SCORES & OUTDOORS: A sure sign of spring when red-winged blackbirds appear

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Male red-winged blackbird

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

What a beautiful sight!

On my way to work last week I spotted a small flock of red-winged blackbirds. A sure sign of spring. They are probably the first migrating birds to arrive back from their southern winter homes.

The red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus, is found in most of North America and much of Central America. It breeds from Alaska and Newfoundland south to Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, and Guatemala. It may winter as far north as Pennsylvania and British Columbia, but northern populations are generally migratory, moving south to Mexico and the southern United States.

It is believed that it is the most abundant living land bird in North America, as bird-counting of wintering red-winged blackbirds sometimes show that loose flocks can number in excess of a million birds per flock and the full number of breeding pairs across North and Central America may exceed 250 million in peak years. It also ranks among the best-studied wild bird species in the world. The male is all black with a red shoulder and yellow wing bar, while the female is a nondescript dark brown. Seeds and insects make up the bulk of the red-winged blackbird’s diet.

The common name for the red-winged blackbird is taken from the mainly black adult male’s distinctive red shoulder patches, which are visible when the bird is flying or displaying. At rest, the male also shows a pale yellow wingbar. The female is blackish-brown and paler below. The female is smaller than the male.

The range of the red-winged blackbird stretches from southern Alaska to the Yucatan peninsula, in Mexico, in the south, and from the western coast of North America to the east coast of the continent. Red-winged blackbirds in the northern reaches of the range are migratory, spending winters in the southern United States and Central America. Migration begins in September or October, occasionally as early as August.

The red-winged blackbird inhabits open grassy areas. It generally prefers wetlands, and inhabits both freshwater and saltwater marshes, particularly where cattail is present. It is also found in dry upland areas, where it inhabits meadows, prairies, and old fields.

The red-winged blackbird has many predators. Virtually all of North America’s raptors take adult or young red-winged blackbirds, even barn owls, which usually only take small mammals, and northern saw-whet owls, which are scarcely larger than a male red-winged. Locally, they are one of the preferred prey species of short-tailed hawks. Crows, ravens, magpies and herons are occasional predators of blackbird nests. Additional predators of blackbirds of all ages and their eggs include raccoons, mink, foxes and snakes, especially the rat snake. Marsh wrens destroy the eggs, at least sometimes drinking from them, and peck the nestlings to death.

The red-winged blackbird aggressively defends its territory from other animals. It will attack much larger birds. Males have been known to swoop at humans who encroach upon their nesting territory during breeding season.

The maximum longevity of the red-winged blackbird in the wild is 15.8 years.

The red-winged blackbird is omnivorous. It feeds primarily on plant materials, including seeds from weeds and waste grain such as corn and rice, but about a quarter of its diet consists of insects and other small animals, and considerably more so during breeding season. It prefers insects, such as dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies, moths, and flies, but also consumes snails, frogs, eggs, carrion, worms, spiders and mollusks. The red-winged blackbird forages for insects by picking them from plants, or by catching them in flight. In season, it eats blueberries, blackberries, and other fruit. These birds can be lured to backyard bird feeders by bread and seed mixtures and suet. In late summer and in autumn, the red-winged blackbird will feed in open fields, mixed with grackles, cowbirds, and starlings in flocks which can number in the thousands.

Red-winged blackbirds are polygynous, with territorial males defending up to 10 females. However, females frequently copulate with males other than their social mate and often lay clutches of mixed paternity. Pairs raise two or three clutches per season, in a new nest for each clutch.

Predation of eggs and nestlings is quite common. Nest predators include snakes, mink, raccoons, and other birds, even as small as marsh wrens. The red-winged blackbird is occasionally a victim of brood parasites, particularly brown-headed cowbirds. Since nest predation is common, several adaptations have evolved in this species. Group nesting is one such trait which reduces the risk of individual predation by increasing the number of alert parents. Nesting over water reduces the likelihood of predation, as do alarm calls. Nests, in particular, offer a strategic advantage over predators in that they are often well concealed in thick, waterside reeds and positioned at a height of three to six feet. Males often act as sentinels, employing a variety of calls to denote the kind and severity of danger. Mobbing, especially by males, is also used to scare off unwanted predators, although mobbing often targets large animals and man-made devices by mistake.

In winter, the species forage away from marshes, taking seeds and grain from open fields and agricultural areas. It is sometimes considered an agricultural pest. Farmers have been known to use pesticides—such as parathion—in illegal attempts to control their populations. In the United States, such efforts are illegal because no pesticide can be used on non-target organisms, or for any use not explicitly listed on the pesticide’s label. However, the USDA has deliberately poisoned this species: in 2009, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service reported poisoning over 950,000 red-winged blackbirds in Texas and Louisiana. This poisoning has been implicated as a potential cause of the decline of the rusty blackbird, a once abundant species that has declined 99 percent since the 1960s and has been recently listed as Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

Love ‘em, or hate ‘em, when the red-winged blackbird makes its appearance in the north, it’s a pretty good sign that spring is not far into the future.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Name the only Red Sox pitcher to have won the American League Most Valuable Player Award.

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, March 12, 2020

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Trivia QuestionsName the only Red Sox pitcher to have won the American League Most Valuable Player Award.

Answer:

Roger Clemens.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, March 12, 2020

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GILBERT J. DeROCHE SR.

BENTON – Gilbert J. DeRoche Sr., 89, of Benton, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2020. Gil was born to Sylvia (LeBreton) and Alphonse DeRoche on February 10, 1931, on the Old Town Indian Reservation.

He was the second oldest of the six surviving children and the last one to pass away. Five other siblings died at or around birth. Gil grew up and was raised with his five siblings in Madison. Dad’s family faced many challenges and was nothing short of a special group of six community children. Their father, Alphonse left his family in 1943 leaving the four girls and two boys with their mother, and not much of anything else besides each other.

Gil and Nancy were privately married on July 13, 2001. They shared many trips, some to Las Vegas, Nevada, and many other gaming locations. He would sing karoake at many of the locations across the states always with a smile. They even made a trip to Hawaii. Nancy and her immediate family shared many events, singing and laughing at Gil’s jokes. Gil purposely shared a joke because he wanted everyone he knew and met to reach the euphoria you have when you relax and laugh.

The Madison community was very helpful to his family including a special coach at school who wanted him to be part of the program if he could learn the capitals of each state in America. After the task was completed, he joined the team as a helper. He carried the affliction for sporting teams and the family camaraderie shown within the team members. His mother would sing during the weekly activities. All of Gil’s sisters were gifted with the ability to sing. Gil sang at fairs when he was young, competitions (which he would win) and was traveled to Portland by a Madison community member to record a “78” single song. Anyone who saw his vehicle for the last 30 years saw his license plate as “My Way 5.”

Gil stopped his education in the ninth grade to help earn money for his mother and family, doing small task in the town, especially around the pool hall. He remembers the tears it would bring to his mother when he gave her a $5 bill he won in a singing contest. She tried to have him utilize his singing talents. As he grew to the teenager years, he would gather with his cousins Ditty and Tinker, and sing all night. He hitchhiked for three years from Madison to Fairfield to court a friend he met on the bus. He was sitting in a crowded bus when Joan Pooler came aboard. Of course, he stood up to give his seat to yes, mom.

Gilbert J. DeRoche Sr. and the former Joan Pooler were married on August 25, 1951. They were together for 47 years before the nasty cancer took Joan’s life at 66 years. Gil entered the Korean conflict, serving in the U.S. Army after their marriage. During his enlistment, he talked his way through the physical and passed even though he always had vision in only his left eye. His service buddy’s noting his physical stature, nicknamed him “peewee.” The one eye obviously had a successful honeymoon. While out of the country serving for his country, Joan gave birth to their first child, Gilbert Jr., in 1952.

Following completion of his commitment in the service, Gil and Joan eventually located themselves in their own home in Fairfield. Gil learned an applicable carpentry trade. He worked for several contractors building homes in Waterville’s First Rangeway area, the Home for Little Wanderers, the Boys and Girls Club, Mayflower Hill area, the Nun’s convent, Keyes Fibre engineer (Huhtamaki) building on the hill and many more. Gil would be left inside the buildings to complete the finish work of the home. He could calculate the necessary components without but a few pieces of leftover wood. He worked helping build or upgrade other friends’ homes and camps. Gil would finish his working life at Keyes Fibre Company, mostly in the maintenance carpenter shop.

During his later years, he teamed with Nate Martin to sing at the nursing homes in Central Maine.

Gil participated within the newly-formed PAL – Police Athletic League. The Fairfield, Albion, Clinton and Benton towns formed sports teams and organized one of the most successful youth programs for girls and boys. Gil was one of the adults who would build bleachers or shacks. One of Gil’s favorite programs was Lawrence High School football. He was seen on the 40-yard line at least two hours prior to the home and away games for the last 35-plus years.

Gil is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children and grandchildren Gil Jr. and Sue DeRoche with Jamie and Allan Mitchell, Jen and Cory Pelletier, also Josh Poulin and companion Danielle Morse; Dana and Lana DeRoche with Chris DeRoche and companion Sarah Diana, Travis and Nicole DeRoche, Melissa Levesque, also Ryan and Shawna Robinson. Michael and Carolee DeRoche with Lindsay and Jared Bragdon, Brittnae DeRoche and companion BB Jesse Lacasse. Deborah DeRoche with Steve and Kelley Knox and Shawn Knox. Peter DeRoche with Jared and Rachell DeRoche and Amber and Jake Dangler; many great-grandchildren; and stepchildren and step-grandchildren Kathleen and Louis Bourgeois, with Nick Cormier, Sean and Jazuymen Cormier, Brad and Kaila Cormier. Gregory and Kimberly Cormier, with Kristin and Eric Eggdoy, Ryan Cormier and Lindsay Cormier. Eric and Lisa Cormier with Seth and Taylor Cormier. Erin Cormier. Gil was predeceased by his first wife Joan, all his DeRoche siblings Retha Jolin, Priscilla Arsenault, Richard (Manny) DeRoche, Gloria Dupont, Delores Corson. God has blessed their souls and are together again.

At Gil’s request, in lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Lawrence High School Booster, P.O. Box 49,7 in Fairfield, Maine 04937, c/o Libby Higgins.

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.

MARIE J. TOZIER

CLINTON – Marie Jeanne Tozier, 89, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2020, at Cedar Ridge Center, Skowhegan. She was born in Waterville on October 24, 1930, the daughter of Cornelius J. Begin, Sr. and Bernadette (Drouin) Begin.

She was a graduate of Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, class of 1948.

Marie was employed as a customer service representative for C. F. Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville, and, following her retirement, she was a volunteer for MaineGeneral Medical Center.

Marie decorated her home with her cross-stitch portraits, and her children were honored to receive some of them as gifts. She was an avid reader, was a Eucharistic Minister, loved her Silver Sneaker Exercise class and her bowling team.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Theron Tozier; grandson, Nathan Davis; and brother, Cornelius J. Begin, Jr.

Marie is survived by her children, Angela Cote Davis, of Fairfield, Thomas Cote, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, Emily McDonald and husband Charles, of Madison, Elizabeth Ferland and husband Pete, of Elizabeth City, North Carolina: many grandchildren; and great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; stepchildren, Donna Raycraft and husband Joe, of Concord, New Hampshire, Thomas Tozier and wife Debbie, of Rochester, New Hampshire, Linda Ruksznis and husband Buz ,of Kittery, and Katherine Towle and husband David, of Bowdoin; two sisters, Camilla Hachey of Banbridge, Georgia, and Rachel Matthews, of Fairfield.

A Mass of Christian Burial took place on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville.

Burial will be held in the spring in Rural Grove Cemetery, Dover-Foxcroft.

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

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to MaineGeneral Hospice, P.O. 828, Waterville, ME 04903.

PETER STEVENS

OAKLAND — Peter was born in Waterville to of Dana and Judy Stevens. He lived in North Belgrade growing up and resided on Main Street, in Oakland, in his later years. He was a kind-hearted man who had overcome many hardships in life, but he always seemed to handle what life gave him with a smile.

A quote from a childhood friend on Facebook truly spoke the truth and simply stated “REST IN PEACE Peter Stevens. You had more than your fair share of struggles in this life and I think you were blessed with a heart larger than most to be able to cope with your added burden. The world is a lesser place today without you in it.”

That being said, he was a rare kind in today’s world: he would have given his shirt off his back and gone without for himself. Peter was a proud graduate of Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, class of 1984, and enjoyed getting together with a group of his friends from school. He always looked forward to spending time with family and friends, whether it be just sitting, having a cup of coffee, going out to eat, going for a ride. He was a proud member of Team Hallowell, a team on The Dempsey Challenge.

He was fortunate he got to travel quite a bit. He would go to visit his cousin Barbie McEachern, in Florida, and traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, and to California a few times at his spiritual mom’s, Donna Weising.

He lived a simple life and was very content, didn’t really ever asked for much. He loved Jesus with all his heart and had a very strong faith, He could quote his Scripture from memory. He loved music and watching his favorite TV shows. Everyone that knew Peter will always remember his infectious smile and laughter, He loved to read by the hour, and loved animals. But truly nothing was more important to Peter than his family, his sister Stacy and husband Willy Morton, and his niece Harley and nephew Dakota Morton.

Peter was predeceased by his brother David Stevens, mother Judy Stevens, his father Dana Stevens, cousin Sue Eller.

Survivors include his sister, Stacy Stevens and her husband Willy Morton, Harley Morton, Dakota Morton, all of Oakland, Uncle Hardy Taylor, Aunt Jeanette Fletcher, Uncle Bobby Furbush, Aunt Juanita Bickford, several cousins.

There will be a celebration of life in the spring and burial at Pine Grove Cemetery, in Waterville, will follow.

In lieu of flowers friends and family may make a donation in his memory to help with cost of funeral expenses, to his sister, Stacy Stevens, 21 North Alpine Street, Oakland Maine 04963.

Arrangements by Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, Skowhegan.

WALTER F. SHUMAN

OAKLAND – Walter Felix Shuman, 87, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2020, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. He was born in Rumford, to Felix Peter and Mary Ann (Buchoinis) Shuman.

At the age of four he moved with his mother and father to their farm in New Sharon where he spent his youth. After his farm chores were complete, he could be found fishing, hunting, snowshoeing, and just enjoying what the great outdoors had to offer. You would often hear him mention that he had the best childhood.

He graduated from New Sharon High School where he excelled in both basketball and baseball. He served in the U.S. Army as a military policeman in France during the Korean Conflict. He attended Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, in South Portland, and upon graduation worked for Stone & Webster Engineering where he met his wife Jane. He was employed by Chas. T. Main for 15 years as an electrical field engineer and during this time he pursued his education and obtained his degree in electrical engineering. His job with Chas. T. Main took him to many states across the country and also to the Maritime Providences of Canada. He retired from Scott Paper Company, in Winslow, as the maintenance manager of the Somerset Plant.

In his retirement he looked forward to spending winters in Florida. Golfing, fishing, hunting, bowling, working with stain glass were some of his many interests. Additionally, he was a life-long learner who enjoyed non-fiction books about Maine, Alaska and any of his other interests. He was a member of the Waterville Country Club for 35 years and an active member of the Smithfield Baptist Church.

Water is survived by his wife of 59 years Jane (Merrill) Shuman; daughters Wendy Van Der Karr and her husband Peter Fisher, Elizabeth Smith and her husband J.C., Brenda Vachon and her husband David; his grandchildren, Jane, Eric, and Sarah Van Der Karr, Megan and Mackenzie Smith, and Emily Vachon; sister-in-law Patricia McKenzie; nieces Patricia O’Donnell and her husband James, Susan Anghinetti and her husband Joseph; nephews Greg and Brian McKenzie; along with cousins and several great-nieces and nephews.

Walter was predeceased by his mother Mary, his father Felix, his sisters Aldona Larsen and Anella Jensen, and niece Paula Larsen.

A celebration of life will be held at the Smithfield Baptist Church, 25 Lakeview Drive, Smithfield, on March 28, 2020, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to the Humane Society of your choice or the Smithfield Baptist Church.

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

JOHN T. BULLEN

VASSALBORO – John T. Bullen, 58, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at his home, in Vassalboro. He was born February 10, 1962, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Robert V. and Maryann T. (Wysokowski) Bullen.

After moving to Maine in 1972 with his family, John attended Carl B. Lord Elementary School, in Vassalboro, and Winslow High School, where he was a member of the wrestling team. After graduating, he began a career in the construction business in York, where he worked for more than 20 years as a carpenter.

John will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his generosity, and his willingness to help others. He was a avid fisherman and a huge fan of the Denver Broncos football team.

He is survived by his son, Myles; brothers, Robert and Vincent.

In accordance with Johns wishes, there will be no funeral or visitation hours.

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

LINDA D. CHAMPINE

WATERVILLE – Linda D. (Card) Champine, 70, passed away Friday, February 28, 2020, at Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home, in Waterville. She was born April 9, 1949, in Framingham, Massachusetts, the daughter of Reginald J. Card and Mildred (Keanney) Sukeforth.

She worked at various jobs including C. F. Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville, Pleasant Hill Nursing Home, in Fairfield, and the chicken plant, in Winslow. She enjoyed cooking, coloring, and knitting.

Linda is survived by four daughters, Lynn Giles and partner Louis Carey, of Waterville, Lisa Moulton and husband Travis, of Oakland, Barbara Smith and partner Patty, of Winslow, and Kathy Merrill, of Gardiner; sons, Mike (Pinkyman) Sturtevant, of Fairfield, and Stephen Giles and wife Jeane, of Waterville; seven sisters, Cynthia Vasilatone and husband Mark, of Bethleham, Pennsylvania, Bridget Sanipas and husband Wayne, of Unity, Annette Cafro ,of Alpha, New Jersey, Patricia Cunningham, of Flemington, New Jersey, Regina Kihlstadius and husband Todd, of Clearbrook, Minnesota, Darlene Morgan, of Clinton, Regina Cook; three brothers, Reginald Card, of Whitehouse, New Jersey, Jeffrey Card, of Searsport, Tim Card and wife Lindsey, of Washington state; step-mother, Toni LaRochelle Card Godown, of Troy; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 29, 2020 from 1 – 5 p.m., at the VFW, on Main Street, Fairfield.

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

PETER H. GOOLDRUP

CHINA – Peter Howard Gooldrup, 79, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 29, 2020. Peter was born, in Waterville, on August 11, 1940, the son of Arthur and Yvonne (Butler) Gooldrup.

He attended China Elementary School and earned his GED in 1970.

He worked for the State of Maine Department of Transportation from 1959 until his retirement in 1995.

He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Yvonne; siblings Connie, Christine, Norman, and Barbara; son-in-law Frank, sister-in-Law Violet, and brother-in-Law David.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joyce M. Gooldrup; children Richard P. (Marjorie), Ann Breton, Theresa Gooldrup, Becky Kosis; grandchildren Amanda King, Derick King (Tiffany), Miranda Kosis, Dale Kosis, Mary Gooldrup; great-grandchildren Kylie and Thomas Boucher, Angel and Brooklyn King, and Colton Shaw; siblings Arthur Gooldrup, Lillian Belcher (Jim), Mary Champine, and James Gooldrup (Irene).

At Peter’s request, there will be no services.

SHIRLEY A. EXNER

WATERVILLE – Shirley Ann Exner, 70, a longtime resident of Waterville, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at the age of 70 at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. She was born in Mahwah, New Jersey, on March 18, 1949, the daughter of Stanley T. Dunn and Mary Jean Dunn, of Mahwah, New Jersey.

Shirley was married to her husband, William R. Exner, for 45 years. Shirley raised four children as a homemaker and enjoyed spending time with them and her six grandchildren. Her greatest wish was to have a close family that loves and supports each other. She spent her free time reading and knitting. As an avid knitter, Shirley knitted hundreds of sets of hats and mittens to donate to the local Waterville schools for children in need over the years.

She is survived by her husband, William R. Exner, of Waterville; daughters Christina E. Exner, of Oakland, Amanda C. Exner,of Gardiner, Brenda J Exner, of Oakland, James C. Exner and his wife Shauna, of China; grandchildren LTJG Phillip A. Exner and his girlfriend Abbie Gaudette, Joseph M. Exner, Billy W. Eaton, Brandon Brown-Exner, Trevor Exner, Addison Exner; former sons-in-law Eric R. Holt and Kirby K. Knox; three sisters Gail Dunn McCullough and husband Bill, of Morrill, Wanda Caggiano and husband Robert, of Hamburg, New Jersey, Karen Knichel and husband Jeff, of New Jersey; three brothers, Steven Dunn, of Martinez, California, Russell Dunn, of Branchville, New Jersey, Paul Dunn, of Fletcher, Vermont; cousin Peggy Benson, of New Jersey; and several cousins, nephews and nieces.

Shirley was predeceased by her father, Stanley T. Dunn and mother, Mary Jean Dunn, of Mahwah, New Jersey, and sister-in-law Mary Dunn, of Martinez, California.

Her wish for a close family has always been and always will be fulfilled.

There will be a celebration of life at the American Oakland Legion, 22 Church Street, Oakland, ME, on Sunday, March 15, 2020, from noon – 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate hats and mittens in her name to George J. Mitchell School at 58 Drummond Ave, Waterville, ME 04901.

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

GEORGE McKENNEY

PALERMO – George Andrew McKenney Jr, 89, passed peacefully on Friday, March 6, 2020, following a brief admittance to Togus Springs, in Augusta. He was husband to Beverly (Wellman), father of five children, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and loyal friend to many. His steady, cheerful presence at family and community events will be sorely missed.

Born on April 25, 1930, to George and Doris (Hannan) McKenney, they moved to the farm on North Palermo Road when he was four, and George has lived on and loved that acreage ever since. He went to the local school just up the road and often told stories of walking home through the fields and woods and along the brook. He graduated from Erskine Academyd, in South China, in 1948, and shortly afterward joined the U.S. Army. He served as a corporal and was stationed in Alaska during the Korean Conflict. George returned to Maine to marry the former Beverly Wellman on June 9, 1953, and returned to duty on June 30.

Following his military service, George worked in the shoe industry until its collapse in the mid-1970s. Thereafter, George “took to the woods,” the second love of his life. George spent every hour possible “down back” cutting wood, hunting, fishing, and absorbing the secrets of the forest. Perhaps our greatest inheritance was his love for the natural world. He shared his appreciation of trees and animals and birds with anyone who cared to listen. He was a true sportsman in that he opened access to his land to others including ATVs and snowmobiles – but a word of caution: take care not to get confused by George’s maze of trails down back. Neighbors and friends were always welcome to hunt as long as they followed his “No Does” rule. George was welcomed at family and friends’ camps throughout the great state of Maine for moose hunts, ice fishing trips, or just a chance to visit.

George was a hometown boy, but after Beverly’s retirement they traveled to places like Hawaii and Ireland. They took cruises and drove cross country to Alaska. Beverly may have been the motivator, but George went along. He could report the exact mileage per gallon and best places for gas and where to eat, although he’d prefer a picnic and a piece of Beverly’s pie. He was curious and interested in everything – except maybe the latest fashions. And if you ever had a question about the weather, you could always ask George.

He made friends easily and many of these were like family as they visited with George and Beverly at the farm over the years. George was a family man and viewed gatherings as a joy rather than an obligation. He exemplified the true meaning of what it is to be a good neighbor and citizen. George was involved in the leadership of Boy Scout Troop #222 and all four of his boys earned their Eagle. He and Beverly were active members of the Palermo Fish and Game Club, the Palermo Historical Society, and the American Legion Malcolm Glidden Post #163, for which George was recently awarded the Quilt of Valor. Palermo honored George and Beverly by naming them grand marshals for the 2012 Palermo Days Parade. A humble soul, George may not have fully realized the importance of his presence, but his family certainly did. His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren as they continue to serve their communities in various capacities. Evidence that an individual truly can make a difference.

George is survived by his wife, Beverly, of 66 years; his children Dennis and his extended family, Dale and wife Pam, Dwain and wife Diana, Ilene, and Darryl; grandchildren Danielle Reitchel and husband Dicky, Hillary Turner and husband Rob, Megan Childs and husband Steve, Katherine Libby and husband Mike, Jacob and wife Crystal, Nicole and partner Kenny, Tory Winters and husband JJ, Lauren and partner Dan, Ashlie Stubbs and husband Ethan, Chelsie Herrin and husband Jared; and great-grandchildren Riley, Holden, Aiden, Wyatt, Addison, Alex, Olivia, Luke, Rossalyn, Harper, Avery, Mia, Evelyn, Emmett, Oliver, and Clara; his sister, Amy Ingraham; sisters-in-law, Marion Bryant, Maxine Carle and Virginia Wellman, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Those who knew George will remember his interest in people and willingness to sit and tell tales. In that spirit, please join family and friends at the Palermo Christian Church for a celebration of life on Saturday, March 14, at 2 p.m., and please bring a story to share.

Those who desire may make donations in George’s memory to the Palermo Christian Church, P.O. Box 154, Palermo, Maine 04354.

Thunder Chicken drums slated in Palermo

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Palermo Community Center (Photo by Connie Bellet)

March is indeed a time of transition, with lots of bumps in the road. Come and smooth it out with the Great ThunderChicken Drum on Sunday, March 22, at 11 a.m., at the Palermo Community Center, on Turner Ridge Rd., at Veterans Way. There will be a potluck feast to follow!

The Spring Equinox is the beginning of the year, and the most important celebration of the Ceremony of 8000 Drums. The ThunderChicken – or sage grouse – comes into his own as he drums, dances, and sings(?) on his lek, calling in the Thunders to nourish Mother Earth and begin the cycle of life once again.

All are welcome to join and please feel free to bring friends and family. Hand Drums, rattles, and other sacred instruments are also welcome, as are your own songs and poems. This is a time of sharing and joy as we say farewell to Winter and greet the longer days.

If you have questions or need directions, please call Connie Bellet at 993-2294.

Embden residents oppose CMP corridor at annual town meeting

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On Saturday, March 7, 2020, Embden residents voted overwhelming, 50-10, to oppose the CMP corridor. The town also passed an Elective Electrical Moratorium Ordinance as a result of residents voting to support the ordinance with the necessary two-thirds majority.

Embden becomes the fourth town along the corridor route, joining Caratunk, Wilton, and New Sharon, to enact an electrical transmission moratorium ordinance, which serves as a pause in any electricity transmission corridor development in a town for 180 days. Twenty-five towns have rescinded support or formally oppose the destructive project.

This vote has been long anticipated in Embden after the town’s select board refused to schedule a special town meeting for this vote when town residents submitted the citizen’s petition for a town vote on these articles in September 2019.

“Embden’s vote to oppose CMP’s corridor is another example that Mainers do not want this destructive to harm Maine’s environment, economy, and way of life. We appreciate that Embden residents thoughtfully considered the negative aspects of this project and enacted the moratorium, giving the town additional time to fully review CMP’s application and not feel pressured to make permit decisions in haste since CMP is trying to ram this transmission corridor through the heart of western Maine,” Sandi Howard, director of Say NO to NECEC said.

“Other towns are in discussion of enacting moratorium ordinances. Mainers simply don’t trust CMP to build this for-profit project when CMP can’t adequately serve rate payers, correct their billing errors, and when the company is hiring private investigators to follow corridor opponents. The level of trust is at an all-time low,” Howard continued.

To date, CMP has not received approval from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Army Corps of Engineers, and the DOE/Presidential Permit. CMP is asking towns for provisional permits, which would take full effect only after the state and federal permits are secured. It is important to note that the U.S. EPA has raised serious concerns about CMP’s permit applications. CMP is under multiple investigations by state energy regulators right now, so allowing any municipal permitting to go ahead puts the town at risk.

Submitted by Sandi Howard, director, Say NO to NECEC.

Vassalboro selectmen present proposal to budget committee

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by Mary Grow

At two early-March meetings, Vassalboro School Board members put their 2020-21 budget request into near-final form on March 3, and Vassalboro selectmen presented their proposed municipal budget to the budget committee on March 5.

Discussions are scheduled to continue at a Thursday, March 12, budget committee meeting to consider parts of the municipal budget; a Thursday, March 19, budget committee meeting following that evening’s selectmen’s meeting; and a Tuesday, March 24, budget committee meeting following that evening’s school board meeting. The Budget Committee meetings are scheduled for 7 p.m., the first two at the town office and the March 24 meeting at Vassalboro Community School.

As of the initial meetings, each part of the total town budget proposes an increase over the current year. However, neither has complete figures for either expenditures or income.

The March 3 draft of the school budget does not include three items on Vassalboro Community School Principal Megan Allen’s wish list: a new math instructional specialist to complement the literacy specialist, a third fourth-grade teacher and separation of Vassalboro’s pre-school program from the Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation to give school authorities full control.

An ongoing school issue, in Vassalboro and many other Maine municipalities, is school lunch program deficits. School board members agreed that they need to persuade more students, especially those entitled to free and reduced-price lunches, to eat school meals so that federal subsidies will increase.

On the municipal side, there are the usual cost questions about major items like road-paving and planned culvert replacements. Complicating the picture is what money can legally be used from Vassalboro’s TIF (Tax Increment Financing) fund rather than from property taxes.

The piece of good news that seemed firm was a suggested $6,500 reduction in the utilities budget, because the LED streetlights installed last fall are lowering the electric bill.

Income is also a guess at this stage in the budget process. It appears that state aid for both school and municipal accounts will increase, but final figures are not guaranteed until the legislature adjourns in April. The assessor has not finished updating the town’s valuation, which is the basis for setting a tax rate to cover expenditures.

After budget committee review, selectmen will put together a warrant for the annual town meeting, including proposed 2020-21 expenditures. Final spending decisions will be made by Vassalboro voters at the meeting, scheduled for Monday evening, June 1, with local elections to follow on Tuesday, June 9.

How, and why, Maine became a state

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State celebrates 200th anniversary on March 15

by Tom Waddell

Before Maine became a state in 1820 it was the District of Maine, a territory of Massachusetts. The movement to separate from Massachusetts predates the American Revolution but, during the revolution, separatists put aside their grievances to support the war effort. With independence won, the question of separation reemerged, buoyed by national independence and a growing population and economy in Maine.

In the Fall/Winter of 1785-86, delegates from 20 Maine towns met in Portland to discuss separating from Massachusetts. The arguments for separation included: the Massachusetts Legislature rarely voted for legislation that would help solve problems in Maine; Boston was a long way from Maine and not easily reached; Supreme Court records kept in Boston made it difficult for Maine lawyers to defend local clients; trade regulations favoring Massachusetts resulted in lower prices for Maine lumber; and those living in unorganized Maine territories paid taxes but were not allowed representation in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. The phrase “Taxation without Representation” comes to mind.

The two main factors that would ultimately determine when and how Maine became a state were the 1789 Coasting Law and the growing conflict of slavery.

The Coasting Law passed by Congress in 1789 required all ships from one state that were trading with other states along the coast to stop and pay a fee in each state they did not share a boarder with. Because the District of Maine was part of Massachusetts, a state that shared borders with New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York, Maine ships were exempt from paying fees in these states. The Coasting Law was a major factor for over 30 years in keeping Maine a part of Massachusetts.

A vote to separate from Massachusetts failed in 1792 and election results showed where separation had support or not. People who lived inland favored separation because statehood would give them an opportunity to buy the land they were farming or lumbering. Coastal and southern Maine towns favored remaining part of Massachusetts due to the Coasting Law and proximity to Boston, respectively.

The two factions kept up their pressure on the Massachusetts Legislature which resulted in another vote on separation in 1807. To maximize turnout, the separatists got the Massachusetts Legislature to hold that vote when the Massachusetts governor was up for re-election. Despite a high turnout the separation ballot question failed again.

As during the Revolutionary War, separatists put their grievances on hold during the War of 1812. After the war Maine’s population grew once again. Consequently, Maine established three new counties, 53 new towns, and the economy grew as well. This renewed prosperity after the war caused more Mainers to favor separation.

Mindful of the last defeat, those in favor of separating from Massachusetts maneuvered to eliminate one obstacle to Maine becoming a state – the Coasting Law – before attempting a new vote on separation. The separatists were able to get a revised Coasting Law passed that removed the requirement to pay fees, which was the primary reason coastal towns opposed separation. As a result, more coastal towns began to favor separation as well.

The July 1819 vote to separate from Massachusetts reflected the increased support and the question passed by a margin of 10,000 votes – 17,000 to 7,000. Now all that remained was for Congress to admit Maine into the Union as the 23rd state.

Unfortunately for Maine, slavery again raised its ugly head at a time when there were 22 states in the Union evenly split between free and slave states. Speaker of the House Henry Clay argued that admitting Maine as a free state would upset the balance of power. He supported legislation, commonly known as the Missouri Compromise, that admitted Maine as a free state and Missouri as a slave state.

The Tallmadge Amendment, as it was called, was a proposed amendment to a bill regarding the admission of the Territory of Missouri to the Union, which requested that Missouri be admitted as a free state. The amendment was submitted in the U.S. House of Representatives on February 13, 1819, by James Tallmadge, Jr., a Democratic-Republican from New York, and Charles Baumgardner.

In 1820, the Missouri Compromise was passed, which did not include the Tallmadge Amendment but attempted to appease both sides of the debate by admitting Missouri as a slave state in exchange for the admission of Maine as a free state, and the complete prohibition of slavery in all of the remaining Louisiana Purchase territory north of the 36˚30′ parallel, except in Missouri.

In response to the ongoing debate in Congress concerning the admission of Missouri as a state and its effect on the existing balance of slave and free states, Tallmadge, an opponent of slavery, sought to impose conditions on Missouri’s statehood that would provide for the eventual termination of legal slavery and the emancipation of current slaves.

Most people in Maine were against slavery. They considered the Missouri Compromise that traded the lives of slaves for statehood to be a Faustian Bargain. Unfortunately, some politicians in Maine and in Washington, DC preferred passing the Missouri Compromise in order to avoid conflict with the slave states, a decision that would come back to haunt the nation 40 years later.

The main source for this article was the Maine Historical Society – Maine’s Road to Statehood.

VASSALBORO: State Police to continue reduced rural patrols

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by Mary Grow

Before they met with the town budget committee, Vassalboro selectmen discussed other non-monetary and monetary items at their March 5 meeting.

Following up on their Feb. 20 meeting with Kennebec County Sheriff Ken Mason (see The Town Line, Feb. 27), selectmen talked with Lt. Jason Madore of the State Police about local law enforcement.

Madore made it clear that although State Police activity in rural areas will be reduced, state police will continue to provide patrols and protection and to respond to calls.

As Mason explained in February, county sheriffs’ departments will be spending more time in towns without full-time police departments, because State Police are responsible for the interstate highways and provide a variety of specialized units and services that are of value to county law enforcement.

Madore emphasized that these duties do not exclude assistance to towns like Vassalboro. The State Police has no intention “of removing itself from rural patrol or removing itself from handling calls for service. Troopers will remain embedded within their communities,” he said.

Selectmen heard from the Vassalboro Sanitary District (VSD) and the Alewife Restoration Project (ARI), two entities that have been using funds from Vassalboro’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) fund and want more money in 2020-21.

Sanitary District engineer Richard Greene, of Hoyle, Tanner and Associates, said about two-thirds of Vassalboro’s sewage now goes to Winslow and then to the Waterville treatment system via new pipelines and pumping stations. Work has shut down for the winter and is expected to resume in April, he said.

A discussion of finances covered debts for work done, expected costs of remaining work and anticipated income from present customers and from those eligible, but not necessarily required, to hook onto the expanded system. VSD spokesman Ray Breton asked for “as much as we can get” in TIF money to hold down user fees and help new customers connect.

Selectmen held a Feb. 11 public hearing on ARI’s request for TIF money (see The Town Line, Feb. 20) and plan to schedule a hearing on the VSD request.

Selectman John Melrose again reported on the proposed replacement culvert on Gray Road. He asked approval to hire Calderwood Engineering, of Richmond, to help develop an affordable plan acceptable to the state departments of environmental protection and transportation. Chairman Lauchlin Titus and Selectman Robert Browne agreed.

After hearing from Matt Weaver of First National Wealth Management, the company that handles Vassalboro’s investments, selectmen unanimously renewed the town investment policy.

The next regular Vassalboro selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, March 19, at 6 p.m., half an hour earlier than usual so the budget committee can meet at 7 p.m. Both meetings will be in the town office meeting room.

Volunteer firefighters: answering the call to help neighbors

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Firefighters putting out the remainder of a fire on Rte. 3. (photo courtesy of Kevin Luczko)

by Sandra Isaac

“Vassalboro… stand by for a call.”

While sitting at my desk, working at my day job designing an ad for a client, I heard a call for Vassalboro Fire Department come over my fire pager/scanner. “Structure fire off route three. Barn Fire, visible flames.”

A few minutes later, the call was repeated.

I live in China, so it wasn’t my company’s call, but a barn fire? Were there animals involved? I started to pace a bit. I wanted to head out and help. After all, I wasn’t in a dress. I wasn’t in the shower. I wasn’t at a meeting. I was at home and able to go to the fire scene.  Then it happened.

“China Fire…stand by a call.”

Beep…Beep…Beep…Beep…

“Fully involved Barn Fire with explosions. Legion Park and Route 3.”

I saved my work and told my husband I would be going on the call. My equipment was already in the truck so I raced out the driveway.

Sandra Isaac’s father, back row, far left, a firefighter with the Ivyland, Pennsylvania, fire department. (photo courtesy of Sandra Isaac)

Being a first responder is in my blood. The Boyces (my maiden name) were Irish farmers that emigrated to the U.S. and landed in Philadelphia. My grandfather was a Philadelphia cop. My uncle Walt was the first certified EMT in New Jersey, and my father was a volunteer firefighter in our small home town of Ivyland, Pennsylvania, before he was diagnosed with Asbestosis (an illness related to his job as a pipe insulator in Philly.) I requested that the name on my fire turnout gear reflect my proud family history. ‘Boyce-Isaac’ is now on the back of my fire coat.

I sped towards the fire and pulled my truck aside for the China Village VFD Engine #34 as it headed down Lakeview Drive for Route 3. My red flashing strobe wasn’t working properly, but there was no time to fix it. I waited patiently for everyone to get out of my way. I parked, got into my turnout gear and dashed up the road to the fire scene.

The two-bay, oversized structure was already brought down by the fire and at this point, the fire companies were concerned with keeping the adjacent building safe and extinguishing the fire.

The first firefighter I saw on the scene was Kevin Luczko, my mechanic and a volunteer firefighter from Vassalboro. “Hey Kevin, how are you doing?” Kevin also left his job to help with the fire. He said, “I’m doing good, but I’ll be stuck here for a while. I drove the (fire) truck.” He pointed to where China Village Fire Chief Theriault was standing so I could check-in.

I received my Firefighter 1 certification in Bucks Country, Pennsylvania, and ran with the Midway Fire Company in Lahaska, Pennsylvania. After I moved to New Jersey in August 2001, I decided to join Hope Fire Company in Allentown, New Jersey, signing up the day after 9/11. During my time with Hope FD, became a certified EMT-B (basic). Once I moved to Maine, I knew I wanted to be active once again. This time, it was the conflicts within the town that inspired me. What better way to show your support then to volunteer your time, right?

Representatives from four companies had shown up at the scene: Vassalboro, Weeks Mills, China Village, South China. Chief Theriault greeted me by saying, “Get your gloves on and head over to see Ben.”

Ben Loubier is the assistant chief for China Village VFD, as well as a full-time firefighter for Winslow. Ben was located on (what was) the backside of the building. He was with a firefighter from another company and soaking a burned oil-tank and a charred mini-backhoe. “Grab the hose and back up (firefighter) Nivek (Boostedt),” he said. When you pull the handle on a fire hose nozzle, the force of the water pressure coming through the hose can set you off balance or even knock you over. Often times you will see two people manning a hose. The firefighter at the nozzle concentrates on the water and knocking down the fire. The second firefighter watches the first, as well as the overall surroundings, and where the hose is on the ground.

Nivek and I concentrated our efforts on the rear of the building. The walls had completely collapsed but were still smoldering. I could see what remained of a 250-gallon oil tank, a welding set up, a large older farm truck, a mini-backhoe, and a lot of bent and curled metal siding.  We were keeping water on the old farm truck and the oil tank. “Grab the hose and move toward the other side,” said Ben. “Concentrate on the backhoe.” We were often blinded by the wind blowing what appeared to be smoke, but in actuality, most of it was steam. The temperature was in the low 30s and between the heat of the burning wreckage and the cold water, we had a lot of white steam.

The mini-backhoe was still burning in its interior. We continued to drench it with water. Getting water to a fire is always an issue, so each department bringing a supply to the scene makes a difference. The ground was getting muddy from all the water and the warming sunshine. Firefighters wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), also called turnout gear. It is bulky and awkward and can weight over 25 pounds without additional equipment. Once it’s wet from spraying water and moisture in the air, it’s even heavier. It doesn’t take much for a firefighter to get tired, so Nivek and I switched positions and moved around the structure to get off the deepening mud.

The burned building was owned by Vannah Lawn Care. The business owner was on the scene and helped us move debris with a large excavator. This helped us out tremendously as it meant we didn’t have to dig and move material to make sure everything was extinguished.

Once the fire was officially declared out, we gathered up all of the mud-soaked hoses then drained and laid them back on their appropriate trucks. All the chiefs made sure their company’s gear was accounted for and we headed back to the station.

Once back, we signed the call log and talked about the fire. We were grateful to not have any hose to clean off. There was a lot of mud on the scene.

I laid my gear out to dry and repacked what I could. I was tired but like 90 percent of the other firefighters, I had to go back to work, but I did so with a smile on my face. Being part of the community means a lot to me. Helping my neighbors, contributing to the betterment of our area, and the camaraderie of the group are just a few reasons why I enjoy being a volunteer firefighter. So back to work and waiting for the next call to help. It’s only a question of when.

LEGAL NOTICES for Thursday, March 5, 2020

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STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
COURT ST.,
SKOWHEGAN, ME
SOMERSET, ss
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
18-A MRSA sec. 3-801

The following Personal Representatives have been appointed in the estates noted. The first publication date of this notice February 27, 2020

If you are a creditor of an estate listed below, you must present your claim within four months of the first publication date of this Notice to Creditors by filing a written statement of your claim on a proper form with the Register of Probate of this Court or by delivering or mailing to the Personal Representative listed below at the address published by his name, a written statement of the claim indicating the basis therefore, the name and address of the claimant and the amount claimed or in such other manner as the law may provide. See 18-C M.R.S.A. §3-804

2019-046-1 – Estate of WILLIAM B. BLOOM, late of North Anson, Me deceased. David Beane, 92 River Road, Benton, Me 04901 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-029 – Estate of HAROLD A. MATSON, late of Madison, Me deceased. Nicole Matson, 2017 State Route 46, Bucksport, Me 04416, Thomas Matson, 12 Skyview Avenue, Brewer, Me 04412 and Ryan Matson, 600 Newburgh Road, Hermon, Me 04401 were appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2020-032 – Estate of GLORIA ANNE PARADISE, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Kimberly A. Gregor, 14 Pineview Avenue, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-033 – Estate of WILLIAM DAVID LOMBARD, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. W. James Lombard, 18 Lilac Lane, Sandown, NH 03873 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-034 – Estate of GRACE L. STOCKFORD, late of Smithfield, Me deceased. Robert L. Stockford, 166 Mt. Tom Road, Smithfield, Me 04978 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-035 – Estate of HOWARD A. BURSON, late of Canaan, Me deceased. Elmer L. Holmes, 1955 Hill Road, Canaan, Me 04924 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-037 – Estate of ROBERT H. PFEIFFER, late of Solon, Me deceased. Sarah S. P. McCarthy, 371 Fern Street, Bangor, Me 04401 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-038 – Estate of RED GREEN, late of Embden, Me deceased. Anita Yvette Horne, 96 Bert Berry Road, Embden, Me 04958 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-040 – Estate of JOANNE PEARL CLARK, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Michael Clark and Deborah Clark, 74 Dr. Mann Road, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2020-042 – Estate of MICHAEL L. LOVEJOY, late of Edgewood, MD 21040 deceased. Mary Ann Lovejoy, 303 Canoe Lane, Edgewood, MD 21040 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-045 – Estate of BERL ARNOLD GROVER, late of Madison, Me deceased. Beverly A. Grover, 176 Lakewood Road, Madison, Me 04950 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-046 – Estate of KEITH W. LAWLER, JR., late of Canaan, Me deceased. Ann M. Lawler, 545 Hinckley Road, Canaan, Me 04924 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-047 – Estate of HARVEY D. JOHNSTON, late of Palmyra, Me deceased. Estelle A. Johnston, 955 Warren Hill Road, Palmyra, Me 04965 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-048 – Estate of WALTER G. SCHERER, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Stephanie Carter, 47 Howe Road, Fairfield, Me 04937 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-050 – Estate of CHRISTOPHER W. WALKER, late of Canaan, Me deceased. Karen E. Skinner Walker, 89 Battle Ridge Road, Canaan, Me 04924 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-055 – Estate of SUSAN ANN DIONNE, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Angelia Marie Makowski, 101 Quimby Road, Albion, Me 04910 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-057 – Estate of WAYNE L. CRUMMETT, late of Shawmut, Me deceased. Catherine R. Buker, PO Box 509, Hartland, Me 04943 appointed Personal Representative.

To be published on February 27 & March 5, 2020.
Dated: February 24, 2020 /s/ Victoria Hatch, Register of Probate
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STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
41 COURT ST.
SOMERSET, ss
SKOWHEGAN, ME
PROBATE NOTICES

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE ESTATES LISTED BELOW

Notice is hereby given by the respective petitioners that they have filed petitions for appointment of personal representatives in the following estates. These matters will be heard at 10 a.m. or as soon thereafter as they may be March 11, 2020. The requested appointments may be made on or after the hearing date if no sufficient objection be heard. This notice complies with the requirements of 18-A MRSA §3-403 and Probate Rule 4.

2020-028 – Estate of MICHAEL ALEXANDER LeROUX, adult of Anson, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by petitioner Michael Alexander LeRoux, 1060 Anson Valley Road, Anson, Me 04911 requesting his name be changed to Michael Andy Thompson Tronerud for reasons set forth therein.

2020-031 – Estate of BETHANY CAMPBELL CARLTON, adult of Fairfield, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Bethany Campbell Carlton, 1 Crosby Street, Fairfield, Me 04937 requesting that her name be changed to Bethany Ellen Campbell for reasons set forth therein.

2020-049 – Estate of ASHLEY LEIGH DEARBORN, adult of Skowhegan, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by petitioner Ashley Leigh Dearborn, 6 East Maple Street, Skowhegan, Me 04976 requesting that her name be changed to Adisa Lucian King for reasons set forth therein.

Dated: February 24, 2020 /s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(3/5)