GARDEN WORKS: Seeds from your dreams: Coming from a seed catalog to you, part 1 (A-thru-E)

Emily Catesby Emily Cates

As the wind whips through the drifting snow, I snuggle up by the wood stove with a warm cup of tea and a seed catalog. Each year there’s something new, along with seeds tried and true.

With imagination running wild, I run my highlighter through the pages, highlighting the objects of desire until the ink runs dry. Flipping through the pages with great enthusiasm and stars in my eyes, I pause to envision my garden brimming with the results of planting these seeds.

Since this is a good time of year to plan a garden and order seeds, let’s look at some possibilities we’ll find in catalogs. In this series, we’ll examine an “A to Z of Possibilities” wish list ranging from easy-to-grow things I’d never go without, and a few more that leave me intrigued. If you have any suggestions or thoughts on what’s on your dream garden wish list, feel free to leave a comment on our website or Facebook page, or send me a message to my brand new email address: EmilyCates@townline.org.

Arugula – Probably my favorite salad or braising green, its nutty, peppery crunch always makes me happy. Oftentimes it self-sows for an encore performance.

Asparagus – If you have a sunny, weed-free, fertile patch of soil, try planting Purple Passion asparagus.

Ashwagandha – This herb from the nightshade family grows a root that is used for its adaptogenic properties similar to ginseng.

Basil – Nowadays there are many cultivars with a dazzling array of many shapes, colors, and aromas. My favorite basil, Mrs. Burns’ Lemon, looks absolutely amazing interplanted with other basils such as Purple Ruffles, Spicy Bush, and lettuce leaf varieties. Don’t forget Genovese basil for the best pesto on the planet.

Beans – Pole beans, bush beans, runner beans, shell beans, green beans, yellow beans, purple beans, soup beans, wax beans, haricots verts, oh my! I have definitely tried my share of bean varieties over the years, and I’ve learned that one could spend an entire lifetime trialing a new bean every year. So many colors and patterns to choose from, it’s easy to get boggled looking at beans in a catalog. But try the interesting ones anyways – like Red Noodle, Drabo, and Dragon’s Tongue – and have fun.

Beets – If you can grow beets, the cultivar Chioggia is delicious and pretty with its bullseye pattern of pink and white when sliced.

Carrots – Carrots of today are available in a wide range of beautiful colors. Though they are sometimes a challenge to grow in my clay-based soil, the ones that do well are especially delicious after a frost. Try a seed packet of mixed colors and plant something exciting.

Cilantro – Either you love it or hate it. Whether or not it tastes like the essential ingredient of a superb salsa – or dish soap – will determine whether or not it will be planted in your garden plot.

Corn – It’s difficult to grow corn when surrounded by hungry birds and beasts, but a good year will yield enough to enjoy fresh, roasted, steamed, ground, popped, decoratively, and more. For something a little different, look for Earth Tones (a beautiful dent corn), and Pennsylvania Dutch Butter Flavored Popcorn (the hands-down best popcorn in the universe).

Cucumbers – I find the specialty cukes to be fabulous, especially Boothby’s Blonde, Poona Kheera, and the round Lemon cucumber. I’m also intrigued with Mexican Sour Gherkin, a cucumber-like plant that produces fruits that taste refreshingly like they were already pickled. (This I keep intending to try, hopefully I’ll get around to it this year.) Let me know your experience with it.

Dahlias – The tubers of this gorgeous flower are edible – so consider planting a cultivar selected for table qualities – and beautify your garden.

Eggplant – Even if you’re not a fan of eggplant, its fruit grows in so many eye-catching colors that it might deserve a spot to be admired.

Wow! I can’t believe the A to Z wish list for this time only went to “E”. Let’s pick up “G for garlic” next time. Again, don’t forget to leave a comment on our website or Facebook, or message me at EmilyCates@townline.org.

Happy searching for dream seeds!

Read part two here: Seeds of your dreams, Part 2 (G-H)

Read part three here: Seeds of your dreams: Find joy in a seed catalog, Part 3 (H-N)

China Middle Schoolers tour Kennebec Technologies

Submitted by Ryan Sweeney

On January 14, China Middle School JMG had the opportunity to tour Kennebec Technologies, in Augusta. Eighth graders walked the shop floor with Shawn Arbour, director, sales and marketing, and Harvey Smith, director of quality, learning about the variety of machinery and jobs. Students then had an in-depth question/answer session with Shawn and Virginia Fletcher, human resources manager. Shawn and Virginia emphasized the importance of soft skills like work ethic, teamwork and cooperation. Student Sydney Laird commented that hearing Shawn and Virginia emphasize that you don’t need to be the smartest person to be successful. Instead, working hard and being committed are most important in terms of success. I feel like I always try to work hard, which gives me confidence that my effort it will pay off.”

Kennebec Technologies prides itself on a safe and professional workplace. Shawn Arbour added, “I think it’s a valuable experience for both the students and Kennebec Technologies. Kennebec gets to explain and show off to the next generation what we do every day and how it applies to the world we live in. The students get to see what’s out there in the real world and get exposure to a manufacturing environment first hand. It also gives them the opportunity to ask us questions about the work place that we don’t always see from our perspective.” It was a valuable opportunity for all involved.

Ryan Sweeney is JMG Specialist at China Middle School.

CRITTER CHATTER: Winter break at the center?

by Jayne Winters

I think most of us would agree that, so far, Central Maine has experienced a fairly mild winter, especially in snow accumulation. Donald Cote, of the Wildlife Care Center, in Vassalboro, has had to plow access to the wildlife enclosures only two or three times; snow-blowing and shoveling have been minimal. Icy paths, however, still need sanding, and we must attend to frozen water tubs and mucking out pens.

When I stopped in at 10:30 a.m. on a Wednesday in mid-January, Don had been up since a chilly 7 a.m. and was just coming in after inspecting a section of deer fencing which needed repair. He readily admits he’s had to be careful due to limited range of motion in one shoulder, but has a number of folks he can call on to help with physically demanding projects. In addition to monitoring fence and building maintenance, a typical morning includes preparing food and formulas for breakfast feedings, changing hay and towel beddings, dispensing medications, and changing dressings. Later in the day, attention is given to washing and disinfecting food dishes, as well as doing several loads of laundry for soiled blankets and towels. Any time during the day he may need to respond to rescue calls, transport injured wildlife to the vet, or pick up food donations from Hanna­ford, Wal-Mart, animal shelters, etc. He does try to leave Wednesdays open for his own personal business and appointments, but being on-call 24/7 requires patience, understanding, and flexibility in the schedule. Round Two starts again as the dinner hour nears!

In addition to the ducks and geese, residents in January included three young opossums, two young porcupines, one skunk, two chipmunks, three coyotes, and about a dozen each of racoons, foxes, and deer, all of which require tending at least twice a day. Many are carry-overs from last fall because they were too young or not well enough for October release; the remainder are fall and winter rescues from vehicle hits, natural injuries and home “invasion” critters seeking food and shelter from the harsh elements.

January is also the time for submitting annual state and federal reports, with license renewal applications due every two and five years, respectively. Don doesn’t have a computer, but one of the center’s volunteers assists him with report preparation, copying, etc. Volunteerism takes many forms, but more on that in another column.

While the volume of wildlife rehab work slows down during the winter, there is never a day off at the Wildlife Care Center. Wildlife rehabilitation takes a special kind of person, one who is dedicated, compassionate and selflessly committed.

Donald Cote operates the Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center on Rte. 3 in Vassalboro. It is a non-profit 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.

China Boy Scouts hold Sunday Service at China Baptist Church

Photo courtesy of Ron Morrell

February 9 was Boy Scout Sunday at China Baptist Church. Troop #479 is sponsored by and meets weekly in the church vestry fellowship hall. Each year they participate in a Sunday service honoring and celebrating the Boy Scout program. This year was especially moving as the whole troop joined the church choir to sing the Battle Hymn of the Republic. The scouts led each part of the service that culminated with one of the scouts having a conversation with “God” for the message. The scouts also served the coffee hour fellowship following the service. Ron Emery works with the scouts and the pastor to plan the service. Thank you to Scott and Priscilla Adams for their many years of service to the church, community, and the troop.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: All robins do not go south for the winter

American robin

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Just the other day a friend told me she thought robins went south for the winter. That is the common thought.

The American robin, Turdus migratorius, is a migratory songbird. While robins occasionally overwinter in the northern United States and southern Canada, most migrate to Florida and the Gulf Coast to central Mexico. Most will depart south by the beginning of September and begin their northern migration in February and March, which gives the illusion that they don’t migrate during a regular winter, when snow covers the ground during those times.

Despite being depicted in the film Mary Poppins, in London, this species is actually a rare occasion to western Europe.

Robins breed in woodland and more open farmland and urban areas. It becomes less common as a breeder in the southernmost part of the deep south of the United States.

The sexes are similar but the female tends to be duller than the male, with a brown tint to the head, brown upperparts and less bright underparts. However, some birds cannot be safely sexed on plumage alone.

Robins are active mostly during the day. During the winter, they flock in large groups at night to roost in trees in swamps or dense vegetation. The flock breaks up during the day when the birds feed on fruits and berries in smaller groups. However, during the summer, the American robin defends a breeding territory and is less social.

The adult robin, however, must stay alert. It is preyed upon by hawks, cats, and larger snakes. Brown-headed cowbirds lay eggs in robin nests but robins usually reject the cowbird eggs. Juvenile robins and eggs are preyed upon by squirrels, snakes and some birds such as blue jays, common grackles, crows and ravens.

The robin is the state bird of Connecticut, Michigan and Wisconsin. It ranks behind only the red-winged blackbird as the most abundant bird species in North America, just ahead of the European starling.

American robins have an extensive range, estimated at 6.2 million square miles. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the bird as “least concern” when evaluating its position as a threatened species. At one point, the robins were hunted for their meat, but it is now protected throughout its range in the United States by the Migratory Bird Act.

The species was first described in 1766 by Carl Linnaeus in the 12th edition of his Systema Naturae. The term robin has been recorded since 1703.

Despite is wonderful song, the American robin is known to carry West Nile virus. While crows and jays are often the first noticed deaths in an area with West Nile virus, the American robin is suspected to be a key host, and holds a larger responsibility for the transmission of the virus to humans. This is because, while crows and blue jays die quickly from the virus, robins survive the virus longer, thus spreading it to more mosquitoes, which then transmit the virus to humans.

Robins eat primarily (approximately 60 percent) on wild and cultivated fruits and berries, and (approximately 40 percent) on invertebrates, such as earthworms, beetle grubs, caterpillars and grasshoppers. That ability to switch to berries allows them to winter much farther north than most other North American thrushes, of which it is a member of that family.

Legends about robins:

  • What does it mean to see a robin? Symbolic characteristics and traits of a robin: The robin in the spirit world is known as the divine bird. The Robin is a symbol of good luck and the fact that spring is impending. To see a robin flying can indicate a symbol of renewal, passion and new beginnings. Alternatively, it could represent patience and wisdom.
  • Robins entering a house have always been thought of as a sign of forthcoming death, while robins are long associated with religious buildings which, if nothing else, helps to cement its image as the most churchgoing of our birds.
  • Robins in Winter. “Robins can withstand very cold temperatures,” Howard explains. “In most places you can see robins in the wintertime. You’ll see them wandering around and yet it’s not considered migration because basically they’re moving in a nomadic way, following the food.”
  • Bird Continually Hitting Window. It’s a common myth that a bird pecking at your window on three successive days means a death will occur inside that house. This is a problem that is most common in spring as male birds are establishing and defending territories. The male sees his reflection in the window and thinks it is a rival trying to usurp his territory. He flies at the window to try and make the rival leave.

The answer to the question as to whether they go south for the winter or not, is that it does migrate, but some don’t travel as far as others, and some will stay behind, probably depending on the severity of the winter. Their return in February and March also contributes to the belief that they don’t migrate.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Where did MLB’s Atlanta Braves originate?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, February 13, 2020

Trivia QuestionsWhere did MLB’s Atlanta Braves originate?

Answer:

The Braves originated as the Boston Braves, and moved to Milwaukee before settling in Atlanta.

SOLON & BEYOND: 4-Hers give demonstrations

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

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

The Solon Pine Tree 4-H Club met at the Solon Fire Station on February 8. There were 10 members, 4 leaders and 3 visitors present.

Their project was having the 4-H members put together food trays for the elderly as a community service. Demonstrations were given by three members: Sarah Craig’s project was a yarn ball decoration, Hunter Sousa’s project was Welding 101 and Kaitlin Dellarma ‘s was painting birch trees.

The club will provide food for the dinner during tow meeting day, Saturday, March 7. This will take place at the Solon School. They will also have a bake sale to benefit the Solon Food Cupboard that morning starting at 8 a.m.

The next meeting will be on Saturday, March 14, at 9:30 a.m.

I also received a Solon Pine Tree 4-H News Letter:

Town meeting dinner will be on Saturday, March 7, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., at the Solon School. They will need help from parents, leaders and members on this. They will also be doing a food sale to benefit the Solon Food Cupboard at 8 a.m.

Can the members listed here help on the food sale? 8 – 10 a.m.; Isabella Atwood, Kaitlin Dellarma, Jillian R. and Cooper D. And help also needed from 10 a.m. – noon; Sarah Craig, Katelyn D., Autumn I., and Desmond R. If this schedule does not work for you. please let Mrs. Pooler know. Anyone not listed can help on the dinner.

At the next meeting members not giving their demonstrations in February are asked to do it in March.

The next meeting will be on Saturday, March 14, at 9:30 a.m., at the Solon Fire Station.

My many thanks to the Solon Pine Tree 4-H Club for all they do, and for sharing it with all of us each month!

And that is all the local news I have again this week. I am thinking of asking Roland if I can stretch out “Beyond” in this column to other towns for their news, if this keeps up. I noticed in last week’s paper, under the picture of me, Marilyn Rogers; Somerset County columnist?

I do have a question for anyone who feeds birds, as we do, for keeping the large birds, (blue jays) away. They are always driving the little birds away and failing to share. We have many, many bird feeders out and really enjoy watching the little birds when they do get a chance to get a mouthful once in a while.

Guess maybe, I’m dwelling on age lately, now that I have turned 90! Was looking through some old papers the other day and was reading one of my columns in a 1987, Somerset Reporter. It was back when my column started with these words,” SOLON ‘The friendliest town in the state,” with lots of hearts all around it! Good morning my friends; haven’t spouted off about the importance of hugs lately. In case some of you saw me hugging that nice looking fella on my early morning walks, it was my grandson, Jeremy. It really makes a person think about the advancing years when grandsons get taller than I am.

The next paragraph went on to say; “Son Dave called me the other night and during the course of the conversation, I was telling him all the things I had to get done and not enough time to do them and he said, “What’s the matter, Mother, you getting old?”

And now for Percy’s memoir entitled, “Heart Gifts:” It’s not the things that can be bought that are life’s richest treasure, It’s just the little “heart gifts” that money cannot measure…A cheerful smile, a friendly word, a sympathetic nod are treasures from the storehouse of our God….They are the things that can’t be bought with silver nor with gold, For thoughtfulness and kindness and love are never sold … They are the priceless things in life for which no one can pay, And the giver finds rich recompense in giving them away. (words by Helen Steiner Rice.)

Have a great day! The Christian Life is Like Tea. The Full Strength Comes out when It’s in Hot Water… (words from the little special book that Mary gave me.)

OBITUARIES for Thursday, February 13, 2020

WILLIAM P. FISHER

OAKLAND – William P. Fisher, Sr., 93, died on Saturday, on January 4, 2020, in Waterville. He was born March 17, 1926, in Waterville. He was the son of the late Norman and Alice M. (Otis) Fisher.

William grew up in Oakland, Maine. He attended Oakland public schools and was employed for many years at the Cascade Woolen Mill, in Oakland. He was a member of Saint Theresa’s Catholic Church, in Oakland. Bill loved gardening, dancing and playing the harmonica. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. After retirement, he enjoyed wood working, making children furniture, rocking chairs and other custom items to order.

William is survived by seven of his children. William Fisher, Jr., of Winter Port, Bonnie Mindek and her husband Robert, of Boca Raton, Florida, Jeffrey Fisher, of Waterville, John Fisher and his wife Patricia, of Waterville, Dolores Krampitz and her husband Edwar of Plainville, Connecticut, Jolene Zerbe and her husband Kevi of Southington, Connecticut and Raymond Fisher and his wife Lind of Wallingford, Connecticut; three stepchildren, Scott Fisher, William Kelley and Amanda Kelley, all of Waterville; brother, Paul Fisher and his wife Norma, of Oakland; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great- great-grandchild.

William was predeceased by his wife of 30 years Elizabeth “Betty” (Folsom) Fisher; his son Kenneth Fisher and his first wife, Ernestine (McCorisson) Fisher; brother, Carl Fisher and his sister Helen Zimba.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Family and friends wishing to honor Bill may make a donation in William’s name to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

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

PETER A. VILES

OCALA, FLORIDA – Peter A. Viles, 79, of Ocala, Florida, formerly of Fairfield, died Wednesday, January 15, 2020. He was born March 5, 1940, in Lewiston, son of Dr. Wallace and Ruth (Dorr) Viles.

He grew up in Turner, graduating from Leavitt Institute in 1959. He graduated from the University of Maine in 1965. Peter began his teaching career in Patten, and then spent the rest of his career in School Administrative District #49, teaching at Clinton Elementary and Lawrence Junior High schools. He also coached basketball and baseball. He was a member of the Clinton Lions Club and worked with the Leo Club. He loved coaching and working with students!

Peter is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marie Terese (Martin); a son, Bruce Wallace and his partner, Kelly; a grandson, Shaden Peter; and many cousins.

Those wishing to make donations in his memory may do so to Hospice of Marion County, 3231 SW 34th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34474.

JOSEPH E. NOEL

WATERVILLE – Joseph Ernest Noel, 78, died Friday, January 17, 2020, at Togus VA Hospice, in Augusta, due to cancer. Joe was born on July 1, 1941, in Waterville, the son of Paul and Nellie (Haskell) Noel.

He grew up in Winslow, and then went into the U.S. Army for three years. For 28 years he worked at Kimberly-Clarke, in Winslow. Joe graduated from Winslow High School and was a graduate of barber school. He was a short order cook and truck driver.

Joe loved southern Gospel music. He was always singing, visiting the coast line, going out to eat, and going on long rides.

He is survived by his wife, Suzette, of over 23 years; a daughter, Amy and husband Bill Schouten, of Stockton Springs, son, Joe and wife Ginger Noel ,of Fayetteville, Georgia, son, Nate Noel, of El Paso, Texas; three stepchildren, Annette Campbell and Steve Haskell, of China, Dwayne and Amy Campbell, of Winslow, Tasha Vintinner, of Auburn; 13 grandchildren; one sister, Kathleen and husband Leo Binette, of Oakland, one brother, David Noel, of Oakland; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Nellie Noel; grandparents, Joseph and Rose Noel, grandparents, Ernest and Abbie Haskell; brother Ed Noel, sister-in-law, Avis Noel, sister-in-law, Donna Noel.

A spring celebration of life will be held at Centerpoint Community Church in Waterville. A private burial will be held at the old VA cemetery in Augusta, later.

MARY D. DAMREN

WATERVILLE – Mary “Violet” Doiron Gayne Damren, 87, passed peacefully at Woodlands, of Waterville, on Tuesday January 28, 2020. Violet was the daughter of Joseph “Alphonse” Doiron and Mary “Josephine” Doiron.

Violet was educated in the school system at Madison, and worked periodically in the shoe manufacturing industry but was primarily a homemaker.

Violet was married to Harold D. Gayne Jr until his death later marrying Francis E. Damren. Violet had eight children and enjoyed spending Sunday’s visiting with them.

Violet was predeceased by her parents Alphonse and Josephine Doiron, her husbands Harold D. Gayne Jr, and Francis E. Damren and two daughters Annette Marie Gayne and Candace Ann Gayne, brother Aquila J. Doiron and sisters Edith Doiron Mclaughlin and Yvonne Doiron Tozier.

Surviving Violet are six of her children Deborah Douglas and husband Roland, Susan Brochu and husband Al, David Gayne and wife Roberta, Deanna Perrault and husband David, Stephen Gayne and wife Sue and Holly Damren and fiancé Joe Kresge; grandchildren Michelle, Heather, Jason, Harold, Michael, Seth, Patrick, Katie, Anthony, Casiana, Josie and Thomas as well as great grandchildren Dj, Jonathan, Eli, Axton and Trent.

Burial to be in Forest Hill Cemetery in the spring 2020. At Mary’s request there will be no funeral or visitation hours.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

PAMELA K. POWNING

VASSALBORO – Pamela Kick Powning, 65, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2020. Pamela was born January 28, 1955, to William P. Kick and Patricia O’Neill, of Waterville.

She attended local schools, making and keeping many true friends here through the years whose love and support she was blessed with to the end. She broke loose to head west out of high school and worked variously as the housekeeper for the bassist for The Doors in Woodstock, New York, as a produce manager in a co-op in California and attended The College of the Redwoods and Humbolt University before returning home to Waterville in 1977. Pamela then busied herself with self employment bookkeeping with skills she learned on her dad’s knee at The Kennebec Valley Industrial Bank, at age 11, taking her business degree at The University of Maine Augusta, founding ABC Accounting, leasing to run Squaw Mountain Ski Resort, in Greenville, working in hospital administration as the vice president of Finance and at the New England Rehabilitation Hospital, reimbursement manager at MaineGeneral Medical Center, and finally as the founder and CEO of Pinnacle It, a software development company, in Waterville, in 1996. She was awarded Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce Maine Business Person of the year in 2012 with the success of her creation and her considerable civic contributions to the Waterville Development Corp., Homeless Shelter, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Opera House Renovation and Colby College International Host Family Program, all in Waterville.

Pamela met her husband David in 2014 on Match.com, retired her business in 2015, and married David in 2016. So kind and generous she is much beloved of the Powning tribe from New Brunswick, Canada to Maine, Florida, Nevada and California.

Pamela was a gifted water colorist, played guitar and piano and was an avid contra and ballroom dancer. Fearless in business, the world was no more a challenge: zip lining in Costa Rica, paragliding in Utah, skiing the Alps, mycological forays in Mexico, cruising the Carribean, ballroom dancing in Hong Kong, touring Europe and her favorite, Greece. This extraordinary woman, who so generously touched the lives of so many, will be much missed.

Pamela is survived by her mother, Patricia Kick, of Waterville, sisters, Cathy Langlais, of Winslow, Shelley Kick, of Waterville, and Kimberly Kick, of Augusta; niece, Amanda Garay and family, of Winslow, and nephews, Aidan and Christian Connelly and John William, all from far away.

She was predeceased by her father, William P. Kick and nephews, Christopher Langlais and Matthew Allen.

Visiting hours will be held at Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, in Waterville, on Friday February 28, 2020, from 6 – 8 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., in Waterville, at 11 a.m Following the service, a reception will be held at the church hall.

You are invited to offer your condolences and share fond memories with the family by visiting Pamela’s guestbook at: www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

A Service of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, Maine 04901. 872-7676

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Waterville Homeless Shelter.

FRANCIS MOSER

WATERVILLE – Francis “Buddy” Moser, 65, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at his home, in Waterville, Maine. Buddy was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, on January 9, 1955, the son of Arthur and Marie (Belles) Moser.

In 1979, he moved to Waterville to be with his first love and eventually start his family. He worked numerous jobs including Waterville Windows Company, Fort Halifax Poultry and Packing Co., both in Winslow, Cianbro Corps., in Pittfield, , the town of Fairfield, and his own odd job business.

Buddy was very craft-ful in making things out of wood and popsicle sticks. He enjoyed collecting baseball cards and antique glass bottles, cycling, camping, and fishing. He was a very avid handyman. He loved working odd jobs for friends and family and would never ask for anything in return.

Buddy was so proud of his “boys” and would brag about how accomplished they became to everyone he talked to. Known as “Pappy” to his grandbabies, they were his pride and joy. He enjoyed attending Hunter’s Karate tournaments, fishing with Lucas, coloring with Alyssa, and snuggling with Brady.

He was predeceased by both of his Parents, Arthur and Marie (Belles) Moser.

Buddy is survived by his two sons, Chris Moser and his partner, Sara Perry, and Cory and his wife, Alex Moser, all of Sidney; his four, grandchildren, Hunter, Lucas, Alyssa, and Brady; brother, Arthur “Artie” Moser; sister, Betty; half-sisters, Marty Labar and Linda Detwiler Rowley; and many extended family members in Pennsylvania.

Per Buddy’s wishes, there will be no services. A celebration of life will be planned at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations in “Buddy Moser’s” memory can be made to the Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen, 70 Pleasant St., Waterville, ME 04901.

BARBARA J. DOW

WATERVILLE – Barbara “Barbie” Jean Dow, 53, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2020, at Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home, in Waterville. She was born March 13, 1966, in Pittsfield, the daughter of George Irving Dow and Beulah Ann (Norwood) Dow Woodbury.

She was educated in the schools of Waterville and graduated from Waterville Senior High School in 1997. She enjoyed drawing, arts and crafts, and studying the history of the Holocaust.

Barbara is survived by her son, Tony Joseph Dow; four sisters, Lisa Lindquist and husband David, of Oakland, Clarice Annie Woodbury and husband Joey, of Hartland, Robin Libby and husband Junior, of Bar Harbor, Marie Pinkham and husband Gordon, of St. Augustine, Florida; brother, Kenny Woodbury, of Massachusetts; many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 8, 2020, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Mount Saint Joseph’s Chapel, 7 Highwood Avenue, Waterville.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Barbie’s memory to the children’s section of your local library or school library or the Kidney Foundation of Maine, PO Box 1134, Portland, ME 04104.

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

LARRY A. BAILEY

CLINTON – Larry A. Bailey, 54, passed away at home on Monday, February 3, 2020, following a battle with cancer. The son of Donald C. Bailey and Shirley J. Bailey, he was born on October 23, 1965, in Boothbay Harbor.

Larry graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1984. Larry spent most of his adult life as a mill worker. Larry was employed at Huhtamaki, in Waterville, as a packer. He was a member of Waterville Elks and USW Union. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, disc golfing, going to the casino, playing cornhole, camping and spending time with family, friends and his grandchildren.

He was a lifelong Miami Dolphins and Boston Bruins fan.

Larry was predeceased by his father Donald Bailey Sr., and four brothers-in-law.

He is survived by his wife, Tammie Frappier Bailey, their two sons Dylan Bailey, of Clinton, Steven Rodrigue Jr., and daughter-in-law Javae Wood, of Clinton; two grandchildren Ryder Rodrigue and Raelyn Rodrigue; mother Shirley J. Bailey, of Clinton; mother-in-law Hazel Tardiff and husband Kevin Tardiff, of Fairfield; father-in-law Maurice Frappier Sr. and wife Glennis Frappier, of Waterville; and nine siblings; sisters, Brenda Libby and fiancé Ron Chipman, of Poland, Terry Ledford and husband Wayne Ledford, of Peoria, Arizona; brothers Donald Bailey Jr. and wife Arlene Bailey, of Rustburg, Virginia, Rodney Bailey and wife Debbie Bailey, of Sidney; brothers-in-law Moe Frappier Jr., of Canaan, Buddy Frappier, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; sister-in-law Heather Brickett and husband Shawn Brickett, of Fairfield; brothers-in-law, Scott Ward, of Livermore Falls, and Jamie Ward and wife Angela Ward, of Clinton; many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephew and cousins.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2020, at 1 p.m., at the East Benton Christian Church, 500 East Benton Rd., Benton, with Celebration of Life to follow. Facilitated by John Richards and Donald Bailey Jr.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Cancer Society, New England Division, One Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086-1240.

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

GARY BOYDEN

WATERVILLE – Gary Boyden, 67, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2020. He was born July 16, 1952, to Louise and Irving Boyden .

Gary loved the woods and sold firewood. He loved flowers and sold them on Main Street, in Fairfield. He worked shutdowns at Sappi Paper, in Hinckley, and was a member of the union.

He was a member of the Nazarene Church, in Fairfield. Also, Gary was a member of the Lions Club, in Oakland, and was a member of the Grange, in Fairfield Center. Gary had a wonderful heart and you only had to meet hin to know his caring spirit. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He really enjoyed going to concerts and attended many.

He is surviived by his brother David and wife Rebecca; also a niece and nephew, Benjamin, wife Shelby, and Kristen Boyden, husband Adam Woodbury; a great-niece and nephews, Garrett and Finnley Woodbury and Bridget and Jameson Boyden. Also he leaves behind many cousins, aunts.

He is predeceased by his parents.

A graveside service is planned for the spring.

HELEN B. BRIDGES

OAKLAND – Helen Bucknam Bridges, 79, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2020, following a brief illness. Born and raised in Oakland, she was the daughter of John and Gladys Bucknam.

She married her high school sweetheart, Robert H Bridges, on May 12, 1962. They had celebrated their 50th year of marriage when Bob passed away in 2013.

A graduate of Williams High School, in Oakland, Helen worked at the C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, until the birth of her children, when she became a stay at home mom. Upon her youngest entering kindergarten, she became a dishwasher, a cook and finally the director of school nutrition for the Messalonskee School District. She spent 30-plus years in the Messalonskee kitchen and had a hand in the design of the kitchen and cafeteria as it stands today. It was one of her biggest joys to feed her community’s children and school staff. Along with her husband Bob, she spent many afternoons passing out her home-made whoopie pies and milk to the Eagles football teams as they came up the field from their practices.

Helen and Bob spent their retirement years as snowbirds, winters in Summerfield, Florida, and summers in Oakland. Upon Bob’s passing, Helen remained in Maine to spend as much time as she could with family. Her happiest moments were when her children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren came for a visit. As visits would end, her family would say “Love You” and she would respond “Love You More.”

She cherished the years she lived with her son, Ronald, and her two grandchildren, Grace and Emmet. When she moved in with her daughter, Lauryl, she missed seeing them every day, but had also been excited about her new home. Every visitor had to see her master bedroom suite with the rather large walk-in shower that her daughter had installed for her.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Lauryl Bridges, of Oakland; her sons, Jeffrey Bridges and his wife, Tammy, and Ronald Bridges, all of Kingsbury Plantation; her grandchildren, Lauren Bridges Beveridge and her husband, Josh, Michael Bridges and his fiancé, Arian, Jessica Bridges and Meaghan, Hannah Thibault and her fiancé, Chris, Grace Bridges and Emmet Bridges; her great-grandchildren, Kody, Noah and Carter Bridges, Josephine Beveridge and Henry Robert Bridges; her brothers, Robert Bucknam and his wife, Sandra, Ronald Bucknam and his wife, Bonnie, and David Bucknam and his wife, Estelle; her brother-in-law, Wayne Weeks; her sister-In-law, Joan Bucknam; her nieces, Wanda Weeks Heim, Tina Pelletier, Jessica Bucknam-Graten and Sarah Weeks-Weston; her brother-in-law, Keith Bridges and his wife, Sharon; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces.

Helen was predeceased by husband, Robert H Bridges; her son, Timothy; her grandson, Ethan; her mother and father, John and Gladys Bucknam; her brother, John Bucknam, Jr; her sister, Joyce Pelletier and her husband, Leonard; her brother, Steven “Bucky” Bucknam; her twin sister, Ellen Weeks; her niece, Barbara Pelletier; and her nephew, Gary Bucknam.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for the spring.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

ERLINE I. HENDSBEE

CHELSEA – Erline I. Hendsbee, 87, of Chelsea, died Friday, February 7, 2020, at her home. She was born in East Benton on July 14, 1932, the daughter of Ralph and Catherine (Thompson) Haskell.

She grew up in East Benton and attended school.

Erline enjoyed spending time with friends and family weather it was visiting at her house or going out to eat. She was a homemaker and she took pride in caring for her family and including taking in boarders into her home. Erline was a great lover of the Lord. She attended the Kennebec Valley Assembly of God Church.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband John Hendsbee; daughter Diane Hendsbee; and sister Madline Burns.

Erline is survived by two children, David Hendsbee, Pam Field and husband Robert, all of Chelsea; five grandchildren, Rick, Tim and Chris Hendsbee, of Levant and Bangor, Steve and Ryan Field, of Chelsea and Farmingdale; 11 great-grandchildren; a special daughter-in-law Rhonda Hendsbee; sister Darlene Hulett, of Widnsor.

A graveside service will be held in the Spring at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Augusta.

Arrangements are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, Maine.

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

LEROY E. STEWART

UNITY/Bangor – Leroy E. Stewart, 80, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 7, 2020, at his home, in Bangor. Roy was born July 2, 1939, in Brewer, the son of Roy H. and Hilda (Saunders) Stewart.

Roy was a 1958 graduate of Brewer High School, where he was an outstanding athlete on both the football and basketball teams. During his senior year, Roy was a proud member and co-captain of the 1957 Brewer High School State Champion football team, selected to the All-State football team, and also a delegate to Dirigo Boys State.

After graduation, Roy enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1959 and during the same year married his beloved wife, the former Gail L. Strang, a Brewer High School classmate. During those years in the Air Force, Roy worked as a pharmacy technician which fueled his passion for the profession. Upon his discharge in 1962, Roy and Gail settled in Arlington, Massachusetts, where Roy attended Massachusetts College of Pharmacy (MCP) earning a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. Roy graduated in 1968 from MCP and moved back to his home state of Maine. Thereafter, Roy purchased Unity Pharmacy, formerly known as Reed’s Drug Store, in Unity. He spent 33 years as a well-respected local pharmacist known for his strong work ethic, caring demeanor, and outstanding moral character.

Roy was an avid golfer, spending countless hours trying to perfect his swing. He also enjoyed fishing expeditions with his many friends. His most memorable fishing trips were the fly-ins into Henderson Pond with his children, grandchildren, and long-time friend, Reynold “Frenchie” Plourde. Roy was a G-scale model train enthusiast. He transformed the entire second floor of their home into a dream model railroad consisting of over 150 feet of track, concentrating on replicating the old Eastern Pulp and Paper Mill, in South Brewer.

Roy was an active and dedicated Mason. He became a Master Mason at Star In The West Lodge #85, in Unity, on December 28, 1970. During his masonic journey, he served as the junior and senior warden, junior and senior deacon, chaplain, a member of the finance committee, as mentor to new and current members, widows orogram coordinator, secretary, and master. Roy held many of those positions several times over the past 42 years. He was also a member of Siloam Lodge #92, in Fairfield, and the 12th Masonic District Masters and Wardens Association.

Roy was predeceased by his parents; and one nephew, Richard A. Green.

Roy is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gail; four children, Roy Eric Stewart (Janet), Chicago, Illinois, Jennifer L. Fowler (Gary), Thorndike, Timothy B. Stewart (Michelle), Apex, North Carolina, Stephanie G. Biberstein (William), Hermon, and three daughters-in-law, Tammy, Michelle, and Jamie; nine grandchildren, Ian, Connor, and Christopher Stewart; Jordan and Alexandra Fowler; Caitlin and Morgan Stewart; Nicholas and Jacob Biberstein; two great-grandsons, Lincoln and Landon Stewart; one sister, Sandra J. Green (Jeffrey), Orrington, one brother, Richard J. Stewart (Jeanne), Hutchinson, Minnesota; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service is planned for this spring at the family lot in Unity.

Messages of condolences and memories may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.

Those who wish to remember Roy in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Star In The West Lodge #85, P.O. Box 577, Unity, ME 04988-0577.

Dr. David Austin talks about Doctors Without Borders in African countries

Dr. David Austin

by Mary Grow

In a Feb. 5 talk at the Albion Public Library, Dr. David Austin described some of his experiences as a physician in three African countries in 2010 and 2011. He read from his book, Therese’s Dream, a collection of emails he sent to Dr. Paul Forman at the Lovejoy Health Center, and answered audience questions

Under the auspices of Doctors Without Borders (DWB), also known by its French name, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), Austin worked in Darfur, a region in western Sudan; in Ngila, a village in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo; and in Djibouti Ville, capital of Djibouti. Sudan is the northernmost of the three countries, on Egypt’s southern border. The DRC is a large country in central Africa; Djibouti is a tiny country on the African side of the southern entrance to the Red Sea, the Bab-el-Mandeb strait.

Austin usually worked with three or four other expats and a larger number of local doctors, nurses, midwives and other personnel. A typical DWB team would include a doctor, nurses, a logistician (the person responsible for supplies of all sorts, like making sure drinkable water was available) and sometimes a psychologist or social worker. The Therese in his book’s title was a local social worker in the DRC.

DWB did not provide cooks, so a good local cook was always welcome, Austin said.

Most of Austin’s patients were infants and children. His emails describe severe malnutrition and a variety of diseases, including malaria and tuberculosis (Djibouti has the world’s highest rate of childhood tuberculosis, he said). Many of the children he wrote about died, in spite of his and his colleagues’ efforts.

He tells the story of driving a family to their home after a child died, something commonly done. The family lived in a slum he left undescribed. While they were there, neighbors asked if they would drive a young woman with appendicitis back to the hospital. Had they not happened to come, Austin said, the woman would have had an hour’s walk to get help.

Despite the deaths, Austin enjoyed his work and the people he worked with. His emails often mention the high spirits, hopefulness and resilience of local people.

The idea of DWB began with people Austin described as “A few crazy Frenchmen who smuggled themselves into Biafra.”

In 1968 the province of Biafra seceded from Nigeria. According to DWB’s website, the International Committee of the Red Cross was asked to help victims of the ensuing civil war, and doctors Max Recamier and Bernard Kouchner led a six-person team. The website explains that seeing results of the Nigerian government attacking and starving the Biafran rebels led the doctors and their followers to publicize what they considered governmental atrocities.

Their reaction spread, and in December 1971 Doctors Without Borders was founded, with 300 volunteer members.

Its website calls DWB an independent, neutral organization that provides medical aid where it’s most needed and speaks out against injustice. It currently operates in more than 70 countries. DWB needs governmental approval to send in personnel, Austin said.

Austin worked with local people and volunteers from all over the world – Americans and Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders, Europeans. Asked about becoming a DWB volunteer, he commented that in his opinion it’s “harder than it should be” to get accepted. However, he commended the program, especially its very effective polio and measles vaccination initiatives.

Currently Austin is back on the staff at Lovejoy Health Center, where he worked from 1993 to 2008, with brief stints in Haiti that sparked his interest in third-world countries.

China selectmen do semi-final review of warrant articles prior to April 4 town meeting

by Mary Grow

China selectmen spent almost two hours Feb. 10 doing a semi-final review of the warrant articles for the April 4 town business meeting. Their work was to be submitted to the budget committee on Feb. 12 for its members’ final review and recommendations.

The selectmen intend to sign the warrant at their Tuesday, Feb. 18, meeting (moved from the usual Monday because of the Presidents’ Day holiday).

At the Feb. 10 meeting, selectmen again discussed pay increases for Town Clerk Rebecca Hapgood, Transfer Station Manager Tim Grotton and Public Works Manager Shawn Reed, the three town employees Town Manager Dennis Heath has designated as managers. Selectmen agreed on different levels of increase for each, based on amount of responsibility and length of service with the town.

Looking at the annual article setting tax due dates and authorizing interest charges on late payments, they unanimously recommended reducing the interest rate from the state maximum of 9 percent to 4.5 percent.

Two public hearings scheduled

Two public hearings on budget requests in the April 3 town meeting warrant are scheduled for Sunday, March 22, at 2 p.m. at the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library in China Village, and Wednesday, March 25, at 7 p.m. at the town office on Lakeview Drive.

The warrant includes two articles that deal with Heath’s proposal to hire a full-time town policeman.

One asks if voters want to establish the position and fund it at over $113,000 for 2020-21. The new officer would work in addition to the present part-time people, and China would continue to run its own vehicle.

If voters defeat that article, they then decide whether they want to contract with the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office for police services. In that case, Heath said about $81,000 of the current police budget could be applied to the estimated $114,000 first-year cost, because China would no longer need part-time patrolmen or a vehicle.

Selectman Wayne Chadwick voted against recommending either proposal. He was surprised to find them presented as definite plans with price tags, since in his opinion much more discussion is needed.

The warrant Heath read aloud and selectmen approved has several articles that are capped, that is, written so that voters cannot legally increase the amount to be appropriated. Among them are fund requests for:

  • China’s fire and rescue departments;
  • Social services (out-of-town agencies like the Red Cross, Senior Spectrum and public radio);
  • Community support organizations (in-town groups like the libraries, China Lake water quality groups and historic buildings, and this year including appropriations for fire and rescue that replaces the much-debated stipends); and
  • Recommended spending from China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) fund.

There were no capped articles in the warrant for the 2019 town business meeting.

The Feb. 18 selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the town office meeting room.