FOR YOUR HEALTH: Helping Alleviate Children’s Anxiety
At bedtime, when lights go out…sometimes thoughts stay on. A new children’s book can help.
(NAPSI) — If your children are like most, they get anxious from time to time—but you can help them get over it.
The Problem
In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), even with the best parenting, 80 percent of little ones feel that unpleasant emotion.
Some Answers
Fortunately, there are several ways you can help.
For one thing, the NIH suggests parents of younger children can help them “come back to earth” from spiraling thoughts with the 3-3-3 rule: Ask your child to name 3 things they can see, identify 3 sounds they can hear, and move 3 different parts of their bodies.
For another, one of the most anxious times for little ones is at bedtime. Scary things and worries flutter and flap around, making it hard to sleep. A calming nightly routine, including reading to your children, however, lets them settle down for the night.
Bedtime Reading Can Help
According to the Children’s Bureau of California, reading to your child at bedtime builds trust in them that you will be there for them. With a little imagination (and a lot of love) you can create a cozy nest for happy thoughts—and sweet dreams for your kids. One excellent new picture book that can help with that is “My Thoughts Have Wings,” by Maggie Smith. The bestselling author of the viral poem “Good Bones” and the memoir “You Could Make This Place Beautiful” delivers a lyrical and reassuring book great for calming active minds at bedtime (or anytime).
The poetic book was inspired by Smith’s own daughter who dealt with intrusive thoughts at night. It’s an fine way for children to recognize and name unsettling thoughts and provides an empowering, reassuring strategy for self-soothing.
The colorful hardcover is aimed at children from preschool through grade 3, published by HarperCollins and available wherever books are sold.
Learn More
For more information or to order the book, visit www.harpercollins.com.
REVIEW POTPOURRI: A childhood memory
by Peter Cates
A childhood memory
Among my many childhood memories were the innumerable Sunday drives, when gas was inexpensive, down to Pemaquid, Rockport, Port Clyde, Belfast, Owl’s Head, St. George.
One particular memory is of the humongous rock quarries in St. George and it was brought to mind when I was browsing in Maine: The Pine Tree State from Prehistory to the Present (1995, University of Maine Press) and came across a paragraph on the beginnings of the quarry industry during the early 19th century:
“Maine’s granite quarries were first opened by local companies using local capital. These were usually small firms with fewer than twenty-five employees. The business was fiercely competitive, as was the construction industry generally, and wages and profits fluctuated widely. In the second half of the century, the industry was stabilized through two developments. During the 1870s, the federal government issued lucrative contracts for public buildings, known as “fifteen percent contracts” because they guaranteed that amount of profit to the builders and, by extension, to the suppliers. Several large quarry owners gained a monopoly over these contracts and profited heavily. ”
Needless to say, greed increased with the wealth and relations between management and labor deteriorated.
Dean Martin
Dean Martin
Dean Martin recorded two quietly wistful ballads – Dreamy Old New England Moon; and Three Wishes – on a ten-inch Capitol 78 that was released in April 1949. What particularly enhanced Dino’s decently professional singing was the exquisitely crafted arrangements of Paul Weston who directed a studio orchestra consisting of some of the best strings and woodwinds session players to be found on the west coast and a backup group of harmonizing women.
NCIS Hawai’i
Vanessa Lachey
Though not quite on the same level as the Mark Harmon original, NCIS Hawaii’s first seven episodes for season one have proven entertaining. Vanessa Lachey as Jane Tennant, the lead agent for the Pearl Harbor branch of the Navy Criminal Investigation Service, had conveyed commendable presence.
Madeline Zima
Episode 5, Gaijing, which deals with the murder of a visiting Japanese officer, has an unusual plot twist. A woman who was close to both the victim and his girlfriend who had been murdered the previous year is the prime suspect because of what seems to be a psychopathic personality disorder. It’s the surprising plot twist that gave this episode unusual merit.
Madeline Zima’s performance as the suspect was quite extraordinary in her development of this character.
Leopold Stokowski
Leopold Stokowski
A 12-inch acoustically recorded shellac of the concluding part three of the Overture to Wagner’s opera Tannhauser had Leopold Stokowski conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra in one of the most exciting performances to be heard when the horn was used for recording instead of the microphone. Stokowski not only drew extraordinary playing from the orchestra but achieved the most vivid sound from the still crude horn technology.
Stokowski’s other discs from before 1924, when Victor developed the electric microphone system, were also quite vivid in sound. And he would live long enough to record with stereo and four channel microphone set ups before he passed away in 1977 at the age of 95, and with a recording contract until he reached 100.
Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Some early Maine poets
by Mary Grow
As promised last week, no more ponds for a while. Instead, your writer turned to Thomas Addison’s chapter on Literature and Literary People, in Henry Kingsbury’s Kennebec County history. She hopes you will enjoy meeting a few of the writers mentioned.
Addison’s definition of literature covers almost anyone who wrote: newspaper people, historians, educators and sundry others. Your writer has chosen arbitrarily to begin with selected poets.
Many of the names Addison mentioned have no on-line references. Others are listed only as contributors to a book titled The Poets of Maine: A Collection of Specimen Poems from over Four Hundred Verse-makers of the Pine-tree State, compiled by George Bancroft Griffith and published in 1888.
Your writer found excerpts from this book on line. The samples she read have brief biographies and selected poems.
* * * * * *
Amos Lunt Hinds’ book,
Uncle Stephens
A large number of writers came from Augusta, Gardiner and Hallowell. Addison listed surprisingly few from Waterville or towns farther north, and not many from smaller towns.
An exception was the Town of Benton, identified as the home of poets Amos Lunt Hinds and Hannah Augusta Moore.
Amos Lunt Hinds (born in Benton Nov. 12, 1833, or sometime in 1834; died in Benton, April 24, 1908) was the son of Asher Hinds (born in Benton May 2, 1792; died in Benton April 23, 1860) and Lucy Harding (Turner) Hinds (1801 – July 2, 1883), who was either the first or second of his two wives (sources disagree).
The on-line description of Forgotten Books’ 2018 reprint of Amos Hinds’ 1905 Uncle Stephen and Other Verses includes Hinds’ introduction. The poet said the poems were written over 40 years; some had been published in newspapers and magazines, locally and out of state. Hinds collected them into a book “at the suggestion and request of old friends, to whom they are submitted with affectionate greeting.”
An article in the Jan. 10, 1906, issue of the Colby Echo (found on line) republishes a Dec. 27, 1905, Waterville Evening Mail article on the publication of Uncle Stephen. Hinds is described as a Colby graduate, Class of 1858, and a resident of Benton Falls.
The unnamed writer of the article mentioned several poems with local connections.
The one titled The Soldiers ‘ Monument was “read at the unveiling of the monument in this city on May 30, 1876.” The newspaper quoted one verse:
Long let this musing soldier stand,
‘Neath free New England skies,
To all that love the fatherland,
Type of self-sacrifice.
General Isaac Sparrow Bangs, in his military history included in Edwin Carey Whittemore’s Waterville history, describes the founding of the Waterville Soldiers’ Monument Association in March 1864, before the Civil War ended. Its purpose was to provide a memorial to honor Waterville residents who died in the war.
The first fund-raising events were that month. After a Nov. 29, 1865, event, Bangs wrote, the association apparently went dormant until June 1875. By then, donations and interest totaled $1,000, and the town gave a matching sum.
Association committees were formed to design the monument and find a site. Two more fundraisers May 16 and 17, 1876, added $350, and the Waterville Soldiers’ Monument, in what is now Veterans Memorial Park, at the corner of Elm and Park streets, was dedicated on Tuesday, May 30, 1876, Memorial Day.
Another of Hinds’ poems, Old Block House, was about Fort Halifax, in Winslow, the 1906 newspaper writer said.
Uncle Stephen, “the first and longest poem in the volume,” honored Stephen Crosby, whom the writer called “one of the early settlers of that portion of Winslow which lies adjacent to Benton Falls.”
Crosby owned a grist mill, and during 1816, the Year without a Summer, he “endeared himself to his generation and his memory to other generations, by refusing to profit by the distress of his neighbors, continuing to sell corn, of which he had a store, at the ordinary price.”
On-line genealogies say Amos Lunt Hinds married Lettice Orr Reed (1834 – Jan. 26, 1910), and name only one child, Lucy Turner Hinds (1866-1966). The “Colby Echo” article says Amos was the father of Asher C. Hinds, Colby 1883 (but see box on the Hinds family).
* * * * * *
Poets of Maine says Hannah Augusta Moore was born in Wiscasset on March 15 of either 1827 or 1828. Her grandfather was Colonel Herbert Moore, of Waterville; her father, Herbert Thorndike Moore, is identified as “of New York City.”
Her mother, who is not named, and her father were both poets, the biography says. The family moved to Philadelphia when Hannah was “a small child” and she started writing there. Then she lived in New York (City?) “for many years.” In 1886, she “came back” to Benton, which she called “dear native land.”
The biography does not say when Hannah had previously lived in Benton, and the following text is not helpful. It says that after her mother died (no date given), she “attended school at Waterville, Me.”
As soon as Moore settled in Benton, Ephraim Maxwell, publisher of the Waterville Mail newspaper, began publishing her work.
Moore wrote under pseudonyms, including Helen Bruce and Wanona Wandering. The biography explains that she avoided “Hannah” “from a dread that she might be supposed to consider herself a second ‘Hannah More.'”
(Hannah More [Feb. 2, 1745 – Sept. 7, 1833] was a British writer whose works included plays and poetry, mostly religious.)
The biography says it was Moore’s own choice to live “like a hidden singer in a hedge.” Her poems were available in the United States and in Europe, and many were set to music. One collection, titled “Plymouth Notes,” sold 40,000 copies in Europe in its first year.
The biography ends by quoting “June in Maine,” one of Moore’s best-known poems. The first stanza reads:
Beautiful, beautiful summer!
Odorous, exquisite June!
All the sweet roses in blossom,
All the sweet birdies in tune.
The poem urges readers to go outside and enjoy
All the dim aisles of the forest
Ringing and thrilling with song;
Music—a flood-tide of music—
Poured the green valleys along.
And
Buttercups, daisies, and clover,
Roses, sweet-briar, and fern,
Mingle their breath on the breezes—
Who from such wooing could turn?
* * * * * *
Frances Parker Mace
Frances Parker (Laughton) Mace is another Maine poet, who was a friend of Moore’s. Wikipedia says she was born in Orono, Jan. 15, 1836 (or, one source says, 1834, citing her tombstone), daughter of Dr. Sumner Laughton and Mary Ann (Parker) Laughton.
The family moved to Foxcroft in 1837. Mace’s education included Latin “and other advanced subjects” at Foxcroft Academy when she was only 10 years old. Her first poems were published when she was 12, some in The New York Journal of Commerce, Wikipedia says.
The Laughtons moved to Bangor, and Mace graduated from Bangor High School in 1852. Wikipedia says her most famous poem was published in the “Waterville Mail” when she was 18, suggesting a Waterville connection by 1854 – did she and Moore meet then? Your writer found no evidence.
This poem is titled Only Waiting. It was inspired by a friend who asked an elderly man in a poor-house what he was doing and received the reply, “Only waiting.”
The poem begins:
Only waiting till the
shadows
Are a little longer grown,
Only waiting till the
glimmer
Of the day’s last beam
is flown;
Till the night of earth
is faded
From the heart, once full
of day;
Till the stars of heaven
are breaking
Through the twilight
soft and gray.
It goes on to describe the man’s readiness to leave his weary life for the company of angels.
The poem was published in the Waterville Mail under the pseudonym “Inez.” Later, a hymn-writer named Mrs. F. A. F. Wood-White, from Iowa (according to one on-line source), claimed she had composed it, creating a dispute that was eventually resolved in Mace’s favor.
Mace married a lawyer named Benjamin Mace in 1855, and for the next 20 years was busy with eight children, four of whom died young. She began writing again when their eighth child was two years old, with a poem published in Harper’s Magazine.
Her collected poems were published in the 1880s, before and after the family moved to San Jose, California, in 1885. She died in Los Gatos, California, on July 20, 1899.
NOTE: For those interested in seeking out poems mentioned in this article, your writer found on line:
Two recent reprints of Amos Lunt Hinds’ Uncle Stephen and Other Verses: a 2016 hardcover edition by Palala Press, and a 2018 paperback by London-based Forgotten Books.
Three reprints of The Poets of Maine: in 2008 by Kessinger Publishing (Vol. 2 only); a 2017 paperback by Forgotten Books; and a 2023 paperback by Creative Media Partners, LLC.
Listed as available on amazon.com, in January 2024: copies of Frances Laughton Mace’s two poetry collections, Legends, Lyrics and Sonnets, originally published in Boston, Massachusetts, by Cupples, Upham, in 1883; and Under Pine and Palm, originally published in Boston by Ticknor, in 1888. No publisher is given.
More about the Hinds family
On-line sources say poet Amos Lunt Hinds had three younger brothers and a younger sister. The brothers are listed as Albert D. Hinds (1835-1873); Asher Crosby Hinds (1840-1863); and Roswell S. Hinds (1844-1864). The sister was Susan A. Hinds (1837-1905).
Find a Grave website says the Asher Crosby Hinds who was born Jan. 7, 1840, in Clinton, served in Company G of the Third Maine Infantry during the Civil War. He started as a corporal and mustered out as a sergeant. The website quotes the beginning of his obituary from the April 2, 1863, Piscataquis Observer, which says he died in Benton at the age of 23.
Amos and Asher’s brother Albert and his wife Charlotte (Flagg) named their first son, born in 1863, Asher Crosby Hinds.
Wikipedia says Asher Crosby Hinds, born Feb. 6, 1863, and died May 1, 1919, represented Maine’s First District in the U. S. House of Representatives for three terms, from 1911 to 1917.
The article says he attended Coburn Classical Institute and graduated from Colby College in 1883; worked for a Portland newspaper beginning in 1884; and from 1889 to 1911 held clerical positions in the Maine House of Representatives, working for the Speaker.
Hinds edited two procedural manuals, Wikipedia says, an 1899 edition of the Rules, Manual, and Digest of the House of Representatives and in 1908 Hinds’ Precedents of the House of Representatives.
The article cites a 2013 study showing the Precedents “successfully altered the behavior of House representatives, as they became less willing to appeal decisions of the chair.”
This information leads your writer to conclude that Rep. Asher C. Hinds was Amos and Lettice Hinds’ nephew, not their son.
Amos Lunt Hinds and a dozen other family members are buried in Barton-Hinds Cemetery on Eames Road in Winslow, according to Find a Grave.
Main sources
Kingsbury, Henry D., ed., Illustrated History of Kennebec County Maine 1625-1892 (1892).
Whittemore, Rev. Edwin Carey, Centennial History of Waterville 1802-1902 (1902).
Websites, miscellaneous.
LEGAL NOTICES for Thursday, March 28, 2024
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 March 21, 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.
2024-061- Estate of ALAN C. HENSLEY, late of Moscow, Maine deceased. Susan Hovey, 42 Stream Road, Moscow, Maine 04920 appointed Personal Representative.
2024-068 – Estate of RAMONA B EVERETT, late of Anson, Maine deceased. Steven Everett, PO Box 198, Anson, Maine 04911 appointed Personal Representative.
2024-071- Estate of BETTINA L. EMERSON, late of Palmyra, Maine deceased. Denise A. Bowley, 30 High Street, Newport, Maine 04953 appointed Personal Representative.
2024-072 – Estate of HERBERT EDWARD BRINKMAN, late of Pittsfield, Maine deceased. Sonja Littlewolf Letourneau, 9615 SE Boise St., Portland, OR 97266 appointed Personal Representative.
2024-073 – Estate of GERALD E. LONGSTREET, late of Fairfield, Maine deceased. Jeffrey Longstreet, PO Box 115, Fairfield, Maine 04937 appointed Personal Representative.
2024-074 – Estate of PERCY SAVAGE, late of Madison, Maine deceased. Cherris Sincyr, 1 Butler St., Madison, Maine 04950 and Virginia Savage PO Box 255, Guilford, Maine 04443 appointed Co-Personal Representatives
2024-075 – Estate of DELORES ISABELLE OBERT, late of Madison, Maine deceased. Evelyn Ireland, 95 Madison Road, Norridgewock, Maine 04957 appointed Personal Representative.
2024-076 – Estate of CHARLES LAWRENCE WUEPEL, late of Smithfield, Maine deceased. Victoria Dudley, 71 Quaker Lane, Smithfield, Maine 04978 appointed Personal Representative.
2024-079 – Estate of ROBERT S. HENDERSON, late of Norridgewock, Maine deceased. Janet K. Henderson, PO Box 24, Dresden, Maine 04342 appointed Personal Representative.
2024-080 – Estate of DONALD HOWARD LUCE, late of Norridgewock, Maine deceased. Penny A. Fortin, P.O. Box 137, Norridgewock, Maine 04957 appointed Personal Representative.
2024-082 – Estate of ROBERT E. WALKER, SR., late of Fairfield, Maine deceased. Kimberly A. Garcia, 115 Fairmount Circle Drive, Apt 18, Norridgewock, Maine 04957 appointed Personal Representative.
2024-088 – Estate of VIOLET N. COFFIN, late of New Portland, Maine deceased. Clay R. Coffin, 633 E. 4th St., Litchfield, MN 55355 appointed Personal Representative.
2024-089 – Estate of WILLIAM A. GREENE, late of Skowhegan, Maine deceased. Cathy Gifford, 57 Gifford Place, Oakland, Maine 04963 appointed Personal Representative.
2024-091 – Estate of GAYLE L. FOULKES, late of Skowhegan, Maine deceased. Kimberly T. Greenleaf, 21 Dr. Mann Road, Skowhegan, Maine 04976 appointed Personal Representative.
2024-092 – Estate of MERIEM A. PROSSER, late of Pittsfield, Maine deceased. Sharon L. Hogan, 46 Bryant Road, St. Albans 04971 appointed Personal Representative.
2024-094 – Estate of GAIL M. DAVIS, late of Fairfield, Maine deceased. Nicole C. Levine, 6 Charland Terrace, Waterville Maine 04901 appointed Personal Representative.
2024-095 – Estate of ROBERT P WHITTEN, late of New Portland, Maine deceased. Barbara W. Bachman, 24 Parkwood Drive, Unit 2, Augusta, Maine 04330 appointed Personal Representative.
2024-096 – Estate of ELLA CHRISTENSEN, late of Madison, Maine deceased. Karen McKay, 354 Kimball Pond Road, New Sharon, Maine 04955 appointed Personal Representative.
TO BE PUBLISHED March 21, 2024 & March 28, 2024
/s/Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(3/28)
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 April 3, 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.
2024-037 – ELLA IRENE MCTIGHE. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Kevin McTighe, 114 Bryant Road, St. Albans, Maine 04971 and Liza McTighe, 767 Todds Corner Road, St. Albans, Maine 04971 requesting minor’s name be changed to Francis Irene McTighe for reasons set forth therein.
2024-041 – DAWN JEAN SABINS. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Dawn Jean Sabins, P.O. Box 541, Skowhegan, Maine 04976 requesting name be changed to Dale Jean Hazlitt for reasons set forth therein.
2024-042 – JAMES EDWARD SABINS. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by James Edward Sabins, P.O. Box 541, Skowhegan, Maine 04976 requesting name be changed to Sam Edward Hazlitt for reasons set forth therein.
2024-044 – CHARLOTTE LEEANN PADILLA. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Lizzet Tarafa, PO Box 481, Bingham, Maine 04920 requesting name be changed to Charlotte Leeann Hughes for reasons set forth therein.
2024-062 – ERICA LYNN FREDRICK-ROCK. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Erica Fredrick-Rock, P.O. Box 340, Pittsfield, Maine 04967 requesting name be changed to Erica Lynn Rock.
2024-069 – JESSICA-ANN ELIZABETH MAHAN. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Jessica-Ann Elizabeth Mahan, 20 Park Drive, Canaan, Maine 04924 requesting name be changed to Jessica-Ann Elizabeth Munsart for reasons set forth therein.
2024-070 – JACOB ALLYN MARSHALL. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Jacob Allyn Marshall, 107 Main St., Apt. 4, Skowhegan, Maine, 04976 requesting name be changed to Mina Alexandria Marshall for reasons set forth therein.
2024-083 – KAITLIN LEE TAKALIS. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Kaitlin Tatakis, 16 Adams Street, Skowhegan, Maine 04976 requesting name be changed to Kyle Ivan Lee Tatakis.
Dated: March 18, 2024
/s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(3/28)
Legal Notice
TOWN OF FAIRFIELD
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Fairfield Town Council will hold Public Hearings in Council Chambers, at the Community Center, at 61 Water Street, on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of hearing public comments on the following matters:
• A Special Amusement Permit renewal application for the purposes of entertainment, music and dancing submitted by the American Legion Post #14, located at 86 Main Street.
• Public Hearing: To hear public comments on the Annual Town Budget Meeting Warrant.
Copies are available at the Town Office. All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearings and will be given an opportunity to be heard at that time.
Signed: Christine Keller,
Town Clerk
Erskine Academy second trimester honor roll (2024)
(photo credit: Erskine Academy)
Grade 12
High Honors: Tristan Anderson, Leah Bonner, Heather Bourgoin, Elizabeth Brown, Nolan Burgess, Nathalia Carrasco, Elise Choate, Marshall Clifford, Caleigh Crocker, Brielle Crommett, Noah Crummett, Skyler Danforth, Isabella Day, Keira Deschamps, Hailey Estes, Kaylee Fyfe, Aaralyn Gagnon, Meilani Gatlin, Caleb Gay, Tucker Greenwald, Nathan Hall, Natalie Henderson, Anna Jarosz, Hannah Kugelmeyer, Henrique Leal Ribeiro, Landon Lefebvre, Aidan Maguire, Liberty Massie, Holden McKenney, Akela Mitchell, Lucas Mitchell, Austin Nicholas, Jeremy Parker, Nathan Polley, Jessica Pumphrey, Evelyn Rousseau, Max Sanborn, Jamecen Stokes, Reese Sullivan, and Baruch Wilson. Honors: Abigail Adams, Lacey Arp, Duncan Bailey, Isabella Boudreau, Kellsie Boynton, Robin Boynton, Wyatt Bray, Kaleb Brown, Carol Caouette-Labbe, Makayla Chabot, Timothy Christiansen, Simon Clark, Alexia Cole, Connor Coull, Thomas Crawford, Gavin Cunningham, Jesseca Eastup, Hunter Foard, Cole Fortin, Brayden Garland, Julius Giguere, Nathan Grenier, Sammi Jo Guptill, Tara Hanley, Jessica Hendsbee, Trinity Hyson, Stephanie Kumnick, Mackenzie Kutniewski, Logan Lanphier, Sophie Leclerc, Jack Lyons, Abigail Miller, Royce Nelson, Alejandro Ochoa, Alyssa Ouellette, Keith Radonis, Christine Smith, Giacomo Smith, Adam St. Onge, Kinsey Stevens, Gavin Turner, Ryan Tyler, Jack Uleau, Haley Webb, Elijah York, and Maddison Zepeda.
Grade 11
High Honors: Daphney Allen, Emmett Appel, Emily Bailey, Noah Bechard, Rylan Bennett, Octavia Berto, Jayda Bickford, Brooke Blais, Olivia Brann, Carter Brockway, Keenan Clark, Hannah Cohen-Mackin, Andra Cowing, Lauren Cowing, Gabrielle Daggett, Trinity DeGreenia, Aidan Durgin, John Edwards, Ryan Farnsworth, Keeley Gagnon, Hailey Garate, Ellie Giampetruzzi, Echo Hawk, Serena Hotham, Kailynn Houle, Alivia Jackson, Walker Jean, Ava Kelso, Sophia Knapp, Jack Lucier, Owen Lucier, Eleanor Maranda, Jade McCollett, Abigail McDonough, Shannon McDonough, Madison McNeff, Colin Oliphant, Makayla Oxley, Noah Pelletier, Carter Rau, Elsa Redmond, Lillian Rispoli, Laney Robitaille, Carlee Sanborn, Joslyn Sandoval, Aislynn Savage, Kyle Scott, Jordyn Smith, Zoey Smith, Larissa Steeves, Kaylee Tims, and Clara Waldrop. Honors: Haileigh Allen, Jeffrey Allen, Ava Anderson, Bryana Barrett, Brody Campbell, Paige Clark, Madison Cochran, Dylan Cooley, Aydan Desjardins, Brady Desmond, Lucas Farrington, Addison Gagne, Kaylene Glidden, Jonathan Gutierrez, Trent Haggett, Brandon Hanscom, Landen Hayden, Emma Henderson, Rion Kesel, Kaiden Kronillis, Bodi Laflamme, Chase Larrabee, Shelby Lincoln, D’andre Marable, Kaeleigh Morin, Gavyn Paradis, Ava Picard, Alyssa Pullen, Victoria Rancourt, Justin Reed, Nathan Robinson, Achiva Seigars, Emily Sprague, Parker Studholme, David Thompson III, Grace Vashon, and Adrianna Vernesoni.
Grade 10
High Honors: Connor Alcott, Emily Almeida, Kylie Bellows, Addyson Briggs, London Castle, Nathan Choate, William Choate, Drew Clark, Lillian Clark, Madeline Clement-Cargill, Sylvia Davis, Joshua Denis, Audryanna DeRaps, Charles DeSchamp, Lauren Dufour, Madison Gagnon, Madison Griffiths, Mia Hersom, Halle Jones, Kasen Kelley, Kayle Lappin, Jacob Lavallee, Ava Lemelin, Nathaniel Levesque, Jack Murray, Elijah Nelson, Jordyn Parise, Ruby Pearson, Elijah Pelkey, Isabelle Pelotte, Emily Piecewicz, Taisen Pilotte, Hannah Polley, Desirae Proctor, Michael Richardson, Owen Robichaud, Leahna Rocque, Jackie Sasse, Edward Schmidt, Kathryn Shaw, Madelynn Spencer, Kayla Stred, Gentry Stuart, Abigail Studholme, Donovan Thompson, Kammie Thompson, and Addison Witham. Honors: Savannah Baker, Gavin Bartlett, Brock Bowden, Kolby Caswell, Saunders Chase, Timothy Clavette, William Ellsey Jr., Jacob Faucher, Solomon Fortier, Stephen Gould, Brandon Haley, Aiden Hamlin, Willow Haschalk, Evan Heron, Easton Houghton, Aidan Huff, Jacob Hunter, Alexus Jackson, Timothy Kiralis, Savannah Knight, Brayden McLean, Parker Minzy, Tucker Nessmith, Phoebe Padgett, Jacoby Peaslee, Abigail Peil, Jackson Pelotte, Kameron Quinn, Eli Redmond, Alexander Reitchel, Autumn Sawyer, Jaelyn Seamon, Benjamin Severy, Nichala Small, Benjamin Sullivan, Phoebe Taylor, Addison Turner, Charles Uleau, Isaac Vallieres, Finnegan Vinci, Oryanna Winchenbach, Brody Worth, and Maddilyn York.
Grade 9
High Honors: Isaac Audette, Olivia Austin, Jeremiah Bailey, Linnea Bassett, Luke Blair, Jackson Blake, Silas Bolitho, Madeline Boynton, Delaney Brown, Liam Burgess, Emma Casey, Olivia Childs, Hunter Christiansen, Khloe Clark, Owen Couture, Jilian Desjardins, Robin Dmitrieff, Logan Dow, Isabella Farrington, Adalyn Glidden, Cody Grondin, Addison Hall, Madison Harris, Eva Hayden, Reid Jackson, Ivy Johns, Callianne Jordan, Chantz Klaft, Gaven Miller, Annie Miragliuolo, MacKenzie Oxley, Bryson Pettengill, Caylee Putek, Tayden Richards, Jessika Shaw, Lailah Sher, Bryson Stratton, Gabriel Studholme, Sabrina Studholme, Kaleb Tolentino, Cayden Turner, Carter Ulmer, Isabella Winchenbach, and Eryn Young. Honors: William Adamson IV, Ariana Armstrong, Ashton Bailey, Delia Bailey, Benjamin Beale, Hailey Boone, Cassidy Brann, Logan Chechowitz, Tyler Clark, Connor Crommett, Ryley Desmond, Kiley Doughty, Nolan Dow, Kelsie Dunn, Bella Dutilly, Wyatt Ellis, Gavin Fanjoy, Danica Ferris, Madison Field, Gianna Figucia, Scott Fitts, Audrey Fortin, Colby Frith, Nicholas Gould, Paige Greene-Morse, Lilly Hutchinson, Evan James, Channing Kelly, Peyton Kibbin, Maverick Knapp, Bryson Lanphier, Sawyer Livingstone, Jack Malcolm, Jasai Marable, Kate McGlew, Gage Miller, Alexis Mitton, Jacoby Mort, Emi Munn, Madeline Oxley, Molly Oxley, Layla Peaslee, Teagan Pilsbury, Sovie Rau, Samuel Richardson, Colton Ryan, Lucas Short, Braeden Temple, Mackullen Tolentino, Tyler Waldrop, and Brayden Ward.
CRITTER CHATTER: Is it really hibernation?
by Jayne Winters
At several recent visits with Don Cote at Duck Pond Wildlife rehab, I couldn’t help but notice that the resident chipmunk has seemed more “chipper” (pun intended) than usual. Despite his rehab stint in the living room, I suspect his natural internal clock is nudging him about the warmer weather, signaling him to become more active, seek food, prepare for nesting and maybe even find a mate.
We all know that hibernation is the time of year when some animals pack it up for the winter and instead of moving south, hunker down to snooze until spring. Survival depends upon their ability to decrease their body temperature, as well as their heart, respiratory and metabolic rates. I was surprised to learn there are only three true hibernators in Maine: little brown bats, whose heart rate drops from 1,000 beats per minute to five; groundhogs, who spend the winter in a den located below the frost line and above the water table, dropping its body temperature to 38°; and meadow jumping mice, who spend only two weeks fattening up and won’t wake to eat or drink until spring.
Other species can reduce their body temperature and metabolic rate during the winter are not considered true hibernators because they rouse easily and can become active during warm periods. This semi-hibernation is called ‘torpor’ and Maine critters that utilize this behavior include black bears, skunks, racoons and reptiles. Reptiles are considered cold-blooded because they can’t produce their own body heat – their temperature is controlled by their environment. When the cooler days of fall arrive, they go into a dormant period called “brumation” [I’d never heard of this!], during which they can survive long periods without eating, but still need to drink to prevent dehydration.
Back to the chipmunks: At around 40°F, they start gathering nuts, seeds, twigs, and other items in those cute little cheek pouches, moving large quantities of food into their burrow storage rooms called ‘caches.’ They’re always busy, gathering up to 165 acorns per day! An enormous amount of food can be held in their cheek pouches, which can stretch to three times the size of the head. Within just two days, a chipmunk will have collected enough food to last through the whole winter. They don’t sleep for the entire season, but wake up occasionally to bring their body temperature back to normal, eat to build up their fat reserves, urinate and defecate. In addition to maintaining a constant lower body temperature for the winter, they slow their heart rate from the usual 350 beats per minute to only four beats per minute. A new study has found that as winter temps become milder because of global warming, chipmunks may become less likely to hibernate in the coldest months. Research indicates that follow normal hibernation procedures have a winter survival rate of about 87 percent, while those that remain active because of warm winter weather are almost certain to die by spring.
I’ve noticed a couple of Chippies in our yard the past few days and I’m sure the little guy at Duck Pond will be happy to be released back into the wild where he can start filling those cheeks!
Don and his volunteers appreciate and thank the other rehabbers who continue to generously accept critter transfers from Duck Pond. Please check the following web sites to see if there is one near you: https://www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html . 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: Incoming! Excitement builds for the return of ice giants
An iceberg floats past a village in Newfoundland. (photo by Terrance Klassen)
by Roland D. Hallee
A strange phenomenon occurs every spring in the north Atlantic. Large icebergs come floating down the south shore near Ferryland, Newfoundland, Canada. People journey to the site – some traveling thousands of miles – to see this spectacle.
For the locals, it’s no big deal. But for others, seeing them for the first time, it’s a breath taking sight.
Slowly, an entire flotilla of massive chunks of ice several stories high gradually make their way south from Greenland.
Most years, hundreds of icebergs break off from glaciers and their one- to three-year nomadic journey begins. If the winds are favorable enough, they reach “iceberg alley,” an area of the Atlantic that roughly stretches from the coastal waters off Labrador, in Canada, south along Newfoundland.
In 2019, 1,500 icebergs were sighted.
Meteorological and oceanographic conditions – wind direction, ocean currents and air and sea temperatures – play a role and impact the flow of the icebergs, determining how big a show Mother Nature will put on each year, according to the U.S. Coast Guard International Ice Patrol, which monitors the area off Labrador and Newfoundland for icebergs.
The icebergs have become a major attraction, giving rise to some iceberg tourism and delivering lucky spectators with a front-row seat to an unusual parade.
Tour boats actually venture out for a closer look at any number of the many icebergs. However, they never get too close in case the icebergs continue to break up.
Speaking of boats, could it be possible that one of these giant icebergs was responsible for the sinking of the RMS Titanic? The sea disaster happened on April 14, 1912, in the north Atlantic when the British luxury passenger cruise liner collided with an iceberg off the coast of Newfoundland. The timing would be right.
These gigantic icebergs in Greenland can reach up to 300-feet above sea level. That, plus most of the icebergs are not visible, with 90 percent of an iceberg’s size beneath the surface. Some take on odd shapes as they melt, even looking like ice castles by the time they pass along the Canadian shore.
As many enjoy the icebergs and all of what they have to offer, some are concerned, hoping that future generations will be able to marvel at these giants of nature as many do today.
They should be enjoyed while they last, with the current climate changes, there’s no guarantee we’ll see this spectacle in years go come.
Where to Watch
Iceberg Alley stretches from the coast of Labrador to the southeast coast of the island of Newfoundland. Some of the more popular places from shore, or from tour boats, are (from north to south): St. Lewis, Battle Harbour, Red Bay, Point Amour, St. Anthony, La Scie, Twillingate, Fogo Island, Change Islands, Bonavista, St. John’s / Cape Spear, and Bay Bulls / Witless Bay. All of these locations are accessible by road. The first four, which are on the coast of southern Labrador, can be accessed by car ferry from the island of Newfoundland year round. The further north, the longer the iceberg season.
Time of Year
The icebergs come through Iceberg Alley from spring to early summer. As you move north, the season stretches a bit longer. April and May are the months when bergs are most plentiful, but they may be locked up in sea ice, so it is suggested late May and early June for best viewing.
Are you planning a vacation to Newfoundland, yet?
So, you thought he was wrong
I’ve heard it, and even half expected it. Back on February 2, my weather prognosticating groundhog, Woodrow Charles, predicted six more weeks of winter. Everyone snickered when March came in like a lamb, and the weather just continued to improve as the month went on, to the point that by the first day of spring, there was not a snowflake to be found anywhere. My crocuses and tulips are up, my rhubarb had broken ground, even my lilac tree showed some buds. My friend the groundhog had been wrong. And then came March 23. Six weeks following February 2, a major snow occurrence, and March is going out like a lion.
Roland’s trivia question of the week:
This New England Patriots QB holds the team record for most passing yards in a season. Who is he?
Area scout leaders recognized for efforts in reorganizations
From left to right, Sabrina Garfield, Christopher Santiago, and Jamie Santiago receive their James D. Boyce New Unit Organizer Awards at the Kennebec Valley District Scouting Recognition Dinner, held on March 24, at the Winslow Parks and Recreation Hall. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)
by Chuck Mahaleris
William D. Boyce signed the papers to make the Boy Scouts of America official at exactly 11:03 a.m., on February 8, 1910. On March 24, volunteers from across the area gathered at the Winslow Parks and Recreation Hall to honor three Scouting leaders who helped get two new Scouting programs off the ground to benefit their respective communities. Sabrina Garfield, of Winslow, and Christopher and Jamie Santiago, of Vassalboro, were recognized for restarting Cub Scout Packs #445 and #410, respectively, in 2022 and keeping them active and vibrant. The award they received was named for Chicago publisher William D. Boyce.
William D. Boyce was in London in 1909 when he got lost in the fog. Out of the fog stepped a “little lad of 12” who offered to help him find his way. Boyce tried to give the youngster a tip, but the boy refused, saying he was just doing his Good Turn as a Scout. Boyce was intrigued by the Scout Movement, which had begun in 1907 in England. He returned home from England with pamphlets, badges and a uniform. Six months later, on February 8, 1910, Boyce incorporated the Boy Scouts of America.
The William D. Boyce award is presented to those who help start a new or restart a defunct Cub Scout Pack, Scout Troop, Venture Crew or Sea Scout Ship. In essence, the recipient must lead the entire process of organizing a new unit. The process begins when a prospective chartered organization is assigned and ends when the new unit renews its charter for the first time and receives Journey to Excellence recognition at the Bronze level or above.
“I am so thankful to my Scouting village,” Sabrina Garfield said. “I am grateful for this experience with my kids, not just because of what it teaches them but because it’s so much more than just that. It’s a family affair. Cub Scouting gives the kids a chance to teach things to others and to learn from others. It’s taught them about leadership and teamwork and how to compromise. It’s taught me too. And I have met some pretty amazing people through this journey.”
Christopher Santiago said, “Scouting is a true labor of love for me and as much as I do, I wouldn’t be able to do it without the supportive and engaged parents in my two units representing the Town of Vassalboro and Vassalboro BSA Scouting Troop #410 and Pack #410, as well as the amazing Scouters whom I have come to know as mentors and colleagues. These awards are because of all of them!”
OBITUARIES for Thursday, March 28, 2024
CLIFFORD A. RISINGER
FAIRFIELD – Clifford A. Risinger, 69, passed away peacefully in his sleep from complications of dementia on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Woodlands Senior Living, of Brewer. He was born April 30, 1954, son of Parmelie Sturtevant and Augustine Risinger, a resident of Fairfield.
Cliff graduated high school in Waterville, with an interest and accolades in engine building. He worked various careers throughout his life, primarily employed as a mechanic, but enjoyed any labor that involved working with his hands. He also had a deep connection with religion and enjoyed his time with friends and family at the Clinton Baptist Church.
Cliff was predeceased by his older brothers, Sonny Risinger and Allen Risinger, and sister Diane Roy.
Cliff is survived by his sisters, Phyllis Baker and Marilyn Carroll, and brother Mike Risinger; children, Michelle Risinger, Mark Risinger, and Rachel Risinger.
A funeral service was held on Saturday March 23, at Clinton Baptist Church, 10 Spring St., Clinton.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, Main St., Fairfield.
MARILYN F. NELSON
FAIRFIELD – Marilyn F. Nelson, 75, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2024, following a short battle with liver cancer. She was born August 28, 1948, the daughter of Charles W. Hersey and Madeline F. (Richardson) Hersey.
Marilyn grew up in Waterville and Fairfield, graduating from Lawrence High School in 1966. She started working at the Norridgewock Shoe Shop in 1970 and married Jeff in 1971. Marilyn stayed at the shoe shop until they closed in 1981. She then started at Kmart in 1988 and spent the next 25 years there until retiring in 2014. She has spent the last nine years at the Fairfield Public Library, a job she loved.
Marilyn loved being around people, she certainly was a social butterfly. She was at every event, talking with all the people. She could not go into a store without running into someone she knew. She loved meeting with her graduating class at O’Brien’s, going to quilting class, and knitting. She used to love golfing, bowling, and traveling with Jeff in their motorhome. She especially loved all the special gatherings with friends and family. She was one popular lady.
She is survived by her son Mark and wife Cindy; daughter Jaime and husband Kevin Nutting; granddaughter Kayla Nelson; grandson Kobe Nutting; great-grandchildren Parker, Rylee, and Lane; brother-in-law Peter Nelson and wife Sandra, brother-in-law Jon Nelson and wife Wendy; sister-in-law Nancy Hersey; nieces, nephews; and cousins.
Marilyn was predeceased by her parents Charles and Madeline Hersey; brother Brian Hersey; husband Jeff Nelson; sister-in-law Wendy (Nelson) Lane; and nieces Carrie Nelson and Sally Nelson.
A graveside service will be held Friday, April 12, 2024, at 1 p.m., at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt Vernon Road, Augusta, with reception to follow.
Please visit Marilyn’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/marilyn-nelson-2024 where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.
In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Marilyn’s memory to The American Cancer Society or The American Diabetes Association.
LENDALL STEWART
CLINTON – Lendall Stewart, 77, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 7, 2024. He was born on August 21, 1946, in Waterville, the son of the late Harvey Stewart Sr. and Leatrice (Moore) Stewart.
Lendall worked 10 years at Skiland Woolen Mill , in Clinton, and retired from Huhtamaki, in Waterville, after 38 years of service.
Lendall enjoyed the simple things in life, puttering in his garage, long rides, camping at Mt. Blue State Park, feeding the birds, watching the Red Sox and a cold beer. His greatest pride and joy in life was his family; his daughters Laurie and Vick, being Grampy and Dee to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. We will miss you.
He was predeceased by his parents, his in-laws Victor and Beverly Buck; two brothers Andy Stewart and Harvy Stewart Jr.
Lendall is survived by his wife and best friend of 57 years, Sherry (Wiggy) Stewart; his daughters Laurie Austin and her partner Ernie Forrest, Vicki Fisher and son-in law Jamey Fisher; granddaughter Jessica Richards and her daughter Graciana Beverlee; grandson Christopher Richards, his wife Nicole and their children Anna, Wyatt, and Beckett; grandson Evan Fisher and wife Kali; granddaughter Abbi Fisher; three sisters Sheila Giles, of Madison, Wanda Pelotte and husband Raymond, of Oakland, and Ona Stewart, of Massachusetts; two brothers Percy Stewart, of Fairfield, and William Stewart, of Waterville.
The family will not be having any public services.
Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.
DIANNE J. HOWARD
BENTON – Dianne J. (Brann) Howard, 69, passed away peacefully, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, on Monday, March 11, 2024, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Dianne was born in Augusta on November 14, 1954, the daughter of Paul and Eleanor Brann. She graduated from Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, in 1973 and earned her degree in Bioscience from Kennebec Valley Technical Center, in Fairfield.
Dianne retired from Elanco (f/k/a Lohman Animal Health) in 2021. While working at Lohman Animal Health, she met her husband, Gerald Howard Jr., and they were married on August 26, 2006. Her coworkers provided her with many funny and heartwarming memories, which she shared frequently. She also made some lifelong friends, who she cherished greatly.
Dianne was predeceased by her parents; siblings, Darrell Brann, Cherryl King, and Donna Jenney; and granddaughter, Callie Noonan.
She is survived by her husband; son, Derek Jenney, his wife, Angela, and their sons, Kevin and Glenn, of Waterville; daughter, Dori Noonan, her husband, Brad, and their children, Tyler, Dawson, and Brooklyn, of Oakland; great-granddaughter, Lydia Noonan; and several nieces and nephews; her sister, Shirley Young (whom she lovingly nicknamed Bob), and her brother-in-law, David.
Dianne’s life was celebrated at her funeral on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Shawmut Chapel, 57 Bray Avenue, Shawmut, Maine.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dianne’s name to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.
ARTHUR C. RAY
SIDNEY – Arthur Charles Ray, 80, of Sidney, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, following a long illness. Born in Brunswick on June 30, 1943, he attended Waterville schools and enjoyed activities at the Boys’ Club where his grandfather, Andrew Armstrong, had been custodian and unofficial mentor. Arthur graduated from Waterville High School in 1961. In 1966 he graduated from the University of Maine, Orono with a B.S. degree in electrical engineering.
Arthur was a career employee of Central Maine Power Company. During that time, he became a professional engineer and finished his career as the manager of distribution engineering.
“Art,” as he was known, had many and varied interests. He was a life-long learner and a true historian. Genealogy was a particular interest, and he kept meticulous family records. Maine history was another passion. Art presented historical programs at libraries, historical societies, retirement communities, and at UMA Senior College. As a board member of UMA Senior College, he helped initiate an annual film series and the Brown Bag Lunch programs.
Art loved to ski and was a Sugarloaf season pass holder for many years. He was gifted in stained glass art and oil painting. Art loved cats and enjoyed music and the daily crossword puzzle. He had an independent spirit and will be truly missed by his family and those who knew him.
Arthur was predeceased by his parents, Clarence Ray and Louise (Armstrong) Ray, of Waterville; and his sister-in-law, Irene Ray, of Cocoa Beach, Florida.
He is survived by brother, Herbert Ray, of Cocoa Beach, Florida, and twin brother, Robert Ray and his wife Joyce, of Dunbarton, New Hampshire; nieces Jennifer Johnson (husband Christopher), Heather Radl (husband Andrew), and Rebecca Brooks (husband Timothy); and nephew, Jay Ray; special friend, Mary Read; grandnieces, grandnephews; and many cousins.
A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Waterville. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at DirectcremationofMaine.com.
Remembrance gifts may be sent, in Art’s memory, to the Alfond Youth Center, 126 North St., Waterville, ME 04901.
PAUL F. ZIBURA
WINDSOR – Paul Francis Zibura, 64, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Paul was born on June 1, 1959 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, to Mary and Francis (Frank) Zibura.
He grew up in Clifton, New Jersey, and was a clarinet player in the Clifton High School Mustang Band which competed nationally. He moved with his family to a farm in Windsor, in 1977. He received his associate degree in Fire Protection from Laconia Vocational Technical College, in Laconia, New Hampshire, in 1984, with concurrent on-the-job training at the Gilford Fire Department as a live-in student.
Paul’s true calling in life was to serve his community. He absolutely loved his career as a firefighter and paramedic. Paul and his brothers acquired an emergency radio scanner in 1974 which heavily influenced their collective interest in fire science. Paul worked for the Gardiner Fire Department beginning in 1984 and then joined the Augusta Fire Department in 1987. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2009 and retired from service in 2014. Paul’s devotion to fire science and strong work ethic motivated many of his peers and was the primary inspiration for his son Adam’s service as a Public Safety Communications Specialist (dispatcher) for the Maine State Police and volunteer firefighter for the Windsor Fire Department.
The only passion of Paul’s that could rival his dedication as a first responder was his love for his family. When he was not working, Paul could usually be found helping his son, Adam, practice karate, playing catcher for his daughter Ashley’s softball pitching lessons, spending time with his siblings at ‘The Red House’, or enjoying a stack of pancakes at AHOP with family and friends. During his retirement, Paul enjoyed caring for his son’s horse, Beamer.
Paul was known for his dry sense of humor, commitment to his exercise routine at the Augusta YMCA, love of diner food, and penchant for dessert. He was also an avid sports fan, rooting for the Boston Red Sox, New York Football Giants, and The Ohio State football team.
Paul is survived by his daughter, Ashley Zibura and her husband Brad; daughter-in-law, Angelia (Lia) Zibura; his sisters Nancy (Ann) Castonguay, Margaret Libby and her husband Parker, Theresa Caliccio and her husband Wolfgang, and Karen Condon; and his brothers, David Zibura, Francis (Skip) Zibura and his wife Roxanne, and Matthew Zibura; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A period of visitation was held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Windsor, Maine 04363. A funeral service was held on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at the funeral home. A reception followed at the Windsor Fire Department.
Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the following charities in Paul’s honor: the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), the All Clear Foundation which aims to improve to overall wellbeing and mental health of our first responders, the Kennebec Valley Humane Society (KVHS), and the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA).
RICHARD D. HAYES
JEFFERSON – Richard D. Hayes, 77, died Monday, March 18, 2024, at the Sedgewood Commons, in Falmouth, following a long illness. Richard was born in Gardiner, a son of the late David J. and Celia (Jones) Hayes.
Dick grew up on the family farm on the Mountain Road, in Jefferson. He loved to play baseball and claims he learned to count and add by playing cribbage! Dick attended Erskine Academy, in South China, and graduated in 1964.
After high school, he served in the U.S. Army. He attended White Sands Missile School and was deployed to Korea during the Vietnam War.
Subsequently, he was employed by Central Maine Power Co. for over 43 years, retiring in 2011. He held many different positions. He read meters, worked at Mason Station, in Wiscasset, and repaired transformers and substations, amongst other duties.
Dick was an avid deer hunter, checkers player, motorcycle enthusiast, martial artist and was an Amway distributor for many years. He also enjoyed watching stock car racing and helping out his nephew Ryan who raced at Wiscasset Speedway.
Richard is survived by his ex-wife and good friend, Tina Hayes, of Jefferson; his son, Robert Jones and longtime partner June, of West Gardiner; two daughters: Debra Peacock and Joanne Parkin and her husband Jay, all of West Gardiner; two brothers, Robert Jones and his wife Donna and Randall Hayes and his wife Margo, and a sister, Ramona Leeman, all of Jefferson; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral service was held at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Rte. 32, Windsor, on Wednesday, March 27. Burial will be at a later date in Shephard Cemetery, Rte. 32, Jefferson.
Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.
Memorial Donations can be made to Jefferson Area Community Food Pantry, c/o St. Giles Episcopal Church, 72 Gardiner Rd., Jefferson, ME, 04348, or Inn Along the Way, 741 Main St., Damariscotta, ME, 04543.
KATHERINE G. LAWRENCE
SIDNEY – Katherine Gloria Lawrence 81, of Sidney, died Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Winterberry Heights Senior Living Community, in Bangor. She was born in Belgrade, on March 30, 1942, the daughter of Lauren and Annie (Clark) Rideout.
Katherine attended Belgrade and Augusta schools.
She was predeceased by her husband Claustin, her parents Lauren and Annie Rideout, in-laws Levi and Marian Lawrence, brother Kenneth Rideout, sisters Evelyn French, Annie Trask and Barbara Sproul.
Katherine is survived by her three children, daughter Brenda Beaulieu and husband Clement, of Sidney, son Claustin “Chuck” Lawrence and wife Belinda, of Holden, and daughter Annie Nickerson and husband Glenn, of Sidney; three grandsons, Claustin Lawrence, of Millinocket, Brandon Lawrence and wife Janine, of Eddington, Dustin Lawrence, of Eddington; sisters, Lena Worthing, Dorothy Moulton, Irene Rideout, Ramona Dean and husband Joseph; brother Ralph Rideout and wife Karolyne; several sistes-in law, Priscilla Rideout, Idona King and husband Dennis and Elaine White; several nieces and nephews.
Katherine worked for Statler Tissue, in Augusta, for over 30 years until it closed. She worked for her son’s business Tradewinds Marketplace/Variety Stores from packing natural foods to cooking for all the associates which she truly enjoyed interacting with all of them as well as their customers. She was also known as the famous fudge lady for her daughters stores.
Katherine enjoyed family vacations, trips to Florida to see her sister Ramona and husband Joe, whom she spent lots of time with in Maine and Florida, enjoyed having lawn sales so she could talk to all the people. She touched many lives all who met her loved her.
There will be a spring graveside service, at Springer Hill Cemetery, in Sidney.
A Celebration of Life was held on Monday, March 25, 2024, at Le Club Calumet, 334 West River Road, Augusta, Maine.
Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner Maine.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staple Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Maine, 383 US – 1 #2C, Scarborough, ME 04074, in Katherine’s honor.
JEAN G. MYRICK
UNITY – Jean (Getchell) Myrick passed away peacefully on Friday, February 2, 2024.
A grave side service will be held on June 8, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., at the Unity Pond Cemetery. Please visit http://www.lawrybrothers.com to read the entire obituary and sign an online guest book.
CHARLES P. GAGNON
WATERVILLE – Charles “Charlie” P. Gagnon, 74, of Waterville, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. He was born on July 22, 1949, in Waterville.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, Silver Street, Waterville.