Erskine Academy first trimester honor roll

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(photo credit: Erskine Academy)

Grade 12

High Honors: Brooke Allen, Philip Allen, Isabella Bishop, Abbygail Blair, Everett Blair, Jane Blanchard, Christopher Bourdon, Nomi Bouwens, Samantha Box, Trevor Brockway, Ethan Cates, Anthony Chessa, Ashley Clavette, Joleigh Crockett, Cody Devaney, Jacob Devaney, Amelia Evans, Addison Gamage, Margaret Gamage, Avril Goodman, Avery Henningsen, Nathan Howell, Emma Hutchinson, Delaney Ireland, Madyx Kennedy, Kaylah Kronillis, Sierra LaCroix, Isabela Libby, Colby Lloyd, Emily Lowther, Chiara Mahoney, Jonathan Martinez, Michael Nicholas III, Ian Oliphant, Brian Ouellette Jr, Olive Padgett, Courtney Paine, Annaliese Patterson, Aiden Pettengill, Anna Pfleging, Sydni Plummer, Harry Rabideau, Kristin Ray, Allison Roddy, Joshua Tobey, Mollie Wilson, and Dylan Wing.

Honors: Mara Adams, Nicholas Barber, Paris Bedsaul, Rylee Bellemare, Johnathan Blair, David Bourgoin, Hailey Brooks, Eleanor Brown, Zoe Butler, Joshua Cowing, Nolan Cowing, Abigail Dumas, Phillips Gidney, Hailey Haskell, Braydon Hinds, Paeshance-Rae Horan, Bryan Joslyn Jr, Keith Knowles, Marina Lavadinho, Logan Lee, Joanna Linscott, Eva Malcolm, Hailey Mayo, Isaiah Michaud, Gavin Mills, Daniel Page, Isabella Parlin, Hayden Rowe, Hailey Sanborn, Paul Slimm, Hunter St. Jarre, Aarick Staples, Riley Sullivan, Logan Tenney, Jackson Tirrell, and Samuel York.

Grade 11

High Honors: Isaac Baker, Julia Barber, Maylien Beermann, Jacob Bentley, Autumn Boody, Lilian Bray, Emily Clark, Liberty Crockett, Gugliemi De, Isabella DeRose, Kaden Doughty, Abigail Dutton, Emma Fortin, Josette Gilman, Samantha Golden, Grace Hodgkin, Emma Jefferson, Grace Kelso, Tanner Klasson, Mallory Landry, Aidan Larrabee, Shawn Libby, David Martinez-Gosselin, Calvin Mason, Abigail Peaslee, Devon Polley, Sarah Praul, Letizia Rasch, Paige Reed, Riley Reitchel, Parker Reynolds, Mackenzie Roderick, Abbey Searles, Andrew Shaw, Hannah Soule, Hannah Strout-Gordon, and Lily Vinci.

Honors: Elliott Atwood, Alana Beggs, Gabriella Berto-Blagdon, Jack Blais, Evan Butler, Jasmine Crommett, Colby Cunningham, Luke Desmond, Alexander Drolet, Chase Folsom, Wyatt French, Ciera Hamar, Trace Harris, Larissa Haskell, Isaac Hayden, Timothy Hinckley, Hannah Huff, Rachel Huntoon, Taidhgin Kimball, Lili Lefebvre, Madison Lully, Hunter Marr, Wes McGlew, Kaden McIntyre, Christian Moon, Rebecca Morton, Adam Ochs, Brady O’Connor, Kaden Plourde, Lilly Potter, Julian Reight, Ely Rideout, Kadince Rideout, Shawn Searles, Natalie Spearin, Lily Thompson, and Emily York.

Grade 10

High Honors: Carson Appel, Andrew Bentley, Abigail Beyor, Eve Boatright, Angel Bonilla, Katherine Bourdon, Breckon Davidson, Nicole DeMerchant, Lillian Dorval, MaKayla Gagnon, Loralei Gilley, Alivia Gower, Cooper Grondin, Elizabeth Hardy, Grady Hotham, Grace Hutchins, Olivia Hutchinson, Hallie Jackson, Beck Jorgensen, Kaiden Kelley, Meadow Laflamme, Dale Lapointe, Dinah Lemelin, Brenden Levesque, Malachi Lowery, Lily Matthews, River Meader, Nabila Meity, Angelina Ochoa, Timber Parlin, Kayla Peaslee, Jonathan Peil, Gabriel Pelletier, Casey Petty, Kathleen Pfleging, Sophia Pilotte, Kaden Porter, Ingrid Ramberg, Alexis Rancourt, Cadence Rau, Samantha Reynolds, Ally Rodrigue, Noah Rushing, Emmalee Sanborn, Aidan Tirrell, Mackenzie Toner, Emma Tyler, Lauren Tyler, Katherine Williams, and Damon Wilson.

Honors: Hailey Acedo-Worthing, John Allen, Molly Anderson, Zane Boulet, Samuel Boynton, Alexis Buotte, Emma Charest, Nicholas Choate, Courtney Cowing, Kayleen Crandall, Elijah Crockett II, Tianna Cunningham, Grace Ellis, Jacob Evans, Myra Evans, Hailey Farrar, Alyssa Gagne, Brianna Gardner, Reiana Gonzalez, Carson Grass, Ronald Haskell Jr, Kassidy Hopper, Acadia Kelley, Casey Kirkpatrick, Matthew Knowles, Emmet Lani-Caputo, Zephyr Lani-Caputo, Joseph Lemelin, Gwen Lockhart, Emily Majewski, Brady Mayberry, Brooklyn McCue, Gage Moody, Ethan Ouellette, Ezra Padgett, Maddison Paquet, Angelyn Paradis, Hannah Patterson, Michael Perez, Karen Potter, Sarah Robinson, Jarell Sandoval, Sophie Steeves, Daniel Stillman, Emma Stred, Jacob Sullivan, Paige Sutter, Hannah Toner, Colby Willey, and Joseph Wing.

Grade 9

High Honors: Abigail Adams, Isabella Boudreau, Robin Boynton, Elizabeth Brown, Kaleb Brown, Nolan Burgess, Eva Carlezon, Makayla Chabot, Elise Choate, Brielle Crommett, Noah Crummett, Hailey Estes, Ciara Fickett, Kaylee Fyfe, Caleb Gay, Nathan Hall, Tara Hanley, Stephanie Kumnick, Mackenzie Kutniewski, Sydney Laird, Kiley Lee, Aidan Maguire, Richard Mahoney III, Alexia McDonald, Holden McKenney, Austin Nicholas, Jazel Nichols, Jeremy Parker, Nathan Polley, Keith Radonis, Shae Rodrigue, Giacomo Smith, Kinsey Stevens, Lara Stinchfield, and Reese Sullivan.

Honors: Tristan Anderson, Austin Armstrong, Duncan Bailey, Lyla Bailey, Leah Bonner, Heather Bourgoin, Nathalia Carrasco, Timothy Christiansen, Simon Clark, Connor Coull, Thomas Crawford, Caleigh Crocker, Gavin Cunningham, Keira Deschamps, Hunter Foard, Cole Fortin, Brayden Garland, Aleigha Gooding, Bo Gray, Natalie Henderson, Bella Homstead, Hallee Huff, Kameron Kronillis, Carol Labbe, Logan Lanphier, Sophie Leclerc, Brody Loiko, Jack Lyons, David McCaig, Madison McCausland, Carlos Michaud, Cami Monroe, Royce Nelson, Hannah Oakes, Alejandro Ochoa, Alyssa Ouellette, Remy Pettengill, Evelyn Rousseau, Ryan Tyler, Baruch Wilson, and Brandon Wood.

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Historic listings – Part 2

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Fort Halifax, in Winslow.

by Mary Grow

Augusta Part 2

As mentioned in the first article on historic places in Augusta (see The Town Line, Jan. 7), four are on the National Park Service’s Register of National Historic Landmarks (as is Fort Halifax, in Winslow). The Augusta sites, listed in historical order, are the Cushnoc Archaeological Site, Fort Western, the Kennebec Arsenal and the Blaine House.

All except the Blaine House are on the east bank of the Kennebec River. Fort Western is the northernmost, just off Cony Street, northwest of City Hall.

The Cushnoc Archaeological Site is southwest of City Hall, north of the waterfront park. The old Arsenal building is south of the Route 202 bridge.

Wikipedia dates the Cushnoc archaeological site to 1628 and describes it as the location of a trading post built by English settlers from the Plymouth Colony. The name Cushnoc is an Anglicized version of a native word meaning “head of tide.” Under a patent from London, post officials traded with the Kennebec Valley Abenakis, exchanging corn and other agricultural and manufactured products for wild-animal furs.

Fort Western, in August

Henry Kingsbury, in his Kennebec County history, says no description of the post survives. He surmises it was a wooden building, with a bark or wood roof and window-panes of oiled paper, and was surrounded by a high wooden fence.

In 1634, an interloper from the Piscataqua Plantations at the mouth of the Piscataqua River named John Hocking tried to share the trade. He sailed past the post and anchored upriver. John Alden and John Howland from the Mayflower emigrants were in charge of the post. Howland, who was about six years older than Alden and previously holder of several offices in the colony’s government, ordered Hocking away.

Hocking refused to leave, so Howland sent three men from the post in a canoe to cut his ship adrift. According to the dramatic account by Robert F. Huber in the Howland Quarterly, the quarterly journal of the Pilgrim John Howland Society (first published in 1936), the current bore the canoe away after the men cut only one cable. Howland added a fourth man, Moses Talbot (or Talbott, in Huber’s story), and sent them out again.

When Hocking threatened them with firearms, Howland repeatedly called to him not to shoot them – they were only obeying orders – but to shoot him instead. Nonetheless, Hocking shot Talbot in the head; another man in the canoe promptly shot Hocking, who died instantly.

Hocking’s crewmen reported his death to England, failing to mention that he had fired the first shot. Investigations followed, creating concern about British interference in colonial affairs and a jurisdictional disagreement between the Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay colonies. The investigators vindicated Howland as representing the owner of exclusive trading rights.

By 1661, profits were dwindling. The original traders sold their license and the premises to other Boston merchants, who kept the post going sporadically for a few more years.

Kingsbury quotes a source who said overgrown remains of the trading post building were still visible as late as 1692.

Excavation of the site began in 1984. Over the next three years, experts outlined the wall that surrounded the post and found postholes where there had been buildings. Wikipedia lists artifacts from the site including “tobacco pipes, glass beads, utilitarian ceramics, French and Spanish earthenwares, and many hand-forged nails.”

The archaeological site has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1989 and on the list of National Historic Landmarks since 1993.

Fort Halifax, in Winslow, and Fort Western, in Augusta, were both built in 1854, as was the road between them. Which fort was built first is not entirely clear. Kingsbury says unequivocally Fort Halifax was started first and Fort Western second, as an auxiliary. The Fort Western website says construction of that fort was finished in October 1754. Several sources say Fort Halifax construction began on July 25, 1754, and was not finished until 1756.

Fort Western was built by order of the Kennebec Proprietors, also called the Plymouth Company, the organization of first British-based and later Boston-based landowners mentioned in several previous articles (see especially The Town Line, July 2, 2020). The fort was sited just upriver from the former trading post site. It was intended as a supply depot for Fort Halifax, 17 miles farther inland, and as protection for settlements the Proprietors hoped to create.

According to the on-line Maine encyclopedia, the fort was named to honor Thomas Western, a resident of Sussex, England, who was a friend of Massachusetts Colonial Governor William Shirley.

The website for Fort Western gives a history of the fort in the context of the “great contest between cultures” going on in the 1750s. British from Massachusetts and French from Québec both sought influence over the Kennebec River Valley and the Natives who lived there.

Wikipedia describes Fort Western as a rectangular palisaded area about 120-by-220 feet. It was built on a hill, so that its defenders could see more than a mile up and down the Kennebec River.

There were 24-foot-square blockhouses on the southwest and northeast corners and 12-foot-square watch towers on the other two corners. The main house, two stories high, was 32-by-100-feet; a diagram shows it along the east side of the enclosed ground.

Kingsbury’s description adds an outer and sturdier palisade 30 feet from the inner one that started at the river on both ends and enclosed three sides of the fort.

A July 24, 2020, Kennebec Journal article says the main building’s walls were (and are) a foot thick, built from timber floated upriver from Richmond. Two 600-pound cannons in the second story could fire four-pound balls as much as a mile.

Captain James Howard from Massachusetts was the first fort commander, with his sons, Samuel and William, and a company of 15 men, relocated from Fort Richmond farther down the Kennebec.

Supplies came from Boston as often as four times a year on schooners and sloops that navigated the river as far as the head of tide. From Fort Western soldiers took them to Fort Halifax in smaller, flat-bottomed river boats or on sleds over the crude road along the east bank of the river.

When they were not moving supplies, the men spent their time on what the Fort website calls routine duties – collecting firewood, feeding themselves and repairing boats.

The fort was never attacked by either Natives or the French. At least once a supply boat was fired on from the wooded river bank. And one member of the garrison, a private named Edward Whalen, was captured in May 1755 as he carried dispatches north. The website says he remained a captive, first in North America and then in France, until he was exchanged in 1760.

After British forces captured Québec in 1759 during the French and Indian War, the Kennebec was more peaceful, even though the war was not formally ended until the 1763 Treaty of Paris. The already small Fort Western garrison was reduced further, but the fort was manned until late 1767.

In 1769, Howard bought the fort and about 900 acres of land around it, for 270 British pounds, and became the first permanent settler in the area. A website called Legends of America says he and his sons made the main building into a house and a store. Son William and his wife Martha moved in around 1770; James’s brother John joined them later.

The Proprietors’ efforts to encourage settlers bore fruit after the region became safe. The Howards’ store prospered; they formed a shipping company, S & W Howard, that promoted trade with Boston; and Kingsbury says the small community welcomed the sawmill James Howard built on Howard’s Brook (now Riggs’ Brook), a mile north of the fort.

The Howards also trapped and sold alewives during their migrations to and from upriver spawning grounds.

Kingsbury says in 1770 James Howard built a large and elegant house that became “the manor house of the hamlet.” As the settlement’s second magistrate, in 1763 he officiated at Cushnoc’s first wedding, the marriage of his daughter Margaret to Captain Samuel Patterson. Later he served as a judge of the court of common pleas. He died May 14, 1787, aged 85.

Cushnoc archeological site.

The Legends website says James Howard’s son William lived in the former fort until he died in 1810. Kingsbury lists William Howard – this writer guesses the same William Howard – as Augusta’s first treasurer, elected at the town’s organizational meeting April 3, 1797, and credits him for first envisioning, in 1785, the dam across the Kennebec that was built in 1837. William Howard was succeeded as treasurer in 1802 by Samuel Howard (probably William’s son, born 1770, died 1827).

As previously related, Benedict Arnold and his men stopped at the fort on their way to Québec in September 1775, the last military use of the premises (see The Town Line, Jan. 7, 2021). The Legends website says the men camped outdoors while Arnold and four other officers were accommodated indoors. In addition to their own business as they transferred to Major Reuben Colburn’s bateaux, the soldiers found time to make repairs to the building.

When a public meeting was held, the fort was the site. The area around the fort was the northern village when the Town of Hallowell was created in 1771, and town meetings were held in the fort until voters approved building a town meeting house in 1782.

After the 1770s, the palisades and then the blockhouses were torn down. Kingsbury says the southwestern blockhouse stood until around 1834. What remained of Fort Western was included in Augusta when Augusta split off from Hallowell in 1797.

At some time, Wikipedia says, the Howard family sold the former fort and the main building became a tenement – not merely a tenement, according to the Legends website, but the center of a slum neighborhood whose inhabitants supported themselves by selling liquor illegally, creating “an unsavory menace to the city.”

Publisher Guy Gannett (see The Town Line, Nov. 12, 2020) was a Howard descendant, the Legends site says, and he bought the former family home in 1919. In 1920 he and his family restored the main building and built a new stockade (rebuilt again in 1960) and two blockhouses. The Gannett family later donated Fort Western to Augusta.

As the oldest wooden fort in the United States, Fort Western has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1969 and the list of National Historic Landmarks since 1973. Now a replica of an 18th-century trading post, it is normally open to the public from June through October.

Illustrations with the Kennebec Journal article mentioned above show trading post supplies, a bedroom with a curtained bed and more period furniture and household goods. These and other on-line contemporary illustrations show historic interpreters in 18th-century clothing welcoming visitors. The Maine Tourism site adds that the museum is a center for Kennebec Valley archaeological research and the home base for two companies of 18th-century military re-enactors, one named for James Howard.

Main sources

Kingsbury, Henry D., ed., Illustrated History of Kennebec County Maine 1625-1892 (1892)

Websites, miscellaneous

Next: two more Augusta historic places/landmarks, the Arsenal and the Blaine House

Maine Crisp Company expands to new production facility in Winslow

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Maine Crisp Co. new expanded production facility on Lithgow St., in Winslow.

by Elaine Theriault-Currier

Karen Getz, founder of Maine Crisp Co.

Specialty food manufacturer Maine Crisp Company has expanded its production capacity tenfold by relocating to a Winslow facility. Expected to be fully operational by May 2021, the facility’s extensive capacity is necessary to fulfill demand generated by Maine Crisp’s recent New England-wide distribution deal with Whole Foods Market.

Maine Crisp launched in 2014 in a licensed home kitchen. Three years later, it transitioned to a 2,500 square foot manufacturing facility at 10 Railroad Square in Waterville, leasing 3,500 square feet of additional warehousing space in Benton as product demand grew. By relocating to the 17,500 square foot facility at 20 Lithgow Street, in Winslow, the award-winning producer of gluten-free and plant-based crisps will consolidate and grow its manufacturing, packaging, and warehousing operations.

“The new facility in Winslow offers the scaffolding to sustain our growth trajectory and ambitious distribution targets,” explains Steve Getz, Maine Crisp co-founder and VP of Marketing. “We are thrilled to have found a space that allows us to continue growing in central Maine, a region that has supported us from the beginning, when we graduated from home kitchen to industrial facility.”

The expansion of Maine Crisp’s manufacturing capacity is expected to triple employment within the next three years. Currently, new employees earn a minimum of $15 per hour and are offered health insurance and paid time off, including their birthday. The Winslow headquarters will support a diverse mix of jobs, from receipt and inventory of bulk ingredients, manufacturing, packaging, and finished goods inventory to marketing, logistics, and management.

With all operations unified under one roof, Maine Crisp is working with the Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) to design a layout that optimizes current production flow while accommodating projected future demand. In addition, as a specialty food producer, Maine Crisp requires an FDA-approved, dedicated gluten-free environment that meets regulatory guidelines to maintain the company’s non-GMO, allergen, and Kosher certifications. The 20 Lithgow St. facility also provides three-phase power, multiple loading docks, ample storage space, office space, and a front lobby for visitors and on-site retail.

“Working with MEP has been a fantastic experience – we are building a production flow that is flexible enough to support us for years,” states Claire Getz, manager of product quality control at Maine Crisp. “The MEP consultants’ deep, multi-faceted expertise makes them invaluable partners as we face the exciting challenges of scaling up while maintaining our artisanal quality.”

As a family-operated business committed to Maine, Maine Crisp utilized local service providers to finance and design the Winslow headquarters, including Kennebec Savings Bank and local architect Jim Shipsky. Maine Crisp sources its crisps’ primary ingredient, buckwheat, from Aroostook County and works with Lewiston-based branding and marketing firm Anchour. Maine Crisp products are available in Maine Hannaford stores, Whole Foods Markets throughout England, specialty shops along the East Coast, and online at mainecrisp.com.

Disc golf fundraising tourney set for Feb. 27 in Sidney

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Get your family and friends involved in some winter fun, that will help raise money for an important cause.

A disc golf fundraising tournament will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2021, to benefit Chiari Malformation.

The tourney is planned to raise money and awareness for Chiari Malformation, a condition in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal, present at birth.

There are many symptoms associated with Chiari, but the most common is severe “squeezy” headaches. Chiari is often misdiagnosed as MS, migraine, fibromyalgia, or psychiatric disturbances. Getting an accurate diagnosis can take years.

The cost to register for the tournament is $15 with a $5 optional ace pot. They will also be offering four mulligans (2 per round) for $10. There will be CTP prizes on every hole, a 50/50 raffle, a throw-off in the field for prizes and much more.

For more information, contact DND Disc Golf, 214 Philbrick Rd., Sidney, 207-547-4612 or visit https://www.facebook.com/dnddiscgolf/.

WHITEFIELD: Parishioners shatter American Red Cross records despite pandemic

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When searching for reasons to smile during the pandemic, a common source of comfort has been the sacrifices made by many Mainers as they have looked past their own needs in hopes that those in greater danger might be helped.

Look no further than St. Denis Church in Whitefield and St. Francis Xavier Church in Winthrop. The churches, part of St. Michael Parish, not only found ways to safely hold blood drives in 2020 during the pandemic, they shattered records while they were at it.

“We had a remarkably strong year at both St. Francis and St. Denis in 2020,” said David Stires, of American Red Cross Blood Services, in Portland. “We collected more last year at St. Francis than we have in at least ten years and more at St. Denis than we have in six years. Since each unit of whole blood can be separated into three products—red cells, platelets and plasma—the amount we collected at the two churches potentially saved the lives of more than 1,000 people.”

Between the parishes, nearly 400 people gave blood, tripling the amount collected in 2019.

“The patients that will benefit are victims of car accidents, mothers with at-risk pregnancies, babies born prematurely, and people battling cancer,” said Stires. “The support is greatly appreciated now because it has helped us maintain a strong blood supply for patients during an unprecedented public health crisis.”

The commitment of St. Michael Parish to continue holding the blood drives during the pandemic through social distancing and other safety protocols turned out to be crucial as many venues that traditionally host blood drives stopped as a result of the crisis.

“When so many schools, businesses, and churches closed due to the pandemic, the parish made the courageous decision to keep its doors open to help others during this time of need,” said Stires. “It has helped us maintain a strong blood supply for the patients who are counting on us. We are incredibly grateful for the support of St. Michael Parish.”

The response was so great that additional blood drives are being added to the 2021 schedule, including once a month at St. Francis Xavier.

“It is very impressive how responsive parishioners and others in town are to the blood drives,” said Fr. John Skehan, pastor of St. Michael. “Even in a pandemic, people are thinking beyond themselves and helping care for people they don’t even know! And they do so without looking for anything in return. They just want to help someone in need. It’s wonderful.”

For more information about the future blood drives at the churches, including how you can help, call the parish at (207) 623-8823.

Earned paid leave law goes into effect in Maine

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by Charlotte Henderson

Maine’s new law, the Earned Paid Leave Law (MEPL), allows certain Maine workers to build up paid leave time. In businesses that employ more than 10 people, wage earners can now (effective New Year’s Day, 2021) accrue one hour of paid time off for every 40 hours worked, up to five paid days a year. While very small businesses and seasonal employees are exempt, many employees will benefit.

The bill, L.D. 369, An Act Authorizing Earned Employee Leave, was signed into law by Governor Janet Mills last May. At the time, she noted the law “makes it possible to take necessary time off without worrying about losing a day’s pay.”

Uniquely in the United States, Maine’s Earned Paid Leave law does not require the employee’s time off be “sick” leave, but can be taken for any reason by pre-agreement with the employer. Maine’s law is the first in the nation to allow this time off for any reason.

The bill’s sponsor, Rebecca Millett, a former state senator and current state representative for District #30 (Cape Elizabeth), says her original bill was intended to address only “sick” leave, but through the legislative committee process, it evolved to placing no restrictions on the use of the paid time. So, for instance, this bill will let an employee take a paid day to care for a sick relative or take a child to the beach.

There are some parameters, though. Unless there is an immediate necessity, such as illness, accident or other emergency, the employee must notify a supervisor and schedule paid time off ahead of time. Paid leave can accrue up to 40 hours in one year of employment, after the first 120 days, at the rate of pay in force when the leave starts. Further, the employee accepting earned leave will retain health and other workplace benefits already in place.

During the legislative process for MEPL, comments from public hearings affected some amendments and led to the current reading of the bill. There were over 80 individuals and representatives of organizations testifying, some in favor of the bill, some speaking forcefully against it. The reasons of those in support, who ranged from officers of large corporations to café owners, from farmers to single moms, were largely focused around family values such as parents being able to take care of sick children without losing pay or the employee being able to stay home if ill themselves. The reasoning of those against the bill was largely economic – the cost of paying someone who was not working, often while at the same time paying a fill-in at the job.

In the end, thanks to a cooperative bipartisan effort, the two sides reached a compromise which both supports working families and reduces the concerns of businessowners.

The Maine Department of Labor is responsible for implementing and enforcing the MEPL and reporting back to the Legislature. The law preempts any similar local laws in the state. LD 369 results in making paid leave available to 85 percent of Maine workers in businesses with over 10 employees. Maine is now one of 15 states nationwide that have mandatory paid leave with Maine’s being the only one not restricted to emergencies.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: The white-tailed deer and how they survive winters

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White-tailed buck and doe. (Internet photo)

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

My wife and I spent last weekend at the Harbor Ridge Resort, in Southwest Harbor. It was a quiet weekend, especially enjoying the view of the harbor below our unit. Saturday afternoon, while we were both comfortably sitting in the living room, reading our favorite authors, my wife noticed something moving on the slope.

There they were, two magnificent white-tailed deer: a buck and a doe. Both large beautiful specimens. The buck had eight points, but walked with a very noticeable limp on its left foreleg. Otherwise, the pair seemed healthy.

They plodded along slowly, very deliberate in their strides, seemingly unfazed by any of their surroundings.

My wife and I watched in silence until the two deer disappeared from our sight line.

That got me to thinking. How do these animals survive our winters? So, I decided to do some research on the white-tailed deer.

I had recently read an article that said the “mild” winter so far made it easier for the deer to move in search of food.

White-tailed deer have developed a set of adaptations that enable them to survive the deep snow and cold temperatures that occur in Maine. Maine is the northern-most point of their range and there are very few of them north of the St. Lawrence River. Also, the further north you go in their range, the larger the body size, as compared to their counterparts to the south.

According to Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologists, deer shed their hair in the spring and fall. The summer hair has solid shafts and lacks the undercoat, but the winter hair has hollow hair shafts, and dense, wool-like under fur, providing effective insulation.

Also, deer will alter their diet to accumulate and retain more fat under their skin and around organs, providing them with insulation and energy reserves for the months that lie ahead. The winter diet is lower in protein and less digestible than the summer diet, requiring more energy to digest and resulting in fewer calories. The stored fat is burned during winter to partially compensate for the lack of energy in the winter diet. Deer will lose weight during the winter. If winters become too long (early start and late finish) deer could run out of stored energy and die.

Fat reserves in adult does can account for up to 30 percent of their body mass in the fall.

Their winter habitat is also important. Dense softwood canopies intercept more snow, resulting in reduced snow depths. Gathering in these areas also allow many deer to share the energy cost of maintaining a trail network to access food and to escape predators. The forest surrounding the resort where we stayed was mostly white birch.

As you would suspect, the greatest mortality in the winter is found among fawns, followed by adult bucks and then does. Severe winters can drastically deplete the fawn population, resulting in fewer young to mature into adulthood. Consecutive severe winters can have a devastating effect, by as much as 90 percent, of young maturing, depleting the adult herd.

So, should you try to help out these critters?

Although supplemental feeding of deer is usually well-intentioned, it could have some severe adverse effects. Just to touch on a few of the reasons to leave the deer to Mother Nature’s natural course:

  • Supplemental feeding may actually increase predation. Providing supplemental food sources crowds deer into a smaller area than their usual range, making it easier for coyotes and bobcats to hunt down the deer, by limiting their escape routes;
  • Feeding sites near homes may place deer in danger of free-roaming dogs;
  • Deer feeding stations may increase deer/vehicle collisions. Feeding stations near homes also place the deer in close proximity to well-traveled highways;
  • Deer could actually starve when fed supplemental foods during winter. It takes deer two weeks to adjust to new foods, and could starve in that time period;
  • Deer compete aggressively for scarce, high-quality feeds;
  • They could die from eating too much at one time;
  • Deer concentrations at feeding sites may increase the vulnerability of deer to disease. MDIFW has documented deer concentrations equal to 350 deer per square mile at some feeding sites can cause an outbreak of infectious diseases, such as the bovine tuberculosis in 1994, and more recently, the fear of introduction of Chronic Wasting Disease, which, by 2016, had only been found in deer and moose. Although CWD, a disease that causes weight loss leading to death, has not been detected in Maine, the disease, which originated in the midwest, seems to be making its way east. It is now found in 23 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces.

According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Maine has actively monitored for CWD each year since 1999, and since that time screened approximately 9,000 wild deer. Thus far, Maine proudly remains CWD free.

Finally, predation and vehicle collisions claim more deer during the winter than starvation. Mother Nature has provided well for her creatures, so just sit back and watch them go about their daily routine.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Which NFL quarterback has the fewest Super Bowl rings, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, John Elway or Jimmy Garoppolo?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, January 14, 2021

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Trivia QuestionsWhich NFL quarterback has the fewest Super Bowl rings, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, John Elway or Jimmy Garoppolo?

Answer:

None. They all have two. (Garopollo was back-up to Tom Brady, and the Patriots.

SOLON & BEYOND: Pine Tree 4-Hers hold meeting

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

I was very pleased to receive the following e-mail: Solon Pine Tree met on Saturday, January 9, at the Solon Fire Station. In attendance were Cooper and Kaitlin Delarma, Lindsay and Charlotte Hamilton, Jilliam Robinson, and Sarah Craig.

The craft project was making a cloth mask from a T-shirt.

New News: 4-H Virtual Passport Around the World is being offered to members 12-18 years of age. This opportunity starts January 19 and introduces young people to their peers from different cultural backgrounds. They use brief presentations, hands-on activities and discussions to learn about different countries. Due to COVID-19 Solon Pine Tree 4-H will be unable to provide a dinner for the annual town meeting in Solon this year. They are also unable to sell baked goods for the annual fundraiser to benefit the Solon Food Cupboard. Solon Solon Pine Tree 4-H will provide a donation box to collect donations for the food cupboard on town meeting day. In March, five members will give their demonstrations.

Next Meeting: Their next meeting will be Saturday, February 13, at 9:30 a.m., at the station.

My many thanks to Hailey Dellarma for sending me the above news.

Now for some more Solon School News that I didn’t have room for last week: Second Graders Enjoy Bird Study: This year the L.C. Bates Museum, in Hinckley, can’t send museum staff members to our school to present natural science programs to the students as has been done in past years. But the museum found a way to still reach out to area area schools with their wonderful science lessons.

With funding from a grant, this year the museum made up two units, one on birds and one on insects, complete with videos and hands-on activities for second grade students. Because students can’t share materials, the museum made up an individual kit for each student.

Mrs. Currieie’s second graders loved the bird kit and especially dissecting owl pellets. They were fascinated by the things they found in the pellets, which showed what owls eat. The insect kits will arrive soon, and the students look forward to studying about bugs. The teachers appreciate the support of the L.C. Bates Museum in teaching the students about science in a hands-on, interactive way that engages students while still meeting social distancing guidelines.

My many thanks, also to the ones who send the above news from Solon School News! It is very much appreciated by me, and I hope those who read it.

Both Lief and I were very excited one day last week when there was a picture of a Pine Grosbeak on the front page of the daily paper! Above the picture it said, “OUT-OF-STATE-VISITOR! Just a couple of days prior to that we had seen three of these beautiful birds enjoying the seeds we put out every day for our bird friends. (Under the picture in the paper it said, “A female Pine Grosbeak pits a seed Monday while feeding on fruit with a flock of fellow Canadian finches in Readfield. Reports of irrupting boreal birds persist across Maine with numerous species feeding across the state due to a scarcity of fruit and seeds in Canada.”

Lief and I really enjoy watching all our different bird friends as they fly around and eat the seeds we put out for them; it was a true blessing when we had one from a different country

As you all know, I’ve been going back in time lately for lack of recent news, and that is why I get so excited, when I do get some, like the above….Can’t thank you enough.

I’m a little behind this morning so I know many of you look forward to Percy’s memoirs: The first one is Don’t Give Up, You may be tempted to, but don’t give up; when you’ve lost the desire to try, and you’ve misplaced your hopeful dreams, dare to believe again in the impossible; Catch a ray of sunshine, and hold on tightly; The One who holds your hand….will never let you go.

And now another one to cheer you up in these troubled times….called The Secret of Living: Make each day a magnificent adventure. Accept the challenges that come your way. Seize each opportunity that you find. Without concern for what others might say. Experience each day with open arms. Savoring both victory and strife. Welcoming the good and bad together. For only then will you know the joy of life.

Again I wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

OBITUARIES for Thursday, January 14, 2021

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DAVID HUARD

FAIRFIELD – David Huard, 73, passed away very peacefully on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, following many years suffering from illnesses. David was born in Waterville on July 29, 1947, the son of Laurier and Camille (Pooler) Huard, both deceased.

David grew up in Waterville and graduated from Waterville High School.

After high school, David entered the United States Marine Corp and proudly served his country from 1968 – 1972, attaining the rank of corporal. After being discharged from the service, he settled in Lowell, Massachusetts. While there he worked as a commercial bus driver and wore many different hats. After five years in Massachusetts, decided Maine was for him and returned home.

Dave worked many jobs, including C.F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, Central Security, Waterville Boys and Girls Club as a youth counselor, serving many young boys leading them on the right path. Many young youths were blessed to have Dave in their lives.

Dave was also nominated for the Jeffersons award.

While sitting outside during a break at C.F. Hathaway, Dave was noticed by Kipp production manager for the movie, Empire Falls. He asked Dave if he was interested in being head security during filming, and Dave, of course, said yes. Dave was bodyguard, head security for Paul Newman, Helen Hunt, Bill Fichtner, Ed Harris, Aiden Quinn, Estelle Parsons, Robin Wright Penn, Dennis Farina and many more. This was the highlight of Dave’s career and after the film, Dave retired.

While working at C.F. Hathaway, he met his wife, Shirley. They were married in 2007 and had 20 good years together.

Dave’s hobbies included drawing, fishing and woodworking. Dave loved being with his family and friends. Dave was a great “D” to his grandchildren and spent many hours coloring and drawing with them.

Dave is survived by his wife, Shirley, who took great care of him during his illness; his son, Jason and partner Nikki, of Oakland; step-children, Angela Boynton and her two children, Wyatt and Elizabeth; and Nick Shaw and his wife Megan, of Clinton; two brothers, Danny Huard and his partner Bonnie, of Oakland, Dale Huard and his wife Heidi, of Waterville; sister, Debbie Haymin, of Waterville; and half-brother Brian Warren, of Vermont; several nieces and nephews.

A military service is planned sometime in the spring, family and friends will be notified.

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

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

RANDY QUIRION

WATERVILLE – Randy Quirion, 49, passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2020. He was born in Waterville November 18, 1971, son to Sharon M. McKechnie (Rockwell) and Raymond E. Quirion.

He attended school in Waterville. He was employed at Pool Tech, in Winslow. His hobbies included collecting movies and eagle photos and statues. He was an avid cycler and was seen riding all across town.

He was predeceased by his father, Raymond E. Quirion; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Colby Rockwell, grandfather, Alfred Quirion Sr.; and several aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his mother, Sharon M. McKechnie and stepfather, Lester G. McKechnie, of Waterville; a brother, Ronnie J. Quirion, of Hinckley; an aunt, Mary Lou and uncle, Phillip Rockwell, of Oakland, an aunt, Carolyn Bartley and husband Don, of Missouri; a niece, Shelby Quirion, of Mercer; as well as several cousins.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

DR. NELSON MADORE

EAST FALMOUTH, Mass. – The Honorable Dr. Nelson Madore, 77, passed away at his home in East Falmouth, Massachusetts, on Christmas Eve, Dec­ember 24, 2020. He was born June 7, 1943, to Adrien and Odile (Deschaine) Madore, in Winterville.

Nelson grew up surrounded by love from his parents, four brothers, three sisters and extended family. His early years in Aroostook County were full of cherished memories he spoke of often throughout his life. Nelson would go on to be educated in Eagle Lake and graduate from Fort Kent Community High School in 1961.

Nelson entered the U.S. Army in 1962 proudly serving his country as a Green Beret, Paratrooper, and member of the 101st Airborne Division, and would continue as a staunch supporter of the U.S. military and its efforts to honor and protect the United States.

After earning a B.S. and M.A. at the University of Maine Orono, Nelson taught French in Milo, and for 40 years as professor of history, government, and management at Thomas College, in Waterville.

Nelson proudly served Waterville’s Ward 7 as school board member and chairman. This would be encouragement for a book he would co-edit, Voyages: A Maine Franco-American Reader. Nelson served Waterville constituents for five years as mayor.

Nelson was preceded in death by his parents, Adrien and Odile; brothers, Ervin, Reynold, Gilman, and Clayton.

He is survived by his wife, Paula (Franzen) Madore, currently of East Falmouth, Massachusetts; daughter Ginny Madore, of East Falmouth, Massachusetts, daughter Maren Madore and son-in-law Eric Reddy, of Lynn, Massachusetts; sisters Verna Madore, Greta Madore and Maureen LeClair, of Albion, Mae (Madore) and brother-in-law Richard Landesman, of Milford, New Hampshire; sister-in-law Mary Madore, of Corrales, New Mexico; several cousins, godsons, and a host of extended Madore, Deschaine, and Franzen family members.

A more complete version of Nelson Madore’s life can be viewed at https://www.ccgfuneralhome.com.

A proper celebration of life will be held at a later time in Summer 2021 so all people who loved Nelson can safely be together to share personal anecdotes and celebrate this incredible man.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dr. Nelson Madore Scholarship Endowment at Thomas College; Alpha Gamma Delta Leadership Scholarship Endowment at Thomas College. http://www.thomas.edu. Please click the“Give” link; and Alzheimer’s Association at Alz.org, Nelson Madore memorial page.

THERESA M. POULIN

WATERVILLE – Theresa Marie Poulin Caron Cote, 95, passed away on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 2020, at Country Manor Nursing Home, where she resided for the past six years with dementia. She was born in Waterville on October 7, 1925, the daughter of Joseph Philias Poulin and Emelia Shank Poulin Brillard.

She lived in Waterville all her life. She was married to Herbert Caron for 37-and-a-half years until his death in 1982.Together they made fishing tackle and sold live bait from their home on Water St. She later met and married Fred (Babe) Cote.

Theresa worked at Lockwood Dutchess Cotton Mill, in Waterville, at the age of 16. Also worked at Woolworth store, C. F. Hathaway Shirt factory, both in Waterville, sewing pockets on men’s shirts. Her last employment was at the Central Maine Power coffee shop until they closed the coffee shop.

She enjoyed doing all kinds of crafts especially making dolls and dressing them, knitting, crocheting, rug braiding, quilting, oil painting and many other things. She especially loved sewing clothes for her six grandsons when they were small and also their kids. Even though she did not see them often, she enjoyed her stepchildren and grandkids.

She was predeceased by her parents, and husbands Herbert Caron and Fred Cote.

She leaves behind daughter, Linda and husband Robert, of Waterville; son, Alan and wife Nancy, of Windsor; grandchildren and numerous great-grandkids.

There will not be visitation. Burial will take place in the spring.

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

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

LORI ANN ROY

VASSALBORO – Lori Ann Roy, 54, of Vassalboro, passed away on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, in the comfort of her home. Lori was born December 10, 1966, in Augusta.

She graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta, in 1984. She gave birth to her son Jeb Charette in 1989.

Lori was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy; Werdnig-Hoffmans, during her younger years and was appreciative for the care and treatment she received through the Children’s Hospital, in Boston, her lung specialist at Chest Medical Associates, in South Portland; Dr. Edmund Sears and Dr. Jennifer Diehl, at Elmwood Primary.

Lori enjoyed traveling with her best friend going to places like Eagle Lake, walks in the woods, the beach, mountains, and zoos. She loved animals and cared for many over the years. She enjoyed music, playing Scrabble, going out to eat and spending time with her friends (Jonathan and Kayleigh Farrell, Johnny Banner, Zack and Nick) along with her estranged family when they made time. She completed her bucket list with assistance of her best friend who never let her wheelchair hinder her from living.

Memorial donations can be made in her name to the Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215.

EVONNE G. BARTER

WATERVILLE – Evonne Giselle Barter, 51, died unexpectedly at MaineGeneral Medical Center Wednesday, December 30, 2020. She was born in Augusta, on June 10, 1969, the daughter of Carroll Charles Crocker and Elizabeth Mary (Struck) Crocker.

She graduated from Winthrop High School then attended University of Maine – Augusta, where she earned her associates and bachelor’s degree in social science with magna cum laude.

She loved gardening, crafting and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loved cooking meals for the family get-togethers as well as the people in need within her community.

She is survived by her two daughters, Ashley L. (Costa) Boynton and her husband Dan and Amber L. Reed; five grandchildren, Tytus and Gavin Whittaker, Gwendolyn Wildman and Saryna and Willow Boynton.

She is predeceased by her parents Carroll and Elizabeth Crocker, and her sister, Billie Jo Fortier; her great-aunt Laurie Choate, Vicky Simonds, David and Ricky Struck.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in the spring/summertime.

Arrangements are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website: http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

PHILIP B. KING

OAKLAND – Philip Bennie King, 90, passed away Thursday, December 31, 2020, at his home in Oakland. He was born April 25, 1930, in Kingfield, the son of Joseph Ralph and Thelma (Sylvester) King.

He graduated from Stratton High School in 1947. On September 21, 1951, he married Millideen Ireland at the United Baptist Church, in Oakland. He was employed as a grader-operator, one of the best in the state of Maine and foreman at a number of businesses throughout his lifetime including Foster Manufacturing from 1947-1948, roadwork in New Jersey in 1949, A.P. Wyman from 1950 to 1964 and Warren Brothers/Tilcon from 1964 to 1995. He was a member of the United Baptist Church, in Oakland, and enjoyed square dancing, camping, woodworking, hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends.

Philip is survived by his wife of 69 years, Millideen (Ireland) King, of Oakland; daughter, Kathy K. Boulette, of Waterville; son, Jeremy R. King and wife Susan, of Anderson, South Carolina; grandchildren, Janna B. Gilpatrick and husband Jared, of Dallas, North Carolina, Jaime R. Boulette, of Augusta, Ireland D. King and William King, both of Anderson, South Carolina, great-grandchildren Kaeya Cassiani and Jace Gilpatrick, both of Dallas, North Carolina; three step-grandchildren, Megan Desmars, of Raleigh, North Carolina, Scott Tripamer, of Los Angeles, California, and David Tripamer, of Portland, Oregon; along with many special nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; grandson, Nathan Boulette; two sisters, Margaret King and Ruth Cox; two brothers, Parkman Tyner and Donald Tyner; son-in-law, Richard Boulette; one brother-in-law; and two sisters-in-law.

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 ,Maine, 04976.

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

LOIS P. EMERSON

WATERVILLE – Lois P. Emerson, 93, died on Thursday, December 31, 2020, in Waterville. Lois was born on May 23, 1927, in Prentiss, a daughter of the late Jesse and Dora (Chubbuck) Merrill Sr.

She waitressed for quite a few years at the former Shorette’s Diner, in Newport, and retired after 25 years of employment from the Edwards Company, in Pittsfield.

Lois liked being a homemaker and enjoyed gardening, canning and knitting mittens for those she loved. She was a polite, kind woman who enjoyed living and had a good sense of humor. She attended the Calvary Baptist Church, in Pittsfield, for many years, enjoyed being a part of the Pittsfield Garden Club and had volunteered countless hours at the town’s food pantry.

She is survived by her children, Sharon Mayers, of Rhode Island, Bruce Hughes, of Gorham, Sonia Hughes, of Damariscotta, Ginger Chandler and husband John, of Pittston, and Robin Hughes, of Waldoboro; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; siblings, Eunice Lindsay, of Lincoln, and Shirley Cottrell, of Oren, Utah; sister-in-law, Lucinda Merrill, of Oren, Utah; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, William Emerson; son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Kathleen Hughes Jr; and siblings, Haley Merrill, Clinton Merrill, Leta Downs, Elnora Merrill and Jesse Merrill Jr; and brother-in-law, Russell Cottrell.

A graveside service will be held in the spring of 2021 at the Thompson Cemetery, in Prentiss.

To leave a message of kindness or share a memory, please visit http://www.shoreynichols.com.

Care has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, Pittsfield.

VIVAN A. FRENCH

SOUTH CHINA -Vivan A. “Buddy” French, 84, of Tobey Road, died Friday, January 1, 2021, at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Long Term Care, at Glenridge Drive, in Augusta, following a brief illness. He was born in China, on August 9, 1936, the son of Roy F. French and Evelyn (York) French.

Prior to his retirement, he was employed by R.C. Moore Trucking, for himself, and many others

He was predeceased by his three sons: Randall, Lawrence Sr., and Keith Sr.; a grandson, Chad, and a brother Percy.

Surviving is his wife, Vernie (Haskell) French, of South China; a daughter, Amy Irish, of Vassalboro; two sons, Roy French and Steven French, both of South China; four brothers, Leslie French, of China, Ivan French and Ronald French, both of Windsor, and Robert French, of Fairfield; three sisters, Ruth Stuart, of China, and Vera McDaniel and Shirley Marston, both of Oakland; 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

There are no public visiting hours planned. A graveside service will be held in the spring at Chadwick Hill Cemetery, South China.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Winsor. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

RAYMOND E. LIBOLD

WATERVILLE – Raymond Eugene Libold, 85, passed unexpectedly at his residence on Friday, January 1, 2021. Ray was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on September 19, 1935, the son of Edward Libold and Ruth Updike.

He grew up and graduated from school in Tyrone, Pennsylvania.

He held many positions over the years, the ones he was most proud of were his military service for the United States Air Force where he retired as a MSGT on January 31, 1976, with 22 years of service, his employment with Cianbro Corporation, in Pittsfield, and also worked for a computer wiring company, in Massachusetts.

His favorite pastimes were traveling with Althea, attending multiple gospel concerts, bowling, golfing and playing cards/pool with all his friends at the Waterville Elks Lodge #905, in Waterville.

Ray is survived by his wife of 66 years, Althea Mary (Smith) Libold; sons Robert Libold, of Virginia, and Bryan Libold and wife Mary, daughter, Arlene (Libold) Jones and son, Steven Libold and fiancée Patty Paradis, all of Waterville; seven grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren; sister Sharon Turnbaugh, of Pennsylvania;

A private graveyard service and burial will be held in the spring.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the deceased name to Waterville Elks Lodge #905 Veteran Committee, 76 Industrial St., Waterville, ME 04901.

DANIEL E. FARRINGTON

SIDNEY – Daniel E. Farrington, 56, of Sidney, died Sunday, January3, 2021, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. He was born in Augusta, December 19, 1964, the son of Donald E. Sr. and Carolyn (Morgan) Farrington.

He grew up in Litchfield, graduating from Oak Hill High School where he played on the football team. After high school, Dan served in the U.S.Air Force as a military policeman. Most of his career, Dan worked in asbestos abatement.

Daniel enjoyed horses, watching football, taking his daughters fishing and attending country fairs.

Dan was predeceased by his father; maternal and paternal grandparents and his uncles, Ike Farrington and Roland L. Gay II

He is survived by his mother, Carolyn Gile and her husband, Hermon, of Sidney; daughters, Chelsea and Cheyenne Farrington; his brother, Donald E. Farrington Jr., of East Machias; his granddaughter, Aubree Jayne and his nephew, Tyler Donald Farrington.

Funeral services will be held privately.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church Street, Augusta.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

THERESA D. BEAULIEU

AUBURN – Theresa Diane Beaulieu, 92, of Auburn, passed away on Wednesday evening January 6, 2021, from age related difficulties, while holding the hand of her son Donald. Sadly, she also died of a broken heart from not being able to be with her family and friends during the last months of her life due to the pandemic.

Theresa loved her family, both immediate and extended, as well as friends and people in general. She loved talking and socializing with everyone she met, especially if they were talkers.

Her life was filled with joys as well as challenges and she met all of them with both common sense and courage.

One of her mottos was, “When you get up in the morning it is your choice whether or not it is going to be a good day.”

A true lover of learning and education, she was an avid reader and writer. She filled stacks of journals with her daily activities, thoughts and opinions.

Forced by her family’s needs to leave school after the eighth grade (she said she cried for a week when she was told she would have to do this) she went on to proudly earn her GED at the age of 49. She then entered the work force for the first time, working at Sears, in Lewiston, for the next 25 years.

Theresa loved nothing more than sitting in her rocking chair in the living room of her small house and holding court with whoever happen to be there, whether it was one person or a roomful.

Unfortunately, for a woman as social and people-loving as Theresa, her last months and weeks in complete lockdown at her nursing home took its toll. Not being able to see her family was probably the hardest way for her to spend her last days here on earth.
Hers was a life well lived…a life where no joy went unappreciated, no challenge went unmet and overcome.

This is a woman who left an indelible impression on everyone she met. And one who will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was predeceased by Reginald “Pete”, her husband of over 60 years; a grandson Benjamin; her sisters Loretta Meservier Arsenault, Lucienne Meservier Giasson, Rita Meservier Bazinet and brother Armand, and her “favorite” son in law Gilbert Smith.

She is survived by her children: Daniel and wife Deborah, of Waterville, Donald and partner Edward Libby, of Litchfield, Denise Beaulieu Smith, of Poland, and David and Janet Beaulieu, of Auburn; grandchildren, Nicole Rioux, of Sabattus, Adrianne Rioux Tapley and spouse Ken, of Lewiston, Rebekah Beaulieu and spouse Patrick Ford, of Old Saybrook, Connecticut, Cindi Beaulieu, of Westbrook, Damon Beaulieu and spouse Kouko, of Providence, Rhode Island, Bethany Beaulieu, of Minot, Heather Beaulieu, of Auburn; great-grandchildren, Taelor Jordan, of Boston, Massachusetts, Justin Harding, of Poland, and Evan Libby, of Lewiston; siblings, sister Claudette Meservier Caron, of Lewiston, brother Lionel and spouse Janine, of Auburn, and sister Jeanine Meservier St. Pierre and spouse Claude “Pete”, of Lewiston, and sister in law Diane Meservier; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A formal funeral, memorial service and reception to celebrate Theresa’s life will be held later in the year when things are safer.

Online condolences may be left for Theresa’s family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

Services have been entrusted to The Fortin Group/Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and monument services, 217 Turner St., Auburn, ME, telephone 207-783-8545.