(contributed photo)
The Annual July 4th Sheepscot Lake Association boat parade was a great success, with 42 boats and a jet ski participating. The Grand Marshall this year was Eileen Kirby, longtime resident and founding member of the lake association.
Oakland American Legion Post #51 paying tribute to the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country, at Memorial Hall, during the Memorial Day parade on May 27. From left to right, Patrick Linehan, Colin Clifford, Brian King, Jeff Stevens, John Palmer and Sgt. at Arms Dave Germain.
(photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)
On May 14, members of American Legion Decker-Simmons Post #51 gathered with Legion Riders to dedicate a new flag and pole at veteran Brian Danforth’s home, on Fairfield St., in Oakland. The veterans who live there had lost their flag and pole during a windstorm this past winter. Legion Riders were notified, took action and replaced both the pole and flag. (photo by Wally McKenney)
The rain stopped just in time for the American Legion Decker-Simmons Post #51 parade to get underway. With a ceremony to honor all who gave their lives at Lakeview Cemetery, Commander Jeffrey Flye gave a speech that was followed by the honor guard performing a rifle salute to the fallen. Left to right, Mark Spencer, Winslow VFW Commander Mike Dumont, Tina Zelberek, John Palmer, Jeff Stevens, Brian King, Colin Clifford, Jeffrey Flye, Patric Linehan, Winslow VFW Quartermaster Chris Soucy and Tom Dechaine. (photo by Wally McKenney)
American Legion Riders of Post #51, in Oakland, recently held a fundraiser, hosting a Pebble Art class. There were 25 students who managed to raise $385 for veterans through donations and a 50/50 raffle. The members of Legion Riders were very pleased with the turnout. Overall, it was well-received, and everyone enjoyed themselves. Numerous attendees inquired about the next class, so they are looking into organizing another one soon. (photo by Wally McKenney)
Photo by Wally McKenney
American Legion Decker-Simmons Post #51 Oakland, with Grover-Hinckley Post #14, held a ceremony retiring many U.S. flags. A moment of silence was observed for the 80th anniversary of the 153,000 men who lost their lives on D-Day. Above, Post #51 Commander Jeffrey Flye begins disposal process.
Photo by Wally McKenney
If anyone has a flag that is faded, tattered, or torn you can bring the flag to any American Legion Post to have it properly disposed.
The weather did not hamper crowd enthusiasm. (photo by Wally McKenney)
For the past three years since the pandemic, the Oakland American Legion Post #51 has directed the Annual Memorial Day parade which is one of the largest in Central Maine. Veterans lined the front of the parade to local school bands, classic cars, military vehicles, Police and Fire departments, Shriners and among many others. Each year they are looking for more to participate. Any groups are encouraged to contact the post for next year’s attendance.
The Kora Drifters are a parade unit of the Kora Shrine, in Lewiston. The Drifters were started by Bernie Fortin, of Vassalboro, in 2018, and have since expanded to 14 members. They raise funds for the Shriners hospitals, in Massachusetts, and all money raised goes to those charities. Any other expenses they pay out-of-pocket. They are known for their distinctive bright green colors and love to entertain. The Shriners are currently scheduled to parade in 27 different events this year, to include Maine’s largest festivals such as the Clam Festival, the Moxie Festival, and the Lobster Festival. Really what you have is 14 guys dedicated to supporting child patients at the hospitals. With the added bonus of making people happy at the same time. On Memorial Day they participated in parades in Oakland, Skowhegan, and Old Orchard Beach.
Tracey Frost riding in the Memorial Day Parade. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)
A close-up view of a tombstone at the Arlington National Cemetery, marking the grave site of four unknown crewmen assigned to the battleship USS MAINE (BB 2). The Marine sank after exploding off the coast of Havana, Cuba, killing approximately 260 crewmen. The sabotaging of the main precipatated the American declaration of war against Spain in 1898.
by Gary KennedyOriginally this date in time was named Decoration Day. A day of remembrance of those who died in service to our country. It was originally commemorated on May 30, 1868. It was to show our respect to those who gave their lives in the Civil War. This proclamation was given by General John A. Logan, of the Grand Army of this Republic, an organization of Union sailors and soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery, in Washington, DC.
During the first national event former Union General and sitting Ohio Congressman James Garfield was the primary speaker. There were 5,000 volunteers that opted to help decorate the final resting places of more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers. It was here that the recognition of the fallen was realized and addressed. Other observances followed suit, however, the events held by the freed slaves was for the Union troops for obvious reasons. These were held in and around Charleston, South Carolina, for the most part.
New York was the first state to make this a legal holiday and at this point in time the holiday was addressed as Memorial Day. This all occurred in 1873. By the late 1800s many states had adopted this holiday and made it a state holiday after World War I. The holiday was considered a holiday for all who fell in battle while serving their country. Eventually, in 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Act which designated Memorial Day would be celebrated on the last Monday of May. That has held to this very day.
Many people, over time, have questioned what they consider the similarity between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. However, similar, they are very different. The intention of the Memorial Day holiday was/is to honor all service personnel who died during armed conflict. The Veterans Day holiday is to honor all veterans who have served our country with honor dead or alive.
In December 2000 the US Congress passed and signed into law, “The National Moment of Remembrance Act”. (P.L. 106-599), creating the thought of the people of the USA, the National Moment of Remembrance. This moment begins at 1:11 p.m., eastern time thus progressing one hour for each time zone. The thought here is for total silence for two minutes in remembrance and thanks. In 1971 Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress. At this time it was officially placed in the last Monday in May for observance.
This is the time we see thousands of flags and beautiful flowers. For many this is a sad time, a time to mourn. For those who have lost no one it’s a time for respect and thankfulness for their sacrifice. It was also at this time that Colonel John McCrae wrote the beautiful poem, In Flanders Fields, which led to the Poppies of that battle field to become the holiday’s treasured flower. I won’t write that poem here as you can pull it up on your computer. Moina Michael, a YMCA worker, inspired wearing the poppy by adorning one and giving many others away.
There are several “Do’s and Don’ts” relating to Memorial Day that I should mention. 1) Don’t say “Happy Memorial Day”, you can express your gratitude to all men and women who have served and we are proud to honor them. 2) Don’t thank current troops; you should avoid saying, “Thank you for your service”. 3) Don’t let politics keep you from rendering respect; we have been defended for more than two centuries. 4) Don’t let business greed be part of who you are on this day. Memorial Day is prideful but on its face not a happy occasion. You can wear a memorial button from May 1 until Memorial Day. The not wearing of white was a southern thing mostly because of the heat. It really doesn’t apply anymore. Just be tasteful to the event you are attending. Like all three-day weekends from work enjoy your family and friends; a prayer for those who gave it all is respectful and appropriate and it should come from your heart. God bless and have a happy and safe weekend. I will talk to veterans next week.
Photo source: seekingheavenlymother.com
A simple yet profound fact of life is that we each owe our lives to mothers. Perhaps this goes without saying but it also extends past the obvious recognition. If you have cream in your morning coffee, it is a mother cow who gave that cream. If you eat eggs it is mother hens who lay those eggs. In languages worldwide the Earth itself is a feminine term, recognizing implicitly that all beings come from Mother Earth. It is said there is nothing so powerful as a mother’s love for her children.
To begin, a mother must first give her own body to create that of her baby’s. The new mother will grow an additional organ to support the developing baby, which could otherwise be registered by her body as a foreign invader since it has different DNA. A baby is first protected and nourished by the placenta while in utero. Just as a mother delivers a baby, she must also deliver the placenta. Many cultures have traditions that recognize and honor the placenta. In ancient Hawai’i the placenta was buried alongside deceased ancestors and was said to have its own spirit. The Maori, of New Zealand, have the same word for ‘land’ and ‘placenta’ and also bury their placenta to establish the first connection between baby and Mother Earth.
Nowadays, just shy of 99 percent of babies are born in a hospital. During this process a vast majority of placentas are swept away and either disposed of or sold. Because of this practice placentas are largely unrecognized for their crucial role as the physical link between Mother and Baby during pregnancy. When the umbilical cord is cut it is not the connection between human mother and baby which is lost but rather, it is a separation between the baby and placenta. Therefore the name ‘First Mother’ is given to this organ by some midwives birthworkers.
To recognize the metamorphosis that is the shift from Maiden to Mother, the Diné, or Navajo Nation, has a Mother’s Blessing ceremony. The Mother’s Blessing is different from a baby shower in that it focuses on honoring and celebrating the woman about to give birth rather than the baby soon to arrive. It is a sacred coming together of women which honors the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual transformation about to take place. When a baby is born, so too, is a Mother.
One way of estimating a society’s value of mothers could be measured through how a new mother is supported during their maternity leave. Here in the United States the average maternity leave for working moms is around ten weeks, largely unpaid. Out of that time around ten days are covered by built-up sick leave while another 12 days are covered by paid time off. Maine has an average of ten weeks unpaid maternity leave. How does this compare to other societies? A book called The Fourth Trimester examines postpartum care across the globe.
In China traditions rule that soon-to-birth women are not even allowed to stay in their own homes. Their removal ensures new moms will not participate in day-to-day household chores. They are instructed by aunties, sisters, and grandmothers to hold a period of Zou yue zi or “sitting in” for the acute postpartum time, where they are waited on by surrounding women.
In India the first five to seven weeks postpartum is referred to as the ‘Sacred Window’. Apparently the saying goes “fifteen days in the bed, fifteen days on the bed, fifteen days near the bed”. Traditions such as drinking only warm liquids like teas and broth, eating soft, easily-digestible soups, and resting the eyes are all prescriptions for a new mother, whose body is in a state of repair and needs deep rest and nourishment.
In Mexico a ‘Closing of the Bones’ ceremony takes place 40 days postpartum. Women are often supported in gently massaging and wrapping their bellies to increase repair and support the organs in returning to normal positioning after almost ten months of pregnancy.
In each of these traditions it takes a minimum of 40 days for the female body to reconfigure rest and recover from the enormous task of pregnancy, labor, and birth. The Sacred Window also recognizes and honors the bond that happens between mother and baby, or the mother-baby dyad. The days and weeks immediately following birth are a time for the new baby to adjust and integrate into a world of bright light, loud sound, and gravity. It is a tender time for both mother and baby and as such – should not be rushed. Recommendations from traditions worldwide during this ‘fourth trimester’ period are: Rest, Nourishment, Warmth, Connection, Bodywork, and Nature.
With this knowledge a question arises: What can we do to actively recognize, honor, witness, and thank the mothers in our lives?
Maybe we cook them a nourishing meal. Perhaps we let them sleep in or take a nap, go for a walk in nature or sit quietly with a book. We might offer to brew a cup of tea or give them a massage. Maybe all a mother wants is an hour of quiet time to do whatever she pleases or nothing at all. It might be lending a hand in the garden or yard. Maybe it’s doing the dishes or cleaning the bathroom. And, of course, each day we can be grateful for all that a mother gives.
Photo: https://seekingheavenlymother.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/mother-earth.jpg
Paragraph 2: https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/news/honoring-placenta-different-cultures
Paragraph 3: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.ov/sites/books/NBK555484/
Paragraph 5: ZerotoThree.org, Annuity.org,
Throughout December, Downtown Waterville welcomed over 2000 families who gathered to meet Santa in his Kringleville cabin. Over 700 cups of hot chocolate with cookies and other baked goods were served, and 1200 candy canes and over 1000 books were given to children. Kids also had the chance to see snowmobiles, tow trucks, Jeeps, Elves, and Elsa; They could decorate ornament crafts, listen to a DJ, learn from the Children’s Discovery Museum mobile exhibits, engage in coloring activities, or choose a bookmark for their new book. Santa’s sleigh even made an appearance to transport Santa to and from the North Pole. They also served as a collection site for the Maine Children’s Home’s Holiday Program and filled an SUV with donations.
This amazing free event could not happen without Santa’s right-hand elf Jake. Jake the elf spends the rest of the year as Rick Bryant, a dedicated board member of the museum and Christmas-spirit keeper. He organizes all of the big man’s meetings, maintains the cozy cabin, secures financing and donations, and much much more. A huge thank you to him and all that he does for Kringleville!
The log chair fashioned by a line crew from Michigan, following the devastating storm of December 18, 2023. (contributed photo)
Carol Thibodeau related a story to The Town Line that is a great example of how people help people in times of hardship.
She writes:
We are on Rocky Road, in South China, where we have been stuck without power for four days now, and until yesterday, we were trapped here by a giant tree across our driveway.
Yesterday a crew showed up to cut up the tree. Yay! …they were a crew of three guys who had driven 23 hours straight from Michigan, to help CMP with the storm devastation. Despite only three hours of sleep, these guys were friendly and upbeat and went right to work and got that mammoth tree cleared.
My seven-year-old grandson, Reid, was there with me and we watched them clear the tree. Reid told me he wanted to make a chair out of one of the chunks of wood, for his mom and dad for Xmas. I mentioned this to one of the crew guys. While the other two were finishing up, he decided to make Reid that chair, and went to work with his chainsaw. While we watched, he made the best little chair, which will carry this story forever. Not to be outdone, his buddy had to carve us a message on a huge log. I’ll keep that log forever too!
Then these three heroes marched off to rescue the next people, munching on the peanut brittle I gave them and just as upbeat as ever.
I’ve been wondering if maybe that guy has a kid at home in Michigan, when he decided to make the chair for Reid. I don’t know, but I think Reid will always remember it.
Reid made a card…..and I’m going to make cushions for the chair – LOL, and he’s excited to give it to my daughter and her husband for Xmas.
We are still stuck without power and there is a leaning pole and downed lines still, at the top of our driveway, but this gave us such a Xmas boost, and warmed our hearts.
Water St., Waterville, The Plains, circa 1930. Note the trolley in the center of the photo. The trolley ceased operations on October 10, 1937. Many of the buildings in this photo are no longer there. (photo courtesy of Roland Hallee)
by Roland D. HalleeGrowing up on The Plains in the ‘50s and ‘60s saw many changes when it came to Christmas.
My early memories included going out with the family one evening to a lot and picking out a Christmas tree. My dad took it home, set it up on a homemade stand, and commenced to reconfigure Mother Nature’s creation.
That consisted of cutting some excess branches from one side, drilling a hole in the trunk in some bare areas, and inserting the cut branches. He did this until the tree was symmetrical. Then we decorated it.
That went on for several years, until my mother decided she had had enough with decorating, and my dad didn’t want to do any more spruce cosmetic work.
They bought an artificial tree. It was nothing like today. This tree was silver. Completely artificial and commercial. There was a light that would set on the floor behind, with a flood light, that had a multi-colored wheel that would rotate – blue…yellow…green…red, etc.
That tree was set up in the living room. Christmas was held on Sunday, after church, while my mother would prepare the Christmas dinner, of roast beef, mashed potatoes, vegetables, rolls, you get the picture. Our grandparents, who lived next door, always came, too.
As we grew older, things changed again. Now, my dad had finished a portion of the basement into a “rumpus” room. That is where the artificial tree was set up. But, come Christmas, there were more changes. My mother didn’t want the hustle and bustle of Christmas day, so it was off to midnight Mass on Christmas eve. Afterwards, mom would warm up the tourtère pies, and we would have the distributing of Christmas gifts at that time. Of course, until we were old enough to attend the midnight Mass, we had to wait at home until the adults returned. Again, the grandparents were present.
Following the holidays, when we had a real tree, my mother was meticulous in taking down the Christmas tree, making sure every last piece of tinsel was removed before it was put out to the street for the annual city Christmas tree pickup.
When I was about nine years old, my parents went out one evening and left us four boys at home – my oldest brother was old enough to babysit. While rough-housing with my younger brother, we discovered Christmas gifts “hidden” behind the couch. So much for Santa.
But, as much as Christmases are always special, especially once my wife and I raised our two children, enjoyed the day with our grandchildren, and now experiencing Christmas with our great-grandchildren, Christmases are even more special.
But the memories of Christmas on The Plains in the ‘50s and ‘60s will always have a place in my memory.
by Gary KennedyHere it is December again, already, and 2023 is rapidly coming to an end. This is the month that we celebrate the birth of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. The date of birth of Jesus is not actually stated in the gospel nor in any historical record. Biblical scholars believe his date of birth to be between 4 BC (the year King Herod died) and 6 AD (the year of the census of Quirinius).
The rationale behind the date December 25th was due to the date of Jesus crucifixion. Christians developed the idea that Jesus’ was born exactly nine months after March 25th, the traditional date of Jesus’ crucifixion. It was believed that Jesus was conceived and crucified on the same date; the date of his birth was nine months later. For me this isn’t a logical explanation for this event but no one seemed to make a case against it.
The historical records state that Pope Julius in 350 AD asserted December 25th to be Christ’s birth date. This also is a dubious unfounded claim. There are other possibilities that I find more scientific. Going by the New Testament, Mathew 2:1 states that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Judea in the time of Herod the King. Herod’s death would have been around 4 BC. A good guess here for Jesus’ birth could be around just before 4 BC. If you read John 2:20 you will find agreement between Luke and John. However, if you are truly looking for the year of Jesus’ birth, you’re in for a long haul as some arguments are centuries apart.
When I started this research, for pleasure only, I was looking only for a seasonal date. Nothing I had read in the past spoke of winter as such. Considering the geographical location of the birth of Christ you don’t have snow or rain as a marker so you need other things. I believe by now the actual month of Christ birth can be more or less figured out. The year of Christ’s birth is around 4 BC.
The historical record is too incomplete for any sort of accuracy regarding the year of his birth. December 25th is accepted as his month and day. It’s highly unlikely that is true but considering the lack of information and our need to celebrate his birth I suppose December 25th will have to do.
We do know and it should be acknowledged that it is more than likely Jesus was born closer to harvest time and not winter. There is mention of the shepherds watching over their sheep. When winter was about to appear the shepherds would go into the mountains and drive their flocks down to the low lands where it was warmer with more favorable foraging and shelter. Also, there was astronomical mention of the placement of stars. Some scientists have pinpointed September as a likely time for this event.
However, I believe we stopped looking for that particular answer a long time ago and decided if the good Lord felt it was of great importance he would have had it laid out more clearly. Perhaps he disliked birthdays as I do. For whatever reason we have accepted December 25th as the birthday of our lord, Jesus Christ. It is a time when we rejoice and are thankful that he was born, thus giving us the opportunity for everlasting life in paradise.
This year I hope all of you will spend time praying for our brothers and sisters in the world. Many are suffering and dying in a world of unrest. This is a world of plenty, without unity. Many have lost their way and need to find the path to righteousness. If you are a Christian then you believe in Christ. Christ is the righteousness from God. (1st Cor. 1:30) God paid the price for all of us (Rom 3:21-26). Being righteous literally means to be right. It’s a moral path with the Bible as a guide. I have always loved seeing that special glow on a Christians face. You can tell at a glance the person has a beautiful heart. I personally strive to join them in the place they exist. My prayer for everyone this Christmas season is to see that beautiful glow on more faces. It is a search that one must make in order to embrace the beauty of righteousness.
This year I for one ask all my fellow Christians to include the true beauty of Christmas with all the other gifts that are placed under the Christmas tree. It’s the one gift you don’t and can’t purchase. (Brotherly love) The poorest of us has this gift available for giving. Set the arrogant pride aside and develop and give the one thing that was given to and for you, LOVE. I am sure you will radiate with that glow I previously mentioned.
From my family to yours and I am sure all here at The Town Line newspaper’s staff and board of directors, wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas. May each and every one of you receive that wonderful and precious gift that I have spoken of and carry it into the New Year. Never forget those less fortunate then you.
Last but not least, remember our elderly and our veterans. Many of them are needy during these holiday times. They are all part of love and respect. God bless and keep you and yours safe. Have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
The views of the author of this column are not necessarily those of The Town Line newspaper, its staff and board of directors.
by Gary KennedyThe Mayflower traversed the Atlantic to Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620, led by William Bradford. The reason for the journey was the pursuit of religious freedom. Protestantism was in its infancy. William Bradford was an English Puritan Separatist originally from the West Riding of Yorkshire in northern England. Protestantism is a branch of Christianity that follows the theological tenets of the Protestant Reformation. Theology is the ordinary study of the nature of the divine, or more broadly, of religious belief. Back during these times there were so many hands on religion that I am surprised there is any sanity to it all; while just leaving the Crusades with Masonic influence, the Knights Templars and the then cruel Catholic Church. This was a time of land grabs and Godly exploration. The monks and friars had many very cruel priests in their flocks and dealt out extremely cruel punishments for any sort of disobedience.
The British and the Spanish ruled the seas during these times and they gobbled up all the known world in search of wealth and labor. All their acquisitions were placed in total subservience to their mother countries. People were totally inferior and had to give undivided religious obedience to their captors. This as we know will only last so long, and then the people will revolt; as they did in many areas of the world.
The cruelty of England brought the Pilgrims to our shores; and this began the story of the initial settlement here and the first Thanksgiving. We arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620, and would have perished if not for the Wampanoag Native people. They aided with our survival through the first winter, which took many of the settlers’ lives. After being taught how to plant using dried fish for fertilizer we had our first successful crop. There were 90 Wampanoag present for a feast of vegetables, turkey and fish and pudding for dessert. This is where the history of turkey began, as they were in abundance and easy to obtain during this time. Here in Maine they eventually became extirpated and were reintroduced in the 1980s. You never would have guessed that now. They are everywhere.
The complete history is a long and dark one and would take the entire newspaper to cover it all. Anyway, in 1620, 50 pilgrims and 90 Wampanoags celebrated. The feast lasted three days. I should mention only five women survived that first winter. Thanksgiving is celebrated both as a secular as well as a religious holiday. Many argue the story of this holiday and its insemination. One example would be the arrival of a Spanish fleet in 1565 to plant a cross to christen the new settlement of St. Augustine; 800 settlers shared a meal with the Native Timucuan people.
Probably the most notable of happenings would be that of Abraham Lincoln in 1863, at the height of the Civil War, in a proclamation entreating all Americans to ask God to “commend to his tender mercy all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or suffers in the lamentable civil strife” and to “heal the wounds of the nation”. Veterans and the official creation of Thanksgiving began on the last Thursday of November.
So this is just bits and pieces of how Thanksgiving first began. Turkey evolved in many variations to the feast that it is today on November 23, 2023. It’s now a time to give thanks to God for all that he gives and a time for family and friends to get together and enjoy their blessings together, in peace and harmony. We are going through some hard times currently, so it would be a good time to reflect on our blessings. Also, again we should never forget those who gave it all so that we could be and remain free.
God bless you and yours and have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
