An outside look: Independence Day and what it means to us today

Independence Day painting by John Trumbull, in 1819.

by Gary Kennedy

On July 4, 2020, America will be celebrating her 244th birthday (1776 – 2020). The Fourth of July is also known as Independence Day. Unbeknownst to many, on July 4, 1776, there were only 13 colonies. On this day in time so many years ago, the greatest country in the world was born by the writing of the Declaration of Independence;   which proclaimed independence from England.

In the summer of 1776 the Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Independence Hall). At this point in time a man named Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, stated these famous words: “resolved; that these United Colonies are, and all right, ought to be free and independent states, that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.”

This resolution was not followed up on for a time. However, a committee of five was appointed to draft a statement addressed to the world, which stated the colonies case for independence. The members of the original five were, John Adams, of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman, of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin, of Pennsylvania, Robert R. Livingston, of New York,  and Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia.

The task of drafting the actual document rested with Jefferson. On July 1, 1776, the Continental Congress reconvened and on the following day, Lee’s resolution for Independence was adopted by 12 of the 13 colonies. New York abstained from the vote. At this point, I’d like to interject some fun stuff, facts and trivia.

Last year, Americans and their guests spent $1 billion on beer, ate 150 million hot dogs, consumed 700 million pounds of chicken, and 190 million pounds of beef. Now, I will shock you a little. The number one place to party last year was Seattle, Washington. Do you think Chaz is on the list this year? The number two place was Minneapolis, Minnesota. Both failed in some aspects but they were last year’s destinations of choice. Next came New Orleans, Louisiana, which one would expect. It’s known for this sort of thing in all aspects. Then came Washington, DC, next was Portland, Oregon, followed by St. Louis, Missouri; then San Diego, California,  Milwaukee, Wisconsin (beer town),  of course, San Francisco, California, and last but certainly not least Orlando, Florida.

It goes without saying; I wasn’t on the voting committee. I guess the beauty of New England was too laid-back. Oh well!

(Editor’s note: All of these states did not exist in 1776.)

Now back to our historical part.  Were you surprised by Seattle, Washington, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, being number one and number two? I certainly was and what a coincidence regarding these two. I believe they won’t be on the list this year. Another coincidence that I noticed was that many of our forefathers were from the south and were slave owners. Yet we created buildings, statues, ships, and even military bases with their names on them. Good or bad, that’s history. This Fourth of July the problem of racism coupled with the destruction of historical monuments, TV programs, as well as movies and even some forts/bases that we veterans served on are being defiled.

Slavery was a very bad time in our history, but it is our history. However, slavery was an accepted practice in that time until people started realizing that it was terribly wrong. In any case, many slaves, even after the emancipation, opted to remain on plantations.  Things became better for them, more pay, fed and given housing. Some inherited their own piece of land. I don’t say slavery was right as there were a lot of bad plantation owners. However, after the Civil War, a new America began which included all people. The road has been difficult, bad people made it that way. Even though we are presently going through some turbulent times, a better America will come of it, which will include all people. With all my heart I firmly believe this to be true.

America is a resilient country which will never allow the influence of other countries and radical groups to agitate this great country of ours.  We will always come out on the positive side of the negative of the world. In the past few years, we have had a tremendous number of immigrant migrations from Africa and Mexico, and have suffered a severe financial and cultural shock, which has compounded an already nervous society. Change is always difficult, especially when it is given to us in the manner that it has. When you look also with world tension in general, and the problems it has laid upon our society and our need for change, we end up with different types of governance and conflict, placing us into a negative situation nationally as well as internationally.

Some of us are very complacent while others of us see the big picture which is full of “what ifs,” both on the local level as well as the international level. We have faced these things before, and name them, Revolutionary War, Civil War, World Wars I and II, Korea, and Vietnam conflicts. This doesn’t take into consideration the unrest in the Middle East as well. Those things happened and we could be dangerously close to another such event. I pray that doesn’t happen.

This July 4 let’s all reflect on the history and the civics lessons we were taught and use that which was instilled in our memories by the teachers we were so fond of and use that information/knowledge to create the beautiful and prosperous America, that our founding fathers envisioned for us. We are all in this together, and religious beliefs, the color of our skin or our political persuasions should just give us strength, not division. Outside of that, I believe only evil exists. So this July 4, let’s enjoy our family and friends and pray that we can all find common ground and go forward as a proud, free and together,  America. Remember, we have always called George Washington the father of our country. Also, Thomas Jefferson was the right (write) hand/author of the Declaration of Independence. Also, Abraham Lincoln, who died by an assassin’s bullet, placed his quill in the Emancipation Proclamation. This is the land of the free and home to the brave. Strive for peace and unity.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day holiday, and reflect about the reason for the day. May the God that you pray to bless and keep you and yours safe and free. God bless and God bless America.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: We are entering the heart of moth season

Left to right: Virginia Ctenucha moth, Rosy Maple moth, Pink striped oakworm moth. (photos by Roland D. Hallee)

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

As my battle with the brown tail moth caterpillars continues, I have seen a variety of other moths emerge over the last week. I was anxious for the brown tail moth caterpillar to turn into a moth so we can cut down on the floating hairs that have been irritating our skin.

While watering my garden on Saturday, I saw a brown tail moth in flight. What a relief to see that.

However, other moths have caught my attention, and here are three of them.

The first one is the Virginia Ctenucha (pronounced ten-oo-chah) … I think.

The Virginia Ctenucha, Ctenucha virginica, is an attractive moth. It is widespread and common and is a member of the Erebidae family which consists of a varied group of striking moths living in woodlands, fields, and gardens, as well as freshwater swamps, marshes, and bogs.

The Virginia Ctenucha is the largest and most broad-winged of wasp moths in North America. Its wingspan is 1-3/8 to 2 inches. This moth has a metallic blue body, which contrasts with the bright orange of its head and the sides of its collar. Its fore wing is a deep grayish brown, with some metallic blue at the base. Its hind-wing is black.

It is endemic to eastern North America, from Newfoundland south to Virginia. According to the University of Alberta, there has been a westward expansion in the last 60 years as it has reached the Canadian rockies and is now found in all Canadian provinces. Larvae feed on a variety of host plants including various grasses, irises, and sedges. Adults drink nectar from flowers including goldenrod.

The adult Virginia Ctenucha flies primarily during the day, but may also come to light at night. Adults feed on nectar at various flowers, such as goldenrod. The larva body surface is black, covered with tufts of cream-colored or black hairs. Caterpillar hosts include grasses, sedges, and irises.

Despite its name, this is a northern moth. The flight period for the Virginia Ctenucha throughout its range is from late spring to late summer, however sighting records suggest that it flies in July. The larva can usually be seen from April to September, but may be found any time of year, since they overwinter.

Another moth I have spotted is the Rosy Maple moth, Dryocampa rubicunda, a small North American moth also known as the great silk moth. It was first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1793. The species is known for its wooly body and pink and yellow coloration, which varies from cream or white to bright pink or yellow. Males have bushier antennae than females, which allow them to sense female pheromones for mating.

As the common name of the species implies, the preferred host trees are maple trees. They can also be found on oak trees. Adult females lay their yellow ovular eggs in groups of 10 to 40 on the underside of maple leaves. The emerging caterpillars, also known as the greenstriped mapleworm, mainly feed on the leaves of their host maple trees, particularly red maple, silver maple, and sugar maple. Since the caterpillars eat the entire leaf blade, in dense populations, caterpillars have been known to defoliate trees, resulting in aesthetic rather than permanent damage. However, like all other Saturniid moths, the adult moths do not eat.

The rosy maple moth is the smallest of the silk moths; males have a wingspan of 1.25 – 1.75 inches).

The rosy maple moth lives across the eastern United States and adjacent regions of Canada. Their northern-most range includes the southern regions of Canada, including Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Their range extends south along the Atlantic coast of North America to Dade County, Florida, and extends west from eastern Texas through Minnesota.

Caterpillars live and feed in groups until the fourth instar when they become solitary. Adult rosy maple moths are mostly solitary besides during mating.

Individual rosy maple moths typically live for about two to nine months. Between hatching and adulthood, the species undergoes five instars. For moths with longer life spans, much of this time is spent as a pupa over the winter months.

The predators of the rosy maple moth and larvae mostly consist of birds including blue jays, black-capped chickadees, and tufted titmice. The bright coloration of the wings may serve as a defense mechanism to trick predators into thinking they are poisonous and not tasty.

Adults become active in the warmer months of the year. In a study the rosy maple moth was found to vary with changes in temperature, with highest counts at the highest temperature. The recent warm weather may have contributed to its early arrival. Their small size, preventing more effective body temperature control, may also contribute to their preference for warm weather. Adult moths are generally nocturnal, preferentially flying throughout the first third of the night.

Finally, the pink-striped oakworm moth, another species of silk moth.

The female’s wings are purplish red with ochre-yellow. They have thin scales and are almost transparent. The male’s wings are purplish brown with a large transparent space in the middle. The female is larger than the male.

The moth can be found across Canada from Nova Scotia to southeastern Manitoba, and in the United States. It lives in deciduous woodlands and suburbs.

The males attract females by buzzing like a bee. Mating occurs during the morning. It is a rapid process. The male and female stay together for the rest of the day and then the female finds a place to lay eggs, usually under oak leaves.

The caterpillars are gray or greenish with dull brownish yellow or rosy stripes. There are scales on each segment and two long spines. The caterpillars pupate for a short time. They feed on the foliage of oak trees, maples, birches, and hazels. The caterpillar overwinters in the soil as a pupa. Caterpillars that are newly hatched or are in the middle of growing, feed in groups while those that are mature or nearly so feed separately. The caterpillar is about an eighth of an inch long. The head is large in proportion to the body. The inside of the mouth is yellow. The legs are semi-translucent.

Conservation regimes are not required for this species. It is considered a pest of forests because it defoliates trees.

These are all moths I have seen around the door to our office at The Town Line.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Which Red Sox player holds the team record for the most Gold Glove Awards with eight?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, July 2, 2020

Trivia QuestionsWhich Red Sox player holds the team record for the most Gold Glove Awards with eight?

Answer:

Dwight Evans.

THE MONEY MINUTE: How your retirement account can feed hungry kids in Maine and provide scholarships to trade school students

by Jac M. Arbour CFP®, ChFC®
President, J.M. Arbour Wealth Management

At this time of year four years ago, I gave a talk to 800 people at a Lewiston, Maine, elementary school. In it, I shared some ideas about how the students could create an amazing upcoming summer vacation for themselves. I had an absolute blast at the event, and the reaction from the kids and teachers assured me that my talk was well received.

After my talk, a teacher who was thanking me for my message shared a surprising perspective: she said that, for many of the students I had just met, leaving school on Friday is one of the largest stressors in their lives. When I asked why, I learned that many of these kids leave school at the end of each week knowing they won’t eat again until they return on Monday morning and are fed by the breakfast program. Then I learned a staggering statistic: in Lewiston, 100 percent of public school students receive free or reduced-price lunch, and this is true in many other cities and towns in Maine. This was news to me, as it may be to you. My heart sank into my stomach, and I tucked this piece of information into a file I knew I would someday reopen. This is that day.

At J.M. Arbour, we are changing what we do with company profits and redirecting our focus to Maine’s future, which lies in today’s youth, tomorrow’s leaders. So, here is what we are planning to do.

We will be donating a large percentage of our net profits from the management of employer sponsored plans — anywhere from 51 percent to 100 percent (as I write this, we are waiting to hear back from the tax pros about our corporate structure and ability to do so)—to two causes. The first cause we will support is a weekend backpack program that sends kids home every Friday with six meals so they can eat over the weekend. The second is a program that provides scholarships to Maine students who want to enter the trade industries. Plumbers, heating technicians, electricians, welders, crane operators, builders, diesel mechanics—all these professions are essential and always in high demand.

When I graduated from Bowdoin College, I remember people talking about the “need” to leave Maine in order to find “real economic opportunity.” I believe Maine has an abundance of opportunity, but to bring it to fruition we must align those who can mentor and provide opportunities with those who want to learn and are willing to do the work—access and connections can be simplified and strengthened.

That is why the next part of our plan is to encourage the owners, executives, and leaders of the companies that hire us to manage their company retirement plans to join a network we are building to provide support in the form of books and speeches (and overall mentorship) to kids who want to build fulfilling lives here in Maine.

I will sign off from this month’s column by saying that our goal is to feed kids for a lifetime. We want to feed them food as well as positivity, ideas, and hope, which they also need to thrive. We want to facilitate access to education, mentorships, and career opportunities to give Maine students the ability to build rich and rewarding lives and retire on purpose, right here in Maine. We have titled this effort “The Purpose Project.”
Please call our office for more details; I am always thrilled to speak with people about this project and honestly, we need more teammates; we need your help to spread the word. Together, we can end weekend hunger and provide life opportunities for Maine’s young people.

Here is what I promise: If we focus on what we are doing today, we can aim for a better tomorrow.

See you all next month.

Jac Arbour CFP®, ChFC®

Jac Arbour is the President of J.M. Arbour Wealth Management. He can be reached at 207-248-6767.
Investment advisory services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, July 2, 2020

REBECCA J. WEBSTER

BELGRADE – Rebecca (Becky) Jane Webster, 85, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, succumbing to the ravages of 15 years of Parkinson disease. Becky was born on February 13, 1935, in Winthrop, The daughter of Leroy and Evelyn (Frost) Barter.

She graduated from Winthrop High School class of 1953. Following graduation she packed her bags, hopped a bus and struck out on her own to Washington D.C. She worked as a telephone operator but after a few months learned the big city was not what she thought and returned to Maine. Eventually she met and married Maurice Webster.

After marrying, the couple settled in Belgrade Lakes to raise their family.While her children were young, Becky worked at the Locust House, cleaned many of the seasonal camps and worked as a pyschiatric nurses aide at the Augusta Mental Health Institute. She enjoyed the nursing profession, decided to make that her career and began her nursing education.

In 1966 an industrial accident left her husband paralyzed. She abandoned her dream to care for him. When her father-in-law died suddenly just a few months later, she finished out his contract as USPS rural mail carrier. She continued as mail carrier for several years and finally went to work at the State of Maine Revenue Services as a tax examiner.

Becky loved music and dancing. She was a season ticket holder for the Maine State Music Theatre for almost 30 years, attending each show with her daughter and daughters-in-law. She and Maurice square danced and traveled all over New England and Canadian maritimes to dance at different gatherings and conventions until his health prohibited him from dancing. She was a founding member of the Downeast Country Music Association, a member of the Good Sam camping association, and a member of the Union Church of Belgrade Lakes.

Becky was a champion horseshoe pitcher, and ranked in the top 20 women players in New England. She took pride in competing against and beating men without taking the distance advantage given to women players.

Her greatest joy was her family. She taught her children the importance of family, the value of hard work, the necessity of resiliency and was a living example of what it meant to care and nurture. She loved to have family gatherings, hosted great parties, took camping trips with each of her grandchildren, made everlasting memories, and celebrated birthdays and holidays heartily.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband Maurice, brothers Edward, Charles, and Warren, and her sister Sharon.

Survivors include sons Charlie Webster and his wife Vicki, of Farmington, Harold “Jim” Webster and his wife Kelly, of Belgrade, daughter Kim Haggan and her husband Frank, of Belgrade; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren, Ashley and Adam Nau and their sons Seth and Bodi; Amanda and Matt Dickey and their children Owen, Ellis and Jenny; Erin and James O’Connor and their sons Cody and Rory; Ryan Haggan and girlfriend Courtney; and Alyson Webster and boyfriend Mike; three sisters Geraldine French, Dianne Christensen, Lois Daggett and her husband Arnold; a brother Roger Barter.

Becky’s memorial service was held on Monday, June 29, 2020, in the Union Church of Belgrade Lakes.

Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop, where condolences to the family may be shared on the obituary page of the website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

ELSIE V. DOUIN

SIDNEY – Elsie Vera Douin, 89, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2020, at home. Elsie was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on February 14, 1931,the daughter of John and Vera Marko.

She was educated in Saginaw schools. Elsie met the love of her life Norman A. Douin while he was serving in the Navy, married in 1949 and had three children, Larry, Paula and Rodney.Throughout her entire life, she held an unwavering faith in God and devoted her life to her husband and raising her children.

She was an exceptionally talented artist and a lover of all artistic things and in her teens was offered a position with the famous Walt Disney Co. She absolutely loved and was always attracted to anything shiny, glittery or bling, thus her nickname became Gypsy. Elsie was a passionate painter, seamstress, loved needlework, macrame, ceramics and stained glass to name a few. She participated in many art and craft shows with her daughter and was a member of Tole N’ ME and The Society of Decorative Painters. She often talked about working at a local hospital in Saginaw helping in labor and delivery at a young age.

In addition to raising her family, she and her husband owned and operated Douin’s and Sons Garage, Elsie’s Variety and Douin’s Electric while her husband worked full time at the MCRR. Once her children entered high school she went to work at C.F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, and Mary’s Ceramics, both in Waterville.When she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness, she could be found in the kitchen cooking, baking or canning her delicious family recipes for her family and friends.

She was an incredible loving, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and she will be sorely missed by all her knew her.

Elsie was predeceased by her parents John and Vera; her husband Norman; son Joseph; sisters Mary Marko and JoAnn Bonenfant, brother Stanley Markol and grandson Ian Scott Douin.

She is survived by her sister Helen Egbert, of Pennsylvania; and brother Robert Marko, of Michigan; her three children Larry Douin and his wife Shirley, Paula Stevens and her husband Wayne and Rodney Douin; her four grandchildren, Chris Douin, Haley Stevens Arnold, Sara Douin Brown and Casey Douin Whitehousel her seven great-grandchildren, Ian Douin, Greyson Stevens Arnold, Grant Henry Arnold, Abigail Brown, Nolan Brown, Wade Whitehouse and Chase Whitehouse.

Services will be held at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, in Augusta, to be announced at a later date.

HILAIRE M. PAQUETTE

BENTON – Hilaire Maurice “Moe” Paquette, 87, passed away Friday, June 5, 2020, at Oak Grove Nursing Center, in Waterville. Maurice was born Dec­ember 2, 1932, in Winslow, to Emile and Florence (Masse) Paquet.

He attended Winslow schools and graduated from Winslow High School in 1950. He married Claudette Elliott, of Fairfield, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary church, in Fairfield, on February19, 1955.

He was a decorated veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 20 years, receiving three commendation medals for meritorious service and outstanding achievement. He was promoted to master sergeant in February 1970. During his service, he was stationed at a number of Air Force bases across the country including, Dow AFB in Bangor, Westover AFB, in Chicopee, Massachusetts, Otis AFB, in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and McLellen AFB, in North Highlands, California.

After his honorable discharge in 1972, he joined the US Postal Service where he worked as a mail carrier/supervisor until his retirement in 1992. Maurice enjoyed boating and fishing at his camp on Great Pond, in Belgrade, playing his accordion, his piano and his banjo. He and Claudette loved dining out at the Taste of Maine, Anglers and Governors restaurants where he enjoyed his Alabama Slammer. He was also quite fond of the seafood stew from The Pointe Afta. Everyone knew his favorite weekly treat was an ice cream from the DQ.

Maurice is survived by two daughters, Angela Cairnie and husband Paul, of Winslow, Cindy Paquette, of Benton; four sons, Paul Paquette and wife Joyce, of Florida, Mike Paquette and wife Sue, of Auburn, Jeff Paquette and wife Diane, of Durham, New Hampshire, David Paquette and fiancée Sharisse, of Benton; grandchildren, Aaron, Jason, Nicholas, Kelsey, Elizabeth, Hannah, Jeffrey, Holly, Marissa, Sarah; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews; three brothers, Clarence “Ky” Paquet and wife Yvette, Jean “Lawrence” Paquet and wife Jane, David Paquet and wife Maryanne; and one sister Olivette Letourneau.

He predeceased his brother Leonel Paquette who passed on June 11, 2020.

He was predeceased by his wife, Claudette Paquette; his parents; five sisters, Marie Leavitt and husband George, Dorianne Poulin and husband Robert, Justine Dolham and husband Robert, Lizette Madore and husband Donald, Marilyn Theriault and husband Joseph; two brothers, Marcel Paquet and wife Margaret, Camille Paquet and wife Shirley; along with his sister-in-law Adeline Paquette and his brother-in-law Richard Letourneau; three nephews, John Paquet, Reggie Poulin and Terry Leavitt and five nieces, Rachel Paquet, Kathy Madore, Jean Poulin, Betty Paquet, and Brenda Paquet.

A family graveside service was held on June 29, at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, in Waterville, officiated by Father Jim MM. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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

In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations in Maurice’s memory to your local food pantry, or Winslow Community Cupboard, 12 Lithgow St., Winslow, ME 04901, or Fairfield Interfaith Food Pantry, 23 Lawrence Avenue, Fairfield, Maine, 04937, and/or the MaryKnoll Missionary.

NORMA F. BERRYMAN

OAKLAND – Norma F. Berryman, 93, died on Saturday, June 6, 2020, at Oak Grove Nursing home, in Waterville. Norma was born in Paterson, New Jersey, and lived for many years in Denville, New Jersey, before moving to Maine with her husband, William, in 1980.

She attended Oberlin Conservatory of Music, in Ohio, for two years and was a graduate of Syracuse University. She taught third grade in Denville for many years.

In retirement, Mrs. Berryman operated a business that made men’s neckties and women’s handbags throughout New England.

She was active in the Oakland-Sidney United Methodist Church for many years including many years as a choir director. Norma volunteered at Thayer Hospital, in Waterville, for about 30 years, making dolls for children undergoing procedures or surgery.

Surviving are two sons, Robert, of Weld, John and wife Shannon, of Whitehorse Yukon Territory, Canada, and a daughter Kathryn Bosse and husband Robert, of Ellsworth; three granddaughters, one grandson; and six great-grandchildren.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation P.O. Box 515 Northampton, MA 01061-0515.

MICHAEL M. NAWFEL, DMD

WATERVILLE – Michael M. Nawfel, D.M.D., 97, husband of Dolores N. Nawfel, of Waterville, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2020, at the MaineGeneral Long-Term Care Facility at Glenridge, in Augusta. Born in 1923, in Waterville, he was the son of the late Sam M. and Adma D. Nawfel.

He graduated from Waterville High School in 1941. He attended Colby College, in Waterville, for his undergraduate prerequisite sciences and was accepted to Tufts Dental School through the United States Army Specialized Training Program. He graduated Tufts Dental School in April 1946.

During the summer of 1946, he worked his first job as a dentist for the Maine Seacoast Missionary Society established by a Baptist church in Maine. He served on a mobile dental unit on a boat named the Sunbeam providing dental care for the fishing and lobstering communities populating the islands along the coast of Maine. Over the next two years, he completed active-duty service in the United States Army at Army Hospital, in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, during World War II. He was honorably discharged with the rank of captain.

It is no accident that his nostalgic attachment to his birthplace would draw him back to Waterville where he would strengthen his deep connection with family, friends and community upon the purchase of his dental office, at 24 Common St., in downtown Waterville in 1948, the heartbeat of the community. For him, downtown Waterville became a sacred space; a place of deep meaning and belonging. He became affectionately known as “Uncle Mickey” to many of the younger patients in his practice. He loved his work and described it as a blessing. “Work is my blessing, not my doom,” as he would often say. He pursued his passion for dentistry for the next 56 years until his retirement at age 81.

Dr. Nawfel was a member of the Colby Alumni Association, Tufts Alumni Association, Maine Dental Association, New England Dental Society, Kennebec Valley Dental Association, and American Dental Association. For years he was an active member of the Waterville Lions Club.

He reveled in activities such as gardening, fishing, scuba diving, carpentry, and music. He was an accomplished violinist. He was an avid gardener throughout his life and rototilled and planted his last garden at age 92. He built, with his own hands, a 64- x 120-foot skating rink with floodlights hoisted upon telephone poles to light the structure by night. What began as a project for the delight of his four boys had a ripple effect throughout the entire community as children from many of Waterville’s diverse neighborhoods slowly found their way to “Dr. Nawfel’s skating rink” where they would skate and play hockey. These activities would continue for years as his welcome home became another focal point of community in his life.

He is survived by his wife, Dolores Nawfel, to whom he was married for 67 years. Together they dedicated themselves to a singular unity of purpose to preserve and strengthen the health and well-being of their four sons, Sam Nawfel, D.O. and his wife Bonnie, Michael Nawfel, D.M.D. and his wife Karen, Nicholas Nawfel, D.D.S. and his wife Penny, and his youngest son, Peter Nawfel; five grandchildren, Nichole Nawfel, Jacob Nawfel and his wife Katie, Alysia Whynot and her husband Colby, Lauren Nawfel, Jena Nawfel; and his great-grandson, Wesley Whynot; sister-in-law Helen Edwards and her husband Ed and sister-in-law Elizabeth (Betty) Fowler and her husband Leon; many nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, Sam and Adma Nawfel; his four sisters, Laura Nawfel, Amera Nawfel, Zanie Hikel and her husband Gabe, Najla Joseph and her husband Harold; and his granddaughter, Alexa Nawfel.

Because of the restrictions imposed by the pandemic of 2020, a small private graveside service with burial attended by his immediate family was conducted by Father Constantine Sarantidis. He was laid to rest on Saturday, June 13, 2020, at Pine Grove Cemetery, Grove St., Waterville.

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.

For those who would like to make a donation in Michael’s name, you are welcome to consider Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 133 Pleasant St., Portland, ME 04101.

THELMA M. DEMPSEY

FAIRFIELD – Thelma Marie (Hawes) Dempsey, 70, passed away at her home, in Fairfield, on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. She was born in Fort Kent, a daughter of Patrick and Nellie (Voisine) Dempsey on October 2, 1949.

She attended Waterville schools. She married her childhood sweetheart Daniel A. Hawes on September 1, 1965.

They shared six beautiful children together. Thelma was a loving, caring woman. She would give the shirt off her back if you needed it. Her doors were always open to all. She devoted her life to her family; she was always helping someone throughout her life and doing so happily. No one was ever a stranger in her home.

Her hobbies included collecting porcelain dolls and figurines. She enjoyed visiting her family and having huge family gatherings. She loved playing Bingo with friends and family. Her children were her reason for living.

She had an amazing bond with her youngest son, her baby boy, Jerry Hawes, who passed too soon, on Monday, April 13, 2020.

She is survived by her children, Sheri LaVerdiere and husband Bryant, of Fairfield, Kelly LaChance, of Fairfield, Randy Hawes and Kim, of Waterville, Kathy Kennedy and husband Terry, of Florida, Daniel Hawes and wife Tonia, of Fairfield; her siblings Bernadette Paradis, of Waterville, Danny Dempsey and wife Tammy, of Burnham, Karen Elliott, of Waterville, and Gayle Workman and husband Larry, of Oakland; 20 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by the father of her children Daniel A. Hawes Sr.; her son Jerry P. Hawes Sr., infant son Toby L. Hawes; her parents Patrick and Nellie Dempsey; and her brother Jerry Dempsey.

At her request, there will be no viewing or public service. Her children will be planning a Celebration of her Life at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Giberson Funeral Home.

ROLAND L. DUPERRY

WINSLOW – Roland L. Duperry, 91, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 22, 2020. He was born on February 15, 1929, in Van Buren, son of Leo Duperry and Lizzie Madore.

He attended schools in Van Buren, and graduated from high school in 1949.

He was a communicant of Corpus Christi Parish, in Waterville.

Roland apprenticed as a Horologist (clock repair) in Van Buren and continued the business for 50 years from his home. He was a member of the American Watchmakers Institute. He moved to Waterville in 1949 and then to Winslow in 1969. He was employed by Scott Paper Company, in Winslow, for 33 years, 25 of those in security, before retiring in 1986 as Security Chief.

In 1999 he began to winter in Bradenton, Florida. An avid card player, especially Cribbage, he never played a game he wanted to lose. His famous quote, “There are no friends in cards!” will live on forever. He especially loved teaching his grandchildren (the younger generation) the art of playing Charlemagne – a French heritage card game.

Roland married Juliette Martin (d 1988), of Waterville, in 1953.

He is survived by their four children, Daniel and Marla Duperry, of Oakland, Ann Duperry and partner Carol Guerrette, of Frankfurt, Philip and Margaret Duperry, of Sarasota, Florida, Richard and Joette Duperry, of Portland; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth and Jeremy Barnes, Christopher, Nicole and Mac McMurphy, Rebekah, Zachary, Hannah and Ethan; and two great-grandchildren, Hunter and Quinn; brothers, Kenneth and Elsie Duperry, of Dallas, Texas, Carlton and Jeannette Duperry, of East Hartford, Connecticut, Gene and Frances Duperry, also in Dallas, Texas, Donald (Ricky) and Lulrine Duperry, of Fairfield Center; sisters, Louella Bickford, of Benton, Joyce and Sam Green, of Fairfield Center, Francine Duperry, of Centerville, Georgia; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins.

Roland was predeceased by his parents; his wife Juliette, brother Lionel Duperry, of Santa Fe Springs, California, and his brother Rodney Duperry, of Benton.

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

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St John the Baptist church, in Winslow, on Monday, June 29, 10:00 a.m.

Burial took place in St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville.

Arrangements are by Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, ME 04901. (207)872-7676.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at give.mainegeneral.org, Please specify Hospice!

LETTERS: Never give up

To the editor:

With my wife stuck in a lockdown Alzheimer’s facility, and all the negative news on TV and radio, with the editor’s permission, I would like, as I write this on Father’s Day, about a story my father told us young kids that we have always remembered.

Shortly after World War II, my father started a flying school which in those days was regulated by the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA). He started alone but later hired two other Certified Flight Instructors (CFI).

This new young man showed up to take flying instructions, and my father gave him to one of his new CFIs. Bear in mind many of these new CFIs were trained by the military, but regulated by the CAA. My dad mentioned this as some times a military-trained pilot goes by the book and needs to be reminded there is no rank involved here, and each student is treated with respect and understanding.

Well, it seems this new student was having a very difficult time learning how to fly and his ex-military instructor wasn’t very patient with him. Of course, yelling at the poor kid didn’t help during instructions. The instructor told my father, “This kid will never learn how to fly and I am through trying to teach him.”

So, being the gentleman my dad was, he decided to take the student on and see if he could teach him how to fly. Well, according to Dad, this kid’s skills for flying were nil. His eye, hand and feet coordination were very bad. In fact, after many hours of almost being killed teaching this young man, my dad told him he was sorry but, “you are just not equipped and skilled to be a pilot.”

My dad told the other instructor and others the sad news, but was surprised when the young man came into the pilot’s lounge and stated, “So, I gave it a try but now I’m off to Hollywood to become a movie star.”

Well, of course, everybody wished him well, but later laughed at his statement, saying he will probably be as good at acting as he was flying, and all had a good laugh.

Fast forward 20 years, and lo and behold, that young man that tried to learn how to fly did indeed make his mark in Hollywood. After a few small bit parts, he made his fame starring as Col. Hogan in the TV comedy series, Hogan’s Heroes. That young man was Bob Crane.

Happy belated Father’s Day to all out there.

Frank Slason
Somerville

Albion residents approve $1.99 M budget at town meeting

Albion selectmen lead the town meeting on Saturday, June 27, 2020. (contributed photo)

by Roland D. Hallee

The Albion town meeting was held on Saturday, June 27, 2020. This year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the meeting was held at the Albion Fire Station, where social distancing was more easily attainable, as opposed to the normal location at the Besse Building.

The town election was held on March 20. Following 21 years of service, Town Clerk, Treasurer and Tax Collector Amanda Dow resigned in November 2019. Jeanie Doore then resigned as selectman and was appointed town clerk, on an interim basis, until the March election.

The results from that election are as follows, with all candidates running unopposed:

Selectman, overseer of the poor and assessor, all three-year terms, Peter Fortin; Selectman, overseer of the poor and assessor, all for two-year terms, Waldon Linnell; Town Clerk treasurer and tax collector, two-year term, Jeanie Doore; SAD #49 School Board director, Katrina Dumont.

At that time, a motion was made to postpone the remainder of the town meeting, scheduled for March 21, to a future date due to the Covid-19 restrictions on public gatherings.

32 residents of Albion attended the town meeting. (contributed photo)

That meeting was reconvened on June 27.

At that meeting, 32 Albion residents were in attendance. According to Doore, that number is usually 50-75 attendees. The meeting was moderated by Richard Thompson.

All 58 articles on the warrant passed.

The 2020 budget for the town is $1,199,816. Of that, $559,168 is raised from taxation and that is $51,783 above last year, a 10% percent increase. The increase comes from administration, FICA, cemeteries, highways, trash service, 911 dispatch, fire department and the addition to the Albion Public Library.

Three members of the planning board were elected: Matt Ward, five-year term; associate members, Matthew Dow Sr., Ben McPhearson, for one-year terms. Budget committee members elected were Jeffrey Lindsay, Dan Sinclair and Brad Giguere Sr., three-year terms, and William Mckenzie III, two-year term. Alternates are Sonia Nelson and Matthew Dow Sr.

China planners approve revised permit for daycare

by Mary Grow

At their June 23 meeting, China Planning Board members unanimously approved a revision to Amanda Gower’s permit for her daycare business at 166 Tyler Road that lets her increase capacity to a maximum of 75 children and staff at one time.

When the daycare was permitted in 2009, Gower said, she used only part of the house, and applied for a maximum occupancy of 49. She now uses the entire building, has state approval for 75 people and needed town approval to match the state’s.

Planners attached one condition to the permit. Codes Officer Bill Butler said Gower’s septic system as a whole is adequate for the business, but she needs a larger septic tank. Board members directed her to get a new one installed within six months; Gower said she is already talking with installers, who are busy enough so they’re booking well ahead.

Gower said when she enlarged the daycare area she expanded the sprinkler system, as directed by the state fire marshal. The system has an outside connection for firefighters, she said, and members of the Weeks Mills and South China departments have checked it.

The building is in the middle of a four-and-a-half-acre lot, partly wooded, with a wide driveway and adequate parking, Butler and Gower said. There have been no complaints about the business to the town or to Gower in the 11 years it’s been operating.

Gower said 47 children are currently enrolled, but not all come every day. In the current Covid-19 situation, she does not expect to reach capacity for months.

Board members found Gower’s application was complete, no public hearing was needed for a non-controversial expansion of an existing business and the plan met all local ordinance criteria. They then approved the application.

In other business June 23, Butler said he had received questions about the comprehensive plan and about Grace Academy’s change to a pre-school from Clifford Glinko, who wondered whether either the proposed updated plan or the school change would let him expand his marijuana-growing business in South China. Board members lacked information for definitive answers; they agreed a change in the business would require their review.

Butler and Board Chairman Tom Miragliuolo shared warnings about this year’s major infestation of browntail moth caterpillars, which Butler said are causing significant tree defoliation in Weeks Mills, around Webber Pond and elsewhere in the area.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Miragliuolo said.

The moth hairs cause skin irritation and respiratory problems. Miragliuolo said a neighbor had been hospitalized after inhaling them.

The next regular board meeting would have fallen on primary election day, July 14, so board members rescheduled it to Tuesday evening, July 28. They postponed deciding whether it will be a virtual meeting, as the June 23 one was.

Vassalboro selectmen give retiring Lauchlin Titus a send-off

Lauchlin Titus, center, outgoing Vassalboro selectman, was presented the Spirit of America award during the June 22 annual town meeting. Presenting the award were town selectmen Rob Browne, left, and John Melrose. (photo courtesy of Mary Sabins)

by Mary Grow

The centerpiece of the June 25 Vassalboro selectmen’s meeting was the going-away party for Board Chairman Lauchlin Titus, who is not a candidate for re-election on July 14. He has been a selectman for 12 years and previously served on other town committees.

Numerous town employees were present. Titus received gifts suited to his non-governmental interests and the audience shared – and praised – the trifle made by town office staffer Debbie Johnston-Nixon.

Town Manager Mary Sabins introduced Michael Levesque, summer intern whose task is to begin computerizing Vassalboro’s cemetery records to make them accessible to genealogists and other researchers. Levesque is studying environmental policy and planning at the University of Maine at Farmington, where he just finished – virtually – his second year.

Levesque said he started with the Cross Hill Cemetery and intends, time permitting, to move to the North Vassalboro one. Already, he said, he has made interesting discoveries, like locating the grave of someone who was almost certainly a veteran, but has not previously been recognized when veterans’ graves are marked with flags.

In other June 25 business, selectmen made the annual reappointments to town boards and committees for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Sabins commented that Vassalboro is lucky to have many residents willing to volunteer. There are a few vacancies; selectmen recommended they be listed on the town website.

Sabins reported alewife revenues for 2020 are lower than usual, at $16,410. The income from sale of the small fish as they migrate into Webber Pond has exceeded $20,000 in some recent years. Selectmen commented they had observed fewer eagles watching the migration up Outlet Stream, too.

The good news, Sabins reported, is that excise tax revenue has rebounded after dropping at the beginning of the Covid-19 shutdown.

Codes Officer Paul Mitnik informed selectmen of a North Vassalboro yard full of junk left by tenants who have moved out. The town might have to clean up the property and bill the former tenants, he said. He fears the yard is likely to attract rats and could become a health hazard.

Titus (doing his duty as a citizen, he said) passed on to Mitnik a complaint about another property in town that has not yet been cleaned up as the owner promised.

July 14 voting in Vassalboro will be at Vassalboro Community School (not at the town office as usual), with polls open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The town office will be closed July 14. In addition to state referenda and primary elections, Vassalboro voters have two local questions: a referendum on the school budget approved at the June 22 town meeting and uncontested local elections.

Information on July 14 voting and on obtaining absentee ballots is on the Vassalboro website.

The next regular Vassalboro selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23.

Winslow Community Cupboard Food Bank seeks donations for much-needed cooler

Submitted by Dave Carew

Due to the pandemic and the economic crisis it has triggered, Winslow Community Cupboard, the food bank at Winslow Congregational Church, is experiencing record-level demand for its food bank services. To be able to store enough quality food to assist food-insecure children, seniors, and other adults, the food bank is in serious need of a walk-in cooler. The all-volunteer staff is hoping to raise $4,000 to pay for the cooler and installation.

“We’ve experienced much higher demand than we anticipated—and on a regular basis. We’ve had generous food donations from Good Shepherd, USDA, Hannaford, and others in the local community, but have struggled to house it all before serving days. Purchasing a cooler unit will allow us to accept all cold and frozen food donations going forward,” said Bruce Bottiglierie, Operations Manager, and Anna Quattrucci, Assistant Operations Manager, in a joint statement.

Donations from individuals and businesses in the local community would be enormously appreciated. PayPal or credit card donations may be made at the following link, by clicking the “Donate” button:

https://winslowucc.org/winslow-community-cupboard/

Checks payable to “Winslow Community Cupboard” may be mailed to: Winslow Community Cupboard / 12 Lithgow St. / Winslow, ME 04901.

For more information, please email Bruce Bottiglierie or Anna Quattrucci at WinslowCupboard@gmail.com.