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

On May 22, 2019, Alice Heald was honored with the presentation of the Boston Post Cane as she is the oldest resident of Solon. Also present were her son David Heald, daughter Betty Price, grandsons William Price, Charles Price with wife Amy and great-grandchildren Seth and Leah Price, Lief and Marilyn Bull. Presenting the award were Elaine Aloes and Sarah Davis.

Alice Heald was born on December 1, 1922, daughter of Isaac and Arra Davis with siblings Harrison Davis, Arlene Meader, Richard Davis Beverly Shaughnessy, and Isaac “Bunky Davis, Jr. Alice lived in Solon all her life. She helped with the chores on the Isaac Davis farm across from the present Solon Elementary School for many years. Alice attended Solon schools and graduated in 1940. She attended Skowhegan Commercial School graduating in 1942. She worked at Depositor’s Trust Bank for four years, 1942-1946.

On July 11, 1946, she married the love of her life Roger A. Heald. They were married for almost 56 years until Roger passed away in 2002. After discharging from the Navy, Roger and Alice purchased a farm on what is now known as the Meader Road, in Solon, working on it from 1946 to 1958. The main part of their house still exists on the Meader Road. In the fall of 1958, Roger, Alice, David and Betty moved to the house on North Main Street where she presently resides.

Alice also worked with her husband at the D & B Store which was on the corner of Pleasant and Maine streets in Solon beside the Solon Hotel for about five years. Alice was secretary-treasurer of the Solon Village Cemetery for several years. In 1984 Roger and Alice bought the building where the Solon Post Office is, selling it a few years ago. She has been involved in the Solon High School reunion in which she still participates.

Alice spent most of her life as a homemaker taking care of her family. She has done many crafts throughout her lifetime being a member of the Solon Extension for over 50 years. She enjoys cooking to this very day.

Alice enjoys spending time with family and friends over her 96-plus years with many anniversaries and get-togethers.

I also wanted to add that Alice was a member of the Solon Chapter of the Chowder Eating, Beer Drinking, Marching and Singing Society, and we have walked miles, and miles together over the years. She is a dear friend! ( I checked with Alice as to whether she would mind if I added that information, and she had a good laugh remembering. ( Just wanted all of you to know there was never any beer drinking on our early morning walks!)

The Waugh family received a letter of sympathy from the George Washington University after the death of Carolyn Waugh. It states: Dear family members: We have learned of your loss and would like to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family. As a tribute to Carolyn’s relationship to the George Washington University, we have arranged to dedicate a book in the Gelman Library’s permanent collection in her memory. Library staff will select a book compatible with Carolyn’s field of study at GW and a memorial bookplate will be created. They will contact you with the book’s title, author, and call number after the bookplate has been created. Those who study at GW in the years to come will find they share a common legacy with Carolyn.

And now for Percy’s memoir: Entitled, When Blue Skies Are Gray:

Help me to think of springtime flowers, The exuberance in the message they convey – The dogwood bloom, violet’s perfume – Whenever blue skies are gray. Help me remember the summertime with the peaceful serenity of each day Gentle rains, so warm, butterflies that swarm – Whenever blue skies are gray. Let me recall a loved one’s smile and the joy that it brings my way – Just to know they care and are always there – Whenever blue skies are gray. May I ever be mindful of God’s great love and the blessings He sends, I pray; He surely will renew hope in me and you – Although today’s skies are gray! (words by Mary S. Chevalier.)

From what I hear, everyone is very sick of the gray skies, hope these words will help!

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

Good morning, my friends. Don’t worry, be Happy!

More news from beyond: The New Portland Community Library is holding its annual Chinese Auction at the Happy Horseshow Campground, in Lexington, on May 25. Tickets are $1 per ticket or 5 for $5; bidding opens at 10 a.m. and winning tickets will be announced starting at 11 a.m. This is a fun way to get something you’ve always wanted for a small price and to benefit the library at the fundraiser. On Saturday, June 1, the library is holding its annual plant, bake and book sale from 9 a.m. to noon at the library. Get some great munchies for your table, plants to spruce up your gardening spot, and books to read on a lazy summer day.

Now for more beyond news: “More yarn fun is to be had by joining the Maine Yarn Cruise. Twenty-one yarn shops from across Maine are hosting a summer-long shop-hop beginning on Friday, May 24, and running all the way until Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2019.

“Please join other fiber enthusiasts from across Maine (and beyond) for the Maine Yarn Cruise, a 20-plus yarn hop spanning the state of Maine. You’ll have all summer to “cruise” around, visiting as amany or as few shops as you like. Each shop will be awarding prizes every month to a lucky participant.

“To get started, pick up your passport (plus a tote bag and some other goodies) here at Happyknits, then have your passport stamped at each shop along the way.” This e-mail was sent by owners, Sarah, Karla and Mart Lou.

As you all know by now, I was born in Flagstaff, Maine, and lived there until we were all flooded out by Central Maine Power …. and so I probably feel stronger about their proposed CMP Corridor than some of you. ……….I thank all of you who have written letters to the editor against this project. The one that touched my heart the strongest was published in the Irregular weekly paper, of Kingfield, by a 13-year-old boy! These are the words of one of our youths: “No to the CMP corridor. I think CMP shouldn’t be able to cut down trees to make more power lines. The only way it would be okay is if this money were going to a fund to save the Earth and replace the trees.

“CMP will make millions of dollars off of this operation, and maybe more if they sell the trees. If they can do that, I would be angry because they would be taking jobs from smaller logging companies. CMP already makes a lot of money. They don’t need to take away jobs from other people.

“They already have a lot of power lines. If they need more, they should be able to do it in an area where they don’t need to cut so many trees.

“In looking at their history, like what they did in Flagstaff, it may be a lot of work and no gain.”

To think that a young boy would take the time to write a letter like that about our Maine wilderness, that means so much to him. But…..those last words in his letter really choked me up!

Sorry, I have not left enough room for Percy’s memoir, but I’m sure he forgives me.

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

Good morning, my friends, Don’t worry, be happy!

Just received an e-mail about a change in the topic of the program for the next Embden Historical Society meeting. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 13, at the Embden Town House with a change in the program. The business meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. The program at 7 p.m., Sarah Donovan will be presenting, Women on Arnold’s March in Revolutionary War and What They Wore. The original topic scheduled for May 13, History of South Solon Meeting House, has been postponed to a later date.

More news from Solon Elementary School: Students named as Most Improved Students: This spring Solon Elementary School participated once again in the Most Improved Student Contest sponsored by the Portland Sea Dogs. Each teacher got to choose a student who had shown the most improvement over the course of the year, and they could consider grades, academic skills, behavior, social skills, and/or work habits.

Each winner received a certificate and a free ticket to a Sea Dogs game. Most Improved Students were Karen Baker, Chase Hongo, Dylan Priest, Amelia Cooper, Hunter Ingersoll, Ethan Plourd and Cali Bassett.

Preparing for the MEA’S: Grades 3-5 students took the Maine Educational Assessment in reading, language arts, and math from March 18 – April 12. Grade five students will take the science assessment from April 22 – May 3.

To prepare for the test, students practiced with sample questions and a review of skills with their teachers.

The theme this year was video games and reaching the next level on the test like one does in video games. There was a poster contest to design a poster around this theme to inspire others to work hard on the MEAs. Winners of the poster contest were Fisher Tewksbury, William Rogers,and Kaitlin Dellarma.

……Finally the cat is out of the bag!!! I was given a wonderful (supposed to be a surprise) 90th birthday party, at the North Anson Congregational Church. I had not told too many people about how old I was going to be on that birthday, but of course, my daughter Mary Walz knew, and planned this wonderful occasion. Mary, and her great helpers (including Lief) must have spent a lot of time asking so many people to the party, but I was so happy to see all of them!

I’m not even going to try to tell you all of the people who were there. My three sons and their wives; some of them came back from their winter home in Florida early so they could be present. My three brothers and their wives attended; one of my grandsons and his wife and three little great-grandchildren from Texas came for the event. I was so busy trying to keep up with everything that I didn’t count how many were there. Another one of my grandsons and his wife and two of my great-grandchildren ….My grand daughter, Amanda and my great-granddaughter Mary helped entertain the smaller ones present.

One of Lief’s sisters, Judy, came up from China, but most of his other relatives live up in the County.

Was really pleased that Claire Breton and her husband, Denis, came. Claire is a long-time friend from The Town Line staff. My editor who has been so good to me, Roland Hallee, started out to attend, but an emergency came up and he had to turn around.

Would like to thank my wonderful friends from the church who cooked and served the very tasty refreshments. And special thanks to everyone for the many birthday cards, gifts, flowers…..And for the love that filled the room! My heart overflows! Have already thanked Mary for doing such a great job of planning the whole wonderful party….and everyone did seem to be having a great time.

I have just one request! PLEASE, don’t treat me like ‘ a little old lady’ now that you know how old I am!

And now for Percy’s memoir: Always remember to forget the troubles that passed away, But never forget to remember the blessings that come each day.

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

Good morning, my friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

On an assembly at Solon Elementary School on March 20, town librarian Megan Myers and library trustee Rich Roberts presented awards to the winners of the sixth annual Bookmark Contest that the school holds in conjunction with the Coolidge Public Library. Each winner received a certificate and a book from the library, and their bookmarks have been duplicated to pass out to library patrons. Bookmark winners are Charlotte Hamilton, Nevaeh Palmer, Katelyn DeLeonardis, Karen Baker, Olive Macdonald, Layla Andrews, and Lillianna McCoy.

Kindergarten screening for students entering kindergarten in the fall of 2019 will be held on Tuesday, May 7, at Carrabec Community School. Please call Heidi Atwood at 696-3100 to make an appointment for your child to be screened.

Third Quarter Honor Roll: All A’s; Katelyn Deleonardis, Kaitlin Dellarma, Lane Frost, Cody James, Madyson Mckenney, Macie Plourde, Jillian Robinson and William Rogers. All A,s B’s: Isabella Atwood, Karen Baker, Kaylynn Clark, Amelia Cooper, David Dixon, Veronica Hoffman, Jayden McKenny, Ella Mckinnon, Aiden McLaughlin, Joseph McLaughlin, Riley Pelkey, Annabell Roderick, Thomas Roderick, Asron Soosman, Kaitlyn Soucie and Fisher Tewksbury.

Dates to remember: Public Hearing on the budget on April 25, at 6 p.m., at Carrabec High School. Budget referendum vote Tuesday, May 7.

Career Days Scheduled: RSU #74 will be holding three Career Days for K-5 students in May. Each Career Day will be held at the Garret Schenck School for students from all three elementary schools. Each student will hear three speakers talk about their jobs so that students begin to learn about career options when they’re young.

Career Days will be May 2 for grades K-1, May 16 for grades 2-3, and May 23 for grades 4-5. The timeframe will be 8:30 – 10:15 each day. Parents are welcome to join them for Career Day activities.

The following e-mail was sent to me about the April meeting of the Solon Pine Tree 4-H Club by the secretary. “Last meeting we had 14 members and four leaders. We had Cooper as president and Sarah did this report. Craig did lice spray, Devon and Mat did string art. Katelyn and Autumn made ambrosia.

April 27 has been set up for two members to give their demonstrations at Bingham Grange. There will be a supper at 6 p.m. for everyone.

After we had refreshments.

On May 4 we will have the Luck of the Draw. The kids will help by being runners. Hailey Dellarma will be making a basket for that.

Next meeting will be on May 11. We will be doing stepping stones.

Received the following e-mail with the words, “Support Local Yarn Store Day,” on April 27, 2019. Dear Yarn Friends, Next Saturday is LYS (Local Yarn Store) Day, an occasion for folks worldwide to step out and show support for their local brick and mortar yarn stores.

We think it’s a perfect opportunity for us to let you know how much we appreciate all of you. You truly are what puts the “Happy” in Happknits!

Any yarn purchase on that day will get your name entered into a drawing for a $25 Happyknits gift certificate. We will also be offering a free download of the yet-unpublished Magical Thinking shawl pattern from Ravelry designer Casapinka to anyone who purchases the yarn to make it.

We hope you can stop by between 9 a,m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 27.

Saturday, April 27: “Earth Day” Kennebec Banks Picnic Area Clean-up (April 28 rain date) from 1 to 4 p.m. Will you help us clean up our popular Kennebec Banks Picnic Area? Every year many wonderful volunteers help us get this beautiful river park ready for the summer. Please join us! With your help we hope to be even more ambitious by picking up litter from the east side of the Eddy to the picnic area and boat launch.

And now for Percy’s memoir:

Be glad that your life has been full and complete,
Be glad that you’ve tasted the bitter and sweet,
Be glad that you’ve walked in sunshine and rain,
Be glad that you’ve felt both pleasure and pain,
Be glad for the comfort that you’ve found in prayer…
Be glad of God’s blessings …His love and His care.

(words by Helen Steiner Rice)

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

Good morning, my friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

Received an e-mail from Linda French which is very important. People seem to be having trouble with the new location of the food cupboard. It has been moved to 120 Pleasant Street, in Solon. Just before you turn onto the Brighton Road. It is open the second and fourth weeks of the month on Thursday and Friday. The hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The phone number to call is you want to check to see if it is open or if you need to make arrangements for a different time is 430388.

Received the following news by a letter from Charlotte Withee, in Anson: Athena Cemetery Association meeting at the Anson Town Office meeting room on Thursday, May 9, at 6:30 p.m.

I had begun to think spring was finally here. The snow had been melting every day, and it was beginning to look more like spring, but then I looked out the window, and it was snowing AGAIN! And it wasn’t long before I received an e-mail that school had been canceled in MSAD #54 schools because of the weather. So now I will have to call all my friends in our painting club at Skowhegan High School and tell them there won’t be any meeting tonight.

Lief and I went to the Solon Congregational Church sale last Saturday at Solon Elementary School, and were very impressed with all the people that had tables there, it was a great fair. Now, mustn’t forget Percy’s memoir; Never accept the negative until you have explored the positive.

As you know by now, I’ve been going through old clippings from old columns back when I used Salada Tea tag sayings (this one from December 2, 1994). “This week I’d like to thank Ben Safford for the tea tags that he saved for me, thanks so much Ben. And so from Salada Tea, Ben and me…“Time wounds all heels.” Now I must run and call all my friends to tell them there won’t be any painting class tonight!