Devyn Deleonardis earns scouting’s Eagle rank

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Amanda Deleonardis pinning the Eagle Scout medal on her son’s uniform. (Photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

The First Congregational Church of North Anson was alive with activity on Saturday, December 16, as family, friends, and fellow Scouts joined to witness the pinning of Scouting’s highest rank on Devyn Deleonardis.

Devyn is the son of Frederick and Amanda Deleonardis and lives in North Anson where he attends Carrabec High School.

He will be turning 18 in January and his time as a youth member of Scouting will come to a close. It is fitting that he received the Eagle Scout award before becoming an adult leader with Troop #481. Devyn is no stranger to leadership. As part of his Eagle Scout project, he led others in building and distributing little lending libraries to five area communities. In Scout Troop #481, Devyn has served as Senior Patrol Leader and Chaplain Aide. “Some ways that I have demonstrated leadership skills other than my Eagle project, Community Libraries, are when I taught the clove hitch knot to guests at the Community Literacy event; helped Solon Elementary School’s field day event by teaching the students a game and led them through it as they played; and when I wrote and gave a speech for the position of Student Council member.”

Devyn chose to have his Eagle Scout ceremony at his church because of his strong personal faith. “I believe that my life purpose,” he explained in his Life Ambition Statement that was presented along with his Eagle Scout application, “is to spread the news of Jesus, to follow him, and to help others any way that I can.” During the ceremony, Devyn presented Mentor Pins to two of his Scout leaders, his parents and to Pastor Dave Walz. Pastor Walz praised Scouting during the ceremony saying, “Bless the Scouts and bless all who seek to serve and be servants to others.”

Devyn received congratulatory notes from the members of Maine’s Congressional Delegation, State Representative Larry Dunphy and the Boy Scouts of America. Alfred McKay, Commander of the American Legion Department of Maine, presented Devyn with an actual Eagle feather. The Legion had to receive official permission from the US Fish and Wildlife Service to present the feather as the Eagle is a protected species. In fact, both bald eagles and golden eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Devyn plans to attend the University of Maine Farmington next Fall and study to become a teacher.

The Good Trail: Tall Nancy is coming tomorrow

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by Lisa Lichterfeld

“Tall Nancy is coming tomorrow.” Selwyn gives one of his world weary sighs, signaling resignation, since his default stance towards visitors is generally averse. This gets me going with a quick retort. “You are incredibly lucky that tall Nancy chooses to come here and spend time with you.” Selwyn is equally quick to make eye contact and state “You’re right. Tall Nancy is an angel.”

When I took a seasonal farm position at Johnny’s Seeds, some of my friends – fellow parents of young athletes who are part of the Unified Champion Club – asked how they could be supportive. I was concerned about leaving my husband home alone for that length of time. Selwyn is physically frail and has growing memory loss and confusion. He had become increasingly dependent, needing support for many daily life activities. Nancy offered to come one day a week and stay for four hours. She developed her own routine into which she incorporated sweeping and cleaning the kitchen, bringing in the recycling barrel from the road, making and eating lunch with Selwyn, and rubbing Selwyn’s feet. Now everyone reading this understands why the term “angel” can be applied to Nancy. The tall part is because – well, she is tall, and that is how Selwyn distinguishes her from the other Nancys in our circle of friends.

Three weeks after I started working at the farm, I quit. It just wasn’t working out. Making sure the needs of my husband and my daughter were being met through coordinating daily support from my friends and family became too stressful. And Selwyn had deteriorated further due to his anxiety with all of the arrangements.

Tall Nancy said “Can I still come over on Tuesdays?” And so we established a pattern and a growing friendship and camaraderie as Nancy volunteered her time so that I could take a physical and mental breather from the demands of home life.

One day as Nancy was leaving our home I said “you are our hero Nancy”. That afternoon Nancy was walking the trail in Benton with her son Jonathan and his direct support person Kevin.

Chet started working at New Balance 23 years ago, right out of high school. New Balance, as a workplace, encourages its employees to embrace a culture of giving. This aligns with Chet’s own values and temperament. “I’m not going to drive by someone on the road with a flat tire, and not stop.” He hopes that this ethos continues to live on in his sons Christian 21, and Trenton 11.

On the first of July, Chet was driving around looking for a local ball game to watch. It was his first day of vacation. He sat on the bleachers at the Wrigley field, in Waterville, and watched a not so typical game.

All the batters hit the ball – either from multiple pitches or a T. Every hit, catch and run was cheered by the spectators. There was a great deal of elation, and rarely any sense of defeat. Chet was watching the Unified Champion Club. In the UCC team, some players are more skilled and they are able to play more competitively with one another. Others are beginners, or less skilled, and even the most competitive in the field will stop, wait, fumble the ball, and otherwise take steps to make sure that person makes it to first base.

While eating ice cream and observing this unusual ball game, Chet couldn’t help overhearing a conversation taking place a few rows down on the bleachers. Our very own tall Nancy was telling her other mom friends about her dream to have a swing built at her home that was large enough for her six-foot three-inch, 30-year-old son Jonathan. Jonathan is largely non-verbal, and does not participate in team sports, but comes to many of our team events. At the ball field he usually spends his time on the swings. He so loves to swing that he will endure the discomfort of having the too small swings (designed for children) cut into his hips, leaving open areas that have to heal.

This conversation percolated in Chet’s mind, and he decided that he wanted to build that swing. He talked to his friend and co-worker Maggie and she immediately wanted to finance the project. “Word got around and pretty soon everybody was saying ‘I want to help’.”

Now it was up to Chet to find the woman with the son who needed a swing. He went back to the ball field for the next two weeks on the same day at the same time, only to be disappointed. Determined to find them, he called the AYCC, spoke to Patrick Guerette and was informed that the one time that he had watched our game was on an alternate night due to bad weather. The next week he would finally be able to find us on the correct evening.

But he did not have to wait that long. Running on the river trail in Benton, he saw one of the people who he remembered from the game. It was Kevin, one of the partners in the UCC.

Once you have seen Kevin, you will remember him. Noticeably short with a very long, full, dark beard, Kevin is one of the most approachable people I know. Always up for a bit of fun, and frequently a bit of mischief. Chet stopped his run and began rapidly explaining how he recognized Kevin, and how much he wanted to build a swing for “that woman and her son”.

At some point, tall Nancy who was patiently watching this conversation unfold, leaned towards Kevin and whispered “well, shall we tell him?”.

And that is how Chet met Nancy and Jonathan.

Money was pooled from all of those involved with the major portion coming from Maggie.

When the materials were purchased, Dan from Hammond Lumber contributed funds to the project as well. Justin, Jimmy, and Chet built the swing with Chet’s son Trenton and Justin’s son Nick, assisting. Chet’s wife Renee beautified the landscape around the swing, planting flowers that continued to bloom right through the summer.

It all happened in a single day when Jonathan was out with Kevin and his partner Jill. Jonathan doesn’t like having people in his home and can sometimes become quite upset. But upon returning to the house at the end of the day, the smile and immediate adoption of the swing could not be mistaken for anything less than Joy. No matter how many people stood by and watched!

On the same day that I called Nancy “our hero”, she met Chet on the trail. As though synchronized by a writer’s pen, the trail of good deeds made itself visible. The service Nancy so graciously gave to us, and the very tangible and large swing that brought joy to Jonathan (and some respite for Nancy), seemed to be linked. At least in Nancy’s mind. Because the next time she came over, she said “You see, I better keep coming, because good things are happening!”

Love to my good friends Nancy Moore, Jonathan Tingley, Kevin Taft and Jill Currier. And love to those helpers I have not met – Chet, Renee and Trenton Hanscom, Maggie Diagle, Justin and Nick Cote, Jimmy Lucas, and Dan Doray.

The Unified Champion Club is a non-profit that operates out of the AYCC providing sporting events and memberships to adults with special needs and their partners. It brings people together whose destiny it is to assist one another in celebrating our beautiful lives. All donations towards this endeavor are welcome.

Lisa Lichterfeld is also the author of the book “My Name is Kwayah” written from the perspective of her daughter with Down Syndrome, and available on Amazon.

Issue for December 21, 2023

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Issue for December 21, 2023

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

The Town Line newspaper office will be closed the week of December 25, 2023, for the staff’s annual vacation. There will be no issue on Thursday, December 28, 2023. The next issue will be published Thursday, January 4, 2024. The office will re-open on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 9 a.m.

Celebrating 35 years of local news

Vassalboro groups present veterans with Christmas stockings

At St Bridget Center on December 11, 2023, with Christmas music in the background, a dozen volunteers from American Legion Post #126, Cub Scout Troop #410, Sew for a Cause, and the Vassalboro United Methodist Church filled 200 Christmas stockings with personal care products and goodie bags for veterans at Togus. The stockings were made and donated by Sew for a Cause…

Windsor’s Elwin Hussey dies at age 100

WINDSOR – Elwin F. Hussey, 100, died peacefully at home on Saturday, December 9, 2023, following a short illness. The only child of Harland and Mildred (Shuman) Hussey, he was born in 1923, the same year his parents started their new business, Hussey’s General Store…

Town News

Select board meeting draws large audience

VASSALBORO – As expected, the Dec. 14 Vassalboro select board meeting attracted a large audience – 70 or more people filled the Vassalboro Community School cafeteria, 60 or so to listen to or join discussion of the Vassalboro Sanitary District’s sewer rates…

The Remembrance Tree

The Town Line’s Remembrance Tree…

Name that film!

Identify the film in which this famous line originated and qualify to win FREE passes to The Maine Film Center, in Waterville: “It’s not a tumor!” Email us at townline@townline.org with subject “Name that film!” Deadline for submission is January 4, 2023…

Local happenings

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Community Blue Christmas Ceremony shines a light on winter solstice

OAKLAND – The ShineOnCass Foundation will host its 3rd Annual Blue Christmas Ceremony for grieving families and friends, and those who support them, Thursday, December 21, at 6 p.m., at the Oakland Gazebo, Oakland Waterfront Park, Willey Point Road, on the Winter Solstice – the longest and darkest night of the year… and many other local events!

Obituaries

ALBION – David M. Goodhue, 102, of Albion passed away at Togus Veteran Hospital on Thursday, December 14, 2023. David was born on November 11, 1921 in Sidney, to Martin and Evelyn Goodhue… and remembering 5 others.

Celebrating Maine history

Click here for all of our recent stories about the local history of Maine!

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Sebasticook dams & Josiah Hayden

CENTRAL ME HISTORY — An on-line map of Winslow, Maine (which readers might find helpful), shows the Kennebec River, running roughly north-south, as the town’s western boundary. The Sebasticook River joins the Kennebec from the east about halfway between the town’s north and south lines… by Mary Grow

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Dams and Mills

VASSALBORO HISTORY — The list of old dams on China Lake’s Outlet Stream started last week with dams in Vassalboro, as far downstream as the North Vassalboro dams described below… by Mary Grow

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Vassalboro dams

VASSALBORO HISTORY — As last week’s article on the Masse family suggested, from the late 1700s through the 1800s central Kennebec Valley entrepreneurs dammed streams and rivers to provide water power for industry… by Mary Grow

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Louis Masse

VASSALBORO HISTORY — When Louis Masse’s name appeared in last week’s article on the Starrett family of China, knowledgeable Vassalboro residents might have been surprised. They thought he was theirs, founder of the family that owned and ran the Masse mill on the Masse dam, in East Vassalboro… by Mary Grow

Common Ground: Win a $10 gift certificate!

DEADLINE: Wednesday, January 11, 2024

Identify the people in these three photos, and tell us what they have in common. You could win a $10 gift certificate to Hannaford Supermarket! Email your answer to townline@townline.org or through our Contact page. Include your name and address with your answer. Use “Common Ground” in the subject!

Previous winner: Don Eldridge, China

Town Line Original Columnists

LIFE ON THE PLAINS

by Roland D. Hallee | Growing up on The Plains in the ‘50s and ‘60s saw many changes when it came to Christmas. My early memories included going out with the family one evening to a lot and picking out a Christmas tree. My dad took it home, set it up on a homemade stand, and commenced to reconfigure Mother Nature’s creation…

CRITTER CHATTER

by Jayne Winters | Admissions at Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center slow down at this time of year; the only new resident I saw today was a gray squirrel which had been hit by a car several days ago. No external injuries were seen and Don said it was eating and drinking normally, so hopefully it has suffered only bruising…

THE BEST VIEW

by Norma Best Boucher | Christmas time is sometimes the happiest, sometimes the saddest time of the year. People are so wrapped up in the moment that they forget to remember. Often a simple thing like a card, an ornament, or a song will trigger their memories, and for a brief moment the past embellishes the present…

MY POINT OF VIEW

by Gary Kennedy | Here it is December again, already, and 2023 is rapidly coming to an end. This is the month that we celebrate the birth of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. The date of birth of Jesus is not actually stated in the gospel nor in any historical record. Biblical scholars believe his date of birth to be between 4 BC (the year King Herod died) and 6 AD (the year of the census of Quirinius)…

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates | I just finished watching the first season’s ten episodes of Fargo; Billy Bob Thornton’s portrayal of the positively despicable contract killer Lorne Malvo was scarily persuasive while the supporting cast, direction, sets, and cinematography contributed to its effectiveness as a fine collaborative effort…

FOR YOUR HEALTH

(NAPSI) — By age 80, most people either have cataracts or have had cataract surgery. That’s because most cataracts are the result of natural aging. You may not notice that you have a cataract at first. But over time, they can make your vision blurry or hazy, colors fade, you can’t see well at night, or you may see double images. The good news is that cataract surgery can restore your sight…

THE BEST VIEW: Christmas memories

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by Norma Best Boucher

Christmas time is sometimes the happiest, sometimes the saddest time of the year. People are so wrapped up in the moment that they forget to remember. Often a simple thing like a card, an ornament, or a song will trigger their memories, and for a brief moment the past embellishes the present.

When I was young, my mother always decorated our Christmas tree. I’d sit on the couch and watch the lights sparkle, and she’d ask me where each ornament should go. I could have helped, but somehow watching my mother build Christmas with that tree was too special to interrupt. That was tradition.

Perry Como was tradition, too. While we decorated the tree, we listened to our Season’s Greetings from Perry Como album. As we listened to We Wish You A Merry Christmas, my mother, Perry, and I decorated our Christmas tree.

I have carried on the Christmas tree tradition. I don’t know why – it just happened. It felt comfortable. I decorate the tree, and my son tells me where the ornaments should go. The only difference is Arthur Fiedler. When we decorate our tree, the Boston Pops plays in the background. Perry Como is tucked away…with my memories.

My mother is gone now. It’s been 18 years. I’ve been so busy creating my own traditions that I haven’t had time to remember hers. Perhaps I haven’t dared.

This year when the time came to decorate our Christmas tree, everyone else was busy, so Arthur and I were going to carry on the tradition alone. I dug out the Boston Pops album, dusted it off, and put it on the stereo.

Then, something wonderful happened. Maybe it was an accident, maybe it was my subconscious playing a trick on me, or maybe it was just tradition, but last Christmas I confused the records, and from the sleeve of the Boston Pops album I pulled out Season’s Greetings from Perry Como, and We Wish You A Merry Christmas filled the house.

Alone, I laughed and I cried as all the beautiful memories flooded back. They had waited 18 long years, and they would wait no longer.

This is going to be a beautiful Christmas – one of the best I’ve ever had – full of tradition. I know because I’ve already experienced one of the best parts. My mother, Perry and I decorated our Christmas tree.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Fargo, Jingle Bell Rock, Peggy Seeger & David K. Shipler

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Fargo

I just finished watching the first season’s ten episodes of Fargo; Billy Bob Thornton’s portrayal of the positively despicable contract killer Lorne Malvo was scarily persuasive while the supporting cast, direction, sets, and cinematography contributed to its effectiveness as a fine collaborative effort.

Jingle Bell Rock

One particularly favorite 45 for me as a child was a big Christmas favorite released in 1957 by Decca – the megahit Jingle Bell Rock as very definitively sung by Bobby Helms (1933-1957); as with Gogi Grant’s singing of the Wayward Wind and Perry Como’s of May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You, these three performances remain unsurpassed by anyone else.

Helms later commented that, when he was first shown the song, he had no interest in recording it but never would regret changing his mind.

Peggy Seeger

A younger sibling of folk singer Pete Seeger (1919-2013), Peggy Seeger, still living at 88, recorded an LP, Peggy Alone, in 1967 consisting of 17 folk songs with such titles as Handsome Molly, Bad Bad Girl, Burns and his Highland Mary, Little Nellie – each of which tell a story.

Miss Seeger not only sang with extraordinary beauty and conviction but accompanied herself with the five-string banjo, Appalachian dulcimer, guitar, autoharp and English concertina, being an accomplished performer on each instrument and performed a half dozen selections unaccompanied.

She also provided a booklet with background information on and the lyrics of each song.

David K. Shipler

Investigative journalist David K. Shipler wrote a 1983 book, Russia – Broken Idols, Solemn Dreams, based on his visits with people he met during his 1975-79 years as the Moscow bureau chief for the New York Times. It makes for fascinating browsing particularly for the anecdotes from those who lived through the Stalin years.

In keeping with the spirit of winter solstice on December 21, I was struck by a few sentences Shipler wrote about a trip to Siberia:

“The day I arrived in Yakutsk….it was 46 below. When our plane landed, the door was frozen solidly shut, and it took about half an hour for a powerful hot-air blower – standard equipment at Siberian airports – to break the icy seal….The smaller children are wrapped in layer after layer so that little more than their eyes are exposed…Buildings have triple windows and triple doors…Private cars are put away for the winter.”

FOR YOUR HEALTH: What You Need to Know About Cataracts

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Keep an eye on your sight. Blurry vision, faded colors and double images can all be symptoms of cataracts—which can be cured.

(NAPSI)—By age 80, most people either have cataracts or have had cataract surgery. That’s because most cataracts are the result of natural aging. You may not notice that you have a cataract at first. But over time, they can make your vision blurry or hazy, colors fade, you can’t see well at night, or you may see double images. The good news is that cataract surgery can restore your sight. With a high success rate of more than 90 percent, cataract surgery enables people to see better after their cataract is removed.

Here are the top six things ophthalmologists – physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care – want you to know about cataracts:

1. Cataracts can be removed with surgery. Surgery is the only way to cure cataracts. Early on, you may be able to cope with reduced vision from cataracts by using brighter lights, wearing anti-glare sunglasses, or using magnifying lenses for reading. But if cataracts start getting in the way of everyday activities such as reading, driving, or watching TV, an ophthalmologist will need to remove the clouded natural lens and replace it with an artificial lens, also called an intraocular lens (or IOL), to correct blurry vision.

2. You can slow development of early cataracts. You can take steps to protect your eyes from cataracts. Using 100 percent UV blocking sunglasses, quitting smoking, maintaining control over high blood sugar, and eating a healthy diet can help prevent cataracts.

3. People with diabetes are more likely to get cataracts. Natural aging is the most common cause of cataracts, but some people are at higher risk for cataracts than others. People who have diabetes with high blood sugar levels can get cataracts quicker and at a younger age than those with normal blood sugar levels. Improving glucose levels may help delay cataracts.

4. Eye color affects your risk of developing cataracts. Studies show that people with dark brown eyes have a higher risk of developing cataracts than people with lighter eyes. However, UV light is a known contributor to cataract development no matter what color your eyes are. Wearing sunglasses whenever outdoors is recommended for everyone.

5. Treating cataracts may decrease your risk of dementia. Though the link between eye health and dementia is unclear, recent studies suggest people who had cataract surgery were 30 percent less likely to develop dementia.

6. You may eventually need a follow-up procedure. Some people will again develop hazy vision years after cataract surgery. This is usually because the lens capsule has become cloudy. The capsule is the part of your eye that holds the IOL in place. Your ophthalmologist can use a laser to open the cloudy capsule and restore clear vision, a procedure called a capsulotomy.

Regular eye exams are important to maintaining your best vision, even after cataract surgery. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends scheduling a visit to the ophthalmologist every year after cataract surgery if you’re older than 65, or every two years if under 65.

Can’t Afford an Eye Exam? EyeCare America® Can Help.

For individuals age 65 or older who are concerned about their risk of eye disease and/or the cost of an eye exam, you may be eligible for a medical eye exam, often at no out-of-pocket cost, through the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeCare America® program. This public service program matches volunteer ophthalmologists with eligible patients in need of eye care across the United States. To see if you or a loved one qualifies, visit www.aaoinfo.com/ECApatient to determine your eligibility.

CRITTER CHATTER: Some things never change at the wildlife center

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by Jayne Winters

Admissions at Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center slow down at this time of year; the only new resident I saw today was a gray squirrel which had been hit by a car several days ago. No external injuries were seen and Don said it was eating and drinking normally, so hopefully it has suffered only bruising. Although seemingly on the road to recovery, the weather is too cold now for release, so he’ll be moved from his carrier in the living room to a larger cage in the basement until spring time. The little red squirrel rescued from the glue trap is doing very well, but his tail reminds me of a poodle that has been groomed, with the tuft of fur on the end. He and Chippy will also be overwintering with Don and enjoy the peanuts I’ve left as a treat.

As most of us are looking forward to Christmas and time off from work or school, Don and the volunteers at Duck Pond get no vacation or reprieve. The daily chores still have to be done, no matter the weather, chilly temperatures or dark hours. Preparations for winter were well documented by Carleen in previous columns:

From 2008: “The babies that arrived in the spring and summer have been released. There is much to do before the first snowstorm. All the dishes, cages, empty pens and dog houses used to shelter animals need to be cleaned, repaired and painted. The power washer is a tremendous help…dirt and mud just melt away and soon they are clean and white, ready to be stored for the winter. Nothing is put away dirty. The mobile pens are moved to one area where they will be covered with tarps to protect them from the snow and ice.

The young deer need to be moved to their winter pen. Barriers are set up to walk them from one pen to the next. The concern is that they not get spooked, jump over the barrier and run off, probably never to be caught and too young to be on their own in the wild. The geese and ducks need to be rounded up off the ponds. This can be a challenge as they always want to go in the wrong direction.”

From 2009: “After the animals ready for release are gone, reality sets in again. Pens need to have tarps replaced as the raccoons really enjoy shredding them. Buildings and shelters in need of paint will be spiffed up.

Living in Maine, the inevitable happens – the first snowfall. We sit in the warm house, watching the accumulation, knowing that we will soon have to remove snow from the pens that hold the wildlife that were not big or fat enough to be released in the fall. Pens will need to be shoveled, along with plowing and using the snow blower to clear paths to all the enclosures. Ice will be pounded from every water container several times a day as fresh water freezes almost instantly. Whatever hasn’t frozen to the bottom of the pen (food and other debris) will be raked up, carried away and disposed of. Everyone needs to be fed – hay is carried to the deer pen and grain to where the birds are housed.

The howling winds, bitter cold and blowing snow do not end calls about wildlife in need. Homeowners want unwelcome skunks removed from under their houses. Raccoons, deer, and other animals that are victims of vehicle hits will need to be picked up and taken to the vet to determine if injuries are life threatening. If not, they will recover at the Care Center [or transferred to another rehabber] until spring release. The work really never ends, it just slows down for a few months. In spite of all the work and heartache over animals we are unable to save, we always look forward to the first spring baby!”

Don and his volunteers greatly appreciate other rehabbers who continue to generously provide assistance to help keep critter care at Duck Pond manageable. 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.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, December 21, 2023

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KEITH D. REYNOLDS

WATERVILLE – Keith Douglas Reynolds, 67, passed away Monday, December 4, 2023. Keith was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, on January 3, 1956, the son of Meridith (Bub) and Helen (Johnson) Reynolds.

He grew up in Atkinson, New Hampshire. He was educated at Timberlane Regional High School and attended the University of New Hampshire.

Keith worked in the maintenance department for the City of Haverhill school system before retiring in 2016.

Keith enjoyed spending time with his buddies from Smith’s Tavern, hunting in Maine, and cooking. He was a chef at heart, creating meals from whatever leftovers were in the fridge. You never knew which container was actual “butter.”

After Keith retired, he and his wife, Paula, moved to Albion, to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, Meridith (Bub) and Helen Reynolds.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Paula; his children Jillian Reynolds, Shawn Richard and his wife Kelly, Danielle Amerault and her husband Joe; his grandchildren, Madison, Emily, Stephanie, Jacob; his great-grandchild, Osiris; his brothers Wayne Reynolds and Steven Reynolds; his sister Diane Ciolek and her sons Adam and Nathan.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Keith’s honor to the: Humane Society Waterville Area at https://hswa.org/donate/.

RICHARD COTE

HIRAM, Georgia – Richard “Dickie” Cote, 76, of Hiram, Georgia, died October 8, 2023, following an illness.

Born in Waterville to Augustus and Josephine Cote, Dickie graduated from Waterville High School in 1966.

Dickie enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 and served in West Germany, Central America, Fort Knox and many other locations. During his time at Fort Bliss, Dickie drove for Ret. Gen. Omar Bradley.

After 26 years in the Army, Dickie retired as a Sgt. Major. He moved to Chicago and taught JROTC at schools including Calumet High School and Englewood High School. He later retired and moved to Georgia and Texas.

Dickie spent his life serving his family, community and country. He is dearly missed.

Dickie is survived by his wife Maria; son Raymond; grandchildren Amber and Brandon; sister-in-law Jackie Cote, of Colorado; sister Georgie Lyons and her husband Harry, of Fairfield; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, son Thomas, brothers Ronald Cote and Robert Cote and sister Carol Blier.

Dickie will be buried with military honors in San Antonio, Texas, at the convenience of his family.

DARREN S. BRYANT

JEFFERSON – Darren “Darry” S. Bryant, 61, of Jefferson, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, December 9, 2023. He was born on May 6, 1962, in Augusta, the son of Ralph L. Bryant Jr. and Donna E. (Dawson) Bryant.

Darren graduated from Lincoln Academy in 1981. On May 20, 1983, he married the love of his life, Wanda H. (Dyer) Bryant, of 40 years.

He started working on Johnston’s Dairy Farm, in Jefferson, at an early age. Darren worked as a truck driver and laborer for Johnston Brothers Paving Company for 29 years. He also worked as a locally known trash man, who always had a bone for his canine friends.

Darren was a collector of fine items that were often overlooked by others. He also enjoyed hunting with his two girls and his brother Bill, fishing and gardening with family and friends.

Darren’s sense of humor was a joy to many people and gave them a smile or made them burst out with full laughter.

Darren was predeceased by his parents Ralph Jr. and Donna, brother Kevin (Kev) and sister Lori (Tissy).

He is survived by his wife Wanda H. (Dyer) Bryant ,of Jefferson; daughters Melissa and her husband Travis Bryant, of Jefferson, and Amber and her husband Stanley Brewer Jr., of Bremen; three grandchildren; uncle Roger and Aunt Jeanne Bryant, of Jefferson; auntie Elwilda Hodgkins, of Jefferson; as well as brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

The family will remember Darren privately.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall’s of Waldoboro. To extend online condolences, light a candle for Darren or to share a picture or story, please visit Darren’s Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com

DOROTHY M. KNIGHT

WATERVILLE – Dorothy M. Knight, 89, passed away Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Lakewood Rehab Facility, in Waterville, following a month-long battle with congestive heart failure. She was born in Newberry, South Carolina, on June 26, 1934, the daughter of Walter and Mable Nobles.

Dot moved several times in her younger years, but finally ended up in Rome, Maine, where she made her home for the last 52 years.

Dot started her journey of faith at the age of eight with the Salvation Army Church, where she remained a member for many years. She graduated from Cony High School,, in Augusta, in 1952, followed by being a secretary for the State of Maine; after which she became a devoted stay at home mom, until in later years, she worked at Russel’s clothing store and volunteered many years at Thayer Hospital, in Waterville.

Dot was a faithful member of the Rome Baptist Church for 50 years. She loved her family, playing cards and games (especially Scrabble), watching the birds, square dancing, roses, and spending time with her pets Maisy and Blackie.

Dot was predeceased by her first husband Erland Hallowell, her second husband, Roland Knight, son David Hallowell and stepson Albert Knight.

She is survived by her children, Dana Hallowell and wife, Lila, James Hallowell, and Debbie Mullen and husband, Peter; stepdaughter Gail Manley; 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; and daughters-in-law Judy Hallowell and Pam Knight; .

A service was held on Friday December 15, at Wheeler Funeral Home, in Oakland.

Graveside service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church Street, Oakland, where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

DAVID M. GOODHUE

ALBION – David M. Goodhue, 102, of Albion passed away at Togus Veteran Hospital on Thursday, December 14, 2023. David was born on November 11, 1921 in Sidney, to Martin and Evelyn Goodhue.

He graduated from Waterville High School. He then went on to enlist in the U.S. Navy where he taught gunnery skills to others.

David enjoyed music and playing the bag pipes. He was in three different Shriner’s bag pipe bands along the east coast: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Florida.

David worked in telecommunications and advertising as a sales rep for New England Telephone and Telegraph.

He was predeceased by his parents and stepson Michael Otis.

He is survived by his wife Arlene E. Otis Goodhue; his children Eldon Goodhue, Janice Rotondi, Robert Goodhue, Donna Nicholaides, David (D.J.) Martin Goodhue Jr.; stepchildren John Otis, Kathleen Parker, Sandra Doucette, Patrick Otis; and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren

Burial will take place at Maine Veterans Cemetery in the Spring.

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.

ROSE-MARIE BICKFORD

BENTON – Rose-Marie “Rose” (Chasse) Bickford, 75, of Fairfield, passed away Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Redington Fairview General Hospital, in Skowhegan, following a long battle with dementia. She was born on March 13, 1948, in Waterville, the daughter of Rosaire and Ella Chasse.

In 1966, she graduated from Winslow High School and then went on to work at a variety of jobs, including Scott Paper, Key Bank, Senior Spectrum, and the local town offices.

While at Scott Paper Co., she met her husband, Rodney Bickford. They married on May 30, 1970, and welcomed three sons. They spent 45 happy years together. During those years, they enjoyed trips to Disney World, going on motorcycle trips with their friends and family and spending time with their grandchildren.

Rose was a caregiver, always wanting to help her family, friends, and neighbors. From working at Senior Spectrum, to caring for her husband who battled cancer for many years, to running errands for her elderly neighbors. She was always there when someone needed help.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Rodney, and her older sister, Nancy Yvon.

She is survived by her three sons, Rodney Bickford Jr. and wife Melissa, of Benton, Ryan Bickford and wife Jenna, of Rochester, New Hampshire, and James Bickford and wife Kara, of Fairfield; her brother Gerard Chasse and wife Connie, of Bradenton, Florida; her sister Carmen Doucette and husband Paul, of Winslow, and her close sister-in-law Mary Tingley and husband Bruce, of Fairfield; eight grandchildren, Kacey, Gabrielle, Carson, Brody, Leyton, Amelia, Edwyn, and Emily; and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be from noon – 2 p.m., followed by a memorial service to begin at 2 p.m., on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street in Fairfield, with Pastor Stephen Donahue officiating.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book may be signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Spectrum Generations, 38 Gold St., Waterville, ME 04901.

LIFE ON THE PLAINS: Christmas on The Plains

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Water St., Waterville, The Plains, circa 1930. Note the trolley in the center of the photo. The trolley ceased operations on October 10, 1937. Many of the buildings in this photo are no longer there. (photo courtesy of Roland Hallee)

by Roland D. Hallee

Growing up on The Plains in the ‘50s and ‘60s saw many changes when it came to Christmas.

My early memories included going out with the family one evening to a lot and picking out a Christmas tree. My dad took it home, set it up on a homemade stand, and commenced to reconfigure Mother Nature’s creation.

That consisted of cutting some excess branches from one side, drilling a hole in the trunk in some bare areas, and inserting the cut branches. He did this until the tree was symmetrical. Then we decorated it.

That went on for several years, until my mother decided she had had enough with decorating, and my dad didn’t want to do any more spruce cosmetic work.

They bought an artificial tree. It was nothing like today. This tree was silver. Completely artificial and commercial. There was a light that would set on the floor behind, with a flood light, that had a multi-colored wheel that would rotate – blue…yellow…green…red, etc.

That tree was set up in the living room. Christmas was held on Sunday, after church, while my mother would prepare the Christmas dinner, of roast beef, mashed potatoes, vegetables, rolls, you get the picture. Our grandparents, who lived next door, always came, too.

As we grew older, things changed again. Now, my dad had finished a portion of the basement into a “rumpus” room. That is where the artificial tree was set up. But, come Christmas, there were more changes. My mother didn’t want the hustle and bustle of Christmas day, so it was off to midnight Mass on Christmas eve. Afterwards, mom would warm up the tourtère pies, and we would have the distributing of Christmas gifts at that time. Of course, until we were old enough to attend the midnight Mass, we had to wait at home until the adults returned. Again, the grandparents were present.

Following the holidays, when we had a real tree, my mother was meticulous in taking down the Christmas tree, making sure every last piece of tinsel was removed before it was put out to the street for the annual city Christmas tree pickup.

When I was about nine years old, my parents went out one evening and left us four boys at home – my oldest brother was old enough to babysit. While rough-housing with my younger brother, we discovered Christmas gifts “hidden” behind the couch. So much for Santa.

But, as much as Christmases are always special, especially once my wife and I raised our two children, enjoyed the day with our grandchildren, and now experiencing Christmas with our great-grandchildren, Christmases are even more special.

But the memories of Christmas on The Plains in the ‘50s and ‘60s will always have a place in my memory.

MY POINT OF VIEW: How did they come about the date for Christmas?

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by Gary Kennedy

Here it is December again, already, and 2023 is rapidly coming to an end. This is the month that we celebrate the birth of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. The date of birth of Jesus is not actually stated in the gospel nor in any historical record. Biblical scholars believe his date of birth to be between 4 BC (the year King Herod died) and 6 AD (the year of the census of Quirinius).

The rationale behind the date December 25th was due to the date of Jesus crucifixion. Christians developed the idea that Jesus’ was born exactly nine months after March 25th, the traditional date of Jesus’ crucifixion. It was believed that Jesus was conceived and crucified on the same date; the date of his birth was nine months later. For me this isn’t a logical explanation for this event but no one seemed to make a case against it.

The historical records state that Pope Julius in 350 AD asserted December 25th to be Christ’s birth date. This also is a dubious unfounded claim. There are other possibilities that I find more scientific. Going by the New Testament, Mathew 2:1 states that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Judea in the time of Herod the King. Herod’s death would have been around 4 BC. A good guess here for Jesus’ birth could be around just before 4 BC. If you read John 2:20 you will find agreement between Luke and John. However, if you are truly looking for the year of Jesus’ birth, you’re in for a long haul as some arguments are centuries apart.

When I started this research, for pleasure only, I was looking only for a seasonal date. Nothing I had read in the past spoke of winter as such. Considering the geographical location of the birth of Christ you don’t have snow or rain as a marker so you need other things. I believe by now the actual month of Christ birth can be more or less figured out. The year of Christ’s birth is around 4 BC.

The historical record is too incomplete for any sort of accuracy regarding the year of his birth. December 25th is accepted as his month and day. It’s highly unlikely that is true but considering the lack of information and our need to celebrate his birth I suppose December 25th will have to do.

We do know and it should be acknowledged that it is more than likely Jesus was born closer to harvest time and not winter. There is mention of the shepherds watching over their sheep. When winter was about to appear the shepherds would go into the mountains and drive their flocks down to the low lands where it was warmer with more favorable foraging and shelter. Also, there was astronomical mention of the placement of stars. Some scientists have pinpointed September as a likely time for this event.

However, I believe we stopped looking for that particular answer a long time ago and decided if the good Lord felt it was of great importance he would have had it laid out more clearly. Perhaps he disliked birthdays as I do. For whatever reason we have accepted December 25th as the birthday of our lord, Jesus Christ. It is a time when we rejoice and are thankful that he was born, thus giving us the opportunity for everlasting life in paradise.

This year I hope all of you will spend time praying for our brothers and sisters in the world. Many are suffering and dying in a world of unrest. This is a world of plenty, without unity. Many have lost their way and need to find the path to righteousness. If you are a Christian then you believe in Christ. Christ is the righteousness from God. (1st Cor. 1:30) God paid the price for all of us (Rom 3:21-26). Being righteous literally means to be right. It’s a moral path with the Bible as a guide. I have always loved seeing that special glow on a Christians face. You can tell at a glance the person has a beautiful heart. I personally strive to join them in the place they exist. My prayer for everyone this Christmas season is to see that beautiful glow on more faces. It is a search that one must make in order to embrace the beauty of righteousness.

This year I for one ask all my fellow Christians to include the true beauty of Christmas with all the other gifts that are placed under the Christmas tree. It’s the one gift you don’t and can’t purchase. (Brotherly love) The poorest of us has this gift available for giving. Set the arrogant pride aside and develop and give the one thing that was given to and for you, LOVE. I am sure you will radiate with that glow I previously mentioned.

From my family to yours and I am sure all here at The Town Line newspaper’s staff and board of directors, wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas. May each and every one of you receive that wonderful and precious gift that I have spoken of and carry it into the New Year. Never forget those less fortunate then you.

Last but not least, remember our elderly and our veterans. Many of them are needy during these holiday times. They are all part of love and respect. God bless and keep you and yours safe. Have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

The views of the author of this column are not necessarily those of The Town Line newspaper, its staff and board of directors.