SCORES & OUTDOORS: Squirrels: my cultured, refined little thieves

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

I know I’ve written about gray squirrels in the past, but, I have to tell you about the two in particular that have made their home in my backyard. High in a tree, overlooking the garage, sits a large squirrels’ nest where these two reside. You rarely see them together, but when you do, it’s a comedy act rivaled by none.

I refer to them as my cultured squirrels. They have done such amazing things, that I have dubbed them Martha and Stewart because of some of their etiquettes.

For starters, my backyard is peppered with black chestnut pits. I learned a long time ago those nuts are a staple for these scavenging rodents. Annually, my wife and I visit a cemetery in China where there are horse chestnut trees. We gather a bagful and feed them to the squirrels, a little at a time.

Well, the black chestnuts were a mystery until about 10 years ago when I learned there is a black chestnut tree in the middle of Waterville, about 150 yards from my house – by the way the crow flies. These squirrels obviously make that journey to acquire those nuts, stash them in the nest, and discard the pits. I have to rake up the pits because the last thing I need is another tree growing in my backyard.

We watch them frolic around, chasing each other up and around the large pines in the backyard. We even hear them running across the peak of the roof to our house in the early mornings. Once recently, they actually looked like they were dancing on our porch railing. I had never seen that before, but there they were, face-to-face, with front feet wrapped around each other like they were about to dance to a Mozart waltz.

But, what had transpired before that was what really astonishes me. Next to the porch, on a bench, are my trash cans. One metal, one plastic. Now, quite a while ago, the squirrels had chewed a hole through the plastic lid. I repaired the hole and it stayed that way for about a year and a half. The other morning, I noticed the patch was removed. So, I applied another. Meanwhile, with the holidays coming up, my wife and I did some sorting of various foods in the pantry, and discovered a container of some outdated crackers – mini crackers about the size of a nickel. We bagged them with the rest of the weekly trash, and deposited the bag into the trash can outside for Friday’s pickup.

A few days later, I noticed one of the squirrels sitting upright on the railing, chomping away on what looked like one of the crackers. So, I couldn’t help but sit and watch his next move. Sure enough, from my vantage point, I could see where this squirrel didn’t bother to undo the repaired patch, he chewed a new hole through the lid. He jumped off the railing, went down the hole into the trash can, and came out with another cracker. I watched him do that about six times before he noticed me, and left the area.

I went outside, looked inside the trash can, and the bag containing the crackers was split open. So I placed a brick temporaily over the hole. Here’s my question: How did that squirrel know that crackers were present in a plastic bag, tied securely at the top, and deposited into a plastic trash receptacle, with the lid snapped on tightly?

It boggles my mind how keen a sense of smell these little critters have.

I wrote this column last Sunday, and thought I was finished. Well, Martha or Stewart, were back to their old tricks. As I was getting snacks together in the kitchen before the start of the football game, I saw one of them sitting on the railing licking a paper muffin cup. My wife and I had muffins for breakfast on Saturday, and he was cleaning up the leftovers. Then, I noticed in front of him, a K-cup from our Keurig machine, which it had opened at the top, and was literally having coffee grounds with his muffin. I couldn’t tell if it had a pinky in the air while doing this.

It had enlarged the hole where the brick was sitting on top of the trash can, and gone inside to help himself.

Now comes Monday: During the afternoon, there they were again, this time in the axel of a branch on a maple tree, where the two were giving each other a bath, the way a mother cat would do to its kittens. An attempt to photographed them failed. I needed some proof about these two squirrels, because when I tell these stories, people look at me like I was crazy.

The trash is now gone, so I guess the next step is to dispose of the plastic can, and purchase another metal one. I don’t mind feeding the squirrels, but my trash is personal.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

When was the last time the New England Patriots used three quarterbacks in the same season?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, October 8, 2020

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Trivia QuestionsWhen was the last time the New England Patriots used three quarterbacks in the same season?

Answer:

2016. Jimmy Garoppolo, Jacoby Brissett, Tom Brady. (Brady served a four game suspension at the beginning of the season.)

SOLON & BEYOND: Solon Elementary news

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

Will begin this week with more Solon School News! Food Facts: We are pleased to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students again this year under the district’s community eligibility program. Students can buy milk or juice for snack or to go with a cold lunch if they wish to for 30 cents.

Again this year our students will have healthy snacks provided through a Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Grant Program every day. Parents can also send snacks with their child if they wish to. We appreciate healthy snacks!

On each day that students attend school while we are using the hybrid model, they can choose to pick up a take home breakfast and lunch for the next day when they will be learning at home. The menu for take-home meals is included on the menu for in-person meals.

We continue to offer a food hub at our school on Mondays. If you wish to pick up meals for each of the children in your home on those days, please contact Mrs. McFadyen in our school office to let her know how many you will need by noon on the previous Friday. You will receive five breakfasts and five lunches for each of your children. You can pick these up between 11:15 and 11:45 a.m., on Monday mornings at the school (on Tuesdays if Monday is a holiday). If you have children at home or in CCS or CHS, you can pick up all of their lunches here for your convenience.

Please call us at 643-2491 if you have any questions.

Welcome to new staff: We are excited to welcome new staff members to our school this fall.

With the retirement of Terry Corson last spring, we have a new fifth grade teacher, Stacey McCluskey. Mrs. McCluskey has taught for 19 years at Central Elementary School, Carrabec Community , and even a year at Solon Elementary School. We welcome her back!

Our new music teacher is Lindsay Burke-Cinsov. She will teach K-5 music classes and will also teach band and chorus. She has 19 years of experience as a music educator, mostly recently in Farmington. We are pleased to have her on board.

Teaching our preschool class this year is Jennie Mirlocca, who started her teaching career at Solon Elementary but then taught preschool in Kingfield and at Garret Schenck. We are happy to welcome her back to Solon.

Misty Jerkins has joined our staff this fall to be an additional daytime custodian. Her job is to disinfect and sanitize throughout the school from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., each day. She is working hard to keep our school clean. We welcome her to Solon Elementary School.

Received the following e-mail from Norm Kalloch: “Dear Marilyn, My name is Norm Kalloch and a director of the Arnold Expedition Historical Society. We are offering a car/walking tour of Benedict Arnold’s march across the Great Carrying Place Portage Trail from the Kennebec River to Flagstaff Lake, Sunday, October 11.

“I was hoping you would be willing to mention this tour in one of your columns in The Town Line newspaper.

“ Thanks for your consideration to do this. If you do decide to do so and need more information or clarification feel free to e-mail me. Norm Kalloch; West Carry Pond.”

I have e-mailed for more information about what sounds like a wonderful, interesting idea is something I would like to attend very much. But …… I don’t walk as many miles as I once did, and I will print the facts if I get the e-mail in time for anyone who might also want to attend.

And now for a short memoir from Percy: An uncommitted person is a person without direction in life. He is like a ship without a rudder, and plenty of power but no direction.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, October 8, 2020

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PAUL J. SIROIS

WATERVILLE – Paul J. Sirois, 68, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2020, at Maine Medical Center. He was born in Waterville on March 30, 1952, the son of Louis and Cecile (Bolduc) Sirois.

He graduated from Waterville High School in 1970 and from the University of Maine Farmington in 1974. He later earned a master’s degree in literacy from the University of Maine Orono.

Paul was passionate about his career as an elementary education teacher. He taught at Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, for ten years, and then moved on to Windsor Elementary School, where he worked until his retirement in 2012. It was there that he met his soulmate, Beverly Hallett, when they were interviewing for the same position. Fortunately, they were both hired and their relationship grew. They were married in Waterville on December 9, 1989. Soon afterwards they started their family.

Paul was the proud father of three sons. His greatest joy was spending time with them. He got up early, juggled schedules, and traveled all across Maine and New England attending their games and school events, and made lots of friends along the way. In the summer, Paul hosted pool parties and swimming lessons for family and friends in his backyard pool. He and Bev enjoyed gardening, and planted a variety of colorful perennials around the pool. Paul was a history buff and an armchair political pundit. He loved sharing his insight and views about world affairs, and was a sharp critic of the current administration.

Paul was devoted to his family. When Bev’s health started to decline, he spent several years caring for her at home. He took over the cooking responsibilities when his wife was no longer able to, and he became a talented chef by tweaking old family recipes and watching the food network. He hosted Thanksgiving dinner every year for his large extended family. Paul taught all three of his sons to cook, and in recent years, they would gather every Sunday to prepare and enjoy a meal together.

Paul was predeceased by his wife; his parents; and his brother, Eugene.

He is survived by his sons Joshua, of Portland, Joseph, of Yarmouth, and Jacob, of Yarmouth; his sisters, Celia, of South Weymouth, Massachusetts, Anne, of Saco, Colette, of Saco, and Elizabeth (Robert) Letellier, of Biddeford; and a brother, Thomas (Janet), of Randolph; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Due to COVID restrictions, a celebration of Paul’s life will take place in the spring.

RONALD C. YOUNG

WATERVILLE – Ronald “Ron” C. Young, 62, passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2020, in Augusta. He was born on October 16, 1957.

He moved from Florida to Maine nearly 30 years ago where he met his life partner, Marlene. Ron was an outdoors man who loved fishing, archery and target practice. He also enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his son, Jason Roderick, and his wife Jen Roderick and their children Dylan, Taylor and Jason Jr.; his daughter, Tammy LaBelle and husband Todd LaBelle and their children Amber Hash and husband David Hash, Alisha Mills and wife Kristin Mills, and Todd LaBelle Jr.; his great-grandchildren, Aaliyah Caouette, Landyn Caouette-Nye and Bella Hash; uncles Mike and Charlie.

He was predeceased by his partner, Marlene Alley, and his great-grandson Quincy Caouette.

There will be a private service for immediate family only.

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

WILLIAM F. HARRISON JR.

OAKLAND – William “Bill” F. Harrison, Jr., 76, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2020, at his home, in Oakland. He was born April 4, 1944, in Manhattan, New York, the son of William F. Sr. and Kathleen (Reynolds) Harrison.

He attended Asension Grammar School and graduated from LaSalle Academy, in 1961. He graduated from St. Michael’s College, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, class of 1965, then began working for the Internal Revenue Service. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served two years in Korea, returned home in 1968 and resumed his career with the IRS, retiring in 2002.

Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed researching trips and traveling to Alaska, Hawaii, Bermuda, and Ireland. He and his wife, Jane, traveled extensively and spent winters in South Carolina. He loved his grandchildren “to the moon and back” and spending time with them.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Barbara Jane (Bradford) Harrison, of Oakland; two sons, Stephen Harrison and wife Trishann, of Winthrop, and Bryan Harrison; sister, Mary Munoz and husband Martin, of Mt. Kisco, New York; and brother, John Harrison, of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania; step-daughter, Tammy Linkfield and husband Ken, of Frisco, Texas; step-son, Todd Bradford and wife Rosemary, of Silver Spring, Maryland; granddaughter, Sydney Harrison, of Winthrop; grandson, Logan Harrison, of Winthrop; step-grandsons, Zachary, Alex, and Conor Linkfield, all of Frisco, Texas, Ethan Bradford, of Silver Spring, Maryland.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, October 15, 2020, at 2 p.m., at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Bill’s memory to the American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 20852, or a charity of choice.

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

CLIFFORD STOWERS

FAIRFIELD – Clifford Stowers passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2020. He was born May 10, 1923, in Andover, Massachusetts, the son of Dr. Nathaniel and Anna Stowers.

Growing up he attended Andover Public Schools and Phillips Academy. He graduated from the first class of the Maine Maritime Academy in 1943.

During World War II, he served first as a Chief Mate in the Merchant Marines in the Atlantic, and later as a Lieutenant JG in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Whiteside AKA-90 in the Pacific.

Following the war, he attended Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, where he earned a BS in Chemistry and met Peggy Smith, whom he married in 1948. Upon graduation from Bowdoin, he moved to Fairfield, and worked as a research chemist at Keyes Fibre Company (now Huhtamaki), in Waterville, for 37 years, and was issued several patents as a result of his work.

Cliff, as many people knew him, was very active in the local community. He belonged to the Fairfield United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir for many years. He and Peggy also performed in numerous local choral and theatrical productions. He was a Scoutmaster and Kennebec Valley District Chairman of the Boy Scouts of America. In addition, over the years he and Peggy mentored numerous local youths. He was one of the founders of the Fairfield Police Athletic League, worked with the United Way, and the Fairfield Council of Churches.

He was a member of the Masons, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Trouts Unlimited, the NRA, American Radio Relay League, and the International Occultations Timing Association.

He loved the outdoors, hunting, fly-fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, RVing, amateur radio (K1QIG), and astronomy.

He is survived by his son George Stowers and his wife Anne, of Altmar, New York; daughter Sandra Grimsley, of Buford, Georgia; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic health risks, an in-person celebration of Cliff’s life will not be held at this time.

A Facebook group, Clifford Stowers – A Celebration of His Life, has been created to allow family and friends to share fond memories.

Donations in Cliff’s memory may be made to the Fairfield United Methodist Church, Route 201, Fairfield, ME 04937.

BEVERLY N. NEWTON

WATERVILLE – Beverly Norton Newton, 86, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2020, at the Woodlands Senior Living Center, in Waterville. She was born June 18, 1934, in Winthrop, the only child of the late Calvin Ellsworth and Marjorie Abigail Briggs Norton.

She attended schools in Readfield and Buckfield and married Carlton Ellsworth Newton in August of 1951, in West Paris. They made their home in Pittsfield, until his death in 1984. They had two children together, Randall Calvin Newton and Rhonda Lee Newton.

They both passed away in 2004.

Beverly belonged to the garden club in Pittsfield for many years, which may account for her stunning gardens. She belonged to many historical societies as her love of genealogy grew. She loved her family and researched their genealogy well on all family sides. She was an accomplished artist. Her family has been blessed with many of her paintings. She was blessed with lots of family and friends that have been by her side. Their contact is what made her life at home possible. Her life’s motto was the song “I did it my way”!

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic there will be a private service.

Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main St., South Paris.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at http://www.chandlerfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Buckfield Historical Society, c/o Linda Cooper, 62 Bean Rd., Buckfield, ME 04220.

HARVEY LEE BUREAU

WATERVILLE – Harvey Lee Bureau, 84, passed away Monday, September 28, 2020, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. He was born March 22, 1936, in Waterville, the son of Harvey J. and Gladys (Breard) Bureau.

He was a graduate of Waterville Senior High School, class of 1954. On December 30, 1983, he married the former Julie Lemieux, in Waterville. He worked for many years as a Mill Wright for Huhtamaki, in Waterville, until his retirement in 1998. He had also previously worked for L.N Violette, in Fairfield, for 16 years and served in the Naval Reserves for 30 years.

He was a member of Corpus Christi Parish, in Waterville, and enjoyed antique cars, flying, and the U.S. Navy.

He was an avid hockey fan and served as an ice hockey coach for 49 years at Waterville High School, Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, Winslow High School and Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, as well as youth hockey.

Harvey is survived by his wife of 36 years, Julie (Lemieux) Bureau, of Waterville; three sons, Timothy Bureau and wife Lisa, of Stafford, Virginia, Daniel Bureau and wife Jan, of Fairfield, Patrick Bureau, of Westbrook; and daughter, Peggy Knox and husband Matt, of Seal Harbor; two grandsons, Nicholas Bureau and wife Sarah, of Stafford, Virginia, and Alex Bureau and wife Alee, of Alexandria, Virginia; four granddaughters, Amy Jefferson and husband John, of Sidney, Melanie Bureau, of Portland, Eliza Bureau, of Westbrook, and Sarah Knox, of Seal Harbor; great-grandchildren, Brooke and Sadie Jefferson, of Sidney, Jack Bureau, of Stafford, Virginia; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; and sister, Joy Montminy Wilder.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

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

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Harvey’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association Maine, 383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.

RICHARD C. BOUTIN

WATERVILLE – Richard “Dick” C. Boutin, 87, passed away Monday, September 28, 2020, at his home, in Waterville. He was born December 14, 1932, in Waterville, the son of John and Jennie (Bamford) Boutin.

Dick graduated from Winslow High School and Thomas Business College, in Waterville, and also attended Husson College, in Bangor.

He was employed as District Circulation Manager for the Portland Press Herald, in Portland. He was married to Elaine (Poulin) Boutin, of Winslow.

Dick was very active in the Winslow Congregational Church, serving as Deacon Emeritus, sexton, on the council member audit committee, bible study book club, and acted as fellowship coordinator.

Dick is survived by his daughter, Lisa Sandy and husband Mark, of Vassalboro; son, Peter Boutin, of North Carolina; his grandson, Benjamin Sandy; sister, Jacqueline Gregoire, of Westbrook; two nephews, John Gregoire and wife Linda, of Windham, and Jim Gregoire, of New Hampshire; and Allison Woodside, who was like a granddaughter.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Dick’s memory to Winslow Congregational Church, 12 Lithgow Street, Winslow, Maine 04901.

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

VIRGINIA WHITTEMORE

JAY – Virginia “Ginny” Whittemore, 93, formerly of Rumford and Jay, passed away Wed—nesday, September 30, 2020, at Avita of Brunswick where she had resided for the past year. She was born May 5, 1927, in Livermore, the daughter of Walter S. Goding and Elsie M. (Campbell) Goding.

She was a 1945 graduate of Jay High School. On January 28, 1950 in Livermore, she married Wallace A. Whittemore. They enjoyed 40 years together before his passing on December 29, 1990.

Through the years Ginny worked for the Livermore Falls Advertiser and the Brunswick Times Record as a linotype operator; she later worked as a clerical secretary at Lazarou Motors, in Mexico, and Bailey Brothers, in Livermore Falls, retiring in 1989.

She was a member of the Eaton Memorial Methodist Church, the Woman’s Club, Jay-Livermore Falls Senior Citizens, and AARP Wilton Tri-County Chapter.

Ginny’s passion in life were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She would provide guidance and support for each of them in whatever way they needed in pivotal times in their lives. Ginny enjoyed traveling with her children. She had visited with them in Italy, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and all over the United States.

Ginny was also a very active woman. She loved dancing and interacting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they participated in activities throughout the lives. She mowed her vast acreage in Jay until 89 years of age, hiked many a mountain and trail in Maine and Utah, and loved to take long walks. She loved her home in Jay across from her childhood home. She and her husband grew tons of vegetables, canning many and cultivating a huge raspberry bed that she and the children labored to harvest.

Ginny was a kind, compassionate, generous, gallant and positive person. She was dedicated to her church and participated whole heartedly in their activities.

She is survived by her daughters, Susan Lajoie and husband, Donovan, of Acton, Marilyn Reed, of Weeks Mills, Kathryn Hollicker and husband, John, of Spruce Head, Laurie Ann Onos and husband, David, of South Portland; her son Alan D. Whittemore and wife, Xiu, of Limestone; 12 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Wallace, her sister, Barbara Whittemore, and brothers, Robert, Frank, Kenneth and Phillip.

Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com.

EUGENE W. RANCOURT

WATERVILLE – Eugene Wallace Rancourt, 89, passed away, following a long illness, on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. Eugene was born in Waterville on March 13, 1931, the son of Norbert A. and Marie belle (Bolduc) Rancourt.

In July 1950, he married the former Veronica Zimba, of Fairfield, spending the next 69 years together.

Eugene was in the United States Army for a number of years, and then spent the next 40 years at Scott Paper Company, in Winslow, until he retired. He enjoyed time with his family on Snow Pond (Messalonskee Lake), going to the coast for lobster, taking trips out of state and playing slot machines.

Eugene was predeceased by his wife Veronica; his son, Rodney; parents, Norbert and Marie belle Rancourt; his sisters, Justine Fisher, Jeannette Harding, Dorothy Fisher, Gloria Floyd and Madeline Pooler; brothers, Francis, Wilbur, John, Frederick and Richard; and stepmother, Grace Ames Rancourt.

He is survived by son, Daniel and wife Gail, of Oakland; grandsons, Christopher Rancourt and fiancée Rae Ann Dennis, of Waterville, Corey Rancourt and wife Danica, of Sidney; great-grandchildren, Logan, Landon, Jayden, Bentley and Jasmin; and brother, Raymond Rancourt.

At the family’s request there will be a private burial.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

SANDRA N. MARTIN

FAIRFIELD – Sandra N. Martin, 77, passed away, in Fairfield, on Friday, October 2, 2020. Sandra, daughter of the late Madeline (Champine) Noel, was born in Waterville, October 20, 1942.

She attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School and graduated from Lawrence High School, both in Fairfield.

Sandra was a long-time homemaker and was later employed as a teller for many years, before becoming head teller at Keyes Fibre Credit Union, in Waterville, before retiring. She was a life-long communicant at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, in Fairfield, and Corpus Christi Catholic Church, in Waterville. Sandra was a dedicated catechism teacher, teaching children an early love of God.

Sandra was talented in many ways, such as cooking, sewing, cake decorating, baking, knitting, crocheting, and crafting. She had a love of gardening both flowers and vegetables, and singing karaoke with her husband, Nathan. Sandra was an avid card player and enjoyed playing cards on Friday nights with friends and family.

Among everything, Sandra most cherished her trips to the Maine coast with her husband and spending time with her children and grandchildren at her camp on Messalonskee Lake (Snow Pond), kayaking, paddle boating, and playing cornhole.

She was predeceased by her son, Steven Keith Martin; her sister, Jacqueline, and her brothers, Donald and Roger.

Sandra is survived by her husband Nathan Martin, of Fairfield; two daughters, Rhonda Forsythe and her husband Jeff, of Falmouth, and Melinda Layne and her husband Darren, of Spring, Texas; grandchildren, Brianna Brockway and her husband Brett, of Winslow, Meagan Schmiemann and her husband Nick, of Boston, Massachusetts, Garrett Shibley, of Spring,Texas, Faith Forsythe, of Boston, Massachusetts, Nicholas Shibley, and Matthew Shibley, of Spring, Texas; and a niece, Velvet Noel, of Waterville, and other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville, on Tuesday, October 6. Burial followed at Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery, in Waterville.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

EDWARD J. KING

OAKLAND – Edward “Bud” John King was born on June 6, 1923 in Rome, Maine, to John and Jessie (Blaisdell) King.

Bud began working at a young age and spoke fondly of late nights spent selling popcorn on Main Street, in Oakland. His strong work ethic, developed early, remained with him for the rest of his life.

In 1940, on a blind date, he met the love of his life, Josephine Thibeau. It must have been one hell of a date, as neither went on another with anyone besides each other. On December 29, 1943, in Leesburg, Florida, Bud and Jo were married. After 74 years of marriage, Bud’s love for Jo was as strong as ever: he’d never introduce her as “his wife” but always as “his bride.”

Bud enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served in the Pacific Theater on Saipan during World War II. Upon his return, he managed Michaud’s Market, in Oakland, before eventually becoming owner and changing the name to Bud’s Food Center, where he worked for many years. While working, he and Jo also built their own house, which they finished in 1952. Built with plenty of large windows so that warm sunlight poured in, Bud spent countless mornings there drinking coffee, reading the newspaper, and reading historical nonfiction.

In 1957, Bud and Jo welcomed their daughter Dru into the world. Bud was active in many community organizations and events throughout the years, but the one that stands out the most is the annual Messalonskee Thanksgiving dinner. Bud got the idea from working in the store, where he spoke to people who had no one with whom to spend Thanksgiving. Bud, along with Mike Marston, decided to host an event where the community could come together to share a good meal and good conversation. The meal now serves more than 1,500 people at Messalonskee High School, in Oakland. As recently as last year, Bud was there, making the rounds, chatting with attendees and volunteers. Bud was a generous, hardworking, and kind man, who exuded positivity and warmth. Even during his final days, when asked how he was doing, he insisted, with a smile, that he was “percolating.”

Bud was predeceased by his bride, Josephine King, his parents, John and Jessie King; and his brother, Paul King (wife Jean).

He is survived by his daughter, Dru Aslam (husband Sunny, who provided years of love and care to both Bud and Jo), of Belgrade; his grandson Jai Aslam, of Raleigh, North Carolina (partner Aneri Pattani ,of Cheshire, Connecticut); step-grandsons Sharif Aslam, of Chesterville, Sunny Aslam, Jr., of Jamesville, New York, and Ali Aslam (wife Rebecca), of North Grafton, Massachusetts; second daughter Connie Brassbridge, of East Orland; niece Cindy Spurr (husband Tom), of Chuluota, Florida, nephew Paul King (wife Sue), of Lindley, New York; cousins Doug Blaisdell (wife Roxanne), of Rome, Roberta Hermans (husband Matthew) of Las Cruces, New Mexico; brother-in-law Arthur Pinkham, of Machiasport; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Due to the pandemic, a graveside service for Bud and Jo will be held in the summer of 2021.

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.

ELEANOR S.GETCHELL

VASSALBORO – Eleanor S. Getchell, 87, passed away April 10, 2020.

A graveside service was held Saturday, October 3, 2020, at the North Vassalboro Village Cemetery, Cemetery Street.

Arrangements by Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME.

Are you ready for ranked-choice voting?

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An example of ranked choice voting.

To mark the ballot for your first-choice candidate – the person who you would most like to see win the office – simply fill in the oval next to their name in the “1st Choice” column. If you wish to rank some or all of the remaining candidates in order of your preference, you may do so, or you can choose to vote for only your first choice. To mark a candidate as your second choice, fill in the oval next to their name in the “2nd Choice” column, and so on.

You can find additional resources and details about ranked-choice voting on the Department of the Secretary of State RCV Resources page, http://maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/upcoming/rcv.html.

Source: Maine Department of the Secretary of State, September 2020.

LETTTERS: Supports local candidates

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To the editor:

I have been a voter in the town of China for 62 years and served on every board, elective and appointed except the planning board, from 1962 until 1982. During those years, and all the years since, those who served their town as participants as firefighters have always had my deepest admiration. They are on call 24/7, all the while knowing they are in potential danger. They are the best of the best and deserve to be accorded their due. In voting for the board, please consider voting for board members who will support the firefighters and their departments.

I have known Blane Casey since he was a boy. He was one of my scouts and I watched him start and grow a company into a very successful business. I don’t personally know Brent Chesley, but as another successful businessman we could not have better representatives on the board than these two men.

Tim Theriault’s history here in the town is well known. He has been involved in Boy Scouts, Little League and the China fire department for over 40 years as well as representing us ably in the state legislature and deserves to be re-elected.

Reaching from the town to county elections, Ken Mason has made an excellent sheriff and he, as well, deserves to be re-elected. A former Marine with years of law enforcement experience, vote to keep him in office.

Donald D. Pauley
China

VASSALBORO: Final plans for transfer station upgrade come before board

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro selectmen heard a variety of matters, some with potential costs, at their Oct. 1 meeting, including near-final plans for a redesign of the transfer station, junkyard and auto hobbyists’ permits, the fire department’s repeater problem and the future of the town’s Conservation Commission.

Engineer Al Hodsdon, of A. E. Hodsdon, in Waterville, presented the transfer station plan. He explained that it is a “minor upgrade” to the existing facility, not the more expansive – and expensive – redesign selectmen reviewed with a different firm a few years ago. The main goal is to improve traffic safety.

Part of the plan is a new exit onto Lombard Dam Road. Hodsdon said abutter William Spaulding is willing to discuss selling, leasing or granting a right-of-way over his land to provide space.

Hodsdon and selectmen agreed that he, Town Manager Mary Sabins, transfer station Manager George Hamar and Spaulding will work out details for a final plan. Board members are looking at including funding in the 2020-21 budget and expect no action until after the 2021 town meeting.

Codes Officer Paul Mitnik presented a list of seven auto graveyard owners and four auto hobbyists who need town licenses to keep unregistered vehicles on their property; but he believed one person had moved enough vehicles so no license is needed. After a public hearing and on Mitnik’s recommendation, selectmen approved permits for the following, some with conditions.

Auto graveyards: James Cogley, 510 Main Street (Ron’s Parts Inc.); Dale Clement, 471 Taber Hill Road (Bondo’s Garage); Bill Pullen, 163 South Stanley Hill Road (Freddie’s Service Center); Stanley Garnett, 1616 North Belfast Avenue (Garnett’s Motors); Olin Charette, 1499 Riverside Drive (Week’s Mills Garage); Voit Ritch, Route 3 (Autowerkes); Roger Pomerleau, 1702 Riverside Drive (RAP).

Hobbyists: Keith Lemieux, 79 Priest Hill Road; James Jurdak, 7 Baker Road; Robert Dore, 919 Church Hill Road; Mathew Farrington, 321 Holman Day Road.

Voting at school; 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Vassalboro’s Nov. 3 voting will be in the Vassalboro Community School gymnasium, with polls open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Town Manager Mary Sabins said voters will have access only to the gymnasium; the school’s front door will be locked. No public restroom will be available. Voters will be asked to wear masks and to observe social distancing.

No students will use the school Nov. 3 nor Wednesday, Nov. 4, when the gymnasium will be thoroughly cleaned, Sabins said.

Mitnik said anyone with more than two unregistered, unserviceable vehicles on his or her property needs a license. An auto graveyard or junkyard has to be a business, he said, and a hobbyist should be restoring vehicles. The annual fees are $50 for a junkyard and $25 for a hobbyist’s collection, he said.

Board Chairman John Melrose, and more vehemently Dore, said many residents have more than two unregistered and unused vehicles in their dooryards. Mitnik invited them to give him addresses, saying he is unaware of any, but does not have time to cruise around looking for them. Melrose recommended Mitnik and Dore follow up with Sabins.

Firefighter Michael Vashon told selectmen the repeater on Nelson Road is no longer working. Vassalboro and China bought it jointly about 20 years ago, he said. Its role is to forward calls from the Augusta dispatch center to individual firefighters’ phones or pagers.

For now, he said, a leased replacement is in use. He does not know how long it will be available. South China Fire Chief Richard Morse told him the South China department is experimenting using the facility at the China town office; therefore Vashon does not know whether China will again share the cost of a permanent replacement.

Nor does he have a firm replacement cost – he offered selectmen an estimate of $12,000 minimum, with another $7,000 or more in future software updating costs.

Vashon hopes to have additional information at the selectmen’s Oct. 15 meeting.

East Vassalboro resident Holly Weidner told selectmen the Conservation Commission is currently leaderless. A meeting is planned later this fall, she said, and she hopes enough interested volunteers will revive the organization. Melrose said it was created by town ordinance, so selectmen cannot eliminate it.

In other business Oct. 1, selectmen heard Susan Little’s request for a new streetlight in East Vassalboro. Sabins said she had called the town’s Central Maine Power Company connection, who would look into the situation once the chaos caused by the Sept. 30 wind and rain cleared up.

Melrose said work continues on the major Cross Hill Road culvert replacement. In-water work was completed before Oct. 1, as required by state regulations, he said.

On Sabins’ recommendation, board members plan to review Calderwood Engineering’s draft specifications for the Gray Road culvert work at their second October meeting, rescheduled to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Sabins announced a $5,000 election grant from the Center for Tech and Civic Life to help cover extra costs associated with coronavirus precautions before, during and after the Nov. 3 election.

The manager had two less happy reports.

The most recent quarterly revaluation is done, she said; assessors reviewed properties in one-fourth of Vassalboro to see where values should be lowered (for depreciation or removal of taxable property) or raised (for improvements and additions). The review had increased valuation by less than $70,000, creating a minimal increase in tax revenue. She suggested selectmen consider setting aside funds for a full town-wide revaluation.

Sabins also said Vassalboro children had shared transportation with Windsor children (and some from two other towns), and one Windsor youngster had tested positive for Covd-19. Maine’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is on the case, she said. (The Oct. 1 issue of the Kennebec Journal included a report on Windsor school officials’ action.)

Melrose announced a ribbon-cutting for ReVision Energy‘s solar project at 135 East Ridge Road in Skowhegan, scheduled for 10 a.m. Nov. 12. The Town of Vassalboro and Vassalboro Community School have contracted to buy power from the solar panels, along with Dover-Foxcroft, Rangeley, Rockland and Topsham.

A ReVision press release says solar power will cover almost 85 percent of each municipality’s energy needs for town buildings. The panels are expected to last up to 40 years and, because the power cost will be lower than market prices, to start saving money for participants in 2021.

Selectmen rearrange schedules to work around holidays

Vassalboro selectmen have rearranged their meeting schedule for most of the rest of the year, primarily to work around holidays.

The next regular selectmen’s meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15.

The meeting that should have been the evening of Oct. 29 is rescheduled to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28. It is to be followed by a tour of Vassalboro’s two fire stations, arranged with Fire Chief Walker Thompson and scheduled to start at 4 p.m.

In November, selectmen will meet as planned at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, but will skip the second meeting, which would have fallen on Thanksgiving.

And they plan to meet only once in December, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, to avoid a Christmas Eve meeting.

Board members can always call a special meeting if they need to.

Kringleville 2020: The Magic like no other season

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Santa and Mrs. Claus

A message from Mrs. Claus to our Kringleville, Maine, USA, friends. Santa has been watching the greater Waterville area with great focus to help your 2020 season have more nice than naughty during this unprecedented season. You have pulled together in your Christmas-spirited community to ensure that local businesses and neighbors are making it through these uncertain times.

Santa and I will be coming to town this season! However, things will be a little different. We will travel from the North Pole and quarantine for 14 days, and while our Kringleville Christmas cabin will be seen in Castonguay Square, the heartbeat of your downtown, you will not be standing in line for one – three hours in the cold this season. Instead, we are going virtual for your health and safety. What does this mean?

Friends of Kringleville will reserve time slots for virtual live chats with Santa and Mrs. Claus. These virtual time slots will be Saturdays and Sundays from noon 5 p.m. We will also be offering one weeknight virtual visit for those who are unable to participate on the weekends. Because there are limited slots available this year, we have lots of additional opportunities to interact with us. I will be hosting fireside Christmas storytime with Mrs. Claus throughout the season on our Facebook page. The Big E, Eric Lunt, will be serenading us with his vocal Christmas stylings. Miss Heather, of Stage Presence for Dancers, will be showcasing her students’ talent (including Santa and Mrs. Claus!). A Christmas Carol sing-along will take place. Mrs. Claus will even share her award-winning recipes with Kringleville followers. See Santa reviewing the naughty and nice list and more!

If you are not a follower of the Kringleville Facebook page, you will want to do so today to stay updated with Kringleville happenings for 2020. To reduce large gatherings, there will be no parade of lights, but the peppermint twist this season is our Light Up The Town decoration event. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to decorate their properties with holiday lights to be included on a large holiday map! Santa and Mrs. Claus will drive to each home participating and make a special visit to the Light Up The Town winner!

If you are an annual Kringleville Christmas ornament collector, the 2020 ornaments will be available for purchase throughout the city of Waterville with 50 percent of proceeds donated to the Children’s Discovery Museum and as always a personal donation from Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Saint Jude Children’s Hospital.

People of all ages from around the globe visit Kringleville. In 2019, we had Kringleville visitors from Poland, Hawaii, China, Korea, Virginia, Arkansas, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Seattle, the Philippines and all over Maine and New England. We love that you all continue to be part of the Kringleville story season after season and keep the tradition in such a wonderful city. Please share with your family and friends from all over the world that during these unprecedented times Santa will have virtual opportunities, so all can safely connect with Santa to tell him their Christmas wishes. 2020 Christmas wishes are already pouring in as many are wishing for health, happiness and world peace.

Year after year, the Kringleville community grows. The Kringleville Facebook page “reach” of “followers” grew during the 2019 season from hundreds to thousands and there was a growth of 275 percent of our connection with Kringleville followers, with an increase of 1,850 percent in engagements while Santa and Mrs. Claus were in town. Since this past Kringleville season, followers have remained engaged with Kringleville via the Kringleville Facebook page. During COVID-19, an additional Christmas spirited folks joined Kringleville’s fabulous followers. By October 1, 2020 within 24 hours followers increased to 3,608 and climbing. That’s right, 260 new followers before Halloween! It is clear that Kringleville creates a truly special community.

Santa and Mrs. Claus would like to recognize and especially thank Scott McAdoo for his continued commitment to the love of Christmas at Kringleville. Kringleville continues with the support of The Children’s Discovery Museum led by Executive Director Amarinda Keys. Thank you to the generous 2020 Kringleville sponsors: Central Maine Chevy Dealers and Bangor Savings Bank. Additional supporters are The Big E, Stage Presence for Dancers, Marden’s, the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, REZ Life Church, and others who share in the Kringleville Christmas spirit.

If you or your business would like to contribute to the success of this timeless Waterville tradition, please contact Amarinda Keys at The Children’s Discovery Museum. Email Amarinda at amarinda@childrensdiscoverymuseum.org to ask how you too can be a part of the magic of Christmas at Kringleville for the 2020 season.

All Santa and I ask is that you continue to try your best. You have been brave…Continue to be brave! You have been strong through all of the changes that this year has brought to you and the world you live in. Always remember to be part of solutions, rather than adding to problems. Be respectful of all others, because kindness begins with respect and a smile.

Where there’s a will there’s a way and our will here in the North Pole is unstoppable. COVID-19 has not canceled Christmas or Kringleville connections. Christmas is not something that can be canceled. Christmas lives in our hearts. Santa wants everyone to keep in mind that Christmas isn’t something you should have in your heart only once a year. The spirit of Christmas should live in your heart year-round. So, take Santa’s advice and be kind to all others! Mrs. Claus sends COVID-FREE hugs from our North Pole home to your home. Wishing you a season full of joy and happiness…See you all soon!

Historic alewife restoration initiative hits another milestone

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The China Lake Alewife Restoration Initiative team, from left to right, Landis Hudson, executive director of Maine Rivers; Ray Breton, owner of the Olde Mill property; Nate Gray of Maine Department of Marine Resources; and Matt Streeter, project manager for Maine Rivers and the China Lake Alewife Restoration Initiative. (photo by Eric W. Austin)

by Eric W. Austin
Six dams in six years — that was the goal, says Matt Streeter, project manager for the China Lake Alewife Restoration Initiative, and it’s a goal they are likely to meet — and maybe even surpass.

The team invited me down to Box Mill Dam, behind the Olde Mill, in Vassalboro, to view their progress on the new fishway currently under construction. Once complete, it will be another milestone on the way to opening up migratory fish passage into China Lake for the first time in nearly two centuries.

It’s been a long haul for the project team, which is headed up by the nonprofit Maine Rivers, working in collaboration with the towns of China and Vassalboro, the Maine Department of Marine Resources, the Kennebec Water District, the Sabasticook Regional Land Trust and the China Region Lakes Alliance.

“It takes a lot of work,” says Landis Hudson, executive director for Maine Rivers. “We have created a big, solid team to work on this project, and we have been in communication for six years to get this far, but it’s taken a strong team and a clear vision of the future. We’re not done yet, but we can see the finish line.”

Originally, there were six dams along Outlet Stream blocking fish passage into China Lake. Depending on what was appropriate for the location, the group has either dismantled the dam or built a fishway to allow migratory fish a means around the obstacle. Last year, they completed a fishway at Ladd Dam, in Vassalboro. In the years prior, they dismantled Lombard and Masse dams. This year they are building a fishway at Box Mill Dam, which leaves just Morneau Dam and the dam at the head of Outlet Stream (behind the Vassalboro Historical Society) to finish.

Although alewives have been annually stocked in China Lake for years, the team’s work will dramatically increase the lake’s migratory fish population.

“The population is going to go up significantly,” explains Nate Gray, of the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Gray has been responsible for stocking alewives in China Lake since the beginning, starting in 1997. “We stock about 25,0000 [adult alewives] a year,” he says, “[but] we know China Lake is good for about a million fish.”

Construction of a fishway continues at the Box Mill Dam, in North Vassalboro. (photo by Eric W. Austin)

Maine Rivers executive director, Landis Hudson, elaborates: “It’s great that DMR has been jump-starting the system by putting those fish in,” she says, “but the idea is to let the system do its own thing — [to] have a self-sustaining population that can make their way, essentially, from the ocean up to China Lake on their own volition.

“What we’re doing is bringing a big burst of native species back in that will – obviously – be good for the stream,” continues Hudson, “but it will also have an echo effect throughout this system and then further out into the Gulf of Maine. So, it will strengthen the food web for fish, birds, and other animals.”

Some people have questioned why these dams have not been repurposed to generate electrical power, but Hudson says that idea isn’t practical. “Sometimes people have this idea that every single dam in the state could be producing hydropower,” she says, “[but] none of the dams along Outlet Stream are particularly viable now. They were used for gristmills; they were used for saw mills — old-fashioned power. Those times are gone. So, we’ve been basically working with what’s here, trying to fix the stream and make it less ‘broken’ — bringing back the fish — but the idea of some imaginary hydropower project is not viable anymore.”

The Alewife Restoration Initiative has worked with local landowners to accomplish their goals. Ray Breton, owner of the Olde Mill property, has collaborated closely with the team to ensure the current fishway at Box Mill – and last year’s Ladd Dam fishway – were built without sacrificing the natural beauty of the environment.

“It’s been great,” says Breton. “I had some recommendations, in order to add to the park, so this all blends in and looks like Mother Nature. They were good to work with. They could have said, ‘No,’ but they didn’t. Everything I’ve asked for they put in.”

Hudson agrees. “People come here for weddings, or to have their high school pictures taken,” she says, referring to the current project at Box Mill, “so we’ve tried to make plans which integrate that into it, and [keep] the aesthetics of the waterfall. It’s not just fish passage. It’s fish passage and a park.”

Project manager Matt Streeter adds, “This is going to be the place where we are going to encourage people to come look at the fish run in the stream. There’s going to be a nice brick walkway all the way around it, and safety railings, so people will have a good view of the fishway.”

The team is aiming to complete construction at Box Mill by October. Next year, they will tackle Morneau Dam or Outlet Dam — or maybe both. It all depends on the funding.

“There is no simple way to do it, and there is no cheap way to do it,” says Hudson. “If there was a simpler or cheaper way to do it, we would have done it already.”

Contact the author at ericwaustin@gmail.com.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: A little bit of history

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Tater Tots appeared in 1953

by Debbie Walker

My friend, Ms. Barbara, gave me her copy of the latest edition of her AARP magazine. In it was an article by Ruth Reichl, The Changing American Table.

The article was interesting and she brought a few questions for the reader. She wrote about Vice President Nixon and Nikita Khrushchev having “kitchen debates” in 1959. VP Nixon said, “What we want is to make life easier for our housewives”. (That’s a strange word. I can’t say I was ever married to a house!)

Changes were happening for our kitchens before 1959. Ms. Reichl wrote an article that kept my interest. One point was in the push to speed up growth of garden produce as well as ‘feed animals, to go bigger and better.’ She wonders if that would be why we have lost some of the flavors and about the nutritional value of these foods.

I have taken for granted the products created over the years before I was born and after. I never realized there is a history to go with each generation of products, including food. Simplifying is to say there was the generation of TV dinners. Even that was taking too much time in the kitchen, so they progressed. Next “instants” became the things to prepare, such as instant potatoes, freeze dried instant coffee, Pop Tarts, Tang and Carnation Instant Breakfast. Then came frozen bread dough, frozen pie crusts, Green Giant peas and Cool Whip.

If you get the AARP magazine, I would have to recommend the article. It’ll give you something to read and ponder if you are staying close to home these days.

The following is a list of products and the years they came on the market.

1934: Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup.

1953: Tater Tots: they are crispy recycling of French fry leftovers.

1956: Electric can opener: It had its own cookbook, Can Opener Cookbook.

1958: Jiffy Pop: I remember it being fun to watch it as it ballooned.

1959: Tang: Adopted by NASA

1964: Electric knife: Seems like it was more of a knife for dad.

1964: Pop Tarts: You will love knowing they were developed from research on making a moist dog food patty.

1965: Shake ‘N Bake: “And I helped”.

1965: SpaghettiOs: I had no idea they are that old.

1966: Cool Whip: My mother loved anything resembling whipped cream.

1971: Hamburger Helper: Magic powder could stretch a pound of hamburger.

1971: Crock Pot: A.M. pop in cheap meat to P.M. Enjoy dinner.

1972: Celestial Seasonings: Four hippies began the herbal tea boom.

1976: California Cooler: premixed sangria.

1981: Lean Cuisine: frozen entrees sold out the first year.

1989: Electric Juicer: Now fruits and vegetables could be drunk.

2006: Avocado Toast: gained fame in a New York City café.

2010: Instant Pot: Multicooker.

2011: Meal Kits: Hello Fresh and others take away having to make decisions for dinner.

Anyway, I found the article interesting and I hope you get to read it. My column is a condensed version of an article that gives you plenty to think about.

I’m just curious what you would be interested in reading. Contact me at DebbieWalker@townline.org.

Thanks for reading and have a great week!