Is your loved one in a nursing home? Six questions you need to ask

Courtesy of AARP Maine

AARP is providing information and resources about COVID-19 to help older Mainers and their families protect themselves from the virus and prevent it from spreading to others. We’re also providing state-specific information which is updated regularly here.

If you have a spouse, sibling, parent, or other loved one in a nursing home, you may be worried about their safety and well-being because of the coronavirus pandemic. AARP has consulted with leading nursing home experts to provide you with some key questions to ask the nursing home:

1. Has anyone in the nursing home tested positive for COVID-19?

  • This includes residents as well as staff or other vendors who may have been in the nursing home.

2. What is the nursing home doing to prevent infections?

  • How are nursing home staff being screened for COVID-19, especially when they leave and re-enter the home?
  • What precautions are in place for residents who are not in private rooms?

3. Does nursing home staff have the personal protective equipment (PPE)—like masks, face shields, gowns, gloves—that they need to stay safe, and keep their patients safe?

  • Have nursing home staff been given specific training on how to use this personal protective equipment?
  • If no, what is the plan to obtain personal protective equipment?

4. What is the nursing home doing to help residents stay connected with their families or other loved ones during this time?

  • Does the nursing home help residents call their loved ones by phone or video call?
  • Will the nursing home set up a regular schedule for you to speak with your loved one?

5. What is the plan for the nursing home to communicate important information to both residents and families on a regular basis?

  • Will the nursing home be contacting you by phone or email, and when?

6. Is the nursing home currently at full staffing levels for nurses, aides, and other workers?

  • What is the plan to make sure the needs of nursing home residents are met—like bathing, feeding, medication management, social engagement—if the nursing home has staffing shortages?

State Resources:

AARP Maine frequently updates information about Maine COVID-19 resources.

TIM’S TUNES: Music from the back of the rack

by Tim Forsman
Colby Radio Host

Gregg Allman

Laid Back
Mercury Records (UMG Recordings) – 2019
(originally released October 1973 – Capricorn Records)

By the start of 1973, Gregg Allman had been through a wild couple of years. The third Allman Brothers Band album, 1971’s double-LP live recording, At Fillmore East, had succeeded in getting the band the recognition they greatly deserved. (And has gone on to be considered among the finest live albums ever recorded).

On October 29, 1971, older brother Duane Allman was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. The ABB’s 1972 album Eat A Peach was dedicated to Duane. But the band was sent into a spin once again when bassist Barry Oakley died in another motorcycle crash just 13 days after the one-year anniversary of Duane’s death.

Gregg Allman

Earlier in ’72, Gregg Allman had been considering a number of songs that he felt didn’t quite fit the band’s style and looked to pull them together as a possible solo album. As the ABB members all stepped back from the turmoil of losing their friends, the opportunity arose for Gregg to record his debut solo album, Laid Back.

As he worked through his grief, including bouts of hard drinking, Gregg was able to pull together the songs that would become the solos album. Giving it a new swampy feel, Gregg revisited the song, Midnight Rider from the second ABB album, Idlewild South. A new song Queen of Hearts would become the strongest addition after band members declined to include it in the forthcoming Brothers And Sisters album (August 1973) . Other new original songs from Gregg included Please Come Home and Multi-Colored Lady.

Gregg added a few choice songs from others to balance off Laid Back. Don’t Mess Up A Good Thing, a 1964 R&B hit from sax player and songwriter Oliver Sain, was a perfect fit for Allman’s voice. Pedal-steel guitar player Scott Boyer’s composition, All My Friends received a Everly Brothers harmony style with Gregg double-tracking the lead and the harmony parts. The closing track was a Christian hymn, Will The Circle Be Unbroken, with local church choir members, studio musicians and staff all contributing to what was later called a “family-fueled, southern choir feeling”

The last cover song included on the album, and what has become one of the best-loved covers recorded by Gregg Allman was These Days. The song was written in 1964 by Clyde Jackson Browne … yes, his real first name is Clyde! It was first recorded in 1965 by Nico, a German singer best known as a member of the group that continuously swirled around the artist, Andy Warhol. Others including Tom Rush, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Kenny Loggins recorded the song prior to 1973. Gregg Allman gave These Days, a new arrangement, and Jackson Browne was later quoted that Allman “made that song twice as good as it was before he sang it.” In his For Everyman album notes, Jackson thanks Allman for the arrangement.

This album was not as far in the Back Of The Rack as this article’s title implies. I own the remastered release that came out in 2019. As with many of these remastered CD releases, the producers/record companies fill the disc with extra material, this CD package not only fills out the original sequence with early “demo” versions of the songs, but also a second disc of more early mixes and outtakes of songs that weren’t included on the original album. This includes another Jackson Browne song Song For Adam, a recording of which would end up on Gregg Allman’s final album, Southern Blood, posthumously released four months after his death in 2017.

The final “extra” on the second CD is a solo live recording of the Allman Brothers band classic Melissa, recorded in April 1974. This last addition makes slogging through the many remixes and demo worth the effort and made for an excellent close to a well-organized and well received reissue of Laid Back.

RIYL – (Recommended If You Like) –

  • Gregg Allman – Southeern Blood Rounder Records – his last recordings, released after his death in 2017. Includes a co-written song, My Only True Friend that stands out among his best songs. Also covers from The Grateful Dead, Jackson Browne and others.
  • Looking Into You – A Tribute to Jackson Browne – Music Road Records (2014). Twenty-three songs covered by a wide variety of singer-songwriters and bands. Includes Don Henley, Lyle Lovett, Ben Harper, Bonnie Raitt, Indigo Girls, Keb’ Mo’, Bruce Springsteen, Shawn Colvin … and more.

Tim Forsman: I have had a lifelong love of music and no talent to create it myself. I’ve hosted a radio show, “Jigs, Hoedowns & Songs O’Tragedy” at Colby College, on WMHB Radio for over 30 years.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Fraud And Coronavirus

(NAPSI)—The warning bells are ringing. From regulators, law enforcement agencies and consumer organizations around the globe, the message is clear: Fraudulent schemes related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have arrived, and they are coming in many forms, from investment fraud to fake CDC emails to phishing scams.

Job loss, financial strain, and social distancing are conditions that present fraudsters with an opportunity to pounce. A study by the FINRA Foundation, the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust, Stanford, and the Federal Trade Commission found that social or physical isolation can increase anyone’s susceptibility to schemes.

In times like these, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Now is the time to move slowly, pay attention to details and not make rash decisions. Dramatic news coverage of viral outbreaks and pandemics can be an opportunity for scammers to pump inaccurate information into the marketplace to try to manipulate markets and investors. Following these hints can help you keep your money and personal information safe:

Tips for Avoiding Coronavirus Scams

  1. Ask and Check. Before you make any investment decision, ask and check to verify information about any individuals you are dealing with and any investment product you are considering. You can use FINRA BrokerCheck, a free online tool, to get information on brokers and investment advisers.
  2. Be skeptical. If an unknown company becomes the subject of press releases, emails, and promotional materials hyping the company and its products to cure the latest pandemic, hit pause. Be wary if you are flooded with information over a short time, especially if the communications only focus on the upside with little or no mention of risk.
  3. Read a company’s SEC filings. Check the SEC’s EDGAR database to find out whether the company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Verify these reports against promotional information put out by the company or third-party promoters. Exercise caution if they don’t align. And be suspicious of solicitations to invest when products are still in the development stage, where no actual products are on the market, or if the company’s balance sheets only show losses.
  4. Question companies new to the “cure” market. Changes to the name or business focus of a company to capitalize on pandemic fears may be a sign that a company is engaged in, or the subject of, a potential fraud. These changes can turn up in company press releases, Internet searches and, if the company files periodic reports, in the SEC’s EDGAR database.
  5. Run it through the Scam Meter. Before you make any investment decision, the FINRA Scam Meter can help you tell if an investment you are thinking about might be a scam.

Reliable Resources on Scams and Coronavirus

Fortunately, there are a number of resources that provide accurate, unbiased information to help you spot and avoid coronavirus-related scams:

  • FINRA
  • Securities and Exchange Commission
  • Federal Trade Commission
  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
  • Better Business Bureau.

Learn More

For further ideas on how to protect your money, or to file a complaint or a tip, visit www.FINRA.org/LearnMore.

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: Building a great reputation

Growing your businessby Dan Beaulieu
Business consultant

When you’re in business, especially a small business, the most important thing you have is your reputation. Its all about what people think of you, that will determine whether, you will be successful.

You need to have a spotless reputation based on not only the way you do your job but how reliable and credible you are in the long run.

You must be constantly working on having that great reputation. It makes no sense to be in business for yourself if you can’t deliver the goods. So just like any company, no matter what size it is, you must always make sure that you are delivering the best overall value possible to your customers.

People need to rely on you to be there on time, return phone calls, keep your promises, do the work perfectly, always tell the truth and finally deliver the best value possible. People want a good value for their dollars.

The old saying “your reputation precedes you” has never been truer than it is today. And to help you with that, here are five ways to make sure that “your good reputation precedes you.”

  • Know your stuff: Know all you can about your product or service. The more you know about the product you’re selling the more valuable you will be to your customers. The more capable you are of doing a fantastic job the better your reputation will be.
  • Keep abreast of new developments: Study, read, go to seminars, and webinars, do whatever you have to do to know what new developments are happening with your market’s products. If you can keep your customers aware of new developments in your market the more valuable you will be to them and the happier they will be to see you. Buy new equipment, learn the latest techniques. Make sure you’re the smartest person in your market space
  •  Write about it: Position yourself as an expert. No matter what your craft from woodworking, to landscaping to plumbing, write and publish a column or post a regular blog advising people on the best ways to do things in that field. This is the best way to position yourself as a leader in your field and your company a leading company in that field as well
  • Speak in public: Talk about your craft. Teach others what you have learned. There is no better way to capture knowledge than to teach it. Again, when you speak in public you position yourself as an expert, someone that people in your field, customers no less, want to meet and do business with.
  • Get creative: Task yourself with finding new and innovative ways of doing things. Figure out how to stay in front of your customers even when you are not there. Put out a newsletter or help bulletin. Do whatever it takes to be a constant reminder to your customers and potential customers that you are there for them and you are a true leader when it comes to what you do.

Being the best in your market is not enough, you must get that message out to your customers and potential customers as well. And that’s the way you will always be growing your business.

SOLON & BEYOND: Remembering Solon Senior Center open house

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

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

Lief just brought me a bowl of popcorn that he had just popped on this Sunday night. It was a very welcome gift as I sit here thinking about the ‘Good Old Days!’ Had greatly appreciated all of the Solon School news that had been sent to me and I enjoyed sharing it all with you, but I haven’t received any other news so I’m hoping you will like this old news that I found in my stash of old memories in Solon.

The first clipping I have in front of me states, “Senior Citizens To Hold Open House At Solon Tuesday.” Senator Harvey Johnson, of Smithfield and Representative Herbert Hanson, of Solon, were among the 37 interested persons attending an “Open House” at Fireman’s Hall Tuesday afternoon in observance of the forming of Solon’s Senior Citizens Center.

First Selectman Malcolm M. Hall, as Master of Ceremonies introduced Rep. Hanson and was extended the official welcome for the town. Mr. Hall then presented Senator Harvey Johnson who spoke briefly, mentioning elderly people, of his acquaintance, who stay young and retain meritorious abilities.

The Rev. Arthur Durbin, of Waterville, program director for the Upper Kennebec Valley Senior Citizens Centers was the next to speak. In presenting Rev. Mr. Durbin, Selectman Hall said he is well known to Solon residents, having been one of the supply ministers for the Solon Federated Church for the past few years.

He said these centers are service organizations, one of the mottos being, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” He quoted one interested elderly person as saying, ” I don’t mind getting old but I don’t want to get old alone.” Another quotation from Mr. Durbin’s informative talk was, “Age is just a question of spirit.” He concluded his talk with the favorite slogan for centers. “Live as long as you can.”

Mrs. Marilyn Rogers has been named Director of the Solon Center and will supervise the program. Mrs. Rogers will be assisted by her committees including executive advisory, entertainment, program and service.

There was more to that clipping, but I don’t want to run out of apace to share the best clipping of all! And it is past our bedtime!)

This one starts like this, SOLON SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER Editor, People’s Voice: This is a rather exclusive organization being limited to ages between 60 and 110. This will create something of a hardship for those who have dreaded to cross the imaginary deadline and have been 59 for seven or eight years. In order for them to join it will be necessary to age a bit rather rapidly.When sufficient members reach the 110-year bracket, in manner similar to other organizations, they will be permitted to advance to the S.C.S,C. or Senior Citizens Super Center. Membership in this branch will be limited to 17 years, however some leniency may be observed in the enforcement of this rule. If members feel that they are getting too close to this upper limit: some vagueness as to the number of birthdays may be allowed.

Activities of the organization are to be strictly limited to what the members wish to do.

I regret that I cannot fully participate in the program as the director tells me that strict adherence to the truth is expected at all times; which eliminates a normal desire to depart slightly from cold fact in order to promote interest in an otherwise dull narrative. Apparently this innocent pastime, sometimes referred to as gilding the lily is frowned upon. Factual yick yack is definitely encouraged.

A primary part of the required regalia is a pleasant smile. Except for the foregoing stringent requirements there is little difficulty in becoming a member. So climb the stationary escalator, otherwise known as stairs, and join the fun. The above was written by Eldred Heald.)

I can’t remember how many years I had that fun job with many wonderful friends seeming to enjoy it, also. One of the things I showed them was painting, and as it turned out there were several truly talented people who produced some lovely paintings. We also went on many trips to different parts of our world!

And so now for Percy’s memoir: “Old age has a great sense of calm and freedom; when the passions relax their hold, then… we are freed from the grasp, not of one mad master only, but of many.”

Who is that masked man?

Masked Father John Skehan

Father John Skehan, pastor of St. Michael parish, in Augusta, brings smiles to those attending drive-through confessions with his special face mask. Drive-through confessions are being offered at many Maine parishes. To see the list, visit www.portlanddiocese.org/drive-through-confessions. The schedule is updated frequently.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Honestly, they didn’t make up this bug on TV sitcom

field cricket

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Over the past 50 years or so of my adult life, I have been involved in many activities, including coaching sports at the youth and high school levels, and have done my share of local political participation. So, in exposing myself to critics, I have been called some unflattering names. Some more colorful than others. But, one thing of which I have never been accused is being a nerd.

So, with that, I must make a confession. Although skeptical at first, I have become a follower of the now defunct TV sitcom, The Big Bang Theory. That group of nerds deals solely in science, and very rarely on practicality. My original evaluation of the show was that no one could be that nerdy. So, in one recent rerun episode, Sheldon, the “top” nerd of the group, talked about the Snowy Tree Cricket.

That was a good one. Who made up that name? It sounds contrary to anything about crickets I know. Well, I looked it up, and sure enough, it actually exists.

snowy tree cricket

This is what I found. The snowy tree cricket, Oecanthus fultoni, also known as the thermometer cricket, is a species of tree cricket from North America. It feeds on leaves but also damages fruit. The chirp of this species is often dubbed onto sound tracks of films and television shows to depict a quiet summer’s night, or ridicule from an audience attending a comic’s show when they don’t think the joke was funny. The rate of chirp varies depending on the heat of the environment, allowing a listener to estimate the temperature.

The cricket’s common name of the thermometer cricket is derived from a relationship between the rate of its chirps and the temperature. An estimate of the temperature in Fahrenheit can be made by adding 40 to the number of chirps made in 15 seconds. Before 1960, the name Oecanthus niveus was wrongly applied to this species. Oecanthus fultoni was named in honor of Bentley Ball Fulton (1880 – 1960), an American entomologist who laid the principal groundwork on North American cricket classification.

Of course, if you are really interested in using the snowy tree cricket as a thermometer, you should calibrate your local crickets against a thermometer placed near where they sing. Count their chirps per minute at a variety of temperatures, graph the results, draw a line that fits the points, and use a little algebra to arrive at a handy formula.

The species is about a half inch long and is light green with translucent light green wings. It has black marks on the first and second antennal segments, that are either round or oval shaped, and is about half the length of a segment. The antennae are longer than its body and it has a small head. The eggs are pale yellow and shaped like a kidney. Its nymphs are pale and slender with wings that are not completely developed. The nymphs develop wings slowly. It has one generation per year.

Tree crickets, unlike the large black crickets that occasionally enter houses, these are small brownish or greenish crickets. On warm summer evenings they make the familiar chirping sound that fills the night air, as males rub their wings together to attract females. The “song” is produced by frictional movements of roughened veins at the bases of the forewings. Like many other animals, the chirping is a prelude to courtship and mating.

When most people think of crickets, they are probably referring to the large, black or brown crickets. Although they make loud chirping sounds in spring and early summer, they are very different from smaller tree crickets that produce the predominant sounds on warm summer nights. Field crickets can be a nuisance with their annoying, incessant chirping, especially when you are trying to sleep. Like master ventriloquists, it is difficult to locate their origin. They are usually in very inaccessible locations, such as under furniture or appliances. Their presence in the home is considered an omen of good fortune in many parts of the world, and, in China, they are kept in captivity. Since they are omnivorous, they may nibble on a variety of foods, including food-stained clothing. They also have a taste for beverages, including beer.

American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne said of the snowy tree cricket’s chirps, “If moonlight could be heard, it would sound just like that.”

The species can be found throughout the United States except the southeastern part of the country. In Maine, they are predominantly in the southern part of the state, to include Ox­ford, Cum­ber­land, York, An­dros­­coggin, Sagadahoc, Kennebec and Lincoln counties. It exists in most fruit-growing states and provinces in eastern North America. It is located in shrubs, vines, fruit trees, broad-leaved trees, and oaks. The cricket can rarely be found in grass. Adults of the species can be found from mid-July to mid-November. The cricket can sometimes be so high in oak trees that its chirp is the only way to identify it.

Both nymphs and adults feed on leaves and their feeding causes barely any damage. The cricket is known to destroy apples, plums, peaches, and cherries. The female drills a hole into a twig’s cambium in which to lay its egg. It then makes a row of punctures on one side of the hole and seals it with either excrement or chewed plant tissue once the egg is placed. Adults of the species eat holes in ripe fruits which results in the fruit rotting. It normally does not cause any damage in orchards that are consistently sprayed.

There is yet more to know about the song of the snowy tree cricket. Although Sheldon talked about it, the cricket never did make an appearance.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

In how many Stanley Cup finals did Boston Bruins’ defenseman Bobby Orr play?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, April 30, 2020

Trivia QuestionsIn how many Stanley Cup finals did Boston Bruins’ defenseman Bobby Orr play?

Answer:

Two. 1970 & 1972, both times winning the Stanley Cup.

LEGAL NOTICES for Thursday, April 30, 2020

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 April 23, 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.

2020-083 – Estate of ERIC J. LAPORTE, late of Fairfield, Me, deceased. Stephany Sherman, 466 Maple Ridge Road, Winslow, Maine 04901 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-084 – Estate of CARLEEN M. DUBOIS, late of Moose River, Me deceased. Emile A. Dubois, Jr., 9 Shingle Street, Moose River, Maine 04945 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-085 – Estate of CHRISTINA ANN WORSTER, late of Moose River, Me deceased. Kristy Lee Griffin of P.O. Box 874, Jackman, Maine 04945 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-086 – Estate of NOREEN A. CATLIN, late of Palmyra, Me deceased. Barbara A. Hughes, 126 Pittsfield Avenue, Hartland, Maine 04943 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-087 – Estate of GLORIA J. LANE, late of Embden, Me deceased. June I DeLong, 25 Savage Road, Kingfield, Maine 04947 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-088 – Estate of FREDERICK A. TYLER, late of Cambridge, Me deceased. Bonzie M. Plummer, 53 Maple Street, Dexter, Maine 04930 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-090 – Estate of LAWRENCE ARTHUR SHIBLES, late of Hartland, Me deceased. Linda Warren, 58 White Lane, Hartland, Maine 04943 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-091 – Estate of SUSAN JANE SKILLIN, late of Cambridge, Me deceased. John Marcus Skillin, 9 Goose Flat Road, Cambridge, Maine 04923 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-093 – Estate of GARY LYLE BOYDEN, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. David W. Boyden, 91 Great Moose Drive, Hartland, Maine 04943 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-094 – Estate of WAYNE WILEY CARROLL, late of Madison, Me deceased. Beth A. Carroll, 654 Shaw Hill Road, Industry, Maine 04938 appointed Personal Representative.

2020-097 – Estate of DOUGLAS W. WILDE, late of Smithfield, Me. Lena Wilde, 400 Village Road, Smithfield, Maine 04978 appointed Personal Representative.

To be published on April 30, 2020 & May 7, 2020.
Dated: April 21, 2020 /s/Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(5/7)

OBITUARIES for Thursday, April 30, 2020

GERALD W. SANDERS

UNITY – Gerald “Sandy” W. Sanders, 83, of Unity, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2020. He was born in Aberdeen, Mississippi, on June 18, 1936, to K.T. Sanders and Frances Ruth Sanders.

He spent his early years in the Columbus area, graduating from Stephen D. Lee High School in 1954. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and spent his working years serving his country, retiring in 1977 from Brunswick Naval Air Station.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and drinking ice-cold beer. Known for his sense of humor, he was always ready for a party and enjoyed a good time.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Ella Mae Sanders; her granddaughter, Jacy Carter; his first wife, Marilyn Sanders and their children, Donald Sanders, Cynthia Langton, and Sandra Mihos; and his many grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at the Central Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta, at a later date. In lieu of flowers,contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at parkinson.org

MARY H. JONES

CLINTON – Mary Helen (York) Jones, 81, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2020, at her home. in Clinton. She was born March 18, 1939, in Waterville, the daughter of Louis N. and Sophie (Economu) York.

She graduated from Clinton High School in 1947. On May 20, 1961, she married Richard A. Jones, in Canaan.

Helen was a dedicated stay-at-home mom while her children were growing up, but worked in human resources at GHM Insurance, in Waterville, during the 1980s, Solon Manufacturing, in Skowhegan, during the 1990s, and then at Redington-Fairview General Hospital, in Skowhegan, until her retirement.

She was a member of Eastern Star and a dedicated Girl Scout leader during the 1960s and ’70s. Her all-time favorite activity was spending time with her family and friends. Helen enjoyed hunting, fishing, feeding the birds, and cooking.

Helen is survived by her husband of 58 years, Richard A. Jones, of Clinton; four daughters, Ann Doody and husband Ron, of Canaan, New Hampshire, Tina Bernier and husband Matthew, of Pittsfield, Natalie Jones and husband Joseph Dembeck, of Skowhegan, Gail Abbott and husband Mark, of Winslow; three grandsons, Ryan Doody, of Alexandria, Virginia, Nathan Abbott and Benjamin Abbott, both of Winslow; two granddaughters, Paige Doody, of Canaan, New Hampshire, Abigail Bernier, of Burnham; sister, Linda Steeves, of Bangor.

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

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Helen’s memory to the Brown Memorial United Methodist Church, 36 Church Street, Clinton ME 04927.

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

GERALD G. BLODGETT SR.

SKOWHEGAN – Gerald “Joe” Glenwood Blodgett Sr., 85, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2020, at MaineGeneral Glenridge Long Term Care, in Augusta, following a long battle with Alzhiemers Disease. He was born, the son of Clarence Arthur and Christine Carolyn (Decker) Blodgett on March 16, 1935, in Oakland.

He will be remembered as a loving son, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He attended Fairfield Center grade school and Fairfield High School.

On October 10, 1953, he married Gwendolyn Crockett at the Bethany Baptist Church, in Skowhegan, where they shared 60 years together, raising their four children and enjoying the family as it grew.

Gerald was a “farmer at heart” and raised many animals at home. His first job was on the Larrabee Farm, in Norridgewock, then at White’s Poultry Farm, in Skowhegan; Medwed Shoe as a “cutter,” Norrwock Shoe, Agway, Inc., for 20 years before retirement.

He could “fix about anything” and always glad to help others. Carpentry, the outdoors (gardening, golfing, hunting) and music, he played guitar and harmonica and enjoyed singing with family or friends at church, were his interests. Mainly, he enjoyed his many grandchildren. He was a former member of Trinity EF Church, in Skowhegan, and Norridgewock Baptist Church.

Gerald is survived by his wife Gwendolyn (Crockett) Blodgett; and children, Kelley Thorp and husband Bob, of Fuguay-Varina North Carolina, Ken Blodgett and wife Janice, of Concord New Hampshire, and Valerie St. Pierre, of Augusta; grandchildren, Nadene Boulette and husband Jack, of Skowhegan, James Blodgett and wife Lisa, of Madison, Gina Roderick and husband Paul, of Anson, Galen Thorp and wife Annie, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Micah Thorp and wife Nicole, of Greenville Ohio, Jared, Aaron, Abigail, Jannell Blodgettt, of Concord, New Hampshire, Rebecca Blodgett, of Waverly New York, Derek, of St. Augustine Florida, Bethany, of Canaan, Christopher and Tyler St. Pierre, of Skowhegan; numerous great-grandchildren; sisters, Bernice Lovejoy, Carolyn Vining and husband Bill, Norma Wentworth and husband Neil, Janey, Christine Demo and husband Mark, Donna Blodgett; brothers, Clarence Blodgett and wife Lena, Donald Blodgett and wife Jean, Ronnie Blodgett and wife Martha, Terry Blodgett and wife Maureen, Steve Blodgett and wife Ellen; nephews, nieces, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his son, Gerald Jr; sister, Priscilla Garland; parents; brothers Earlon and wife Shirley, and Brian Blodgett.

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

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Gerald’s memory to The Ronald McDonald House, 654 State Street, Bangor, ME 04401.

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

GARY L. PETLEY

CLINTON – Gary Lee Petley, 64, passed away, at home, on Friday, April 17, 2020, following a courageous battle with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and complications from a bone marrow transplant. He was born March 31, 1956, in Skowhegan, the first of two children of Ferne Lorraine Crocker Petley and Ronald Ernest Petley.

Gary attended Carrabec High School, in North Anson, where he met his high school sweetheart Kathryn Marie Tyler-Wacome. They married on August 10, 1974, in Madison, and shortly thereafter moved to Clinton where together they raised their three children on Town House Hill. They remained married for 45 years.

Gary was a hard-working individual who spent his early career at C. F. Hathaway Shirt Company, in Waterville, as an industrial engineer. Following in the footsteps of a long line of Petley firefighters before him, he joined the Clinton Fire Department in 1980 as a volunteer firefighter. He started out as a driver operator, later received his EMT license, and became lieutenant before serving as chief for 25 years until his retirement in 2017. During his tenure as chief, he helped establish the 911 emergency system, won numerous grants (including those from Federal Emergency Management Agency, US Dept. of Homeland Security, and the Stephen & Tabatha King Foundation), upgraded firetrucks, and was involved with the expansion of the fire station. In 2012, he was awarded Fire Chief of the Year by the Maine Fire Chiefs’ Association. He was a lifetime member of the Clinton Fireman’s Association and the Maine Fire Chiefs’ Association where he served on many committees.

Community was an important part of Gary’s life. He was an active member of the Clinton Lion’s Club and this year would have marked his 30th year. He served a term as president and he was treasurer for the Clinton Lion’s Club Fair Association for many years.

Gary loved his road trips, picnics at the ocean (especially Moose Point State Park and Pemaquid Point), hiking the mountains of Acadia, camping, crossword puzzles, social gatherings involving coffee and sweets, home-cooked meals with the family, his English springer spaniel and rescue cats, mowing his lawn, blueberries, lupines and red geraniums, playing piano, scuba diving, watching the Dallas Cowboys, and sitting in his park in his backyard. Most recently, he took an interest in genealogy and would spend hours researching his Petley ancestors and connecting with relatives in New Brunswick, Canada.

Gary is survived by his wife Kathryn Petley, of Clinton; children Naomi Marie Petley, of Waterville, Nathaniel David Petley, of Oakland, and Nathalie Victoria Lutz, of South Carolina; sister Gail and husband Gerry Smith, of Fairfield, and their son Adam Smith, of Portland; and grandchildren Grace Petley, Kalianna, Lucas, Noah, and Owen Lutz.

He was predeceased by his parents.

A celebration of life for family and friends will be held and announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Clinton Fireman’s Association, PO Box 103, Clinton, ME 04927 ATTN: Tim Fuller.

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

KENNETH E. CROCKETT

SOUTH CHINA – Kenneth “Ken” Elmer Crockett, 73, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2020, in his home in South China. Ken was born on November 15, 1946, in Augusta, to Leslie and Barbara (Wells) Crockett.

At the age of 19, he enlisted in the U.S Army. He served during the Vietnam War. After leaving the Army, he became a Master Electrician working at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, until his retirement. Following his retirement, you could most likely find him on his boat fishing with his real good friends, Shawn Tibbetts and Chuck Tibbetts. Ken loved the outdoors whether it was fishing, hunting, or camping.

He is survived by his brothers, Richard Crockett and Leon Crockett, both of Farmingdale, and L. Robert Crockett, of Pittston; a son, Jeffery Crockett; a grandson, Robbie Robinson; and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Leslie and Barbara Crockett.

A veteran service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

ROGER JACKSON

WATERVILLE – Roger Jackson passed away on Friday, April 17, 2020. Roger was born in Farmington to parents Dr. Robert and Wilma Jackson.

His family moved to Brockton, Massachusetts, in 1969, where he met his wife, Jeanne, at Brockton High School. They were married in 1973 and his “adventure” began. God blessed them with a wonderful daughter, Christine, and son, Michael. At the age of 31, Roger gave his life to Jesus, his Lord and Savior, and Roger asked God how he could serve him. He graduated from Baptist Bible College in 1989 and was called to be the Pastor of First Baptist Church, of Harmony. Roger loved God’s Holy Word. He loved reading, preaching, and teaching from it. Roger also loved Christian music, especially Southern Gospel and Christian Country.

In 1995, God guided him to Bangor Baptist Church ministries. This led to him becoming an announcer for WHCF 88.5. He loved to sing in church and, at one point, he and his brothers, Ron and Rick, formed a trio and sang southern gospel music together. In 2007, he became the music director of God’s Country WMDR 88.9, in Augusta.

He retired from the station in 2017. He continued his ministry at Getchell Street Baptist Church, as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, men’s Bible Study teacher, worship music leader, and when needed, filled in for his pastor, David Brown.

His favorite past-time was climbing into his Jeep with his “sweetie” next to him, playing Chrtisian Country music, and heading out on an “adventure” to find a new dirt road, always hoping to see a stream, waterfall, or a moose.

He is survived by his mom, Wilma Jackson; his wife and best friend Jeanne, whom he lovingly called “his sweetie;” his daughter, Christine (and husband Bryan) Austin, and their two boys Brett and Tyler; and his son Michael (and wife Lindsay) Jackson, and their son Brady and daughter Charlotte. Roger made his grandchildren laugh with his teasing, jokes, doing “the dab,” getting “their necks,” playing video games and giving hugs. They thought he was one of “the best Grampies in the history of the entire world”. He also leaves behind a sister Beverly (and husband John) Dacosta; a brother Ronald (and wife Debra) Jackson; youngest brother Richard Jackson, extended family.

A service to celebrate Roger’s life will be held at a later date.

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

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

LESLIE D. AMES

SOUTH CHINA – Leslie D. Ames, 95, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at Togus Springs, Togus VA Medical Center. Les has now joined his loving wife of 62 years, Faith Ames in Heaven. Les was born at home in Camden on February 5, 1925, son of Harold and Edna Higgins Ames.

He started working on a dairy farm at age 10 delivering milk at 10 cents an hour. He bought his own truck and worked hauling whatever was needed to be hauled, changing out truck bodies when necessary.

World War II was upon him and Les was drafted in the Army in February 1943. He was deferred until June 1943 to graduate from Camden High School as he was their school bus driver. Les reported to South Carolina for basic training, then transferred to the Army Air Cadet program, at Lynchburg College, Virginia. Because of the need for infantry personnel, Les was sent to England, then France and then Germany to engage in the Battle of the Bulge. Les was wounded in action on January 7, 1945, in Rollesbroich, Germany. After over a year of surgeries and rehabilitation, Les received one of the first bone graft operations in March 1946 by a team from Walter Reed Hospital. For his bravery, Les received the Army Purple Heart and the Maine Silver Star.

Les returned to Maine and graduated from the University of Maine in 1950 as a mechanical engineer. The same year he married the love of his life, Faith LaFleur Ames. They had two children, Michael R. Ames, a retired teacher who now lives in Newport, and Pamela J. Ames, an attorney, in Waterville.

Les and Faith made their home in South Portland, Omaha, Nebraska, and Cumberland Center. Les worked for American Can Company starting in July 1951 as a professional engineer and retired as plant manager of the Casco Bay plant, in Portland. Les and Faith retired to their home, in South China, where Les lived right up to shortly before his passing.

Les enjoyed the family camp on China Lake, was a member of the South China Community Church, a member of the South China VFW, a Shriner and a Mason for 72 years.

Les was trail master for the Maine Snowmobile Association for many years and continued distribution of trail markers to snowmobile clubs all across Maine.

Les loved the outdoors and spending time with his family. There were many snowmobile trips in winter and many side by side ATV trips in spring, summer and fall.

With regard to closure, if you are on a trail sometime, looking over a vista of the great State of Maine, take off your helmet and feel the breeze on your cheek and whisper goodbye to Les, we know he will hear you.

He has two granddaughters, Jessica Ames Biddinger and her husband, Eric and Katie Ames Bolduc and her husband, Paul. Katie and Paul blessed Les with a great-grandson, Matthew Lesland Bolduc, on October 15, 2019. Les left behind several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Les was predeceased by his wife, Faith L. Ames and his two sisters, Mary Ames Heald and Nellie Ames Hart.

A celebration of life for Les Ames will be announced at a later date.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on the Plummer Funeral Home website at www.plummerfh.com.

NORMAN L. KNAPP

FAIRFIELD – Norman L. Knapp, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at his home, in Fairfield. Born at home in Kingfield on August 19, 1936, Norman was the second son of Clyde C. Knapp and Evelyn Rollins Knapp.

He attended Kingfield schools, graduating at the top of his class from Kingfield High School in 1954.

Norm studied business administration and accounting at Husson College, in Bangor, from 1955 to 1956. He then returned to Kingfield to work at Knapp Brothers, the family auto business.

Choosing to enlist before the draft, Norman entered the Army in 1959, thinking he would at least get to experience living in a warmer climate during his service. He trained at Fort Dix, in New Jersey, and Fort Benjamin Harrison, in Kentucky, before being assigned, ironically, to HQ Co., US Army, Alaska, and served the rest of his active duty time at Fort Richardson, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Norman married Carolyn M. Woodford on October 28, 1962, and together they raised two daughters and two sons. In 1966, Norman and his brother, Clinton, bought Knapp Brothers, Inc., from their father, who had been a co-owner and then owner of the dealership for 40 years. They expanded and operated the business until retiring in 2006.

Norman served on the town of Kingfield planning poard, was a corporator at Kingfield Savings Bank and later served on the advisory board of Maine National Bank’s Phillips branch. He joined Mt. Abram Masonic Lodge in 1958 and held various offices through the years, serving as Master in 1970. Norm spent many years as a corporator of Kingfield’s Webster Library and acted as president of the board of trustees for 13 years.

In 2005, Norman and Carolyn relocated to Fairfield to be closer to their children and their families. Norman enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially at his camp on Hancock Pond. His many interests included music, old vehicles, tools, boats, target practice and working on his wood lots. Extremely generous and ever industrious, Norman was a devoted family man who was always ready to help others. He possessed a dry sense of humor and was an ardent supporter of taking the scenic route. Norm was known to mischievously cut cake or pie crookedly so he would have to return to “even it up.” Norman was much loved and will be greatly missed.

He was predeceased by his parents and four infant grandchildren.

Norman is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carolyn; children Jennifer Bernier and husband Daniel, of Waterville, Amanda Bressette and husband Scott, of Oakland, Roger Knapp, of Skowhegan, and James Knapp and wife Kathy, of Sanford; grandchildren Kathryn, Benjamin and Samuel Bernier, Gavin and Matthew Bressette, Barrett, Abigail, Joshua and Joseph Knapp and Dawson and Parker Knapp; brothers Malcolm Knapp and wife Carol, of Lynnfield Center, Massachusetts, C. Clinton Knapp and wife Lena, of Kingfield, and Maurice Knapp and wife Luralee, of Stuart, Florida; brother-in-law George Woodford and wife Georgianna, of Freeman; many nieces, nephews and cousins, including special nephew Dean Knapp.

At Norman’s request, there will be no public services. Interment will be at Sunnyside Cemetery, in Kingfield, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Norm’s memory to either Webster Library, 22 Depot Street, Kingfield, ME 04947, or Kingfield Historical Society, P.O. Box 238, Kingfield, ME 04947.

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

DOROTHY G. GOODINE

WATERVILLE – Dorothy Goodhue Goodine, 97, of Waterville, passed away Friday, April 24, 2020, from the inevitable effects of age. Born on the family farm in Sidney, April 14, 1923, to Evelyn May Dickinson and Martin Luther Goodhue.

A graduate of Waterville High, she married LeRoy Goodine in 1941, and founded, with Roy, Elm City Photo Service, in Waterville. Longtime residents of Shawmut, in their later years, they wintered in Zephyrhills, Florida, and summered at their camp in Hartland. She was the queen of dominoes and was always looking for serious competition.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Johnson, of Shaftsbury, Vermont; son, James (Gliselia), of Bennington, Vermont, son, John (Celine), of Fairfield Center; and brother, David (Arlene), of Unity; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; special niece Alberta Goodhue was her wonderful friend and companion for years.

Dorothy was predeceased by Roy, three brothers, one sister, and son-in-law Lloyd Johnson.

A celebration of her long life will take place in the summer if Covid-19 has subsided.

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

JOHN J. HAFENECKER

WATERVILLE – John J. Hafenecker, 91, passed away following a long battle with Dementia, while at the Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta.

John was a graduate of Winslow in 1946 and had a brilliant baseball and athletic career. After his senior year he was selected to play in a New England high school all-star baseball game, in Boston. He played three summers of semi-pro baseball in Nova Scotia before signing a contract with the New York Giants in 1950. He played one season in the Florida State League before spending two years in the Army, serving in the Korean War, and played baseball in Europe with other professional players. After the service he played two more seasons with the Giants’ farm system, in Danville, Virginia, and Nashville, Tennessee, with a short stay in Iowa. John was a gifted centerfielder and hit over .300 every season, but played behind another great fielder, Willey Mays.

After he retired from pro ball in 1954, he went to work for the Waterville Boys Club and was the athletics director for about 11 years. From there he went on to become a top salesman for Furbush/Frame Chevrolet, n Waterville, then for Central Maine Motors, also in Waterville. He finally retired at the age of 84 as a courtesy driver from which he thoroughly enjoyed being able to meet and talk to people every day.

He never met a stranger and was such a tease. Always trying to make people laugh. He attended Getchell Street Baptist Church, of Waterville, where he loved serving with the social committee working in the kitchen. He loved to cook and grill out at home but always had a knack for burning everything. In his years following his baseball career he also enjoyed playing softball at local fields. He also played for the Waterville Giants, a semi-pro baseball team that played in a central Maine league.

He is survived by his only younger sister Beatrice Hafenecker, of Winslow; his wife Lorice Nickless Hafenecker, of Waterville; his three surviving children John G. Hafenecker, of Aurora, Colorado, Cheryl Daly and her husband, Tom, of Waterville, Leslie Dolan and her husband Patrick, of Madison; his 16 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a son, Kyle F. Hafenecker.

Due to the coronavirus there will be a celebration of life later this summer, and burial will be at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta.

Arrangements were under the direction of Gallant Funeral Home, in Waterville.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in remembrance of him to the Maine Veterans Home, 310 Cony Rd., Augusta, ME. 04330.