GARDEN WORKS: Nine tips for starting seedlings successfully indoors

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Anyone can do this!

Reprint from February 2015

Emily Catesby Emily Cates

Really? Now? YES! I’ll admit it’s hard to imagine a lush, productive garden when we’re up to our eyeballs in snow. But if we put our green thumbs to work, it just might be what we need to get us through.

Are you wondering which methods and materials you should use? Well, it really depends on the imagination and creativity of the individual. Systems can be as unique and diverse as time, space, and expense allow- even involving minimum inputs made from salvaged or recycled materials. With just a few things in mind, starting seeds is easy and practically anyone can do it. Why not give it a try? Here’s how:

The first important component to a successful operation, whether large or small, is a clean, well-drained container that holds the substrate. Possible candidates could include free and abundant used yogurt cups from home or the recycling center. Wash them well and poke holes in the bottoms, label them, fill with planting medium, and they’re good to go! Plastic or cardboard milk cartons with the tops cut off are another possibility. Also, there is this handy dandy little tool called the “pot maker” which you can use to make pots out of plain newsprint. If expense is not an issue and the desire is aesthetic, go for the plastic flats and 6-packs and such found in seed catalogs and gardening centers. Seeds can be individually or collectively sown in smaller containers, but the resulting seedlings are easier to transplant if they are in flats or containers with a larger surface area.

The second ingredient to successful seedlings is the substrate. Always remember to use fresh, pest and disease-free planting medium, whether purchased or homemade. FEDCO and Johnny’s carry satisfactory seed starting mixes along with nifty items such as soil block makers, pots made from composted cow manure, and “seed discs” (for the horticulturally-challenged!).

The third part of the system that deserves consideration is light. This could be as simple as a sunny, south-facing windowsill, a shop light with full spectrum bulbs (found at Home Depot), or the luxury of a sun room or heated greenhouse. To prevent seedlings from becoming leggy once they’ve sprouted keep the containers as close to the lights as possible without burning the plants.

The fourth piece we want to scrutinize is an acceptable source of water. Watering with plain tap water is fine as long as it’s not chlorinated or from a softener system. Keep the seeds and seedlings moist, but not waterlogged. If necessary, additional draining holes in the container can be poked through or drilled.

The fifth factor of importance is the temperature. 80 degrees F and above are necessary for proper germination, so a heat mat or other source of warmth could be used in a cold room.

The sixth essential element is ensuring the seeds are viable. Using seeds that are fresh and stored in a cool, dry area will have a higher germination rate. If in doubt, pack a few into a damp paper towel, place into a zip lock bag, and store for several days in a warm place. Check daily for sprouts, keep moist, and observe. Sometimes it might be necessary to wait a week or two more, but after that I’d give up and buy new seed for sure.

The seventh module we’ll look at is what to plant. Long-season seedlings that seem to take forever and ever to get to a plant-able size from seed may be happiest and most productive when started early. The cast of characters starring in your grow system could include leeks, onions, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, long-season herbs, and perennial flowers.

The eighth constituent is when to plant. This involves finding out the recommended planting time frame. Check a seed packet or gardening book for planting instructions and you might find that the time to start the seeds for your favorite plant is now! (But not too early, unless you plan on transplanting into bigger and bigger pots later on as they grow- and using up more and more planting medium!) Personally, I prefer to start smaller, later-planted seedlings and let them catch up, as opposed to jumping the gun and ending up with oversized, pot-bound, sulking plants. I’ve even waited until a few weeks or so after the recommended planting time-frames and observed that the later plantings will oftentimes catch up with the earlier ones. I’ve noticed this to be especially so as the moon is increasing (when I try to start seeds), since it appears that a full moon has an affinity towards fertility and growth. The point? Starting seeds is a flexible endeavor and will accommodate a variety of schedules.

The ninth and final feature of a successful grow system involves nutrition. My favorite is fish-seaweed formulas, used as directed. Don’t worry about it until the first set of true leaves has formed and weekly thereafter.

Here’s hoping your seedlings are happy and healthy when the above needs are considered. Enjoy gardening now in the comfort and convenience of a warm room while the cold winter wind is whipping outside!

FISHY PHOTO: First fish through the ice

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Tyler White, son of Nathan and Alison, caught his first fish through the ice on February 14, during the China Four Seasons Club fishing derby. He was hoping to get a big one to enter but, hey, a little one (a pickerel) is just as good. (contributed photo)

PHOTO: Didn’t get the memo

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While not likely an Erskine Academy student, this guy(?) showed up on the school’s front lawn last week. Apparently, he didn’t get the memo that the snow sculpture contest at Winter Carnival was canceled this year. (photo by Bob Bennett)

OPINION: Will Palermo choose the path of sustainability?

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David Attenborough in the documentary, “Life on Our Planet”

A Maine resolution to take action on climate pollution

by Pamela McKenney

If you need an introduction to climate change or an update on the state of our planet, David Attenborough’s recent documentary, A Life on Our Planet, is a good place to start. After 93 years of work as a British broadcaster, writer, and naturalist visiting every continent on the globe and exploring its wildest places, Attenborough has seen the results of global warming first hand. He contends, “Real success [at reversing the impact of pollution] can only come if there is a change in our societies, and in our economics, and in our politics.”

Palermo town residents will have an opportunity to join others on the path of sustainability and carbon reduction in March at town meeting. An article has been introduced by Maine citizens at dozens of Maine municipalities intending to show support for federal legislation that will reduce carbon pollution – a major cause of climate change. The Maine Resolution to Take Action on Climate Pollution “calls upon our State and Federal elected representatives to enact legislation that will protect Maine from the costs and environmental risks of continued climate inaction.” This article is not a proposed bill; it is communication tool to instigate action. It communicates that the residents of Palermo favor a fee and dividend approach that charges fossil fuel producers for their carbon pollution and rebates the money collected to all residents on an equal basis. Enacting a Carbon Cash-Back program decreases long-term fossil-fuel dependence, aids in the economic transition to renewable energy, and keeps local energy dollars in Maine’s economy. Carbon Cash-back has been championed by US economists (Jan. 17, 2019, Wall Street Journal) as the most effective and fair way to deliver rapid reductions in harmful carbon emissions at the scale required for our safety and to support our environment.

Carbon Cash-back is a proposed climate solution that would place a fee on fossil fuel production and imports at their source (mine, refinery, pipeline, or port of entry). Money collected from this fee would be returned to every citizen equally as a dividend, to put a price on carbon pollution from fossil fuels and return funds from collected fees to all US households monthly, off-setting the potential increase in pricing. As stated in the article, voting for it will spark “our representatives to lead in this critical moment for the health and well-being of our citizens and for the protection of Maine’s natural resources upon which we all rely.” More information is provided on the Town of Palermo website and at the town office.

There are many attitudes people can adopt on the issue of climate change. We might think:

  • Earth belongs to humanity – the superior species – and its resources are at our disposal.
  • Global warming is part of a natural cycle, not caused or impacted by humans.
  • Global warming may be caused mostly by humans, but there is nothing we can do about it.
  • Global warming is real and rapid, and we can take action now in order to reverse the damage.

To what degree do people understand that global warming is happening, human-caused, and a serious risk for human societies and natural ecosystems? According to a study fielded in December 2020 by the Yale Program on Climate Change, Americans who think global warming is happening outnumber those who think it is not by a ratio of more than five to one. More than half of Americans (58 percent) understand that evidence indicates global warming is mostly human-caused, although three in ten think global warming is due mostly to natural changes in the environment. The study also states that one in four Americans are “very worried,” however 41 percent feel helpless about creating change. But experts say we can make a difference, if we act now.

David Attenborough’s A Life on Our Planet details humanity’s impact on the natural world and the devastating changes he has witnessed. Alarming as this film is in its scope and documentation, his reckoning concludes with a message of hope. “Although we are often blinkered by the needs of here and now, we have a path to sustainability. If enough people can see the path, we may start down it in time.”

PHOTO: Four event winner

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Abigail Dudley

Abigail Dudley, 14, of Winslow participated in the “Krane Virtual Valentine’s Day Tournament virtually on Valentine’s weekend. She is a student at Huard’s Martial Arts, in Winslow. She is also a valued member of Team IPPONE and Huard’s Sport Karate Team. In this tournament that she competed in her divisions are ages 14 to 17 male/female.

She competed in Traditional Forms, Creative Forms, Traditional Weapons, and Creative Weapons. Abigail placed first in each one of those categories. She enjoys the competition, while showing what a dedicated mind and spirit can achieve. She wants everyone to know and realize they can achieve anything towards which they set their minds. She also wants to make the point that it doesn’t matter if you’re a girl or a boy, you have the ability to achieve success.

FISHY PHOTO: What is it?

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Hunter Hallee, 14, of Rome, recently caught this fish while fishing through the ice on Salmon Pond, in Belgrade. After taking the photo, he released it, before identifying it. It’s difficult because of the way he is holding it, but some say it’s a brook trout, others a salmon, and even others, a splake. Does anyone want to weigh in on the species?

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Pigeons more than messy birds

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

One of the educational things that I do for myself every day is read the comics in the daily newspaper. It kind of sets the tone for the rest of the day for me. I have my favorites: Snoopy, Hi and Lois, Beetle Bailey, Garfield, etc. I even like to read Mark Trail just to see what kind of adventure he sets out on, and invariably, brings to a successful and happy ending.

The one that caught my eye was a certain theme that Doonesberry was presenting. It seemed this certain person declared himself a “birder” and was on a quest to find a certain warbler to add to the list of birds he had witnessed.

That got me thinking. Claiming myself to be an amateur birder, I wondered how many birds I have seen in my life time. So, I set out to make a list.

Once I got to about 73, and was still half way through the book, I decided I was wasting too much time on this. So, the thought came to me that maybe I should single out one that was intriguing to me.

Having seen birds as small as a ruby-throated hummingbird, and as large as a Great Blue heron, it was difficult to see which one in between would get my attention. Then it dawned on me.

These particular birds are mostly envisioned as pests, vagrants, scavengers and dirty inhabitants of parking lots, churches, parks, and just about everywhere else you can go in the world, leaving behind messes and clear indications of their presence, if you know what I mean. What is more intriguing than the common Rock Dove.

More commonly known as pigeons, rock doves vie with the domestic chicken for status as the world’s most familiar birds. They are not indigenous to the western hemisphere. They were introduced in North America from Europe long ago and are conspicuous in cities and villages throughout much of the world.

There are few visible differences between males and females, and the species is generally monogamous.

Feral pigeons have become established in cities around the world. The species is so abundant, that an estimated population of 17 to 28 million feral and wild birds exist in Europe alone.

With only its flying abilities to protect it from predators, rock pigeons are a favorite almost around the world for a wide range of raptors. I remember several years ago when I kept seeing pigeon body parts strewn all over my yard. One day, when I just happened to be looking out the window, I noticed a large flock of pigeons cleaning up on the ground under my bird feeders. Like a lightning strike, I saw a broad winged hawk dive head first into the pile, and came out with his next meal. To protect the pigeons, I temporarily suspended the feeders until the hawk found a new place for his hunting grounds. That poor pigeon didn’t stand a chance.

Pigeons, though, get a bad rap. They have been falsely associated with the spread of human diseases. Contact with pigeon droppings poses a minor risk of contracting diseases, and exposure to both droppings and feathers can produce bird fancier’s lung. Pigeons are not a major concern in the spread of West Nile virus. Though they can contract it, they do not appear to be able to transmit it.

Pigeons, in fact, have been associated with humans for several thousand years. Believed to have been the first domesticated birds, they were raised for meat as far back as the time of the ancient Egyptians.

Because of their powers of flight and their remarkable homing ability, pigeons have played important roles in history. A domestic pigeon taken from its home loft and released many miles away will almost invariably return. And if a message is tied to the bird’s leg, the result is a kind of air mail – a fact that humans learned to exploit many centuries ago.

When Julius Caesar marched against Gaul, the news of his victories was carried back to Rome by a network of carrier pigeons. Other pigeons carried messages for Alexander the Great and for Hannibal. In modern times opposing armies in both World War I and World War II made use of thousands of carrier pigeons, also known as war pigeons. Curiously, many pigeons have received bravery awards and medals for their services in saving hundreds of human lives. A total of 32 pigeons received medallions or medals for their gallant and brave actions during World War II. And today, pigeons are still bred for their homing ability.

The next time I see a disgusting-looking pigeon on the ground, I may stand at attention, salute, and thank it for the many contributions their collective ancestors made for the human race.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Where did the NHL’s New Jersey Devils and MLB’s Atlanta Braves franchises begin their existence?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, February 25, 2021

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Trivia QuestionsWhere did the NHL’s New Jersey Devils and MLB’s Atlanta Braves franchises begin their existence?

Answer:

The Devils began as the Kansas City Scouts, who moved to Denver and became the Colorado Rockies, before settling in New Jersey. The Braves began in Boston as the Boston Braves, before moving to become the Milwaukee Braves, then moving to Atlanta.

SOLON & BEYOND: Fires raged all around the town of Flagstaff

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Flagstaff circa 1947. Three years later, whatever was left behind from three towns was buried under 80 billion gallons of blue water. (photo from Saltatavist.com)

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

Have been looking through my old scrapbook about living in Flagstaff in the time before having to move because of the dam that was being built and reading about all the fires that threatened us. Some were worse than others: One of the old papers that I have reads: Farm Homes Destroyed. Flames which consumed three farmsteads and several small camps in the Dead River region brought on an evacuation. About 37 families were said to have left their dwellings. Meanwhile Burbank, armed with a portable pumper, defied the flames and refused to leave his Dead River home.

He lives with his wife, son and visiting daughter at the upper end of Dead River Plantation, about one fourth of a mile from Route 16. At times the buildings were encircled by nearby fires, but Burbank kept the dwellings well watered down with the pumper. Water is obtained from the Dead River in the rear of his home.

Nine permanent families and several power project workers made up the evacuation. Furniture Piled High: The furniture of about 17 families was piled high in the yard of Robert Hall, a former town officer of the Dead River, who recently moved to Lexington. Huge billows of smoke shrouded 4,150-foot Mt. Bigelow and observers were unable to determine how far up the peak’s side the flames have reached, according to the Associated Press. The smoke was visible in Bingham, 20 miles distant.

Another fire in Flagstaff that was printed starts with these words: On Thursday afternoon fires began to get out of hand and by 5 p.m. the fire above the village had advanced to the Walter Hinds’ farm, a distance of a mile, with a strong wind blowing the flames and smoke swiftly toward our town. It looked very serious for about an hour and many were the boxes and suitcases packed with valuables to be ready for instant evacuation of our homes. But a slight shift in the wind and quick action of the firefighters changed our fears to just concern. On Thursday and Friday the same thing happened – morning would find us hopeful that at last the fires were under control. By noon the smoke would be back and rolling in billows and state fire trucks, Central Maine Power men and out of town firefighters would begin rushing about in their efforts to control the fires which threatened to become very serious for the town. Late Saturday afternoon a new fire on the Plains in an old lumbering area began to grow and advance swiftly in spite of all the efforts of the firefighters. Again the road was closed and people began gathering their valuable papers and precious belongings into bags for a quick get away if necessary. A fire at the foot of Flagstaff Pond had advanced to the foot of Jim Eaton Hill and in the old cutting of several years ago, going to the top of the hill and down the east side. It was gaining in seriousness, and the guests at Camp Adeawanda at Springl Lake were evacuated, upon the advice of the fire wardens, to the Green Farm, in Coplin.

I can’t begin to describe how really terrible that time was for everyone during all the fires and knowing that we were going to be driven from our homes because of the building of the dam!

Sorry to write such a dismal column but the proposed Central Maine Power Co. Corridor brings back so many memories. It hurts my heart the most, that so many of our beautiful trees will be cut and it will destroy the beauty of Maine. … with no benefits for Maine people.

In going through all my old papers I came across this e-mail from The Town Line paper dated December 2, 2003. Had not been able to remember when I started writing for it (But it was evidently a letter I wrote asking some questions, like do you want pictures, and if so how often, etc. ?) When Roland called and asked if I wanted to write for The Town Line, I asked him if I should write the same kind of column I had written for the Somerset Gazzette. He said, “Yes”.

Some day when I get time, I’m going to try and figure out all the papers I have written for over all these many years. I have written for The Town Line longer than any other paper and it is fun, (my goodness, I didn’t remember, it has been 18 years! What other editor would let me put in my dead cat’s memoirs?!

And here is this week’s Percy’s memoir. “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 the bad together. For only then will you know the joy of life.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, February 25, 2021

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RICHARD J. VERZONI

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Richard John Verzoni, 69, of Schenectady, New York, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2021. Richard was born in Waterville on July 7, 1951, to Angelo and Estelle Verzoni.

He graduated from Waterville High School in 1970, where he excelled in track and field. He graduated from the University of Maine Farmington with a bachelor’s degree and continued his education in Caracas, Venezuela. He was a teacher before working as a sales executive for Anheuser Busch until his retirement.

He enjoyed attending his sons’ various sporting events and was an avid football and horse racing fan. He loved gardening, spending time in the outdoors, spending time with his family and his beloved dog, Willie.

He was predeceased by his father, Angelo Joseph Verzoni; his stepfather, Louis Barnes; and his brother, Stephen Verzoni.

He is survived by his mother, Estelle Verzoni Barnes; his sons, Richard A. Verzoni and Ian Verzoni; his brothers, Peter Verzoni and Angelo Verzoni and wife Lisa; his nephews, Angelo J. Verzoni and Anthony Verzoni; his former wife, Kathy Burgess, and his partner, Jackie Grady.

A celebration of Richard’s life is to be determined at a later date.

CATHRYN HUGHES

VASSALBORO – Cathryn “Katie” Hughes, 57, passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2021. She was born on July 2, 1963, the daughter of the late Myron and Carol (Csengery) Hughes.

She was a graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China, class of ’82.

Her love of children led her to a job with SKCDC which she held for a number of years. Prior to her illness, which forced her to give up working, she was employed by Hannaford Bros., in Waterville. A job she truly loved. She took great pride in being able to assist the elderly with their groceries.

Katie was a hard worker. She was a kind-hearted person who loved children and had the gift to gab. She spent countless hours playing Sudoku.

She was predeceased by her parents; and her brother, William Hughes.

Katie is survived by her partner, Wayne Picard and stepchildren, Jamie Mercier, of Manchester, and Jason Picard, of West Gardiner; sister, Cynthia St. Peter and Bob Bower, of Monmouth; brothers, Stephen Hughes and his wife, Lisa, and Tim and Karen Hughes, all of Vassalboro; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no service. Burial and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

DONALD J. FORTIN JR.

WINSLOW – Donald Joseph Fortin Jr., 73, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 5, 2021. He was born in Waterville on July 8, 1947, the son of Donald and Priscilla (Violette) Fortin Sr.

After graduating from Winslow High School in 1967, he enlisted in the Navy and served for four years on the USS Saratoga. He worked at Bath Iron Works his entire career, building Navy destroyers, recently retiring in July 2020. He also ran a van transportation service for commuters going to work at Bath.

Donald had a passion for cars, often entering them in car shows around the state of Maine, snowmobiling and riding his motorcycle. He also enjoyed family gatherings at his sisters’ homes.

In addition to his parents, Donald and Priscilla Fortin Sr, Donald was predeceased by his brother Michael Fortin and sister Elizabeth Coonon.

Surviving are his children, Sherrilynn Violette Fortin and husband Craig Steiner, of Chula Vista, California, Kimberlee Johnson, of Anderson, South Carolina, and Ryan Fortin and partner Karrie Davis, of Winslow; six grandchildren, Jeanna, Erich, Jakob, Arianna, Desiree and Miriah; one brother, Richard of Alexandria, Virginia; four sisters, Beverly (William) Rhoades, of Clinton, Deborah Dubois, of Waterville, Theresa (Robert) Macklin, of Winslow, and Jennifer (Steven) Harrison, of Albion; several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will take place at a later date and will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Donald’s memory may be made to the Travis Mills Foundation, 747 Western Avenue, Manchester, Maine 04351; travismillsfoundation.org/our-retreat.

JAMES E. HUBBARD SR.

UNITY – James E. Hubbard Sr., 79, of Unity, passed away Saturday, February , 2021. He was born August 21, 1941, the son of Edison Sr. and June Rose (Roepelle) Hubbard and lived his life in Unity in the home he grew up in, eventually raised his family in, and cared for his many animals.

Jim attended Unifree High School and after completing his education he went to work for George and Beverly Murdock’s (DeCoster Poultry) farm, in Unity. From 1982 to 2007 he worked in the maintenance department at Unity College. He walked five miles to work every day, regardless of the weather. He had a big heart and a big smile and always thought of others. He was loved by generations of the college faculty, staff and students, many of whom joined him on his retirement day to make the final trek together.

He had a unique laugh that matched his sense of humor. He loved his collection of statues and the Patriots. He was also known for his love of animals and cared for and nurtured many exotic and domestic pets, including peacocks, a bobcat and an arctic fox.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Beverly Knowles and brothers, Harold Hubbard, Frank Hubbard and Timothy Hubbard.

He raised three children that survive him, Jean Salley, of Waterville, Linda Humphrey, of Liberty, and James Jr., of Unity; brothers, Edison Hubbard, of Waterville, Stanley Hubbard, of Machias, Larry Hubbard, of Albion, Ronnie Hubbard, of Unity, and sister, Joan Hubbard, of Unity; six grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider helping the family with final expenses. They may be sent to the town of Unity, PO Box 416, Unity, Maine 04988, with Jim’s name on the memo line.

JEANNE G. NORMANDEAU

WATERVILLE – Jeanne Georgianna Talbot Normandeau, 80, died at Woodlands Senior Living of Waterville, on Thursday, February 11, 2021, following a long illness. She was born July 19, 1939, in Winslow, the only daughter of the late Cyril and Carmeline Talbot.

Jeanne attended Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, and upon graduation, attended nursing school at St. Mary’s, in Lewiston, for three years, where she became interested in teaching. She worked for one year at Sister’s Hospital, in Waterville, before deciding to attend Boston College, where she received a baccalaureate and master’s degree in nursing.

She moved to Portland and worked for the state of Maine as a community health nurse for two years before accepting her first teaching position at Mercy Hospital. After only a year she was offered a full time teaching position at the University of Southern Maine, where she taught for 27 years, during which time she also completed her doctoral degree at Boston University.

Jeanne and Roland were married in 1976 and lived in Portland until moving back to Winslow in 2004. When they weren’t traveling around the U.S., Canada and Europe, they enjoyed having horses, dogs, spending time in their garden and getting reacquainted with her 26 first cousins.

Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by her husband, Roland Normandeau.

She is survived by her brothers, Jim Talbot, of Carabassett, and John Talbot ,of Concord, North Carolina; and two nephews, Peter and Cameron Talbot.

Jeanne’s memorial will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville. http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

SCOTT S. SIMPSON

WATERVILLE – Scott Stephen Simpson, 55, of Waterville, passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2021, following a long illness. Born on February 3, 1966, in Gardiner, he was the son of Donald and Nancy Simpson.

Scott graduated from Waterville High School in 1985 and went on to attend Central Beauty School, in Augusta. He graduated with his cosmetology license in 1991. His career was not a job, it was his passion. He was a very talented hair stylist and worked in various salons in Maine and New Hampshire.

He grew up in Waterville but moved to Manchester, New Hampshire, in 1997, and made it his home. He loved Manchester and all the people he met there. Eleven years ago, after his diagnosis, he moved back to Maine to be closer to his family.

Scott loved spending time with his dog, Frankie. The two of them were inseparable and he brought so much comfort to his Daddy in his final days. Scott got so much joy from doing hair and making people feel good about themselves. He enjoyed hanging out by the pool, taking care of his flowers, drawing, and spending time with the ones he loved.

Scott lit up a room when he walked in. He had a big smile that radiated. He always knew how to make everyone laugh with his crazy sense of humor and his knack for telling stories about his many adventures in life. Scotty to hottie with his signature stomp and hand in the air dance move was always the life of the party.

Scott was predeceased by his best friend in life, his grandmother, Yvette Doyon; his special uncle, Ronald Doyon and aunt, Gloria Simpson, and several other aunts and uncles.

Scott is survived by his parents, Donald and Nancy Simpson, of Waterville; his sister, Wendy Aucoin and her husband Gerard along with their son Cameron Scott Aucoin, of Waterville; his aunts, Pat Doyon, of Winslow, and Joyce Simpson, of Waterville; as well as several cousins.

There will be no services at this time. The family will hold a graveside service at St. Francis Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life, in the spring that will be announced at a later date.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Scott’s name to the Ryan White Program/Maine General Horizon Clinic, in Augusta. Donations can be made via the link provided: https://give.mainegeneral.org/program-support—horizon-program.

JOHN F. VETTER

JEFFERSON – John Frederick Vetter, 77, of Jefferson, passed away Monday, February 15, 2021, at Togus VA Medical Center, following a brief illness.

He was born March 27, 1943, the first child of Juanita M. (Gillham) and Arthur F. Vetter.

He married Beth L. (Fellows), of Bangor, August 27, 1963. They had one daughter, Jeanne L. Vetter, of North Smithfield, Rhode Island.

John was educated in the U.S. and England. He attended St. John’s School, Northwood, England, and several schools in the U.S. He graduated from Fairview High School, Dayton, Ohio, in 1960, and The University of Iowa in 1972 with a B.S. in math. His entire professional career was in IT.

He served in the U.S. Air Force for seven years with duty assignments in Texas, Maine, California, Spain, England, and Missouri. He was honorably discharged in 1969. John was very proud that he had served his country.

John was a very loving, caring, kind, and generous husband, father, and friend. He loved domestic and wild animals that visited his home. Over the years, he had several indoor cats. His Siamese, Rumford, was an extra special friend. He cared for several outdoor kitties with shelter, love, and food, and when necessary, veterinary care.

He had been a participant in the Cornell Project Feeder Watch for many years. He was doing his weekly 2020-2021 count up to the last week of his life. He was especially pleased with the variety and number of birds he tracked around his home on Damariscotta Lake.

John participated in bowling leagues and golf leagues. His hobbies included coin collecting, reading, and boating. He was a member of Coastal Senior College and enjoyed taking CSC courses.

In addition to his wife, Beth and his daughter, Jeanne, he is survived by a brother, David (Cheryl) Vetter, of Warsaw, Indiana; two sisters, Nancy Perea, of Brooklyn, New York, and Barbara (Robert) Miller, of San Diego, California; and cousins in Iowa; his Maine family, Lucille Fellows (William), Augusta, Caroline Fellows (Oscar), Raymond, Sandra St. Germain (Albert), Bangor, Michael (Lisa) Fellows, Readfield, Lorraine Fellows, Chantilly, Virginia, Laura Fellows, Pittston, Cheri Walton, Eastport.

There will be a burial service at Silver Lake Cemetery, Bucksport, at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences, and messages for his family, may be expressed by visiting: http://www.StrongHancock.com.

The family suggests memorial donations to Togus Fisher House, Togus VA Medical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service, 1 VA Center (135), Augusta, ME 04330, or to the charity of your choice.

TOM COREY

WATERVILLE – Tom Corey, 81, of Waterville, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 15, 2021. Tom was born October 29, 1939, the son of Joseph T. Corey and Elizabeth (Nedoff) Corey.

He graduated from Caribou High School in 1958.

Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1961. He was honorably discharged in 1965.

He worked for Bell Atlantic Phone Company and had over 32 years of service before retiring as a manager. In 1974 he met the love of his life, Joan M. (Gravel) Corey. They were married for 42 years.

Tom was a past president of the Kennebec Councile, Telephone Pioneers of America, past president of the Lebon Youth Club, past senior councilor UCT, life member of the Waterville Elks Lodge #905, house committee member of the Waterville Elks Lodge and life member of the Waterville American Legion Post #5.

Tom loved to travel and was very passionate about playing cards. Put Tom at a poker table and he would spend hours playing with his friends. He loved to watch football on Sundays with his wife. He volunteered a lot of time helping out at the Waterville Elks Lodge doing whatever was needed.

His immediate family includes his wife, Joan; and daughters, Kimberly Cormier and husband, Greg, of Waterboro, Melissa Brown and husband Nick, of Winslow; grandchildren, Kristen Egdorf and husband Eric, Ryan Cormier, Lindsay Cormier, Dylan Brown, Kaylin Brown; and one great-grandson, Noah; son, Kevin Miller and wife Kristie and granddaughters, Brianna and Bailey; brother-in-law, John Gravel and his wife Phyllis Gravel, and son Eric Gravel; sister and brothers, Jacqueline and husband, Jerald Anderson, of Arizona, Wanda Rose, and Michael Corey, both of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,; and many nieces and nephews.

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

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Morning Sentinel website at: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/mainetoday-centralmaine/

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

In lieu of flowers please send donations to MaineGeneral Homecare & Hospice, 10 Water St., Suite 307, Waterville, ME 04901.

VIRGINIA L. COST

WATERVILLE – Virginia Lemon Cost, 72, of Waterville, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late John Russell Lemon and Ida Jenks Lemon.

“Gini”, as known by her friends and family, graduated from the Canandaigua Academy, and from the Community College of the Finger Lakes, both in Canandaigua, New York, Roger Williams College, in Bristol, Rhode Island, and a master’s degree from American International College, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Always with a smile on her face, Gini will be remembered for her enthusiasm and love for writing and photography.

She was predeceased by her son, Bennett Stephen Cost.

She is survived by her sisters, Patricia Lemon Hess and Mary Lemon Latessa, both of Rehoboth, Massachusetts; and her niece and nephews.

Graveside services and burial will be private and held at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

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

RITA A. DESCHENES

WATERVILLE – Rita A. Deschenes, 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February16, 2021. She was born in Madison to the late Archile and M. Emma (Thébeau) Mercier.

She was married to Leo R. Deschenes for 69 years who predeceased her.

Rita graduated from Madison High School and received her degree as a U.S. Cadet Nurse at the Elizabeth Ann Seton School of Nursing, in Waterville, class of 1948.

After graduation she worked as a registered nurse and an operating room supervisor at Seton and Thayer Hospitals, both in Waterville.

Rita is survived by her daughter, Ann and husband David Vashon; grandchildren, Greer Vashon and Evan Vashon and wife Phina; and her great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Arnold and Richard.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Thursday, February 25, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville.

Arrangements were 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, the family requests donations be made to Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, 93 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901.