REVIEW POTPOURRI – Composer: Schumann; Movie: Boys’ Night Out; Band Leader: Ralph Flanagan

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Schumann

Symphonies and various works for piano and orchestra and solo piano

Robert Schumann

Heidrun Holtmann and Denes Varjon, pianists; Sir Neville Marriner conducting the Stuttgart Radio Orchestra; Stefan Soltesz conducting the Berlin Radio Symphony; Capriccio- LC 08748, 5 CDs, released 2006.

This very generously filled package of five CDs contains some of the most lovable classical music in the world by Robert Schumann, 1810-1856; very nicely performed and blessed with vibrant digital sound; and priced in a range very close to ten bucks.

I especially recommend the sweeping, swash-buckling 3rd Symphony, known as the Rhenish, for its grand depiction of the Rhine River or maybe the Kinderszenen, or Scenes of Childhood, with its fountains of melody. But I will state that every piece of music will reward attentive listeners. An unquestionable recommendation for beginning classical listeners!

Boys’ Night Out

starring James Garner, Howard Duff, Howard Morris, Tony Randall, Kim Novak, Patti Page, etc.; directed by Michael Gordon; MGM films, 1962, 115 minutes.

James Garner

Howard Duff

Four businessmen, three of them married, commute together on the Greenwich to New York City train every day. The husbands persuade the bachelor to find a cheap yet swanky apartment, complete with a gorgeous “housekeeper,” to entertain each of them on their respective nights out. Due to an inscrutable set of coincidences, the digs are found, along with a woman, Cathy, played with fetching allure by Kim Novak, who is doing graduate work on male sexuality and agrees to the deal, fully intending to, using her wiles, avoid the bed.

Kim Novak

Patti Page

One choice example of humor is when Cathy’s professor asks, “Can you look like yes but act like no? This is what a nice girl hasn’t learnt!” To which Cathy replies, “This is what a nice girl has learnt best!”

The comedy is superbly done, as the story builds up to a truly farcical conclusion. Garner as the bachelor and the rest of the cast give a true ensemble performance.

Ralph Flanagan

1001 Nighters
RCA Victor, LPM-1274, mono LP, recorded 1956.

Ralph Flanagan

Ralph Flanagan (1914-1995) began his career in 1935, just as the Big Band era was getting started, and worked for Sammy Kaye, Horace Heidt and Blue Barron; after World War II, he did arrangements for Perry Como, Tony Martin, etc.

However, it wasn’t until 1949 that he really hit the big time with the formation of his own band with its very danceable sound, quite similar to Glenn Miller. He discovered traveling on the road was the real cash cow, although record sales were a close second, and he loved every minute of it. The title of the album refers to the minimal number of evenings chalked up by these journeys over a six-year period.

The selections to be heard here include such oldies as Indiana, Stars Fell On Alabama, Moon Over Miami, etc., with a group of singers joining in for a few titles. Glenn Miller fans would especially enjoy this very pleasant record.

Local students named to dean’s list at Stonehill College

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The following students have been named to the Fall 2017 dean’s list at Stonehill College, in Easton, Massachusetts.

To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must have a semester grade point average of 3.50 or better and must have completed successfully all courses for which they were registered.

Justin Davis, class of 2019, from Palermo, and a graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China.

Colleen O’Donnell, class of 2018, from Waterville, and a graduate of Waterville Senior High School.

Skowhegan library children’s section awarded grant

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Word has recently been received by the Skowhegan Free Public Library that the children’s section of the library has been chosen as a recipient of the Dorothy Louise Kyler Foundation grant in the amount of $5,000. The foundation specifies that all funds must be spent on books, audio books, CDs, and DVDs for the children’s collection.

Youth Services Librarian, Angie Herrick, wrote the grant last fall, stating a need for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) related materials. Much of the current children’s non-fiction section is dated and funds are tight. According to a report put out by Georgetown University, Americans should expect to see a 26 percent increase in STEM job fields in the next ten years. This means that nearly a quarter of all new jobs will be centered on math, science, engineering and technology skills. It is the hope that this grant will allow the library to purchase new materials that will bolster the current collection without taking money away from the small book budget the library sets aside for children’s materials. The library would like to be able to provide these new and reliable resources to engage young learners in the STEM fields. Items on the wish list include: coding and technology books, math and science series, Lego design books, and lots of educational DVDs for all ages.

The Skowhegan Library Youth Services Librarian has been working with the Maine State Librarian’s STEM Liaison, Christina Dorman, and Early Literacy Children’s Specialist, Stephanie Schott, to make sure that quality materials are selected. New items should begin appearing on the library shelves in February.

IF WALLS COULD TALK: Practice of bridal showers began in 1890s

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Katie Ouilette Wallsby Katie Ouilette

WALLS, y’know, I’m having a hard time believing that 2018 is our year already, but I have had a lot of reminiscing to do, as I’ve been cleaning out a lot of papers that I’ve been saving for ideas to write about for you.

I came across a write-up about shower parties. Yes, I’m sure there are marriages being planned and, frankly, so many young folks are having outdoor weddings these days. In fact, there is a ‘wedding spot’ created just up the road from our house here in East Madison. Well, I had saved a clipping-from-something about the origin of shower parties. Can you believe the author said that it all started in the 1890s. Read on for a shocker! It seems that a shower party was first planned by the bride, who filled an umbrella with wrapped gifts that she would need as she started her marriage. Now, the husband was to have a dowry, but time wore on and the custom became what it is today. Now, I am thinking of an advertisement that appears on our television these days. “Life doesn’t get better by chance. It gets better by change.” Well, weddings and shower parties sure have changed!

Y’know, WALLS, we’ve promised our faithful readers something old, something new and something different. Well, the only thing that is different here is a column that I wrote before The Town Line became a part of my life. The newspaper was called Hometown Newspaper, but you were talking even back then, WALLS! A snippet from that article may find you thinking back. Yes, it isn’t summer yet, but you do remember when the boat used to bring folks from their cottages to the Trolley at Lakewood. It seems that when Lloyd Bridges was at Lakewood Theatre, he became curious about the Margaret B. blown up as a July 4 celebration event. So, Lloyd decided to take a dive. No luck! Wrong place! What’s more, no one has ever found the boat, but it has made for good conversation!

WALLS will be back next week, faithful readers!

SOLON & BEYOND: Today’s world could benefit from old newspaper clipping on good manners

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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!

Have been sitting here at my computer desk cleaning out cubbyholes to see what I can find to write about this week. It’s an awful feeling not to have any real news to share with you, especially after coming across an old yellowed clipping that I had saved with many names telling of who had been visiting who in those long ago times. Now-a-days, people prefer their privacy.

Anyway, my being old-fashioned, I feel that this modern world could benefit by reading the words of this old yellowed clipping (no date on it, or what newspaper printed it) called, Ten Commandments for Good Manners. It starts with, “Good manners is not a typical subject students study in school, yet it may well be the most important skill they can learn for getting a job and succeeding in life.”

For parents who feel that their kids need better manners, Larry Evans may be able to help. He has surveyed the good manners and traits of successful people from Confucius to Emerson to modern times, and distilled the essence into the Ten Commandments for Good Manners. The key to these principles is their simplicity, yet they deal with the most important aspects of life.

Thou shalt be thyself: (my modern computer would not accept the t instead of an L at first) Good manners begin with a good sense of self. Unless you are true to yourself, you can never be true to others. You are unique. Don’t try to shape your personality to meet circumstances. Be natural, and the world will respect you for what you are.

Thou shalt say “Thank You.” Thanking others is a way of praising them and is one of the keys to having good manners. Send thank-you notes whenever someone does something nice for you, or telephone to express your gratitude. This simple act will help build lasting relationships. When someone gives you a compliment, the best response is a simple “thank you.”

And don’t forget “Please,” “Excuse me,” and “You’re welcome,” which are other marks of good manners.

Thou shalt give compliments: A fundamental rule of good manners is to give. Think about what you can give to others, and remember that the most precious gifts cost nothing, When you meet someone, you can always think of a genuine compliment to give. A “Hello” or “How are You?” is not enough. You can also give your undivided attention and interest to others. You can be generous with words of praise, warm greetings, sympathy, love, or other good news.

Thou shalt not be boastful: Always exercise restraint and good taste. Your voice, your behavior and even your clothing should reflect understated elegance. Only a small person brags about accomplishments; a well-mannered person has no need for self-advertisement. Let your deeds speak for themselves.

Thou shalt listen before speaking: Respect for others is a pre-requisite of good manners. Listening to others is a way to show respect. There is no worse company than a person that does not listen. Be genuinely interested in others; learn their names, and encourage them to talk about themselves. Never interrupt. Look them in the eye, and listen carefully. The listener learns and gains.

Thou shalt speak with kindness: Before speaking to others, consider what effect your words will have. Pause and weigh your words carefully and say them with a quality of softness. A slip of the tongue can inflict needless hurt. Also, remember the language of the body ( your posture and your mannerisms) is as important as the language of words.

Thou shalt not criticize: A person with good manners is above criticizing others or complaining about circumstances. Negativity in any form is to be avoided. If you hear gossip, don’t join in, be indifferent to it.

If you disagree with others, do so respectfully. Don’t verbally attack or condemn them. You may win the argument, but lose a valued friend.

If there is room next week I will print more; but I’m hoping I’ll be deluged with real news.

Now for Percy’s memoir; it is an Irish Blessing: “May God grant you always… A sunbeam to warm you’ a moonbeam to charm you, a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you. Laughter to cheer you. Faithful friends near you. And whenever you pray, Heaven to hear you.”

Weather doesn’t bother this hunter

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Undeterred by any kind of weather, this bald eagle was captured in this photograph by Michael Bilinsky, of China Village, as it swept down to grab a fish. What makes this photo special is that this moment was over in the blink of an eye.
Photo by Michael Bilinsky

Researchers see potential role for dancing

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The Benefits of Movements

by Bob Brown

I was recently reading an article written by Scott Edwards, Harvard Medical School Correspondent that really got my attention. Many of us have been aware for years that there are positive health benefits to dancing and movement, but this was an up-to-date version with a little different slant.

The header at the top of the article said “Researchers see potential role for dance in treating neurodegenerative disorders and recently began to investigate the complex mental coordination that dance requires.” The article went on to ask, “How many of those who ballroom dance, foxtrot, break dance, square dance, round dance or line dance realize that they are doing something positive for their brains?” Daniel Tarsy, professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and director of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Center states that, “There’s no question that music has a very stimulating effect on physical activity and I think that applies to dance as well.”

Scientists gave little attention to the neurological effects of dance until recently, when researchers began to investigate the complex mental coordination that dance requires. In a 2008 article in “Scientific American”, a Columbia University neuroscientist said that synchronizing music and movement constitutes a “pleasure double play.” Music stimulates the brain’s reward centers, while dance activates its sensory and motor circuits.

A 2003 study by researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and reported in the “New England Journal of Medicine” showed that dance can improve brain health. The study investigated the effect leisure activities had on the risk of dementia in the elderly. The researchers looked at the impact of 11 different types of physical activity, including cycling, golf, swimming, and tennis, but found that only dancing lowered participants’ risk of dementia. The combination of mental effort and social interaction made the difference.

In a small 2012 study, researchers at North Dakota’s Minot State University found that the dance program known as Zumba improves mood and cognitive skills. Other studies have shown that dance helps reduce stress, increases the levels of the “feel-good hormone,” serotonin, and helps develop new neural connections, especially in the regions involved in executive function, long-term memory, and special recognition.

Dance has also been found to be therapeutic for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Dancing is a fabulous addition to a regular course of activity that can include briskly walking, swimming, Tai chi, and lots of other forms of exercise. Our dance (square dancing and round dancing) just has the added benefits of social interaction, mental processing into motor action, moving rhythmically to music, and just plain being fun.

So if you’re looking to add a long term benefit to your health regimen, think about square and/or round dancing. For more info call Bob at 447-0094 or Cindy at 631-8816.

Havoc on the Kennebec River

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Recent warm weather, heavy rains and the return to cold temperatures raised havoc on the Kennebec River, with ice jams, above, causing unanticipated flooding that left many motorists’ cars stranded in this photo in Hallowell. Photos by Tawni Lively, Central Maine Photography staff

Webber Pond president updates on lake conditions

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The pool got close to the spillway, but did not overtop.

by Frank Richards
President, Webber Pond Association

By way of update, the winter is going well. We had an extended period of really cold weather. Many days in a row where the thermometer at my house was minus-25 degrees.

Suddenly, there was a radical shift in the jet stream and we had two days of torrential rain with temperatures in the 40s. All of it came off the watershed. No way it could be absorbed by the frozen ground or snow that melted.

Widespread flooding in Augusta and Winslow. No issues with the Webber Dam. Thirty years ago we were advised to keep the pool between a foot and two feet below the spillway to protect against surges during the winter. That’s about three feet of draw at the control gates. It was good advice.

This is a shot of the control gates. As may be seen, there will be no worry about not enough water coming into the lake during the winter.
Photos courtesy of Frank Richards

Obituaries, Week of January 18, 2018

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JUDITH WILDE

OAKLAND – Judith Wilde, 75, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2017, following a hard battle with leukemia. She was born April 1, 1942, and lived in Oakland.

Judy attended the Tapley School, in Oakland, and completed three years of Williams High, in Oakland. She later achieved her GED.

Judy’s career included driving buses, and working in real estate. Judy also worked as an assistant dental hygienist.

Judy loved to draw, to puzzles and she was a wonderful cook. Judy loved gardening, especially her greenhouse in Mercer. She enjoyed visits and almost daily walks with several neighbors. She enjoyed riding her scooter to the pond in Oakland and spending time with friends and family.

In no particular order, she is survived by sisters Anne Norman and Virginia Adams, both of Waterville and Oakland; nephews and nieces Leigh Stevens, Coleen Gooldrup, Jennifer Walker, Benjamin Norman, Danny, Wesley, and Kelly Adams, all of Central Maine; grandchildren and a great-grandchild, Eva and Rea Rodrigue, of Gorham, Tobias Baker, Aurora, Emma and Cornelia Wilde, of Moss, Norway; cousins Donna Radcliff, of Florida, Martha Carole, in Brewer, Bobby Byerly, of San Diego, California, Patty Wilde, of Norridgewock, Richard and Dennis Wilde, and Julie Wilde Howard, of Mercer, Grace Smith, Brenda Jagoe, Gladys Buraglia, Joyce Neuberg and Bette Wiseman, all of New Brunswick, Canada, and Don Graham, of Ontario, Canada; former husband Robert Annis, of Rockland; children Sarah Rodrigue, of Gorham, James Baker, of Belgrade and Michael Baker, of Moss, Norway.

All friends and family are invited to join in the celebration of her life on Sunday, January 28 at the Oakland American Legion, from noon to 4 p.m. Bring your stories about Judy and a potluck meal to share.

IRVING E. WRIGHT

OAKLAND – Irving E. Wright, 91, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at his home following a long illness. He was born January 24, 1926, the son of Warren “Gus” Wright and Lillian Wheeler Wright.

He attended Boylston High School, in Boylston, Massachusetts. He married the former Joyce Bickford, in Westboro, Massachusetts, in 1953.

Irving lived a life of hard work, starting as a boy on the family farm and making a living as a carpenter and owner of his own business. Irving and Joyce lived in North Grafton, Massachusetts, for 15 years before moving to Augusta in 1969.

He was a Mason and Shriner in both states and worked tirelessly for that cause. He loved their cottage on Great Pond, in Belgrade Lakes, and his winter home in Florida, where he could go boating and fishing anytime he wanted. He often said his cottage was the prettiest spot on the lake.

His love for cribbage was unbelievable as he would play for hours at a a time.

Irving is survived by his wife Joyce, of 65 years; son, Barry Wright and his partner Sherry Stevens, of Livermore Falls; one granddaughter, Jessica Mullen and husband Brian; three great-grandsons.

He was predeceased by his son, Bruce Wright; parents Gus and Lillian; and six brothers.

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

Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901, or UNA Home Health Hospice, 50 Foden Rd., South Portland, ME 04106.

RODNEY A. McALEER

BENTON – Rodney Allen McAleer, 63, formerly of Benton, passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2018, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, following a long illness. He was born in Waterville on May 2, 1954, the son of the late Robert A. and Christine B. (Bugold) McAleer.

He was a hockey player, and graduate of Waterville High School. Rodney was an avid sports fan who enjoyed all sports. He also loved fishing, no matter what time of year.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Dawn (Gurney) McAleer, who passed away on August 15, 2014.

Rodney will be missed by his sisters, Bobbi Sagendorf, of Amesbury, Massachusetts, and Randie Ennis, and husband Phillip, of Goldsboro, North Carolina; stepson Justin Leibowitz, of Waterville; stepdaughter Lisa Coleman, of North Carolina; grandchildren Leticia Messier, of Vermont, Alecia Rexford and Savannah Coleman, both of New Hampshire; great-grandson Killian Ronin Messier; and nephews Andrew Cronin and his wife Marianne, of Natick, Massachusetts, and Brian Cronin and family, of Andover, Massachusetts.

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

DANIEL J. LAJOIE

BENTON – Daniel J. Lajoie, 71, passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2018, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta, following a brief illness. He was born in Augusta on August 27, 1946, the son of Raymond J. Lajoie and Elizabeth M. (Rousel) Lajoie.

Daniel graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta. He served honorably in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Digital Equipment Corp., as an engineering tech for 28 years.

Daniel was predeceased by his parents; his wife Donna (Atkinson) Lajoie; son Christopher E. Lajoie.

Surviving are a son, Daniel J. Lajoie Jr.; two brothers Donovan G. Lajoie, of Acton, and Mark A. Lajoie, of Bedford, New Hampshire; a sister Sylvia A. Lajoie, of Portland, and Carole Boudreau and June Powell; several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were under the direction of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

BARBARA M. GREENLAW

FAIRFIELD – Barbara M. Greenlaw, 91, passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2018. She was born on July 25, 1926, to Hugh Allen and Lia Belle (Trimm) Fox Sr., in Blanchard.

Barbara graduated from Guilford High School in 1944. Following high school, she worked in the weave room at the American Woolen Company, in Dover-Foxcroft.

Barbara soon decided to seek employment at the Sisters of Charity Hospital, in Waterville, where she began her nursing studies at the Seton Institute School of Nursing, in Waterville. Her continued educational training took her to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, in Boston, Massachusetts, and masters graduate wortk in psychiatrics at the Seton Institute School of Nursing, in Baltimore, Maryland. Following World War II, Barbara worked at military hospitals in Charleston, South Carolina, Jacksonville, Florida and Key West, Florida.

She returned to Maine and continued her career in nusring at the Sisters Hospital, in Waterville. There she met Dr. William Greenlaw and they married in 1955. They shared 23 years together, raising their family.

Barbara maintained her nusring license as a registered nurse until 2002.

She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Fireside Chapter #103, and volunteered her time as an educator for Waterville’s Adult Education.

Barbara was very talented. She was artistic and could design, paint, or build almost anything. No project was too big or too small.

She enjoyed her cars. She loved to travel and see the countryside from her car. She always remarked, “This is fun.”

She had a terrific sense of humor. She loved to tell stories and hold everyone’s attention; she loved to please a crowd.

She enjoyed talking with her “boys” from Scott Paper Co., in Winslow, and later with her crew at Kennebec River Development Park. She was always part of the crew.

She was the “voice of reason.” Her family loyalty and compassion were her priorities. Barbara will be remembered for her compassion for all creatures, two-legged, four-legged or winged, she was always the caregiver.

She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. William Greenlaw; brothers Hugh Allen Fox Jr., of Newport, Vermont, and Colby George Fox, MIA, Kuni-Ri, North Korea; parents and an aunt Clara Willard Fox.

She is survived by her daughter, Brenda; sons Jason and companion Toni, and Hollis and wife Angela; and grandchildren, Claire, Abigail and Austin William.

An online guest book may be signed at www.lawrybrothers.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the Barbara M. Greenlaw Scholarship for Nursing, Lawrence High School, Fairfield, ME 04937.

NANCY M. GREENE

FAIRFIELD – Nancy M. Greene, 81, passed away at home on Tuesday, January 9, 2018. She was born in Madison on April 19, 1936, to the late William and Phylis (Graf) Morrison.

Nancy had many different jobs. She worked for the Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, Norwalk Shoes, in Norridgewock, and she also made Christmas wreaths in Skowhegan. Her favorite job of all and the one she will be most remembered was being an amazing mother and companion.

Nancy enjoyed camping, fishing, spending time with family, and cooking. She really enjoyed days at camp catching the fish and cooking them for dinner.

She was predeceased by her parents; sister Mary, brother Reid and step-daughter Jane.

Nancy is survived by her husband of 64 years, Mervin; children Susan and her husband George, Mervin Jr. and wife Dottie, James and wife Debbie, Sharon and husband Eddie, Hawley and wife Debbie, and Trudy and fiancé Ronney; 19 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sister Joan, brother Butch; stepdaughter Jean; many nephews and nieces.

An online guest book may be signed at www.lawrybrothers.com.

JANICE L. LOMBARD

FAIRFIELD – Janice Lee Lombard, 78, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2018, in Waterville. She was born on March 10, 1939, the daughter of Samuel E. and Thelma F. Jones, in East St. Louis, Illinois.

Jan loved singing and was in chorus in high school in Belleville Township, Illinois. She graduated from Belleville in 1957. In 1959, she met William David Lombard while working at her aunt’s Christian bookstore in Pensacola, Florida. He was a Naval aviator at the time, about to begin seminary college. They exchanged vows on August 7, 1959, and were married for 59 years.

Janice Lee Lombard loved being a part of her husband’s (a pastor) churches as a teacher and Sunday School administrator. A dedicated and talented singer, she also led the choir and participated as a singer late into life. She enjoyed gardening, ceramics and the scenery of coastal Downeast Maine. She was a wonderful cook, and loved feeding her large family.

They pastored several churches throughout the years, beginning at Texas Christian Children Homes, before moving to Maine. Their churches were Kingfield Baptist, South Gorham Baptist, Faith Baptist and Boothbay Harbor Baptist. Jan had a servant’s heart throughout her life and was loved by her family and friends.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Joanne Pike, in 2010.

Jan is survived by her husband William David; five children, William James, Faith, Deborah, Amy and Michael; 14 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister Linda Pease.

An online guest book may be signed at www.lawrybrothers.com.

OTHERS DEPARTED

DALE M. HANSON, 81, of Augusta, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2017, at Augusta Rehabilitation. Locally, he is survived by a son, Dale Hanson Truland, of Vassalboro.

ROBERT W. HUFF, 92, of Dover New Hampshire, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2018, following a short illness. Locally, he is survived by a son, Wayne Huff, of Albion.

JOSEPH A. RICHARD JR., 72, of Clinton, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2018, at an Augusta hospital. Locally, his survived by two children, Holly Murdock and husband George, of Unity; grandchildren Matthew and Amanga Cowette, and Shelby Murdock, all of Unity; sisters Sherry Prescott and husband Frank, of Clinton, and Nancy Richard, of Waterville.

ROBERT W. MANN, 80, of Dexter, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at his home. Locally, he is survived by a son, Paul Mann and wife Francesca, of Waterville; grandchildren Victoria, Paul Jr., and Steven Mann, all of Waterville; great-grandson Mason Mann, of Waterville.

MICHAEL T. ATWATER SR., 61, of Gardiner, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2017, at Glenridge Nursing Home. Locally, he is survived by a grandson Brady Atwater, of Windsor.

WANDA L. LARRACEY, 51, of Canaan passed away on Monday, December 11, 2017, at her home. Locally, she is survived by a daughter, Nicole Larracey and companion Brett Proctor, of Oakland; and sister Lulu Trial and husband Peter, of Vassalboro.

THOMAS W. O’CONNOR, 54, of Augusta, passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, following a courageous battle with cancer. Locally, he is survived by a brother, Stephen J. O’Connor and wife Rachel, of Vassalboro, and a nephew, Robert J. O’Connor, of Vassalboro.

GERALDINE M. FONTAINE, 93, of Waterville, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2017. Locally, she is survived by a daughter, Emelie Ferland and husband Curt, of Vassalboro; and sister Marilyn Michaud and husband Roland, of Waterville.

EVERETT F. HIGGINS, 77, of Augusta, passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2017, at Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta. Locally, he is survived by a sister, Christine Jerolman, of Vassalboro; nieces Terri Blair, of Whitefield and Tina Breton, of Vassalboro; and nephew William Baker, of Belgrade.

NATHANIEL D. SULIM, 33, of Rome, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 25, 2017, in Waterville. Locally, he is survived by sisters, Adriana Killam and husband Paul, of Albion, and Jessica Knight and husband Denny, of Oakland.

FORMER RESIDENTS

MARK L. RAYMOND, 47, of Old Orchard Beach, son of Ronald and Bertha Raymond, of Winslow, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, in Old Orchard Beach. He was born on July 27,1970, in Machias.

Mark graduated from Winslow High School in 1988. He had lived and worked in Old Orchard Beach for many years. Locally, he is survived by his parents Ronald and Bertha Raymond, of Winslow; his brother Ronald Raymond Jr., his sister Beth Ferry and her husband John, and sisters Rose, Wendy, and Desiree Raymond, all of Winslow; brother Jonn and his wife Megan, of Waterville; brother Steven Raymond, of Augusta.