FOR YOUR HEALTH: Ways to Treat Chronic Back Pain Without Surgery

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Featured Expert:
Stephanie Pham Van, M.D.

Back pain is considered chronic if it lasts three months or longer. It can come and go, often bringing temporary relief followed by frustration. Dealing with chronic back pain can be especially trying if you don’t know the cause.

Back pain rehabilitation specialist Stephanie Van, M.D., offers insights into common chronic back pain causes and nonsurgical treatment options — and she advises not to give up hope.

Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain is usually age-related, but it can also result from an injury. The most common causes include:

  • Arthritis of the spine — the gradual thinning of the cartilage inside the spine
  • Spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal that may lead to nerve pain
  • Disk problems, such as a herniated or bulging disk
  • Myofascial pain syndrome — muscle pain and tenderness without clear cause

In some cases, it is difficult to pinpoint the cause of chronic back pain.

“If your doctor has explored all diagnostic and treatment options they are comfortable with, consider seeking a second opinion from a back pain specialist,” Van recommends.

It is important to understand the source of your pain as much as possible, and to consider every available, reasonable option. People with back pain should not feel rushed into settling for an invasive, irreversible surgical procedure. Surgery can be helpful for many people, but it is usually considered a last resort after more conservative options have been exhausted. Surgery can correct structural abnormalities contributing to back pain, but it does not guarantee pain relief, and it may even worsen the pain, Van warns. If the source of the pain is not known or can’t be treated, the best strategy is to collaborate with your doctor on a pain management plan that reduces the severity and frequency of flare-ups and focuses on goals for function and quality of life.

Exercise is the foundation of chronic back pain treatment. It’s one of the first treatments you should try, under the guidance of your physician and spine physical therapist.

Physical therapy for chronic back pain may include:

  • Core strengthening
  • Stretching and flexibility exercises
  • Retraining posture
  • Testing the limits of pain tolerance
  • Aerobic exercises at a comfortable pace
  • Diet Change
  • Some diets are highly inflammatory, especially those high in trans fats, refined sugars and processed foods.

Lifestyle Modifications

There are many ways to adapt and adjust your behavior and activity that can significantly improve chronic back pain before even considering medications or procedures.
Injection-based Treatments

Trigger point injections, epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, nerve ablations and other types of injection-based procedures are available for chronic back pain.

Alternative Treatments

Acupuncture, massage, biofeedback therapy, laser therapy, electrical nerve stimulation and other nonsurgical spine treatments can make a difference for chronic back pain. Pharmacologic Treatments

All kinds of medicines (topical, oral, injectable) are used to help manage chronic back pain, including anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, nerve pain medications and even antidepressants. However, any medication can have unwanted side effects. Work with your doctor to explore medication strategies that directly address the cause of your pain (if it is known).

When is surgery a good idea for back pain?

If you suddenly start experiencing any of the following “red flag” symptoms, it might be time for surgery, if the symptoms found to be related to your spine condition:

  • New or worsening bowel/bladder issues (incontinence, groin numbness)
  • Weakness in limbs
  • Gait and balance problems
  • Evidence of increased (brisk) reflexes

Surgery can also be an option for chronic back pain if a cause is confirmed by imaging and if other treatments have not helped.

“Surgery is the most invasive, high risk strategy for chronic back pain,” Van says. “It is irreversible, and it does not guarantee complete relief of back pain.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Dylan and Vee; Conductor: Lorin Maazel

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by Peter Cates

Dylan and Vee

Bob Dylan

At a 2013 concert in St. Paul, Minnesota, Bob Dylan paid tribute to Bobby Vee (1943-2016), who was in the audience. Dylan played piano as part of Vee’s backup band for two gigs in 1959 and the two singers had remained friends and performed together on occasion over subsequent decades.

Dylan, who had performed with so many legends in concerts, described Vee as “the most beautiful person I’ve ever been on the stage with.”

One could point out a world of difference between Bobby Vee’s Rubber Ball and Bob Dylan’s Mister Tambourine Man; it would also be a waste of time and space. Instead one admires the tribute from one American music statesman to another.

The interest in Bobby Vee came after recently listening to a Liberty seven-inch 45 record of two of Vee’s megahits back in the very early ‘60s when he and two other Bobbys, Rydell and Vinton, were bombarding the Billboards and airwaves.

The songs, Run to Him; and Walkin’ with My Angel, were written by Gerry Goffin and his ex-wife Carole King, they being famous for But Will You Love Me Tomorrow. And both songs were given superb production work by the Liberty records founder Snuff Garrett (He signed to the label singer Julie London and Alvin and the Chipmunks) with some of the finest session players in the business and the Johnny Mann Singers doing backup.

Bobby Vee

Even more impressive was Vee’s singing with a beautifully projected vocal register, clear articulation, characterful phrasing and vibrant warmth. Not only did I listen to my very good copy of the 45 but also to the remastered sound, derived from the original source material during later decades, to be heard on YouTube which had outstanding sound lacking in the old 45s.

I also listened to Youtubes of Vee’s very captivating hits, Rubber Ball, and the classic The Night Has a Thousand Eyes and several others that weren’t quite as good as material but were still given top notch arrangements.

At the 2013 concert, Bob Dylan sang an early hit of Bobby Vee, Suzie Baby, and it can be heard on YouTube, along with Vee’s original recording. I actually liked Vee’s better. Dylan’s own singing at the age of 72 just wasn’t what it used to be but it was an important historical moment.

The two singers did critique each other’s musicianship in a pithy manner:

Dylan – Vee “had a metallic, edgy tone to his voice and it was as musical as a silver bell.”

Vee- Dylan “played pretty good in the key of C.”

Bobby Vee died in 2016 at the age of 73 from Alzheimer’s which he had been suffering from for several years. His wife died the previous year from a kidney ailment.

Lorin Maazel

Conductor Lorin Maazel (1930-2015), for good or bad, has been one of the most fascinating individuals who ever directed a symphony orchestra. He succeeded George Szell (1897-1970) as music director of the Cleveland Orchestra in 1971, staying ten years before becoming director of the Vienna State Opera and, as far as I am concerned, successfully followed perfectionist Szell’s very hard act.

In 1976, Maazel and the Clevelanders recorded a set of the Brahms 4 Symphonies, Haydn Variations and Tragic and Academic Festival Overtures. It was reviewed in high fidelity along with another set of the Symphonies and 2 Overtures but lacking the Haydn Variations that was released the same year and featured Eugen Jochum (1902-1987) leading the London Philharmonic.

Both sets were trashed by the record critic whose ears, as far as I was concerned, were screwed on wrong. I own shelves of different Brahms Symphonies and I have found that both Maazel and Jochum conducted very exciting performances that brought out the balance of rip-roaring romantic emotions in Johannes Brahms’s own psyche and the sternly crafted architecture that this composer imposed, based on his admiration of the 18th century examples of Bach, Handel and Haydn.

The sets remain among my favorites. Both Jochum and Maazel conveyed a love of this composer’s inspired music but brought a differently personalized individuality to the performances, unlike some conductors of recent years who copy cat each other with dull performances and wouldn’t let themselves go emotionally if their lives depended on it.

There are, however, some annoying quirks in Maazel’s conducting of these pieces – a ridiculously fast tempo in the last movement of the 1st Symphony, some limp phrasing in the first movement of the 2nd movement that drags it out and, at odd moments, a ho-hum manner with phrasing and detail.

But these annoying moments are few. All in all, a set worth seeking out for the curious listener.

During Maazel’s Cleveland years, he recorded prize-winning sets of Prokofiev’s complete Romeo and Juliet ballet and Gershwin’s complete Porgy and Bess, along with a really good Beethoven 9 Symphonies that was pretty well ignored by the critics.

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Windsor brooks named after people

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by Mary Grow

Barton Brook

Barton Brook, in northwestern Windsor, was almost certainly named after Dr. Stephen Barton, Sr. (June 10, 1740- Oct. 21, 1804), or his family.

The brook connects the north end of Mud Pond with the south end of Threemile Pond (which is mostly in China and Vassalboro). In his history of Windsor, Linwood Lowden wrote that in 1799, the stream was named Wonnamdogus, a Native name that is now Warromantogus.

Part of the stream goes through the lot on which Dr. Barton settled in 1803, Lowden said.

Find a Grave says Barton was born in Sutton, Massachusetts. On May 28, 1765, he married Dorothy Learned Moore, who was born April 12, 1747, in Oxford, Massachusetts, and died there Nov. 11, 1838.

The FamilySearch website says the couple had at least seven sons and seven daughters, born between 1765 and 1791. Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, in “A Midwife’s Tale” (based on the diary of Dorothy’s sister, midwife Martha Ballard), said they had 13 children, and Dorothy “was almost five months pregnant” when they married.

Not all the Barton children lived to adulthood. Find a Grave says at least their first three sons died in infancy or early childhood, and another site says they lost at least one young daughter.

The sons named as adults are Stephen, Jr. (Aug. 18, 1774-March 21, 1862, born in Oxford, died and buried in Oxford and called Capt. on his gravestone because he was a captain in the militia); Elijah Moore (Aug. 10, 1784-Feb. 22, 1849, born in Vassalboro, Maine); Gideon (June 14, 1786-May 30, 1878, also born in Vassalboro) and Luke N. (Sept. 3, 1791-1837, born in Oxford).

Henry Kingsbury, in the chapter in his Kennebec County history titled The Medical Profession, wrote that Barton came from Oxford in 1774 and practiced in Vassalboro until 1778, when he went back to Oxford temporarily. Lowden said Barton and “three of his brothers” settled in Vassalboro in 1776.

Lowden found Dr. Barton’s “ledger book,” in which the doctor recorded details of his medical practice. In Vassalboro, main activities included “pulling teeth, applying dressings, bleeding patients, inducing vomiting, dispensing pills and elixirs, applying plasters and opening abscesses,” Lowden wrote.

Among common prescriptions were myrrh and aloes (which would have worked as painkillers and antiseptics); “Mugs of Toddy and cider” (Lowden did not guess why); and “Pill chochia,” which Lowden translated as “red pill.”

The Bartons went back to Oxford in 1790 (or 1788 – see box) and stayed until 1800. Returning to Maine, they spent two years in Augusta and another in Vassalboro before moving to Windsor.

Ulrich quoted an Oct. 14, 1802, letter Dr. Barton wrote to oldest son Stephen, still in Oxford, inviting him to move to Maine. The doctor said the family was “getting some land” where the only neighbors for a mile around would be owls, and “the boys” – Elijah and Gideon, aged 18 and 16, Ulrich said – could make a farm “if they will work.”

In his Windsor chapter, Kingsbury said Barton built his log cabin in 1803 “on the meadow in the western part of the town.” Lowden said the family lived “many years in a log cabin.”

Dr. Barton was not with his family in the log cabin for long. He died of consumption two years after they arrived, Kingsbury said (Oct. 21, 1804, Lowden wrote), and is buried where “he and his sons [Elijah and Gideon, according to Lowden] bivouacked the night they entered the woods.”

Find a Grave calls the site “the Barton farm.” A monument – a granite stone, according to Find a Grave – marked the grave in 1892, but Find a Grave says it is no longer there.

Kingsbury said Elijah and Gideon and grandson J. H. Barton settled near Barton’s cabin. Gideon married Sarah Pierce (Nov. 27, 1787-Oct. 9, 1834), of Windsor (Kingsbury) or Vassalboro (FamilySearch). They had at least eight sons and five (FamilySearch) or six (Kingsbury) daughters.

In Lowden’s list of Windsor men who served briefly in the War of 1812, Gideon Barton is named as commander of the company in which Clement and John Moody and Rufus Choate (named in previous articles in this series) served.

Lowden called Gideon Barton one of the first storekeepers in Windsor. He did not know when Barton opened the store in West Windsor, but he apparently found an account book from 1814.

The historian listed more than two dozen types of goods in the inventory – shoes and clothing; pipes, tobacco and pen knives; “powder, flints and shot”; scythes and seed corn; yokes and bows (for draft animals); pickled herring and other foods, including of course rum and molasses; and “itch ointment.”

Lowden said Elijah and Gideon were two of the four owners of a sawmill built on Barton Brook sometime after April 1816, on Gideon’s land. The historian recorded ownership changes up to 1832; he did not know when the mill stopped running.

Kingsbury listed Gideon Barton as a selectman in Malta and Windsor, first elected in 1814 and serving for 15 years. Other Bartons served as selectmen, town clerk and town treasurer in the 19th century.

The circa 1834 petition for a dam across the Kennebec that Henry and Dudley Dearborn signed (see last week’s article) was also signed by four Bartons, E. M. (Elijah Moore), Gideon, Luke M. and Samuel W.

There was a Barton school district, Kingsbury wrote, “near R[ufus]. P. Barton’s.” The schoolhouse there was moved closer to the middle of the district around 1850 and rebuilt; it burned around 1889.

The West Windsor post office, Kingsbury said, opened Sept. 8, 1873, “at the residence of Ira D. Barton, the appointee.” Find a Grave says Ira was Elijah’s son (Dr. Stephen’s grandson), born in 1820 and died in 1898.

The 1869 atlas shows five Bartons – G., J. D., R. P., T., and W. C. – plus a schoolhouse and the West Windsor post office, clustered south of the end of Threemile Pond, near what is now the intersection of Weeks Mills and Barton roads.

G. was probably Dr. Barton’s son, Gideon, Sr. R. P. was almost certainly the doctor’s grandson, Gideon and Sarah’s son, a farmer named Rufus P. (1816-1896). T. could have been Rufus’s younger brother, Theodore (1824-1901).

W. C. must have been William Collins Barton (1808-1889), Elijah’s older son. Elijah’s wife was Sally Fairfield; your writer found no other information about her, and also failed to find a J. D. Barton on the various family trees on line.

One more family distinction: Dr. Stephen Barton was the grandfather of Civil War nurse and Red Cross founder Clarissa “Clara” Harlowe Barton (Dec. 25, 1821-Apr. 12, 1912). Clara was the youngest daughter of Stephen, Jr., and his wife, Sarah “Sally” (Stone) Barton (Nov. 13, 1783-July 18, 1851).

Dorothy Barton younger sister of Martha Ballard

Dorothy Learned (Moore) Barton (April 12, 1747-Nov. 11, 1838) was a younger sister of midwife Martha (Moore) Ballard (1735-1812). Martha’s husband, Ephraim, first came to Fort Western to do surveying work in 1775, and he and Martha moved to Augusta in 1777.

Martha’s diary and related documents on which Laurel Thacher Ulrich drew in writing A Midwife’s Tale give more information about the Bartons.

Martha Ballard

Ulrich told a story from Dorothy and Martha’s childhood in Oxford, Massachusetts, before the Revolution, when American colonists were boycotting British imports, including tea (hence the Dec. 16, 1773, Boston Tea Party).

Dr. Barton, Ulrich said, was a member of the local committee formed to keep tea out of town. But when he was out of the house, his wife and sister-in-law were likely to provide “a cup of tea in the cellar for some sick mother in the neighborhood.”

Or, in the version Clara Barton shared as part of her family history, the sisters held tea parties in the cellar, hanging blankets across the door to keep the odor from the rest of the house.

Ulrich agreed with Lowden and Kingsbury that the Bartons moved several times before settling in Windsor. She said their return to Oxford in 1788 was from economic necessity: Dr. Barton was unsuccessful at “establishing a farm in Maine.” She surmised part of the problem might have been that their first six children (or, per Familysearch, six of the first seven who survived to adulthood) were daughters, unsuited for fieldwork.

The Bartons named two of their daughters Pamela and Clarissa. Ulrich said they were named after heroines of English author Samuel Richardson’s novels with those titles, published in 1740 and 1748, and concluded that Dorothy read the novels. Other daughters’ names she mentioned were Parthenia and Hannah; FamilySearch adds Dorothy and Mary.

When the older Bartons moved back to Oxford for a decade, Pamela, Clarissa and Parthenia stayed in Maine with the Ballards, Ulrich said. Parthenia moved into their household late in May 1788 and lived with her aunt and uncle most of the time until she married in November 1792.

By 1800, Martha Ballard’s health was failing. Ulrich wrote that one of her pleasures was her sister and brother-in-law’s move back to Maine.

Ulrich quoted passages from Martha’s diary about their return in May 1801 and her Sept. 1 visit to them, probably at “Mr. Crages Shop” where they lived first (or possibly in Vassalboro, where they moved later).

Stephen and Dorothy Barton’s son, Elijah, was involved in what historians call the Malta War, the multi-year dispute between proprietors, who claimed land titles from the British, and settlers, who might have alternative legal documents or might claim ownership on the basis of possession and improvement.

Windsor was a major battleground in this “war,” which culminated in a group of settlers shooting and killing a surveyor named Paul Chadwick on Sept. 8, 1809.

Elijah Barton was one of the eight men promptly arrested and jailed for the Chadwick murder. During the months before the mid-November trial, Ulrich wrote that the Ballards and Bartons spent time together, including, she said, an October night when the two sisters worked together to deliver a set of twins.

Ulrich wrote that jury selection for the trial of the alleged murderers began Nov. 16. The trial lasted about two weeks; the jurors acquitted the accused.

And, Ulrich wrote, on Dec. 3, Dorothy Barton and her four sons (Stephen, who was in Maine for the trial, Gideon, Elijah and Luke,) had supper at the Ballards’ and Elijah stayed overnight. “To all appearances, he was just another relative, just another visitor.”

Main sources

Kingsbury Henry D., ed., Illustrated History of Kennebec County Maine 1625-1892 (1892).
Lowden, Linwood H., good Land & fine Contrey but Poor roads a history of Windsor, Maine (1993).
Ulrich, Laurel Thatcher, A Midwife’s Tale The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812 (1990).

Websites, miscellaneous.

CORRECTION: In the February 29, 2024, issue of The Town Line, the wrong photo of Martha Ballard was published. The correct photo has been added to this online version. It was an editing error.

Dawson Turcotte accepted to med school

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Dawson Turcotte (Contributed photo)

Dawson Turcotte, son of Eric and Kris Turcotte, of Skowhegan, was accepted into the University of New England’s Doctor of Osteo­pathic Medicine Program beginning July 2024. Dawson will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in medical biology from the University of New England this May. Dawson is a 2021 graduate of Skowhegan Area High School.

Poor People’s Campaign set for March 2

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Maine Poor People’s Campaign organizers pictured are David Jolly, Murry Ngoima, and Chris McKinnon, handing out pamphlets promoting the upcoming rally. (photo by Jonathan Strieff)

by Jonathan Strieff

On Saturday, March 2, the Maine Poor People’s Campaign will lead a march and rally at the State House to kick off a 40-week effort to mobilize poor and low-wage voters ahead of the November elections. Simul­taneous direct actions are planned at 31 state capitals around the country and Washington, DC. The event will offer a platform for low-income Mainers to speak to the daily challenges they face and to articulate the legislative action needed to address them, including voting rights, livable wages, affordable housing, health care, women’s rights, gun safety, tribal sovereignty for the Wabanaki nations, and environmental justice. On Monday, March 4, organizers from the campaign intend to hand deliver their demands to Governor Janet Mills and every legislator in the State House.

In a press release, campaign organizers David Jolly and Linda Homer explained the goal of the months long effort is to harness the untapped power of poor and low-wage voters in the political process. Through door-to-door canvassing, voter registration drives, phone banking and other coordinated actions, the Poor People’s Campaign seeks to organize voters to around the issues most impacting Americans living in poverty.

According to the Center on Poverty and Social Policy at Columbia University, in Maine, poor and low-income people account for 32.5 percent of the population. More than 35 percent of working adults earn less than $15 per hour. Nearly 162,000 households depend on SNAP benefits (food stamps) to feed themselves, benefits that were cut by as much as $250 per month last year. Poverty is considered to be the fourth leading cause of death in America, more deadly than homicide, gun violence, diabetes, or obesity.

The original Poor Peoples Campaign was conceived by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference as a large scale act of nonviolent civil disobedience. In 1968, two months after King’s assassination, organizers with the SCLC erected a Shantytown of more than 3,000 individuals on the National Mall in Washington D.C., called Resurrection City, in an effort to make visible the plight of poverty in America. After six weeks of turbulent occupation, the remaining demonstrators were cleared in a massive police sweep. The economic bill of rights and other demands of the campaign were never met.

Fifty years later, Revs. William Barber II and Liz Theoharis revived the Poor Peoples Campaign to confront what they identified as the five systemic evils afflicting American society; Racism, Poverty, Militarism, Ecological Devastation, and the Distorted Moral Narrative of Religious Nationalism. In Maine, this took the form of rallies, worship services, and small group meetings and teach-ins. The work of the group emphasizes building power within local communities, changing the moral narrative, and eventually impacting policy for the benefit of the most marginalized people.

Saturday’s rally will gather at 10 a.m., in Capital Park, in Augusta. At 11 a.m., the assembly will march to the State House to rally. Anyone seeking additional information can contact mail@mainepoorpeoplescampaign.org.

LEGAL NOTICES for Thursday, February 26, 2024

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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 February 22, 2024. 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.

2023-280 – Estate of CHESTER G. MORSE, late of Saint Albans, Maine deceased. Debra J. Murch, P.O. Box 1231, Auburn, Maine 04211 and Ray-Allen Morse, P.O. Box 35, St. Albans, Maine 04971.

2023-407 – Estate of SCOTT WILLIAM NEWTON, late of Madison, Maine deceased. Mallory Newton, 253 Bagley Road, Madison, Maine 04950 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-029 – Estate of RANDY BAGLEY, late of Solon, Maine deceased. Courtney Brubach, 30 Lydia Lane #195, South Portland, Maine 04106 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-031 – Estate of DAVID A. RODRIGUE, late of Fairfield, Maine deceased. David E. Rodrigue, 43 Burns St., Fairfield, Maine 04937 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-035 – Estate of CHAD F. VINTINNER, late of Pittsfield, Maine deceased. Brandy Lee Vintinner, 53 Wilson Rd. Pittsfield, Maine 04967 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-039 – Estate of ALBERT L. GOGUEN, late of Anson, Maine deceased. Wendy Goguen, P.O. Box 154, Solon, Maine 04979 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-038 – Estate of JEFFERY SCOTT WYMAN, late of Palmyra, Maine deceased. Tammy Wyman, 674 Warren Hill Road, Palmyra, Maine 04965 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-043 – Estate of AUDEN WESLEY MADDOCKS, late of St. Albans, Maine deceased. Craig Maddocks, 24 Dudley Brook Rd., St. Albans, Maine 04971 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-046 – Estate of BARBARA FRANCIS NICKERSON, late of Athens, Maine deceased. Donald Nickerson, 1377 Lakewood Road, Madison, Maine 04950 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-049 – Estate of JAMES ALBERT GLINSKY, late of New Portland, Maine deceased. Michael Glinsky, 65 Cedar Rd., CT. 06282 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-050 – Estate of PATRICK A. RODDEN, late of Madison, Maine deceased. Kathy Rodden, 1054 East Madison Rd, Madison, Maine 04950 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-051 – Estate of BRUCE LEROY WHITNEY, late of Mercer, Maine deceased. Muriel J. Armstrong, 542 Elm St., Mercer, Maine 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2023-394 – Estate of RICHARD H. LEVESQUE, late of Lexington Township, Me deceased. Walter Levesque, 8 Cleave Tripp Road, Poland, Me 04247 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-056 – Estate of REGINALD C. McCOLLOR, late of Bingham, Me deceased. Alieta Belanger, PO Box 391, Bingham, Me 04920 and Deborah Nadeau, 98 Darbick Terrace, Hollis, Me 04042 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2024-053 – Estate of JAMES LEAVITT, late of West Forks, Maine deceased. Shannon Pulsifer, 49 Elm Ave., Augusta, Maine 04330 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-058 – Estate of CLIFTON BROWN, late of Moose River, Maine deceased. Mary-lee Brown, 64 Pleasant St., Moose River, Maine 04945 and Bailey Brown, 64 Pleasant St., Moose River, Maine 04945 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2024-059 – Estate of DANIEL M. CANAVAN, late of St. Albans, Maine deceased. Elizabeth G. Dell’Orto, 41 Greenacres Ave., Scarsdale, NY 10583 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-060 – Estate of VIRGINIA L. LABBE, late of Smithfield, Maine deceased. Michael R. Labbe, PO Box 157, Smithfield, Maine 04978 appointed Personal Representative.

TO BE PUBLISHED February 22, 2024 & February 29, 2024

Dated: February 16, 2024 /s/Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(2/29)

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 10 a.m. or as soon thereafter as they may be on March 6, 2024. 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.

2024-011 – Estate of KADEN BLAKE McINTYRE. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Kaden Blake McIntyre, 438 River Road, North Anson, Me 04958 requesting his name be changed to Kaden Blake Lee for reasons set forth therein.

2024-024 – Estate of ACELIA ELIZABETH KELLEY. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Acelia Elizabeth Kelley, 334 Russell Rd., Madison, Maine 04950 requesting a name changed to Richard Earl Kelley for reasons set forth therein.

2024-030 – Estate of MARLENE LEE BRACKETT. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Marlene Lee Brackett, 25 Mechanic St., Norridgewock, Maine 04957 requesting her name be changed to Marlene Lee Batchelder Brackett for reasons set forth therein.

Dated: February 16, 2024

/s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(2/29)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
COUNTY OF SOMERSET
SKOWHEGAN, MAINE
Docket No. 2023-362
In Re: Robert R. Orff

ORDER FOR SERVICE
BY PUBLICATION

This cause came to be heard on the Motion for Service by Publication by Petitioner, Mary D. Hodgdon, 28 Chandler Street, Skowhegan, ME 04976, for service by publication upon Brian Orff, pursuant to Maine Rule of Civil Procedure 4(g) and Rule of Probate Procedure 4(e)(2), and it appearing that this is an action for Petition for Appointment of Guardian brought by the Petitioner Mary D. Hodgdon, against Brian Orff; and that Brian Orff cannot, with due diligence, be served by any other prescribed method; and that the address of Brian Orff is not known and cannot be ascertained by reasonable diligence; and it is ORDERED that the Petition for Appointment of Guardian be heard before this Court at 41 Court Street, Skowhegan, ME, on April 3, 2024, at 10:45 a.m. or as soon thereafter as it can be heard, and it is ORDERED that Brian Orff appear and defend the cause and file a written response to the Petition by delivering it in person or by mailing it to the Office of the Register of Probate, 41 Court Street, Skowhegan, ME 04976, and by mailing a copy thereof to the Petitioners at their said address on or before April 3, 2024, 10:45 a.m.

IMPORTANT WARNING: IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A RESPONSE WITHIN THE TIME STATED ABOVE, OR IF, AFTER YOU FILE YOUR RESPONSE, YOU FAIL TO APPEAR AT ANY TIME THE COURT NOTIFIES YOU TO DO SO, A JUDGMENT MAY, IN YOUR ABSENCE, BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF REQUESTED. IF YOU DO NOT FILE A RESPONSE, YOU MUST FILE A WRITTEN APPEARANCE WITH THE CLERK IF YOU WISH TO BE HEARD. IF YOU INTEND TO OPPOSE THE PETITION, DO NOT FAIL TO ANSWER WITHIN THE REQUIRED TIME.

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

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

Dated: January 30, 2024

/s/ Robert Washburn
Judge of Probate
A true copy of the original.
Attest: /s/ Victoria M. Hatch
Register of Probate
(2/29)

CRITTER CHATTER: Is it spring, yet, at Duck Pond Wildlife Center?

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by Jayne Winters

“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds,” is a phrase we associate with U.S. postal carriers, but I think it could easily describe Don Cote and his volunteers at the Wildlife Care Center in Vassalboro. (Out of curiosity, I searched on-line and found a “Wildlife Rehabilitator Code of Ethics” which addresses high standard quality care/methods; education; adherence to federal, state and local laws/regulations; health and safety practices; community support/involvement; professional conduct; and the obvious need for personal integrity, compassion and commitment).

But back to the weather not preventing the “completion of their appointed rounds.” Although we haven’t had many heavy snowstorms this winter, access to the outside wildlife enclosures still need to be plowed, snow-blown and/or shoveled. Treacherous icy paths to the pens need sanding. Frozen water tubs need to be emptied and refilled with fresh water. Cages need to be mucked out and bedding replaced. Roofs need to be cleared of snow and ice. Fencing, enclosures and tarps often need to be repaired. All of this in addition to the daily food preparations for breakfast and dinner feedings, dispensing of medications, changing dressings, washing and disinfecting food dishes and doing laundry for soiled blankets and towels.

In addition to Don’s personal 12 ducks and 22 geese, current winter residents include one chipmunk, two red squirrels, one gray squirrel, six foxes, and three deer, all of which require tending to at least twice a day. Some are carry-overs from last fall because they were too young or not healthy enough for release; the remainder are fall and winter rescues from vehicle hits, natural or predatory injuries and home “invasion” critters seeking food and shelter from the harsh elements. New admissions are evaluated and many are transferred to other rehabbers who have graciously offered their assistance to help keep animal care at Duck Pond manageable. Spring and summer rescues can quickly become overwhelming for Don and his two volunteers, one of whom is only available on weekends.

Any time during the day Don may need to respond to rescue calls, set up and monitor traps, transport severely injured wildlife to the vet, or pick up food donations from Hannaford, Wal-Mart, animal shelters, etc. Being on-call 24/7 requires patience, understanding and flexibility in his schedule. He is most appreciative of folks who can meet him at a half-way point or bring the animal directly to Duck Pond if they can safely transport it.

In addition to the day-to-day activities of operating the rehab center, annual state and federal reports have to be submitted at this time of year, with license renewal applications due every two and five years, respectively. Don doesn’t have a computer, so I’ve been helping him by downloading forms, copying, etc. I even have reminders on my own calendar of their due dates so we don’t forget! As a nonprofit organization, he has to keep accurate records of all donations, whether they are cash, checks or gift cards (Hannaford and Walmart are visited weekly), for tax preparation and filing. I must admit I’ve been impressed with his up-to-date files. I think Carlene trained him well!

Don and his volunteers appreciate and thank the other rehabbers who continue to generously accept critter transfers from Duck Pond.

Donald Cote operates Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center on Rte. 3 in Vassalboro. It is a non-profit state permitted rehab facility which is supported by his own resources and outside donations. Mailing address: 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro ME 04989 TEL: (207) 445-4326. Please note the previous e-mail address is no longer monitored.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Ermine population stable; one of world’s top 100 most invasive species

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The different coats of the winter and summer ermine.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Last week, I received a phone call from a reader in Palermo who told me that for only the third time in the last 17 years, he spotted an American ermine crossing his back yard.

The American ermine or American stoat, Mustela richardsonii, is a species of mustelid native to most of North America.

It was long considered conspecific with the stoat, but a 2021 study found it to be a distinct species. The finding has been accepted by the American Society of Mammalogists.

Both ermines and mink belong to the same subfamily, which contains weasels, badgers, ferrets, polecats and wolverines. These two creatures share many features, but differ in several ways.

Ermines resemble the long-tailed weasel in general both appearance and coloration, but is smaller, has a shorter tail, and has white fur on the inner side of the hind legs.

The species is found throughout most of North America aside from most of Alaska (although it is found on some islands in southeastern Alaska), eastern Yukon, most of Arctic Canada, and Greenland. It reaches the northern extent of its range in Baffin Island and a portion of eastern mainland Nunavut and ranges from here to cover almost all of western North America south to northern New Mexico, and eastern North America south to northern Virginia. It is absent from most of the Southeastern United States and the Great Plains.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the ermine population as stable and of least concern.

In North America, where the ecological niche for rat- and rabbit-sized prey is taken by the larger long-tailed weasel, the American ermine preys on mice, voles, shrews, young cottontails, chipmunks, deer mice, jumping mice, and house mice. Usually the ermine kills by biting at the base of the skull. Small birds, frogs, small fish, and earthworms are other types of prey for ermines.

Ermines live and find cover from predators in hollow spaces from logs, burrows and man made structures. Ermines sometimes den within their prey’s nest and use their skin and fur as a lining for their den.

Ermines are mostly nocturnal, but may forage by day.

The ermine is listed as one of the top 100 most invasive species in the world. It was introduced to several areas to reduce rabbit populations and rapidly became a threat to ecosystems because of its vicious nature and ability to sustain itself on a variety of prey.

At one time, the ermine was sought for its attractive fur. During the winter months, the ermine’s fur turns white, making it a valuable and prized material for fur clothing. In medieval Europe, ermine fur was highly sought after for its rarity and beauty, and it was often reserved for use by royalty and other members of the nobility.

They breed in dense parts of the forest. The season for breeding is late springtime to the summer from July to August. The males mature in a year while the females only take three to four weeks to mature. The females carry a litter of four to seven babies for 255 days then gives birth.

Some of the larger wild predators of ermines are minks, martens, fishers, bobcats, coyotes, and large owls and hawks. Occasionally, a domesticated cat or dog may kill an ermine. Their small agile bodies help them evade these predators, while also allow them to compete with their predators for food in more barren months.

In spite of its bad smell and small size, however, the ermine is very self-confident, even rude – it often sits up and stares directly into the eyes of humans. Ermines do not dig its own den when they give birth, instead, they will take over old lemming burrows, food caches or graves.

According to my research, it appears that it is legal to have an ermine as a pet in Maine. However, I would advise to check with the state before owning one.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Which NFL team allegedly changed its geographical name in an attempt to attract a larger fan base?

Answer
In 1971, the Boston Patriots changed their name to the New England Patriots, when they moved to Foxborough.

Kennebec Valley Council of Governments names Joel Greenwood executive director

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Joel Greenwood, from the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments. (photo by Eric Austin)

The Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) has announced that its board of directors has appointed Joel Greenwood as executive director.

Eric Dyer, KVCOG Board of Director’s President and Town Manager of Readfield, announced “We are excited for the opportunity to bring one of our most talented and experienced employees into the executive director role on a permanent basis. Joel is already well known to our membership and fully aware of KVCOG operations and services, which will result in a near seamless transition for the organization.”

Dyer added, “In his new position Joel’s expertise as a planner will strengthen KVCOG’s essential role in supporting regional and local planning initiatives and provide deliberate and thoughtful leadership.

“I am very happy to be able to step up on a permanent basis to lead KVCOG as its next executive director, ” Greenwood said. “My long tenure and experience in the organization will make the transition as smooth and quick as possible. I’m grateful to continue working with the exceptional team at KVCOG that provides high-quality and valuable services to the municipalities of the Kennebec Valley.”

“As an organization, KVCOG will continue to look for new ways to assist communities across the region.” Greenwood succeeds Matthew Underwood, who tendered his resignation to the board of directors in late January. Joel has been with KVCOG since 2011 and has had more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit work, redevelopment, economic development in rural communities and all aspects of rural and urban planning. His years of experience in all aspects of KVCOG’s operations, existing relationships with its members and as an admired mentor and leader to the KVCOG team translates to a bright future for KVCOG and its member municipalities.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, February 29, 2024

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Remembering Bill Gemmill

The Lincoln County Historical Association (LCHA) recently lost long-time volunteer and trustee Bill Gemmill when he passed away recently. Bill and his wife Sally have been active and respected LCHA volunteers for many years; his passing is a great loss to LCHA as an organization, but more importantly to the many members of the LCHA community who counted him as a friend.

William Gemmill, 79, of Wiscasset, passed away peacefully at Togus Springs Hospice, on Sunday, January 21, 2024. Born on October 2, 1944, in New York City, he was raised by his parents Huber and Marion Gemmill in Short Hills, New Jersey.

Bill arrived in Wiscasset after retirement and became involved not only with LCHA but also shared his time and talents with the Maine Maritime Museum and Historic New England. We were all fortunate to benefit from his deep interest in decorative and folk arts, his experience as a collector and researcher of historic objects – particularly schoolgirl art, and his love of maritime history.

As he became more invested in the Wiscasset area, he began to add historical artifacts from the region to his collections and generously shared his growing knowledge of local history with LCHA. A faithful and active member of the Stewardship Committee that cares for our Old Jail and Museum in Wiscasset, Bill was instrumental in the production of the 2018-19 exhibit there, Sails on the Sheepscot. This exhibit was a wonderfully educational and carefully curated show that reflected Bill’s particular interest in nautical history. Bill also contributed to LCHA’s mission by both arranging and giving presentations of his own to the public. His knowledge and kind demeanor always meant his presentations and friendly conversations alike were educational and interesting.

Bill’s contributions to LCHA also included sitting on the finance and investment committee, where all looked to him as a leader with both extensive knowledge and sound judgment. Likewise, as a trustee, Bill demonstrated leadership that helped set the board on a path toward well-considered decisions that kept the organization on track for growth and success. Staff and trustees valued his input and looked for his advice and approval on organization-related decisions.

As Bill stepped back from board activities in recent months, his absence was notable, with several trustees expressing that they missed his guiding presence. Trustee George Keyes wrote, “Bill was a man of great wisdom which he expressed in an understated way with the result that his points or thoughts were of a very soothing nature in shaping further discussion at our trustee or committee meetings… Bill took his responsibilities very seriously and his contribution was of inestimable importance.”

The association was truly fortunate to have Bill among its organization’s leadership and he will be greatly missed. LCHA staff and trustees extend their condolences warmly to Sally at this time.

LEE-PAUL VEILLEUX

WATERVILLE – Lee-Paul Veilleux, 52, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024. He was born on November 25, 1971, in Waterville, to his parents Jean-Paul Veilleux and Gabrielle F. Veilleux (Rossignol).

Lee attended Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, until the sixth grade and continued to Lawrence Jr. and Sr. high schools, in Fairfield, class of 1990. During one summer vacation while in elementary school, Lee became “Youth of the Year” at the Waterville Boys and Girls Club, winning a 10-speed bike which he was very proud of, for his participation/activity efforts for that summer.

Lee, along with his brother Normand, served as Acolytes at Notre Dame Church, in Waterville.

He worked at Goodwill-Hinckley School, in Hinckley, helping at-risk youths finding their way in life. Lee had worked at other jobs such as in accounting with Wal-Mart, advertising for Uncle Henry’s and as an associate at Bull Moose music.

Lee had developed an early love for reading, which led him to write his own short stories and novels and was in the process of getting published. Moreover, Lee had expanded his talent to photography for the illustrations of his writings, and received an online certificate from, “New York State of Photography” course, which furthermore helped him in opening his own photography business. With his creativity, he also received his cosmetology license from the State of Maine. As anyone who knew Lee, he was an enamored a die-hard Superman fan, relating to anything Superman – movies, TV series, and comic books, also becoming a collector of all of these.

Lee will be missed by many of his relatives and friends, including Ron Reynolds and Ethan Pierce, from Central Maine. Lee liked going camping, spending time outdoors and taking road trips with them, and spent much time creating special memories with their families, playing pseudo uncle to their children, who will also miss him dearly.

Lee-Paul was predeceased by his father Jean-Paul Veilleux, and his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Marie-Louise Veilleux, from Canada, and maternal grandparents, Phillip and Louise Rossignol, from Waterville.

He is survived by his mother Gabrielle Veilleux; brother Normand Veilleux; and nephew Tresten Bergeron and wife Tiffany; his Godparents, Raymond and Yvonne Lefebvre, from Winslow; many uncles, aunts, and cousins from Canada and in the U.S.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 10 a.m., at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville. There will be light refreshments at the family’s residence, in Fairfield, shortly after his services for those wishing to attend.

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 in Lee’s name to the National Kidney Foundation, at Attn: Gift Processing at National Kidney Foundation HQ, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016, or online at http://www.support.kidney.org.

RICHARD McPHAIL

FAIRFIELD – Richard “Dickie” McPhail, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 6.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Saturday, March 16, at 11 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, on 26 Monument St., Winslow, followed by a celebration of life at the St. John Catholic School, 15 South Garand St.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home. A full obituary can be viewed at http://www.lawrybrothers.com and memories and an online guest book can be signed.

GAIL M. DAVIS

FAIRFIELD – Gail Marie Davis, 86, a longtime resident of Fairfield, died on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, in Augusta. She was the daughter of Mary and Joseph Leonard, born on November 6, 1937, in Camden.

She attended Vassalboro schools. At age 18 she married Douglas Davis and together they raised three children, Rhonda, Greg, and David. Dougie and Lucille Davis were also Gail’s two stepchildren. Gail was a house wife and personal care assistant for the elderly.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband Doug; brother Jimmy, sister Mary; and her eldest son Greg. When Gail was a child, she also lost two of her brothers in a tragic drowning accident.

She is survived by her children Rhonda Levine, David Davis and wife Jill; grandchildren Nicole Levine, Gregory Davis, and Haley Davis; brother Martin and his wife Evelyn and daughter Tiffany; great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A spring graveside service and celebration of life will be determined at a later date.

JEANNINE GENEST

OAKLAND – Jeannine Genest, 78, of Oakland, passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.

Although Jeannine had many health ailments over the years, she courageously battled her illnesses with every fiber of her being. Instead of focusing on herself, she devoted her energy to her family and friends, which resulted in a home that was welcome to all. Over the years, she and Bob hosted many people at their lakefront home, playing one of their favorite board games “tocks”, taking boat rides, chatting, laughing, and cooking large meals for everyone. One thing was certain, anyone who came to visit never left with an empty stomach.

Celebrating holidays with her children and grandchildren was a tradition of utmost importance to her. She maintained close associations with her many relatives and traveled from Fort Kent to Connecticut, visiting with them while spending time reminiscing, playing cards, or visiting a casino. She had a very special lifelong relationship with her aunt Cecile, cousin Louella, and dear friend Pat. On occasion her travels took her to Florida, Las Vegas, and a once in a lifetime cruise to Bermuda.

Jeannine was known for her commitment and dedication to doing what’s right and had a strong work ethic. Prior to her retirement she worked for the Maine DOT Maintenance and Operations, in Fairfield, as an office manager, then moved on to an administrative role in Augusta. Before that she worked at Keyes Fibre Co. (now Huhtamaki), in Waterville, and Scott Paper Company, in Winslow. She was also a member of the supervisory committee at KSW Federal Credit Union, in Waterville. Another personal accomplishment, one she was very proud of, was the fact that later in life she was able to continue her studies and graduated from Thomas College, in Waterville, with a degree in business administration.

Because of her caring and generous nature Jeannine will be deeply missed, however her memory will live on through those who loved her.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years Bob; her daughter Renee and husband Rick, son Bob and wife Sacha; granddaughters Chantel and husband Dylan, Lexi, Rylie, Jaidyn; grandson Wyatt; and great-grandson Lucas; her siblings Lulu and Marie; sisters-in-law Susan, Paula and husband Don, Cheryl and husband Steve; brothers-in-law Dale, Mike and wife Peggy; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her mother Regina and father Renie; her sisters Rita and Jackie, her brother Gil; her mother-in-law Blanche, father-in-law Vincent; and sister-in- law Joan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Notre Dame/ Corpus Christi Parish, 116 Silver St., Waterville. All are welcome and invited to attend a Celebration of Life in the church hall immediately following the Mass.

Please visit Jeannine’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral. com/obituaries/jeannine-genest where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to carry on Jeaninne’s loving nature and pay it forward with a random act of kindness at https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-ideas.

ERIC B. FOGG

WATERVILLE – Eric B. Fogg, 67, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Eric was born on December 8, 1956, in Waterville, and was the youngest son of Leo and Avena Fogg.

Eric spent 15 years in Connecticut before settling in Vassalboro at the age of 17 where he remained until his passing.

Eric worked for several companies including; Cives Steel Co., in Augusta, Diamond International Co., in Oakland, and Northern Country Concrete before settling in the town of Winslow.

Eric was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman. You could always find Eric outside or spending quality time with his family.

Eric was predeceased by both his parents and his brothers, Dana Fogg and Verdel “Bud” Nash; his lifelong partner Robyn Philbrook, of Clinton, and their daughter Brandy Fogg; his parents-in-law Robert and Marie Philbrook, of Clinton; his brother Bruce Nash, of Dolores, Colorado; his cousin Ruth Woodbury; several nieces and nephews; his daughter Brandy and his niece Shenee Foster, of Clinton,.

There will be a celebration of life which will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating towards cremation and burial costs as family had expected more time with Eric. Donations may be sent to Robyn Philbrook, P.O. Box 274, North Vassalboro, ME 04962.

DAVID B. NEWELL SR.

CLINTON – David B. Newell Sr., 67, passed away at home, on Saturday, February 17, 2024. Dave was born in Fairfield on March 15, 1956. He was the son of Thomas I. Newell Sr. and Marjorie A (Ellis) Newell (deceased).

He attended Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, and graduated in 1976.

Dave’s career was with Fred’s Vending, in Waterville, where he worked for 25 years. Before that he was a milk delivery man for Fitzpatrick’s Dairy, in Benton. Dave coached the P.A.L. football and baseball teams for more than 20 years. As a true fan he watched the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox every weekend. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He liked the outdoors and camping with family, and he very much enjoyed playing pool and cribbage.

Dave held many lifelong friendships and enjoyed times spent around the campfire telling stories and cracking jokes. Dave was often in charge of safety meetings at camp and encouraged it frequently.

Dave is survived by his wife Tina (Short) Newell of 36 years; son, David and his wife Nicole and their children; daughter, Katie-Lyn and her husband Josh and their children; brothers Tommy and his wife Dru and their family, Danny and his wife Maureen and their family; his sister Mary and her husband Timmy Tinker and their family; his brothers-in-law Dana and girlfriend Liz, John and wife Ali and family, David and girlfriend Jaclyn; his sister-in-law Debbie Short.

Public visitations took place at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, at 107 Main Street, in Fairfield, on February 24, and a service was held following.

CLARA HUSTUS

FAIRFIELD – Clara Hustus, 99, passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024. She was born on June 4, 1924, to Bliss and May Lawrence, in North Abbington, Massachusetts.

She was a long time member of the Clinton Baptist church and enjoyed singing in church and in the choir. She loved her church family. Clara lived a long and full life and was looking forward to celebrating her 100th birthday in June.

Clara was an avid reader and spent many hours crocheting. She gave many crocheted doilies to her friends and family. She entered her handiwork into local fairs and was very proud of the ribbons they garnered.

She was predeceased by her husband, Louis Violette, who died in 1963. She then married Henry Hustus, who died in 2003, her sisters Ruth Lawrence, Marie Hart, and brothers, Paul Lawrence and Bliss Lawrence Jr.

She is survived by her children Louise Violette Dudley (Tim), of Clinton, Laurel Gustafson (Greg), of Clinton, Anthony Violette (Kay), of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Larry Hustus, of Dover, New Hampshire; grandchildren, Melissa, Amy, Meagan, Andrea and Nathan; great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Owen, Natalie, Wyatt, Quinton, Gus, Francis, Luke; and many nieces and nephews; her sister Barbara Witham; brother Robert Lawrence (Linda); and sister-in-law Carol Lawrence.

A celebration of life will take place on Friday, March 1, at the Clinton Baptist Church, at 2 p.m., with refreshments to follow in the fellowship hall.

Burial will take place at a later date at the Pittsfield Village Cemetery.

IDA-JOYCE LEVINE

BOSTON, Massachusetts – Ida-Joyce Levine, 81, passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024, in Boston, Massa­chusetts, where she had been living for the past few years after spending most of her life at her home in Waterville.

Ida-Joyce’s life revolved around family. She was a daughter, sister, niece, aunt, great-aunt, great-great aunt and friend. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary of those she loved, and she rejoiced in the joys of her family. She had a sharp mind and an excellent memory. She was a valued source of family history, including dates and events, and was appreciated for her caring attention to the details of the lives of her wide circle of family and friends.

Ida-Joyce always made enormous efforts to attend all family milestone events, and they brought her great joy. She excelled at staying in touch with all those she loved and was a wonderful correspondent via phone and written notes. Ida-Joyce graduated from Coburn Classical Institute, in Waterville, and attended Boston University.

She worked for many years as a librarian, first at the Social Law Library, in Boston, and then at the Maine State Library, in Augusta, for decades. She loved her work and her colleagues there who became lifelong friends.

She was an active member of Beth Israel Synagogue, in Waterville, and especially enjoyed events, educational opportunities, and services led by Rabbi Rachel Isaacs, who became a dear friend as well. Ida-Joyce was also active in and supported a Holocaust remembrance group in Maine and attended many Holocaust lectures over the years.

Ida-Joyce loved her home state of Maine and also loved to travel. She traveled to many countries throughout her life and recounted those trips with great detail and enthusiasm. She loved music, had a wonderful singing voice, and was a very talented piano player who played beautifully by ear.

Ida-Joyce is survived by her siblings Judith L. Brody (the late Judge Morton A. Brody), Robert A. Levine (Tobie) and Frederick E. Levine; 11 nieces and nephews; 32 great-nieces and -nephews; and one-great-great-nephew.

She was predeceased by her brother, Julius B. Levine, and by her parents, Lewis L. and Celia G. Levine.

The funeral for Ida-Joyce Levine was held at the Jewish Funeral Home, at 471 Deering Ave., Portland, on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Burial followed at Mt. Sinai Cemetery, Portland.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ida-Joyce’s memory to Beth Israel Congregation, P.O. Box 1882, Waterville, ME 04901.

ANNETTE M. UEBELHACK

OAKLAND – Annette Marie Uebelhack, 66, of Oakland, unexpectedly passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024, at home. She was born in Waterville on August 7, 1957, to Ernest and Violet Pelotte and has lived in Oakland her whole life.

Annette was known by different names such as Ma, Mimi, and Mrs. Maples, which she got from the local restaurant she loved. She enjoyed crocheting and knitting, but most of all, enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all the friends that came with them. She absolutely loved to crochet for the community; whether it be mittens or blankets, she always wanted to help whenever she could. She was so generous and caring that she would give whatever she had, whether it be coffee or a home cooked meal to anyone she met. She really knew how to make everyone feel welcome and loved.

Annette is predeceased by her parents, Ernest and Violet Pelotte, brothers Alan Pelotte and Robert Pelotte, son Benjamin Uebelhack, grandson Connor Trask, and great granddaughter Leah Wentworth.

She is survived by her husband Russell Uebelhack; sons John Hippler Jr. and wife Cami, of Oakland, Alan Hippler, and wife Melanie, of Augusta, and Neil Uebelhack, of Waterville; daughter, Samantha Allen and husband Jeffery, of Sidney; grandchildren, Rajel Hippler, Michael Hippler, Kaia Trask, Caden Trask, Steven Anthony, Taylor Hippler, Dylan Hippler, and Emily Hippler; two great-grandchildren, Reigan and Caysen Wentworth; her brother and sister; nieces, and nephews.

A graveside service will be held in the spring.

For more information, please reach out to her family members.

Arrangements are entrusted to the compassionate care of Wheeler Funeral Home, located at 26 Church Street, Oakland. Memories of Annette can be shared, and an online register book can be signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

ROLAND J. GAGNON

WHITEFIELD – Roland J. Gagnon, 88, died Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta, following a brief illness. He was born in Augusta on January 24, 1936, a son of the late Eugene Gagnon, Sr. and Valeda (Caouette) Gagnon.

Mr. Gagnon attended Augusta schools and was a communicant of St. Augustine Catholic Church, in Augusta.

He had been employed for over 30 years with the State of Maine, Department of Improvements and had previously worked for Pare and Liberty Painters.

Mr. Gagnon enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, archery, outdoor photography, winning prizes for some of his pictures.

In his late teens, he began bodybuilding to help with his asthma.

He was a former member of the Le Club Calumet, in Augusta, Capitol Sportsman’s and Archery Club and area snowmobile clubs.

Mr. Gagnon was predeceased by his brothers, Eugene Jr., Ronald and Roger.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa A. (Thibodeau) Gagnon, of Whitefield; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

At his request, there will be no public visiting hours or funeral service. Burial will be held in the spring.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Rt. 32, Windsor.

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

OTHERS DEPARTED

IRA SYLVESTER

MELBOURNE, Florida – Ira Sylvester, 97, passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. Born in Waterville, he was the son of the late Elwood and Eva (Hamlin) Sylvester.

Ira was raised on a small farm in East Winslow, attending local schools and working different jobs, including working in the woods and picking up milk at local dairy farms.

In 1955 Ira began a distinguished military and civil service career that sent him and his family around the globe. After retiring in 1991 he and his wife Isobel moved to Florida where he enjoyed life to the fullest.

He was predeceased by his brothers Fred, Merlon and Ralph Sylvester, and sisters Irene Blomiley and Jessie Brooks.

Ira is suvived by his wife of 65 years Isobel (Murdoch) Sylvester; his son Bruce Sylvester and partner Kim, of Oakland, his daughter Shona Cox, of Melbourne, Florida; and three granddaughters Samantha, Melissa and Adhley Sylvester, all of Oakland; and many nephew and nieces.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday March 3, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post #8835, in Winslow.