Skowhegan’s annual trunk or treat

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The annual Trunk or Treat, sponsored by Skowhegan Savings Bank, will take place on Saturday, October 26, at the bank’s lower parking lot.

Residents, businesses and community groups are encouraged to participate. Children will come in costume and travel from trunk to trunk in front of the hall for treats that will be handed out at each vehicle. Everyone is encouraged to decorate their trunk and a prize will be given to the best decorated trunk. We ask that trunk themes are family friendly.

This event is free of charge. Please contact us asap for the registration form and information. Registration for this event is coming soon.

Halloween Party
Friday, October 25, 9 p.m.
Southside Tavern

Haunted House
Friday, October 26, 5 p.m.
Saturday, October 26, 5 p.m.
Sunday, October 26, 5 p.m.
Somerset Lodge #34 AF & AM – Skowhegan

Kid-Friendly Haunted House
Saturday, October 26, noon
Skowhegan Community Center

Haunted Circus
Saturday, October 26, 6 p.m.
Skowhegan Community Center

T&B’s Halloween Bash
Saturday, October 26, 9 p.m.
T&B’s Celebration Center

Trunk or Treat and Halloween Dance
Saturday, October 26, 4 p.m.
Cornville Regional Charter School – Cornville Campus

Ghost Hunt
Saturday, October 26, 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Skowhegan Free Public Library

Boo Bowl
Tuesday, October 29, 5:30 p.m.
Central Maine Family Fun Bowling Center

Costume Kickball
Wednesday, October 30, 4:30 p.m.
Memorial Field (end of East Maple Street)

Tessier Farm Halloween
Thursday, October 31, 4-7 p.m.
Tessier Farm

Madison Annual Trunk or Treat
Thursday, October 31, 5-7 p.m.
Main Street Park and Playground

Norridgewock Annual Trunk or Treat
Thursday, October 31, 5:30-7 p.m.
Quimby Child Care Center

Dog Walk Costume Contest
Thursday, October 31, 5 p.m.
Coburn Park

Trick or Treating
Thursday, October 31, 6-8 p.m.
Redington Memorial Home.

Dominic Smith is Erskine Academy’s National Merit Scholarship student

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Dominic Smith

Erskine Academy, in South China, has announced that Dominic Smith, son of Katrina and Dan Jackson, of Whitefield, has been named a Commended Student in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Smith is among approximately 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation who are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although Smith will not continue in the 2020 competition for National Merit Scholarships, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2020 competition. Commended students receive a Letter of Commendation from their school and the National Merit Scholarship Program in recognition of this honor.

Halloween goes back about 2,000 years

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by Gary Kennedy

Halloween began approximately 2,000 years ago in the areas which are now Ireland, United Kingdom and part of France. The people who lived in these areas were known as Celts. The people of this time celebrated their new year on the first of November. Summer and fall was finished and the time designated as winter began. Winter was a cold dark time of year as you can imagine. There was no electricity for lights of any kind. The Celts were a people of very deep superstition. The night before New Year was feared with great reverence. The Celts believed that on October 31 the hours before the New Year (November 1), that a neutral area occurred and during this time, the living and the dead became blurred.

October 31 was celebrated as Samhain (sow-in). It was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. A tremendous amount of calamity occurred with this event. Problems with crops and other dastardly things would occur.

During this time, Celtic priests known as Druids were able to make predictions regarding the future. These predictions made by the priests generally gave comfort and offered direction to a world without good direction and purpose. The Druids would build great bonfires where the people would gather and burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities. You can imagine what a frightful show this would be with the locals dressed in costumes made from skins, bones and heads. At this time everyone tried to be a seer and read others’ fortunes. When this event was concluded they re-lit their household fires using torches from the bonfire. This would help protect them from the cold long winter, and offered an amount of protection from other things.

By 43 AD, the Roman Empire had conquered the Celts. For approximately 400 years the Romans ruled and combined two festivals of Roman origin with the traditional Celtic Samhain festival. The Roman Festival of Feralia, Roman passing of the dead and Pomona, which was the honoring of the Roman Goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol for Pomona is the apple, thus the tradition of bobbing for apples, which we use at Halloween.

In approximately 609 AD, Pope Boniface II dedicated the Pantheon in Rome in honor of the now Christian Martyrs. Pope Gregory III later moved the observance to November 1. From Halloween the name went to All Hallows’ Eve, which is the day before All Saints Day. Some countries, such being the case in the South Pacific, call this particular holiday All Saints Day ( November 1). In this part of the world, this holiday is literally celebrated religiously. People will camp out on loved ones’ graves for the night and eat, drink and sing. Something that I found interesting is the living bring the dead gifts of their favorite things that they enjoyed in life; from a cigarette and beer to a candy bar. These items are left at the graveside.

In the USA, the Irish put energy into this holiday with “Trick or Treat” and pumpkin carving, etc. Of course, throughout history costumes were always part of these holidays.

In the 1920s and 1930s Halloween here was not so cool. Actually, at times it was downright dangerous. There were break-ins and vandalism, as well as other sorted misdeeds. As time progressed we accepted the holiday as a fun time for children. Today we tend to lean toward private parties so as to protect our children. Just as much fun can be obtained by a well organized Halloween event and it is far safer and can be enjoyed by young and old alike. We kids tend to allow more freedom to older people than in the past. They usually spend most of their time in another room, anyway. So, have a happy and safe Halloween. Enjoy yourselves and God Bless! Happy holiday from us to you.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Moose hunting returned following a long absence

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A bull moose.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

The Maine moose hunting season is underway. It has not always been that way.

The moose hunting season was reintroduced in 1980 on an experimental basis, when 700 permits were issued to residents. At that time, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife estimated the moose population to be in the vicinity of 20,000 – 25,000 animals. In 2007, a wildlife ecologist estimated the moose population for New England and New York to be in the range of 50,000 animals.

A campaign was began in 1983 by a group of moose lovers to place the moose hunting question on a referendum ballot. The initiative failed. The legislature subsequently gave the DIF&W the authority to establish the number of moose permits handed out each year, while maintaining control of the moose lottery.

In 2002, for the first time in 21 years, state wildlife biologists recommended reducing the number of permits, for fear that the moose population may have been on the decline. There had been a high level of calf mortality with the culprit possibly being the tiny blood-sucking ticks that have become so numerous in recent years. Ticks killed more than half of the moose calves in northern New Hampshire during a peak year. It was feared the same was happening in Maine.

After expanding for most of the 20th century, the moose population of North America has been in steep decline since the 1990s. Populations expanded greatly with improved habitat and protection, but for unknown reasons, the moose population is declining.

In northeastern North America, the moose’s history is very well documented: moose meat was often a staple in the diet of Native Americans going back centuries, with a tribe that occupied present day coastal Rhode Island giving the animal its name. The Native Americans often used moose hides for leather and its meat as an ingredient in a type of dried jerky used as a source of sustenance in winter or on long journeys. Eastern tribes also valued moose leather as a source for moccasins and other items.

The moose vanished in much of the eastern U.S. for as long as 150 years, due to colonial era over-hunting and destruction of habitat.

European rock drawings and cave paintings reveal that moose have been hunted since the Stone Age.

Moose are not usually aggressive towards humans, but can be provoked or frightened to behave with aggression. In terms of raw numbers, they attack more people than bears and wolves combined, but usually with only minor consequences.

When harassed or startled by people or in the presence of a dog, moose may charge. Also, as with bears or any wild animal, moose that have become used to being fed by people, may act aggressively when food is denied.

A bull moose, disturbed by the photographer, lowers its head and raises its hackles. Like any wild animal, moose are unpredictable. They are most likely to attack if annoyed or harassed, or if approached too closely. A moose that has been harassed may vent its anger on anyone in the vicinity, and they often do not make distinctions between their tormentors and innocent passers-by.

Moose also tend to venture out onto highways at night. In northern Maine, especially, moose-vehicle collisions are common. The problem with that is the center of mass of a moose is above the hood of most passenger cars. In a collision, the impact crushed the front roof beams and individuals in the front seats. Collisions of this type are frequently fatal; seat belts and airbags offer little protection. In collisions with higher vehicles, such as trucks, most of the deformation is to the front of the vehicle and the passenger compartment is largely spared.

Moose lack upper front teeth, but have eight sharp incisors on the lower jaw. They also have a tough tongue, lips and gums, which aid in eating woody vegetation. A moose’s upper lip is very sensitive, to help distinguish between fresh shoots and harder twigs. A moose’s diet often depends on its location, but they seem to prefer the new growths from deciduous trees with a high sugar content, such as white birch.

Moose also eat aquatic plants, including lilies and pondweed. (We could sure use a few of them on Webber Pond). Moose are excellent swimmers and are known to wade into water to eat aquatic plants. This trait serves a second purpose in cooling down the moose on summer days and ridding itself of black flies. Moose are thus attracted to marshes and river banks during warmer months as both provide suitable vegetation to eat and as a way to wet themselves down. Moose avoid areas with little or no snow as this increases the risk of predation by wolves and avoid areas with deep snow, as this impairs mobility.

So, moose are a vital commodity to Maine, and we must do what is necessary to preserve them, and continue to harvest them responsibly.

Can anyone answer this question? If you have a legal moose hunting permit, you are on your way to the hunt, and you collide with a moose and kill it – and you survive – does that count as your moose, or can you continue to the hunting zone and claim a second moose?

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

When was the last time the New England Patriots lost three games in a row?

Answer can be found here.

SOLON & BEYOND: Pine Tree 4-H Club reorganizes

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

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

The Solon Pine Tree 4-H Club reorganized on Saturday, October 12, with 15 members joining. Two new members were welcomed.

The Somerset County Achievement night will be held at the Kennebec Grange Hall on Friday, October 25, with a potluck supper. After the supper a fun activity will be enjoyed with awards program.

The members voted to have a family supper on November 1, at the Solon Masonic Hal,l with a potluck supper at 5:30 p.m.

The members from last year are displaying some of their projects at the Coolidge Library in observance of National 4-H Week.

As a fun activity the members did a picture frame using colored leaves and other nature items.

The next meeting will be on Saturday, November 9, at 9:30 a.m., at the Solon Fire Station. Election of officers will be held at this meeting.

If you are looking for a Halloween costume, check out the Embden Community Center Thrift Shop (Wednesday 10 a.m. -12:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.).

There is a holiday craft fair coming up on Saturday, November 9, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Solon Elementary School. There will be a gym full of crafters/vendors, holiday goodies and much more.

There will be a Kids Room. Kids only allowed! Children can buy gently used items as Christmas presents for parents and family. Wrapping and name tags included.

Hosted by Solon Congregational Church; vender/crafters space rentals – Contact Jen @ 643-2180, 399-6510 or hebertjenniferO@gmail.com.

Another really great event that the Solon Congregational Church hosted, was their Annual Harvest Supper which was held at the Solon Masonic Hall on October 19. It was a packed house with lots of good food and fellowship. Former residents, Clayton and Peggy Davis, had traveled up from their home in Augusta, and Lief and I sat near them. We had a great time talking about old times and memories of long ago.

Lief and I spent last week at the time share, in Rangeley. We checked in on Saturday afternoon, and went to the cabin where we would stay. As we approached the walk leading up to the door we noticed a huge old tree nearby had a very rotten bottom to it. With the wild weather predicted for that night and next day it sort of worried me, (I know, I always preach, Don’t Worry)!) Anyway, I said an extra prayer that night about that tree, and hoped for the best! The next morning when we opened the door to go to the car, that old tall, tall tree laid out between the cabin (within inches of the cabin, well, maybe that’s stretching it a little bit!) and the woods! And….. And the top of another tree on the other side of the path had come down, but missed our car that was parked there! And I believe more firmly than ever, that God works in mysterious ways, the wind had to have been blowing in just the right direction to perform that miracle!

We came back to Solon to check if there was any damage to our home the next day and the entrance to the South Solon Road was blocked off on Rte. 201, but we managed to get to our house, and there was no damage to it. There were several trees down on the South Solon Road and power was lost .

Would like to thank my good friend Donna Bishop from the bottom of my heart, for delivering The Town Line papers for me while we were in Rangeley. Friendship is precious.

And now for Percy’s memoir entitled Value Every Day: A day without love is a cold day when worldly riches fade away. A day without hope is a dreary day filled with shadows of dismay. A day without faith is a fruitless day as we trudge along life’s way. A day without friends is a lonely day without a cheery word to say. Embracing faith, hope and love assures sweet blessings from above. (words by Catherine Janssen Irwin.)

CHINA: Firefighters’ stipend argument continues; LaVerdiere walks out, resigns

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by Mary Grow

The argument over volunteer firefighters’ stipends that China selectmen have conducted intermittently for a year and a half continued at their Oct. 15 meeting, culminating with Selectman Jeffrey LaVerdiere announcing he was tired of arguing, resigning from the board and walking out.

As of Oct. 22, Town Clerk Becky Hapgood, who attended the meeting in the temporary absence of Town Manager Dennis Heath, was unable to reach LaVerdiere to find out whether he intends to confirm his resignation in writing.

At the March 2018 town meeting, voters approved $40,000 to be distributed equally among China Rescue and the three volunteer fire departments and used as stipends to help encourage new members to join emergency services groups. Selectmen and firefighters were to sign a memorandum of agreement setting forth rules for sharing the money among volunteers.

A draft memorandum has been repeatedly discussed. Heath sought reactions from the state labor department, and after approval there from the federal labor department. Hapgood said despite weekly telephone calls the manager has been unable to get a federal opinion.

At the Oct. 15 meeting, selectmen had a warrant – a request to pay – for the $40,000. Selectman Ronald Breton said fire department representatives have not signed the memorandum and the $40,000 should not be handed over until they do.

LaVerdiere said other towns’ officials told him they did not think any memorandum was needed. He argued the selectmen should show their trust in the firefighters by signing the check without further delay.

Board Chairman Robert MacFarland said the issue is not trust, but bookkeeping: municipal officials should have a signed contract with any private entity, including a fire department or rescue service, that performs services for the town.

Breton said he was not ready to vote on expending the funds until federal labor officials approved. At that point LaVerdiere left and the remaining board members tabled the question.

The next evening they held a brief special meeting where, Hapgood reported, they signed the warrant approving payment of the $40,000 when fire department representatives sign the memorandum.

The Oct. 15 meeting was preceded by two public hearings, one on the Nov. 5 local ballot questions and one on proposed amendments to appendices to the General Assistance Ordinance. Three residents attended. Neil Farrington asked general questions about the ballot questions and no one commented on the General Assistance Ordinance.

Selectmen told Farrington the five questions asking if residents want to allow medical marijuana operations in town will have no effect on Nathan White’s Route 3 business, which opened before the Dec. 2018 deadline for “grandfathering.”

The final ballot question asks voters to choose between two extra-hours proposals for the town office (the current Saturday morning, or Thursday evening until 7:00). A note says the question is advisory only, but MacFarland assured the audience the Selectboard will abide by the popular will.

During the meeting, selectmen approved the General Assistance Ordinance changes, which adjust maximum amounts allowed for assistance categories.

TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Committee member Tom Michaud reported on work to improve three fire roads that is partly funded by TIF money. He invited other China residents who believe their fire roads need work to reduce run-off to contact him, Peter Caldwell or Bill Powell.

Michaud established that when he (or any other resident) is out of town and wants to comment at a selectmen’s meeting, he should look at the agenda, posted on the website a few days before the meeting, and email or otherwise send comments to which board members can respond.

Selectmen unanimously appointed Edward Brownell a member of the recreation committee.

They unanimously set fees for after-the-act permits issued by the codes officer or planning board at twice the amount the fee would have been if the application had been filed before the work started.

The next regular China selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28.

Halloween Farm Fete October 27

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Photo: Pumpkin Vine Family Farm

What better place to celebrate Halloween than on a farm? Join us at the Halloween Farm Fete at Pumpkin Vine Family Farm, in Somerville, on Sunday, October 27, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Come in costume or slip into a straw hat and overalls at our funny farmer photo booth. The first 20 children get to decorate a free mini pumpkin; every child gets a free dancing gourd. Play our pumpkin games, including relay races, ring toss, and tic tac toe. Make an acorn pumpkin and a mini witches broom. Have a masterpiece at home? Enter it in our contest! meat, dairy, baked goods – and Yes! we still have carving pumpkins!

The farm is located at 217 Hewett Rd., in Somerville; please email info@pumpkinvinefamilyfarm.com or call Kelly at (207) 549-3096 for more information. This is a weather dependent event – in case of rain, please call 549-5089 to find out if it’s been canceled.

Obituaries for Thursday, October 24, 2019

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JONN M. RAYMOND

WATERVILLE – Jonn M. Raymond, 32, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 5, 2019. Jonn was a retired Army veteran with two tours in Iraq, including Opertion Iraqui Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He served as a Blackhawk UH-60 and 4H-60 L mechanic, crew chief, door gunner and standardization flight instructor, earning the rank or sergeant.

He received multiple awards, including the Army Commendation Medal and the Air Medal for actions during numerous aerial flights during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Jonn was predeceased by his grandparents Romeo and Rose Raymond, Thurman and Leona Berry, and his brother Mark.

He is survived by his parents Ronald and Bertha Raymond; his daughters, Alexandria, 11, and Emmaley, 7; brothers Ronald Jr. and Steven; sisters Beth Ferry and husband John, Lynn Cromley and husband Stephen, Wendy Raymond, Brandy Raymond, Rose Raymond, Desiree Raymond, Denise Whiteman and Kimberlyn Whiteman; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

RICHARD A. RANCOURT

OAKLAND – Richard Alfred Rancourt, 89 of Oakland, passed away, following a long illness, on Wednesday, October 9, 2019. He was born in Waterville on January 28, 1930, the son of Norbert A. and Marie Belle (Bolduc) Rancourt.

In May 1947, he married the former Patricia Roderick, of Waterville, spending the next 72 years together. Richard was an accomplished building contractor and woodworker and built and remodeled many homes in Waterville and surrounding towns. He crafted many pieces of furniture, including a beautiful hutch for his daughter.

Richard was an avid outdoorsman. He and Pat spent countless hours fishing Moosehead Lake, Wilson Pond and ponds in the Allagash. In the winter, they rode their snowmobiles over hundreds of miles of trails, enjoying the company of good friends. In his spare time, Richard loved to make jigsaw puzzles; some he framed and hang on the walls of his home today. He was also a long-suffering, die-hard Red Sox fan.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, Norbert A. and Marie Belle Rancourt; sisters, Justine Fisher, Jeannette Harding, Dorothy Fisher, Gloria Floyd; brothers, Francis, Wilbur, John and Frederick Rancourt; and step-mother, Grace Ames Rancourt.

He is survived by his wife Patricia Rancourt, of Oakland; daughter Barbara Radziewicz and husband Richard, of Winslow; grandson Richard Oliver and wife Tracey, of New Jersey; granddaughter Rebecca Veinote and companion Rick, of Florida; great-grandchildren, Amanda Burbee, of Virginia, Justin Burbee and wife Danielle, of Orono, Brian and Mathew Oliver, of Pennsylvania; sister Madeline Pooler, of Oakland; brothers, Raymond Rancourt and companion Evelyn, of Fairfield, and Eugene Rancourt, of Fairfield; and many nieces and nephews.

At Richards request there will be no visitation hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at Sacred Heart Church, 70 Pleasant Street, Waterville, ME.

A committal service will follow at St. Francis Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make donations in Richard’s memory to the American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601, or a charity of their choice.

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

MAXWELL MARRINER

WATERVILLE – Maxwell “Mickey” Marriner, passed away Thursday, October 10, 2019, at Northern Light Inland Hospital, in Waterville. He was born August 28, 1946, in Richmond, the son of Maxwell and Evelyn Marriner.

He is survived by his wife, Julie (Littlefield) Marriner; daughters, Lisa Debock and husband Dennis, Rebecca Marriner, Diane Olson, Tricia White, Tiffany Higgins, Tasha Burnham and husband Paul; grandchildren Salvatore, Kimberly, Ziane, Mattison, Isabella, Stella, Aaliyah, Allie, Mackenzie, Colby, Braedyn and Arayana; great granddaughter, Madelyn.

He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Douglas; sister, Donna; and his only son, Matthew.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

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

RICHARD PIERCE

OAKLAND – Richard “Dick” Pierce, 89, passed away at home on Sunday, October 13, 2019. Richard was born in Vaughnville on May 14, 1930, the son of John Hobart and Katherine (McGrath) Pierce.

He lived his early life in Lewiston and Waterville. In 1943, his parents bought the brick farmhouse on Rice Rips Road, in Oakland. Richard was educated in the Oakland schools, graduating from Williams High School, in Oakland, in 1948. In high school, he played basketball all four years, and was a tight end on Williams’s first football team in the fall of 1947. Following high school, Dick attended the University of Maine for two years. On December 24, 1950, he married his high school sweetheart, literally the girl next door, Carolyn Smith. Dick and Carolyn had three children – Richard, Laurie, and Daniel.

Dick worked for Lipman Poultry Company, in Augusta, starting as a farm supervisor and working his way up to become the broiler production manager for the company. When Lipman Poultry went out of business in 1982, Dick purchased a rubbish hauling business which he ran for 10 years. That brought him in contact with the Oakland Transfer Station, where he worked part-time, primarily in recycling, until he retired at age 87.

Richard was always interested in farming as a hobby. When the kids were at home, he kept a small flock of Hampshire sheep, which all started with an abandoned lamb he brought home from one of his poultry growers. He also always had a big vegetable garden where he spent many hours every spring and summer.

Dick was active in town affairs, serving on both the Oakland Town Council and the Oakland Planning Board. His other big interest was the Lions Club. He joined the Oakland Lions Club in 1962, and was active for decades until his health prevented him from attending meetings. He always said his priorities were his family, his job, and the Lions Club, in that order.

When his children were young, he was very involved in youth activities in town. He served as a scoutmaster for the Oakland Boy Scout troop. While involved in Boy Scouts, he was honored with selection to the Order of the Arrow. In addition, Dick coached Little League baseball and basketball.

He was also an avid deer hunter, proudly wearing a “Biggest Bucks in Maine” patch on his coat. Going to hunting camp in St. Albans was a highlight of his year.

Dick enjoyed watching the Red Sox and Patriots. His idol was always Ted Williams. It was fortunate that he was able to watch two Patriots games his last week.

Dick enjoyed being around people. His intelligence, wit, and character caused him to have many good friends throughout his life.

Richard was predeceased by his parents, Hobart and Katherine; his sister, Diane; his brother, John Hobart, Jr.; and his son-in-law, Paul Thomas.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carolyn; his children, Richard Pierce and wife Sherry, of Oakland; Laurie Thomas, of Oakland; and Daniel Pierce and wife Roxanne, of Scarborough; six grandchildren, Derek Stevens (who he called his third son) and wife Tonya, of Las Vegas, Nevada; Jennie Charleston and husband Russell, of Vassalboro; Nathan Pierce and wife Jody, of Hallowell; Benjamin Pierce and wife Julia, of Camden; Sarah Bureau and husband Edmond, of Cape Elizabeth; and Daniel Pierce and wife Maria, of Benton; 14 great-grandchildren; his sister, Janet Coughlin Buzzell, of Waterville; brother Thomas Pierce and his wife Jenny, of Fernandina Beach, Florida; and his sister Judith Balbo, of Waterville.

It was Richard’s wish that there be no visiting hours or funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Dick’s memory to the Oakland Lions Club or Oakland Fire Department.

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

RAYMOND J. BENSON JR.

FAIRFIELD – Raymond “Benny” J. Benson Jr., 76, passed away on Monday, October 14, 2019, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on October 5, 1943, the son of the late Raymond J. Benson Sr. and Grace (Applegate) Benson.

He attended Wilbur Cross High School, in New Haven, Connecticut. From there, he joined the Air Force which brought him to Bangor. This is where he met the love of his life, Donna Marie Lee. They were married in Waterville and had two daughters. He was a cook for many years at various locations. He greatly enjoyed his time as a cook at Natanis Golf Course, in Vassalboro. During his time there, he could always be found on the golf course. He was an excellent golfer with many accomplishments, including five holes in one on golf courses in both Maine and Florida.

He retired back to Maine after some years in Florida. Once back, he enjoyed spending quality time with his children and grandchildren.

Benny is survived by his daughters, Candy LaChance and husband Glenn, and Sandra Wentworth and husband, Kevin, all of Fairfield; grandchildren, Natashia LaChance and fiancé Nick Rice, of China, Brittany McDaniel, of Fairfield, Erickia Gallup and husband A.J., of Fairfield, and Derek LaChance and girlfriend Jessica Vaillancourt, of Norridgewock; great grandchildren, Braxton, Bellamy and Noah; sister, Ellen Guddee; sister-in-law, Sandra Gordon, of Waterville, and her children Bryan, Kim and Scott; brothers-in-law, Sherwood Lee and Donna, of Fairfield, and Barry Lee and wife Jane, of Fairfield; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers Jack and William Benson; and his wife of 30 wonderful years, Donna Benson.

In lieu of flowers, donations by be made in Raymond’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, 10 Speen Street, 2nd Floor, Framingham, MA 01701.

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

GARY S. HATHAWAY SR.

SCARBOROUGH – Gary S. Hathaway, 66, passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2019, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, in Scarborough. Gary was born August 1, 1953, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, to Lewis and Anna Hathaway.

He was the youngest of four brothers. Growing up on Sengekontacket Pond, he quickly learned to appreciate the water and family run shellfish business. Chances are he was shucking scallops before he could ride a bike!

Gary graduated from M.V.R.H.S. in 1971. Shortly thereafter he joined the US Navy as a submariner aboard the U.S.S. Cavalla. He told many stories of his time in the service, his time on the sub, and his worldly travels.

Known by many as “HAT,” Gary was a man of many talents and a Jack of all trades. Though he tried his hand at many things, the sea was his home; what he loved.

After living most of his life on the Vineyard, Gary spent the last 18 years living in the Unity and Albion area of Maine, trading the sea for the mountains and a less hectic lifestyle.

Though Gary had dealt with numerous health issues over the years, he never tired of telling jokes or stories, with a smile to anyone willing to listen and continued smiling right up to the end.

He is survived by his children, LuAnna, of Townsend, Massachusetts, Gary Jr., Brian and Kevin, all currently living on Martha’s Vineyard; his grandsons, Desmond and Silas Pinkham, both now living in South Carolina; and great-grandson Kaiden Blaine Pinkham. Gary is also survived by many nieces and a nephew.

Gary was predeceased by his sons Timothy J. and Joshua N. Hathaway, and his three older brothers.

There will be a small family celebration of life in the future.

Donations in Gary’s name can be made to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, in Scarborough, the Veterans Administration or a charity of your choice.