailing course
We win by Faith and Not by Force.

Anne Guadalupi one of 60 students inducted into Assumption College honors program

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The Assumption College Honors Program, in Worcester, Massachusetts, inducted 60 new members from the class of 2021 to its honors program, including Anne Guadalupi, of Augusta, on October 29, before an audience of administrators, faculty, and families.

Mount Merici Academy first trimester high honors

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Mount Merici Academy announces their students in sixth – eighth grade who have earned high honors for the first trimester of the 2017/2018 school year. They are:

Samantha Bissell, Amelia Charland, Caden Cote, Nina Dabas, Hazel Dow, Sarah Hellen, Carolyn Kinney, Naomi McGadney, Isabella Morrill, Luke Parks and Skylah Talon.