SCORES & OUTDOORS: Let’s talk about deer ticks…one more time

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Deer tick, left, and Engorged female deer tick, right.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

There is nothing like beating a subject to death. But, in this case, it’s worth every word.

You have to be living in a cave not to know that deer ticks are at an all time high. They are everywhere. Friends and family have told me stories about their encounters with the insect, and they all have one thing in common. They have all had multiple numbers on them at one time.

Also, as you know, deer ticks are hazardous to your health, primarily because they are the carriers of the dreaded Lyme Disease. In the last decade alone, the population of ticks of all kinds has ballooned in the United States. The number of ticks that carry Lyme disease has been on the rise in the mid-Atlantic states, and has skyrocketed throughout the Northeast. It has gained a reputation as a serious health problem in many areas.

On top of that, with most of us trying to get outdoors this time of year, and with the recent mild winter we experienced, the deer ticks are already active and will be out in force this summer. My wife and I have been to camp to begin opening up for the season, and we are already wary of their presence. We haven’t seen one, yet, but we know they are out there.

Only adult female ticks and nymphs can transmit infections through their bite. Male ticks attach, but they don’t feed or become engorged. Adult females have red and brown bodies and are larger than males. Nymphs are actively feeding between early April and early August.

Although not all deer ticks are infected with Lyme disease, you never really know. Only ticks that have fed on infected mammals are infected. About half of deer ticks are infected (usually white-footed mice can be other culprits).

Deer ticks live two to three years, and in that time usually enjoy three blood meals. In the spring and summer of its second year, a nymph will take its second meal. They insert their mouth parts into the skin much like a corkscrew, which ensures them a nice tight grasp. They often take up to five days to complete their meal.

This fact is key to reducing panic when discovering a tick. An infected tick must be attached to its host for at least 24 hours, and up to 48 hours to transmit the disease. It’s the very reason for checking your body right away after any possible exposure to a tick-infested environment.

Deer ticks crawl. They usually grab onto people or animals that brush up against plants near ground level, and then they crawl upwards to find a quiet place for their blood meal. Although many sources will state that ticks don’t land on you from an overhanging tree branch, many people have insisted it has happened to them.

Ticks live in wooded, brushy areas that provide food and cover for mice, deer and other mammals. The ideal tick environment is humid. Your exposure will be greatest along trails in the woods and fringe areas between woods and the border, where they will wait patiently on the tips of vegetation for an unsuspecting host to walk by.

Life is too short to avoid the outdoors during our short spring, summer and fall. In Maine, that is about half the year. There is no need to be brave, just be smart: cover your body; wear repellent; check yourself for ticks, if you find a tick, remove it immediately; shower soon after being outdoors; throw clothing in the dryer, that will kill any ticks present; and finally, if you are concerned, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.

The best way to remove a tick is to use fine-point tweezers and grab the tick as close to the skin surface as possible. Pull backwards gently but firmly, using an even, steady pressure. Do your best not to jerk or twist. Don’t squeeze, crush or puncture the tick’s body, the fluids inside may contain infection-causing organisms. After removing the tick, wash the skin and your hands thoroughly with hot soap and water. If any mouth part of the tick remain in the skin, leave them alone. They will be expelled on their own. It could take weeks. Trying to remove them will only cause you unnecessary pain.

For the deer tick, Ixodes scapularis, deer are the preferred host, but they can also be found on small rodents. After the female is engorged, the tick drops off and overwinters in the leaf litter of the forest floor. The following spring, she will lay several hundred to a few thousand eggs in clusters. They are very hardy creatures. They will be active even after a moderate to severe frost, as daytime temperatures can warm them enough to keep them actively searching for a host. In the spring, they are one of the first invertebrates to become active.

It may be monotonous to keep hearing about the health hazards of being infected by a deer tick, but it’s one that needs to be repeated.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

The 1927 New York Yankees batting order, including Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, was known by what nickname?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, April 23, 2020

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Trivia QuestionsThe 1927 New York Yankees batting order, including Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, was known by what nickname?

Answer:

Murderer’s Row.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, April 23, 2020

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RUSSELL F. WARING

MADISON – Russell Frank Waring, 81, of Madison died Saturday, April 4, 2020, in his home. He was born July 7, 1938, in South Peabody, Massachusetts, son of Russell “Frank” and Eleanor Waring.

He attended Peabody schools. He helped run the family business, Peabody Boat and Supply, while he served in the Marine reserves. Russell “Rusty” bought fixer upper houses and would work his carpentry skills to transform them into beautiful homes before “flipping” them and moving to the next project.

Russell moved his family, including the “in-laws,” to Maine in the early ‘70s to start a working dairy farm in Madison. Along with being a farmer, he continued to use his mechanical, carpentry and bartering skills to build a life for his family. He enjoyed building just about anything he could dream up, fixing up any vehicle or piece of farm equipment he could find and attended any auction he could find to score a deal.

Russell is survived by his mother, Eleanor Waring, of Groveland, Massachusetts; wife of 58 years, Greta; four children, Katherine Quimby, of Skowhegan, and husband George, Russell Waring IV, of Topsfield, Massachusetts, Lisa Gottardi, of Waterville, and Lori Schmitz and husband Randy, of Waterville; sisters, Constance Bowes, of Charleston, West Virginia, and Janice DeWolfe, of Groveland, Massachusetts; eight grandchildren, Tyler, Casey, Ashley, Dillion, Janessa, Jacoby, Kelly and Kyle; several grandchildren; a niece, Darlene, and a nephew, Jeffrey.

He was predeceased by his father, Frank; his two brothers-in-law, Donald J. Bowes and Clyde DeWolfe.

There will be no visitation.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for sometime this summer.

Arrangements entrusted to Dan and Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service in Skowhegan.

Contributions in Russell’s name may be sent to National Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. FL 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601, or at www.alz.org

ROBERT S. WADE

OAKLAND – Robert S. Wade, 25, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 6, 2020, at his home. Rob was born on October 8, 1994, in Augusta. He was the son of Thomas and Donna Wade.

Rob had many passions in life. He enjoyed spending time at camp, working on his car, attending car meets, spending time with his friends, cooking, and gardening. He was a hard worker and loved his job at NRF Distributors, as well as his co-workers. He had a heart of gold, and never would hesitate to help a person out.

He was predeceased by two grandfathers, Peter L. Wade Sr. and James E. Higgins.

Robert is survived by his parents; as well a brother and sisters, Matthew Miete and significant other Jen, Shauna Brackett and significant other Brett, Mindy Carter and husband Luke, and Destiny Wade and significant other Jon. Also grandmothers Sheila Hysom and Nancy Wade; many aunts and uncles; and many nieces and nephews.

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

Arrangements are by Plummer’s Funeral Home and Simple Cremation, Windsor.

JOHN S. ROGERS

CLINTON – John “Jack” S. Rogers, 68, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, April 12, 2020, at his home, in Clinton. He was born June 20, 1951, in Waterville, the son of Robert “Bob” and Barbara (Jones) Rogers.

He graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1969, then attended Central Maine Vocational Technical Institute, in Auburn, graduating in 1971. On June 26, 1971, he married his high school “sweatheart” [sic] Linda Grard, in Clinton. He was employed by Country Kitchen, was co-owner of Rogers Brothers Farm, in Clinton, and sole proprietor of Hoofs ‘R’ US as a Bovine Podiatrist. He enjoyed weekly “town meetings” at Clinton Variety and was vice president of the Lawrence Football Boosters from 1996 to 1998. Jack loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and he attended all their athletic events; he never missed a game. He enjoyed fishing with his family and gambling. While running his hoof trimming business he enjoyed visiting all the local farms but the Flood Farm held a special place in his heart; he loved his farm family.

He also thoroughly enjoyed meeting with his extended family every other year as they gathered for Thanksgiving at the Clinton Snowmobile Club.

Jack is survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda (Grard) Rogers, of Clinton; two sons, Robert Rogers and wife Bonnie, of Clinton, Jacob Rogers and wife Sarah, of Clinton; daughter Shawna (Rogers) Robinson and husband Ryan, of Clinton; grandchildren, Alli Elizabeth Tulley and husband Connor, of Waterville, Logan Rogers, of Clinton, McKenna Rogers, of Clinton, Kaden Dyer, of Troy, Colt Robinson, of Clinton, Anna Rogers, of Clinton, Isabell Rogers, of Clinton; two sisters, Edith (Rogers) Scott and husband Ralph “Sonny,” of Florida, Judy (Rogers) Russell and husband Pete, of Fairfield; brother Matt “Gump” Rogers and wife Dorothy, of Atkinson; two sisters-in-law, Lorraine Buker and husband Roger, of Winslow, Dorothy Trahan, of Clinton; two brothers-in-law, Arnold Grard and wife Virginia, of Fairfield, Rick Grard, of Benton; and countless cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Barbara Rogers.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Life long friends Tim and Missy Gerow, owners of Clinton Variety, have organized a community memorial drive on Saturday, April 18, at 4 p.m. Community members will gather on the Hill Road and make their way down the Rogers Road.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Jack’s memory to Make-A-Wish, Attn: “Ring Family Event”, 66 Mussey Road, Scarborough ME 04074. Donations will go towards granting local wishes.

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

CARROLL CARON

WATERVILLE – Carroll Caron, 62, of Waterville, passed away suddenly in his home on Friday, April 3, 2020.

Carroll was a loving father and a dedicated businessman. He boasted an unparalleled energetic spirit which came in handy while keeping up with his children in their younger years. In fact, they may have had a hard time keeping up with him! He was the storyteller-after-dinner kind of dad; animated and always making sure his children knew they were loved “to Pluto and back,” as the moon was simply not far enough. Taking over his father’s business, ‘It’s A Good Pizza,’ in Winslow, in the early 1990s, Carroll successfully owned and operated the Winslow based shop nearly 20 years, bringing him even closer to his beloved local community where he grew up.

His many diverse passions included music, drumming, running, and various sports. A self-taught drummer from an early age, he went on to play in several bands including The Imposters. Drumming followed him everywhere and, unfortunately for neighbors and his family, was not the most peaceful of instruments. Deeply inspired by RUSH, he idolized Neil Peart, a world-class drummer whom he’ll perhaps now finally get to meet.

An inspiration following one of his many foot surgeries, he was encouraged to walk, however Carroll being Carroll, walking turned into running in no time. This led to some of the best years of his life as he developed a thirst for running, exploring his new passion everywhere; around town and in local road races and marathons, most notably finishing the Boston Marathon, twice. He spoke of wonderful memories of Gilly’s Gym where he spent time weight lifting and training with Ernie Gilbert.

Other interesting activities followed, including biking to Bangor and back, running 26.2 miles around a track, completing the Mount Washington road race several times, and roller blading 40 miles on his 40th birthday, just to name a few.

His love of professional sports also extended to attending small town football games in Winslow as he looked forward to the fall every year when the season started.

Carroll is survived by his children, Justin and Brittanie; brother Paul, sisters Lisa and Pauline; ex-wife Bernadette; and many loving grandchildren; nieces, nephews

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home. Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share your condolences with Carroll’s family.

ROBERT M. LEMIEUX

WINSLOW – Robert M. Lemieux, 82, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2020. He was born on December 30, 1937, to Vincent L. and Blanche M. (Patenaude) Lemieux, in North Vassalboro.

Bob was a 1957 graduate of Winslow High School and attended St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow. He worked for Duratherm Window Corp., in North Vassalboro, where he was the first employee hired by Phil Cole in May 1967, when it was known as Cole’s Mills. Bob worked at Duratherm for over 40 years, retiring on January10, 2008.

He had a passion for gardening, fishing and especially hunting.

Bob is survived sons, Robert L. and Lynda Lemieux and their daughters Keryn, Lyra and Alyssa and great-grandson Eliot; Steven R. Lemieux and his children, Josh, Jessi and Ben; and Kenneth L. and Pam Lemieux and their children Elizabeth and Alexander; his siblings, Gerard Lemieux, Mary Westberg, and James Lemieux.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Blanche and Vincent; and his brothers, Joseph J. Lemieux and Vincent X. Lemieux.

No formal services are planned. Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share your condolences and memories with Bob’s family.

In lieu of flowers donations in Robert’s memory may be sent to:Vassalboro Fire Dept.PO Box 129N. Vassalboro, ME 04966.

FRANCIS J. ARSENAULT

SKOWHEGAN – Francis J. Arsenault, 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2020, at Cedar Ridge Nursing Home, in Skowhegan. He was born October 10, 1930, in Skowhegan, the son of Andrew and Melinda Arsenault.

He attended Notre Dame Catholic School, in Skowhegan, for eight years and graduated from Skowhegan High School in 1950. On December 13, 1952, he married the former Loraine Boynton, at Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church, in Skowhegan. He was a veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1959 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Wasp and then on the USS Prairie until his honorable discharge.

Most of his career was driving tractor trailers, “big rigs” with a CB handle of “Popcorn.” He transported oil, logs, wood chips, pallets and gun stocks. He was a member of the American Legion, Big Indian ATV Club and Christ the King Parish. He enjoyed Saturday night dances, playing cards, 4-wheeling, puzzles, Red Sox and Patriots games. He loved riding on the local and back roads that usually ended with a stop for ice cream. He and Loraine had traveled to 48 states. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and dance recitals. He loved fishing and hunting, and at the age of 80, shot a bull moose.

Francis is survived by his wife of 67 years, Loraine (Boynton) Arsenault, of Skowhegan; two daughters, Gale Whittemore and husband James, of Skowhegan, Sheila Sherburne and husband Nathan, of Skowhegan; grandchildren, Adam Whittemore and wife Stephanie, of Middleboro Massachusetts, Loreal Flannery and husband Chad, of Whitefield, Jill Davis and husband Tucker, of Concord New Hampshire, Thayne Sherburne and wife Bre, of Skowhegan; great-grandchildren, Kelcie, Brynna, Brayden, Taylor, Reilynn and Jackson; brother Rusty Arsenault, and sister Olive Estes, both of Skowhegan; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by brothers, Andrew Jr, Agnew, Robert, Wilfred and Dale; sisters, Betty Wescott and Suzanne Daigle.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in his memory to a charity of their choice.

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

LOUISE B. SALIEM

WATERVILLE – Louise B. Saliem, 91, of Waterville, passed away peacefully Sunday April 12, 2020. She was born August 21, 1928, in Waterville, the daughter of Checri and Jamilla (Corey) Saliem.

Louise had a wealth of knowledge of the Lebanese community and many stories about growing up on Head of Falls, in Waterville, which she often shared with her nieces. Her strong faith in God and love for “her church” sustained her throughout her life.

Although Louise did not work out of the house, her contribution and love for her family was endless. Louise spent many hours caring for family and friends that gathered at the Saliem home during the holidays and special family events. The extended family will always remember “Aunt Lofie” for her humor and unconditional love.

Louise will be sadly missed by her nieces, Lori J. (Hawkes) Warwick and her husband Paul, niece and godchild, Trudy A. Hawkes, of Orlando, Florida; her great-niece, Michele Hawkes and husband Jay Poitras, of Bridgton; great-great-nephews, Robert White Jr., Christopher White, Dylan Poitras and great-great-niece Savannah Poitras. She is also survived by many cousins.

She was preceded by her parents, Checri and Jamilla Saliem; brother, Foahd Saliem, sisters, Margaret and Clotilda Saliem and Emily (Saliem) Hawkes and her brother-in-law, Donald Hawkes.

A Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church and Burial in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, in Waterville, will be held at a later date.

Arrangement 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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Maronite Catholic Church, 3 Appleton Street, Waterville, ME 04901.

JAY P. HAWES

WATERVILLE – Jerry “J-Jay” Patrick Hawes Sr., 45, of Waterville, passed away suddenly on Monday, April 13, 2020. He was born on Wednesday, December 18, 1974, in Waterville, a son of Daniel Hawes Sr. and Thelma Dempsey.

Jay attended Waterville schools, where he played basketball, football, and was known for being a crazy, mouthy, smooth talking, sweetheart. He also went on to play basketball in college, which he always took great pride in. As he should have, because he was a rock star on the court.

He had a never ending love for the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots, and his idol, Michael Jordan. Jay loved making people laugh. He had a joke for any and every situation. There isn’t one person who Jay met that he hadn’t made laugh. If you met him, there was no way you would ever forget him. He was witty, fast, smart, and was there for anyone who needed him. He enjoyed playing basketball with his boys, watching sports, playing video games, fireball, and women! No matter the occasion, Jay was always the life of the party. His laugh was so infectiously contagious, a sound that will live on in so many memories, for so many people. There are no amount of words that would begin to express how much he will be missed. There was no denying how much Jay loved his Mom.

He was a Momma’s boy through and through. Jay lived for his children and grandchildren. Messing with them woke a bear in him that no one wanted to see. His girls had him wrapped around their fingers since the day they were born. His boys were his big men, and he will always be their biggest fan. When Jay looked at his kids, you could see his face light up with the pride he felt for all of them. Jay was happiest when he was with his grandchildren. He was always the first one to get down and do whatever those babies wanted him to do.

From the day he was born, his brothers, Pep and Randy were his best friends. The bond they had was unbreakable, and I know Jay was so grateful to have a bond as special as theirs.

He was predeceased by his dad, Daniel; little brother, Toby Hawes; his uncle, Jerry Dempsey; and his grandparents, Nellie and Gordon Dempsey and Anita and Steve Violet.

Jay is survived by his mom, Thelma; his children, Janna Hawes, Nicayla Hawes, Jerry Patrick Hawes Jr., Nicholas Hawes, Jacob Hawes, and Monica Foss; his grandchildren, Nytaliah May Carter, Aria-Lynn Ann Murray, Layla Jo Ferland, Aleah Nichole Cressey, Emerson Leigh Ferland; his siblings, Sheri Hawes LaVerdiere, her children Angela, Jordan, Brandon, Alexis, Abigail, and Brayden; Kelly LaChance, her children Nikki, and Ceara; Randy Hawes his children Brady and Alex; Kathy Kennedy, her children Ryan, Jenna, and Tyler; Daniel Hawes Jr., his son Daniel, and spouses; his former wife and mother to five of his children, Billi-Jo Goodwin; and a very good friend, Christina Scanlin; many uncles, aunts, cousins, and an immense amount of friends.

All future services for Jay will be announced as soon as they are able to be held. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Homes, and Cremation Services, in Madison and Bingham.

To view updated service information, leave a condolence for J-Jay’s family, share a memory, view the online obituary and to share service and obituary information on social media please visit our website at www.gibersonfuneralhome.com.

CHRISTOPHER B. MURPHY

OAKLAND – Christopher Bradley Murphy, 67, passed away unexpectedly, at his home, on Monday, April 13, 2020. Chris was born December 3, 1952, in Rumford, the son of Robert Glenn Murphy and Ersel Avis (Williams) Murphy.

He attended Gould Academy and Telstar High School, in Bethel. He was a member of the Nazarene Church as a child. He loved the New England Patriots. Chris would go out of his way to help anyone in need. He was a good, kind, and generous man.

His first job was a produce manager in a grocery store in New Hampshire. He later drove a skidder in the woods of Bethel, poured foundations when he relocated to the Waterville area in 1975. He later paved driveways for Joe Nader, in Winslow. Chris than took an interest in auto body repair working at Maurice’s, Pete Bard’s, Central Maine Motors, Bulgers, Cookson’s and finally worked at Conrad’s Auto Body for 18 years.

Chris was predeceased by his parents; his siblings, Robert Murphy, Joyce (Murphy) Stearns, Frank Murphy, Roy Murphy, and Ruth (Murphy) Mason; and son Nicholas Patrick Murphy.

He leaves several nieces and nephews; special nephew, Dean Murphy, was like a brother.

He is survived by brothers, James Murphy, of Tennessee, and Tommy Paul Murphy, of Florida.

He is also survived by son, Derek Murphy; ex-wife, Judy Merrill; daughter, Sandy Martin; and “son,” Darren Hefenecker, of Oakland.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes you to donate to Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville ME. 04901, in Chris’s name as he was an animal lover

RITA T. DENNIS

SKOWHEGAN – Rita T. Dennis, 94, of Skowhegan, passed away peacefully Monday, April 13, 2020, in Waterville, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born March 11, 1926, in Skowhegan, the daughter of Frank X. White and Eva (Poulin) White.

Rita married Norman Dennis in 1952, in Winslow.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; her brother, and two sisters, Juliette and Evelyn.

Rita very proudly received her GED in 1973 from Skowhegan Area High School. She worked for Norrwock Shoe Company, in Skowhegan and Norridgewock, for 32-plus years. She then worked for SAD#54 as a custodian for 16 years, where she earned the nickname “Speedy.” Because she loved working, she also worked several years part-time for Skowhegan Savings Bank.

Rita loved to travel. Not only did she visit many U.S. states, but she also toured Europe and the Mideast. She loved both Disneyland and Disney World, taking both her grandchildren and her great-grandson Tyler with her.

She loved rides and would go on any that her grandkids would, according to her grandson Shawn.

She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Washburn and her husband Richard Jr., of Skowhegan; sister Lillian Stewart, of Madison; one grandson, Shawn Washburn and his fiancée Sara Gilbert; granddaughters, Deanna Fancher and her husband David, Tracy Washburn, and Tristen Hinkle and her husband Corey; five great-grandchildren, Tyler Lyle, Cassie Bessey, Autumn, and Serenna Hinkle, and Odin Washburn; many special nephews and nieces.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Smart and Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine.

Anyone who wishes to leave the family messages can do so on our website at www.smartandedwardsfh.com or join the In loving memory of Rita Dennis page on Facebook.

In lieu of flowers, please share some chocolates or fudge with a friend.

WILLIAM H. CATES

VASSALBORO – William Harold Cates, 71, passed away peacefully with complications from Dementia on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. For the past 10 months he made his home at The Woodlands Memory care unit, in Brewer. Bill was born in Waterville on November 26, 1948.

He was predeceased by his parents, Benjamin and Edna (Winder) Cates . Bill is survived by his wife, Deborah (Cote) Cates; his daughters, Amy Cates and Wendy and husband Chad Grenier; granddaughters, Natalie Greene, Caitlin, Hailey, and Riley Grenier; stepfamily, Lance and Paula Cote and children, Jacob and Madison; siblings, Robert, Richard, Gerry and wife Dianne, Nancy, Randy and wife Carol, and George Allan and many family members.

Bill grew up in East Vassalboro with his large family and enjoyed working at his father’s store, Cates Country Store, and on the family farm as a kid. He attended Vassalboro schools, graduated from Waterville High School in 1967, and attended Wilmington College and gradualed from the University of Maine-Augusta. He held a variety of computer technology jobs during his career with the area paper mills. He retired from Sappi Fine Paper, in Hinckley, in 2006 as a business systems analyst. He then enjoyed working for the Winslow school system as a computer tech.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman. He shared good times with Brian Church and Gene Haskell on their many fishing trips to the Moosehead area. He also enjoyed good friends Pat Berglund and Charlie Cabaniss and cousin, Dennis Wyman.

Bill was a long time active church member of the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, in Waterville, and especially loved singing in the choir.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. Arrangements trusted to Kiley and Foley Funeral Service, Bangor and Brewer.

Messages and memories may be shared with his family at kileyandfoley.com.

Contributions in his memory can be made to PSUMC, 61 Pleasant Street, Waterville, ME 0490l.

DOROTHY E. RANCOURT

WATERVILLE – Dorothy E. (Breton, Bilodeau) Rancourt, 87, of Winslow, died on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. She was born on July 17,1932, in Waterville, daughter of Cyrille and Alice (Lagassey) Breton.

She grew up in Waterville and graduated from Waterville High School class of 1950. Dot met and married Edward Bilodeau, and together they would have four daughters they raised in Winslow.

Family and friends meant everything to Dorothy. Well into her 70s, she was always willing to do anything for her family and extended family. She enjoyed hosting family picnics, holiday dinners, taking drives to the ocean, and just visiting with those she loved. She worked at several retail establishments in the Waterville area, and greatly enjoyed meeting new people through her work. She was lovely, kind, proud and a beautiful person inside and out.

She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by her daughters Donna Moriarty (Michael Lund), of Farmingdale, Leta Bilodeau (Scott Wing), of Augusta, and Linda LaBrie (Mike), of Waterville; her grandchildren, Terri Cook, Ian Moriarty, Chad Moriarty, Katherine Pinkelman, Jennifer Pinkelman, Melissa Frederickson, and Banyon Carpenter; her great-grandchildren, Chase, Patrick, Jack, Trinity, Carly and Vinnie; and her brother, Ronald Breton and his wife Charlene.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husbands, Edward Bilodeau and Brandon Rancourt; and daughter, Diane Bilodeau.

Due to the current pandemic. there will be no public service. A private burial will be held at a later date.

For those who wish, donations to Beacon Hospice may be made in Dorothy’s memory through their parent company at: Amedisys Foundation, 3854 American Way, Ste. A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.

DAVID C. PARADIS

ALBION – David Carl Paradis, 89, of Albion, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2020, following a long illness, just a week before his 90th birthday. David was born April 27, 1930, in Waterville, the son of Leo and Mary (Jaquith) Paradis.

David graduated from Waterville High School in 1949. He joined the United States Air Force in 1950 and earned the rank of staff sargent during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954.

On his return to Waterville, he attended Thomas College, in Waterville, and married Loretta C. Morin. They had five children. He worked at Raybestos Brake Lining, Cottle’s Grocery Store, and the Waterville Morning Sentinel for over 29 years.

Once David retired in 1992, he was an active volunteer in the community. David helped out in the soup kitchen at Sacred Heart Church, in Waterville, and the Oakland Soup Program, Meals on Wheels, and delivery of the Muskie Messenger for the Muskie Center. He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW.

David enjoyed doing genealogy, photography, and collecting and setting up layouts for model trains. David loved keeping in touch with his family and friends. He enjoyed sending out Christmas cards which he had ready to mail out the day after Thanksgiving!

David was predeceased by his parents and wife Loretta.

He is survived by his children, Debbie Stone and her husband Jeffrey, of Sidney, Lori Tuttle and her partner Scott Dudley, of Ellsworth, Michael Paradis and his partner Trish Boudreau, of Albion, Daniel Paradis and his partner Sarah Lummus, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Angela Paradis Lloyd and her husband Jeremy; his grandchildren, Samantha Carter and her husband Ryan, Nicholas Stone, Benjamin Tuttle and his partner Spencer Boden, Lucas Tuttle, Jamie Lynn Dupuis, Crystal Hamilton, and Ashlynn Thompson; his great-granddaughters, Aubrey and Camryn Carter; his ex-wife Susan and her family.

There will be no visiting hours and a memorial service 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.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: MaineGeneral Homecare & Hospice Hathaway Creative Center, 10 Water Street, Waterville, ME 04901.

IRENE P. CRUMMETT

AUGUSTA – Irene Pearl Crummett, 91, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2020, at Gray Birch Long Term Care, in Augusta. Irene was born November 9, 1928, to William Hislter and Evelyn MacDaniel Hisler.

Irene was born in Somerville where she resided for most of her life. Irene’s mother died giving birth, and Irene was raised by Herbert MacDaniel and Azuba MacDaniel.

Irene married Clyde Crummett and they had one daughter, Farlene Crummett. Irne and Clyde were divorced but remained friends the rst of their lives.

Irene enjoyed cooking, knitting and especially feeding the birds, some of the chickadees would land on her hands when she was feeding them. Irene also liked drawing pictures and having her flower garden and house plants.

Irene served as president of the Somerville Historical Society until moving to Palermo where she lived for about 10 years with her daughter. She remained in Palermo until moving to Gray Birch.

Irene was predeceased by her daughter, Faylene Crummett Jones, in 2011.

Irene is survived by several cousins, one special cousin Patricia Parrett, of Clinton, Maryland, and Carrie McGrath, of South China, who was a lifelong friend.

Solar energy, Vassalboro transfer station fixes top agenda

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by Mary Grow

In addition to the 2020-21 budget, Vassalboro selectmen made progress on two other ongoing issues, solar energy and transfer station improvements, at their April 16 meeting.

Plans to add a large amount of solar energy to the town’s energy mix started as a voter-approved proposal to develop a solar array in town. After only two companies reached the point of submitting specific proposals, and one proposal was not to build in town, the plan changed to buying energy from an out-of-town project.

The decision where to buy energy has been and still is an administrative decision, selectmen said, and they can proceed without asking voters’ endorsement of the plan.

Consequently, on April 16 they unanimously authorized Town Manager Mary Sabins to sign an agreement to buy power from a planned development engineered by ReVision Energy, once the proposed contract has been reviewed by an attorney, the school board has agreed to participate and the Solar Committee has approved.

ReVision representative Andrew Kahrl said the contract the town will sign will be with the project owners/financiers, not with Revision. ReVision will build the solar array and will continue to be a contact for power buyers.

Vassalboro reschedules town meeting

Vassalboro selectmen have rescheduled the annual town meeting from Monday, June 1, to Monday, June 22, with municipal elections to follow Tuesday, June 23, instead of Tuesday, June 9. Selectmen might postpone both parts of the meeting again if the state shutdown has not ended by June 22.

The June 22 open meeting includes electing budget committee members and acting on policy issues and 2020-21 school and municipal budgets. The June 23 elections are for one seat on the board of selectmen – Barbara Redmond is unopposed – and two seats on the school board – Zachary Smith and incumbent Erin Loiko are unopposed.

The June 22 open meeting includes electing budget committee members and acting on policy issues and 2020-21 school and municipal budgets. The June 23 elections are for one seat on the board of selectmen – Barbara Redmond is unopposed – and two seats on the school board – Zachary Smith and incumbent Erin Loiko are unopposed.

The next project in line is planned in Skowhegan, he said. Output will be sold on a first-come basis, and several other municipalities are considering contracting. Kahrl hopes the Skowhegan project will be producing power early in 2021; if Vassalboro does not join, the next opportunity will probably be in production by the summer of 2021.

On his advice, Vassalboro will buy enough solar power to cover about 80 percent of local needs, to avoid buying an oversupply if needs decrease. The plan is to include the school’s electrical needs as a separate account, an arrangement acceptable to ReVision.

Kahrl said the proposed contract, which board Chairman Lauchlin Titus called “mind-boggling,” has been reviewed by attorneys for other municipalities.

Estimated savings over a 20-year contract are projected at around $600,000, and Kahrl said power production should continue beyond 20 years. Titus estimated more than half the savings would accrue to the school department, based on education’s share of the total town budget.

Selectmen expected the school board to give final approval within a few days, so the contract could be signed the week of April 20.

Also joining the April 16 virtual meeting was engineer Al Hodsdon, of Waterville, to confirm his assignment: develop a plan for the transfer station that would focus on a new trash hopper on a secure footing, to replace aging components and improve efficiency.

Auxiliary assignments, if possible within the maximum $100,000 budget, would be to design a place for the old compactor to become a back-up and consider moving the entrance onto Lombard Dam Road farther east, to improve sight distance. The $100,000 includes the new compactor and Hodsdon’s fee for engineering.

Selectmen took two other non-budgetary actions:

  • They voted unanimously to postpone interest on taxes unpaid after the April 27 deadline (the fourth 2019-20 quarterly payment) until the end of the state emergency declaration or June 30, whichever comes first. Normally, interest begins to accrue seven days after each quarterly due date, by town meeting vote.
  • They appointed Meridith Cain a member of the Trail Committee.
    The next regular Vassalboro selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 30. It is expected to be another virtual meeting that can be viewed at vcsvikings.org.

Vassalboro school budget will not increase town’s tax rate

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Vassalboro Community School. (source: jmg.org)

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro School Board members have given preliminary approval to a 2020-21 school budget that, for the second year in a row, will not increase the town’s tax rate.

At the April 14 school board meeting, board members thanked Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer, who in turn thanked staff members at Vassalboro Community School (VCS) and in the regional school consortium and Town Manager Mary Sabins.

At the joint meeting with the budget committee that followed the school soard meeting, board member Jolene Gamage warned budget committee members and people watching the virtual meetings that the flat tax cannot last forever.

“It’s not fair to the kids,” she said, to postpone building maintenance, updated textbooks and other expenditures indefinitely.

Another budget-related issue was discussion of the decision to reduce the Gifted and Talented teacher’s position from five to three days a week. Gamage said she received an email questioning the balance between supporting gifted students and supporting those who qualify for the extra help provided by special education services.

Board Chairman Kevin Levasseur agreed with Gamage that families move to Vassalboro because of its high-quality special education program.

“That’s who we are. That’s who we’ve been for a number of years,” Levasseur said.

Pfeiffer estimates between three and five percent of VCS students are identified as gifted and talented. About 27 percent qualify for special education, he said.

The summary sheet for the overall budget shows almost $1.469 million for special education and more than $3.477 million for VCS (essentially, pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade regular education, including the Gifted and Talented program). The third major category in the $7.967 million dollar budget is tuition, at slightly over $2 million.

In addition to next year’s budget, board members made decisions and heard reports on various school-related activities.

They unanimously approved keeping VCS closed until further notice and resuming in-building classes only when recommended by Governor Janet Mills, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Maine Department of Education (DOE). They hope that classes can reconvene for a day or two this spring to ease the transition into summer vacation and fall classes.

Pfeiffer said after surveying staff members, he recommended that virtual teaching continue through what would have been April vacation. Skipping vacation and other schedule adjustments made it possible to move the last day of classes to Friday, June 5. Board members unanimously approved.

The preliminary 2020-21 calendar has classes beginning Tuesday, Aug. 25. Pfeiffer said the proposed calendar is coordinated with Waterville and Winslow high schools and Erskine Academy.

Principal Megan Allen described some modifications to the virtual learning schedule that started in March. The virtual learning is “basically refining skills” rather than adding new educational content, she said.

Plans for the near future include virtual parent-teacher conferences; making it easier for students to access computers; and distributing a newsletter, both in printed copies around town and on the VCS website. The pre-kindergarten screening originally scheduled for late April is postponed.

Vassalboro school buses are still delivering meals. Assistant Principal Aaron McCullough said on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays volunteers assemble in the VCS kitchen to pack 390 bags with two breakfasts and 390 more with two lunches. Other volunteers ride the bus routes to deliver the free meals wherever a student’s family is waiting.

School board members unanimously approved continued participation in the town’s solar energy project. First intended to create a solar farm somewhere in Vassalboro, the plan is now amended to buy power from a solar development outside town boundaries.

After a special April 20 meeting that included information from and discussion with attorney Aga Dixon, of Drummond Woodsum, the Portland firm consulted by many Maine school officials, school board members did not take the final step of agreeing to a contract to buy solar power. Instead, they plan to hold another special meeting Tuesday evening, April 28.

The next regular Vassalboro School board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, May 19, and is planned as a virtual meeting.

JMG gives $300,000 to students for groceries

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As families continue to struggle with the economic impact of COVID-19, Jobs for Maine Graduates is partnering with its school partners to distribute $100 Hannaford Supermarkets gift cards to 3,000 students and their families throughout the state, according to a news release from the organization.

While Maine’s K-12 public schools continue to provide free bagged breakfasts and lunches to students by scheduling pick up times, and school bus deliveries, food insecurity continues to rise.

“The need is so great right now, and it just keeps increasing. JMG has taken the lead in this effort, and is putting resources directly into the hands of our students and families at a time when they need it the most,” said Eric Haley, superintendent of Waterville Public Schools, according to the release. “This is an example of student-centered, results-driven partnership at its best.”

JMG programs are hosted within Maine’s public schools and higher education systems. Program specialists deliver a competency-based model, providing instruction for essential life and career skills, through personalized learning strategies. The program has named its relationship-based approach a “continuum of support”. It is the only nonprofit in Maine serving students from middle school through high school graduation, and into post-secondary education and careers, according to the release.

There are 143 JMG programs in Maine, in all 16 counties.

“Students in all of the communities we serve have been telling their JMG specialists they are struggling with getting enough food and other critical household items,” said Craig Larrabee, JMG’s President and CEO, according to the release. “JMG serves as a bridge between public education and private business. I reached out to the private sector because I knew its leaders would want to do something to support Maine students. Unum was the first to say yes, and others quickly joined forces.”

“Unum has learned from past investments that JMG specialists have a deep understanding of their students. JMG’s relationship-based network is one of the fastest ways Unum can get relief to our neighbors in need,” said Cary Olson Cartwright, Unum’s assistant vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Bill Williamson, Maine President for Bank of America, said the request from JMG met important standards, “We look for organizations that are really going to have an impact and make a difference, and that is why we contribute to JMG. It has the leadership, the scope of services, and scale needed. JMG is unique because it offers a full spectrum of support, and students know JMG is there for them.”

Eve Pelletier is a student enrolled in JMG’s College Success program at the University of Maine at Fort Kent. Formerly in foster care, Pelletier credits her JMG Specialist Susan Dubay with helping her with everything from applying for a tuition waiver to making sure she had her own laptop when Maine’s university system had to close its campuses and move to a distance learning platform.

“My JMG specialist is basically my go-to person for everything. I just started my first semester at UMFK this January, but my specialist started reaching out to me last August because she knew I was interested in going. She worked with me for months to make sure I was ready and to help me create my financial plan,” said Pelletier. “The coronavirus was a complete surprise, and it was shocking to have to leave campus. Now my JMG specialist is my life-line while I am trying to figure out how to finish classes online.”

“We have physical distance, but our connections to students have never been stronger,” said Susan Dubay, the JMG college success specialist at UMFK. “All of my colleagues, all JMG specialists, are proactively reaching out to our students, providing consistency and comfort, asking students what they need most amid all the disruptions to their lives.”

According to the release, JMG secured private donations from Maine employers; and, the Harold Alfond Foundation agreed to provide matching funds ─ bringing total contributions to $300,000 to help JMG students overcome food insecurity. Corporate donors includes Unum, Bank of America, Hannaford Supermarkets, Procter & Gamble, Bangor Savings Bank, AT&T, Skowhegan Savings Bank, IDEXX, Machias Savings Bank, BerryDunn, E.J.Prescott, Pratt & Whitney, Kennebec Savings Bank, Hospitality Maine, Pike Industries and the Retail Association of Maine.

“We consider JMG to be one of Maine’s anchor organizations making important contributions to the state and economy,” said Greg Powell, chairman of the Alfond foundation. “JMG’s rapid response is helping to meet the needs of students during these challenging times, while also ensuring these funds go directly back into local stores to contribute to Maine’s economy. We are pleased to make this worthy investment.”

All of JMG’s school-based partners will receive a minimum of 20 gift cards for $100 to local Hannaford Supermarkets and/or its affiliate stores. JMG specialists will collaborate with school administrators to distribute the gift cards to 3,000 students and their families this week.

The statewide, private nonprofit partners with public schools and private businesses to offer results-driven solutions to ensure all Maine students graduate, attain post-secondary credentials and pursue meaningful careers. JMG provides more than 11,000 students a year with the skills and experience they will need to reach their potential. JMG graduates become engaged members of their communities, productive adults in the workforce, and contributors to Maine’s economy.

Vassalboro selectmen, school board, budget committee agree on proposed 2020-21 budget

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by Mary Grow

In successive meetings April 14 and 16, Vassalboro Budget Committee members reviewed and endorsed proposed 2020-21 school and municipal budgets. They reviewed an almost-final draft of the town meeting warrant and agreed with selectmen’s and school board members’ recommendations on proposed expenditures.

Because the annual town meeting at which voters act on the next year’s budget has been postponed to June 22 (tentatively), Town Manager Mary Sabins and the school department have extra time to put the warrant in final form.

The proposed budgets in their current forms will leave the Vassalboro tax rate where it is this year. The amount of money needed from taxation has increased; however, Town Manager Mary Sabins expects property valuation will also have increased due to new construction so that the money will come from a bigger base. If, as Sabins expects, the assessor increases all valuations by at least five percent, to come closer to state standards, each taxpayer’s valuation will increase but the rate should go down enough to balance the increase.

However, there are still budget uncertainties. For example, Selectman John Melrose said the Kennebec County budget might increase more than selectmen expect. Revenues from the state and federal governments are less certain than usual in the current economic situation.

Since school board members began budget review in mid-March, they have reduced the money needed from taxation by more than $295,000, partly by deleting items and partly by reallocating funding to other sources.

Major deletions from the initial proposed budget include reducing insurance costs, after the increase for 2020-21 came in at less than one percent; cutting two full-time positions, Gifted and Talented and librarian/media specialist, to 3/5 positions; and refiguring the tuition account.

The school department has transferred half a special education secretary’s salary and benefits to MaineCare.

Two new expenditures that board members consider essential are replacing the antiquated and unreliable telephone/intercom system and hiring a math specialist in addition to the reading specialist (a position VCS has had for years that will be filled by a new person in the fall as Kathy Cioppa retires). The budget approved April 14 pays for the first-year telephone/intercom lease with money saved during the current shutdown and for the math specialist from Title I federal funds.

Budget committee members have repeatedly asked how much money the shutdown is saving. Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer said the administration is keeping track but not yet totaling figures. He estimated up to $40,000 will not be spent on heating the building, using buses daily and for field trips, hiring substitute teachers, paying coaches’ stipends for spring sports and other items.

Regional school association staff now need to translate the budget accepted by the School Board into the warrant articles required by the state.

The draft municipal budget, like the school budget, should have no effect on the tax rate, assuming no major changes in non-tax revenues or required expenditures.

At their April 16 meeting selectmen made decisions on previously-discussed topics (see The Town Line, April 9 and also here).

They are not recommending a pay freeze for staff, nor are they recommending additional pay increases in the public works department based on length of service. Sabins polled five nearby towns and found their raises will proceed as planned, and Vassalboro school officials intend to honor contractual pay increases. Sabins said municipal employees are scheduled to get a 2.5 percent increase.

Board Chairman Lauchlin Titus said so far there is no sign that the world-wide drop in oil prices will translate into lower paving costs by summer. Selectmen added $16,000 from undesignated fund balance to the paving budget to reduce demand on taxes. If paving costs do drop, they hope to do additional work, for example, paving at least part of the town garage driveway.

The volunteer fire department’s request for a new fire truck is in the town meeting warrant, under terms that would postpone the first payment from taxation until the summer of 2023. However, the selectmen unanimously and the budget committee by a 6-2 vote (with two abstentions) advise voters to reject the article.

Titus said out of respect for the firefighters, he wanted the article presented to voters; but, he told budget committee members, he thinks “it’s a big commitment for the town to enter into in the current situation.”

Local restaurateur helps community during crisis

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Rita’s Catering staff ready to help feed community. From left to right, Shara Nabarowsky, Joshua Long, Carolyn Elkins, Areti (Rita) Lacroix-Menoudarakos and Zaharias Menoudarakos. (photo by Tawni Lively of Central Maine Photography)

by Mark Huard

It was once said that “you don’t know what you are made of until you are broken.” When you are faced with trying times that take away your ability to live life as you have, what do you do? Well, the Kennebec community certainly knows what Areti “Rita” Lacroix-Menoudarakos, of Rita’s Catering, does in tough times…. she cooks! During this time of crisis when Covid-19 hit, she had a catering event that canceled after all the food had already been ordered. Cathy Bond, from the Winslow Credit Union, knows that Rita takes every opportunity to help the frontline staff at local police and fire stations. So when the event canceled, Cathy gave Rita the green light to do what she does, and help others in time of need. Rita and her staff started off on a smaller scale and made batches of food for the different departments to pick up.

As the State of Emergency continued, Rita adapted and thought of a way to help the broader community on a larger scale. Rita knows that this community has many people that depend on restaurants and takeout services to feed them on a daily basis. Many people do not cook and are now forced into isolation without supplies or knowledge of cooking or baking. This inspired Rita to develop a plan to create low cost meals for the community members during this time of need.

She used her gift of cooking to help others in their time of need.

This plan was extremely well received by so many. In fact, Rita went through all of the food that she had and then had to order two more times after that in order to continue helping the community she loves so much. The meals are being used for multiple different purposes from fueling our first responders to ensuring that our vulnerable elderly population is well fed. There are many seniors that pride themselves on being independent and these meals have helped them stay safe and nourished in this difficult time.

There are some wonderful federally-funded programs out there, but not everyone qualifies for those programs. Rita’s mission was to prevent people from falling through the cracks. She did not want the elderly to have to go out to the stores or go without food. The low cost has allowed others to purchase the meals for others as well, and enable more to continue giving and taking care of each other. Easter was difficult for many being away from family; however, Rita and her team worked hard to give affordable options for people to have a nice dinner over the holiday.

Apple crisps (photos by Tawni Lively)

Tracy O’Clair, of Waterville, says, “As a community we are blessed to have people like Rita.” I think many agree with these sentiments.

Meals ready for pick up at Rita’s Catering, on Bay Street, in Winslow. (photos by Tawni Lively)

During the time of crisis, Rita didn’t break but rather rose to the occasion. She used her gift of cooking to help others in their time of need. She didn’t think of herself, but thought only of how to help others. This pandemic will certainly go down in history, but for our community so will Rita and her generous acts of kindness.”

Meal pick up is at Rita’s House of Pizza, 51 Bay Street, in Winslow. She has also created a Facebook group called Rita’s covid-19 family meal.

If anyone is in need of help at this difficult time, please feel free to contact Rita at the Winslow House of Pizza at 872-0773.

 

 

Sheridan Corp. announces three promotions

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photo: Sheridan Construction

Sheridan Construction is pleased to announce three promotions of key personnel at Sheridan Construction’s corporate office located in Fairfield.

Scott Nielsen, is promoted to Vice President of Finance & Administration.

Scott has been a vital part of the corporate structure and will be celebrating his 35 years of service with Sheridan Construction this October. Scott oversees all accounting, administrative and financial systems for the company and will continue to provide the critical information Sheridan needs to effectively and efficiently utilize its management systems.

Gilbert Thibeau, is promoted to Vice President of Construction.

In his expanded role, Gil will assume the many and varied responsibilities required to oversee the multiple and complex construction projects Sheridan undertakes every year. Gil’s credentials in engineering, LEED and state of art Project Management systems have and will continue to contribute to Sheridan’s growth and capabilities as one of Maine’s leading commercial and industrial contractors.

Wilbur Ferland, is promoted to Vice President of Sales and Estimating.

Wil’s consistent and capable 27 years of service with Sheridan have brought Sheridan’s abilities to bring construction solutions for its clients to the very high levels needed in today’s technical and exacting world of construction. Wil’s solid estimating skills, product knowledge and construction management experience will be utilized to increase the already substantial depth of Sheridan’s capabilities to provide the services today’s sophisticated construction buyer expects.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Fear can interrupt brain processes

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by Debbie Walker

Whether threats to our security are real or perceived they impact our mental and physical well-being.

Fear can interrupt processes in our brains that allow us to regulate emotions. It impacts thinking and decision making in negative ways, leaving us susceptible to strong emotions and impulsive reactions. All these effects can leave us unable to act appropriately.

Fear can affect memory by making it difficult with the forming of long-term memories and cause damage to parts of the brain. This makes it difficult for one to regulate fear and leave them anxious most of the time.

Fear can cause physical health problems. It can weaken our immune system and can lead to accelerated aging.

All the previous information I gathered from University of Minnesota, titled “Taking Charge of Your Well Being“. Please continue your reading of the next information from Dr. Eugene K Choi found on Mission.com, it’s the one titled “One important Recommendation You May Not Be Hearing“. He started out by making sure that people knew; “First let me say yes it’s important to take the necessary precautions I am not writing this to argue about that.”

Fear can be very disabling. If it is strong enough it can throw you into the fight-flight-freeze response. When you are in this state your body produces a steroid, cortisol weakens your immune system.

If we are stuck somewhere in the 3-F’s process because of worries or anxiety, our bodies are wasting a ton of energy because it actually thinks it might die at that moment. All that energy wasted makes us even more susceptible to get sick.

In the 3-F mode you are in a selfish, self-protection state. You literally lose the capability of thinking of or having empathy. It’s what prevents us from thinking or having empathy and can wind up making things worse. Same goes for the “in denial’ people, they go out unnecessarily and put family, friends and other people at risk.

Fear is what sends people to the doctors office when their symptoms aren’t even related. This takes valuable time away from people who are actually infected.

A good idea would be to do things to build up your immune system. Do the things you can do on your own and put your body into a healing and resting mode.

You can practice the act of focusing on things you are grateful for. Think about the things you have. Some of these, others don’t have. Take notice of things until you feel grateful.

Spend your time connecting with your special people. Laugh a lot, it’s healing. Spread appreciation for our loved ones and the people working in jobs that are at risk but know their services are needed.

Try not to listen to information from the media. Look for information that is science based and limit that as well.

Please understand I am only doing a book report of what I read to pass the “interest” on to you. This is in no way is attached to the paper or people in my office.

I’m just curious if maybe this helps a couple of you in this time of “lock-downs'” and quarantines. Any questions or comments please email debbiewalker@townline.org.