Obituaries for Thursday, March 14, 2019

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NORMA E. PARLIN

JEFFERSON – Norma Ellen (Weeks) Parlin, 80, of Jefferson, passed away on March 4, 2019, following a long courageous battle with cancer. Norma was born on November 16, 1938, in Whitefield, the daughter of Theodore and Eunice (Grady) Weeks.

She attended Wiscasset High School. She married Edward on October 17, 1959, raised two children and she retired from Digital Equipment, in Augusta. Over the years she enjoyed family functions, camping, traveling with her sister-in-law, playing beano and rarely missed watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting events and dance recitals.

Norma was predeceased by her brothers; Theodore Jr. (Joe), Raymond, Darrell (Eli), Richard and Robert (Pete), and sister Sandra Weeks.

Norma is survived by her husband of 59 years, Edward F. Parlin, of Jefferson; son, Richard A. Parlin Sr. and wife Jean, of Jefferson; daughter, Shelly (Parlin) Brann and fiancé Chris Hathorne, of Windsor; stepson, Edward A. Parlin and wife Rose, of South Jefferson; five grandchildren; Richard A. Parlin Jr., of Jefferson; Erica (Parlin) Ontiveros and husband Rafael, of Windsor, Nicole (Brann) Poulin and husband Steve, of North Monmouth, Mark Brann Jr. and wife Courtney, of Oakland, Ryan Parlin, of South Jefferson; six great-grandchildren; Christopher, Jasmine, Sophia, Luke, Wyatt and Tanner, several nieces and nephews. A spring graveside service will be held at Shepard Cemetery, in Jefferson.

Arrangements are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website: familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Norma’s memory to the Sussman House, 40 Anchors Drive, Rockport, Maine 04856.

BRENDA J. O’NEILL

WINDSOR – Brenda Joyce O’Neill, 68, of Windsor, passed away on Friday, January 25, 2019. She was born on October 3, 1950, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the daughter of Otto Albert Pearson and Helen May (Bradley) Pearson.

She grew up in this small town a happy young girl, where she developed her love of the ocean with most of her time spent with her best friend Trudy O’Neill Hervieux, who later became her sister-in-law.

Many years later she moved to Maine where she spent the rest of her years as a single mother with her five children. Brenda was lucky enough to meet friends that she cherished and considered more important than just a friend.

Brenda loved her family days where they would all get together and have dinner.

She was predeceased by her parents; a granddaughter “her angel” Kayla O’Neill.

Brenda is survived by her five children, Michelle and David Knox, Donald O”Neill, Denise and Broadus Henson, Kristie Kenney and Eric O’Neill; 11 grandchildren, David Knox, Katrina O’Neill, Jesse Knox, Katrina O”Neill, Jesse Knox, Brittany Knox, Crystal Morse, Tamara Morton, Bobby Morton, Cody and Nicole Knox, Emily O”Neill, Kameron O”Neill and Kylie Bechard; eight great-grandchildren, Kallynne O’Neill, Kaiden Knox, Hunter Knox, Owen Mayo, Jyreese Morton, Alianna Morton, Mason Lane and Chloe Lane.

There will be a celebration of life dinner on May 26, 2019, at 2 p.m. at American Legion, Easter Avenue, Augusta, where everyone who would like to honor and remember her is welcome.

ROLAND S. CARTER

WINSLOW – Roland Stanley Carter, 81, of Winslow, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 24, 2019. Roland was born in Winslow on January 15, 1938, to Alfred “Fred” and Mabel Carter and was one of 11 children.

He enlisted in the Air Force at age 17 and went on to serve his country for 20 years. While stationed in Germany, he met Anna Berg, of Neidenbach. They were married on September 26, 1958, in Spangdahlem, Germany.

Roland retired as a master sergeant in 1974, and settled down with his family on West Street, in Waterville. He was very proud of his military service, especially the time spent in Vietnam. He was a lifetime member of MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post#8835, in Winslow.

Roland became a Union employee of Maine Central Railroad, in Waterville, and worked as an engineer, conductor and flagman for 24 years, until retiring in 2000 at age 62. Roland was an extremely hard worker, a jack of all trades and a man of many talents. He was known for his witty humor and willingness to give the shirt off his back to help family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. In his later years, Roland was a jigsaw puzzle enthusiast who assembled hundreds.

Roland was predeceased by his parents; son, Jeffrey; his sisters, Jeannine Morisette, and Dolores Carter; and his brothers, Donald, Jean, Bob, Francis, Richard and Fernand.

Roland is survived by his wife of 60 years, Anna Carter; his son, Joseph Carter and wife, Carla; his son, John Carter, Major USAF (retired); his daughter, Jennifer Foust and husband, Joseph; grandchildren: Derek, Jason, Jerrit, Ryan, Sarah and Amanda; his sister, Cecile Trapnell; his brother, Patrick Carter; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, April 22, 2019, at 11 a.m., at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 112 Silver Street, Waterville. Burial will be later that day at 2 p.m., at the Maine Veterans’s Memorial Cemetery, 289 Civic Center Drive, Augusta.

Please visit www.veillieuxfuneralhome.com to share condolences, memories and tributes with his family.

LAURA F. STEVENS

OAKLAND – Laura F. (Reed) Stevens, 94, passed away on Tuesday, February 26, 2019, at Lakewood Continuing Care, in Waterville, within minutes after visiting with her family. She was born November 16, 1924, in Augusta, the daughter of Harold and Ethelyn (Morrill) Reed.

She worked for over 45 years at the Diamond Match and Cascade Woolen Mill, both in Oakland, until her retirement in 1987. She was a life member of The Decker-Simmons Post#51 American Legion Auxiliary, VFW, GAR and DAV. She belonged to the Oakland Parks Recreation Seniors since its beginning and loved her adopted children.

She was married to Gerald L. Stevens Sr. for 53 years until his death on December 20, 1995, and together they raised 10 children and were so proud of how they all completed their education and the career paths they had chosen.

A few of her passions were watching the Boston Red Sox, new England Patriots and traveling in her younger years to California, New York, and especially the ocean with her friends and family.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband Gerald; sons David and Stevie; infant daughter Faith; grandson Lloyd York Jr.; sisters Lelia Luce and Maxine Gallagher; brothers Robert, Edmond (Buzzy) and Thomas Reed and adopted daughter Sandra O’Neal.

She is survived by her children, Judy Nichols (Bob French), Pamela Chartrand, Barbara (Rick) Haskins, Donna (Steve) Bolduc, Randy (Diana) Stevens, Jeffrey (Lisa) Stevens. Barry and Scott Stevens, adopted son Doug Foster; daughters-in-law, Brenda Stevens, AnnMarie Stevens and Laurie Thomas; 18 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; her adopted granddaughter Trudy Albair; several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is planned for May 23, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at the Veterans Cemetery Chapel, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Laura’s name to the Oakland Parks Recreation Seniors, c/o Eric Seekins, P.O. Box 187, Oakland ME 04963.

JANE C. MOREAU

FAIRFIELD – Jane Charlotte Moreau, 76, of Fairfield, died on Sunday, March 3, 2019, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. She was born on November 17, 1942, in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, one of six children of Edna May (Eddy) and Roy C. Wilkins.

She grew up in Farmington, New Hampshire and over the years she worked in various shoe shops in Maine and New Hampshire.

Jane was a member of the VFW MacCrillis-Rousseau Post#8835, in Winslow, and enjoyed camping, knitting, sewing, crocheting, and quilting. She also took pleasure in her flowers and was an avid reader. She will be remembered for her caring and helpful ways, as well as being a great pastry cook.

Jane is survived by her husband of nearly 23 years, Ronald Moreau, of Fairfield; her daughter, Terri Weston, of Barrington, New Hampshire; her son, Dana Ricker and his wife, Kristine, of Farmington, New Hampshire; her daughter, Christine Torno, of Lebanon; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held later this spring in Fairfield. Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share condolences, memories and tributes with Jane’s family.

MILFORD DOWNER

WINSLOW – Milford Downer, 80, of Winslow, died Monday, March 4, 2019, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. He was born in Freedom on April 29, 1936, the son of Freemont and Genevieve (McDonald) Downer.

Milford graduated from Freedom Academy and worked for several local employers including Scott Paper, in Winslow, and Lee Brothers, in Albion. However, he spent most of his career as a woodworker. He worked many years at Duratherm, in Vassalboro, and eventually retired from Benton Hardwood Lumber, in Benton. In his free time, Milford loved fishing and camping with friends. He had an appreciation for a great campfire and the stories that accompanied it. He took the opportunity to share unique travel experiences with his family including two cross country driving trips to visit the natural and historical attractions of the United States.

He was predeceased by his sister Maxine Fowler.

Milford is survived by his wife of 49 years Gail (Young) Downer; niece Cathy Hotham, her husband Fred and son Caleb; numerous other nieces and nephews; brothers Allan and Letitia Downer, Clayton and Jeanne Downer, and Rodney and Linda Downer; and sisters Bertha and Donald Maxim, Carlene and Ray Bourgoin, Norene and Jeffrey Linscott.

There is no service planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org.

KHS to present story of family’s life in a lighthouse

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Marshall Point Lighthouse, located near the fishing village of Port Clyde, Maine (photo: marshallpoint.org)

Imagine living in a century-old lightkeeper’s house on the coast of Maine. It sounds like a fantasy, but for Tom and Lee Ann Szelog, dream became reality when they settled into the keeper’s quarters at the Marshall Point Lighthouse, in Port Clyde.

Join the Szelog’s to experience what it’s like to live in an authentic and operating lighthouse on the Maine coast on Wednesday, March 20, at 6:30 p.m., at the Maine State Library.

The Szelog’s home was remote by most people’s standards, yet relatively accessible for a lighthouse station. Sometimes they had only wildlife and passing boats for company, but not for long, because the spell of the lighthouse drew pilgrims in all seasons. People came to rest, to play, to marry, to meditate and to celebrate – all within view of the keeper’s house and the lenses of Tom’s camera.

In a narrated photography presentation based on the Szelog’s book, Our Point of View – Fourteen Years at a Maine Lighthouse, witness the ever changing tide of emotion and drama through compelling stories and extraordinary photographs.

Published by Down East magazine, the book has been honored as one of the best photo books by Shutterbug magazine and was the winner of Best Maine-Themed Book in the Maine Literary Awards from the Maine Writers and Publishers Association. The book is also a Gold Medal winner from the Independent Publishers Association.

The presentation is co-sponsored by the Maine State Library and free to the public (donations are accepted). For more information, contact Scott Wood, KHS administrative director, at kennhis1891@gmail.com or call 207-622-7718

The Maine State Library is located at 230 State Street, in Augusta.

Selectmen discuss sidewalks, sewer fees, solid waste and dam management

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro selectmen’s March 7 topics included sidewalks, sewer fees, solid waste hauling and dam management.

The sidewalk discussion related to state plans to rebuild Route 32, tentatively in 2021 or 2022. The question was whether sidewalks in the built-up sections of North and East Vassalboro would increase safety and convenience compared to the five-foot paved shoulders in the state plan.

Board Chairman Lauchlin Titus said the current sidewalks in North Vassalboro are not well maintained in winter and are so bumpy year-round that people often walk in the roadway. The state project would include new sidewalks, but maintenance would be a town responsibility, meaning costs for plowing, salting and sanding and repair as needed.

East Vassalboro resident Holly Weidner thinks drivers would not respect the wide shoulders as pedestrian territory, but would take them as an excuse to drive faster. Titus and Weidner agreed traffic-calming measures in both villages should be part of the rebuilding project.

Board member John Melrose, a former Commissioner of Transportation, expects the state transportation department to hold a public meeting to collect residents’ views when the project is closer to reality.

A resident raised the question of sewer fees, which are scheduled to almost double April 1 to help Vassalboro Sanitary District trustees fund the proposed connection to the Winslow and Waterville sewer system. Another resident said 192 households are on Vassalboro’s system, which serves East and North Vassalboro; many are already delinquent on current sewer fees.

The first speaker asked whether tax money could be used to help residents pay sewer bills. Titus said residents who want a question about spending tax money on the town meeting warrant need to draft it and get 211 voters to sign a petition supporting it in order to compel selectmen to add it.

The town has donated TIF (Tax Increment Financing) funds to the sewer project and is likely to continue to do so, he said.

Board members reviewed five bids for hauling solid waste and unanimously accepted Bolster’s Rubbish Removal of Burnham as hauler for solid waste and recyclable cardboard. The bid forms invited bidders to propose alternative methods to the containers the town now uses; Town Manager Mary Sabins said no one did.

The dam issue involves the contract under which the Kennebec Water District (KWD) manages the Outlet Dam in East Vassalboro to keep the China Lake water level within state guidelines. Sabins said the contract expired Jan. 31. The draft renewal submitted by KWD increases the fee charged to Vassalboro and reassigns some responsibilities from KWD to the town.

Sabins said KWD General Manager Roger Crouse had invited her to discuss the contract. Selectmen encouraged her to accept the invitation.

The next regular Vassalboro selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, March 21, with a budget committee meeting scheduled to follow at 7 p.m.

Budget committee absorbs much information at meeting

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Budget Committee members absorbed much information and many opinions at their March 5 and March 7 meetings, though they are well short of overall budget figures needed to begin making recommendations to voters.

The total budget for the current (July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019) fiscal year is somewhat under $10 million. The school budget, which is not yet determined for 2019-2020, is somewhat under $8 million, of which almost $3.7 million comes from local funds. Vassalboro’s share of the 2018-2019 Kennebec County budget is $325,000 and change, with the 2019-2020 assessment also undetermined as of early March.

Questions budget committee members discussed at their two early-March meetings include whether to repair the town grader, buy a second-hand replacement or ask Road Commissioner Eugene Field to lease a grader as needed; whether to replace the police cruiser; additional staffing and possible redesign at the transfer station; and town employees’ salaries.

Last year’s future capital expenditure summary describes Vassalboro’s 1991 grader’s condition as good. At the March 5 meeting, Selectman Lauchlin Titus updated: “It’s still a four-letter word, but the word is ‘junk.’”

Field thinks repairs possible. He recommends committing at least $20,000 to have the grader examined and tested; if it is repairable, he expects at least another five years’ work from it. He said he found one used grader, a 2005, for $80,000; he does not support buying a new one at $280,000 or more.

Vassalboro has only 2.2 miles of unpaved public roads that need annual grading. However, Field said, he and his crew use the grader for shoulder work after paving and as the reserve vehicle in case a plow truck breaks down in mid-storm. Graders are not readily available, he said; if he had to rely on leasing he might not find one when needed.

Discussion of the grader, planned 2019 paving and deteriorating culverts led several people to share accounts of towns elsewhere whose officials have discontinued or dead-ended roads when they could not afford maintenance or a replacement bridge.

Field also requests funding for a new small truck. Asked at the March 7 meeting whether the truck or the grader is more important, he said he needs both.

Police Chief Mark Brown wants his 12-year-old cruiser replaced. He recommended buying a new one, preferably an all-wheel-drive SUV prewired for lights and siren, over three years. The estimated annual payment would be about $13,000. At this early stage in the budget process, his proposal appears to have support.

If he does not get a new vehicle, Brown said, the repair budget needs a generous increase, because the current one keeps having problems – it’s “nickel and diming the town to death.”

Transfer Station Manager George Hamar said he would like a full-time assistant. He has worked alone for a year, having to skip training classes and find a substitute if he is ill.

Town Manager Mary Sabins is considering seeking a new employee qualified to divide hours between public works and the transfer station.

Selectman John Melrose proposes a $5,000 appropriation to get a traffic engineer’s suggestions about changing the traffic pattern at the transfer station to make it safer.

Sabins presented her salary recommendations for current town employees and for any new hires. At this stage, the only firm figure in that area is Sabins’ contractual two percent raise.

The budget committee’s job, as re-elected Chairman Rick Denico reminded members March 5, is to advise voters on selectmen’s and school board members’ recommended expenditures for the new fiscal year. “We can work with the numbers, but we can’t change policy,” he said.

Later in the meeting, budget committee member and former Police Chief Richard Phippen wanted to talk about the selectmen’s policy on policing, which emphasizes community policing and leaves monitoring for speeders mostly to county and state law enforcement. Phippen said residents want as much speed control as possible; Denico repeated policy is not the budget committee’s job.

Policy and priorities, resident Holly Weidner suggested, should be considered at one or more public meetings in the fall, well before the pre-town-meeting budget crunch. Denico referred her to the 2014 Capital Expenses Committee reports on the town website as a starting point, and Selectman Robert Browne invited her to bring concerns to a selectmen’s meeting.

The budget committee canceled scheduled March 12 and March 14 meetings, because Sabins will be out of town – in Washington, D.C., representing Maine in her capacity as Maine Municipal Association President, Titus said approvingly. They also canceled a March 19 meeting because they had talked March 7 with most of the people invited March 19.

Their next meeting is currently scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, March 21, after that evening’s selectmen’s meeting. Expected attendees include representatives of the volunteer fire department; a Cemetery Committee representative to explain a request for money for software; and any social service agencies whose requests are new this year.

Posted Roads Update 2019

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Dennis Heath, China town manager

from the office of Dennis Heath, China Town Manager

As most of our community business owners and farmers are aware, this is the time when our local roads are posted for no use by vehicles over a state-defined weight of 23,000 pounds. (https://www.maine.gov/mdot/postedroads/docs/posted_roads_all_2012.pdf)

The exceptions are included in the state statutes here: http://mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec2395.html.

The resulting damage to our local roads from overweight vehicles demands that we strictly limit granting waivers. Waivers for convenience will not be issued. Use of local roads when the outside temperature is lower than 32F is permitted, but only when evidence of thaw seepage through the roadway is not visible. Please contact (207) 445-2014 with questions or emergency requests.

China’s Lydia Gilman wins Maine’s Got Talent competition

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Lydia Gilman, 16, of China, performs at the Maine’s Got Talent competition, in Lewiston, on March 9. Lydia won the competition. (Photo by EM. Images, photographer, Erik Peterson)

Lydia Gilman, 16, an Erskine Academy junior, from China, took home first prize at the 2019 Maine’s Got Talent competition. Maine’s Got Talent is a dynamic musical competition featuring the selected top 10 performing artists in Maine for the show. The top three winners of Maine’s Got Talent receive cash prizes of: $750 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place. The event was held at the Gendro Franco Center, in Lewiston, on March 9, 2019.

Lydia sang, If I Ain’t Got You Babe, in the styles of Alicia Keys and brought the house down. The second place award went to Jaycen Daigle, of Eliot, performing an original composition (both singing and playing guitar). The third place award went to Tessa Walker, of Portland, who sang You Make Me Feel A Natural Woman, in the style of Aretha Franklin.

There was a panel of celebrity judges for the event. The judges were: Tom Doucette, (a former Maine’s Got Talent participant), Celeste from WBLM, and Joe Phillipon, of the Lewiston Police Department. The final results included the judges’ voting along with audience participation. Molly McGill was the emcee for the competition.

This event is a fundraiser for Sandcastle Clinical & Educational Services, a private, nonprofit agency established in 1996, that provides quality services for children with special needs and those at risk for developmental issues. This is the 8th Annual Maine’s Got Talent competition for Sandcastle and its largest fundraiser for the year.

Lydia is the daughter of Lance and April Gilman, and granddaughter of Judi Gilman, of China.

Winslow girl receives national award from HGHW

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Mikayla Reynolds, a senior at Winslow High School, is one of six Maine girls who will receive an award at Hardy Girls Healthy Women’s 12th annual Girls Rock! Awards on March 22. The girls were nominated by their communities to be honored for their outstanding achievements in one of the following categories: STEM, athletics, entrepreneurship, health advocacy, community organizing, and defying the odds for success. Mikayla was chosen for her outstanding achievements in community organizing. Here is what was written about Mikayla for her nomination:

Mikayla Reynolds

“Mikayla is making change all over her community. She is the assistant director of the Out and Allied Youth Theater, a volunteer with the REM community group, the creator of the Clothing Exchange Closet, an active member of the ‘Save the Mill’ Fundraising Committee, in North Vassalboro, and working on organizing a child care center within the mill. She has been involved in the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership institute for three years, a member on the Service Unit for the Girl Scouts, the youth representative of the Poverty Action Coalition and active member at the South End Teen Center, and is spearheading the creation of a needs-closet in this facility as well. Mikayla is on the Lawrence Civil Rights team and has a mind for increasing justice and equality in the world around her. Mikayla has overcome tremendous challenges in her personal life to get where she is now and to propel herself into a brighter future. She is eager to continue changing the world by providing support to those who need it. She strives to make her community become a healthier, safer, and tolerant place.”

Tickets to the event can be purchased here as well as all info about the event: http://hghw.org/programs/girls-rock/girls-rock-awards/.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Can You Afford an Unexpected Hospital Bill? Preparing Your Family for Unforeseen Costs

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(NAPSI)—Whether it’s a broken leg or the flu, illness and injuries that result in hospital stays are unfortunately commonplace for American families.

After a hospital stay, you’ll likely pay your entire deductible before your health insurance starts paying benefits. You may still be exposed to expenses your major medical may not cover, leaving you responsible for the entire amount.

Protect against rising hospital costs with Hospital Assure from Washington National.

Medical emergencies and rising hospital costs are a major financial concern for most Americans. The average hospital stay costs over $10,700 and hospital bills are the largest out-of-pocket expense for people who filed for medical bankruptcy.1

Hospital Assure, Washington National’s new hospital indemnity insurance product, complements existing health insurance by paying lump-sum cash benefits in the event you or a covered family member are hospitalized due to a covered sickness or accident. You can use your cash benefits to help pay:

  • Deductibles
  • Co-pays
  • Out-of-network hospital costs, and
  • Everyday bills and expenses when you’re unable to work.

Because cash benefits from Hospital Assure are paid directly to you, not a doctor or hospital, you have no restrictions on how you use your benefits.

For individuals without a health savings account, Hospital Assure offers an optional Return of Premium/Cash Value Benefit rider, a distinctly competitive feature in the marketplace that allows you to get 100 percent of your premiums paid, minus any claims incurred, at the end of the rider period. This means if you don’t use your policy, the premiums you paid will end up back in your pocket. Learn more at www.WashingtonNational.com.

Business Insider, The 35 most expensive reasons you might have to visit a hospital in the US—and how much it costs if you do, http://www.businessinsider.com/most-expensive-health-conditions-hospital-costs-2018-2, March 1, 2018.

  • Washington National Insurance Company is not licensed and does not solicit business in the state of New York.

LIMITED-BENEFIT POLICIES. These policies have limitations and exclusions. For costs and complete details of coverage, contact an agent. Policies and benefits are subject to state availability and may vary by state. Underwritten by Washington National Insurance Company. The return of premium (ROP) or cash value (CV) (in MO, “cash return”) benefit is subject to state and product availability. The benefit has an additional charge and may pay minus claims or regardless of claims based on the policy selected. The policy must remain in force until the end of the ROP/CV period for the benefit to be paid.

Disappointing ending

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Skowhegan Area High School senior Mariah Dunbar takes the ball up court in the recent Class A girls basketball regional final held at the Augusta Civic Center. (Photo by Mark Huard, owner Central Maine Photography)

Skowhegan Area High School senior Mariah Dunbar takes the ball up court in the recent Class A girls basketball regional final held at the Augusta Civic Center. The previously unbeaten Skowhegan Indians were defeated by the Hampden Academy Broncos, 32-28, and were eliminated from the tournament.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Why you should salute the next pigeon you see

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Rock Dove or Rock Pigeon

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

One of the educational things that I do for myself every day is read the comics in the daily newspaper. It kind of sets the tone for the rest of the day for me.

One that caught my eye once was a certain theme that Doonesberry was presenting. It seemed this certain person declared himself a “birder” and was on a quest to find a certain warbler to add to the list of birds he had witnessed.

That got me thinking. Claiming myself to be an amateur birder, I wondered how many birds I have seen in my life time. So, I set out to make a list.

Once I got to about 73, and was still half way through the book, I decided I was wasting too much time on this. So, the thought came to me that maybe I should single out one that was intriguing to me.

These particular birds are mostly envisioned as pests, vagrants, scavengers and dirty inhabitants of parking lots, churches, parks, and just about everywhere else you can go in the world, leaving behind messes and clear indications of their presence, if you know what I mean. What is more intriguing than the common Rock Dove.

More commonly known as pigeons, rock doves vie with the domestic chicken for status as the world’s most familiar birds. They are not indigenous to the western hemisphere. They were introduced into North America from Europe long ago and are conspicuous in cities and villages throughout much of the world.

There are few visible differences between males and females, and the species is generally monogamous.

Feral pigeons have become established in cities around the world. The species is so abundant, that an estimated population of 17 to 28 million feral and wild birds exist in Europe alone.

With only its flying abilities to protect it from predators, rock doves are a favorite, almost around the world, for a wide range of raptors. I remember several years ago when I kept seeing pigeon body parts strewn all over my yard. One day, when I just happened to be looking out the window, I noticed a large flock of pigeons cleaning up on the ground under my bird feeders. Like a lightning strike, I saw a broad winged hawk dive head first into the pile, and came out with his next meal. To protect the pigeons, I temporarily suspended the feeders until the hawk found a new place for his hunting grounds. That poor pigeon didn’t stand a chance.

Pigeons, though, get a bad rap. They have been falsely associated with the spread of human diseases. Contact with pigeon droppings poses a minor risk of contracting diseases. Pigeons are not a major concern in the spread of West Nile virus. Though they can contract it, they do not appear to be able to transmit it.

Pigeons, in fact, have been associated with humans for several thousand years. Believed to have been the first domesticated birds, they were raised for meat as far back as the time of the ancient Egyptians.

Because of their powers of flight and their remarkable homing ability, pigeons have played important roles in history. A domestic pigeon taken from its home loft and released many miles away will almost invariably return. And if a message is tied to the bird’s leg, the result is a kind of air mail – a fact that humans learned to exploit many centuries ago. When Julius Caesar marched against Gaul, the news of his victories were carried back to Rome by a network of carrier pigeons. Other pigeons carried messages for Alexander the Great and for Hannibal. In modern times opposing armies in both World War I and World War II made use of thousands of carrier pigeons, also known as war pigeons. Curiously, many pigeons have received bravery awards and medals for their services in saving hundreds of human lives. A total of 32 pigeons received medallions or medals for their gallant and brave actions during World War II. And today, pigeons are still bred for their homing ability.

The next time I see a disgusting-looking pigeon on the ground, I may stand at attention, salute, and thank it for the many contributions its collective ancestors may have made for the human race.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Which Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer once said, “All I want out of life is when I walk down the street people say, ‘There goes the greatest hitter that ever lived?’”

Answer can be found here.