MY POINT OF VIEW: A humanitarian journey

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by Gary Kennedy

Well, Julie and I have arrived back home from our humanitarian mission in the South Pacific. Our plane trip both going and coming was a literal nightmare which took two days each way. Lay overs were the worst of it, sleeping in airport chairs, etc., is murder on your body.

All my misery being said, the mission was very successful and very satisfying for my wife and I. We left many very happy people where ever we would go. Since we are not paid humanitarians we received our reward from the people we serve. We get to share beautiful children and receive lots of hugs and kisses. That’s worth it all to us. A lollipop can bring about the most beautiful smile you ever would want to see. However, we gave much more than that, thanks to the generosity of folks like you. What was supposed to be a children only event turned out to include entire families.

Our mission this time included three orphanages, a medical clinic, a prison, two libraries, multiple small feeding events and the establishment of a small school at the Knights of Rizal headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

I have many photos and videos which I would be glad to share upon request. We will be doing it all again in December if we raise enough supplies for the events. We already have a couple of people who would like to volunteer. We love the help. I must warn you once you begin doing these humanitarian missions you become addicted. It’s the most wonderful feeling for those of good heart. I have often wished I was rich so I could do more. I also wonder why those with greater than average means are not involved. Perhaps they don’t realize the natural high that giving to those in need will bring. Oh well, those who do open their hearts receive great rewards. There is so much love out there just waiting to be shared. It’s not what you take with you it’s what you leave behind.

I mentioned in my second paragraph that what we were doing was supposed to be for the children only; well my wife changed all that. We both have soft hearts but hers is perhaps a little more sensitive to situations. She sees things that I sometimes over look. The one example I will share with you is our visit to the indigenous people known as the Aetas Tribe. They are a tribe of people which predate the Spanish occupation of the Philippine Island, before the 1500s. They are a slight, dark skinned race with dark curly/wavy hair. They are supposedly protected by Philippine government but that protection is very shoddy. Food is not adequate, clothing is bare necessity; very little foot wear, limited school supplies and many were running around naked. It took awhile to have them accept us but with time and lollipops we prevailed.

We prepared massive amounts of food for this visit which was a good thing as there were many people coming out of hiding during our visit. As I stated, this was suppose to be a children’s event. Julie along with other volunteers, that we had with us, began passing out Styrofoam plates loaded with food to all the children. We had an interpreter giving instruction to the children about sitting and using the plastic fork and spoons we supplied. Julie noticed dozens of adults hanging around the outside fence just watching the great food the children were eating. Finally, she came to me and said, “honey, I think they are all hungry”. I replied, “Do you think we have enough to feed them all”? Julie replied that we had more than enough so we invited them in.

They were very hungry and very happy. After all were full of food and pineapple juice we gave out the gifts we had with us. We gave all the school supplies for the coming school year and the children all received footwear and some clothing. Before it all ended it was as if we were part of the community. Their translator taught them a little English which they imparted as we said goodbye and went out the gate. The words, “please come back, we love you”, rang out for all to hear. It brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful parting gift; we will return.

In closing I would like to give a special thanks to all that gave, especially Old Navy and Loots, of Augusta. I would also like to give a very special thanks to Chris Lemieux, at Staples Office Supply, of Augusta, for giving schools supplies to 300 children for the year. They will never forget.

God bless to all.

SMALL SPACE GARDENING: Plan and plant a hummingbird garden

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A hummingbird dining on the nectar of phlox. (photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com)

by Melinda Myers

Whether you are making some late additions to your gardens or planning for the future include some hummingbird-favorite plants. Select plants and create combinations to attract and support them with a season-long supply of nectar.

Hummingbirds consume an average of two to three times their weight in nectar each day. Providing feeders and an abundance of flowers throughout the season will support the hummingbirds and help attract them to your gardens. Keep this in mind as you add plants to your landscape.

Shrubs like azalea, lilac, weigela, buttonbush, and Rose-of-Sharon provide shelter for birds and nectar-filled flowers for hummingbirds and other pollinators to enjoy. The North American native honeysuckle vine adds vertical interest and hummingbird appeal even in small spaces. Major Wheeler is a cultivar of the native honeysuckle vine that blooms all summer and is more resistant to powdery mildew. Watch as the hummingbirds munch on any aphids that attack this plant. They are great pest managers to have in the garden.

Another native vine, the trumpet vine, is a vigorous grower that can be trained into a small tree or onto a trellis. This plant will send out suckers requiring some regular maintenance. Be patient as it can take several years for this vine to begin flowering. Avoid overfertilization which results in an even bigger plant and no flowers.

Shorter vines, like the hummingbird’s favorite cardinal vine, make excellent thrillers in containers. Train them onto a decorative support and grow them in their own pot or combine them with other annuals.

Include perennials for added seasonal beauty and nectar. Early blooming lungwort is shade tolerant and provides some of the earliest nectar for these winged beauties. Leave the white or lavender flowers on your hostas for the hummingbirds. This popular shade-tolerant plant is often overlooked for its hummingbird appeal.

Garden phlox and bee balm are both hummingbird favorites that add color and nectar to the summer garden. Look for powdery mildew-resistant varieties or plant them among other tall plants to hide any discolored foliage that may occur. North American native anise hyssop and liatris are two more favorites you may want to include.

Fill vacant spots in the garden, containers, or hanging baskets with annuals known to attract hummingbirds. Fuchsias, begonias, and impatiens are perfect for shady locations. Cupheas are often sold under the common names, tiny mice and cigar plant, and prefer a sunnier location. The taller blue horizon ageratum, geranium, bidens, tall verbena, and petunias grow well in gardens and containers.

Both perennial and annual salvias attract hummingbirds. Place a pot or two of Black and Blue, Black and Bloom, and Wendy’s Wish near your windows, so you can enjoy the frequent visits of your resident hummingbirds.

Add one or more feeders to your landscape. Provide space between the feeders as hummingbirds are territorial. Make sure there is cover within 10 to 15 feet. Fill the container with a 1-part sugar to 4-part water solution. Replace the mixture and clean the feeders every few days. This provides additional food for the hummingbirds and viewing opportunities for you.

It may take a couple of years for the hummingbirds to find your nectar-filled garden. In the meantime, you will enjoy the flowers and other pollinators that stop by to dine.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition, and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Shortnosed sturgeons lurk in the Kennebec River

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Shortnosed sturgeon

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

If you’ve ever fished the Kennebec River, you will know that many species of fish inhabit its waters. From striped bass, large and smallmouth bass, and blue fish, to Atlantic salmon, and bait fish such as alewives and American shad. But did you know that there is another denizen of the deep lurking in those waters? It is the shortnosed sturgeon. And they are endangered.

The term sturgeon includes over 20 species commonly referred to as sturgeon and several closely related species that have distinct common names.

One of the oldest families of bony fish in existence, sturgeon are native to subtropical, temperate and sub-Arctic rivers, lakes and coastlines of Eurasia and North America. Sturgeons ranging from 7 to 12 feet in length are common, and some species grow up to 18 feet. Most sturgeons are anadromous bottom-feeders, spawning upstream and feeding in river deltas and estuaries. While some are entirely freshwater, very few venture into the open ocean beyond near coastal areas.

Several species of sturgeons are harvested for their roe, which is made into caviar, a luxury good which makes some sturgeons pound for pound the most valuable of all harvested fish. Because they are slow-growing and mature very late in life, they are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and to other threats, including pollution and habitat fragmentation. Most species of sturgeons are currently listed as endangered, or critically endangered.

Sturgeons and related paddlefish appeared in the fossil record approximately 200 million years ago, making them among the most ancient of fishes. In that time, they have undergone remarkably little change, indicating that their evolution has been exceptionally slow and earning them informal status as living fossils. This is explained in part by the long inter-generation time, tolerance for wide ranges of temperature and salinity, lack of predators due to size, and the abundance of prey items in the benthic (on the bottom) environment.

They are primarily bottom feeders. With their projecting wedge-shaped snout they stir up the soft bottom, and use the barbels to detect shells, crustaceans and small fish, on which they feed. Having no teeth, they are unable to seize prey, though larger specimens can swallow very large prey items, including whole salmon.

I remember one time when I was salt smelting with a friend in Dresden on the Kennebec River. The night was cold and many of the smelt shacks had their doors closed. But the silence was broken when someone in another shack came running out the door, yelling “shark!” He had hooked into a sturgeon, and upon seeing the snout and vertical tail, thought he had landed a shark. We had a good laugh about that one, and continue to talk about it to this day.

In June 2004, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission gave the go ahead for a project on the Penobscot River to restore 11 species of migratory fish to the watershed. One of those specimens was the shortnosed sturgeon. The plan was to purchase and decommission three dams on the river – removing two of them and building a bypass around the third. Shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon are among the oldest creatures living in the Penobscot River.

If you ever want to get a look at sturgeons, a good place to start is at the public boat landing off Water Street in Waterville. Sometimes, when trolling under the Carter Memorial Bridge for bass or striped bass, you might see a sturgeon, between the Taconnet Dam and the rapids to the south. Some rather large sturgeons have been sighted in that area. Remember, though, they are endangered, and it is unlawful to take, catch, possess, or destroy any shortnose or Atlantic sturgeon from the waters of Maine.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

The Boston Red Sox have won nine World Series, tied with the A’s. Only two other teams have more. Who are they?

Answer
New York Yankees (27), St. Louis Cardinals (10); Philadelphia/Kansas City/Oakland Athletics (9).

FICTION: The House, part 12: THE BIG REVEAL (conclusion)

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This story is completely fictional. Any resemblances to names of people and/or places is purely coincidental.

by Peg Pellerin

Click here for the previous installment.

THE BIG REVEAL

As the police and medical examiners were led closer to the possible gravesite they could feel the sponginess of the ground. On a whim, Dave backed off and started walking toward the Jebediah Hodges statue. The ground felt solid. He informed all of his findings. “I guess that we were all centered on the possibility that Ian could have been buried near his statue that we didn’t think about his father.”

“I checked with the Midia’s cemetery office and both Mr. & Mrs. Hodges are buried there, but no one else from the family is there, so there is a very good possibility that the child was buried here,” Jake stated.

As Chief Meuller shifted his weight around the softened ground, he scooched down to see where Miri’s foot had sunk in. “It does look like there might be some void under the ground. It would make it much quicker to find out if anything or anyone is buried there if the state owned a ground penetrating radar, but we can get a loan of GPR from a private company, which takes time to get and is also expensive. We don’t get one unless we feel it is necessary.”

Jake said, “We were about to start digging ourselves until we felt it might be necessary to call in law enforcement. This ground doesn’t look like it would be difficult to dig up. Dave and I can go back to the carriage house to get shovels and a wheelbarrow, if that’s okay with you.”

Chief Meuller glanced over to the forensic technicians to see what they thought and they nodded their approval. “If a child was buried here over 150 years ago, there won’t be much, but enough for us to bring back to the lab. By the feel of the ground, I think you guys can do it and if you have extra shovels, we can help,” said Technician Simpson, referring to himself and the chief of police.

“Depending on what you find, I can start sifting through the dirt for any signs of bones and other artifacts that may have been buried. Alan, come back to the van with me to get the equipment we’ll need while they go get their tools,” said Miss Maitland.

Everyone went off in their own direction while Miri and Amy stayed in the garden sitting on the granite bench. “I can’t wait until this is over,” said Miri. “I thought it was over after the Christmas event. I told Jake but I didn’t say anything to either you or Dave but I’ve been hearing Ian, maybe in dreams, asking to be brought to his father.”

“Maybe he has been contacting you since you were the first one to sense his presence back in June. He trusts you,” replied Amy as she put her arm around Miri’s shoulders consoling her.

As everyone returned to the potential grave site, Miri and Amy offered their services, and when it looked like they weren’t needed, they went back to the house to prepare sandwiches and beverages for the working crew. It took less than twenty minutes to get down to what appeared to be a rotted wooden box. The more they uncovered it, the more it looked like it was once a casket about five feet in length. This was where the forensic technicians became more involved, slowly taking the wooden container apart, they handed it over to the gloved men to be put aside on a laid out tarp.

“Oh my stars,” said Connie as Alan let out a whistle. Chief Meuller, and the others looked down the hole where the forensic experts were to see a well laid out small skeleton. Miri started to weep uncontrollably. Ian had been found.

“Tom, thank you for coming to help me. Please bring me to my father.” The Chief asked if anyone heard what he had just heard or was it his imagination.

The forensic people didn’t hear anything, but the other four did! “Welcome to being included in Ian’s circle,” said Jake. “He apparently thinks you’re the handyman of his time since you look so much like him.”

It was a cool fall day but Chief Meuller took out a handkerchief to wipe the perspiration from his forehead. “If I hadn’t believed you folks before, I certainly do now.”

Several days had gone by since the exhumation had been completed. While everyone waited to find out what the lab could deem was the cause of death and if, in fact, the remains were that of a child, Jake and Miri made arrangements with the cemetery officials to have Ian buried with his parents. When the townsfolk got wind of what was found many came forward to offer to help pay for the burial and a marker. Through the ages it was known that if it had not been for Mr. Hodges, their town probably would not have survived. He had been very generous in helping the businesses and several of the townsfolk in the area. About three weeks later the news from the state forensics lab came back to Chief Tom Meuller who in turn brought the news to the foursome. From the pieces of fabric that were found with the body’s remains, as well as the thorough examination of the bones, it was found that this was in fact a child between twelve to fifteen years of age and had died around the 1840s. What they hadn’t expected to find was a dent in the back of the small skull. It appeared that the cause of death was a blow to the back of the head.

“I can’t believe that this was anything else but accidental,” Miri said. “Even though Emma was eccentric, she seemed to love her son.

“I don’t know,” replied Dave. “From what we saw through those years of Christmases her axis wasn’t placed centrally. She seemed to have a mean streak in those last few years.”

“No, I don’t think she would have harmed Ian, not intentionally anyway. We saw how much weaker he was getting and he couldn’t even climb the stairs anymore. Maybe he tried to go get one of his toys that she had hidden upstairs and he fell,” said Miri “Either way, Ian will be at rest and next to his father soon.”

A small graveside service was planned but it seemed as if the entire town showed up to pay their respects and to give Miri, Jake, Amy, and Dave some type of support after they had heard of some of the things they had gone through since they purchased the house back in June. As everyone was leaving the cemetery snow bugs, as Miri and Jake remembered their father calling the little bit of snow flurries, were descending upon everyone. It seemed that Ian wouldn’t be spending another winter alone. He was now between his mother and father.

THE STEWART B&B IS NOW OPEN

Six months after the Stewarts purchased the loan for the B&B, the first Christmas was celebrated. Two weeks prior to the holiday, a somewhat familiar scene took place. Miri was able to find a recipe for Wassail, tea cakes and raspberry tarts. The home had a marvelous scent to anyone coming in. There was a knock at the door and when Amy opened it, there stood two guys covered with snow carrying in a six foot balsam. “Shake yourselves off before coming in and the tree as well,” she instructed.

Jake and Dave sighed, did as they were instructed and Jake asked where they wanted the tree to be placed. Miri, coming out of the kitchen said, “Where do you think? Right where we saw it and once it’s placed in the stand I put in that corner, I have warm refreshments for you.”

“Smells like that vision we saw,” said Dave.

“That’s because I made what Emma had made.”

“It smells delicious,” commented Jake as his stomach also made a comment.

After everyone was sated, and the tree had time to dry out, decorations were brought out. Pictures, rather than memory, was what they needed to make replicas of what they saw on the Hodges tree so they Google searched decorations for Christmas trees of the Victorian era and specifically looked up Christmas in Pennsylvania since it was the Germans who brought that tradition to the United States. Once the tree was decorated, Dave, being the tallest, was asked to put the final piece onto the tree. Ian’s star was placed on the top. “This is for you Ian,” Miri said with a bit of a leak of the eyes. When she looked at the others, their eyes were leaking as well.

By April Dave was able to complete the renovations required to make the B&B ready for opening. In the meantime, Jake was able to find buyers of the antique furniture they weren’t going to utilize and used the money to purchase items to make the B&B functional. Someone in town was very interested in setting up a small museum dedicated to the Hodges. The items that brought several exciting adventures for the foursome plus the spectral child were donated to the museum with no chance of any more hauntings happening. Ian told Miri that once he was at rest with his parents he would leave them alone, and he did. Other items from the house were also placed there.

It took a lot of exertion to groom the garden to a beautiful area for folks to roam around in or just sit and relax. Since the statues of Mr. Hodges and his son weren’t part of Jake’s and Miri’s plans for the garden, Jake asked if the curator of the new museum would want the statues of Mr. Hodges and his son. He didn’t have the room but had an idea that he brought up to the town, who loved his idea. The statues were carefully moved to the town park where a couple of granite benches and an arbor were placed, somewhat imitating the garden. Amy was going to use the garden often to photograph special events that might take place at the B&B as well as high school senior pictures and the statues just didn’t seem to fit in. With the B&B renovations completed, Dave now had time to spend on the carriage house which he wanted to recondition so the outside looked the same but there would be a spacious modern apartment on the second floor, and the tack room on the main floor would be renovated to become Amy’s photography studio.

The opening of the B&B was set for May 6 with its first event, a wedding, the wedding of Dave and Amy. They wanted a small wedding so guests of the wedding that required a place to stay were the first to use the inn. Weather permitting, the wedding would be held in the garden, but if not, the B&B could handle it in the spacious living room. The spacious dining room would handle the reception and the small sitting room, turned into the inn’s guests’ breakfast area, could handle the overflow. Miri’s vision of the porch came to life with beautiful flower baskets hanging in several areas.

June 20 was the last day of school and Miri’s last day as a third grade teacher. Her time would be spent managing the B&B with help from her husband when he wasn’t performing his principal duties and Amy would also be helping in between her photography appointments.

A year had gone by since the purchase of this beautiful Victorian home and much had happened in that year. The death of a child long ago allowed the occupants to better understand the place but also brought it life. Stewart’s B&B was finally open and bustling.

THE END

Author’s comments: I hope you enjoyed this story. I would not have been able to accomplish this feat without my own personal editor, my boyfriend, Edgar Cormier. Thank you Roland Hallee, managing editor of this newspaper for allowing me to have this story published. I had so much fun writing this story and am now trying to think of another topic to write about.

China planners hear two applications for self-storage units

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by Mary Grow

China planning board members began their June 27 meeting with sequential public hearings on two applications for self-storage facilities on Route 3, from Chris Harris and Lucas Adams (see the June 22 issue of The Town Line, p. 3).

China codes officer Nicholas French had allowed half an hour per application. He was spot on: the hearings themselves took one and three minutes, respectively, and board members’ review of the criteria for approval brought the total time for each application to 25 minutes.

Both applications were approved unanimously with one condition: each applicant needs to submit to the town office a letter from the South China fire chief saying emergency access to the site is adequate.

Harris’ units will be in what is currently an open field at 623 Route 3. Abutter Joann Austin asked about potential run-off onto her property; Harris anticipated no problem, but said if there were one, he would dig ditches to divert the water.

Adams’ abutter, Jordan Giroux, who lives on Horseback Road, had questions about buffers and visibility. Adams said he had cleared what he needed, leaving as much wooded buffer as he could on Giroux’s side of his lot; he and Giroux consulted amicably over maps in the application.

Harris and Adams both plan to have the facilities available all the time. Both are installing downward-pointing lighting to keep access safe without illuminating neighboring properties. Both said the contract each user signs will prohibit storing hazardous substances.

Planning board co-chairman James Wilkens reminded them of the 30-day window during which the approval can be appealed.

In other business, board members postponed continued discussion of the proposed solar ordinance until they have more time to review the current draft.

Co-chairman Toni Wall reported briefly on the discussion of planning board districts with select board members at that board’s June 20 meeting (see the June 29 issue of The Town Line, p.3). She and Wilkens agreed the discussion was “really good.” Wilkens is pleased that the two boards are working together, after disagreements earlier this year over the board of appeals ordinance.

Because of the July 4 holiday, the China planning board’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, July 11. Board members agreed to meet only once in July and August, unless there are enough applications to require a second meeting. They scheduled the August meeting for Tuesday, Aug. 8.

French said he expects the July 11 agenda to include an application for an auto detailing shop in an existing building on China Road.

Sarah Jeanne Rodrigue named to Husson University online’s honors list

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Cornville resident Sarah Jeanne Rodrigue, was recently named to Husson University Online’s honors list, in Bangor. Rodrigue was enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in accounting program.

Linnea Estes graduates From Cedarville University

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Linnea Estes, from Sidney, graduated from Cedarville University, in Cedarville, Ohio, in spring 2023 with an undergraduate degree in Nursing.

Local student graduates from RPI

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Drake Zimba, of Benton, recently graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnnic Institute, in Troy, New York, with bachelor of science degrees in business and management.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, July 6, 2023

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RANDALL D. CLEMENT

FAIRFIELD – Randall “Randy” Dennis Clement, 59, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. He was born January 11, 1964, at Redington Hospital, in Skowhegan, to Dennis and Nancy (Rines) Clement.

He graduated from Skowhegan Area High School in 1983. He entered the service in 1985 and graduated boot camp as Outstanding Recruit. He served four years in the United States Navy aboard the USS New Orleans, LPH11 Amphibious Assault Ship as an Aviation Machinist Mate. Upon departure from the service, he worked in construction.

Randy and Sheila Dean Clement became parents in 1990 with the birth of their daughter Ashley. After his marriage to Roxie Moran Clement, their son, Jesse was born in 1999. Randy was involved in the Clinton Baptist church and served his Lord and Savior diligently.

He loved ice fishing, snowmobiling, four wheeling, and motorcycles – anything with an engine. His love of engines made him quite a daredevil throughout his life.

Randy was a prankster; he loved having fun, teasing and making people laugh. A storyteller, he enjoyed sharing with family and friends. Sunday meals with family were very important, having everyone gathered around. Despite his large stature, he loved animals and had a soft spot for his pet cats, Snowshoes and Psycho.

He leaves behind his daughter Ashley Marie Clement and boyfriend Daniel Hearn; his son, Jesse Theron Clement and partner Kacey Winigar; stepdaughter, Kelli and her husband Chris Ramsook; stepson, Joel and wife Amber Moran; his mother, Nancy Rines Clement; a sister, Tammy and her husband Charles Jones; grandchildren, Zayden D. Corson and Karah M. Ramsook; nephew, Justin and wife Raquel Leusner Jones and his grandnephews Clark and Cedar; niece, Leilani Jones and fiancé Kevin Weeks; and many family members and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife, Roxie M. Clement; father, Dennis B. Clement; and granddaughter, Amelia K. Corson.

A celebration of life was held on Saturday, July 1, at Clinton Baptist Church.

He will be laid to rest alongside his wife at Maplewood Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, for all the love and support they gave, the family would appreciate donations made to Temple Academy, 60 West River Rd., Waterville, Maine

RONALD YOUNG

CHINA – Ronald Young, 80, passed away on Tuessday, June 20, 2023. He was born in Albion, on July 19, 1942, the son of Winnie Hall Young and Warren S. Young.

Ronald Young of China, and Marietta, Georgia, was a devoted family man, a U.S. Air Force veteran, emeritus professor, and a sailor.

Ron had a career of teaching at Southern Technical College (now a division of Kennesaw State University) in Marietta, Georgia. Much of his spare time was spent sailing or restoring boats. He also collected cars and enjoyed his family and traveling.

He was predeceased by his parents, Winnie and Robert Milliken.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ellen; his daughter, Alice Werner; son-in-law Victor Werner; and granddaughters Brooke and Laura Werner; brothers Enoch “Nick” R. Young and wife Sandra, Robert E. Milliken and wife Kathleen, Brian E. Milliken and Peggy Huff; along with numerous other relatives.

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.

PETER RANCOURT

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Peter Rancourt, 81, passed away Thursday, March 9, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he had made his home for the last several decades. He was the only child of Bernard and Jeannette (Dusty) Rancourt, born November 27, 1941.

Peter was a 1956 graduate of Waterville High School, where he was a member of the debate team and manager of the football team. In 1960 he graduated from Northeastern University in Massachusetts. His career was in the field of computer system analysis.

He is survived by his son, Rain Rancourt and a large circle of friends in Las Vegas, Nevada. He also leaves many cousins throughout Maine.

Burial took place at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville, alongside his parents on June 28.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared, at http://www.gallantfh.com.

A. ROBERT CASTONGUAY

WINSLOW – A. Robert “Bob” Castonguay, 98, formerly of 5 Lee St., Winslow, died December 8, 2022, in Richmond, Virginia. Bob was born April 18, 1925, in Waterville, son of the late Alfred and Bernice (Poulin) Castonguay.

A resident of Winslow for more than 82 years, Bob was an active communicant of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, and was employed by the General Services Administration and the Internal Revenue Service.

Bob cherished his time with family and friends, and was a devoted Grampy to his four grandchildren. Always on the go, Bob loved his “projects”, from building back yard playground sets for his grandchildren to helping out with home repairs and maintenance. Bob’s boundless energy and enthusiasm for projects were rooted in his love for the people in his life, in shared experiences and companionship.

Upon retiring in 1984, Bob became more active in wider community service that included assisting the elderly and the disabled. In March 1992, he was honored as a local winner of the Jefferson Awards for Outstanding Public Service, as one of the “Unsung Heroes” for his lifetime example of achievements and contributions through community and public service.

Bob served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a heavy machine gun squad leader in the European theater with the 20th Armored Infantry Battalion, 10th Armored Division. He returned to active duty during the Korean conflict, serving with the 33rd Infantry Regiment.

After his discharge, he served with several active Army Reserve Units, and as a Senior Instructor with the 417th Training Group 76th Division.

Over his distinguished military career, Bob’s awards and decorations included the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, among others.

Always ready to serve, Bob was an active life member of the MacCrillis-Rousseau Post #8835 VFW, in Winslow, and of the Bourque-Lanigan Post #5, American Legion, in Waterville.

In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife, Maude (Douglass) Castonguay, whom he married July 4, 1951.

He is survived by his brother, Kenneth Castonguay, of Redondo Beach, California; son, David (Kathleen) Castonguay, of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and daughter, Linda (Thomas) Nicholson, of Richmond, Virginia; grandchildren Benjamin (Erin) Nicholson, Emily Nicholson, Andrew (Jackie) Castonguay, and Samuel (MaryGrace) Castonguay; great-grandchildren William, Fiona and James Nicholson; sisters-in-law Sandra Macklin (David), of Hampden, and Sally (Peter) Enman, of Bangor; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

At his request, there will be no public visiting hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument St., Winslow, at 10 a.m., on Monday, July 3, followed by a graveside service at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com

In lieu of flowers, Bob’s family encourages donations in Bob’s memory in support of the Maine Veterans Home, Augusta, https://mainevets.org/donate-to-maine-veterans-homes-2/ , to the Veterans Services Foundation https://virginiaveteransservicesfoundation.org/donation/ in support of the Sitter and Barfoot Veterans Care Center, Richmond, VA, or to an organization of one’s choice.

LAKE LIFE TODAY: part 5: While planning for the Future

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by Elaine Philbrook

Lake Life Today is a series of articles that are hoped will inspire you to see how, by taking just a few steps, you can make a difference and help preserve the quality of water in our lakes for future generations.

These articles have been collected and organized by LakeSmart Director Elaine Philbrook, a member of China Region Lake Alliance (aka “the Alliance”) serving China Lake, Webber Pond, Three Mile Pond, and Three-Cornered Pond. The Alliance would like to thank our partners at Maine Lakes and Lakes Environmental Association (LEA) for information to support this article.

Rain Gardens

Last week’s article covered what a “beneficial buffer” along the water’s edge could look like. This week’s submission is how to “slow the flow’ of water using a rain garden before it reaches the buffer zone.

Rain gardens are attractive and functional landscaped areas that are designed to capture and filter storm water from roofs, driveways, downspouts, and other hard (impervious) surfaces. Rain gardens collect storm water in a depression in the ground, with water-loving native perennials and shrubs planted atop so that rainwater slowly soaks into the ground. This reduces the potential for erosion and minimizes the impact of pollutants flowing from your lawn into nearby streams and the lake. Rain gardens benefit our lakes, add beauty to our properties, as well as provide a food source and habitat for wildlife.

Installation

Rain gardens can vary in size but are most effective when built to 20-30 percent of the drainage area. Rain gardens for single-family homes will typically range from 150 to 300 square feet, but even a smaller one will help reduce storm water pollution problems.

• The garden should be bowl-shaped, with the lowest point of the garden no more than 6 inches below the surrounding land.
• The sides should be gently sloping towards the center to prevent sudden drop-offs that could lead to erosion problems or walking hazards.
• Rain gardens are often placed in a preexisting or created depressions within a lawn, or in a location that receives roof runoff from a downspout.
• To avoid flooding improperly sealed foundations, build your rain garden 10 feet away from existing structures and direct stormwater into the garden with a grassy swale, French drain, or gutter extension.

Rain gardens can be placed in sunny or shady regions of your lawn, but plants should be chosen accordingly with the lowest point planted with wet tolerant species, the sides closest to the center planted with moist tolerant species, and the edges of the rain garden planted with moist to dry tolerant species. It is also important to check the permeability of your soil. Sandy soils only need compost added, but clay soils should be replaced with a mix (50- 60 percent sand, 20-30 percent topsoil, 20-30 percent compost). After construction of the garden is complete, the entire area should be covered with a thick layer of mulch, preferably Erosion Control Mix (ECM).

Maintenance

Watch during rainstorms and see how it works! Monitor infiltration capacity and make sure your rain garden does not get clogged by periodically removing accumulated debris and sediment from the inlet and bottom. Inspect the rain garden after large rain events and in the spring each year.

• Plants will likely need regular watering during the first growing season and in very dry periods thereafter.
• Remove weeds and invasive plants.
• Replace plants that die.
• Leave plants in the fall and remove dead plant material in late spring to allow for wildlife habitat.
• Embrace messiness! It is a living system and does not need to be manicured.

For more information on how to install a rain garden you can view this helpful video on building a Rain Garden: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pUdi5HYn5Q

If you have any questions about what you can do to ensure the integrity of your valued lake or if you would like a free LakeSmart evaluation you can reach Elaine Philbrook by email at chinalakesmart@gmail.com and follow-up to read the next Townline Newspaper.

Live lightly on the land for the sake of the lake (LakeSmart).