Adam Folsom soars to the rank of Eagle Scout

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Eagle Scout Adam Folsom

Adam Folsom, son of Todd and Janine Folsom, of Skowhegan, attained the rank of Eagle Scout on March 27, 2019. His Court of Honor ceremony was held at the Madison VFW on Saturday, June 22, where he received his Eagle Scout award.

He is a member of Troop #403 and has earned 22 merit badges. Adam has always loved the great outdoors and chose to enhance the snowmobile trails in Canaan as his Eagle Scout project. Adam has been an active supporter of the Canaan Bog Bouncers and has helped with grooming and trimming trails. For his project he decided to build signs to help snowmobilers navigate their way through the trails. These signs consisted of reflective material and gave GPS coordinates as well as direction and mileage to various locations. These new signs have had a lot of positive feedback

As many of the locals are aware, Adam has had a boy scout bottle donation box located at the end of his driveway for the past several years and has raised over $5,000 for his troop. These funds have been used to assist with miscellaneous scout expenses and charitable donations.

From a young age Adam has always been one who likes to keep busy and started working on his uncles farm at the age of 12, where he learned what hard work and long days were all about. At the age of 16, he was offered a job at Marshall’s Automotives, in Skowhegan. He has been there for almost a year and truly enjoys working with the crew there.

Adam will be participating in the Cianbro welding program in the fall and will be graduating from the Skowhegan Area High school in June of 2020.

Those attending included some who made the trek from as far as Rhode Island to celebrate this special day; to Larry Goldsmith, Scout Master of Troop #403, who assisted Adam in attaining this rank; Jeff Hewett, who stepped in as Master of Ceremony; guest speakers, Senator Brad Farrin, Scott Eggleston, Senior Vice Commander of the Madison VFW, Charles Mahaleris, Kennebec Valley District Advancement Chairman, Mark Tanner, of the Skowhegan Federated Church, and Dave Dagniault who has seen Adam through since the very beginning.

AARP OUTREACH: AARP Maine introduces debut column and outreach director Japhet Els

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by Japhet Els

On behalf of AARP Maine, I am thrilled to be highlighting some of the important community and advocacy work AARP is doing here in Greater Skowhegan! Through this column, we hope to address interesting and helpful topics for our neighbors 50+ and their families.

We’re working to build community and get folks organized in Somerset County. Why? Because we believe Somerset is primed for progress at the local, grassroots level. To spur that energy, we began hosting a community coffee event at The Miller’s Table at Maine Grains the last Wednesday of each month. Led by local volunteers, these monthly gatherings are for you – the Greater Skowhegan community – to hear about what’s happening, and not happening, in central Maine. The coffees are a great way to meet new people and find out what we’re doing in your community. We serve free coffee and goodies. Bring a friend – all are welcome!

Secondly, I want to introduce myself. My name is Japhet (or Jay) Els and I am the AARP Maine Community Outreach Director. Part of my job is to organize the 50+ communities throughout mid-Northern Maine. It’s always a pleasure to meet our members, their friends and their families where they are, in their own hometown. If you come to the coffee, you’ll hear more about our work, but I will also be there to hear from you. What issues are of concern to you? What do you enjoy about Skowhegan? How can we collaborate?

You may know some things about AARP, but one thing you may not know is that our organization was founded 60 years ago by a retired school teacher, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. In addition to being a school teacher, Dr. Andrus was the first female high school principal in the state of California. Quite a pioneer! It all started when Dr. Andrus, began a campaign to provide affordable medical insurance for retired educators. Several years later, the first-ever group health insurance coverage was offered to retired teachers nationwide.

Dr. Andrus referred to AARP as “an army of useful citizens” who had the ability, the experience and the desire to promote and enhance the public good. She gave us the motto that still guides us today: “To serve, not to be served.” From this one person deciding to make a difference in the lives of others, we have grown to become a national organization with 38 million members!

Here in Maine, when the state legislature is in session, AARP staff and volunteers are at the State House, in Augusta, almost every day working to represent our 230,000 Maine members. Our goal is to be that “army of useful citizens” right where legislators are writing the laws that impact all of us. We also work with communities around Maine to enhance the lives of Mainers 50+ and their families through age-friendly initiatives, volunteerism and service.

We’re also working at the national level, fighting to lower the cost of prescription drugs through our Stop Rx Greed campaign, and to protect our retirement and health security. As a non-partisan organization we don’t get involved in party politics or campaign fundraising. Instead, you’ll see us work with policy makers on both sides of the political aisle to reach common sense consensus on crucial issues like healthcare, Social Security, Medicare, and the rising cost of prescription drugs. Please follow our work on social media (Facebook and Twitter use @aarpmaine) and send any questions you may have to me @aarp.org. We would love to hear from you!

In one of AARP’s earliest publications, Dr. Andrus wrote ‘Our community is the place where we as individuals can be the most effective.’ This is part of her extraordinary legacy and she was right. One person, no matter their age, really can make a difference! Please come to our next free coffee at the Miller’s Table at 42 Court Street. We look forward to seeing you there!

Japhet Els is AARP Maine Community Outreach Director.

Dow poster contest winner 2019

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Logan Dow and his contest-winning poster. (Contributed photo)

Logan Dow, a fourth grade student at Winslow Elementary School, won the poster contest entitled “Reading and Me,” sponsored by the Literacy Volunteers Waterville Area. His prize included a gift certificate to The Children’s Book Cellar, in Waterville, and a class party.

2019 PAL football camp held in Fairfield

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Young football players are getting instructions from several Lawrence High School team members and Bulldogs’ coach John Hersom during the PAL Football Camp held on July 29-31. (photo by Central Maine Photography staff)

SOLON & BEYOND: On the road, again!

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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!

Friday, September 13, Lorna and Carlton Russell, from Stockton Springs, will perform an organ concert at 6 p.m., at the Solon Congregational Church. The organ is believed to be the oldest pipe organ of its kind in New England, There will be light refreshments served at intermission. Donations will be accepted at the door.

Received the following e-mail from Carol Dolan: Come join us at the New Portland Library for a free class on Aging Well with Technology, on September 5, 1:30 – 3 p.m. For more information or to register, please call 628-6561 and e-mail us at newportlandcl@gmail.com. Learn to connect through basic technology, protect your digital presence, use technology for better health and get what you need on line! These classes are offered by Americorps Digital Literacy Initiative.

Take a chance on our raffle baskets. Two for the price of one! One for males and one for females. Check out the picture of the baskets on our Facebook page: New Portland Community Library. $1 per chance or six chances for $5. Drawing to be on September 14, at the library. Don’t have to be present to win.

We have a gig router for $5 if you have a need. We also have an Epsom printer that needs a little work. (There is something wrong with the black cartridge being recognized. Make an offer!

Our board room is available again for small groups. The room holds about 10 people and is available for free use for non-profit groups. Stop in today to fill out an application. We also have a small office that can be used for individual use or for two people.

Also, I believe we are having a star gazing party on August 29 (Thursday), weather permitting. Times to be announced.

That is all I have for news that has been sent to me from others, and as always it it very much appreciated!

This morning I am a little bit weary as I sit down in front of this contrary computer to share news with you! We just got home yesterday afternoon after the third weekend in a row going to events from one end of the state to the other! We had spent this last weekend up in the northern most county in Maine , up in the ‘County,’ where Lief grew up. It was the 39th annual Washburn August Festival; the Theme: Welcome Home to our Vietnam Heroes! Grand marshals in the parade were local Vietnam heroes.

We had driven up on Friday in pouring rain all the way, and when we got to the interstate, I was not happy, we were going 75 miles an hour and cars were passing us as if we were sitting still! But…. it was all worth it, the people up there in Washburn really know how to put on a wonderful party!!

We attended the banquet Friday night and went and watched the long parade held on Saturday (All Vietnam and other veterans were invited to march at the head of the parade). The people of Washburn have erected a very impressive wall and there was a Wall Ceremony for the this wall honoring veterans.

The next day Lief walked all along the wall to read all the names and history of those who had served, I hate to admit that I didn’t have the energy to do so, but everyone was saying it is very impressive, and well worth seeing.

I got up Saturday morning feeling awful but tried not to hinder his good time up where many of his family and friends still live. But…. I am thankful that was the last weekend for awhile that we will be traveling!

We drove home through the Patten Woods, and that brought back many memories of the first time I had been on that road, (before the interstate was built) It was when Frank and I took our first born (Mark) up to go to college at Fort Kent. It seemed like the end of the world.

And now for Percy’s memoir: Rest is not quitting the busy career; Rest is the fitting of self to one’s sphere. “Tis the brook’s motion clear without strife, Fleeting to ocean, After this life. “Tis loving and serving, The highest and best; “Tis onward, unswerving, And this is true rest. (words by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe.) – People keep telling me I should slow down, and some day I will!

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Determination yet to be made on status of Monarch butterflies

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Monarch caterpillar.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Has anyone seen a monarch butterfly this summer? I certainly haven’t.

It wasn’t so long ago that I would see them everywhere; at home and at camp. They are a magnificent-looking butterfly, all dressed in the bright orange and black colors.

However, their numbers have come under a lot of stress in the last couple of decades.

In 2014, the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service was petitioned to protect the monarch butterfly under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Based on information in the petition, they determined that federally protecting the monarch may be warranted and a 90-day substantial finding was published in the Federal Register on December 31, 2014. They determined that they would conduct an assessment to determine if the monarch butterfly needs Endangered Species Act protection.

Many are taking action to conserve monarch butterflies.

The Center for Biological Diversity released a report of the yearly count of monarch butterflies overwintering in Mexico, on March 5, 2018. In the report, it showed a decrease from the count in 2017, and confirms the iconic orange and black butterfly is still very much at risk. The count in March 2018 showed 2.48 hectares of occupied winter habitat as being down from 2.91 hectares in 2017. (A hectare is a metric unit of square measure, equal to 100 acres (2.471 acres or 10,000 square meters).

The Center for Biological Diversity estimates a decline of 80 percent over the last 20 years. NatureServe estimates the decline at 90 percent in that same period. Whichever you take into account, it is still a significant loss of monarchs.

According to Tierra Curry, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity, and co-author of the 2014 petition to protect monarchs under the Endangered Species Act, “we could lose the monarch butterfly if we don’t take immediate action to rein in pesticide use and curb global climate change.”

Monarch butterfly.

Roughly 99 percent of all North American monarchs migrate each winter to fir forests on 12 mountain tops in central Mexico. Scientists estimate the population size by measuring the area of trees turned orange by the clustering monarchs. That population has been dangerously low since 2008. In the mid-1990s, there was an estimated population of nearly one billion butterflies. But the population in 2018 had dropped to approximately 93 million butterflies.

In 2018, the drop was attributed to unseasonal weather, including late spring freezes that killed milkweed (the chief diet staple of the monarch butterfly caterpillar) and caterpillars, coupled with an unseasonably warm fall that kept late-season monarchs from migrating.

George Kimbrell, legal director at the Center for Food Safety, said, “Another year, another reminder: Our government must do what the law and science demands, and protect monarchs under the ESA, before it’s too late.”

In the petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it was noted that the monarch butterflies are threatened by a host of sources, destroying their habitat and food, but studies have shown that a main source of their catastrophic demise decline has been genetically-engineered crops, engineered with resistance to Monsanto’s Roundup pesticide, which has dramatically increased the pesticide use on their habitat.

A final decision was to be made by June of this year, on whether to list the monarch butterfly as endangered. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delayed its decision until December 2020 — 18 months later than the original deadline of June 2019. Because the original deadline resulted from a litigation settlement, this extension had to be approved by federal courts and the other parties to the litigation.

Monarchs have lost an estimated 165 million acres of breeding habitat in the United States to herbicides, and development.The caterpillars only eat milkweed, but the plant has been devastated by increased herbicide spraying in conjunction with corn and soybean crops that have been genetically engineered to tolerate direct spraying with herbicides.

Again, the main factors are loss of milkweed, the development of genetically modified herbicide-resistant cropland, land conversion, logging at overwintering sites in Mexico, and climate change and extreme weather.

NatureServe has reported that the species is threatened, and the recent, rapid decline and widespread threats qualify the species to being “critically imperiled.” They are essentially being threatened with extinction.

The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.6 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.

NatureService with Jepsen S., D. F. Schweitzer, B. Young, N. Sears, M. Ormes and S. H. Black, are part of the Conservation Status and Ecology of Monarchs in the United States, based in Arlington, Virginia.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

In the comic strip Peanuts, who was Charlie Brown’s favorite baseball player?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, August 22, 2019

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In the comic strip Peanuts, who was Charlie Brown’s favorite baseball player?

Answer:

Joe Shlabotnik.

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: What’s your trademark? What will people remember about your service?

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Growing your businessby Dan Beaulieu
Business consultant

What makes people remember you?

What are you known for? One of the great marketing and branding moves you can do to make yourself noticed and remembered is to have something that people remember you for. Something about you and your company that makes you distinctive. A symbol, or a service, that is distinctly yours.

It might be your truck. Old trucks are very popular right now. Imagine what kind of impression you’d make driving to your work sites in a perfectly restored cream-colored 1949 Ford F-1 pickup with your logo on the side. People would remember that. You’d be a riding billboard for your company.

There is a very popular exterminator company in other parts of the country by the name of Truly Nolan. And yes, there was a real Truly Nolan at one time. This company refurbishes old cars, puts the company name on the side of these cars, and parks them all over the area they serve. Everybody knows who they are, and what they do, and they are by far, the most successful exterminators in any market they serve. And its all about those beautiful old cars.

But your trademarking doesn’t just have to be about cars. It can be about your uniforms. It can be about your logo or your logo on your uniforms. It could be all about what you do that is special. Right now, in the very competitive hair cutting business, there is one company that has become famous by finishing each haircut off with a nice hot towel rub to the neck. It doesn’t cost much but its unforgettable to the point that their numbers are constantly rising because of those hot towels.

Years ago, when I lived in Milwaukee, there was a fabulous airline called Midwest Express. They were known for their great service, the fact that there were no middle seats, and best of all they served hot and gooey chocolate chip cookies! People loved them, both the airline and the cookies were known as the airline that served chocolate chip cookies. People would go out of their way to fly Midwest Express.

One of the local landscapers in our area gave out beautiful freshly-made Christmas wreaths every year, that was one of the things he was known for, besides the fact that he was a great landscaper, we miss you Ken.

So, what it’s going to be for your business? What are you going to do to make sure you are remembered? To help you out, here are a few ideas that you should find useful:

  • If you have a landscaping company, leave a single rose when the job is done. Or maybe an instruction booklet on how to take care of the plants you just planted.
  • If you’re a plumber, leave a unique calendar, or a booklet on water conservation. Make sure it has your name on it, and if you are into that make it your cause.
  • If you’re an electrician leave them with a flashlight or other such device with your name on it, of course.
  • If you’re a house painter and wallpaper hanger, arrange a small guide informing the customer of exactly the paint and paper you used so they can get more if needed.

Look, we could go on all night here, but you get it. Be unique and be outstanding and people will remember you. Try different things out, not all of them will go over big but keep trying until you find something that represents your company well and also is delightfully memorable. This in the end will help you be remembered and most importantly, help you grow your business.

Charlie & Son raises $2,200 for Children’s Miracle Network

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Brody Robbins, 9, of Skowhegan. (photo courtesy of Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

Huard’s Martial Arts student Brody Robbins, 9, of Skowhegan, raised a total of $2,200 for the Children’s Miracle Network this August. All of the money raised from this car, which was in the Skowhegan State Fair Demolition Derby on Friday, August 9, goes directly to the Huard’s Martial Arts “Karate Kids Kicking Cancer Program,” which raises money for the Maine Children’s Miracle Network.

Obituaries for Thursday, August 22, 2019

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ENID H. QUIRION

WINSLOW – Enid H. Quirion, 90, of Winslow, lost her brief battle with cancer on Sunday, August 4, 2019, at North­ern Lights Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Waterville. Enid was one of two children born to Ernest and Nellie (Lepage) Fountaine, of Jackman, on June 8, 1929. Moving to Waterville at the age of 16 she began her working career at the Lockwood Mill. Later she met and married her husband, Raymond Quirion, settling in Winslow they raised one son, David.

Retiring from Ski-Land Woolen Mill, in Clinton. Enid began walking five miles a day through the area neighborhood. While on these walks she became friendly with all the dogs, eventually knowing them all by name. Pockets full of dog bones she’d hand out treats.

Enid enjoyed lawn sales with her best friend, Dot Plant. She enjoyed going shopping and out to eat with Lisa Dugal. She enjoyed folding towels, doing errands and washing dishes at her daughter-in-law’s salon. She also enjoyed watching cooking shows, golf, football and NASCAR racing.

She was predeceased by her parents, Ernest and Nellie Fountaine; her husband, Raymond Quirion; and her brother, Bruce Fountaine.

Enid is survived by her son, David Quirion and his wife, Tina; and many family members.

At Enid’s request there will not be any service. She will be buried with her husband at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville.

An online guestbook can be signed, memories and condolences shared at www.gallantfh.com.

Donations in Enid’s memory can be sent to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

PATRICIA A. NUTT

CHINA – Patricia A. Nutt, 83, of South China, passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Waterville. Patricia was born in Waterville on April 14, 1936, the daughter of the late Albert and Antoinette (Poulin) Cayouette.

She was educated in the local schools.

She worked for a few years in the woolen mills, later she started work as a waitress and it was a perfect fit for her. She enjoyed the work and loved her customers.

Patricia loved the years living on the farm with her horses and dogs, it was the happy spot in her life. She enjoyed gardening, especially her flower garden, and playing Bridge, and all of the folks at Bridge. They were like a second family.

Patricia was predeceased by her parents, by her husband, Lamont Nutt, a brother, Roger and her sister, Susan.

She is survived by her children, Jeffrey Nutt and his wife, Linda, of Vassalboro, Russell Nutt and his wife, Jennifer, of Waterville, Patrick Nutt, of China, and Pam Ehler and her partner Deb Bickford, of South China. She also leaves behind two grandsons, Allen and Jonathan, and several great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

To leave a condolence for the family and to view the online obituary, please visit www.gibersonfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local animal shelter or humane society.

TUCKER R. GIGUERE

VASSALBORO – Tucker Robert Giguere, passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2019, at home following a three-month fight with an unknown illness. Tucker was born May 9, 2019, in Augusta, infant son of Samantha Tobey and Zachary Giguere.

Though Tucker lived a short life, he touched the hearts of many with his fight and determination to survive. But sadly, although both Maine Medical Center and Boston Children’s Hospital did all they could to diagnose Tucker’s illness, it progressed too quickly and he passed on.

Tucker is survived by his parents: Zachary C. Giguere and Samantha A. Tobey, of Vassalboro; paternal grandparents: Robert and Brandi (Cullins) Giguere, of Vassalboro; maternal grandmother: Amy (Baldassini) Hayes and her husband, Christopher Hayes, of China; maternal grandfather: Corey Tobey and his wife, Cheryl (Spadea) Tobey, of Palermo; paternal great-grandparents: Norman and Pamala (Clark) Cullins, of Augusta, Gale (Hardesty) Grat, of Palermo and Jon Giguere and his wife, Betty (York) Giguere, of Augusta; maternal great-grandparents: Tom and Anne (Vasseur) Stephanson, of China, Beverly (Bailey) Howard and her husband, Gene Howard, of Palermo, and Donald Tobey and his wife, Marcia (Craig) Tobey, of Palermo; maternal great-great grandmother: Pauline (Ward) Tobey, of Palermo. Along with many aunts, uncles and cousin, Isabelle Giguere.

A private burial will be held in the East Palermo Cemetery. A celebration of Tucker’s life will be held on Saturday, August 24, from 1 – 4 p.m., at the pit in China off Route 32. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME, 04102.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME.

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

PHILLIP D. BROWN

BENTON – Phillip David Brown, 37, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2019. He was born on February 15, 1982, the son of Richard Brown and Renee Hall.

He is survived by step-children Aurora and Connor; and a brother, Jeremy Brown, of Augusta.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2019, at 1 p.m., at the Palermo Christian Church. A reception will follow at the church.

OTHERS DEPARTED

GEORGIA E. KENNISTON FECTEAU, 86, of Westbrook, formerly of Waterville, passed away on Friday, August 9, 2019, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, in Scarborough. Locally, she is survived by a step-daughter, Elizabeth Glidden, of Augusta, and a niece, Susan Little, of East Vassalboro.