PHOTO: Another gorgeous sunset
Michael Bilinsky, of China Village, captured this gorgeous sunset over China Lake recently.
Some teachers, administrators wear too many hats
by Peg Pellerin
There are times when some folks wear too many hats and usually it’s not because they want to but because they are so good at what they do that they’re handed yet another hat to wear. Those handing over those hats forget that they can give someone many hats to wear but the individual has only one head.
There is no better example of this than in a school during the COVID-19 pandemic. I happen to be working in a hybrid school system where we have Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 days that alternate. Our teachers must make up lessons for both Cohorts as well as work for home on the days the students are not in school….plus homework for the days they are in school. We’re in week four of the school year and some parents as well as their children still haven’t figured out what they need to do even though everything is written out for them….plus the fact that the teacher(s) email, text and make phone calls, while they are preparing for the next set.
You know that part of getting an extra hat to wear because you’re good at what you do, well a teacher I work with was given an extra hat, today, to conduct a training in the near future on a Monday afternoon. She still has all her hair except for a few patches. Now I know what was between her fingers.
Another hat is remote teaching while also doing in-building teaching. No they aren’t done at the same time but at different times. More on this later.
Teachers also have duties such as conducting students coming from buses and parent drop offs to the designated areas (breakfast or classrooms), recess, hall monitoring, lunch, dismissal dividing the students for buses and parent pickups. Because of the pandemic, these have to be conducted at different entrances in the morning and exits in the afternoon in order to keep students social distancing.
Those teachers who are lucky enough to have an Ed. Tech. get a little help by having them assist with copying, putting learning packets together, laminating, assisting teachers while they are remote teaching by working with the in-building students or we put the extra hat and do the remote teaching after the teacher has given us the curriculum we are to perform with the students remaining home. Oh, yes, we also have the same duties as the teachers….plus, we check on teachers in our pods/wings to see if they need a BR break. When I see a teacher doing a little dance while teaching in front of the classroom, I know she is not entertaining the students. I get a “thank you so much” as she steps out of the room for a couple of minutes.
Teachers and Ed. Techs are not the only ones who wear several hats. The vice principal wore a custodial hat a couple of weeks ago and continues to do so whenever a custodian is out for the day/evening. There is so much that is asked of the custodians in a normal situation but now they must also sanitize every desk, chair, cafeteria tables, door knobs, railings, and anything else that someone’s hands may lay on. So, when one of the custodians is out for some reason or another, the vice principal steps in and helps the other custodians to complete this task along with other custodial services.
Both of our principal and vice principal also make several rounds per day, checking on the hand sanitizing stations to make sure they are full and if the custodian can’t get to it in a timely manner because they are too busy doing other building maintenance, they fill the stations up for them.
I’m sure I must be forgetting some type of hat worn by someone or someones within the building but I can tell you they don’t stop, barely have a chance to get a breather and put their students ahead of themselves. I don’t have to look at comic books, graphic novels or movies to see heroes, I see them every day at school.
Submitted by Debbie Walker
Film center marks domestic violence awareness month
The Maine Film Center continues its new virtual series, “Cinema in Conversation,” where filmmakers, film experts, policymakers, and journalists from around the world converge on Zoom to discuss important films with the community.
The next event in the “Cinema in Conversation” series will take place on Sunday, October 18 at 2:00 p.m., and will be led by filmmakers Anna-Sophia Richards and Astrid Schäfer (IN MY SKIN), and founder/president of Finding Our Voices Patrisha McLean (producer, “Women in Windows”). Both films address the issue of domestic violence and will bring Domestic Violence Awareness Month into focus. To view the films and register for the discussion, visit RailroadSquareCinema.com. The screening cost is $10 for both films, and proceeds will be split with the filmmakers.
Made in Germany, IN MY SKIN (72 minutes) asks, “Why do women stay in violent relationships even when they have been abused for a long time?” The film chronicles the experiences of the daily lives of three women with different backgrounds as the camera takes on their point of view. We hear their thoughts and suffer with them as they struggle to become more independent and break free. Based on true events, all voice-over texts were taken from interviews with the portrayed women.
WOMEN IN WINDOWS (7 minutes) is a portrait of domestic violence in our own Maine community. As COVID-19 took hold, domestic violence started to spike. The non-profit Finding Our Voices responded with “Women in Windows”: a campaign of huge (2′ x 4′) banners in the windows of 70 downtown businesses in Midcoast Maine, each featuring one of 25 Maine Survivors of domestic abuse, a nod to the abuse and the woman’s transcendence of it, and the local domestic violence hotline phone number: Getting word to women trapped more than ever with angry and controlling family members: “You are not alone” and “There is help out there.” Award-winning film director Daniel Quintanilla captures and preserves this campaign, now touring the state, in this seven-minute film that has a woman taking in the actual words of the actual women in a drive through town, inspiring her own coming out of the darkness and into the light.
A slate of discussions over the coming months will consider a wide range of films: LA LLORONA (dir. Jayro Bustamante, 2019), BIG NIGHT (dir. Stanley Tucci, 1996), and CODED BIAS (dir. Shalini Kantayya, 2020). Each discussion will be led by either the filmmaker or a film expert.
INside the OUTside: Sugarloaf homecoming a little different
Patrons gather for the annual Sugarloaf homecoming. (photo by Dasn Cassidy)
by Dan Cassidy
It was a clear ‘crisp’ day at Sugarloaf over the weekend. It didn’t seem to be the same as Homecomings in the past as the Coronavirus epidemic has taken its toll on Maine’s economy in many ways.
Looking back to last spring …. late February when spring skiing at the “Loaf” was in full swing, the mountain had just received a substantial amount of snow and many skiers were looking forward to skiing into May.
However, news spread around the slopes quickly that the mountain was closing for the season due to Coronavirus outbreak. The news spread like wildfire and it got worse as all ski resorts in the U.S. and Canada closed down.
But that was then … and this is now. Although many changes will greet us when opening season arrives, be prepared for new regulations both inside the lodges and on the slopes.
The base lodge will be open as usual for changing into your ski wear and boots, however, social distancing and dining may pose some problems early in the season.
The locker rooms will be open for members to change into their ski and snowboard gear, however, the hours of operation have been modified.
Snowguns came to life on Skidder Trail as it was all dressed in white for visitors as they drove up to the Sugarloaf base lodge.
Although the crowd wasn’t as large as expected due to cancelling of the opening meetings and some outdoor events, many children were busy with paintings, art contests, and many fat bike treks were held.
Seasons’ passes are available to purchase online, along with ski club memberships for the 2020-2021 ski season.
It’s time to get into shape! Looking forward to seeing you on the slopes!
SCORES & OUTDOORS: The familiar sights and sounds of the Canada Geese
Canadian Goose
by Roland D. Hallee
We’ve all heard them. The honking sounds overhead as the Canada geese move south in their familiar V formation. Let’s learn a little more about these large birds that at one time were considered extinct.
The Canada goose, Branta canadensis, is a large wild goose species. It is native to arctic and temperate regions of North America, and its migration occasionally reaches northern Europe. Like most geese, the Canada goose is primarily herbivorous and normally migratory; it tends to be found on or close to fresh water.
Extremely skilled at living in human-altered areas, Canada geese have established breeding colonies in urban and cultivated habitats, which provide food and few natural predators. The success of this common park species has led to its often being considered a pest species because of its excrement, its depredation of crops, its noise, its aggressive territorial behavior towards both humans and other animals, and its habit of begging for food (caused by human hand feeding).
The Canada goose was one of the many species described by Carl Linnaeus in his 18th-century work Systema Naturae.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first citation for the ‘Canada goose’ dates back to 1772. The Canada goose is also colloquially referred to as the “Canadian goose”. A persistent urban legend gives the name origin as after an ornithologist surnamed “Canada,” but this is false.
Canada geese range from 30 to 43 inches in length and have a 50–73 inch wingspan. The male Canada goose usually weighs 5.7–14.3 pounds. The female looks virtually identical, but is slightly lighter at 5.3–12.1 pounds, and generally 10 percent smaller in linear dimensions than the male counterparts. The honk refers to the call of the male Canada goose, while the hrink call refers to the female goose. The calls are similar, however, the hrink is shorter and more high-pitched than the honk of males.
This species is native to North America. It breeds in Canada and the northern United States in a wide range of habitats. The Great Lakes region maintains a very large population of Canada geese. Canada geese occur year-round in the southern part of their breeding range, including most of the eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast. Between California and South Carolina in the southern United States and northern Mexico, Canada geese are primarily present as migrants from further north during the winter.
By the early 20th century, overhunting and loss of habitat in the late 19th century and early 20th century had resulted in a serious decline in the numbers of this bird in its native range. The giant Canada goose subspecies was believed to be extinct in the 1950s until, in 1962, a small flock was discovered wintering in Rochester, Minnesota. Harvey K. Nelson, talked Forrest Lee into leaving Minnesota to head the center’s Canada goose production and restoration program. Forrest soon had 64 pens with 64 breeding pairs of screened, high-quality birds. The project involved private, state, and federal resources and relied on the expertise and cooperation of many individuals. By the end of 1981, more than 6,000 giant Canada geese had been released at 83 sites in 26 counties in North Dakota. With improved game laws and habitat recreation and preservation programs, their populations have recovered in most of their range, although some local populations may still be declining.
In recent years, Canada goose populations in some areas have grown substantially, so much so that many consider them pests for their droppings, bacteria in their droppings, noise, and confrontational behavior. This problem is partially due to the removal of natural predators and an abundance of safe, man-made bodies of water near food sources, such as those found on golf courses, in public parks and beaches, and in planned communities. Due in part to the interbreeding of various migratory subspecies with the introduced nonmigratory giant subspecies, Canada geese are frequently a year-around feature of such urban environments.
Contrary to its normal migration routine, large flocks of Canada geese have established permanent residence along the Pacific coast of North America from south-western British Columbia (specifically Vancouver Island and British Columbia’s Lower Mainland), south to the San Francisco Bay area of Northern California. There are also resident Atlantic coast populations, such as on Chesapeake Bay, in Virginia’s James River regions, and in the Triangle area of North Carolina (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill), and nearby Hillsborough. Some Canada geese have taken up permanent residence as far south as Florida, in places such as retention ponds in apartment complexes. In 2015, the Ohio population of Canada geese was reported as roughly 130,000, with the number likely to continue increasing. Many of the geese, previously migratory, reportedly had become native, remaining in the state even in the summer. The increase was attributed to a lack of natural predators, an abundance of water, and plentiful grass in manicured lawns in urban areas.
Canada geese are primarily herbivores, although they sometimes eat small insects and fish. Their diet includes green vegetation and grains. The Canada goose eats a variety of grasses when on land. The Canada goose also eats beans and grains such as wheat, rice, and corn when they are available. In the water, it feeds from aquatic plants.
In urban areas, it is also known to pick food out of garbage bins. They are also sometimes hand-fed a variety of grains and other foods by humans in parks. Canada geese prefer lawngrass in urban areas. They usually graze in open areas with wide clearance to avoid potential predators.
Canada geese are known for their seasonal migrations. Most Canada geese have staging or resting areas where they join up with others. Their autumn migration can be seen from September to the beginning of November. The early migrants have a tendency to spend less time at rest stops and go through the migration much faster. The later birds usually spend more time at rest stops. Some geese return to the same nesting ground year after year and lay eggs with their mate, raising them in the same way each year. This is recorded from the many tagged geese which frequent the East Coast.
Flying in the V formation has been the subject of study by researchers. The front position is rotated since flying in front consumes the most energy.
The lifespan in the wild of geese that survive to adulthood ranges from 10 to 24 years.
Canada geese instinctively nest on higher ground near water. Known predators of eggs and goslings include coyotes, Arctic foxes, northern raccoons, red foxes, large gulls, common ravens, American crows, carrion crows and both brown and American black bears.
Once they reach adulthood, due to their large size and often aggressive behavior, Canada geese are rarely preyed on, although prior injury may make them more vulnerable to natural predators. Beyond humans, adults can be taken by coyotes and grey wolves. Avian predators that are known to kill adults, as well as young geese, include snowy owls, golden eagles and bald eagles and, though rarely on large adult geese, great horned owls, and peregrine falcons. Adults are quite vigorous at displacing potential predators from the nest site, with predator prevention usually falling to the larger male of the pair. Canada geese are quite wary of humans where they are regularly hunted and killed, but can otherwise become habituated to fearlessness towards humans, especially where they are fed by them. This often leads to the geese becoming overly aggressive towards humans, and large groups of the birds may be considered a nuisance if they are causing persistent issues to humans and other animals in the surrounding area.
Canada geese are susceptible to avian bird flus.
In North America, nonmigratory Canada goose populations have been on the rise. The species is frequently found on golf courses, parking lots, and urban parks, which would have previously hosted only migratory geese on rare occasions. Owing to its adaptability to human-altered areas, it has become one of the most common waterfowl species in North America. Canada geese are protected from hunting and capture outside of designated hunting seasons in the United States by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and in Canada under the Migratory Birds Convention Act. In both countries, commercial transactions such as buying or trading are mostly prohibited and the possession, hunting, and interfering with the activity of the animals are subject to restrictions.
In Maine, the Early Canada geese may be hunted from September 1 – 25, in the north, south and coastal zones. The Regular Canada Geese, including white-fronted geese, may be hunted, in the north zone, from October 1 through December 9; in the south zone, October 1 through October, and October 30 through December 26; and coastal zone October 1 through October 12, and October 27 through January 2, 2021.
Canada geese have been implicated in a number of bird strikes by aircraft. Their large size and tendency to fly in flocks may exacerbate their impact. In the United States, the Canada goose is the second-most damaging bird strike to airplanes, with the most damaging being turkey vultures. Canada geese can cause fatal crashes when they strike an aircraft’s engine. The FAA has reported 1,772 known civil aircraft strikes within the United States between 1990–2018.
As a large, common wild bird, the Canada goose is a common target of hunters, especially in its native range. Drake Larsen, a researcher in sustainable agriculture at Iowa State University, described them to Atlantic magazine as “so yummy…good, lean, rich meat. I find they are similar to a good cut of beef.”
In 2000, the North American population for the geese was estimated to be between 4 million and 5 million birds.
Roland’s trivia question of the week:
The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have each won 17 NBA titles. Which two franchises are tied for third on the list.
Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, October 15, 2020
The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have each won 17 NBA titles. Which two franchises are tied for third on the list.
Answer:
Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors, with 6 each.
SOLON & BEYOND: The art of tearing down barns
by Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979
This is the second time that I have had to write two columns in one week for one reason or another. This one is for October 15 and I didn’t get what little recent news I have received in time to get them in the paper they should have been in. Anyway: in order to let you know what has been going on I am going to print them.
As you know, I have been using articles about events that happened mostly back “in the good old days,” such as the one on dowsing, that I got an e-mail offering me a job. And have received other interesting comments, many thanks go out!
Have received two wonderful visits from a friend who has a business of tearing barns and buildings down. Perhaps some of you know Jeff McAllister who grew up in Caratunk and now lives in Bingham. He has been collecting old things like bottles, etc., for many years and has a business of tearing down old barns and buildings. He has visited us a couple of times and it is very interesting to hear about what he enjoys doing in his job. I asked him how many buildings he had torn down and he said 34 buildings and two dozen barns, within 52 miles, he chuckled and said he gets a “minimal wage!”…but you can tell, he loves every minute of it!
Being at the age that I have now reached, I love hearing about his interest in old things. Guess he could see that, and yesterday he brought down three pages he had written about “How to Tear a Barn Down,” that he wondered if I would want to write about in this column. Right off quick, I said “Sure”, but then I asked him if he wanted to share this information because it might take some of his business away when they learned how to do it, he still said “Yes.” I told him I was limited for space so all of it won’t be in this time.
In Jeff’s words, “Anyone can tear a barn down. Simply hook a chain onto a girder or plate and pull with a 4 x 4 truck. Every action has a reaction. If the barn is post and beam and mortised and tender the reaction of pulling with a 4 x 4 from either a girder or plate will be damaging to all lumber involved. The pinion with a hand made wooden peg which goes through the beam will tare wood out from connected beams, this being done this way is TEARING the barn down.
How Jeff Dismantles a Barn.
My number one objective is to salvage all useable lumber. I prep the barn for what I call a controlled pull. The general public doesn’t give me barns in good shape. Either the roof is bad or foundation has given away. First I look over the barn for safety sake. Is it safe to go into? Is the barn spreading, meaning the walls are kinking out. Are all the pinions and pegs solid? If the rafters are solid and still pegged into the plates it’s O.K to work on the roof.
The following is my way of prepping a barn for my controlled pull. First I take out both gable ends. If it’s too high for my ladders I push out the gable ends so as to bypass when I pull the roof down. Next I take out all supports that are vertical up to all rafters. Now after all this is done, I am now ready to hook my chains for my controlled pull. I run my chains along the inside of the plates behind all the rafters. Now I am ready to pull, and 90 percent of the time the roof will collapse flat onto the girders, Then I am happy it’s not now a big barn.
That is the first page of the article about How to Dismantle a Barn, by Jeff McAllister. ( I’ll be waiting to hear how many of you are going to try it?) Will be putting in the rest of it next week if there is room.
Just so you know, the Neighbor to Neighbor Thrift Shop in Embden is NOT accepting donations for the next two weeks until Wed., October 21.
Please note the Thrift Shop is open Wednesdays 9 a.m. – noon and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. When the library is open the Lending Library is open. Also the People Who Care Food Cupboard is open on Saturday from noon – 2 p.m. Also on Wednesday is: Sewing 10 a.m. – noon and Bone Building from 9 – 10 a.m.
Also from Carol: We are cancelling the October 12, 2020, Embden Historical Society meeting on “Embden’s Changes Over the Last 200 years.”
And now for Percy’s memoir from a clipping when I was writing for the Somerset Gazette back in 1996, before Percy! This week I’m going to end with some more advice from Boogar Hollow. Now keep in mind that this book was published in Lindale, Georgia, so the dialect is different from ours. As a reporter I believe strongly in this one… “You can lose plenty while jumpin’ to conclusions, but muscles ‘n strength come from diggin’ for facts.”
Turkey pie sale planned in Madison
A turkey pie sale, curbside only, will be held at the back entrance of the Madison American Legion Hall, on Saturday, November 7, 2020, from 3 to 6 p.m., at 20 S. Maple Street. Each pie is $10, and pre-orders are encouraged, call Charlotte at 696-3375 by October 30. For every purchase, your name will go into a drawing. Proceeds to benefit the local food cupboards. FMI: call Charlotte at 696-3375 or Harriet at 635-2051.
This event is hosted by Tardiff-Belanger American Legion Auxiliary, Unit #39, Madison.
OBITUARIES for Thursday, October 15, 2020
JOHN R. WHALEN
VASSALBORO – John Ronald Whalen, 73, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at his home, in Vassalboro. He was born October 8, 1946, in Calais, the son of Grayson G. and Evelyn P. (Sherrard) Whalen.
He was a graduate of Waterville High School class of 1964. He served in the Army National Guard at Camp Keyes, in Augusta, as a Chief Warrant Office 5 for over 30 years until his retirement. He was a member of the Vassalboro Lions Club and enjoyed golf, travel, gardening, bird watching, basketball, and spending time with his dog, Pepper.
John was predeceased by his wife of 44 years Edna Whalen, sisters-in-law, Linda Hapworth, Kathy Whalen and Terry Flanagan.
He is survived by his daughter, Heather Podkowka and husband Richard, of Vassalboro; four brothers, Dennis Whalen, of Unity, Grayson Whalen and wife Joan, of Skowhegan, Glen Whalen and wife Sandy, of Fairfield, Mike Whalen and wife Diane, of Fairfield; sister-in-law, Patricia Smith and husband Bill, of Newburg; three brothers-in-law, Floyd Baker and wife Gale, of Oakland, Jeff Baker and wife Lisa, of Fairfield, and Wayne Hapworth.
A graveside service will be announced at a later date at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in John’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association of Maine, 383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 0407.
Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.
ALBERT G. JOHNSTON
FAIRFIELD – Albert “Al” G. Johnston, 85, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2020, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. He was born August 6, 1935, in Waterville, the son of Archie and Rose (Byram) Johnston.
He was employed as a skilled heavy equipment operator for the city of Waterville Public Works for 41 years and then worked summers in the Parks and Recreation Department for 13 years mowing the ball fields.
Albert is survived by daughters, Betty Whitney and husband, Virgil, of Fairfield, and Ruth Lunn, of Waterville; grandchildren, Glen Giroux, of Atlanta, Georgia, and Lisa Nadeau, of Fairfield; great-grandchildren, Anna Giroux, of Atlanta, Georgia, Blake Pockrandt, of Jacksonville, Florida, Joshua Nadeau, Jackson Vaughn and Jodie Nadeau, all of Fairfield, great-great-grandson, Brooks Pockrandt, of Jacksonville, Florida; siblings, Joyce Osterloh and husband Roy, of Texas, Larry and wife Joan, of Oakland, Charlene Lawrence and husband James, of Waterville, Tim, of Waterville; sister-in-law, Carolyn, of Waterville; many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Mary; parents, Archie and Rose Johnston; siblings, Clinton and wife Nadine, of Oakland, Ronald and wife Jackie, of Palmyra, Bernard “Bun” Perry, Wesley “Wes” and Edward “Eddie”, Betty Estabrook and husband Tom, of Oakland.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, October 10, 2020, at 11 a.m., at Lewis Cemetery, 51 Cottle Rd, Oakland, ME 04963.
In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Albert’s memory to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.
Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 455 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.
MARLENE A. WILLEY
BENTON – Marlene Alma (Provencher) Willey, 67, passed away on Monday, September 28, 2020. Born in Rumford on October 2, 1952, she was the fourth of 12 children of Edwin and Irene (Ferrin) Provencher.
Marlene married the late Edward Robert Willey on June 20, 1998. She formerly worked for the Waterville School District as a custodian; and Bald Mountain Camps, in Rangeley, in her younger years. Marlene had a giving spirit and the gift of generosity. She joyfully volunteered serving those less fortunate at the Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen, in Waterville.
She was a master flower gardener who loved cats (especially Jezebel), going to the beach for solace, crocheting, reading, puzzles, bowling, bingo, gambling, spending time with her three grandchildren, watching sports, and playing cards with her sons.
Survivors include her sons Gregory Allen Reed, of Fairfield, Nicholas George Leavitt (Sarah Hanley), of Waterville; grandchildren Zachary, Kennedy, and Benjamin Leavitt; brothers Maurice Provencher, Edwin Provencher, and Frank Hamel; sisters Deborah LaChance, Stephanie Proctor (James), Naomi Duff, Daphne Williams (Roger); many nieces and nephews and greats.
She was preceded in death by her husband Edward Robert Willey, Sr.; parents Edwin and Irene (Ferrin) Provencher; brother Robert Provencher, sisters Martha Boudreau, Susan Todish, Michelle Snyder.
There will be no visitation and funeral.
A small family gathering will be held at the family cemetery on East B Hill, in Byron.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at directcremationofmaine.com.
EDGAR RHODES
CLINTON – Edgar “Ed” Rhodes, 82, passed away at a Waterville Hospital on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. He was born December 11, 1937, in Rockland, the son of Lloyd and Georgia (Quimby) Rhodes of Bar Harbor.
Edgar was a 1955 graduate of Bar Harbor High School. He then enlisted with the Navy Seabees and was stationed in Puerto Rico where he drove heavy equipment and helped to build a new Naval base. Following the military service Ed attended the Northern Conservatory of Music, in Bangor, and taught music in Mars Hill, Ellsworth, and Skowhegan schools. He was later employed by Colby College, and finally the Discovery House, in Bangor.
Edgar was a very caring man and a living role model for the patients attending the Discovery House. Ed loved children like they were his own. He was known as “Grampy Ed” to the children who accompanied their parents to appointments.
Edgar is survived by his son, Lloyd Rhodes and fiancée Jeannie Bragg, of Surry; granddaughter Randa Rhodes, of Bangor; his sister Martha Perkins, of Bar Harbor; his step-son Scott Brown, of Hinckley; his step-daughter Bethany Davis, of Waterville; and many extended family members.
He was predeceased by his parents Lloyd and Georgia Rhodes, his sister and brother-in-law Betty and Stuart Reed ,of Torrington, Connecticut, his son Jeff Rhodes, of Ellsworth, his daughter Michelle Leathers, of Trenton, and a brother-in-law Leonard Perkins, of Bar Harbor.
Funeral service will be held at the Sebasticook Lodge #146, in Clinton, on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at 1 p.m. Setting of the stone and a memorial service will be at the Ledgelawn Cemetery in the early spring 2021, in Bar Harbor, date to be announced.
Those wishing to contribute in his memory may do so to the We Honor Veterans, at CHCS Hospice (a program that honors and recognizes veterans at end of life), 42 Cedar Street, Bangor, ME 04401.
Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.
PHILIP S. BIRD
WATERVILLE – Philip Stanley Bird, 91, died peacefully at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, on Friday, October 2, 2020, of natural causes following a brief illness.
He was born on July 16, 1929, in Skowhegan, the son of Stanley and Phyllis Whittemore Bird.
Phil graduated from Waterville High School in 1947, Bowdoin College in 1951 and Boston University School of Law. Following graduation from law school, he entered the United States Marine Corps and served as legal counsel at the U.S. Marine Corps base, in Cherry Point, North Carolina, for two years.
In 1952, he married Marilyn Jean Johnson, of Augusta. They were married for 68 years.
Phil and Jean returned to Maine in 1955. He practiced law, served as city solicitor of Waterville and in later years worked for the State of Maine Department of Transportation. In 1961, at the age of 31, he argued a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, a rare opportunity for Maine lawyers at that time, working with fellow Waterville lawyer Cyril M. Joly. Phil and his wife Jean also owned and managed several apartment buildings in Waterville for more than 60 years.
For many years, Phil was a member of the Waterville Country Club where he liked to play golf. He and Jean loved the movies and supported the Railroad Square Cinema, in Waterville, from its founding. Phil was a member of the American Contract Bridge Association and earned over 1,000 points to become a Silver Life Master.
Phil and Jean were world travelers. At the age of 80 they became eligible to join the Travelers Century Club, an international travel club based in California. To join the club, one had to travel to 100 countries. Phil’s last trip was to Alaska in 2019 and at the time of his death Phil had visited 140 countries.
He is survived by his wife, Jean; two daughters, Lisa Scofield, of Hamden, and her partner Curt McCormack, of Burlington, Vermont, and Leslie Bird, of Boothbay Harbor; a son and daughter-in-law, Paul Bird and Amy Parsons, of Bedford Hills, New York; two brothers, Bruce Bird, of Belfast, and Doug Bird, of Bar Harbor; his brother- and sister-in-law, Glenn and Lois Carson, of Belleair, Florida; eight grandchildren; one great-granddaughter and one step-great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews.
A private memorial service will be planned for a later time.
Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church St., Augusta where condolences to the family may be shared on the obituary page of the website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Waterville Public Library, Elm St., Waterville, Maine 04901, http://www.watervillelibrary.org, 207-872-5433.
VIRGINIA C. MOODY
WATERVILLE – Virginia C. Moody, died unexpectedly Saturday morning, October 3, 2020. She was born the daughter of Thomas and Ruth Creswell (Mosher)
“Ginny”, as both her friends and family knew her, was a lifetime educator, graduating in 1971 from the University of Maine at Farmington with a secondary education degree, and going on to earn both her Masters in Special Education and her CAS in Literacy/Education from the University of Maine at Orono. Ginny began her career as a High School History/Government teacher and coach at Jay High School, riding her motorcycle on the back roads to work and creating a name for herself and a fan club amongst her coworkers and students; the school yearbook was dedicated to her in her third year of teaching.
She left teaching when her first child, Jonathan, was born and while he was young created and ran a pre-school with her cousin and close friend Talie Mickewich. She returned to teaching as an ed-tech, working simultaneously at True-Value Hardware Store to put herself through school to become a certified special education teacher at Jay Elementary school. She brought her passion and creativity to the position: turning her classroom into a dynamic space (at one point creating a life-size replica of a Tipi), creating art and music and food with her students, and coaching their participation in the Special Olympics. She was a constant advocate for her students; being in her classroom felt like being with your family. She would remain in Special Education before Multiple Sclerosis forced her to retire in February 2001.
As a child, Ginny grew up loving art and music and animals. Memento boxes and family photo collections contain her art, clippings from public speaking contests, talent shows, theatrical and musical performances either solo or with her family; she often shared the stage with her parents Thomas and Ruth Creswell (Mosher), and her brothers, Tom and David. Family life centered around music, with large gatherings and sing-a-longs around the piano, and Ginny carried on this love and tradition of music in much the same way – spending late nights singing with friends during her college years and with both friends and relatives (guitar in hand) on porches at Bear Springs Camps, in Rome. She brought music to each of her classrooms and created her own music-filled family time with her two young children next to her at the piano, singing on trips in the car, or most anywhere with a guitar in hand, passing down her favorite songs and those of her parents. Some of her favorite memories during her last years were listening and singing along to her daughter Miranda’s performances in her room at Oak Grove Nursing Home (Waterville).
Daughter of a woolen mill superintendent, Ginny lived in Waterville, where she was born, Greenville, South Carolina, Gorham, and Corinna, before settling in Dryden and then Jay, before relocating again to Waterville. Her mother Ruth’s (Mosher) family homestead in Rome, and the legendary Bear Spring Camps, were important places for her, both as a child and as an adult, working at Bear Spring, taking vacations there, and attending family gatherings, reunions, and multi-generational Thanksgiving celebrations up the hill (McGowan’s/Richardson’s). Throughout her life, family time, whether spent with her parents’ generation, with her beloved cousins and friends, or with her own children and grandchildren, were her most cherished moments.
Ginny was creative, resourceful, and handy, growing a bountiful family garden, transplanting roadside tiger lilies, ferns, and black-eyed susans to the edge of her yard, splitting her own firewood, sewing clothes and Halloween costumes, building the things they needed, and creating a wonderful childhood for her kids filled with woods and climbing rocks, sand piles and a clubhouse (The Fern Hideaway), whiffle ball games and driveway basketball matches, and endless hours on the beach at Bear Springs Camps. Those who knew and loved Ginny think of her as one of the most kind, caring, creative, talented, and loving people they’ve ever known. With an indomitable spirit and spark for life, she lived life to the fullest and shared her strength, courage, and love with everyone until the very end.
Ginny spent the last 14 years of her life living at the Oak Grove nursing home, in Waterville, where she found a true home with people who deeply cared for her and considered her family.
Ginny is survived by her daughter, Miranda Moody Miller; her son, Jonathan Dale Moody and his wife Shelly; her three grandchildren, Jacob, Grace, and Olivia; her brothers, Thomas and David Creswell and their families; and numerous cousins, and extended family.
An outdoor funeral service took place Saturday, October 10, at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Belgrade.
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 Ginny had asked that in the event of her death, donations be made to support her grandchildren’s college educations.
Checks can be made out to Jacob, Olivia or Grace Moody, and mailed to Natalie Mickewich, 1 Carver St., Unit 113, Waterville, Maine 04901.
ROGER J. CARON
WATERVILLE – Roger J. Caron, 70, passed away on Sunday, October , 4, 2020 following a long illness. Roger was born in Waterville on February 20, 1950, to Henri P. and Antoinette (Reny) Caron.
After graduating from Winslow High School, he was drafted into the Navy where he received an honorable discharge after two years of service during the Vietnam War.
He learned many skills working at C.F. Hathaway Shirt Company, Keyes Fibre (now Huhtamaki), both in Waterville, Michael Woods Trucking, and Pine Tree Waste. Roger enjoyed making furniture as a woodworker. He attended Mass faithfully and was a Corpus Christi Parish communicant.
Roger was predeceased by his parents, Henri P. and Antoinette (Reny) Caron.
He is survived by his brother, Leo Caron and wife June, of Benton; Yvonne Reifschneider and husband Mark; James P. Caron, of Florida, and Jerry Caron, of Waterville.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Winslow on October 9. Burial was held in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville.
A celebration of life will be planned at a future date.
Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of the Blessed, 101 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901-5923.
DAVID P. PROULX
WATERVILLE – David Paul Proulx, 77, died peacefully at his home in Waterville, Tuesday, October 6, 2020. He was born in Waterville on June 27, 1943, a son of the late Gerald D. Proulx and Lillian S. (Lessard) Proulx.
He graduated from Winslow High School in 1961.
He was employed by Tony’s Pizza and Schwan’s as a delivery driver, Zayre and Ames Department Stores as shipping and receiving manager, and the town of Vassalboro as transfer station manager.
He loved to go fishing with his children and spent many hours cultivating beautiful gardens for all to enjoy. He enjoyed his walks and dog-sitting Sarah.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Pamela; children, John Proulx and wife Michelle, of Hampton, Virginia, Libby Furrow, of Vassalboro, Lilly Bickford and husband Dwayne, of Belgrade, David Proulx and wife Deanna, of Oakland, Tabith Proulx, of Waterville, Heidi Hersom, of Oakland, Randy Hasson and partner Jim McCoy, of Columbus, Ohio, Kevin Hasson and wife Danielle, of Ridge Manor, Florida, and Keith Proulx, of Waterville; 14 grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and many cousins.
He was predeceased by his brother, Gerald Proulx; and son, Bryan Hasson.
There will be no funeral service or visitation hours per David’s request.
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 wishing may make donations in David’s memory to The Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, 93 Silver Street, Waterville, ME 04901.
THERESA A. FLAGG
WATERVILLE – Theresa Alice (Powell) Flagg, 93, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at the Lakewood Long-Term Care facility, in Waterville. She was born on December 24, 1926, the daughter of William and Emma (McAskill) Powell.
She joins her beloved husband, World War II Marine veteran Harold N. Flagg, her infant son Carleton, her parents, William and Emma (McAskill) Powell, sister Sally (Powell) Wells and so many others.
A sweet, gentle, generous person and a devout Catholic, Alice was a true survivor, having dealt with many health issues over the past 25 years. She spent most of her life in Waterville, save for the many adventures with her husband and children in Aroostook County, Campobello Island, and dozens of lake fronts throughout Maine during his career as civil engineer with the Bridge Division of the Maine DOT. She would always set up the household in these several locations, caring for her children, keeping them safe, including counting heads in the water.
All six children went to Catholic school, all wore uniforms (pleated skirts or creased pants), which she often ironed late into the night. Alice loved music, and had great fun later in life attending concerts by Willie Nelson and Brooks and Dunn with her good friend Judy Brennan.
Her rosary was always at her side, and her deep faith sustained her during difficult times. There are so many stories in a life of 93 years. Her strength of character, resilience and love will abide with us always.
She is survived by her children, Laura Flagg and husband Kenneth L. Taylor, of Stockton Springs, Bill and wife Stephanie Flagg, of Stockholm, Robert Flagg and wife Geeta Ramani, of Portland, Jeff Flagg and wife Carol Noonan, of Brownfield, Barbara (Flagg) Bradley and husband Michael, of Westerly, Rhode Island, and Bonnie Flagg and partner Danny Huard, of Oakland; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary (Powell) St. Pierre, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service and celebration of her life are planned for Spring 2021.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at ripostafh.com.
LETTERS: Two votes for Koch
To the editor:
I spoke to an ironworker from Waterville at an actual in-person event this month in Clinton. We talked about our local State Senate race. He was undecided whom to vote for. This surprised me.
I told him that in our Senate District #16 (Albion, Benton, Clinton, Fairfield, Unity Township, Waterville, and Winslow), Democratic candidate Hilary Koch was the way to go. And when it comes to supporting workers, that it wasn’t even close.
Hilary Koch has been endorsed by the Maine AFL-CIO, MSEA-SEIU Local #1989, and MEA (that’s laborers, office workers, teachers, and their retirees).
Her Republican opponent, Scott Cyrway, has consistently voted against workers’ interests in Augusta. In fact, Cyrway came within just one legislative vote from receiving a zero percent rating from the MSEA, which is mostly state employees.
This local ironworker was happy to learn about Hilary and said he would join me in voting for her next month on Election Day. I told him our fellow local laborers appreciated this, since she will support worker rights and protections in Augusta.
Voters in Albion, Benton, Clinton, Fairfield, Unity Township, Waterville, and Winslow are lucky to have such a State Senate candidate as Hilary Koch to back this year.
Please show support for your local laborers, teachers, and other workers by voting for Hilary Koch over the next few weeks. Thank you for doing so.
Mike Hein
Fairfield