I’M JUST CURIOUS: My latest lesson

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by Debbie Walker

Yes, that’s right. I am going to pass along my latest lesson. I hope you will forgive me if it, in no way, is of use to you, but it goes like this: Last Thursday I was driving down a busy road and I heard a noise. It was my phone. Somehow my phone picked out and dialed a number. Fortunately, I saw the name on the screen before he answered so I didn’t look completely foolish, not knowing who “I” called.

The number belonged to my friend of many, many years. Truthfully, as near as I can figure, it’s about 46 years. George and his wife, at the time, were my daughter’s first teachers, pre-kindergarten.

Over these past 46 years we have always stayed in touch. We have traveled together, my family followed George and his family in moving to Florida, also.

We have been there for each other’s good times, especially for the worst times, when we really needed non-judgmental caring support.

What I didn’t explain was when I spoke to George that day he told me he was in the hospital thanks to Covid. We had stories we laughed about. Our conversation was just like so many we have had in the past. The only thing different was the Covid factor.

About 24 hours later I got one of the saddest calls ever. George had died. All that made him George was gone, left this world. His heart gave out. No one has a kinder, gentler heart than George. Now this world is missing that big, loving, caring heart that was there for 36 years of high school students.

There will be a celebration of life for him this weekend. Sadly, I have to opt out of going. I have tried to ignore this Covid mess, but I can’t attend. In my world there are three ladies, 81 years old, 87 years old and 90 years old. I spend a lot of time with them, and I don’t want to be responsible for causing them to worry.

One thing I didn’t expect was this has been an eye opener, the reality of life and in this case, death. In years past we would go home to Maine to visit and one year we lost a family member, a grandparent. Later it became aunts and uncles and parents, even a brother. And all the while daily life goes on, school, jobs, bills, etc.

Since George passed, I have wanted to gather all my friends and family to tell them how much I love them and even thought about begging not to ever leave. Short of that I guess all I can do is let them know I love them.

Before you have to say goodbye to someone be sure to tell them now. It will never seem enough but at least it will be said. Talk about real stuff, don’t text, meet in person whenever you can. I know we spoke of love often, George and my family.

Don’t get down in the dumps after reading this, just get busy. “I love you.” Just three important words, when you mean them, say them.

I’m just curious if you have found anything interesting in this column. If you want to share anything I am ready to read. Send your words to DebbieWalker@townline.org.

Thank you for reading. Have a great week.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Beethoven’s Hammerklavier Sonata

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Eduardo del Pueyo

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Beethoven’s Hammerklavier Sonata

In 1818, Ludwig van Beethoven composed the Hammerklavier Sonata, #29 of his 32 Sonatas for piano; it is the most technically demanding of the group, a genuine knuckle buster, and very powerful music that, like the composer’s other masterpieces, ranges through many moods. The third movement Adagio is one beautifully-developed 15 minutes in which the composer lets loose his deepest emotions.

Franz Liszt

The year of its composition had been a difficult one for Beethoven. He hadn’t composed much during the previous two years, his deafness was getting worse, his physical health was terrible, and he was constantly worrying about finances. Finally, it was not performed in public until 1836, nine years after the composer’s death, by composer/pianist Franz Liszt (1811-1886), whose own technical wizardry at the keyboard was unsurpassed; when he gave a concert as a child prodigy, Beethoven came up on the stage and kissed him.

Rudolf Serkin

I recently listened to two performances on YouTube. The first is a recent video link from this past year by the Romanian pianist Viniciu Moroianu. It was very understated and maybe lacked the volcanic drama of other pianists such as Rudolf Serkin, whose own recording of over 50 years ago is highly recommended. However, Moroianu’s musicianship was commendable and scored points.

The second YouTube was an audio of the late ‘50s Dutch Phillips LP by the Spanish pianist Eduardo del Pueyo (1905-1986) whom I first heard through a very powerful mid-’50s Epic LP of Manuel de Falla’s Nights in the Gardens of Spain in a collaboration with Jean Martinon conducting the Lamoureux Orchestra of France, Martinon being a subject for another day. Del Pueyo recorded several Beethoven Sonatas during the ‘50s and would do the entire cycle in later years.

His Hammerklavier was both exquisitely phrased for its poetry and dramatically shaped with its own intensity. Both pianists brought something special to this piece.

Space travel buffs

For those who find the activities of NASA of particular interest, the show For All Mankind on Apple TV is a compelling dramatization of the lives of scientists, astronauts, and others involved in the space program during the 1960s and ‘70s of the moon landings and first space station. Be forewarned that it is a combination of fact and fiction, the most glaring example being that Ted Kennedy succeeds Richard Nixon as president.

Robert P. Tristram Coffin

Continuing with paragraph three of Robert P. Tristram Coffin’s essay, Kennebec Crystals:

“The cold spell was a real one. Farmers had to beat their arms each side of their buffalo coats. Next sundown the wind fell. It got still as a pocket. You could hear the stars sputter over the valley. The shopkeepers sat sipping their evening’s lime juice and gloated over their newspapers. ‘The Hudson Valley: continued mild weather, southerly winds, higher temperatures and showers for next week.’ It was a different story up here in Maine. The kitchen window panes had white ferns at their corners. A knife handle would have to be used on the water bucket in the morning. Down Hudson, up Kennebec! In the morning, there were no more waves running on the river. The water looked like a long, dark looking glass dropped between the hills. In a hundred sheds the grindstones were humming.”

Waterville Creates announces plan to resume in-person programming

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In response to Governor Mills’ Moving Maine Forward plan, Waterville Creates is thrilled to announce its plans to resume in-person programming at the Waterville Opera House, Railroad Square Cinema, and various outdoor venues. Waterville Creates’ reopening plan is gradual in its approach and will be guided by strict safety and public health practices and protocols, including social distancing, masking of all staff and patrons, and enhanced cleaning and air filtration systems.

“We are excited to return to our core mission of providing live, in-person arts experiences,” says Waterville Creates President + CEO Shannon Haines. “We also take our responsibility to protect our community very seriously, and we have developed safety standards and expectations for each of our venues that we will explicitly communicate and enforce in order to meet that responsibility.”

Based on the state’s guidelines, Waterville Creates plans to reopen the Waterville Opera House for rentals beginning June 1 to accommodate spring dance recitals. The maximum capacity of the Opera House with social distancing is less than 250, which is about 30% percent of the venue’s full capacity of 810 seats. “We are incredibly excited to open the Opera House doors and welcome performers back to the stage,” says Waterville Opera House Executive Director Tamsen Brooke Warner. “The health and safety of our patrons, staff, and performers is our top priority, so we will be asking everyone to work together to ensure a safe environment as we resume in-person programming.”

Railroad Square Cinema will open in July with the 24th annual Maine International Film Festival (MIFF) and will remain open with regular first run arthouse film programming after the festival concludes. MIFF, which will be held July 9-18, will also include screenings at the Waterville Opera House and the Skowhegan Drive-In. “While we were thrilled to be able to offer an in-person experience last year at the Drive-In, it was the first time in 23 years that we didn’t host the festival at Railroad Square Cinema,” says Maine Film Center Executive Director Mike Perreault, adding, “We cannot wait to welcome people back to the cinema, and MIFF24 is really the perfect way to do it.”

Plans for reopening Ticonic Gallery + Studios are still in development, in part due to very limited capacity with social distancing, but Waterville Creates anticipates reopening the gallery at the Hathaway Creative Center in the fall.

Waterville Creates will resume outdoor programming with Art in the Park, at the Downtown Waterville Farmers’ Market, from June through September. Art in the Park is a free artmaking programming designed to engage residents of all ages in fun, creative activities in a welcoming environment. Due to popular demand, Waterville Creates, in coordination with its community partners, plans to continue its Art Kits for All distribution program throughout the year. Preliminary plans are also underway to host the popular Waterville Rocks outdoor concert series, but this programming is dependent on the loosening of State restrictions.

Due to the pandemic, the Waterville Opera House rescheduled several concerts over the past year for dates in late summer and early fall 2021, including the Femmes of Rock on August 27, LeAnn Rimes on September 17, and the High Kings on September 30. Plans for these shows are dependent on further relaxation of social distancing requirements and other protocols. The Waterville Opera House will communicate any further event changes to patrons by website, email newsletter, and social media.

All venues will adhere to strict capacity limits based on state guidelines for percentage caps and social distancing requirements. Patrons will be required to wear masks at the venues while not eating or drinking and to participate in outdoor in-person programs. Waterville Creates staff will continue to follow the guidance of government and public health officials and adjust its reopening plans accordingly.

VETERANS CORNER: Those we used to depend on, now need our help

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Gary Kennedyby Gary Kennedy

This has become a very difficult year for everyone but especially for our vets, as they age during these times of trouble and strife. Attitudes are going, without question, as our politicians are so divided it is scaring the heck out of everyone and pitting one group against another. Our southern border is being overrun and the homicide rate is the highest it has ever been. Some politicians are facing these obstacles head on while others are shying away from the fray.

Many very normal people are very, very fearful with domestic and world threat. I have aligned myself with veterans for many years, and I must say I haven’t seen this much PTSD in our vets than I do now. As we age those who use to be strong, energetic men and woman serving in our armed forces, protecting us all, have been reduced to today’s elderly with many in nursing homes viewing the USA with teary eyes. That which once was sweet, safe and home has become worrisome and coated with copious amounts of anxiety.

However, you don’t have to be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or any other form of stress disorder to feel this way in today’s environment. In any case, the weak now among us are the ones we use to depend on for our safety and freedom. It’s always been understood that we would be there for them when the time came. What does it take for us to realize all the danger we are not only placing our beloved veterans in, but the children as well. We need to stop fighting over who did what or what history might say about us and look around. There are superior negative forces outside that are biding there time to pounce at our weakest moment.

As a humanitarian I travel all over the world and hear and see many things. Some of what is being said is not very nice. We are feeling too safe in our arrogance. In a visit to a local veterans nursing home, not too long ago, I saw some things that broke my heart. There were four of us together this day and as we walked around we saw one man laying on the floor saying, “help, help.” I cornered a C.N.A. and asked if she was going to assist this elderly veteran? Her reply was, “oh that’s John, he does this all the time just to get attention.” She approached him and looked down and said, “If you keep this up I will take you to your room!” (Punishment?) That didn’t set well with any of us. Then we passed a woman sitting in a chair crying. We were told she does that all the time. She just wants attention. Perhaps I am missing something but this didn’t seem right to me. My wife went over and touched her hand and asked if she was OK. She looked up and smiled and stopped crying. We visited with her for a while. She was fine when we continued on.

PTSD can come from many things but in all cases it is so very sad. We all need to be aware when someone is reaching out. Depression is not necessarily a part of aging although some of us have difficulty as the body becomes more and more limited. It can be very difficult for some who remember the day vividly. No one takes aging without some sort of a fight. In any case, depression, or PTSD, can begin at any age. We don’t necessarily come from the battlefield with it. It can start later in dreams, memories or from snapshots in time. This often occurs when an individual finds they have time on their hands and they have never been able to fill empty spaces. Examples: golf, music and other hobbies they acquired over time. It’s not uncommon to see an 85-year-old on the golf course. It’s even more wonderful if the wife/husband has the same longevity and does these things together. Others are not as lucky unless they have a support group which helps fill in the voids.

Advocating for a vet is a very rewarding thing to do. They have a need and you have something to contribute to their well being. When you deal with an open heart and do your due diligence to understand, you could be that vets redemption on this side of heaven. Every aging veteran with no significant other or support group are the ones at serious risk. It doesn’t take much at all to be an advocate. Veterans need a voice and companionship. It’s all a matter of attitude and the desire to fill your life by consuming the holes (voids) which lie with others. Also, it can leave you with a wonderful feeling.

The joy of giving ones time to another can become a life saving bond. I know it makes me feel great to aid another with something I possess. Some church groups are aware of this and do outreach. Often times the veteran doesn’t know how to ask for help. Being alone and feeling disenfranchised is a very lonely place to be. The Veterans Administration has access to many programs which can help heal and fulfill the veteran’s woes. It’s just a matter of the person in need arriving at the correct place at the correct time.

Yes, things are tough right now so that would make this a perfect time to lend a helping hand. The Veterans Crisis Line is 1-800-273-8255 if you find a veteran in distress. Don’t pass by. Remember, it is not what you take with you, it’s what you have left behind. God Bless and God Bless America!

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Granges – Part 2 (Benton, China and Clinton)

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Benton Grange.

by Mary Grow

Benton, China and Clinton

The 1915 hall that serves Benton Grange No. 458 is one of 16 Maine Grange halls listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and one of two individually listed in Kennebec County. It was added to the register April 28, 2004.

Starling Grange, now town-owned Starling Hall, in Fayette.

(The other Kennebec County Grange Hall on the register is the former Starling Grange, now town-owned Starling Hall, in Fayette. Friends of Starling Hall have a website and a Facebook page and welcome donations for preservation work.)

Located on a 1.7-acre lot at the intersection of River Road and School Drive, south of Route 100, Benton Grange Hall is a wooden building two stories high with a basement. The south-facing front of the building has a wide center doorway and large open porch. There are three front windows on the second floor; above them a hip-roofed dormer holds a sign, in need of repainting, identifying the building.

Architectural historian Christi A. Mitchell, of the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, prepared the nomination form for the National Register (as she did for two farms described in the March 10 issue of The Town Line). She calls the Grange building’s architectural style “essentially Colonial Revival,” and the more elaborate porch “Queen Anne-esque.”

Inside, the lower floor has a dining room beyond the entrance-way. Most of the second floor is a large open room for meetings and community activities, like the Saturday-night public dances the Grange sponsored in the 1950s.

Benton Grange was organized in 1906. Mitchell found that many of the charter members switched from Clinton Grange, established in 1887 or 1888, to the new one, probably because Benton was their home town.

In 1909, she wrote, town records showed that 94 out of 298 heads of household in Benton “(including retirees and widows)” gave their occupation as “farmer.”

Members met at the Benton Station school for the first years. By 1910, with close to 200 members, they decided to build their own Grange hall.

The decision was implemented five years later. Fairfield architect Frank M. Gifford designed the building; it was completed in mid-October 1915, in time to host that fall’s Grange fair.

Mitchell quoted a description of the Dec. 3, 1915, dedication of the building from the Dec. 4 Waterville Morning Sentinel. Speaker W. J. Thompson commented that the new building was one of the most expensive Grange Halls in Maine. Building it, he said, was a credit to Grange members and to the community.

Benton Grange, like many others, declined with the decline in agriculture. Mitchell wrote that the fairs ended in the 1940s. However, she wrote, Benton town meetings were held in the Grange Hall from 1915 to 1990, and as she wrote in the spring of 2004 Grangers hoped to make the second-floor space handicapped-accessible so town meetings could again convene there.

According to its Facebook pages, Benton Grange is still active, is seeking new members and as of March 2021 resumed renting the Grange Hall for private and public events (no alcohol allowed).

The deteriorating Silver Lake Grange, in China Village, in 2021. (photo by Roland Hallee)

The first of China’s three local Granges was China Grange #295, organized in South China on Dec. 29, 1887. Henry Kingsbury, in his Kennebec County history published in 1892, called it “flourishing.” Members met the first and third Wednesday evenings of the month in the Ancient Order of United Workmen’s South China hall.

(Wikipedia says the A.O.U.W. was another post-Civil War fraternal organization, created in Pennsylvania in the late 1860s with the primary aim of providing insurance for working men. The Harlem chapter, #39, of the A.O.U.W. was organized Aug. 27, 1885, with 13 charter members, Kingsbury wrote. Their name, Harlem, was the Town of China’s name from 1796 to 1818.)

By 1902, according to the Maine State Grange “Proceedings” of that year, China Grange had 111 members.

There is no record of a South China Grange Hall. The China bicentennial history says when the consolidated school on Lakeview Drive (now China Middle School) opened in 1949, town voters let the Grange rent the no-longer-needed South China schoolhouse on the south side of Route 3, just west of the Route 32 North intersection.

The China history says the China Grange remained active “until about World War II [until at least 1949, apparently], when it merged with Silver Lake Grange in China Village.”

Silver Lake Grange #327 was founded between 1892 and 1902, according to the China history. Looking at the numbers assigned to nearby Granges founded earlier (East Vassalboro Grange #322, in 1895) and later (Branch Mills Grange #336, Jan. 1, 1897) narrows the interval to 1895, after East Vassalboro, or 1896.

(Contradictorily, the China history references a February 19, 1876, diary entry saying a Grange had been organized that afternoon at China Academy, the high school on Main Street in China Village. Kingsbury, finishing his history in 1892, made no mention of a Grange in China Village, and the number 327 would not have been assigned in 1876.)

The inventory of the Maine Historical Society’s collection of Grange documents lists under “China” an 1894 “receipt” and “receipt books” for most of the years between 1935 and 1953.

Silver Lake Grange Hall, still standing on the west side of Main Street in China Village, was designed and built in 1908 by local builder Fred S. Wallace. The China history quotes from an account in the March 4 issue of the Bangor Commercial Farmer and Villager describing the Feb. 24, 1909, dedication and praising the new building.

Silver Lake Grange Hall is a two-story, hip-roofed wooden building with an open front porch, a ground-floor dining room and kitchen and a second-floor meeting room. It has no basement.

The Commercial Farmer and Villager writer mentioned the “pleasant, sunny room for a gentlemen’s dressing room” near the entrance and the “ladies’ dressing room…, commodious and convenient” behind the dining room. Neither included toilet facilities.

The “well attended” 1909 dedication began with a 10:30 a.m. ceremony at which the State Grange Master spoke. After lunch in the new dining room, an afternoon program offered speeches and instrumental and vocal music.

A lengthy evening program included more music, recitations, a farce and two “scenic readings,” one of which had a dog in the list of participants.

Silver Lake Grange had a stable in 1909, because the China history says the local Masons appropriated $91.67 for one-third of it, probably for rental, not purchase. (In 1824 the two Masonic Chapters built their own stable beside the Masonic Hall, which was at the south end of Main Street.)

Silver Lake Grange “dissolved in the late 1960s,” according to the China history.

China’s short-lived third Grange, called China Grange #578 (or occasionally China Lake Grange, depending on the source), was organized in the fall of 1974 and took over the Silver Lake Grange Hall. Dennis Harding was the first Master.

The new organization lasted two years or less. The China history quotes Harding as saying one reason for its failure to take hold was that “the young people did not like to use the outhouse.”

Sometime after 1977, ownership of the hall reverted to the Maine State Grange. (The 1977 application for the China Village Historic District lists the China Grange as the owner.) The state organization sold it in the fall of 1983 to two local residents who hoped to create senior citizen apartments.

Their plan was never realized. The present owner of Silver Lake Grange Hall has had it on the market for several years.

Clinton Grange #287 was established in March 1888, according to Kingsbury, although its number implies it was founded in the last half of 1886 or in 1887. Kingsbury wrote there were 70 charter members, and by 1892 about 100 members. The Maine State Grange records show 231 members in 1902.

Kingsbury says in 1890, the Grange bought Centennial Hall, on Church Street, in Clinton. In 1892, he wrote, the second floor was for exhibitions and the organization used the ground floor for its other activities.

(John P. Billings built Centennial Hall in 1876, Kingsbury wrote. Billings was a Clinton native, born in 1828. In 1843, Kingsbury says, he was learning to make edge tools – knives, hatchets and the like – in Waterville.

In 1851 Billings joined the California Gold Rush that had started in 1848 and, Wikipedia says, attracted 300,000 hopeful gold-seekers by the mid-1850s. After 14 years as a miner, Billings returned to Clinton in 1865, apparently wealthy enough to build the hall, and resumed the “manufacture of edge and stone tools.”)

Maine State Grange records include a receipt book from Clinton Grange for the years 1933 through 1935.

One of a set of antique postcards on line shows an undated photo of a Clinton Grange hall, set on flat land, with newly-planted trees beside the building and across the street. The building is a three-story wooden rectangle with a high peaked roof and a flat-roofed open porch across the entire front.

The double front door has a window on each side, three windows above it and one more full-sized window under the roof. On the visible side of the building there are five windows on the ground floor (perhaps because the stairs go up the inside wall where the front one would otherwise be) and six on the second floor.

The building is painted white. The shutters on the second- and third-story front windows appear to be a yellow-green (probably because the postcard is discolored by time).

This writer does not know whether the building on the postcard is Centennial Hall or a later replacement.
Clinton’s 2006 town comprehensive plan lists the Grange hall as one of the town’s significant buildings, and says the Historical Society’s records are kept at the Brown Memorial Library (the library is the only Clinton building that is on the National Register of Historic Places).

A long-time resident says the former Grange Hall is now an apartment building.

The second Clinton Grange #287, according to state corporate records, was organized July 15, 1949, and dissolved Sept. 6, 2006, for failure to file state-required annual reports. An on-line history refers to a Grange and 4-H exhibition hall built in 1994, giving no details.

Main sources

Grow, Mary M., China, Maine, Bicentennial History including 1984 revisions (1984).
Kingsbury, Henry D., ed., Illustrated History of Kennebec County Maine 1625-1892 (1892).

Web sites, miscellaneous.

PHOTOS: Winslow youth baseball, softball gear up for season

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Members of the Winslow Youth softball and baseball teams began practice on March 19. (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography staff)

From left to right, Adyson Lessard and Emma McCaslin practicing for the start of the season. (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography staff)

From left to right, baseball coordinator Jared Poulin, varsity baseball coach Isaiah Fleming and youth league president Beth LaFountain. (photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography staff)

Madison drive-through sock hop big success

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From left to right, Robin Turek, Auxiliary president, Sharon Ziacoma, Geraldine Jenks, Ann Cody, Nancy Misiaszek, Harriet Bryant, Holly Kinney, Irma Fluet and Grace Rollins. (contributed photo)

Members of The American Legion Auxiliary, Unit #39, of Madison, held a “Drive Thru Sock Hop” on February 27 to the beat of ‘50’s and ‘60’s music. With collection boxes, monetary donations and socks donated the day of the event, a total 1,289 pairs of socks were received. They well exceeded their goal of 100 pairs for the “100 Challenge” which is a challenge set forth by the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Maine president to help bring awareness of the American Legion Auxiliary’s 100th birthday. These socks will be distributed to homeless veterans, homeless shelters and others in need.

Big thank you to Reny’s and Family Dollar, of Madison, as well as Sun Rayz Tanning & Hair Salon, in Skowhegan, for displaying collection boxes ahead of the event. American Legion Auxiliary members have dedicated themselves for over a century to meeting the needs of our nation’s veterans, military, and their families both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of nearly $2 billion.

To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org or http://www.mainelegionpost39.org/. Or contact: Robin Turek, President – American Legion Auxiliary Tardiff-Belanger Unit #39, PO Box 325, Madison, ME – robinturek@gmail.com – 696-8289.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Cottontail population has direct affect on Canada lynx numbers

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Eastern Cottontail Rabbit

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Walking through the woods following a snowfall can show evidence of many wildlife tracks. This past winter, I did see tracks of the Eastern Cottontail rabbit.

The Eastern Cottontail, Salvilagus floridanus, is actually a New World cottontail rabbit, a member of the family Leporidae. It is one of the most common rabbit species in North America.

Here in Maine, its numbers has a profound affect on the Canada lynx population. The survival rate of the lynx is dependent on a healthy cottontail population.

The Eastern Cottontail is chunky red-brown or gray-brown in appearance with large hind feet, long ears and a short fluffy white tail. Its underside fur is white. There is a rusty patch on the tail.

Its appearance differs from that of a hare in that it has a brownish-gray coloring around the head and neck. The body is lighter color with a white underside on the tail. It has large brown eyes to see and large ears to listen for danger. In the winter, its coloring is more gray than brown. The kittens develop the same coloring after a few weeks, but they also have a white blaze that goes down their forehead. This marking eventually disappears. The average adult weighs between 2-4 pounds. However, the female tends to be heavier.

They can be found in the eastern and southwestern United States, southern Canada, eastern Mexico all the way down to South America. Originally, it was not found in New England, but it has been introduced here and now competes for habitat with the native New England cottontail.

The rabbits are active at night, and do not hibernate in winter. Predators include hawks, owls, coyotes, foxes, wolves, the aforementioned lynx, bobcats, weasels, raccoons, and even domestic cats and dogs. Trace amounts of eastern cottontail remains have been detected in black bears. On farms and in gardens, they are considered pests and are often trapped or shot to protect plants.

Reproductive maturity occurs at about two to three months of age. The average period of gestation is 28 days, ranging from 25 – 35 days. The young are born with a very fine coat of hair and are blind. Their eyes begin to open by four to seven days.

Females can have one to seven litters of one to 12 young, called kits, in a year; however, they average three to four litters per year and the average number of kits is five.

The leading cause of mortality is probably by predators. The second highest number of deaths occur with automobile collisions. The peak period collisions is in the spring, March through May. The annual adult survival rate is estimated at 20 percent, and the average longevity is 15 months in the wild.

Mating occurs from February to September. Males will mate with more than one female. Females have 2 to 4 large litters of up to nine young in a year. After the female has given birth to her offspring, she can mate again immediately thereafter. The kittens are weaned after three weeks and leave the nest after seven weeks. The kittens then reach mating age after three months.

The Eastern cottontail is a very territorial animal. When running, it can jump from 15 feet, which can aid in avoiding predators. When chased, it runs in a zigzag pattern so the animal chasing it will lose its scent, making the rabbit harder to follow. They can run up to 18 miles per hour. The cottontail prefers an area where it can hide quickly but be out in the open. Forests, swamps, thickets, bushes or open areas where shelter is close by are optimal habitation sites for this species. Cottontails do not dig burrows, but rather rest in a form, a shallow, scratched-out depression in a clump of grass or under brush. It may use the dens of groundhogs as a temporary home or during heavy snow.

Typically, eastern cottontails occupy habitats in and around farms, including fields, pastures, open woods, thickets associated with fencerows, wooded thickets, forest edges and suburban areas with adequate food and cover. They are also found in swamps and marshes, and usually avoid dense woods. They are seldom found in deep woods.

I had one appear in my backyard a few years ago and seemed to have settled in very well. It apparently found a buffet of clover that grows wild around my garden area. It stayed around for about a week. Unfortunately, although it seemed content where it was, the constant attempt of neighborhood kids to capture it led it to run off in a desperate escape attempt on several occasions. I found it dead one Sunday morning, apparently the victim of a road kill collision with a car.

We once had one reside near our camp. Our neighbor had a patch of clover that it seemed to enjoy, but liked to raid the other neighbor’s garden. I think it met with an unfortunate demise – commonly referred to as lead poisoning.

Wild rabbits. Adorable little creatures, but they can wear out their welcome.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Which MLB team won the 1994 World Series?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, April 15, 2021

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Trivia QuestionsWhich MLB team won the 1994 World Series?

Answer:

None. The 1994 World Series was canceled due to a players’ strike.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, April 15, 2021

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MARY DIONNE

WATERVILLE – Mary Dionne, 86, passed away peacefully, following a short illness, on Monday, March 29, 2021. Mary was born on November 11, 1934, in Waterville, the daughter of Olive (Vashon) Plourde and Leo Plourde.

She graduated from Waterville High School in 1952 and attended Notre Dame Catholic Church.

Mary worked in various textile mills. She also worked at LaVerdiere’s Warehouse, in Winslow, and Colby College, in Waterville. At Colby she was a dining hall attendant where students and friends knew her as “Miss Mary.” Mary was a hard worker, loving mother, wife, and mémère.

She enjoyed going to the coast, attending county fairs, and going to bingo and seeing friends. Mary was an accomplished knitter and cook.

Mary was predeceased by the love of her life, Donald Dionne, in 2016.

She is survived by her two sons, Ronald and Emily Dionne, of Brunswick, Richard Dionne, of Warren Vista, California; four grandchildren Erron Dionne and companion Anthony Jacques, of Vassalboro, Michelle Dionne and companion Rachel Tranata, of Oakland, California, Tracy Dionne and companion Mark Sheets, of Lewiston, Amy Dionne and companion Zack Everett, of Brownfield; five great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, June 16, at the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville, Maine 04901.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Aable Cremation Services, Waterville, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the Humane Society WatervilleArea, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

JOHN K. RYAN JR.

FAIRFIELD – John Kimball Ryan Jr., 72, passed away, Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. He was born March 19, 1949, in Putnam, Connecticut, the son of John Kimball Sr. and Jennie Dorothy (Govina) Ryan.

He graduated from Putnam High School in Connecticut, class of 1968, then continued his education and graduated from Havard Ellis Technical School in 1970. On July 23, 1977, he married Lana Beaulieu, in Waterville.

He was employed as an aircraft mechanic, owned, trained, and drove his own harness racing horses. He was burned out of business in 1980, then worked over 20 years at Huhtamaki, in Waterville. He enjoyed working on cars and participating in car shows with his 1966 MG.

John is survived by his wife of 43 years, Lana (Beaulieu) Ryan, of Fairfield; daughter, Stacey Sangillo, of Moodus, Connecticut; two granddaughters, Hailey Sangillo and Sophia Sangillo, both of Moodus, Connecticut; two brothers, Thomas Ryan, of Dade City, Florida, Jake Ryan, of Peoria, Arizona; several in-laws; several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

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

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in John’s memory to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

PATRICIA A. HOYT

BENTON – Patricia Ann (Grard) Hoyt, 81, passed away on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Patty was born on an island in the Kennebec, in Fairfield, on May 22, 1939.

Henry William Grard and Verna Mildred (Reid) raised her in Fairfield where she attended school, graduating from Lawrence High School, class of 1957. She was raised as a happy Baptist with her three younger sisters.

Following high school, Pat was a waitress at a Winslow eatery where she met her future husband. She raised four children with him. She was a cook for SAD #49 in later years, but mostly she was mom, or grammy, even great-grammy; always loved.

There were many afghans knitted, she crocheted; if a needle was involved, she could do it. She sewed her families’ clothes, made clothes for her daughters, and enjoyed quilting with Nana Grard. She always made sure her children were happy.

It wasn’t always easy as military life took them from Maine to Morocco, California, Boston, Mississippi, and Maryland. In her old age she was content to try and solve all the world’s crossword puzzles.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Edward E. Hoyt II; her youngest daughter, Verna Alta Gregoire; her youngest sister, Nancy Hall (Winslow); her brothers-in-law, Gerry Routhier (Shawmut), Raymond Hoyt (Boston, Massachusetts), and David Hoyt (Rochester, New Hampshire); her sisters-in-law, Ruth Hoyt, Eileen Kaskeski, and Barbara Comeau (all from Boston, Massachusetts).

She is survived by her children, Edward Hoyt, of Benton, Theresa Hoyt, of Oakland, and Patricia Doughty and her husband, Jerry, of Winchester, New Hampshire; her grandchildren, Edward and his wife, Ashley, of Fairfield, Natasha Hoyt, of Oakland, Michael Doughty and his wife, Dr. Joy Doughty, of Virginia, Tommy Doughty, of New Hampshire, and Annie Gregoire, of Augusta; one great-grandchild, Henry, of Fairfield; and her sisters, Butch Routhier, of Waterville, and Bev Hamlin and her husband, Tim, of Vassalboro.

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

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

PAULINE L. FOSTER

WINDSOR – Pauline Lillian Foster, 89, of Windsor, passed away Thursday April 1, 2021, at Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta, following a brief Illness. She was born on March 26, 1932, in Stonington, and was raised by her grandparents, Lillian and Harry Colby.

She had two siblings, Donald Fifield and Patricia Clements. She married Lester Arnold Nickerson May 22, 1948, in Belfast, and they had two children, Tom and Sheila. She graduated with a GED from Belfast High School in 1964.

She married Stanley Eben Foster Jr. on February 20, 1965. They had three daughters, Karen, Estella and Kathy. She owned and operated Foster’s Dairy Farm, in Palermo, with her husband, Stanley, for many years.

Pauline “Polly” was a very kind hearted, generous person, amazing mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved trips to Stonington to visit with friends and, of course, the seafood. She loved quilting with her friend, Diane. She knitted hats and mittens and donated them to Palermo Consolidated School. She loved cooking and making gifts for her family at Christmas.

She was predeceased by her grandparents, Lillian and Harry Colby; husband, Lester A. Nickerson; granddaughter, Jayme Lynn Nickerson; husband, Stanley E. Foster Jr.; son-in-law, Stuart Libby; aunt, Vera Stoddard; sister, Patricia Clements, brother, Donald Fifield.

She is survived by son, Thomas Nickerson and wife Debra, of Palermo; daughters, Sheila McCarty and husband Michael, of Palermo, Karen Libby, of Windsor, Estella Morris, of Palermo, and husband John, of Belfast, Kathy Tesseo and husband Michael, of Palermo; grandchildren, Jennifer Nickerson, Jody Gray, Paula Doucette, Maygen Hardy, Alia Coombs, Molly Libby, Benjamin Bragg, Hannah Bragg, Kayla Tesseo, Becky Tesseo and Michael Tesseo; many great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law.

There will be no funeral services. A family graveside service at a later date.

Friends are invited to share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories online at http://www.plummerfh.com.

To honor Polly, please consider a donation to the Windsor Volunteer Fire and Rescue,. 671 South Belfast Rd., Windsor, ME 04363.

LORNA R. RAYMOND

WINSLOW – Lorna R. (McCaslin) Raymond, 68, passed away at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in Boston, on Thursday, April 1, 2021, following a long battle with heart disease. Lorna was born in Waterville on January 20, 1953, to her parents William (Bill) and Lucille McCaslin Tilton, of Winslow. Lorna attended Winslow High School, and later retired from the C N Brown Co., in Winslow, as a manager, in 2017 following 20 years of service. She had a beautiful, loving spirit that welcomed her family and friends to celebrate love, laughing, and delicious food for holidays and gatherings, at her home on Pattee Pond, in Winslow.

When she was not entertaining, she was crocheting, making salads. As well as trying new and exciting soups, that she shared weekly with her family. She loved taking vacations with her daughter and granddaughter to Disney World, New York, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. Not excluding her trips to Las Vegas and Foxwoods, where she liked to test her odds at the slots and Bingo. To all that knew her Lorna was an avid Online Farmville player.

Lorna developed breast cancer in 2019, and was successful in beating the disease. However, she developed a heart issue shortly after and fought valiantly to overcome the effects of heart disease. She fought for 16 months before losing the battle to heart disease. Lorna’s determination, and will to fight to overcome the disease amazed her doctors. That will was evident in November 2020 when the Northern Light Inland Hospital ER, in Waterville, staff fought with her to save her life. As a result, Lorna was able to live for five more months.

Lorna was predeceased by her father, William.

She is survived by her mother, Lucille McCaslin; her husband Ronald Raymond; daughter, Heather Metten; son, Adam Conary; and granddaughter, Katarina Metten, all of Winslow; her siblings, Darryl McCaslin and his wife Ann, of Maryland, Derek McCaslin and his wife Jean, of Winslow, and Dwight McCaslin, of Skowhegan; her stepchildren; Trisha Rossignol and her husband Joe and their children, Joey and Veronica Rossignol, of Winslow, Rhonda Raymond and her children Peter and Adriana, all of Winslow; several nieces and nephews, and her mother-in-law, Theresa Raymond, of Massachusetts.

Funeral arrangements are by Casper Funeral and Cremation Services of Boston.

A celebration of Lorna’s life will be announced at a later date.

For those wishing to donate to a worthy cause on behalf of Lorna you can do so by donating to the Waterville Elks Lodge 905, Veterans Committee, 76 Industrial St., Waterville, ME 04901.

ALAN M. FRANKEL

WATERVILLE – Alan M. Frankel, 82, of Waterville, passed away at home on Saturday, April 3, 2021. Alan was born in New York, New York, on February 2, 1939, the son of the late Sidney and Priscilla (Cowan) Frankel.

He graduated from Fieldston High School, in New York, and also Colby College, in Waterville. He had long standing relationships with many of his classmates from high school. He came to Maine to attend summer camps when he was younger; that’s when his fondness of Maine began.

Alan loved his camp; it was his passion. He was a prankster with a great sense of humor. He enjoyed baseball (always a diehard Yankees fan), football, and traveling. Alan also loved fine dining.

He was extremely good with numbers, names, and phone numbers. Alan was a great soul and always drew people close to him.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife of 25 years, Joan Turner Frankel; his stepmother, Clara Halprin; and his granddaughter, Sara Frankel.

Alan will be sadly missed by his son, David Frankel; his second wife and caregiver, Gisele Veilleux.

A celebration of Alan’s life will be held at a later date.

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

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

ANNETTE F. ROSSIGNOL

WATERVILLE – Annette Fortin Rossignol, 74, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021. Annette was born August 18, 1946, in Augusta, daughter of the late Marie Rose (Pare) Fortin and Henry Fortin.

There she grew up with her two older brothers and two younger sisters. She attended St. Augustine School and graduated from Cony High School, in Augusta.

Annette was married to Everett Rossignol for several years and they raised their two children in Oakland. She worked as a medical and legal secretary and was employed by the U.S. Postal Service and L.L. Bean before retiring. She practiced her Catholic faith for many years. She enjoyed road trips to the coast, going to the movies and spending time with family and friends. She was generous and full of love and compassion.

She was predeceased by her brother, Ron Fortin and sister-in-law Jean, sister, Dianne Gallant, brother-in-law Jay McCann; and niece Michelle Gallant.

She is survived by her son, Michael Rossignol and his wife Lisa; daughter, Monique Rossignol and her husband Peter Gladziszewski; four grandchildren, Jeremiah Pomerleau, Laura Cole, Emma and Amy Gladziszewski; four great-grandchildren, Liam, Alister and Elle Cole, and Layton Pomerleau; several nephews and nieces; and many cousins; her brother, Ken Fortin; sister, Gloria McCann; brother-in-law Larry Murphy.

A celebration of life was held at Faith Church, 250 Kennedy Memorial Drive, in Waterville, on Saturday, April 10.

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.

WILSON H. SHORES

CLINTON – Wilson Hervey Shores, 92, passed away Monday, April 5, 2021, at his home, in Clinton. Wilson was born in Benton on December 4, 1928, to James Edward Shores and Florence May German Shores.

Wilson graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1947. While in high school, Wilson was active in the Future Farmers of America and participated in the showing of cattle, for which he received several first-place awards. After graduating from high school, Wilson worked on his family farm for several years.

On April 22, 1950, Wilson married the love of his life, Martha Mae Rowe. Wilson and Martha were married for 70 years. Several weeks after their marriage, the couple purchased the dairy farm owned by Wilson’s grandfather, in Benton. Wilson made his living on that dairy farm for 28 years, during which time he owned up to 100 youngstock and milking cows, while also raising seven children with his wife.

After retiring from farming in 1978, Wilson was employed by S.A.D. #49 as a bus driver and as a custodian. He also worked as a truck driver for several years at his cousin Merton Richard’s business. In 1981 the couple moved to Clinton, where they had built the new home Martha had always dreamed of on a 200-acre parcel of land overlooking the Sebasticook River.

Wilson was active in both the farming community and his local communities. He was a member of the Benton Grange for 78 years and the Maine Farm Bureau. He served as a member of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Committee for 20 years. He also served as both a First Selectman and a Second Selectman in Benton for several years. In addition, he was at one time the president of the Clinton Lions Club and the president of the Clinton Senior Citizens organization.

Wilson and Martha spent many years wintering in Davenport, Florida, where they made many new friends. They enjoyed traveling to many other states, including California, New York, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C., with their oldest daughter and her husband, and together they traveled to Ohio to visit one of their twin daughters. They were also fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel abroad to England, Scotland, Germany and France.

Wilson had the unique ability to dowse for water using an apple tree branch. He met many interesting people as he traveled throughout the state to use this gift to locate the best site on a piece of property for a well.

Wilson was very proud of his several large vegetable gardens and supplying his family, friends and neighbors with the fruits of his labor. He and Martha also enjoyed taking leisurely drives to different parts of Maine and spent many hours each summer picking different kinds of berries and enjoying their bounty.

Wilson is survived by his wife, Martha; his brother, Stanley Shores and his wife Esther; daughter, Sally Tuttle and her husband Mervin Jr.; sons, George Shores and his wife Ann, Steven Shores; daughters, Bonnie Williams and her husband Michael, , Darlene Shores Lynch and her husband Scott, Charlene Shores-Lynn and her husband Ron; and son-in-law, Ronnie Harris and his partner Judith Pelotte; 11 grandchildren, Mervin Tuttle III and his wife Jeanne, Derek Veilleux and his wife Jude, Ronnie Harris, Andrew Harris and his wife Melanie, Keven Shores and his wife April, Jeffrey Williams and his wife Christina, Keenan, Kelsie and Braeden Lynch, and Lauryn and Abby Lynn; and his eight great-grandchildren:, Aiden and Andrew Tuttle, Hailey Williams, Gabriel Estrada, Hayden McLeod, Ashley Shores, and Alex and Ellie Mae Harris; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Wilson was predeceased by his parents, James and Florence Shores; sisters, Mabel Colson and Irene Murch; his brothers, James Jr., Leland, Doug and Lendell; his daughter, Terry Shores Harris; and his granddaughter, Cheryl Tuttle.

A graveside celebration of Wilson’s life will be held on Saturday, May 15, at 2 p.m., at the Brown Cemetery, on the Albion Road, in Benton.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Benton Grange #458, c/o Mary Ann Colson, 8 East Benton Rd., Benton, ME 04901 or to a charity of your choice.

DOROTHY D. QUIMBY

WATERVILLE – Dorothy “Dot” Dunlap (Webb) Quimby, 91, passed away on Monday, April 5, 2021, at Woodlands Senior Living, in Waterville. Dot was born on September 1, 1929, in Portland, to Philip Raymond and Genevieve (Dunlap) Webb.

She and her family moved to Ocean Park in 1937, where Dot attended Old Orchard Beach High School and graduated Valedictorian of the class of 1947. She went on to graduate Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Bates College, in Lewiston, where she served as class secretary from 1953 until her death.

After college, she and some of her classmates traveled through Europe for a few months. When she returned home, she married her college sweetheart, Lawrence H. Quimby. They lived in Newcastle with their first son Peter, while Larry taught at Lincoln Academy. In 1956, they moved to Unity, where they welcomed their second son Richard. Larry taught at Unity High School and eventually at Mt. View High School. Mr. Quimby passed away in 1989.

Dot received her master’s in library sciences from the University of Maine in 1967. She served as Unity College’s first librarian from 1965 to her retirement in 2001 as Professor Emeritus. Her proudest moment in her career was when the library at Unity College was named the “Dorothy Webb Quimby Library” in her honor. Dot was a faculty adviser to hundreds of Unity students over her career and became known affectionately as the “Mother of the Alumni”. She edited the college alumni newsletter for many years as her way to keep in touch with “her kids” and she always enjoyed handing out seedling trees to graduates.

Dot was very active in community affairs. Over the years she served as town treasurer, on the Unity Budget Committee, as chairman of the Unity Scholarship Committee, as an active member of the Unity Historical Society, and a member of Unity United Church, where she sang in the choir for many years. Dot served on the Board of Future RSU #3. She also enjoyed being a part of the “The Noel Club”, “The Walkie Talkie’s”, “The Unity College Old Retireds”, “The Breakfast Bunch”, and the Unity United Church’s Methodist Women’s Group.

Dot is survived by her sons, and his wife Pegi (Langeluttig) Quimby, of Unity, and her son, Richard W. Quimby, of Montville; her sister, Marilyn Marshall (Webb) Mayhew, of Orrville, Ohio; five grandchildren, Michael Rumney, of Knox, and Aurora Rumney, of Belfast, Kaitlin and her husband Zachary St. Jean, of Sabattus, Samantha Quimby and her partner Steven Clark, of Dixmont, and Elizabeth Quimby, of Biddeford; seven great-grandchildren, Eliana, Olivia, Charlotte, Madison, Michael, Morganne and Atlas; nephew, George Philip Mayhew, of Orrville, Ohio; and two nieces, Dana (Mayhew) Garner, of Simpsonville, Kentucky, and Jennifer (Mayhew) Carlson, of Parker, Colorado.

Visiting hours will be on Saturday, April 24, from 2 to 4 p.m., at Star In The West Masonic Hall, 327 Main Street, Unity. A Celebration of Dot’s life will begin at 4 p.m. with Pastor Don Banton officiating.

At Dot’s request, her burial service will be private. Arrangements are through Riposta Funeral Home, in Belfast.

Memories and condolences may be shared at http://www.ripostafh.com.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Unity United Church, Depot Street, Unity, ME, in Dot’s memory.

FRANCIS M. RAMSEY III

FAIRFIELD – Francis M. Ramsey III, 74, passed away on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, in Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor from a chronic illness. Francis was born September 6, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York, son of the late Francis M. Ramsey II and Florence (Kirschner) Ramsey.

He was the husband of Doreen A. (Maher) Ramsey with whom he shared 37 years of marriage. He and Doreen have resided in Fairfield for the past 16 years. He previously resided in Queens, New York. He was a graduate of Richmond Hill High School and attended Queens County College.

He worked for the telephone company as a repairman for 37 years until his retirement.

Francis was a gun collector, an avid reader and enjoyed cooking. He treasured the time he spent with his loving family.

In addition to his wife Doreen, Francis is survived by two daughters, Samantha Marie Ramsey and Jennifer Lynn Ramsey, both of Fairfield; his brother-in-law, Thomas Dixon, of Benton; and his nephew, Thomas Dixon and his wife Echo, of Westbrook.

In addition to his parents, Francis is predeceased by his sister, Mary Ann Dixon.

In honoring with Francis wishes, services will be private.

Arrangements are in the care of the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where condolences to the family may be shared on the obituary page of the website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Rd., Duarte, California 91010.

SISTER NOREEN

WATERVILLE – Sister Noreen, 86, of the community of the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament passed away at Northern Light Inland Hospital, in Waterville, on the morning of Wednesday, April 7, 2021, following five days in the hospital. Sister was born in Detroit Michigan, on June 6, 1934, the youngest of six children of Frances and Edward Thome.

She entered the Congregation of the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, in Waterville, where she made her first vows on May 24, 1956. She served both in Waterville and in Pueblo, Colorado.

From her birth and throughout her life sister was afflicted by various trials and illnesses which she bore patiently to the edification of all. She was born with defective eyesight and pursued her many interests nonetheless. Before entering the convent in Waterville she worked at the Chancery Offices of the Archdiocese of Detroit. In community she served in many different capacities with generosity and gift of self in spite of her physical limits. She was known for her thoughtfulness of others always seeking how to bring them joy.

She was predeceased by her parents; and siblings. She is mourned by her religious community and her numerous nieces and nephews throughout the country. She was particularly close to her niece, Rosemary Lark, of Chevy Chase, Maryland.

A memorial service will be held later this year for her many friends and acquaintances.

Arrangments are under the care of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, ME 04901. http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com

ELWOOD LOVEJOY JR.

BENTON – Elwood “Keith” Lovejoy Jr., 63, of Benton, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 9, 2021, following several years of declining health. Elwood was born on April 2, 1958, in Waterville. He was the son of Elwood and Gloria Lovejoy Sr. of Gardiner.

If you asked a hundred people who Elwood was, they’d all give you a different story: A hard worker; A one-armed superhero; An avid coin collector; A good friend; Most importantly, he was a loving son, brother, husband, dad and grandfather who enjoyed spending time outdoors puttering and gardening.

He grew up locally, attending Gardiner Area High School, graduating in 1976.

Shortly after graduation and an honorable discharge from the Navy, he married the love of his life, Elaine.

He was a jack-of-all-trades, working in a variety of capacities over the years. Together, they raised three children. In addition to his children, he was the proud grandfather of 13 – expecting the arrival of his first great-grandchild later this month.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Elaine; his two daughters, Jessica (Lovejoy) Doody, of West Gardiner, and her husband Scott, and Jennifer (Lovejoy) Morris, of Madison, and her fiancé Don, as well as his son, Nicholas Lovejoy, of Waterville, and his wife Kari; his mother, Gloria Lovejoy, of Gardiner; and two sisters, Lisa Cody and her husband Rick, of Litchfield, and Kris Barron and her husband Steve, of Gardiner, and their respective families.

He was preceded in death by his father.

A celebration of his life was held on Wednesday, April 14, at Family Worship Center, in Augusta.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Aable Cremation Service, Waterville.