LEGAL NOTICES for Thursday, September 2, 2021

/0 Comments/in /by

STATE OF MAINE
SOMERSET COUNTY
PROBATE COURT
41 Court Street
Skowhegan, Maine 04976
Docket : AA-0168-1
RE: BAILEY RENEE PRESCOTT
Minor Child

ORDER FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

This cause came to be heard on the Motion for Service by Publication by petitioners Afton Sierra Prescott and Paul Russell Noke Jr., for service by publication upon UNKNOWN father, pursuant to Maine Rule of Civil Procedure 4(g) and Rule of Probate Procedure 4(3)(2), and it appearing that this is an action for Termination of Parental Rights brought by the Petitioners, Afton Sierra Prescott and Paul Russell Noke Jr., against UNKNOWN father, and that UNKNOWN father cannot, with due diligence, be served by any other prescribed method, and that the address of UNKNOWN father is not known and cannot be ascertained by reasonable diligence; and it is ORDERED that the Petition to Terminate Parental Rights be heard before this Court at 41 Court Street, Skowhegan, Maine 04976 on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at 1:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as it can be heard, and it is ORDERED that UNKNOWN father appear and defend the cause and file a written response to the Petition by delivering it in person or by mailing it to the office of the Register of Probate, 41 Court Street, Skowhegan, Maine 04976, and by mailing a copy thereof to the Petitioner’s attorney at his said address on or before October 6, 2021.

IMPORTANT WARNING: If you fail to file a response within the time stated above, or if, after you file your response, you fail to appear at any time the court notifies you to do so, a judgment may, in your absence, be entered against you for the relief requested. If you do not file a response, you must file a written appearance with the clerk, if you wish to be heard. If you intend to oppose the petition do not fail to answer within the required time.

An order terminating UNKNOWN father parental rights will divest said UNKNOWN father and Bailey Renee Prescott of all legal rights, powers, privileges, immunities, duties and obligations to each other as parent and child, except the inheritance rights between the child and her parent. Furthermore, UNKNOWN father shall not be entitled to notice of the child’s adoption proceedings, nor shall he have any right to object to the adoption or participate in the proceedings, and said order shall have all other effects set forth in 22 M.R.S.A. §4056.

If you believe you have a defense to the Petition, or if you believe you have a claim of your own against the Petitioners, you should talk to a lawyer. If you feel you cannot afford to pay a fee to a lawyer, you may ask the office of the Register of Probate at 41 Court Street, Skowhegan, Maine 04976, or the Office of any other Register of Probate, for information as to place where you may seek legal assistance.

It is further ORDERED that this Order be published in The Town Line once a week for three (3) successive weeks.

Dated: July 8, 2021
/s/ Robert M.Washburn
Judge of Probate
A true copy of the original
Attest: /s/ Victoria M. Hatch
Register of Probate
(9/2)

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Cony Flat Iron Building

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Old Cony High School – Flat Iron Building

by Mary Grow

One more former school in the central Kennebec Valley is on the National Register of Historic Places: the original Cony High School, in Augusta, often referred to as Old Cony High School, to avoid confusion with present-day Cony High School, or as Cony Flatiron, for its unusual shape.

Kirk Mohney of the Maine Historic Preservation Commission prepared the National Register application for the building in July1988. The listing is dated Sept. 29, 1988.

The Cony Flatiron is on a 1.5-acre lot, Mohney wrote, on the southeast side of Cony Circle, the traffic circle at the east end of Memorial Bridge across the Kennebec River.

The name comes from the building’s unusual wedge, or flatiron, shape. The slightly curved end with the entrance faces northwest onto the rotary; the sides flare out, so that the building is wider at the back.

High school education has been available in Augusta since 1816. Augusta’s on-line Museum in the Streets says in 1815, Daniel Cony put up a building on his land at the intersection of Bangor and Cony streets, on the northeast side of the present traffic circle. “At first a mystery, it was soon announced to be an academy for girls”; it opened as Cony Female Academy the next year.

The Museum in the Streets says in 1844 the Academy, needing more space, relocated across Cony Street into the former Bethlehem (Unitarian) Church building. The new site was the Flatiron Building lot.

Cony Female Academy closed in 1857. Henry Kingsbury, in his Kennebec County history, and Mohney summarized information on other post-primary Augusta schools between the 1830s and the 1880s, apparently located on the west side of the Kennebec.

By 1880 the newest of these schools was overcrowded. Kingsbury wrote that Cony’s grandson, ex-Governor Joseph Williams, proposed that the still-existing Academy Board of Trustees give the school’s trust fund, which by then had grown to almost $20,000, to the city for a new high school.

Augusta officials accepted and built “the present [in 1892] stately edifice” as Cony Free High School on the Flatiron site. The building pictured in Kingsbury’s history resembles a church, with peaked roofs, an arched entrance and a tall, decorated central tower.

Museum in the Streets says the city “controlled the property” by 1908. In 1909 the Cony Free High School building acquired “substantial wings” (Mohney’s words), but by the 1920s it, too, had become too small, and officials replaced it with the Flatiron Building and renamed it Cony High School.

Mohney’s description of the Flatiron said the Colonial Revival style brick building was designed by Bunker and Savage, of Augusta, and constructed between 1926 and 1932 (Museum in the Streets gives the dates as 1929-1930, suggesting most of the work was done then).

The building is three stories tall on a granite foundation, with “rusticated brickwork” on the first level. (Wikipedia explains “rusticated” brick, masonry or stonework as having a rough outward surface that gives a textured appearance.)

The ground-floor front has three bays on its curve, each with an inset doorway with granite moldings around the doors. Brick plinths between bays support the two-story Tuscan columns above them; each bay has three tall windows on each floor.

The second and third floors are “separated by a wide, ornate stringcourse,” Mohney wrote. The stringcourse, a curved granite band, “is decorated with carved swags and an open book bearing the date 1926.”

Above the third floor another stone band has the words “CONY HIGH SCHOOL” in its three sections. A brick parapet with a clock with Roman numerals topped the front of the building.

Both sides were provided with a generous number of tall windows – fourteen to a side since a 1984 remodeling, Mohney wrote, almost twice as many originally. He described the fourth side of the building (the back) as having “two walls that meet at an obtuse angle” and variety in height and arrangement of doors and windows.

Inside, he wrote, the school was minimally decorated and had the wide staircases with landings that were typical of the period. The third-floor auditorium was the fanciest room, with a stage at one end and a balcony at the other and “Colonial Revival style details with classical moldings and pilasters.”

Wikipedia says the school was dedicated Dec. 12, 1930, although the top floor remained unfinished until 1932.

Again the number of students increased to exceed the capacity of the building, and an addition with more classrooms was built farther up the hill in 1963 or 1965 (sources differ). The addition and the enclosed, elevated walkway connecting it to the Flatiron were demolished, Wikipedia says in 2008.

A Cony graduate said she took most of her classes in the addition, but went to the old building for her typing class; she believes business and perhaps shop courses stayed in the Flatiron. The main difference she remembers is that Old Cony’s classrooms had high ceilings.

The present Cony High School at 60 Pierce Drive, next to the Capital Area Technical Center, opened in the fall of 2006, and Old Cony High School closed that year.

Wikipedia says the city used the Flatiron Building to store city property until 2013, when Housing Initiatives of New England leased it (for 49 years at a cost of $1 per year) and converted it to senior housing. The conversion maintained historic features, including stairs, corridors and most of the auditorium. New windows were designed to look like the old ones.

The Daniel Cony clock was preserved. It says on its face: “Presented by Hon. Daniel Cony. Time Is Fleeting.”

An article by reporter Keith Edwards in the July 19, 2015, Kennebec Journal describes the opening of the 48-apartment Cony Flatiron Senior Residence, with former Cony High School graduates among the first tenants.

Daniel Cony

(Emily Schroeder, the archivist for the Kennebec Historical Society, wrote an article on Daniel Cony for the January-February 2020, issue of the Society’s newsletter, Kennebec Current. She was inspired by paintings of Cony and his wife on the wall of the society’s headquarters building. Much of the information on Daniel Cony is from her piece; other on-line sources and Henry Kingsbury’s Kennebec County history have contributed.)

Daniel Cony

Daniel Cony (Aug. 3, 1752 – Jan. 21, 1842) was a Stoughton, Massachusetts, native who studied medicine in Marlboro, Massachusetts, under a doctor named Samuel Curtis. On Nov. 14, 1776, he married his preceptor’s niece, Susanna Curtis.

In April 1775, when the first battle of the American Revolution was fought, Cony was a doctor in Shutesbury, Massachusetts, about 70 miles west of Lexington and Concord. Soon after his marriage, he joined General Horatio Gates’ army at Saratoga, New York, and was there when British General John Burgoyne surrendered on Oct. 17, 1777.

Meanwhile, in 1777, his parents, Samuel and Rebecca (Guild) Cony, moved to Fort Western on the Kennebec River. Daniel and Susanna joined them in 1778, with their first daughter, Nancy Bass Cony, who died that fall at the age of 13 months. They subsequently had four more daughters, Susan Bowdoin, Sarah Lowell, Paulina Bass, and Abigail Guild Cony.

Daniel Cony was among the founders of the Unitarian church, in Augusta. He served Hallowell as town clerk and later a selectman; became a member of the legislature, first in Massachusetts and, after Maine became a separate state, in Maine; was a member of the state Executive Council, a Kennebec County judge and a delegate to the 1819 Maine constitutional convention.

Schroeder found that in the constitutional convention he argued for renaming Maine “Columbus,” in honor of the explorer. An opponent objected that Columbus never got far enough north to know there was such a place as Maine.

Despite – or perhaps because of – his own lack of formal schooling, Cony strongly supported education, including education for women. His creation of and support for Cony Female Academy are cited to explain why Augusta high schools have been named in his honor.

Additionally, he was representative to the Massachusetts legislature when it chartered Hallowell Academy in 1791 (Augusta was part of Hallowell then) and was on the academy’s first board of trustees. He helped found Bowdoin College in 1794 and, Schroeder wrote, was a Bowdoin “overseer” from 1794 to 1797. In 1820 Bowdoin gave him an honorary degree.

And the four Cony daughters:

— Susan (Dec. 29, 1781 – May 13, 1851) married Samuel Cony, her first cousin, on Nov. 24, 1803. Their son Samuel (1811-1870) was Governor of Maine from Jan. 6, 1864, to Jan. 2, 1867.
— Sarah (July 18, 1784 – Oct. 17, 1867) married Reuel Williams, member of another prominent Augusta family, in 1807. Their oldest child and only son, Joseph Hartwell Williams (1814-1896) was governor of Maine from Feb. 25, 1857 to Jan. 6, 1858, after Hannibal Hamlin resigned to return to the United States Senate.
— Paulina (Aug. 23, 1787 – Sept. 11, 1857) married Nathan Weston on June 4, 1809. He was one of the first Maine Supreme Court Justices (1820-1834) and second Chief Justice (1834-1841). Their grandson was United States Supreme Court Chief Justice Melville Weston Fuller (see The Town Line, Dec. 10, 2020).
— Abigail (Jan. 17, 1791 – Nov. 29, 1875) married Rev. John Henniker Ingraham, from Portland, on Jan. 28, 1818, and died in Bangor.

Cony Female Academy

In 2002, the University of Maine provided a Women’s History Trail for Augusta that includes a history of Cony Female Academy, now available on line; and Henry Kingsbury summarized the academy’s history in his Kennebec County history.

Daniel Cony established the school to educate “orphans and other girls under the age of 16,” the University of Maine writer said. He speculated that Cony had in mind not only orphans, but also his own daughters, although by then all were adults and three were married.

Kingsbury wrote that Cony gave the 1815 building and its lot to a board of trustees, incorporated Feb. 18, 1818. The legislative act of incorporation referred to “the education of youth, and more especially females.”

Cony also provided Augusta Bank stock “and other gifts.” In 1826, the Maine legislature donated a half-tract of land, which the school sold for $6,000, and a Bostonian donated a $500 lot in Sidney. The school library had more than 1,200 volumes, given by Cony and others, making it one of the best in the area.

In addition to free education for orphans, the school admitted students who could afford to pay tuition, including boys. In 1825, tuition was $20 a year, with the trustees often contributing $10 a year for out-of-town students.

Besides the school building, the academy had a dormitory several blocks away where in the 1820s students boarded for $1.25 a week. Kingsbury wrote it was built in 1826 at the intersection of Willow and Myrtle streets, and was in 1892 Harvey Chisam’s home. The University of Maine writer located the dormitory at the intersection of Willow and Bangor streets, one block farther north.

By 1828, Kingsbury wrote, the academy’s property was valued at $9,795.

Hannah Aldrich, later Mrs. Pitt Dillingham, was the Academy’s first head, and continued her connection with the school into the 1840s. The Kennebec Historical Society has a picture of her when she was 92 years old.

After the school moved to the former Bethlehem Church in 1845, the original building became a house that “survived into the twentieth century” before being replaced by a filling station and later another building.

Kingsbury said the former Bethlehem Church was moved in 1880 to “its present [1892] location on the Fort Western lot at the foot of Cony Street.” The University of Maine writer said it was relocated down Cony Street to “a site near present-day [2002] City Center,” where it burned down in 1902.

Main sources

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

Websites, miscellaneous

CRITTER CHATTER: Bobcats arrive at center

/0 Comments/in /by

Contributed photo

by Jayne Winters

This month’s column about the Wildlife Care Center in Vassalboro was going to be about fox releases, but before we got too far into the conversation, caretaker Don Cote mentioned he had three bobcat kittens on site. I “pounced” on the idea of writing about the bobcats, so we’ll address critter releases later.

In late June, a homeowner in the Augusta/Hallowell area called the Center to report that three small bobcat kittens were hanging around his yard, with no sight of mom. Don successfully caught two kittens with baited traps; the third youngster was coaxed out of its hiding place under the bushes into a large net by the homeowner and his son, then transferred to a trap for transportation. Don thought they were about four weeks old and explained that when something happens to a mother bobcat, the kittens usually stay together and, after a few days, venture out of the den in search of food. The new residents at Duck Pond Rehab are currently eating well on a menu of milk and canned dog or cat food, twice a day.

I was surprised to learn that wild cats can get canine parvo. As noted in an earlier column, parvo is a common and highly contagious disease (especially in young animals) that is difficult to control as the virus can survive through the cold winter months. With the help of Jeff, a volunteer at Duck Pond (he met the Cotes when he brought them baby chickadees for rehabilitation about six years ago), the three kittens have received their two parvo vaccinations and are thriving. Despite wearing heavy gloves, Jeff told me two of the three kittens successfully bit through the material!

From posts I’ve seen on Facebook and the news, it seems there have been frequent bobcat sightings recently. According to the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (IF&W) website, it’s thought populations began expanding north in the 1980s. As with many other species, survival in severe winters can be a struggle; unlike lynx, bobcats have fairly small feet, so deep snow reduces their ability to catch prey. Maine IF&W considers them to be a stable species, classified as “Least Concern.” Again, as with other wildlife, threats to their population include loss of habitat, deforestation, vehicle collisions, hunting and trapping.

Bobcats play an important role in nature’s ecosystem by regulating rodent populations, which unfortunately increases their exposure to rat poison. Food sources are varied and, in addition to small rodents, include mammals, insects, reptiles, birds and carrion. They hunt primarily by sight and sound, and once prey is located, stalk until they’re close enough to make a quick dash and attack. I found it interesting that in dim light, bobcats can see up to six times better than humans; they have more rods and cones in their eyes, allowing for better vision in the dark and as with most felines, have an elliptical eye shape with larger corneas, which allows more light to enter the eye.

Bobcats can be found in agricultural areas or dense woods – wherever there are rocky ledges, hollow trees, or large brush/log piles for shelter and denning sites to raise their young. They’re usually solitary animals, other than a brief time in February-March for courtship and mating. The female has a litter of one to five kittens in May; young cats leave the family as early as eight months, but often stay with their mother for a year. And yes, they can breed with other felines: there are records of male bobcats mating with female domestic cats, as well as breeding between bobcats and lynx.

The average life expectancy is three to four years, but they have been known to live up to 12 years in the wild. Few predators other than fisher and humans are able to kill an adult bobcat, although they may receive serious or even fatal injuries from prey animals. Young cats are sometimes killed by eagles, owls, coyotes, foxes, bears, and adult male bobcats.

Adult males weigh 20-30 pounds and average three feet in length; females are quite a bit smaller. Their fur is various shades of tan and brown, with dark brown or black stripes and spots over the body. They have short ear tufts and hair on the sides of the head give the appearance of sideburns. Often confused with a lynx, the tail is the best point of comparison: the tip of a bobcat’s tail is black on top and white beneath; a lynx’s tail is completely black tipped. In addition, the feet of a bobcat are noticeably smaller than those of a lynx, they have shorter ear tufts and a less uniform coat color.

The Wildlife Care Center continues to receive greatly appreciated assistance from other rehabbers to help while Don and his long-time volunteer, Amy, deal with health concerns. We ask that you check these websites to see if there is a rehabber closer to you to help make critter care at Duck Pond more manageable: https://www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/rehabilitation.html

Donald Cote operates Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center on Rte. 3 in Vassalboro. It is a non-profit state permitted rehab facility supported by his own resources & outside donations. Mailing address: 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro ME 04989 TEL: (207) 445-4326. EMAIL: thewildlifecarecenter@gmail.com.

PHOTO: Opening day of soccer season

/0 Comments/in , /by

Winslow U13 travel soccer team member Bode Carlson during opening day on August 29, in Winslow. Winslow defeated Dirigo, 8-1. (photo by Kevin Giguere, Central Maine Photography staff)

SOLON & BEYOND: Airplane modelers hold fly-in at North Anson

/0 Comments/in /by
Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percyby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

This is also recent news: On Saturday, August 28, Lief and I attended the annual club picnic at the North Anson Pines Field. Some of the ones that attended were from both clubs: Kennebec Valley Model Aviators, from Sidney, and Franklin County Aircraft Modelers, who sponsored the picnic and fly in at their field. I was very impressed watching all of the many planes being flown. It was a perfect day for this event, with no wind to bother the planes and the food was great. I found out some names of ones who attended, but I’m not going to print them because I’d probably leave out some and get in trouble, was told there were between 25 and 30. It seemed to me everyone was enjoying themselves immensely.

Now for some old news from an August 3, 1988, Skowhegan Reporter. It starts with these words, SOLON “The Friendliest Town in the State” with hearts on either side. Good morning my friends! God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference. I don’t always live up to this favorite prayer of mine, although I am practicing the power of positive thinking to the limit! I kept saying all last week in GRAMS, “It can’t possibly be this hot!” But I survived, and only closed 15 minutes early two of the days. It isn’t condusive to enjoyable shopping when the water runs down and drips off the end of their noses, even for a born shopper! Several people have suggested that since I am becoming so liberated I should wear a bikini while on the job, but since I have put on several pounds in certain places, I’m afraid a bikini wouldn’t contain it all!

Now for the second part of the prayer, I had the courage to try and change Central Maine Power’s mind about their rates but not the wisdom to know I couldn’t do it. I have proved a point to myself, it is possible to live quite happily without the modern convenience although I’d advise people to stay up wind from me after a hot one!

Came across this little bit of old news that I started out in a Carney Brook Chronicle, in June 13, 1997 paper. Hi, it seems like ages since I sat down to write this column and this morning I feel even more fortunate to be able to share with you after my close encounter with a moose the other evening.

I was in a hurry to get home after being away all day and there is no doubt that I was driving faster than I should have been when rounding a curve on River Road, and there right in front of me was a large moose. I very quickly applied the brakes and to my dismay a car was approaching from the other direction and the moose was sandwiched between us. My fear was that he might charge at one of us, but instead, he climbed a steep bank and I continued on my way with my heart going pitter-patter.

All of that took place after Frank had died and I was alone for 16 years.

There will be a meeting of the Embden Historical Society on September 13, 2021, a 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m.. The program will be about Properties, Trails and History of Somerset Woods. Chairman will be Carol Dolan with a slide presentation by Dr. Ann Dorney, at the Embden Town House, 751 Cross Town Road, Embden.

The following is Percy’s memoir: To speak of life’s beauty as the thoughts would dictate; To work and help others as love would relate; To cherish our friendships…Some tried and some true; To manifest God, in the things that we do. To lend hearts in service, Ah,! that is the core Of what God has created each one of us for. (words by Roxie Lusk Smith).

Windsor selectmen set tax rate at 13.0 mil

/0 Comments/in , /by
by The Town Line staff

The board of selectmen, on August 17, opened the meeting by convening as the board of assessors, to listen to Vern Ziegler, who remotely presented the tax assessment for the 2021-22 fiscal year. The board voted unanimously to approve a 13.0 mil tax rate for the fiscal year, to sign the assessors certification of assessment, 2021-22 municipal tax assessment warrant, certificate of commitment, and certificate of assessment to be returned to the municipal treasurer.

The public works department reported the culverts on the Windsor Neck Road have been changed and ditched. Also, a two-foot culvert near the China town line that is six to seven feet deep on one end will need replacing.

It was also noted that the town’s 2007 International plow truck will be going up for sale.

Paving has begun, and because of the Windsor Fair in progrress, the work started with Maxcy’s Mill Road and Erskine Road first.

The animal control officer informed the selectmen that there have been many kittens and dogs at large which have been taken to the animal shelter, or returned to owners. Ten-day notices for unlicensed dogs have been delivered to owners.

Tom Reed asked if the town is still looking to purchase the well pump for the cemetery. Reed provided Town Manager Theresa Haskell with the contact information at Bison Pump.

A qualified catering organization application for a catered function from Rustic Taps and Catering was unanimously approved for a craft beer tent at the Windsor Fair.

Nina Tulio was appointed to the planning board with her term to expire June 30, 2024.

In other business, the town of China board of selectmen has asked for a written response as to why the town of Windsor board of selectmen does not want to contribute to the China Region Lakes Alliance (CRLA). There was much discussion and the decision was made that board chairman Ray Bates could be called for additional discussion.

The next board of selectmen meeting was scheduled for August 31.

FISHY PHOTO: First fish a whopper!

/0 Comments/in , /by

Lincoln, right, age 3, visiting China Lake in July, from Louisiana, caught his first fish with a little help from daddy. Domenic, left, age 3, was very interested in what his brother caught! The bass was 17 inches long and weighed between 2 -3 pounds. Parents are Bernard Boudet and Katharine Simon. The twins are the great-grandchildren of the late Irma W. Simon, of South China.

SCORES & OUTDOORS – Bees killing bees: what’s that all about?

/0 Comments/in /by

Honey bee

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Here is something quite interesting. At least I think so.

Last Sunday, while I was talking with a neighbor, we were standing near one of my wife’s hummingbird feeders. She uses a mixture of sugar and water to lure, and watch, the hummingbirds. Well, as sometimes happens, bees take over the feeder.

While we were standing there, two bees decided to occupy the same feeding station. They got into a fight, actually looking as if they were wrestling, both falling to the ground. One of the bees then returned to the feeder. The other lay on the ground, with a very noticeable twitch to its hind end, seemingly unable to fly. It continued to do so for some time before succumbing to its injury. It never did regain flight.

My immediate question: do hornets sting other hornets?

Here goes:

Many years have been spent studying and working with different kinds of bees, and most bee keepers say they have never seen a bee sting another bee. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. There are many different kinds of bees and some live in groups with other bees. The most famous of the bees that live in big groups are honey bees.

Honey bees that live in the same hive are called nestmates because they share a nest. The queen bee lays all the eggs in the hive and has mostly daughters. So usually nestmates are sister-bees that get along very well. They cooperate to feed their little sisters and brothers, collect food, build and protect their nests from animals (or bees from other nests) that want to eat them or their honey.

Two hornets fight to the death.

Because sometimes honey bees steal nectar (the main ingredient for making honey) from other nests, some bees, called guard bees, stand at the door and sniff the bees that land there with their antennae. If the newly-landed bee smells like she belongs in the nest, the guard lets her nestmate in. If not, the guard will bite and sting the intruder bee, preventing the intruder from entering the nest.

In experiments where scientists investigate how bees tell whether a bee is their nestmate or not, bees sometimes fail to recognize their nestmates and end up accidentally stinging their sisters! They also sometimes let bees into the hive that are not their nestmates.

So yes, even when trying to defend their nests from intruders, bees sometimes accidentally sting their nestmate sisters, but only because they mistake their sisters for intruders.

I can’t say I blame them. I’m not sure I’d be so good at recognizing my sisters if I had thousands of them.

Outside their nest area hornets, on the other hand, have been known to be quite passive creatures. It has been noted by some researchers that hornets are shy, peaceful creatures. They tend to avoid conflict and only attack when they absolutely have to.

One beekeeper said, in their 30-plus years in the beekeeping industry, they have never seen a bee sting another bee, hornet or wasp. But on many occasions have seen a number of bees “ball” another bee or wasp. In these instances they aggressively wrestle with the intruder, biting and in the case of another bee pulling the body hair with their jaws until the intruder escapes or dies. That is what may have happened Sunday.

Also observed were many bees attacking and killing a mouse by stinging it to death but never another insect of similar size, or species, but no doubt it may happen. There is no reason for bees to lose one life to take another by stinging it to death when a number of them can chase one individual from the hive in another way.

When a honey bee stings, it dies a gruesome death. The bee’s stinger is structured in such a way that once it punctures human skin, the bee can’t yank it out without self-amputating. As the honey bee tries to pull out the stinger, it ruptures its lower abdomen, leaving the stinger embedded, pulling out instead a string of digestive material, muscles, glands and a venom sac. What results is a gaping hole at the end of the abdomen.

It’s kind of like bleeding to death, except bees don’t have blood, It’s fake, clear insect blood.”

The honeybee stinger is hollow and pointed, like a hypodermic needle. It contains two rows of lancets, or saw-toothed blades. These blades are barbed in shape, and face outward like a harpoon.

As a bee stings, the blades alternate, scissoring together into your flesh. It looks — and works — like a screw anchor, meaning that once in, the stinger can’t retract. Muscles connect the stinger to a venom sac, from which a cell-destroying toxin is pumped into the hole.

The scent of the venom released from the honey bee signals a threat to the hive. And weirdly, it smells like bananas. It is only the female honey bees, also known as the worker bees, that sting. Each hive contains some 60,000 worker bees, followed by a few hundred male drones and a single female queen bee.

Worker bees are like disposable soldiers for the colony: their sole function is to gather nectar, pollinate, and defend the base. They are all infertile females. The queen lays all eggs and the drones fertilize them.

The queen bee only stings when fighting for dominance against another queen, Winston said.

And while the hornet and the wasp are known for being more aggressive, honey bees are more docile, and typically only attack when threatened.

Although queen bees have never been stung, many times the workers will participate in “balling” a queen for no apparent reason. Perhaps they just don’t like some individuals.

Colony usurpation is when a summer swarm takes over an established colony by quickly invading it in a matter of minutes. While some of the hive bees and the usurpation bees fight, the crucial action is with the queens. Queen balling is where bees form a tight ball about the size of a walnut around a queen. Once a new queen has hatched, it is the duty of the worker bees to kill the existing queen through a process known as “balling”, in which they cluster around the queen bee, essentially suffocating her.

So, everything that we have learned so far about bees and hornets, it still doesn’t answer the question of why these two bees got into a “wrestling” match, with one killing the other, around a hummingbird feeding station. The only thing that comes to mind is, because summer is fading, the bees might come from different hives, and are fighting to bring back as many nutrients as possible to their respective hives.

Only a theory.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

True or False. After retiring from baseball pitcher Jim Lonborg, of the Boston Red Sox, became a used car salesman.

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, September 2, 2021

/0 Comments/in /by

Trivia QuestionsTrue or False. After retiring from baseball pitcher Jim Lonborg, of the Boston Red Sox, became a used car salesman.

Answer:

False. He became a dentist.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, September 2, 2021

/0 Comments/in /by

MARTHA E. HICKS

NOKOMIS, Florida – Martha E Hicks, 83, formerly of China, and Lynn, Mass­achusetts, passed away Friday, August 6, 2021, following a lengthy illness. She was born August 13, 1937, in Lynn, Massachusetts, to the late Harry and Alice (Bryan) Raymond.

Raised in Lynn she graduated from Classical High School and was very active in the International Order of Rainbow Girls. After high school she attended Miss Allen’s School of Modeling.

She married her husband of 62 years, Thomas Hicks and they raised their children in Lynn. Martha was a homemaker, a model, she worked part-time as a bookkeeper, and was very involved with the PTA, Camp Fire Girls, and many years a lot of her time was spent on parent committees between the YMCA, high school and traveling for AAU swim meets for her children.

The next move took them to China, where she was an active member of the China Baptist Church and very involved in local community. She worked for Joseph Motors Co., Rosenthal Investments, and Are You Ready To Party, all in Waterville.

Upon retirement, they moved to Nokomis, Florida, and became residents of Kings Gate Club. While at KGC Martha was in charge of the Welcoming Committee, the Gardening Committee and along with her husband Tom organized many holiday parties and club entertainment. Many residents have been recipients of Martha’s wonderful banana bread.

Martha found joy in her life by caring for her family and friends, always there when she was needed. Her hobbies were sewing, quilting, cooking, gardening and crafting.

Martha is now reunited with her parents; two brothers, William and Paul Raymond; and grandson Cody Davis.

In addition to her husband Thomas, she is survived by her children, Richard Hicks and his partner Kathy Donno, of Los Angeles, California, and Betty-Ann and her husband Thomas, of Winslow; grandchildren Crystal (Hicks) Putek, Jake Hicks, Griffin Davis, Viktoria Arkipova, Ryan Hicks, and Madeline Hicks; great-grandchildren Billy Howell III, Nathan Howell, and Caylee Putek.

There will be a private ceremony at a later date at Venice Memorial Gardens Cemetary, Venice, Florida.

DORIS M. ARMSTRONG

WATERVILLE – Doris Marie Armstrong, 91, a lifelong resident of Waterville, passed away at Woodlands Center, Waterville, on Thursday, August 12, 2021. She was born on December 12, 1929, the eldest of four to Perley and Florence York.

Doris graduated from Waterville High School in 1947 and attended Thomas College, in Waterville.

Doris was married to the late Donald P. Armstrong, also of Waterville.

Doris was a loving mother who always put her children first. She had a great passion for sports and was named girl athlete her senior year at Waterville High.

Doris learned to fly at age 15 and acquired her pilot’s license before she even got her driver’s license. She did most of her flying at China Lake, where her parents had a summer cottage, in a seaplane owned by her dad. She loved both bowling and golfing and entered numerous tournaments at the Waterville Country Club. Winning a tournament in Waterville allowed her to travel and golf in North Carolina and Spain. Doris loved to dance and participated in numerous organized dance groups with her many friends.

Doris was employed by Purlac Dairy, in Winslow, and later retired at the age of 63 from Colby College, in Waterville.

She leaves behind two sons, Donald R. Armstrong and his wife Pam, of Placentia, California, and Robert P. Armstrong, of China; a granddaughter, Morgan Lopez and husband Joe Lopez; two great-grandchildren, Evan and Stella Lopez, all of Yorba Linda, California; her sister, Pauline Denis, of Zephyrhills, Florida.

She is predeceased by a sister, Shirley Remmers and brother, Perley York Jr.

A committal service took place on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, in the committal shelter at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Civic Center Dr., Augusta.

A celebration of life was held at the home of her son, Robert, at 1084 Lakeview Dr., South China.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to have donations sent to the Alzheimer’s Association at http://www.alz.org or to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 60 Eustis Parkway, Waterville, ME 04901.

BRUCE ROCHELEAU

CLINTON – Bruce Rocheleau, 66, of Clinton, passed away at home, on Tues­day, August 17, 2021. Bruce was born February 17, 1955, to Joan Hewette, of Biddeford.

Shortly after he was adopted by William and Priscilla Rocheleau, of Westbrook.

Bruce’s wild side and love for shenanigans among friends started from a young age, spending his school days attending public and Catholic schools. He shared many tales of the “glory days” and the adventures he had with his three best friends, Ernie, Sil and Luddy.

Bruce would go on to create three of his life’s greatest achievements when he created his three sons, Ryan, Keith and Tyler, all whom he loved very much.

He had a love for skiing and took pride in teaching each of them to ski. He also enjoyed kayaking, fishing and hanging out with friends whether it was to share stories, music or taking a long drive north. He always loved to watch the Eagles fly.

He took pride in his work ethic. He held many jobs over the years , however, he was most proud of his drywall finishing skills and his time employed as a carpenter at Local #58, at Bath Iron Works, for 17 years. Bruce was a good man who had a love for good times and good jokes.

Bruce leaves behind his fiancée and good friend of 16 years, Teia Goodwin; three sons, Ryan Rocheleau and wife Beth (grandson Connor), Keith Rocheleau and his wife Kate (grandchildren Alice and Grham), and Tyler Rocheleau; stepdaughters Aliza Richards and husband Roger (granddaughter and special little friend Ivy); brother, David Rocheleau and partner Holly (niece, Leslie nephew, Morgan); ex-wife, Kelly Rocheleau.

Bruce was predeceased by Joan Hewette, William and Priscilla Rocheleau; good friends Luddy, Flat and Scotti.

Please wear tie dye if you can and bring a chair if you plan on sitting outside. As Bruce requested, a “Shindig” styled celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 4, at “high noon”, at the Clinton Snowmobile Club, 35 Clubhouse Rd., Clinton, ME 04927. If there are any questions please contact Teia Goodwin via Facebook or 207-426-1049.

MICHAEL E. BUMFORD

WINDSOR – Michael Eric Bumford, 44, originally of Augusta, passed away unexpectedly at his residence, in Windsor, on Thursday, August 19, 2021. He was born in Augusta on July 15, 1977, to the late Rachel (Duplessis) Bumford and late Ronald Bumford.

Mike enjoyed the outdoors. He really enjoyed his dirt bikes, four-wheelers and snowmobiles. He also found interest in doing woodworking, and made furniture pieces for his family and friends; something they will all cherish even more now. His favorite times though, was spending time with his daughter and his new granddaughter. He loved to play cards with his daughter and niece.

Michael was a 1995 graduate of Cony High School, in Augusta. He was currently employed at F3, doing maintenance, in Waterville.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ronald Bumford and Rachel Bumford; his maternal grandparents Richard and Lil Duplessis, and his paternal grandparents Raymond and Jacqueline Bumford; as well his uncle, Robert “Bobby” Bumford.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Michaela and his granddaughter Brynnleigh; his brothers Scott Bumford and his wife Kim, Jon Bumford and his fiancée Jennifer; his nieces Kierra, Marissa and Kaylee; and nephew, Brady; his aunt, Linda LaPointe, of Sidney; cousin, Julie Cameron and husband Craig, of Sidney; as well as many extended aunts, uncles and cousins. Mike is also survived by his girlfriend, Danielle Foster, of Albion.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Sept. 3, at 11 a.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 75 Northern Ave., Augusta. Burial will follow at Holy Family Cemetery, in Augusta.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Condolences, stories or photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Michael’s name may be made to, The Family Restored, by visiting https://thefamilyrestored.org/.

BRUCE A. THERRIAULT

CLINTON – Bruce A. “Boo Boo” Therriault, 59, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 19, 2021. Bruce was born May 8, 1962, in Waterville, the son of the late Roland A. Theriault Sr. and Carolyn (Thomas) Theriault.

Bruce worked many years helping Bob Johnson’s saw mill, in Canaan.

Bruce’s joy in life was training Coon dogs, they were his loyal companions on many hunts “Benny” and “Trooper”. He also enjoyed buying pigs, chickens, goats, bunnys and ducks. He had a strong ability to sell, trade and dicker anything from animals to corn on the cob. Everybody knows of him for having two wallets, one was a dickering wallet with a couple of dollars, and the other was always with his money.

In his early years the family would often go to the Smithfield Auction on Sundays to bid on livestock with their dad.

Everyone who knew Bruce loved him and he will always be remembered for his smile.

He is survived by his siblings Brenda Tuttle and her husband Alton, of Canaan, Karen Theriault-Reid, of Waterville, Roland Theriault, Jr. and his wife Amy, of Sidney, Steven Theriault, of Burnham, Belinda Sweatt and her husband Brian, of Albion, Tammy Theriault, of Searsport, Scott Theriault, of Massachusetts, and Justin Theriault, of Pittsfield; sister-in-law Brenda Theriault, of Corinth; nieces, nephews, especially Bryant Paddack, aunts, uncles, cousins.

In addition to his parents, Bruce was predeceased by his brother, Daniel Theriault, nephew Jason, grandparents, John and Lavina Thomas and Pete and Eva Terrio.

A celebration of Bruce’s life took place on August 25, at Old Mill Park, in Clinton.

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

REBECCA THERIAULT

CHINA – Rebecca “Becky” Theriault, 64 of China, passed away on Friday, August 20, 2021, at the Andros­coggin Hospice House, following a brief illness. Rebecca was born in Augusta on May 17, 1957, to Ralph and Pauline Marceau.

She grew up in Livermore Falls and was married to her husband, Tim, for 34 years. Together they raised five children in China. In 1996, Becky supported the dream of her husband, and together they built Cedar Springs golf course, in Albion, which they ran for 25 years along with her brother-in-law, Gregory Theriault. It was Becky’s dream to retire lakeside, spend more time with her friends, children, grandchildren and at her beloved camp on the coast in South Addison.

One of Becky’s many hobbies was gardening. She earned a master gardener certification from the University of Maine and was forever tending to her vegetable and flower gardens which were the envy of the town. She shared the fruits of her labor with friends, neighbors, and the China Community Food Pantry. Rare was there a home spun talent at which Becky didn’t excel.

She was famous for her pies which commanded record setting bids when auctioned at fundraising events. Cooking, baking, sewing, and especially spoiling her grandchildren took up much of her spare time. From 2005 to 2017 she volunteered with Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area, where she earned the reputation of an angel as many of her clients miraculously improved under her care. Ironically, Becky, herself received the love and compassion of hospice in her own final days.

Becky was predeceased by her father; and first husband, Charles M. Chappell III.

Becky is survived by her husband, State Representative Timothy S. Theriault and their five children, Amanda Theriault and her partner Michael Dubois, of Benton, Jessica Chappell, of Jersey City, New Jersey, Scott Theriault and his wife Shannon, of Debary, Florida, Jason Chappell and his wife Elaine of Shelburne, New Hampshire, Crystal Chappell and her husband Tucker, of Cambridge, Masachusetts; her mother; Pauline Marceau, of Winslow; five grandchildren, Jacob Fauls of Orange City, Florida, Sophia Theriault of Debary, Florida, Charles, David and Noah Chappell ,of Shelburne, New Hampshire; two brothers, Bill Marceau and his wife Theresa, of Industry, David Marceau and his wife Diane, of Searsmont; three sisters, Mary Marceau and her partner Douglas, of Oxford, Sandra Gould and her husband Steve, of Fayette, Jackie Dion and her husband David, of Livermore; many nieces, nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial was held at Notre Dame du Perpetual Secours Catholic Church, in Waterville, at on Tuesday August 31, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Waterville Elks Lodge.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at directcremationofmaine.com .

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Becky’s name to Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area https://secure.givelively.org/donate/hospice-volunteers-of-waterville-area/spring-appeal.

DONALD J. PERKINS

BELGRADE – Donald J. Perkins, 63, died unexpectedly Thursday, August 19, 2021. He was born in Bangor on February 18, 1958, a son of Frederick V. Perkins, Sr. and Patricia A. (Curran) Perkins.

Don was raised on dairy farms in downeast Maine and Belgrade, from which he came to appreciate the value of hard work and taking charge. He was a 1976 graduate of Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, where he met his high school sweetheart, Jean. He and Jean married just after her graduation in 1977 and enjoyed 44 years of marriage and true partnership.

Don joined the apprenticeship at Bath Iron Works after high school, and steadily applied his hard work, integrity, and honesty to ascend into increasingly senior positions, eventually becoming a leader in the contracts department.

Realizing that to reach his career ambitions he would need to increase his level of education, Don dedicated his free time over the course of multiple years to earn his degree in business administration. He used this knowledge and credential to climb further into the executive ranks as his career took him to coastal Mississippi and the Ingalls shipyard, followed by stints in Baltimore, Northern Virginia, and back to Mississippi. During this time, he became a highly respected industry leader, and was widely adored by his employees, who strongly valued his approach to leadership that so clearly demonstrated his interest not only in their careers, but also their home and family lives.

While driving outstanding results for his companies, he also took great pride in the role he and his teams played in serving the country’s military. Upon retiring to Belgrade with Jean in 2018, Don leveraged his reputation of contracting, and professional excellence to start his own consulting firm and broader consortium and enjoyed serving a steady volume of clients.

Outside of work Don enjoyed staying active. He thoroughly enjoyed engaging with his brothers and sisters and broader family, as well as his many friends across the community and the country. He took pleasure from helping others through mentorship, goofing with his grandchildren, coastal and mountain roadtrips with Jean, and playing a round of golf. Cycling was also a passion, and he took part in numerous Trek Across Maine events. You could also routinely find Don on his tractor changing the look of his yard, moving snow, or just generally tinkering. Don will be remembered for many things, but perhaps most of all for his kindness and generosity. He lived by the motto “No act of kindness is ever wasted,” and he applied this to his interactions with people from all walks of life, from strangers to dear friends and family. Don’s acts of service and generosity touched so many lives, and those close to him were fortunate to have his example to live by.

Mr. Perkins was predeceased by his father, Frederick V. Perkins, Sr. and two brothers, his twin, Daniel Perkins and Randall Perkins.

He is survived by his wife, Jean E. (Bickford) Perkins, of Belgrade; two sons, Benjamin E. Perkins, of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, and Alan F. Perkins, of St. Petersburg, Florida; his mother, Patricia A. (Curran) Perkins, of Waterville; six brothers, Jeff Perkins, of Hampden, Mike Perkins, of Oakland, Ted Perkins and Jon Perkins, both of Rome, Fred V. Perkins, Jr., of Belgrade, and Matt Perkins, of Windham; two sisters, Laurie Clark, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Mary Perkins, of Blue Hill; four grandchildren, Asher, Everett, Beckett and Weston; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no public visiting hours.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on August 27, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Western Ave., Augusta.

Burial will be at a later date in Pine Grove Cemetery, Belgrade. A Celebration of Life will be held in September, scheduling and venue details to be announced.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com

The family requests that donations be made in Don’s honor to a local charity of your choice, such as the Belgrade/Rome Special Needs Food Pantry, P.O. Box 236,Belgrade, ME 04917.

REV. ELEANOR S. DUHAMEL

WINSLOW – The Rev. Eleanor “Ellie” S. Duhamel, 78, died on Sunday, August 22, 2021, of complications resulting from pancreatic cancer. She died peacefully at home accompanied by her husband, the Rev. Marcel P. Duhamel, and her daughter, Melissa Bailey.

Ellie was born in Stoneham, Massachusetts, on November 28, 1942. She lived in Westwood, Massachusetts, and attended local schools, graduating from Westwood High School in 1961.

After high school, Ellie attended the Boston Conservatory at Berklee to study ballet. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, in 1964, with a bachelor of arts degree in English. In 1965, she married Thomas E. Flanagan, and moved to Durham, North Carolina, to teach eighth grade while Tom attended grad school. In 1968, Ellie and Tom moved to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where she taught kindergarten.

Ellie returned to the states in 1972 and continued to teach in the Rochester, New Hampshire, school system. She married Lewis B. Sykes in 1978. In 1995, she graduated from Andover Newton Theological School with her Master of Divinity and taught religious education in the Unitarian Universalist tradition. Ellie was ordained in 2004 to the ministry of Religious Education by the Unitarian Universalist Church, of Concord, New Hampshire.

Ellie and Marcel married at the Concord Church on January 1, 2005. Together, they served interim ministries in Ottawa, Ontario; Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and Kennebunk. After retirement, they moved to Belgrade Lakes, and eventually settled in Winslow in 2017.

In retirement, Ellie was devoted to causes of social justice with emphasis on women’s rights. She was an avid knitter, quilter, and seamstress. She had a deep commitment to friendship. Perhaps because she was a UU religious educator, but more probably just because she was Ellie, she listened intently and always had the comfort of advice that was needed, and the humorous quip to lighten the mood.

Throughout her life, Ellie maintained a love affair with Star Island, one of the nine Isles of Shoals located seven miles off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine. She worked her first season as a Pelican—as the employees are known—in 1961 and returned to the island for many years to work and volunteer. Star Island was her “happy place,” and she was pleased to visit it one last time in June.

Ellie had a smile that could light up a room and was one of the most joy-filled people anyone had the privilege to know. She will be fondly remembered for her kindness, compassion, wit, and wisdom by all who knew her.

Ellie is survived by her husband; her brother, Donald E. Smith; her son, Thomas C. Flanagan, and his wife, Leslie; her daughter Melissa, her son Peter Sykes and his wife, Audra; her stepsons Marcel C. Duhamel and wife, Jacqueline, and Paul E. Duhamel, and his wife, Tess; and her grandchildren Samuel Wiese, Stephen Bailey, Gemma Price, and William Kelly Clark-Sykes.

She was predeceased by her parents Warren E. and Florence Smith.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Star Island Corporation in her name.

NELLIE A. WHIPPLE

CHELSEA – Nellie A. Whipple, 65, of Chelsea, passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at her home.

She is survived by her life partner, Brian J. Nadeau, of Chelsea; her children, Judith Devine Stilphen and son-in-law Chris Stilphen, of Fairfield, Eugene Whipple, Jr., of Augusta, Ambrosia Moore and son-in-law Greg Moore, of Chelsea; her grandchildren, Ashley Whipple, Maximus Openshaw, Stella-Moon Devine, Aurianna Moore, Starla Moore and Adia Moore; her sister, Emily Chavarie and brother-in-law, Andy Chavare, of Sidney; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She enjoyed working with her partner in his lawn care business, being outdoors, trips to the ocean, long car rides and, most of all, spending time with her family, especially her six grandchildren.

According to her wishes, there will be no public services. There will be a private family gathering at a later date.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at directcremationofmaine.com.

MARK A. ST. JARRE

OAKLAND – Mark A. St. Jarre, 58, passed away unexpected in Augusta on Wednesday, August 25, 2021. Mark was born in Madawaska on May 25, 1963, the son of Gilbert St. Jarre and Jacqueline (Plourde) St. Jarre.

He completed nine years of service in the U.S. Army and attended Northern Maine Community College, where he earned his diploma in electrical construction and maintenance.

Mark’s passion was fishing, hunting, and boating, particularly when surrounded by his family and friends. He loved spending quality time with his family, quiet evenings at home with his wife and son, and travelling. He will be missed for his quiet wisdom, generosity, and big heart.

He was predeceased by his parents, Gilbert and Jacqueline St. Jarre; son, Nathan David St. Jarre; and nephew, Jonathan James Thomas.

His is survived by his wife of 23 years, Tina; his son, Alexandre; his brothers, David St. Jarre, of Gardiner, and Steve St. Jarre and his wife Cindy, of Madawaska; his sisters-in-law, Denise St. Jarre, of Gardiner, and Jean Thomas and her husband Glen, of Madawaska; his brother-in-law, John Pelletier and his wife Brigitte, of Waxhaw, North Carolina; his nieces, Julie St. Jarre, Sarah St. Jarre, Emily St. Jarre, Samantha Thomas; his nephews, Adam St. Jarre, Mathew St. Jarre, Andrew St. Jarre, Cameron Pelletier, Carson Pelletier, Nicholas Thomas; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 6, at 10 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow, Maine, followed by a Celebration of Life at Enchanted Gables, 78 Hussey Hill Road, Oakland, Maine.

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

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Maine Children’s Home, 93 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901.

ALBERT E. FORTIN

BENTON – Albert E. Fortin, 60, passed away at the Veterans Administration Hospital, West Roxbury, Massachusetts. He was the husband of Sandra J. (Patrie) Fortin, with whom he shared 22 years of marriage.

Albert was born October 24, 1960, in Waterville, the son of the late Alphonse and Elaine (Wyman) Fortin.

He was a resident of Benton for many years. He was a graduate of Winslow High School, class of 1980.

He worked as a carpenter for the former M.A. Mathews Construction Company for many years until his retirement.

He was a United States Army veteran.

Albert treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren. He enjoyed helping his neighbors and friends, he was a sentimental caring man with a great personality. He was very handy and could fix anything. He also enjoyed camping, fishing with his grandchildren, and rock and roll music.

In addition to his wife, Sandra, Al is survived by his children Christina L. Fortin, of Moscow, Robert J. Fortin, of Winslow, Danielle A. Fortin, of Candia, New Hampshire, and Eric M. Patrie, of Augusta; his siblings Yvette Roy, and Pauline Liberty, both of Clinton, Anita Fortin, of Long Beach, California, Peter Fortin, of Connecticut, Alice Jones, of Unity, Paul Fortin, of Winslow, Jimmy Fortin, of Winslow, Julia Yip, of Colorado, and Donna Fortin, of Waterville; his grandchildren Shanea, Kaci, McKayla, Sam, Kayleigh and Harper; one great-grandchild, Eli; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his mother and father, Al was predeceased by his sister, Sharon Dyer and his brother, Frankie Fortin.

Arrangements are in the care of the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers donations in Al’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island #300, Topsham, ME 04086.