I’M JUST CURIOUS: 12 birds of Christmas

by Debbie Walker

Merry Christmas! What does that have to do with all those birds in the song The 12 Days of Christmas? What’s the story behind that? Well, I just read about all this in, yes, The Farmer’s Almanac newsletter.

I learned it was first published in England in 1780, most likely as a lyrical poem much earlier. It became a song in 1909. But I was more interested in the birds.

The first gift was a “partridge in a pear tree”. This bird would have been around in the holiday season. The pear tree is a gift of food. They perch and roost in the trees, but they won’t eat the fruit as they eat grains and seeds. The fruit is harvested in the fall but stored, can last into the winter. Two bountiful gifts.

Two turtle doves are the second day. The doves in a pair would have been a good gift because may breed and be meals in the future.

Three French Hens could lay as many as 900 eggs per year! They could be eaten, sold, or allowed to hatch and young chickens to be used for meal or even more egg production. Food and possible income again.

Four Calling Birds are believed to be the Eurasian blackbird. A thrush with a wonderful sound. It would just be for singing, I guess.

Five Gold Rings you might consider bird banding, also called bird ringing. Not much else to say.

Six Geese A-Laying would be another form of animal, food gift. This gift probably was for the meat but could also be the feathers of resulting flock as goose down for winter wear and insulation. It would be ideal for a holiday gift for the coldest season.

Seven Swans A-Swimming aren’t specially noted as laying, they were most likely a gift of luxury. Swans are a symbol or romance and elegance.

Oh yeah then there were 8 Maids a Milking, 9 Lord’s a Leaping, 11 Piper’s Piping takes us back to birds, and you would probably find them on the beach. They are actually Piping Plovers.

Obviously the birds represented a richness and symbolism of the carol.

Done with birds and on to Poinsettia, the seasonal plant associated with Christmas.

Poinsettia are the number one potted plant sold in the USA today.

They are not toxic to children or humans but if a child ate 500 leaves that would be unsafe (!!). They are mildly poisonous to cats and dogs.

They come in many colors and are now available in marbled, striped or spotted tones.

I have two Poinsettia plants growing in my flower garden right now. It started blossoming about a month ago. Well, not so much of blossoming as the green leaves beginning to turn red. It is almost as tall as me now. I have seen them locally growing as high as the eaves on a single story house.

I am just curious if you have any curiosity about traditions. Share them, please. Remember in the next week to get your sleep, eat good meals and breath! The “busyness” won’t last much longer so find some way to relax and enjoy! Do what you can do and don’t worry about the rest.

Contact me at DebbieWalker@townline.org with any questions or comments. Thanks for reading and enjoy your week.

REVIEW POTPOURRI – Soprano: Dorothy Maynor; TV Show: Last Man Standing; Poet: Edna St. Vincent Millay

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Dorothy Maynor

African-American soprano Dorothy Maynor (1910-1996) sang at the inauguration of Harry S Truman in 1948 and Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953; however, while singing frequently in concert and on radio and recordings, she was never invited to the Metropolitan Opera during her peak years.

In 1964, she founded the Harlem School of the Arts, which provided low cost music education to African-American students, and served as director for many years. Its enrollment had gone up to 1,100 students by the time she retired in 1979. Interestingly, while the Metropolitan Opera would never engage her due to prevailing racism in earlier decades, she was invited in 1975 to become the first African-American to serve on its board of directors.

A 1950 78 rpm set of three 12-inch discs, Sacred Songs (RCA Victor Red Seal M 1043), features arias by Bach, Handel, Mozart and Mendelssohn in which her uniquely warm, very heartfelt soprano voice is a special pleasure. Unfortunately, only a couple of the selections from this album are available on YouTube but there is a sizable number of others and, in time, somebody may post the other four sides.

Last Man Standing

I recently finished watching all 9 seasons of the comedy show Last Man Standing, starring the incredibly gifted cast of Tim Allen, Nancy Travis, Hector Elizondo, Jay Leno, Amanda Fuller, Molly Ephraim, Kaitlyn Dever, etc. Even the facial expressions and body movements were distinguished by brilliant timing, as well as the dialog and constant insults and repartee.

Edna St. Vincent Millay

The Maine poet Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892-1950) was born in Rockland and spent her adolescence in Camden.

After graduation from Vassar College, she found her way to Greenwich Village and published books of her poems, achieving fame and being awarded a Pulitzer Prize.

Although, and very unfortunately, little read today, her writing had a particularly extraordinary power and eloquence, as seen in the closing stanza from Renascence:

“The world stands out on either side
No wider than the heart is wide;
Above the world is stretched the sky,-
No higher than the soul is high.
The heart can push the sea and land
Farther away on either hand;
The soul can split the sky in two,
And let the face of God shine through.
But East and West will pinch the heart
That cannot keep them pushed apart;
And he whose soul is flat-the sky
Will cave in on him by and by.”

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Palermo & Little Free Libraries

The Branch Mills Public Library, with what could possibly be Thomas Dinsmore Jr., founder, sitting on the porch.

by Mary Grow

Palermo residents are currently enjoying at least the third library in the town’s history.

The earliest, according to Millard Howard’s history of Palermo, was started by Benjamin Marden 2nd, “around mid-century [1850], apparently at his home on Marden Hill,” and was called the Palermo and China Social Library. Marden Hill is in northeastern Palermo; several Mardens from New Hampshire started farms there in the 1790s.

On-line genealogies list a Benjamin Marden who died, in Palermo, June 5, 1854, aged 21.

Another Benjamin Marden was born in New Hampshire Sept. 29, 1781, and died, in Palermo, March 3, 1859, aged 77. The genealogies name his wife, Catherine (Spiller), and indicate they had no children.

A third Benjamin Marden was born Oct. 26, 1798, on Marden Hil,l in Palermo, and died in Palermo June 2, 1863, at the age of 64, according to other genealogical sites. He and his wife Hannah (Carr) had two children.

The genealogies do not show relationships, if any, among the three, nor give details about their lives or interests.

The best-known Palermo library before the present one was Dinsmore Public Library, founded in 1905 by Thomas Dinsmore, Jr. It was on a hill in Branch Mills Village, east of the Sheepscot River and south of Main Street.

Dinsmore bought an acre-and-a-half lot with a house, landscaped the grounds and turned the house into a library, which served Palermo residents until at least the mid-1950s.

An on-line edition of the Maine (State) Library Bulletin has a short article on the Dinsmore Library, written in 1916 or 1917. (The on-line book is Volumes 4-7; Vol. IV, No. 1, is dated July 1914; but there are so few annual dates in the following pages that it is difficult to know what year events occurred. This writer assumed Vol. VII covers 1917.)

The writer called the Dinsmore Library “One of the most interesting libraries in the county.” (The county referred is Waldo, not Kennebec; the state considered the library to be in Palermo.)

Palermo historians Millard Howard and Milton Dowe wrote that the building Dinsmore bought was built around 1800. Previous owners had included Ralph Turner, Francis Moody (who ran his cobbler’s shop there) and the Bragg family.

By 1916, the Library Bulletin said, the small building was “surrounded by an attractive park with flowering plants and shrubs and a tall flagstaff from which the national colors are daily flung to the breeze.”

The China bicentennial history describes Dinsmore’s method of obtaining books for his library: he wrote to publishers and asked for them. Donations included “dictionaries, encyclopedias, a complete set of Shakespeare’s works, and other valuable volumes.”

He also asked owners of a newspaper in Massachusetts to which he subscribed to sell him the books serialized in the paper – and received them as gifts.

Dinsmore’s initial 1,700 books soon became 2,500. The China history quoted from a 1910 Kennebec Journal article celebrating addition of another 100 books and saying Dinsmore Library served Albion, China, Palermo and Windsor.

“Usually,” the reporter said, library hours were 2 to 4 p.m. (Dinsmore was the only librarian, so the hours might occasionally have been interrupted by other obligations).

The Library Bulletin writer described with obvious approval Dinsmore’s “unique” way of lending books. There was no charge to borrow, and anyone was eligible “if he was satisfied that such person would take good care of the book.” He almost never lost a book, the writer said.

The Kennebec Journal reporter added that the loan period was 30 days, “to accommodate those from a distance.”

Dowe’s Palermo history says Dinsmore was born in China in 1824. He died May 2, 1916, aged 92

The China bicentennial history called him Branch Mills’ “leading philanthropist.” Various sources describe his generosity: his Branch Mills land included a children’s playground; he opened $5 bank accounts for babies born in Palermo; at least once he gave high-school graduates $1 bank accounts; in 1903 he built a monument “to the memory of the lives of the early pioneers of the Town of China and Palermo.”

The Library Bulletin writer called Dinsmore “a gentleman of the old school, courteous and gentle and the children loved him,” and “a picturesque figure,” with “his shawl and cane.” The writer said his recent death “was a cause of real grief” in the community, and predicted that “The Dinsmore Library will live on, however, and many will continue to bless his name.”

After Dinsmore died, the library went to the Branch Mills Improvement Society. Dinsmore left a trust fund, with the interest to be used for maintenance.

His son, James Roscoe Bowler Dinsmore, did work on the building that included a new ceiling and floors, more windows, more bookshelves and “the rooms rearranged for greater convenience,” according to another state report.

H. L. Pinkham kept the library’s books at his store during the renovations, the state report said. By December 1917, the books had been rearranged on the new shelves.

The state report said James Dinsmore chose four librarians for the next year: “Mrs. Lucia Pinkham, Mrs. Alice Parmenter, Mrs. Harriet Estes and Mrs. Winifred Dinsmore.”

Local residents raised money to help provide books (Dowe wrote there were about 3,000 in 1954), and the library thrived “for many years,” but the state bookmobile had replaced it before the China history was published in 1984.

The 1914-1917 state report has one more reference to Palermo, in its section on traveling libraries. A traveling library was a collection of 50 books, 30 fiction and the rest “juvenile, travel, biography, poetry, etc.” A community could borrow a box for six months for $2.50, with the state paying transportation charges.

There were also half-size, half-price special collections “for the use of schools and study clubs.”

The report lists one of the borrowers as a regular library, the Sheepscot Lake Grange.

The present Palermo Community Library is at 2789 Route 3. It was designated a non-profit organization in 1998 and is run on an all-volunteer basis, supervised by a Board of Trustees. Its website is Palermo.lib.me.us.

The Town of Sidney has apparently never had an organized public library, but in the 21st century at least two public-spirited local people have made arrangements for sharing books.

One is Kimberly Spears, who earned her Girl Scout Silver Award in 2018 by organizing the Sidney Free Library, a lending library based at the town office. The Regional School Unit #18 blog has a September 2018 article explaining how she involved other community members as she designed the weatherproof library box and led story hours for children.

Photos on the library’s Facebook page show a painted box on a sturdy pole with two shelves filled with books. Town office Executive Secretary Mary Blaschke said the library gets “a fair amount of traffic” as residents borrow and donate books.

The other volunteer library is the Prescott Road Little Free Library at 1004 Prescott Road. The homeowners have a box stocked with a variety of adult and children’s books and occasional magazines, according to Facebook posts and photos.

Photos show novels by popular contemporary writers like David Baldacci, Joy Fielding, Tess Gerritsen, Kristin Hannah, Stephen King, Liane Moriarty, James Patterson, Jodi Picoult, Nora Roberts and John Sandford. Donations are welcome.

Windsor is another area town with no record of a public library. Here, too, a family has opened a Little Free Library, #54683, located at 36 Greeley Road.

Little Free Library

Wikipedia says Todd Herbert Bol (Jan. 2, 1956 – Oct. 18, 2018) created the first little free library in 2009 in Hudson, Wisconsin. He used the remains of a garage door to build a box, described as a library on a stick, and filled it with books for others to borrow.

The first library was designed “to look like a one-room schoolhouse,” Wikipedia says. Bol’s obituary says he started the project to honor his late mother, “who was always welcoming kids to their Stillwater [Minnesota] kitchen table for a sandwich or help with homework.”

When neighbors admired his library, he built more, and soon he and a partner were setting up libraries in boxes all over the Midwest. In 2012, Little Free Library was incorporated and accepted by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Bol’s initial goal was 2,510 libraries, to beat Andrew Carnegie’s total number of library buildings. The goal was met in 2012, and there are now more than 90,000 Little Free Libraries in more than 90 countries.

Little Free Library
located at 97 Water St., in Waterville.

The concept is that an individual, family or organization builds a box big enough to hold several dozen books; puts it on a stand or pole in a visible location; and invites others to borrow books and either return them or replace them with other books. Most of the boxes shown on line have two shelves and a glass front that opens; details like roof style and paint color(s) vary.

Bol was born in North St. Paul, Minnesota, and taught school in Circle Pines and Cambridge before moving to Wisconsin. He also started Global Scholarship Alliance, an organization that “provides nursing scholarships for advanced nursing,” and two businesses.

The Little Free Library organization continues since his death, headquartered in Hudson.

In addition to the Sidney and Windsor libraries briefly described above, your writer found seven others in the central Kennebec Valley area, and there are probably more. Some are registered and numbered; some are shown on the Little Free Library website’s world map.

Augusta has three. The earliest, Charter #60592 at 44 Westwood Road, was started by University of Maine at Farmington professor Jim Melcher, a long-time “voracious reader” who became acquainted with them in his home state of Wisconsin.

His slant-roofed, two-level box is trimmed in orange, according to a June 2021 photograph in The Kennebec Journal.

Charter #129678, Little Library at Blaisdell, at 2 Blaisdell Street, seems to have only a single level. The unnumbered library at 81 Glenridge Drive is named the Adele Cox Little Free Library, honoring the grandmother of the Flanagan children, “who taught them, and their mother, to love stories.”

The June Kennebec Journal article said the Maine Department of Education had set up five boxes and planned to add three more to encourage summer reading for children (and adults). Staff in the department’s Literacy for Me program are in charge of taking care of the boxes and removing them in the fall, to be put back in late spring.

Waterville has four registered Little Free Libraries.

  • Charter #26496 is at 97 Water Street, at the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program office next to the South End Teen Center. Waterville Rotarians organized it.
  • Charter #44041 is at the beginning of Inland Hospital’s community trails, at 200 Kennedy Memorial Drive. Retired surgeon Rob Hottentot designed the library’s peaked-roof box.
  • Charter #49456 is at 132 North Street and has an email link to Kennebec Behavioral Health.
  • Charter #113015 is the ShineOnCass Lending Library, honoring the late Cassidy Jean Charette, and is in the form of a circular sun instead of the usual box. It is in the YMCA/Boys and Girls Club at the Alfond Youth and Community Center, 126 North Street.

The Little Free Library website advises people thinking of starting one that many local ordinances define the free-standing boxes as structures needing approval by the municipal Codes Enforcement Officer.

Lithgow Library celebration, Dec. 18

The Lithgow Library at 45 Winthrop St., in Augusta, welcomes area residents to its 125th anniversary celebration, scheduled for 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18. The program includes music by local classical violinist Abreal Whitman, a photo exhibition, a scavenger hunt and “goodie bags” as guests leave. More information is available by calling 207-626-2415 and on the library’s website, lithgowlibrary.org.

For historical information on Lithgow Library and its founder, Llewelyn Lithgow, see The Town Line, Nov. 18.

Main sources

Dowe, Milton E., History Town of Palermo Incorporated 1884 (1954).
Grow, Mary M., China Maine Bicentennial History including 1984 revisions (1984).
Howard, Millard, An Introduction to the Early History of Palermo, Maine (second edition, December 2015).
Kingsbury, Henry D., ed., Illustrated History of Kennebec County Maine 1625-1892 (1892).

Websites, miscellaneous.

LEGAL NOTICES for Thursday, December 16, 2021

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
COURT ST.,
SKOWHEGAN, ME
SOMERSET, ss
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
18-A MRSA sec. 3-801

The following Personal Representatives have been appointed in the estates noted. The first publication date of this notice December 9, 2021. If you are a creditor of an estate listed below, you must present your claim within four months of the first publication date of this Notice to Creditors by filing a written statement of your claim on a proper form with the Register of Probate of this Court or by delivering or mailing to the Personal Representative listed below at the address published by his name, a written statement of the claim indicating the basis therefore, the name and address of the claimant and the amount claimed or in such other manner as the law may provide. See 18-C M.R.S.A. §3-80.

2021-331 – Estate of DOUGLAS P. DENICO, late of Madison, Me deceased. Tamara F. Denico, 160 Longley Road, Madison, Me 04950 appointed Personal Representative.

2021-332 – Estate of BETTY ANN KEEFE, late of Athens, Me deceased. Beth A. Keefe, PO Box 51, Athens, ME 04912 and Eva M. McLaughlin, 25 North Avenue, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2021-334 – Estate of TAMMY NEAL, late of Norridgewock, Me deceased. Patrick Neal, 9 McKenzie Cir., Norridgewock, Me 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2021-337 – Estate of VIRGINAIA T. HEUSTIS, late of Embden, Me deceased. Brandi Jo Barnett, PO Box 64, West Forks, Me 04985 appointed Personal Representative.

2021-338 – Estate of JUDITH M. McLEOD, late of Smithfield, ME deceased. Joni M. Gould, 947 Village Road, Smithfield, ME 04978 appointed Personal Representative.

2021-339 – Estate of PAULA C. MYERS, late of Norridgewock, Me deceased. James Bousquet, 37 Quimby Road, Sanbornton, NH 03269 appointed Personal Representative.

2021-343 – Estate of ARMAS E. MAHONEN JR., late of Hartland, Me deceased. Ailie J. Choiniere, 118 Athens Road, Hartland, Me 04943 appointed Personal Representative.

2021-344 – Estate of EVELYN PALMER LAWRENCE, late of Pittsfield, ME deceased. Marie Lawrence-Hadley, 3915 49th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105 appointed Personal Representative.

To be published on December 9 & 16, 2021.

Dated: December 6, 2021
/s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(12/16)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
41 COURT ST.
SOMERSET, ss
SKOWHEGAN, ME
PROBATE NOTICES

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE ESTATES LISTED BELOW

Notice is hereby given by the respective petitioners that they have filed petitions for appointment of personal representatives in the following estates or change of name. These matters will be heard at 1 p.m. or as soon thereafter as they may be on December 22, 2021. The requested appointments or name changes may be made on or after the hearing date if no sufficient objection be heard. This notice complies with the requirements of 18-C MRSA §3-403 and Probate Rule 4.

2021-287 – Estate of NATALIE LYNN FERRIS. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Brittanie Ludden, 14 Woodman Ave., Apt 2, Fairfield, Me 04937 requesting minor’s name be changed t Natalie Lynn Ludden for reasons set forth therein.

2021-265 – Estate of LUKE SPENCER MORRISON. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Lindsey K. Brann, 275 Skowhegan Road, Fairfield, Me 04937 requesting minor’s name be changed to Luke Spencer Brann for reasons set forth therein.

SPECIAL NOTICE: THIS NOTICE IS ESPECIALLY DIRECTED TO ERVIN MORRISON WHO IS OF ADDRESS UNKNOWN.

2021-316 – Estate of THOMAS JEFFREY WOLF. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Jessica Lynn Laviolette, 385 Nokomis Road, St. Albans, Me 04971 requesting minor’s name be changed to Thomas Orion Laviolette for reasons set forth therein.

2021-335 – Estate of ANNA J. FREY, adult of Pittsfield, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Anna J. Frey, 36 Dogtown Road, Pittsfield, Me 04967 requesting that her name be changed to Anna J. McGuinness for reasons set forth therein.

Dated: December 6, 2021
/s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(12/16)

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Black and white squirrels…and football

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

My two recent columns on squirrels, black, and gray with white-tipped tails, have brought some local reaction. Over the last 30 years I have seen no more than three black squirrels, and one gray squirrel with a white-tipped tail.

A faithful reader and supporter in Vassalboro wrote: “You mentioned black squirrels – you have seen them in Vassalboro – well I live in Vassalboro and I have a small herd of them in my yard – up to 6 – and growing! Not rare here! I have two varieties of gray ones and red ones as well as the black ones. I also have a friend that lives on the lake in Palermo and they too have seen black ones. Just wanted you to know. I have not seen any with white tails – yet.”

Another reader sent this along to me: “Hi, love your column and thank you for so much information. Wanted to share this with you after reading your squirrel article in December 9, 2021, issue [of The Town Line]. Brevard, North Carolina, is the home of the rare white squirrel. My sister lived there and white squirrels ranged everywhere! Brevard even has a white squirrel festival! Thanks for your enlightening articles.”

I guess depending where you live, the subject is as plain as black and white.

* * * * * *

Let’s shift gears and talk football – New England Patriots to be exact.

Everyone who knows me knows I have been a Patriots fan since day one, in 1960. I have followed them through some really rough times. But, the last 20 years have been a wild ride. Eleven Super Bowl appearances and six victories. They have played in 15 AFC championship games, winning eleven. The Super Bowl losses have been to the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, twice – ugh! I don’t want to talk about those. Especially since I was a Giants fan prior to 1960, when they were “New England’s team”. – and the Philadephia Eagles – losing on a trick play.

Last year was a bit of a disappointment, but then this year has been a pleasant surprise.

Let’s play “what if!”

The Patriots are currently 9-4 on the season, back home in first place in the division and the number one seed overall in the conference, holding tie breakers over Tennessee (a win in head-to-head competition) and Kansas City (because of the Patriots’ 7-1 record in the conference).

So, here we go. What if Damien Harris doesn’t fumble on the three yard line in the season opener against Miami. He was ready to score a game-winning touchdown. Patriots lose by one point.

Next, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tom Brady. The Patriots were down two points late in the fourth quarter and driving for a go-ahead score. The Patriots were forced to attempt a field goal by a very reliable kicker in Nick Folk. In a driving rain, the ball caroms off the left upright and is no good. Patriots lose by two points.

Third, the Patriots were leading the Dallas Cowboys by three points late in the game. They had the Cowboys pinned on their own side of the field, with a third down and 25 yards to go. Should have been game over. However, Dak Prescott completes a 24-yard pass to bring up fourth down. But now they were in field goal range. The kick is good, and we go to overtime. The Cowboys score a touchdown and the Patriots lose by six points.

Now, if you’ve been following this, and doing some math, you know the Patriots were three plays, and nine total points from being 12-1.

What if?

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Tom Brady is 6-3 in Super Bowl games with the Patriots. Who were the quarterbacks against losses to Chicago and Green Bay?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, December 16, 2021

Trivia QuestionsTom Brady is 6-3 in Super Bowl games with the Patriots. Who were the quarterbacks against losses to Chicago and Green Bay?

Answer:

Tony Eason vs. Chicago; Drew Bledsoe, vs. Green Bay.

SOLON & BEYOND: A look at some back issues

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

This morning I’m going to write some of the August 4, 2005.

My many thanks to all of you who have told me you liked the Flagstaff article, my thanks also to Roland for doing this series, it means so much . This week I’m going to let Percy (he was still alive then ) have more space, he would like to share these words with you: Realize that you are capable of working miracles of your own making. Remember that it’s up to you to find the key that unlocks the door to your happiness. Understand that increased difficulty brings you nearer to the truth of how to get beyond it. Cross your bridges. Meet your challenges. Reach out for your dreams, and discover how to get closer and closer to a more fulfilling life. Get rid of the ‘if only,s and get on with whatever you need to do to get things right.” ( words by Douglas Pagels.)

A regular meeting of the Solon Historical Society was held at the Masonic Hall on July 25 with 18 attending. A short business meeting was conducted by president Lois Starbird. It was reported that someone has cut the cable across the society’s land on Parkman Hill and fires have been started there. Betsy Graboyes has given an answering machine for the History house and Enid Tozior donated a step ladder. The next meeting will be a picnic at the home of Harriet Dolan, in North Anson, on Monday, Aug. 22. The program, The History of the Boston Post Cane will be presented by Marilyn Rogers.

Now Percy and I will end this column with these wise words from George Washington: “Be courteous to all but intimate with few; and let these few be well tried before you give them your confidence.”

The following information is from another of The Town Line papers on December 19, 2019. Received a most welcome letter this week that pleased me greatly. It was from the Natural Resources Council of Maine….. and it starts with these words: “thank you for submitting your letter to the editor titled Thankful for Strong Opposition to CMP Corridor that ran on November 17, in the Kennebec Journal. We value your commitment to make the public aware of this critical environmental issue.”

I was very pleased to get that letter and, of course, I saved it! The letter ended with these words, “Thank you again for bringing awareness to concerns facing the nature of Maine. You have made a difference.”

And now I will end this week’s column with these words: And now for Percy’s memoir called Of Gifts of Life! Do what you can with the gifts of life and gifts of heart and mind, while they are still within our power to share with humankind – for it is seldom meant to be that gifts we own today, will be forever ours to keep or ours to give away. Don’t let them fade to trials of time or waste to dearths of age, for they are like the joys of youth luxuries of wage, they’re ours to own for just a while, to do with as we can, that will endear our souls to God and grace our fellow man. (words by Michael Dubina.)

OBITUARIES for Thursday, December 16, 2021

CYNTHIA L. BURBINE

WATERVILLE – Cynthia Lynn (Fowler) Burbine, 59, passed away on Sunday November 28, 2021, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, following a nine-month battle with cancer. She was the wife to Jeff Burbine with whom she shared 28 years of marriage and two children. Cindy was born March 19, 1962, in Nashua, New Hampshire, the daughter of Carl and Winifred Fowler, of Prospect.

She was a happy girl who loved her parents and two brothers, Mark and Greg Fowler. She was a graduate of Nashua High School, in New Hampshire, and went on to further her education at Hesser College (now Mount Washington College), in Manchester, New Hampshire. She worked as an admissions assistant for many years and was a financial analyst at Wang Computers.

Cindy found fulfillment in raising her children and spending her time with her family. Cindy was a passionate person who valued her family and her faith in God. Her summers were spent swimming in her pool, roller skating and documenting family life through photography. She and her husband were active members at Faith Evangelical Free Church, in Waterville.

In addition to her husband Jeff and her parents, Cindy is survived by her two children, Alexandria E. Burbine, of Dover, and Jacob G. Burbine, of Fairfield; her brothers, Mark Fowler, of Orland, and Greg Fowler, of Bedford, New Hampshire; and her granddaughter Lila Burbine; many nieces and nephews.

Cindy’s memorial service was held at Faith Evangelical Free Church, 250 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Waterville, on Saturday, December 11, 2021.

Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St. Augusta, where condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Waterville Humane Society, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME, 04901.

KEVIN M. BRANDT

VASSALBORO – Kevin Michael Brandt, 44, passed away on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Kevin was born March 9, 1977, to Gerald and Lily (Lyon) Brandt in Augusta.

He was raised in Richmond during his youth and later moved to North Augusta were he attended Buker School and Cony High School, graduating in 1995.

In August 1995 during the Windsor Fair, Kevin and met Jodele Chase and started dating. On May 15, 2004, they were married in the gazebo where they shared their first kiss nine years before.

In July 2004, Kevin was diagnosed with a brain tumor. But in February 2005, their son Hunter was born early, weighing just over a pound. Kevin was extremely proud and delighted to be called “Papa”. In 2009 Kevin went into remission. They moved to Vassalboro, and Kevin became a stay at home dad, and every morning he waited with Hunter to see him off to school and to meet his bus in the afternoon.

Kevin cherished his family and told them every day how much he loved them. He would do anything he could to help his family and friends. He would not hesitate to help a friend in a moments notice. Kevin would often drive his wife to work during snowstorms and show up before the end of her shift and start to clean her co-workers cars off of snow after a long shift. He had a soft spot for animals and almost all of their pets were adopted by Kevin when they were abandoned and unwanted. He was so generous and kind and never argued with his wife when she gathered several names off the angel tree at Christmastime.

Kevin loved to drive and they would often go for rides throughout Maine and New Hampshire. They never had a destination, and they would take roads they had never been on to see where it ended up. He loved being outdoors, enjoying nature. He was a hunter and fisherman and would often go “heater hunting”.

In 2017, Kevin’s brain tumor returned and was more aggressive this time around. His speech was affected and sometimes he would say funny things in place of the actual words he wanted to say. The family called it “tumor humor” and would refer to his tumor as a lemon. They laughed and cried together these past four years as Kevin lost control of his body. He was no longer able to drive and hunting was a far memory for him. He lost his energy and was unable to keep up with outdoor activities. Through it all he never complained and was a laid back guy. He would often say he lived, “just one day at a time.”

Kevin was predeceased by his grandmother Dorothy Shaw and his father Gerald.

He is survived by his wife Jodele (Chase), his son Hunter; mother Lily Brandt; brother Robert Brandt; uncles Charlie Lyon and his wife Ann, and Robin Lyon; cousins Travis, Parker and Jessica Lyon; aunt Mary Wood and her husband Doug; is mother-in-law Sally Costello; sister-in-law Andrea Grant; and nephew Joey Grant.

Kevin requested no funeral. A celebration of his life will be arranged later in March 2022.

In lieu of flowers please pay it forward and be generous just like Kevin. Pick a name off the angel tree, donate to the humane society in your area or help any person or animal in need and tell your loved ones everyday how much you love them.

THOMAS R. COLE

WINSLOW – Thomas Rueben Cole, 78, passed away on Thursday, December 2, 2021. He was born in Albion on August 2, 1943, the son of Burleigh and Bertha (Webber) Cole.

He married Kathy (Gilbert) on November 23, 1973, they had been married this past month for 48 years.

Tom served in the United States Army and later worked as a printer for many years for JS Mccarthy, in Augusta. He was a member of the Oakland Lions Club. He enjoyed wine making, fishing, and could make anything work again with a little duct tape and skill. He even tried karate and tai chi and was a very artistic soul. His greatest joy was being with his family and his grandsons. He loved spending time at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Old Orchard Beach, with them.

Tom was predeceased by his parents; his brothers Richard and Roger Cole, his sister, Beverly Hayes, and his son-in-law Peter Bolduc.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his daughters Tammy and her husband Chuck Pullen, and Jill Bolduc; his sister, Jennie Gould; his grandchildren Ethan, Andrew, Ryan, and Justin; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 16, at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, on the Mount Vernon Road, in Augusta, at noon with military honors.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, please visit http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com to share your memories and condolences.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oakland Lions Club, c/o David Coughlin, 76 Highland Drive, Oakland ME 04963.

VERNON E. WYMAN

LIBERTY – Vernon Eugene “Gene” Wyman, 82, passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, following a long illness. He was born in Morrill, on April 30, 1939, and grew up in Liberty Village.

He graduated from Walker High School in 1957. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy right out of high school and served until 1962 as an aviation machinist’s mate onboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Saratoga with VA-36.

He married Dorothy Livingstone (Dot) on April 14, 1962, and they remained in Liberty and raised their family there.

Gene was a long-time member of the Liberty Masonic Lodge #111 and the Arbutus Chapter of the Eastern Star. He worked all over the Northeast for Cianbro Corporation, of Pittsfield, as an electrician and millwright before retiring in 2004.

Gene was also a consummate tinkerer. He could often be found in his garage tinkering away on one of his Corvairs or fixing a lawnmower, or snowblower or chain saw, or some other piece of equipment. He also enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, and taking early morning swims at Marshall’s Shore, on Lake St. George.

Gene was predeceased by his parents, Vernon “Peanut” and Lucilla Hussey Wyman, and his brothers-in-law Mike Sockalexis, David Livingstone, and Leslie Luce.

He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Dot Wyman, and their three children – Kimberly Wyman and her husband Kerry Guilford, of Lamoine, Lisa Dresser, and her husband Tim, of Camden, and Kirk Wyman, of Lisbon Falls; seven grandchildren, Katherine Libby, Ryan Reilly, Trevor Reilly, Ashlie Stubbs, Chelsie Herrin, Sage Wyman, and Saul Wyman; as well as his 10 great-grandchildren, Aiden, Madoc, Luke, Liam, Mia, Kinsleigh, Evelyn, Emmett, Oliver, and Nolan; his sister, Joyce Luce, of Washington; sisters-in-law Faith Garrold and her husband Don, of Searsport, Toni Clark and her husband Jesse, of Liberty, Shirley Livingstone, of Milbridge, Janet Strom and her husband Lenny, of Bangor, Sallie Bailey, of Lewiston, and Denise Saller and her husband Andy, of Olympia, Washington; brother-in-law Douglas Wood, of Clinton; as well as many nieces and nephews.

At his request, there will be no visiting hours.

A graveside service will be held in the spring.

If you wish to honor Gene’s memory, please consider making a donation to the Liberty Masonic Lodge or Arbutus chapter of the Eastern Star.

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

HAROLD M. KLAIBER

WATERVILLE – Harold M. Klaiber, 90, of Waterville, passed away on Friday, December 3, 2021. Harold was born August 27, 1931, in Kenmore, New York, the son of Herbert and Helen (Dailey) Klaiber.

He enlisted in the Navy following his graduation and was a veteran of the Korean War. He would later earn his masters degree from Syracuse University, in forestry. Harold worked for Scott Paper Co., Central Maine Power and Dirigo Partners.

He was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church, in Waterville, serving as Sunday School teacher and deacon throughout earlier years. Harold loved the outdoors, fishing, football, and most of all spending time with his family at his camp on Moosehead Lake or the yearly reunions at Sunset Beach, North Carolina.

Harold was predeceased by his wife Jean, his son Andrew Klaiber, his daughter Ruthanne Klaiber, his grandson Michael Klaiber, and his two brothers Morton and Arnold Klaiber.

He is survived by his sons, Clyde and Kelly Klaiber, and Paul and Carole Klaiber; his daughter-in-law Kelly Klaiber; his sister Carol Grace; his grandchildren, Amy (Nate) Herbert, Courtney Klaiber, Thomas Klaiber, Jeremy Klaiber, Danielle (Mark) Legere, Nicholas (Amanda) Klaiber, Kristin (Patrick) Fitzgerald, and Heidi (Charlie) Klaiber- Judkins; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, Dec. 11, at Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, in Waterville.

Please visit http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com to share your memories and condolences with Harold’s family.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Beacon Hospice through Amedisys Foundation, 384 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.

ROSARIO J. SANTERRE

GARDINER – Rosario “Rosy” J. Santerre, 100, passed away peacefully at Woodlands Memory Care, in Hallowell, on Friday, December 3, 2021. Rosy was born on November 2, 1921, in North Connor, the son of Albert and Mattie Santerre.

The family later moved to Waterville. Rosy graduated from Waterville High School where he played football and hockey, sparking a lifelong love of the sport.

Rosy married Iva Wing in May 1941. Their love spanned 44 years, endured two wars, welcomed three children and was always rooted in family.

Shortly after they were married, Rosy joined the U.S. Navy, serving aboard ship during World War II until he was discharged in 1945. After returning home, he worked at Bath Iron Works for a short time before joining the staff at the Veteran’s Administration, in Togus, as an electrician.

He soon began building a home for his family in Gardiner – a labor of love that would have to wait as he was called upon again to serve in the Navy during the Korean War, at which time he was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. He picked up his hammer after returning, completing construction of the home he started and in which he and his family would live many happy years. He lived there until becoming a resident of Woodlands, in Waterville, in March 2021 at the age of 99.

Rosy and Iva purchased property on Tacoma Lake, in Litchfield, in 1954, where he built a family camp. The first winter after the camp was complete, his vision of summers on the water and his passion for building lead to his next project: a boat that he built in the cellar of his home with bulkhead doors smaller than the boat was wide. Undeterred, Rosy found a way and the boat set sail in the summer 1955. The lake was a special gathering place for family and friends for several years especially for his daughter, Gail, who summered there for many years.

The game of hockey was a large part of Rosy’s life. He played on many outdoor rinks for years until Kennebec Ice Arena, in Hallowell, was built in 1973. He was part of a group that brought hockey and skating to our area. There he played in the men’s league, coached youth hockey and as a staff member, was often seen driving the Zamboni. When Camden Ice Vault replaced the former arena, the fireplace paid tribute to him with the words “Rosy’s Rink of Dreams”.

Rosy also spent time on the slopes, driving the family to Sugarloaf nearly every weekend for a couple of years before building a camp there in the early 1960s. Once the arena opened, he sold the camp at Sugarloaf but still made his way to the mountain a few times each winter.

Rosy’s full life also included the love of golf. He took to the greens, playing local courses as well as traveling with golf buddies out of state for enjoyable games on various courses. He played in several leagues over the years and was fortunate to play a few holes at a time to the hospitality of Sheepscott Links, in Whitefield. He last played in the summer 2019 at the age of 98 years old.

To add to Rosy’s life of activities, he became a crew member on the race team of his grandson, Steven Prescott. From Legends cars, they moved into the PRO Truck Series and then graduated to NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He enjoyed being with the team and their many adventures from 1990 – 2000. He also made some memorable road trips with son-in-law, Peter, in a 1940 Ford. They logged miles across Route 66 and adventures to other states always returning home with happy tales to share.

Throughout his century of living, Rosy always took pride and found joy in his family and friends.

He will be sadly missed by many. May he rest in peace knowing his legacy lives on. He was predeceased by his year-old son, Elmer Kenneth, in November 1947; wife, Iva Marie, in March 1985; and daughter, Gail Ann, in November 2018.

He leaves behind his daughter Sandra and husband Peter Prescott; granddaughter, Stacy Prescott and husband Michael Zerangue; grandson, Steven Prescott and wife Tracey and their children, Peter and Patrick Prescott, Tyler, Tanner, Tucker and Talia Nussinow.

A celebration of Rosy’s amazing life will be held at the Camden National Bank Ice Vault, Hallowell, at a later date to be announced.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine.

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

Those wishing to remember Rosy in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Rosy’s Youth Hockey Scholarship Fund, c/o Camden National Bank Ice Vault, P.O. Box 216, Hallowell, ME 04347.

MARILYN I. ALLEY

NORTH VASSALBORO – Marilyn I. Alley, 81, of North Vassalboro, died peacefully at home on Friday, December 3, 2021. She was born in Montville on August 13, 1940, the daughter of the late Clarence and Thelma Choate.

Marilyn married F. Richard Alley, of North Vassalboro, on March 19, 1966. They were married for 49 years until his passing on December 5, 2015.

In her younger years, Marilyn loved farming, horseback riding, and crocheting. In her later years she would make and donate afghans to the Native American children of Montana and South Dakota. She loved writing to her many pen pals across the country. She enjoyed gardening as well.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Raymond C. Alley, of North Vassalboro, and Rachel Akers and her husband, David J., Jr., of Albion; her two grandchildren, Richard Akers, of Albion, and Jesse Akers, of Fairfield; and her three great-grandchildren, Reagan Vannah, and Hunter Akers, and Luna Akers, all of Waterville.

A graveside service will be announced in the spring.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral and Cremation Care, Fairfield where memories and condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Marilyn’s memory to St. Joseph’s Indian School, P.O. Box 100, Chamberlain, SD 57325-0100.

ROSE E. ROWE

BENTON – Rose Earlene Rowe, 65, passed away on Friday, December 3, 2021, following a brief illness. She was born in Waterville on August 16, 1956, the daughter of the late Everett and Theresa (Buotte) Rowe.

Rose was a graduate of Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, class of 1974. Her past employment included C. F. Hathaway Shirt Co., Yard Goods Center, both in Waterville, and was a housekeeper for several years. She also volunteered as an EMT for the town of Unity, and volunteered for the Red Cross, assisting victims of fire and automobile accidents by bringing them blankets, clothing, toys for the children, and mostly words of comfort.

Rose was a wonderful seamstress and did some crocheting. She loved to read novels, and research books about archeology, gemstones, or antiques. She enjoyed playing Bingo, playing cards with her dear friend, Earline Bickford, going shopping with her aunt, Dot Veilleux, and trips to the beach with her cousin, Danielle Marcoux.

Rose loved to go metal detecting and hunting for gemstones. She enjoyed going to auctions, and lawn sales with her good friend, Wayne Fitch. Some of her other adventures included flying lessons, driving a race car at Unity Raceway, trips to Belfast to enjoy the ocean, and she became a member of a gem club here in Maine. She was kind, funny, intuitive, adventurous, loving, outgoing, and had a sparkling personality.

She loved the Lord, and was baptized together with her daughter, Jenn, in the summer of 1998, at Lake St. George. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, David Rowe.

Rose is survived by her daughter, Jenn Davis, and her husband, Kurt; her grandchildren, Kayla Flewelling and her husband, Josiah, Sara Dumont and her husband, Nicholas, Brandon Davis, Amber Davis and her fiancé, Tyler Brown, Emily Davis, Samuel Davis, and Camden Davis; her great-grandchildren, Lily, Emelia, Diana, Camille, Grayson, and Aspen; and, many cousins, and extended family members.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m., on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at East Benton Christian Church, 500 East Benton Road, in Benton. Burial will be in the spring at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville.

Arrangements are in the care of the 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.

Donations to help defray funeral expenses can be made to her daughter, Jennifer Davis, 24 Unity Road, Benton, ME 04901.

THERESA J. MURRAY

WATERVILLE – Theresa Jean (Noel) Murray, 85, passed away on Monday, December 6, 2021. Theresa was the daughter of Joseph and Rose (LaCroix) Noel, of Waterville. She was born on October 19, 1926, as one of six children.

Theresa was a social butterfly who never met a stranger. She was very active in the VFW Auxiliary and loved to dance and travel with her friends, “The Three Musketeers.” Theresa was a true daughter of Maine who worked hard all her life whether at the toothpick factory, waitressing in Waterville and owning Mother Murray’s restaurant in Fairfield.

She was a devoted mother to her three children, always tending to their needs whether they lived locally in Waterville or served in Vietnam. As a child of the Depression, she lived a life of self-sacrifice and frugality always saving for a rainy day. Through it all she lived a happy and fulfilled life always surrounded by friends and welcoming many neighbor-hood, high school and collegiate friends of her children. To those family and friends who loved her goodbye will never suffice.

She was predeceased by her parents, five siblings and her husband Kenneth Murray.

She is survived by her three children, son Daniel and wife Cynthia of Atlanta, Georgia; daughter Kathy and her husband Greg, of Canaan; and youngest son Karl and wife Jennifer, of Waterville; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren living in the Waterville area as well as Kennesaw, Georgia.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, December 11, at Notre Dame du Perpetual Secours Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville.

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, donations may be made to MaineGeneral Hospice, P.O. Box 828,Waterville, Maine 04901.

CYNTHIA COLLINS-BUZBY

SIDNEY – Cynthia “Cindy” Collins-Buzby, 71, of Sidney, passed away following a long illness at her home on Monday, December 6, 2021. Born November 4, 1950, in Gardiner, she was the daughter of Philip and Arlena (Sidelinger) Collins.

A graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China, class of 1969, Cindy held various positions in many different occupations including being a nurse’s aide, but she always felt her biggest and most meaningful accomplishment was being a wife and mother.

Cindy enjoyed spending time with her family, bird watching and as an avid animal lover being an advocate of the Humane Society Waterville Area. She also supported many other charitable organizations including the Wounded Warriors Project for wounded veterans. Cindy’s humor and quick wit brought joy and laughter to all who knew her.

Cindy was predeceased by both of her parents; and her grandson, Triton Knowlton.

Cindy is survived by her husband, Robert “Buz” Buzby; her two daughters, Jaime (Peabody) Hanks and her husband Ian Hanks, of Standish, and Stacy (Buzby) Knowlton, of Fairfield; and her four stepchildren, Roger and his wife Sarah Buzby, of Millinocket, Vanessa (Buzby) Glazier and her husband Jeffrey Glazier, of Waterville, Winne Buzby, of Seattle, Washington, and Amanda Buzby, of Gardiner; and six grandchildren.

A private family burial at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Augusta will be held at a later date.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

PETER J. BOLDUC

WINSLOW – Peter John Bolduc, 49, passed away suddenly from natural causes on Tuesday, December 7, 2021. He was born April 17, 1972, in Waterville the third son of Joseph O. and Rowena (Wrigley) Bolduc.

Pete grew up in Oakland, graduating from Messalonskee High School, then graduating from the University of Maine-Orono with degrees in physical education as well as special education.

He worked for many years at the Oakland Recreation Summer program. Pete began his teaching career as well as football coaching career at SAD #47 (now RSU #18), in Oakland, immediately following graduation. In 2006, Pete fulfilled a lifelong goal of becoming a phys ed. teacher in the Winslow school system. Not long after, he became a football coach for the Winslow Black Raiders. In 2021, Pete and his lifelong friend Wes Littlefield, became co-head coaches of the Black Raiders.

Pete and Jill (Cole) Bolduc were married on March 27, 1998, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, in Oakland. Pete and Jill were blessed with two sons, Andrew and Justin, who both had the opportunity to be taught and coached by their father.

Following their father, they are both currently students at the University Maine Orono. Pete loved his family, players, students, and communities.

Following their passion for community service, Pete and Jill worked several summers at Pine Tree Camp, in Oakland, where Pete made many lifelong friends. Their commitment to helping others, the community, and the betterment of the students Pete taught, will be their legacy for generations to come.

Preceding Peter in death are his parents, his sister Lori Lee and his father-in-law Thomas Cole.

Pete leaves behind his wife Jill; his sons Andrew and Justin; his mother-in-law, Kathy Cole; his brothers, Joey and wife Sally, and Kevin and wife Kathy; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Tammy and Chuck Pullen; as well as several nieces and nephews and their families.

In lieu of flowers an annual scholarship for a Winslow football player best representing Pete’s values and pursuing further education will be established.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Lewis Cemetery, Cottle Road, in Oakland, beginning at 10 a.m.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St. Waterville, please visit http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com to share your memories and condolences.

Please send contributions, made payable to Winslow High School to, Coach Peter Bolduc Memorial Scholarship, Winslow High School, 20 Danielson St., Winslow, ME 04901.

IVAN LACOMBE

WATERVILLE – Ivan Lacombe, 86, of Waterville, passed away on Wednesday December 8, 2021. He was born in Saint- Eleuthere, Québec, son of Theodore and Germaine LaCombe.

In Fort Kent he married the love of his life, Yvette Raymond. They moved to Waterville soon after and started a family. He later retired from Keyes Fibre / Chinet (now Huhtamaki), in Waterville, after 30-plus years of dedicated employment. He was a hard worker and did side work for himself over the years as well. Ivan loved fishing, especially with his sons.

Ivan is survived by a family that includes his five children and their families: son, Milton Lacombe, wife Nancy and grandchildren Sarah and Nicole and their families, son, Roland Lacombe, daughter, Darlene Lacombe, husband Dana Russell and grandchildren Ron Reynolds and Melissa Lacombe and their families, son, Raymond LaCombe, wife Judy and granddaughter Stacey Carson and husband, daughter, Lisa LaCombe, husband Jamey Norman and grandchildren Scott Norman, Vanessa Gerry and husband; and extended family.

There will be no public visitation at the family’s request.

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.

JULIET FERRIS

WATERVILLE – Juliet “Judy” Ferris, 95, passed in peace on Thursday December 9, 2021, at Oak Grove Nursing Home, in Waterville. She was born on August 30, 1926, in North Vassalboro, to Thomas Bolos Ferris and Catherine “Katina” Ferris.

She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Deeb David Ferris and her sister-in-law, Sumayah Nawfel Ferris, sisters Dale Ferris, Emmeline Wells, Faith Ferris; and two nephews, Paul Anthony Ferris and Thomas David Ferris.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews throughout the U.S. and locally, including Maria Ferris Bouchard and her husband Frank Bouchard, Allison Ferris Crate and her husband Stephen, Richard Ferris, and Catherine Berryman.

She will be remembered as a caring nursery school teacher for the Holy Childhood Nursery School that she ran for many years with her sister, Dale Ferris. Many generations of young students in the greater Waterville area obtained an early foundation to God and life from her guidance and care.

She was a faithful parishioner at Corpus Christie Parish, and attended St Bridget’s Church, in North Vassalboro. She was great friends with Father Jim Roy whom she visited with her sister, Dale, in Kenya, Africa. It was a trip of a lifetime she and Dale took in July 1980 when they visited London, Paris, and Rome before arriving at the Maryknoll Mission, in Mombasa, Kenya.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, December 18, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver St. in Waterville. Internment of the ashes will be held in the spring 2022 in the North Vassalboro Village Cemetery.

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.

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR ROBERT FOSTER

A memorial service will be held for Robert “Bob” Foster, on Tuesday, December 28, at 1 p.m., at the MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post #8835, on Veterans Dr., in Winslow.

Bob, 88, passed away suddenly on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at JFK International Airport, in New York City, New York. He and his wife Marion were on their way to visit their grandson in Washington state.

 

 

 

 

 

Windsor transfer station needs to replace tire can

by The Town Line staff

At the November 23 meeting of the Windsor select board, Transfer Station Supervisor Sean Teekema noted that the tire can is in rough shape and will not last the winter. He suggested taking the existing Demo can and use it for tires, and replace the Demo can with a new one. It was also suggested to put a cement pad under the tire can. There is $25,840 in the transfer station reserve account, so Selectman Ronald F. Brann will research the cost of a new Demo can.

The Veterans Memorial Pie sale, held on November 20, at Hussey’s General Store, netted $1,111.11 in sales, and $111.11 from the cash jug. Currently there is $11,596.29 in the Veterans Memorial Fund. A question was raised as to whether they should add more money in the budget for next year to the Veterans Memorial Fund. It was agreed to discuss that at a later time.

To date, 24-1/2 miles of lines have been painted on town roads. Sixty-six percent of the lines are done. The stop bar for the Barton/Jones road was done on the Route 105 side, but not the Jones Road. Town Manager Theresa Haskell said she will contact Lucas Striping to look into it.

In other business, the Windsor School is asking the Reed Funding Group to reimburse a teacher directly for the four bean bag chairs that were agreed to be purchased for the school. It was unanimously passed that a manual check in the amount of $341.78 be issued to Windsor Elementary School for reimbursement of four bean bag chairs, and they would reimburse the teacher.

Discussion centered for the upcoming holiday schedule for the transfer station. The transfer station will be closed Friday, December 24 and Saturday, December 25, and Saturday, January 1, 2022. The select board agreed to let Sean Teekema, transfer station supervisor, to decide if the transfer station will be open on December 31.

A meeting of the Windsor Bicentennial Committee was held on November 15. The $313.55 remaining in the Windsor Days accunt will be used towards the bicentennial event.

Finally, it was reported that 16 accounts are impending auto foreclosure. Of those, 12 are repeat and usually pay at the last minute.

The next meeting of the select board was held on December 7.

China Broadband Committee (CBC) entertains proposal for expanded service

by Mary Grow

China Broadband Committee (CBC) members entertained a proposal for expanded service by Spectrum at their Dec. 9 meeting, and offered multiple suggestions for sweetening the deal.
Spectrum was represented by Melinda Kinney, Regional Senior Director for Spectrum’s parent company, Charter Communications. Her prepared presentation started with Spectrum’s nation-wide reach, zeroed in on China and included an offer.

Nationally, Charter/Spectrum has more than 750,000 “miles of network infrastructure” in 41 states. In Maine, the company serves 448,000 customers, in 293 communities, and has 680 employees. Augusta, Bangor and Portland are listed as the largest “employment centers,” but Kinney said the company tries to hire local technicians and other employees who are familiar with the service area.

In China, Kinney showed 2,268 homes and businesses served. The proposal she presented would add 15.9 miles of infrastructure, reaching 120 currently unserved homes. The cost would be $296,380 for Charter and $429,000 for the Town of China.

The plan would not be the all-fiber system CBC members prefer, but the hybrid now in use: a fiber network with copper connections to each building served.

Nor would the speed be as high as CBC members think necessary. Kinney presented several speeds, with cost options and additional-service options. Spectrum offers two programs to assist low-income consumers, she said.

CBC member Tod Detre’s reaction was, “We’d be paying for you to extend your network.”

Kinney agreed; China’s $496,000 would bring the town no ownership rights. Spectrum would own and be totally responsible for the network.

The following discussion established that there could be more than 120 unserved houses, and if so Spectrum would consider adjusting its proposal, within limits. Long driveways might prohibit service, or make installation expensive for the home-owner; roads with no utility poles could not be served, Kinney said.

CBC members’ previous discussion with Axiom, a potential service provider, was based on the town owning the infrastructure and Axiom – or a successor if town officials so chose – being entirely responsible for service. Axiom proposed running fiberoptic cable to every house, eliminating the copper link.

On Nov. 2, China voters rejected the committee’s proposal to authorize selectmen to issue a bond to pay for the new infrastructure to support Axiom’s service.

For the Spectrum proposal, cost was one issue for CBC members. Discussion of whether grants could cover part of China’s share was inconclusive, because Maine’s rules for awarding internet connectivity grants are not yet written.

The other major issue was running fiber all the way to each building. Detre and CBC Chairman Robert O’Connor think it’s essential, both for superior service now and because it’s the way internet development is going. O’Connor urged Kinney to ask her company to get ahead of the times.

Her reply was that fiber to the home might be feasible in a new service area, but replacing the existing infrastructure in China is probably not feasible. She told CBC members she will relay their concerns and suggestions to her superiors and report back as she gets answers.

Spectrum still has potential competition, even if Axiom is counted out.

At the Nov. 22 China select board meeting, board and CBC members heard a presentation from Bob Parsloe, of Wireless Partners, LLC, another internet possibility for China residents. At the Dec. 9 CBC meeting, O’Connor said he would like to talk again with representatives of Consolidated Communications, which currently serves some China homes.

The next CBC meeting is tentatively scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article (and the print edition) incorrectly referred to the Charter/Spectrum representative as Melinda Perkins. Her name is Melinda Kinney. The article has been updated. We apologize for the error.