SCORES & OUTDOORS: The great squirrel apocalypse: where have they all gone?

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Over the last several months, I have received many inquiries about what appears to be a shortage of gray squirrels in central Maine. Time and time again I have received emails asking what has happened.

Some reported not seeing any squirrels following a year – 2018 – when there was an over abundance. However, this year, you couldn’t prove it by me, based on literally being overrun by squirrels at our home in Waterville.

Let me try to explain.

In the fall of 2018, millions of squirrels met their demise on New England roadways. One year later, we look back at the why and the how.

In 2018, it was practically all we were hearing about in northern New England.

It was the Great Squirrel Apocalypse of 2018 — and, pardon the pun, it was nuts.

My personal experience that year was pretty much the same as elsewhere in Maine. It was the fall of 2018, September to be exact, and my wife and I drove from our camp in Vassalboro to the YMCA State Camp, in Winthrop, for the rehearsal of our granddaughter’s wedding. On the way, we counted 45 dead squirrels. Why so many road killed squirrels laying on the side or middle of the road?

Although a specific alignment of natural events led to this carnage, if you take a step back you’ll see it’s only part of a much larger story of boom and bust that continues to play out today.

What led to the great squirrel apocalypse?

Lots of different trees in the forest produce food (known as mast) for squirrels. Hard mast — such as acorns, hickory nuts, beechnuts, and walnuts — is the most important because it can keep for a long time. Squirrels and chipmunks are incredibly efficient at “squirreling away” caches of nuts in times of abundance to prepare for more meager seasons ahead.

The populations of these animals closely follow the abundance of hard mast. If trees produced roughly the same amount of nuts every year, the population of squirrels and chipmunks would rise to a level that could consume just about all of it, meaning there would be little left to actually produce new trees.

Every few years, all trees in a given species will produce an excess of flowers and pollen, and, if the conditions are right, they go on to produce an overwhelming amount of seeds and nuts — so many that the animals can’t even come close to eating all of it, and the mast can go on to germinate.

Acorns, beechnuts, and maple helicopters were all scarce in 2018. In 2016 and 2017, many species of trees in New England had rare back-to-back mast years. Because of that, squirrels and many other forest animals successfully raised multiple, large litters of offspring. Populations skyrocketed.

But 2018 was different.

Maple seeds never appeared in spring, beechnuts never appeared in summer, and acorns never appeared in fall. There were some hickory nuts, but not enough.

Panic set in.

All those hungry squirrels began ranging farther and farther in search of food. And if food was scarce on one side of the road, foraging on the other side is the obvious next step.

But when faced with an oncoming vehicle, squirrels tend to be terribly indecisive. Some may make it most of the way across before panicking and retreating, and while many are lucky enough to survive a car passing over them, many more do not.

I’m curious to know how many accidents were caused last year by well-intentioned drivers trying to dodge squirrels.

The failure of nearly every tree to produce mast in 2018 continues to have an impact. Hard mast feeds smaller animals, like squirrels and chipmunks, which in turn feed larger animals. Many of the latter populations were affected, although not all these animals saw their numbers decline.

The roadsides covered in carcasses were a feast for scavengers, which meant the great squirrel apocalypse was a boon to crows, ravens and turkey vultures. The abundance of ravens in particular seems most notable to me, as they’ve audibly changed my local landscape. We witnessed a marked increase in the number of crows at camp this past summer, accompanied by the ever-annoying call of the bird.

Birds of prey are another story, however. The high squirrel and chipmunk populations of the past few years led to a rise in their numbers. Barred owls – which, again, we saw and heard in greater numbers this past year – were everywhere this spring.

Larger animals with more diverse diets typically see longer lags before any changes in their population. The adults usually don’t starve when one key species declines, but the success in breeding and raising their young declines, which can slowly bring down the population.

Which brings us to today, and some good news.

All the major tree species in the New England forests had mast years in 2019. Maple helicopters were so heavy this past spring that the trees looked red instead of green well into spring. Acorns were falling heavily this past fall, and beech are ripening in their spiked husks.

The cycle continues, and nature will find balance.

Boom-and-bust population cycles are common in the natural world, and the crash of one species will often have ripple effects throughout the ecosystem.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

What was the New York Jets original nickname when they entered the American Football League in 1960? Where did the Tennessee Titans originate when they entered the AFL in 1960?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, December 12, 2019

What was the New York Jets original nickname when they entered the American Football League in 1960? Where did the Tennessee Titans originate when they entered the AFL in 1960?

Answer:

The New York Titans. The Houston Oilers.

SOLON & BEYOND: Embden Historical Society in the news

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 Congregational Church will be having a Christmas Concert at 4 p.m., at the Solon Congregational Church on North Main Street, on Saturday, December 14. Entertainment will be Voices of Hope, all male quartet, and the Liberty String Band. Refreshments will be served, and admission is a donation at the door.

Received an e-mail from Carol Dolan about upcoming events of the Embden Historical Society, Inc. The committees for the 2020 year are as follows: Boston Post Cane: Larry Witham, Brainard Tripp and Emily Quint; Cemetery: Johnny Bigelow, Mitchell Quint, Bob Donovan, Patty Cobb, Billy Messer and Bob Berry. Genealogical, Emily Quint and Bob Donovan. Historical/scrapbook Team: Carol Reed and Emily Quint: Nominating: Two members to be appointed in July; two months before annual meeting. Set to rule over us: Carol Dolan; Historical Recordings: Emily Quint; Guest Book: Volunteer Refreshment Coordinator, Carol Dolan. Scholarship: Sara Donovan, Brainard Tripp, Mary Hatch and Jerry Sass. Town House and Grounds: Larry Witham, Bob Donovan, Jim Lightbody, Brainard Tripp, Ken Ingalls and Mitchell Quint. Lawn Care: Ken Ingalls and Recording Secretary and Year – In – Review: Mary Frear.

Meetings for the above is the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the Embden Town House, unless otherwise stated. No regular meetings are held in December, January, February and March. Program is subject to change. Dues are payable in August for the upcoming year at the rate of $3 per person. Dues may be mailed any time to the Treasurer, Bob Donovan, 547 Dunbar Hill Road, Embden, Maine 04958. If a check, please make payable to Embden Historical Society. Any donations made, unless otherwise ear-marked will be placed in the Scholarship Fund, given annually.

Volunteerism provides for a strong group interested in preserving local history.

Lief and I attended the New Hope Church, in Solon, on South Main Street, on December 7, for the wonderful program put on by the Skowhegan Community Chorus and Voices of Hope Quartet Christmas Concert. There were many other people in attendance who enjoyed the event as well. According to the program, there are 35 members in this choir, and most of them, if not all took part to blend their voices for all of us who attended to enjoy!

There was also a quartet that sang six songs, made up of Kenneth Martin, director, Mark Cayouette, Craig Carl and Valmore Vigue.

A solo was sung by Deborah Perkins.

Refreshments and visiting after the program were enjoyed as well before everyone stepped out into the very cold weather that evening, but it was worth it!.

Lief and I had a wonderful time one day last week when we traveled to Portland and met with his son Dean, his granddaughter, Kristin, and his great-grand-daughter, Dryce, who all live in Georgia. They were staying with relatives in New Hampshire. We met them at the half way spot, after bad weather and sickness had held us apart. We don’t get to see them very often, and we all had a wonderful time!

The visiting cardinals are still with us, and the female is still trying to peck through the window glass to get in to see us. It makes me feel quite inhospitable and sad, but the only thing we can do is continue to put seeds in the little glass bird feeder that is stuck to the window where she lands. ( I appreciated your column on cardinals last week, thanks, Roland)

And now for Percy’s memoir entitled, Peace on Earth: Hear, O God, this holy season, hear my prayer for peace on all the earth; You came on earth to be our Brother- No other reason for Your birth. You came not as a conquering monarch To force allegiance from a slave – You came to win my love and service, As in a dim-lit cave. A little Child will surely lead us Where a conqueror must fail-E’en three rich kings on stately camels, Bowing, murmuring “Child, all hail.” And so my prayer-for peace I whisper To the God who made us all; Little Child, our God, our Brother, On this our earth let blessings fall. (words by Rev. Thomas Foy. )

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Obituaries for Thursday, December 12, 2019

ALLEN F. WOOD

ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. – Allen Francis Wood, 90, of Zephyrhills, Florida, and formerly of Palermo/ Sidney/ Augusta, passed on the early morning of Sunday, November 17, 2019, at his home in Zephyrhills, following a long illness. Allen was born in China on April 3, 1929, to William (“Bill”) Wood and Dorothy Choate Wood.

After graduating from Walker High School, in Liberty, Allen served four years in the United States Navy aboard the USS Alcona during the Korean War. After his stint in the Navy, he worked for and retired from the state of Maine Department of Transportation, working as the state’s first diesel engine mechanic and then foreman of the state DOT Motor Department, in Augusta. He retired in 1981 but did not stop working until the summer of 2013.

Following his retirement from the state, he worked for White & Bradstreet, in Augusta, and for various persons and garages who needed “expert diesel repair.” He was the author of a book titled What I Know About Engines. In Allen’s spare time, he was a “Jack of All Trades.” He took great pride in the building of houses for him and Gloria and for their son. He was also known for his many talents of crafting, constructing and engineering special gifts for family and friends, such as rocking horses for his grandchildren, rolling pins, bread boards, cutting boards, bird houses, whirlygigs, flag poles, and weathervanes.

He was an avid gardener with a great appreciation for watching things grow and then harvesting, canning, freezing the fruits of his labor. He enjoyed tapping maple trees and collecting and boiling down the sap into maple syrup.

Allen loved to dance and his motto was “Skip the Nursing Home. Die Dancing.” And he did dance, several nights a week until the Fall of 2018 He was very proud of his family and loved having them all together for lots of conversation, laughter, bantering, discussions about life and often concluded the discussions with “Now just think about that for a minute.” He was a great supporter of his kids, grandkids, great-grandkids in their many endeavors in life.

There will be no funeral services at this time. His body will be cremated; and his wish was “to go in the ocean and swim to France to dance with the girls there.”

His siblings were Harry Franklin Wood, Rachel Wood Sheaff, and Jeannette Wood Scates. His sister Jeannette survives him. Allen is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gloria Hannan Wood, of Zephyrhills; their children, Allen Ross Wood, of Sidney, Sally Mae Bolduc and her husband Joseph, of Daytona Beach, Florida, and Mary Lou Ester Lane and her husband Richard, of Augusta, and Mission, Texas; six grandchildren, Heather Hopkins, Michele Dunn and her husband Matthew, Bethany Battistone, Rebecca Bolduc, Christopher Neptune and wife Melanie, Matthew Lane and wife Erin.; great-grandchildren Reed and Abby Hopkins, Marek and Maren Battistone, Mason Bolduc, Charlotte and Amelia Dunn, Kaitlyn, Richard, and Kristin Neptune, Alonzo Connor (Paige), Brandi Grady, Madeleine, Matthew, Jr., and Meredith Lane; and great-great-grandchildren, Derrick and Skylynn Neptune and Jaydyn Simmons.

RONALD D. KERSHNER

WATERVILLE – Ronald Dexter Kershner, 78, Waterville, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2019, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. He was born October 16, 1941, in Farmington.

Ron graduated from Bingham High in 1959. He enlisted in the Army in 1964, and was honorably discharged in 1966. He was stationed in Korea and Okinawa, Japan.

Ron began working for Scott Paper (later Kimberly Clark), in Winslow, in the early ‘80s and was there for about 16 years. He worked his way up from facilities and maintenance to working in the boiler room as an engineer, where he had the responsibility of ensuring that the mill did not explode.

While his sons were growing up, they spent time together hunting and fishing. They also made sure to see every Star Wars movie as soon as it came out, instilling a love of all things sci-fi.

With wife Judy, he enjoyed driving and traveling. They explored the east coast and loved the beaches of North Carolina.

Ron was a proud member of the Elks Lodge, in Waterville, where he liked to call the Beano games. He never turned down the opportunity to debate historical events; he cheered for local high school athletes with gusto; and he loved reading, especially novels about the old west by Louis L’Amour. He was also very social and met up for coffee with his regulars to chat daily.

He is survived by sons Daniel Kershner (wife Stacie) and Trever (girlfriend Lauren Chan); grandchildren Hollyn, Weston and Ari, as well as girlfriend Nancy Johnston; brother Terrance (wife Renee); nieces and nephews, stepchildren; and step-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents George Crosby and Eloise (True) Kershner and stepfather Roland Kershner; his eldest son Anthony, wife Judy (Godbout), sister Kathy Doucette and brother Rodney.

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

ROWENA M. WITHAM

OAKLAND – Rowena M. Witham, 95, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 26, 2019, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. Rowena was born on September 1, 1924, in Plymouth, New Hampshire, to Wendell Richardson and Katie (Robie) Alton.

Rowena grew up in Harmony and graduated from Harmony High School with the class of 1942. She resided in Oakland for most of her life working at the Diamond Match Company, in Oakland, for 36 years. Rowena will be remembered for her spit fire personality and quick wit and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She loved going out to eat with her family and enjoyed the many boat rides around China Lake.

She is survived by her sons, David Witham and Donna, of Sidney, and Robert Witham and Karleen, of Philadelphia, New York; her daughters, Lori Witham and wife Wanda Hoffmann, of Dover, New Hampshire, and Joyce Savage, of Hudson, Florida; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and her best friend, Connie Rowe, whom she enjoyed many excursions and activities with.

Rowena was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Harold; her son, Ricky; her grandson, Timothy Foye; her son-in-law, Wallace Savage; her siblings, Edward Richardson, Frank “Fred” Alton Jr, Harry Alton, George Alton, Carroll (Cad) Alton, Eugene and twin Emogene Alton, and Marie Alton; and sister, Velma Gibbs.

Burial will be held at a later date at the Veterans Cemetery.

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

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

ROSCOE PELTON

WEEKS MILLS – Roscoe “Ross” Pelton Jr., 82, passed away at his home on Saturday, November 23, 2019, following a long illness. He was born in Waterville on May 5, 1937, the son of Roscoe Sr. and Bertha (Brooks) Pelton.

He graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China in 1956. After working at Fairbairn Equipment, in Augusta, he operated Ross Small Engine, on Route 3, in Weeks Mills. He coached Little League baseball for several years. After serving in ministries at Weeks Mills Baptist Church, he attended Glen Cove Bible College for two years and graduated from New Brunswick Bible Institute in 1981. After graduating he pastored for over 20 years in South Gardiner and South Monmouth Baptist churches.

Ross is survived by his wife of 60 years, Pauline (Breton) Pelton, of Weeks Mills; a son, Dr. Randal (Michele) Pelton, of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania; a daughter, Anita (Leon Sr.) Whitmore, of West Gardiner; grandchildren, Caleb (Pam), Benjamin, Seth, Leon Jr., Moriah (Jacob), Michael, and Amanda (Eric); great-grandchildren, Logan and Ivy; his brother, Gerald (Pat) Pelton, of Weeks Mills; sisters, Betty (Herb) Flint, of Weeks Mills, and Sandra Curtis, of Augusta; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; and sisters, Virginia Hansen and Janice Hisler.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ross’s memory may be made to the Weeks Mills Baptist Church, 13 Deer Hill Road, Weeks Mills, ME 04358.

CECILE T. GAGNE

AUGUSTA – Cecile Theresa (Theriault) Gagne, 71, of Augusta, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2019. Cecile fought a courageous battle of cancer over the last 15 years but, has lost the battle to ovarian cancer. She was born June 1, 1948, in Augusta, to the daughter of Wilfred & Cecile Louise (Blais) Theriault.

Her father Wilfred passed away when she was young. Omer “Babe” Maheux, her mother’s second husband raised her like she was his own.

On May 2 1970, she married Robert “Bob” Gagne, in Augusta. She was employed for many years at Augusta General Medical Center, in the O.R. dept., where she made many lifelong friends. She was a member of St. Augustine Parish, in Augusta. Cecile was known for her kindness and generosity. She loved to crochet special blankets that she would give away to show her love. She enjoyed crafts, painting and shopping. Cecile was known to be a “jack of all trades” kind of woman. Her most favorite past time was being with her family, especially her two grandchildren, Vanessa and Jamison, who were the light of her life.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Robert “Bob” Gagne, of Augusta; son, Michael Gagne, of Sidney; daughter, Cheryl (Gagne) Bragdon and husband Tobby, of Augusta; one granddaughter, Vanessa Bragdon and one grandson, Jamison Bragdon, both of Augusta; a step-grandson, T.J. Bragdon and a step-granddaughter Amanda (Craig) Ray; two sisters, Laurette Minoty and husband Richard, of Augusta, Rita Ellis, of Augusta; brother, Richard “Zeke” Theriault and wife June, of Augusta; many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

She was predeceased by her parents and two sisters, Claire (Pomerleau) Poulin and Doris (Lajoie) Marquis.

At the request of Cecile, a private mass of Christian burial will be held in December at the St. Augustine Chapel then later buried at the V.A. Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Cecile’s memory may be sent to St. Augustine Parish, 75 Northern Ave. Augusta, ME 04330.

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

JAMES E. LAJOIE

WATERVILLE – James E. Lajoie, 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 2, 2019. He was born December 16, 1932, in Eagle Lake, the son of Leon Lajoie and Alma (Bouchard) Lajoie.

He proudly served his country as a sergeant in the United States Army, where he received a Korean Service medal, a United Nations medal and a National Defense Service medal.

His love for farming was evident in his tenure at Rossignol’s Dairy Farm as a herdsman. He loved to tinker with machines and mechanical projects throughout his life but especially during his employment at Mid-State Machine and Sukee Arena, both in Winslow, (known as the Zamboni man).

He was a dedicated member of Corpus Christi Parish, Winslow VFW MacCrillis-Rousseau Post #8835, Waterville Knights of Columbus and Waterville American Legion Bourque-Lanigan Post #5. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend whose heart showed in his every day actions.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his wife of 36 years and mother of his children, Jacqueline (Plourde) Lajoie, Marion (Murkas) Lajoie of 25 years, a sister Patsy (Lajoie) Pelletier, a brother John Lajoie and grandson Jarod Kervin.

He is survived by his sons Elmer Lajoie and wife Anne, of Hooksett, New Hampshire, Brian Lajoie and wife Torrie, of Vassalboro, Donald Lajoie and wife Cheryl, of Winslow; daughters Ann (Lajoie) Brooks and husband Colen, of Oakland, Irene (Lajoie) Plourde and husband Donald, of Sidney, Sandra (Lajoie) Kervin and husband Edward, of Port Charlotte. Florida, Norma (Lajoie) Gurekovich and husband William, of New Britain, Connecticut; a brother Jerry Lajoie and wife Dorothy of Somers, Connecticut; sisters Jacqueline (Lajoie) Giguere, of Waterville, and Diane (Lajoie) Brady and husband William, of Bristol, Connecticut; 19 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home, www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Waterville Humane Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

GEORGE S. GOODWIN SR.

BENTON – George S. Goodwin Sr., 77, passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2019, at Mount Saint Joseph Residence and Rehabilitation, in Waterville. He was born in Waterville, December. 9, 1942, the son of Horace E. and Victoria M. (Flood) Goodwin.

Before entering the nursing home, George (Steve) lived on the River Road in Benton, where he devoted his life working as a dairy farmer at Goodwin Farms, a sixth-generation family run farm for over 200 years. The land where Goodwin Farms is located was granted to his ancestor, Stephen Goodwin, in exchange for help in building Fort Halifax. George had a love for animals and farming, and was very proud of his family and heritage. He will be fondly remembered for all his stories, jokes, and “isms” that gave great joy and laughter to all. He definitely left his “foot print” for all to remember.

He is survived by his four children, Tamara G. Smith, and her husband Matthew, of Richmond, Tina M. Leclerc and her husband Jeffrey, of Sidney, George S. Goodwin Jr., of New Gloucester, and Annette L. Steward and her husband Joshua, of Smithfield; his two sisters, Jane Chee, of Biddeford, and Priscilla St. Louis, of Rangeley; nine grandchildren, Jeffrey C., Casey J., and Matthew S. Smith, Alyssa L. and Shane E. Davis, Myles C. and Masyn D. Goodwin, Dalton J. and Jacob J. Steward; great granddaughter, Braelynn M. Davis; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, and his eldest brother, Charles A. Goodwin Sr.

Interment will be held in the spring at the Goodwin Cemetery in Benton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George’s memory to Beacon Hospice, 5 Community Drive, Suite A, Augusta, ME 04330.

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

GRACE L. STOCKFORD

SMITHFIELD – Grace L. Stockford, 89, of Smithfield, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2019. She was born in Smithfield on June 25, 1930, the daughter of the late Joseph and Lucy (Rowe) Dudley.

Grace attended Williams High School, in Oakland. She was a very hard worker, being employed by Bear Spring Camps, in Rome, working for Dr. Howard Hill, in Belgrade, Mrs. Brown, in Waterville, and Norwalk Shoe Company.

She married Robert “Bob” L. Stockford, and the couple enjoyed many wonderful years together until his passing in 2000.

Grace loved to dance, and enjoyed caring for her plants and flowers, but her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Besides her parents, and her husband, she was predeceased by her sisters, Pearl Wilde, Lucille Wilde, Clara Moody, and Elevena Yeaton; her brother, Roland Dudley; her granddaughter, Sadie True; and her son-in-law, David A. Brown.

Grace will be sadly missed by her daughters, Debra Geaghan, Diane Stockford, Darlene Brown, and Donna True and her husband Greg; her sisters, Alice Christensen and Florence Witham; her brother Bill Dudley; her grandchildren, Christopher Geaghan and his wife Jodi, Amanda Stockford, Brandi True, and Dusty Corson; her grandson, Bob Stockford and his significant other Daryl Saxton; her great-grandchildren, Abigail and Holly Geaghan and Mattea Ludden; and several nieces and nephews.

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

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Somerset Humane Society, PO Box 453, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

WALLACE R. HALL JR.

WINDSOR – Wallace “Wally” Richard Hall Jr, 62, of Windsor, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. He was born March 15, 1957, to Wallace and Kathleen Hall.

Wally was one of 12 children. He attended East Hampton High and went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps. In 1980, Wally moved from Connecticut to Windsor with his father and siblings to manage Lipman Poultry Farms. He met the love of his life Gail in 1981 and they married in 1985. He had his daughter Danielle in 1987 which he often shared as one of the proudest moments in his life. He was a family man who loved being a husband, a father and most recently a proud grandfather to his “buddy” Nash.

He worked 25 years as a machine operator at Maine Poly and later as a Transportation Aid for the state Department of Transportation. Wally was known as a hard-working man who enjoyed working with his hands. You would often find him making well-houses, mowing his lawn, cutting and stacking wood or just tinkering on something. If he wasn’t tinkering on something he was riding his motorcycle with his wife, father, daughter and friends often riding to his favorite spot, Pemaquid Point.

He loved spending time with “the girls” his beloved dogs Sheba and Kenzy. He enjoyed and appreciated the simple things that life had to offer.

Wally was an honest, kind, loyal, strong and loving man. He was the first to offer help but never expected it in return. He made friends wherever he went. Strangers became friends and friends became family. He had no quit – it was all grit. He loved big and deep. His love had no boundaries, no expectations and was always expressed genuinely. The world was a better place with him in it.

He was predeceased by his parents Wallace and Kathleen Hall; sisters Laura Oliger and Sharon Hall.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Gail; his daughter Danielle Sherwood and her husband Eric; his grandson Nash; brothers and sisters, Tim, Mark, Lenny, Mike, Colleen, Carol, Charlene, Doreen and Vicky; many brothers and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 15, 2019, at noon located at the American Legion Post #179, 78 Legion Memorial Drive, South China. A private burial will be held in the spring.

Please consider registering to be an organ donor – https://www.donatelife.net/ Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home, 130 Pleasant St., Richmond.

Condolences may be expressed at www.kincerfuneralhome.com.

MARK A. TRIAL

FAIRFIELD – Mark A. Trial, 57, passed away at his home on Wednesday, December 4, 2019. Mark was born September 18, 1962, in Skowhegan, son of Shirley (Quinn) Trial and Peter Trial.

He went to high school in Madison, graduating in 1981.

Mark spent the last years working at J.S. McCarthy, in Augusta. He had a massive work family including his work wife, Ann. Before J.S. McCarthy, he spent numerous years at Huhtamaki, in Waterville. He loved spending time with his granddaughter Jerika, shopping on the weekends and eating at Ming Lee Chinese Restaurant, in Waterville. Mark had an undying love for the Patriots, Trump, and his kids. In no particular order.

Mark was predeceased by his mother, Shirley, his father, Peter; his sister, Ann Marie; his nephew, Lance; and his beloved dog, Nikki Moon.

Mark is survived by his sisters, Ruth, Mary, and Kristy; his sisters-in-law, Lou, and Val; his brothers, Pete, Aaron, BIL Cliff; his brother-in-law, Chet; his numerous ex-wives, his favorites being Carmen and Carol…in a particular order; his son, Jason; his daughter, Jess; countless nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles who loved him, especially nephew and niece Zack and Emily who knew him as Uncle Rico. Finally, his granddaughter, Jerika Trial; his grandson, Jeremiah Ward.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Somerset Humane Society, PO Box 453, Skowhegan, Maine 04976.

Jefferson calendars ready for ordering

Teacher Charles Besse plays ball with students at the original Jefferson Village School. Notice that the bats are boards and there are no gloves to be seen. The girls, most with hats and aprons look on. The building still stands in the North Village across from the apartment building which used to be Hoffses and later, Marshall Holmes’s store.

This photo is one of almost 50 vintage photos in the 2020 calendar showing people having fun in ‘the good old days.’ The calendar also has important contact numbers for residents. They cost $10 and may be ordered by calling 549-5258 or 549-5592. (contributed photo)

2020 Census meeting in Albion

Albion Public Library

The Albion Public Library will host a Census Day on Monday evening December 23. The United States Census Bureau will be hiring for 2020 census jobs, a great chance to do enjoyable work with paid training and very flexible hours, right in your local community. Albion Public Library will have a member of the census bureau available onsite to help people fill out an application, or to answer any questions about these local job opportunities. The session will be held at the Library, 18 Main Street, on December 23 from 5 to 7 p.m.

If interested, visit www.2020census.gov/jobs for more information or to apply online. For more details on the application assistance session, please contact the Albion Public Library, at 437-2220, or email albion@albion.lib.me.us.

See also: The 2020 Census comes to central Maine

Windsor selectmen decide on a temporary fix to the town’s public works refueling needs

by Sandra Isaac

During the November 26 meeting, Windsor selectmen decided the town will purchase a trailer and 100 gallon fuel tank with a pump, which will enable the public’s work department the ability to refuel the trucks after hours and during plowing season. This option allows the selectmen time to come up with a more permanent solution and factor in the costs to the next fiscal budget.

The need for an alternative fueling option comes after John Moody’s retirement announcement effective this December. Although the town has found another fuel source with Hussey’s Store, in Windsor, the public works department needed a refueling solution for after hours and during snow plowing. The trailer and tank will provide a good alternative until a more permanent solution can be found.

The trailer and fuel tank will be purchased for under $1,800. A pump assembly, lettering, decals, and a hazmat spill kit will all need to be purchased, but the selectmen agreed to keep the cost under $2,500.

The town was previously looking into a truck with a 100 gallon tank mounted on the back, but after further discussion, it was decided the trailer and tank would be a better option. Registration, inspections and maintenance of a truck played major factors in the decision making. A trailer with a tank can be parked or transported as necessary, and could still be used throughout the year.

Windsor Town Manager, Theresa Haskell, also asked for debit cards; one for each of the public works truck and one for the back hoe. The debit cards will allow the town to get discounts when using Hussey’s for fueling and will allow the public works department the ability to track each truck’s fuel consumption.

In other discussions, the topic of the RSU #12 solar farm proposal was reviewed, with Selectman Richard Gray Jr. and Selectman Andrew Ballantyne helping to clarify much of the information. According to an anonymous school board member, “the only action that the school board has made was to look into the project. When it comes to the information currently available, the school board members are as confused as the selectmen.”

“The RSU solar farm proposal had the price increasing yet the state load has decreased due to more efficient lighting, etc. Energy cost and demand cost are items that need to be considered. If there is not as much of a demand, you won’t get much money for the energy produced,” said Gray.

Selectmen are requesting to be present when an official report is presented to the RSU#12 school board. The selectmen have agreed to table this indefinitely or until more information can be provided.

In other news, the Veterans Memorial held another fundraiser, selling homemade pies in front of Hussey’s Store prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. Twenty-seven people donated items to be sold at the pie sale, with $840 raised as a result of the sale, along with private donations, brought the total to $1,000.

China selectmen get updates from town departments

by Mary Grow

China selectmen got updates on town departments at their Dec. 9 meeting and began making plans for 2020 and the new fiscal year that will begin in July.

Transfer Station Manager Tim Grotton and Public Works Department Manager Shawn Reed each reported a pending resignation: Ronald Marois is leaving the public works crew Dec. 13 for a job at Colby College, and Ed Brownell is retiring from the transfer station crew Dec. 21.

Grotton said the long-planned second compactor is in place, and Central Maine Power Company will soon finish providing three-phase power needed to run it. The RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system should be ready in January, he said.

Town Manager Dennis Heath said concerns about privacy with the original RFID system, which linked identification tags to people’s names, led him to consult the Maine Municipal Association’s legal department. He learned that files with names and tag numbers would be public records; as a result, the system is changed and the tags are registered by number only.

There will no longer be any personal information connected to an RFID tag available for public inspection. A separate record that MMA attorneys said can be confidential will link tags to holders’ names.

Selectmen approved the final report on the transfer station survey done in September and October, compiled by the town manager and staff and recommended by the Transfer Station Committee. Heath said it will be on the Town of China website.

Reed said the public works department shared China’s new excavator with the transfer station to crush and compact metal for shipment. Grotton reported he was able to arrange free trucking and to earn a small amount of money, despite the almost nonexistent national market for recyclables.

The recent ice storms have demanded more of the public works department in both manpower and materials than snowstorms would have, Reed commented. Selectboard Chairman Ronald Breton asked if there is enough money for overtime pay in the 2019-2020 public works budget. Heath is confident there is.

Town Clerk Rebecca Hapgood reminded those present that annual reports from town departments and committees and other bodies, like the school department and Erskine Academy, the two libraries, the two lake associations, China Rescue and the three fire departments, are due by mid-January for the 2018-2019 town report.

The annual town business meeting will be held at China Middle School on Saturday, April 4, 2020.

Before that, a special election to choose someone to finish Jeffrey LaVerdiere’s term on the selectboard is scheduled for March 3, coinciding with the statewide primary election. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the former portable classroom behind the town office.

Breton said six residents had taken out nomination papers as of Dec. 9. Signed papers must be returned to the town office by 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, for candidates’ names to be on the March 3 ballot.

In other business, selectmen unanimously approved continuing the usual procedure of allowing owners of properties foreclosed upon for unpaid taxes an additional 60 days to pay all taxes due and reclaim the properties. Heath said the town foreclosed on four properties for which taxes are unpaid for 2017, 2018 and the current year. The properties now belong to the town; if the owners cannot reclaim them by the end of the 60-day extension, they will be put up for auction.

Selectmen reviewed the audit report for the fiscal year that ended June 30 and the financial report for the current year to date and expressed satisfaction with the town’s financial condition. Heath shared a schedule of January 2020 budget committee and selectboard meetings to prepare the 2020-2021 budget.

Tom Michaud, speaking for the Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Committee, presented a report showing that work on two fire roads had significantly reduced run-off into China Lake, thereby reducing the amount of phosphorus going into the lake to feed algae blooms. TIF funds helped pay for the improvements.

The next regular China selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, Dec. 23.

Vassalboro Community School first quarter honor roll (fall 2019)

Vassalboro Community School. (source: jmg.org)

HIGH HONORS

Grade 8: Elizabeth Brown, Gage Dorval, Savannah Estes, Tara Hanley, Nathan Polley and Lara Stinchfield. Grade 7: Noah Bechard, Landen Blodgett, Allison Dorval, Ava Kelso and Greta Limberger. Grade 6: Emily Almeida, Madison, Estabrook, Jacob Lavallee, Ava Lemelin, Brayden McLean, Mylee Petela, Hannah Polley and Leahna Rocque. Grade 5: Nataleigh Brown, Madison Burns, Tallulah Cloutier, Sophie Day, Ryley Desmond, Cody Grondin, Jack Malcolm and Kelty Pooler. Grade 4: Drake Goodie and Reid Willett. Grade 3: Caylie Buotte, Emily Clark, Keegan Clark, Baylee Fuchswanz, Zoe Gaffney, Allyson Gilman, Kaitlyn Lavallee, Cheyenne Lizzotte, Mia McLean, Mackenzy Monroe, Callen Pooler and Ava Woods.

HONORS

Grade 8: Hunter Brandt, Nathalia Carrasco, Madelynn Cimino, Connor Coull, Isabella Day, Lexus Field, Cole Fortin, Meilani Gatlin, Aleigha Gooding, Tyler Hansen, Lucas Haskell, Brody Loiko, Ethan Lyon, Hannah Piecewicz, Logan Rockwell, Tristan Samuelson, Lilian Taylor and Brandon Wood. Grade 7: Brooke Blais, EvanBrochu, Sofia Derosby, Brady Desmond, Ellie Giampetruzzi, Kailynn Houle, Josiah Hussey, Kyran Kinrade, Bodi Laflamme, Alysha Opacki,, Seth, Picard, Ava Picard, Wallace Pooler, Grant Taker and Emma Waterhouse. Grade 6: Addyson Burns, Quinn Coull, Mckenzie Duenne, William Ellsey, Talula Kimball, Paige Littlefield, Taylor Neptune, Alexandria O’Hara and Addison Witham. Grade 5: Kayliana Allen, Tyler Clark, Eilah Dillaway, Peyton Dowe, Madison Field, Scott Fitts, Xavier Foss, Adalyn Glidden, Bailey Goforth, Caspar Hooper, Mason Lagasse, Harley McEachern, Josslyn Ouellette, Mackenzie Oxley, Taiya Rankins, Grady Sounier and Bryson Stratton. Grade 4: Benjamin Allen, Grayson Atwood, Jackson Bailey, Dominick Bickford, Ryleigh French, Jasmine Garey, Gabriella Lathrop, Drew Lindqist, Brandon Neagle, Ryder Neptune-Reny, Paige Perry, Sovie Rau, Kayden Renna and Judson Smith. Grade 3: Samuel Bechard, Mason Brewer, Basil Dillaway, Ariya Doyen, Gabriella Duarte, Lily Giroux, Lillyana Krastev, Jack LaPierre, Elizabeth Longfellow, Hannah McMurtry, Jaelyn Moore, Weston Pappas, Noah Rau and GraceTobey.

HONORABLE MENTION

Grade 8: Tucker Greenwald, Carlos Michaud and Galianna Michaud. Grade 7: Kaylene Glidden, Echo Hawk, Willow Merchant, Ayden Michaud, Kayden Painchaud, Kaelyn Pappas, Ava Prickett, Zachary Stewart and Sterling Williams. Grade 6: Elisha Baker, Moira Bevan, Saunders Chase, Jordan Cressey, Leigh-Ann Gagnon, Seth Hansen, Daniel Ouellette, Emily Piecewicz, Gabriel Shorey and Trevor Tibbetts. Grade 5: Traydyn Austin, Aliya Bourque, Emma Charleston, Wyatt Ellis, Olivia Leonard, Tyson Pooler, Noah Pooler, Landon Tassinari, Payton Thornton and Autumn Willis. Grade 4: Bentley Austin, Trystyn Brown, Zoey DeMerchant, Austin Devoe, Dylan Dodge, Zachary Kinrade, Cooper Lajoie, Caleb Marden, Bentley Pooler, Landon Sullivan, Hannah Tobey and William Trainor. Grade 3: DaVontay Austin, Isadora Duarte, Preston Duenne, Harlen Fortin, Jaziah Garcia, Jeremy Hawk, Elliot McQuarrie, Cheyanne Norton and Landen Theobald.

Critter Chatter returns: The history of the beginnings of the Wildlife Care Center

by Jayne Winters

In light of Donald Cote’s recent recognition by the Natural Resources Council of Maine for his decades of wildlife rehab work, the Critter Chatter column is being brought back to readers! As the new writer for this venture, I thought a good place to start would be to talk to Don about how he and his late wife Carleen met and started the Wildlife Care Center.

Don met Carleen Sirois at the Dairy Joy, in Augusta, when they were teenagers. After seven years of dating, they married in 1960, and after first living in a trailer in Vassalboro, purchased land on Rte. 3 and built the home where Don lives today. He worked for Coca Cola and later, North Center Food Service; Carleen was employed by the Maine Department of Health & Human Services, in mental health and retardation. She retired in 1990 after almost 32 years of state service and Don followed in 1997. They did not have children, but I think they would admit to having fostered hundreds of fur and feather babies! Sadly, Carleen passed away on her 79th birthday, April 27, 2018.

So, how did they get involved with wildlife rehab? Interestingly, it began when Don read an article in a Sunday paper about a Cape Elizabeth couple who raised exotic waterfowl to sell. He contacted the breeders and over the next three years, obtained his federal and state permits, enlarged the pond on his property, built a shelter, erected fencing, and purchased birds from Cape Elizabeth and a breeder in Plymouth, Massachusetts. In addition to permits, Don had to submit annual reports to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIF&W), listing the number and breed of birds he raised and sold, as well as those that died. Although Carleen was never really interested in birds, they were Don’s passion and she helped him with the business.

Returning home one evening, the Cotes found a sick fawn in their driveway, left by a warden. Unfortunately, the fawn did not survive, but Carleen’s heart was touched. Don was about to retire and he was making plans to replace some of his older breeding birds with new ones. They couldn’t afford to continue with the waterfowl business and start wildlife rehab, so the decision was made to let the birds die off naturally and focus on critters. New permits were obtained, cages built, food, general medical supplies and equipment purchased.

The desire to help sick or injured wildlife is certainly commendable, but I asked Don how they learned the ins and outs of rehab. Obviously, they had gained considerable hands-on experience while raising the waterfowl, but he noted a lot of credit goes to the generosity and expertise of veterinarians with whom they’ve worked. Initially, Drs. Davis and Hersom at Pine Tree Clinic, in Augusta, provided medical care, but currently Drs. Darryl and Erika Praul and staff at the much closer Windsor Veterinary Clinic, “answer the call” for surgeries, internal injuries, etc. In addition to observing procedures, treatment applications, suturing, medication and injection administration, etc., Don stated the clinics often donate medical books for their reference and use at home. In addition, close contact with a variety of folks at DIF&W, wardens as well as biologists, is maintained.

Part II will look at a typical day at the Center, including travel, volunteers, expenses, and what it means to be a nonprofit.

Donald Cote operates the Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center on Rte. 3, in Vassalboro. It is a nonprofit federal and state permitted rehab facility which is supported by his own resources and outside donations. Mailing address: 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro ME 04989 TEL: (207) 445-4326 EMAIL: wildlifecarecenter@gmail.com.