Allen named to dean’s list for the fall 2022 semester at Quinnipiac University
Annemarie Allen, of Windsor, has been named to the dean’s list for the fall 2022 semester at Quinnipiac University, in Hamden, Connecticut.
Allison Pease awarded Leon A. Gorman scholarship
Leon A. Gorman
Ten Maine community college students were awarded full tuition scholarships in honor of Leon A. Gorman for the 2022-2023 academic year.
This is the seventh year the Leon A. Gorman Scholarship has been given. The scholarship supports three students at Southern Maine Community College, two students at Central Maine Community College, and one student at the other five colleges. Each of the ten Leon A. Gorman Scholars will receive an award equal to a full year of tuition at a Maine community college.
Among the 2022 Leon A. Gorman Scholars recipients was Allison Pease, of Belgrade, studying as a physical therapist assistant, at Kennebec Valley Community College, in Fairfield.
Information about the Maine Community College System is available at: www.mccs.me.edu.
EVENTS: Drive Fore Kids charity golf tourney to see celebrities coming to Maine
Tuukka Rask, 15 seasons as goalie for the Boston Bruins, including one Stanley Cup Championship, Vezina Trophy winner, Olympic Bronze Medalist (Finland), will be on hand for the benefit golf tourney.
Invitational tournament will benefit Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital
World class golf will return to Maine this summer as the first annual Drive Fore Kids Celebrity Golf Tournament brings a star-studded field to the Falmouth Country Club.
The tournament will take place June 21- 24, 2023 and will feature athletes, actors and TV personalities vying for a $250,000 prize purse. Drive Fore Kids will benefit Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital with a charitable impact anticipated to be more than $100,000.
“We are committed to driving significant charitable, community and economic impact to our region,” said Brian Corcoran, Chief Engagement Officer and Founder of Shamrock Sports & Entertainment and Executive Director of Drive Fore Kids. “We are proud to partner with The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital and have set a goal to raise $100,000 for them through tournament net proceeds and special events throughout the tournament week.”
Confirmed celebrities to date include:
Roger Clemens, 11-time MLB All-Star, 2-time World Series Champion, and 7-time Cy Young winner
Patrick Dempsey, Actor and race car driver, best known for his “McDreamy” role on Gray’s Anatomy
Dylan Dreyer, Co-host of 3rd-hour of NBC’s Today show, weekday weather correspondent, and correspondent on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt
Mardy Fish, Tennis player with 6 career titles, 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist; he has competed in a PGA Tour event
Doug Flutie, Heisman-winning QB from Boston College with a 21-year pro career including the NFL; a local legend for his Hail Mary to beat the University of Miami
Michael Goulian, American aerobatic champion aviator who raced in the Red Bull Air Race World Series
Noelle Lambert, American Paralympian track and field athlete who holds the US record at 100m; contestant on Survivor 43
Derek Lowe, 2004 World Series Champion with the Boston Red Sox, member of Red Sox Hall of Fame
Kevin Millar, World Series Champion with the Boston Red Sox, host of MLB Network’s Intentional Talk
Blair O’Neal, Retired LPGA pro and winner of Golf Channel’s Big Break, former host of Morning Drive, currently with School of Golf
Tuukka Rask, 15 seasons as goalie for the Boston Bruins, including one Stanley Cup Championship, Vezina Trophy winner, Olympic Bronze Medalist (Finland)
Ronnie Russell, 6-time PBA Tournament winner, bowled PBA’s 24th televised perfect game, 2-time Team USA member
Chad Pfeifer, US Army Veteran who learned golf while rehabbing in an Army hospital in 2007; 2011 National Amputee Golf Champion, 3-time Warrior Open champion
John Smoltz, 1995 World Series Champion, 1996 Cy Young Winner, 8-time All-Star
Tim Wakefield, 19 seasons in MLB, including 17 with the Boston Red Sox; 2-time World Series Champion and member of Red Sox Hall of Fame.
Jeremy Roenick, member of NHL’s 500 Goal Club, 9X All-Star, Silver Medalist at 2002 Olympics.
Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, February 23, 2023
Name the two women to have been in the starting grid for the Daytona 500.
Answer:
Janet Guthrie and Danica Patrick.
LETTERS: AARP wants to hear from you
To the editor:
Do you ever get the feeling that no one’s really listening to you? Well, that’s about to change.
As we move into this new year of 2023, AARP Maine wants to hear what you have to say about things like housing, heating and health. These, and a host of other issues and ideas, which are of import to all Mainers age 50+, are the things which are important to us.
With that in mind, beginning the evening of Monday, February 20th, and continuing for the next six (6) weeks, AARP Maine volunteers and staff will be hosting a Virtual Listening Tour. Conducted over Zoom, our virtual session “stops” range from Maine’s Southern Coast to its Northern Tip. We invite you to visit our website to find when we will be visiting your area, and to register to participate.
As we collectively engage in clarifying the questions and concerns we face, and crafting creative solutions on behalf of ourselves and those we care about, we want to add your voice; and to do that we must first hear and listen to what you have to say.
Come join us; let’s talk, let’s listen.
Carl M. Toney, P.A.
Executive Council Volunteer
AARP Maine
Eldon McLean presented with Boston Post Cane
Eldon McLean
Eldon McLean, 93, was honored as the oldest resident of North Anson by the presentation of the ceremonial Boston Post Cane by Anson Historical Society, at the Anson Town Office, on February 9, 2023. President Sharon Mellows, Vice President Charlotte Withee, Chairman Ralph Withee and Anson Administrator Tammy Murray and Michell Quint, a member of the society, and Eldon’s wife Laurie, were present.
Eldon was born June 9, 1929, in North Anson, to Kenneth and Alberta McLean. He attended Mark Emery and North Anson Academy. Eldon served in the U.S. Army and served in Korea. He worked at Wings Mill, on construction and later was manager of Sampson’s, in Rockland, and later manager of Hannaford, in Madison. Eldon is a member of the Lions Club and the Lexington Highland Historical Society and past member of the North Anson Grange, Mason’s, and Lexington Highland Snowmobile Club.
Eldon married Laurie Howes and they had three children, Wendy, Larry, and Michael. They have five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Eldon’s mother, Alberta, was presented the Boston Cane in 2001 at the age of 96.
CRITTER CHATTER – Flying rodents: part 2
by Jayne Winters
As a follow-up to last month’s article about the flying squirrel at Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center, I wanted to share some information I found from my on-line research. January’s column included a general overview from articles written by Carleen Cote several years ago, but I was curious about their habitat, diet, family structure, etc.
One source stated the only flying squirrel found in North America was the northern, but several other sites confirmed what Don has recently learned: there are two species of flying squirrels in Maine. Warming climate and habitat loss have caused the smaller, more aggressive southern flying squirrel to expand its territory (recent Canadian studies indicate there are already hybrids from crossbreeding).
Both species are light brown in color, with grayish or white bellies; the northern is larger by a couple of inches, reaching a length of 10-15 inches. Flying squirrels are entirely nocturnal, with oversized eyes that are adapted for low light conditions. Their diet is varied and includes tree sap, nuts, fruit, seeds, fungi, lichen, insects, carrion, bird eggs and yes, even baby birds. Rotting wood is a great spot for favorite foods, and although they’re awkward on their feet, they will scavenge on the forest floor. While flying squirrels are known to store food for winter, they’re not as active in caching, compared to chipmunks and other squirrels.
Flying squirrels generally nest in tree cavities, but will also build nests underground and leaf nests called dreys. Except when raising their young, flyers frequently shift from nest to nest and often huddle together in colonies during winter months to maintain body temperature. They don’t hibernate, but limit activity during cold periods to reserve body fat. Breeding is between March and May with the male (“buck”) pursuing multiple females (“does”). Gestation is five to six weeks, and the female is the sole parent on duty after delivering one to six pups. Their eyes open at one month and youngsters can leave the nest at six weeks of age. They’re weaned after two months and “flying” at three, but may live with mom for another four to eight weeks before moving out. In warmer climates, the southern flyer can have two litters a year.
“Flyers” don’t actually fly, but glide with large flaps of skin called patagia, that stretch between all four legs and act as a parachute when the squirrels launch, allowing them to soar up to 300 feet horizontally. They maneuver easily in the air and can make 90-degree turns around obstacles. The flat tail serves as a rudder, and just before landing, its upward movement decreases its speed, with the legs absorbing the shock. They’re also expert climbers.
Flying squirrels are reasonably common and are not listed as threatened in Maine. Other than predation by owls, hawks, bobcats, lynx, weasels, fox or coyotes, the biggest threat to flyers is probably habitat loss. Because they are nocturnal and tree nesters, they may be especially susceptible to climate change here, as they will experience highest temperatures during their daily resting phase.
Sadly, the flying squirrel at Duck Pond did not survive. Don was preparing to move him to a larger enclosure in the basement so he could get more exercise, but in relocating the cage discovered that he had died, probably from internal injuries. Don did wonder, however, if the squirrel died of loneliness, as flyers tend to overwinter in groups of 75-80 individuals.
Although admissions slow down during the winter months, Don will get calls from folks worried about young animals now on their own. Many are learning how to manage without parental care, but others may be orphaned or injured, struggling to survive. Don continues to take them in, but does transfer rescues to other rehabbers who continue to provide assistance to help keep critter care at Duck Pond manageable. Please check the following web sites to see if there is a rehabber 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 supported by his own resources & outside donations. Mailing address: 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro ME 04989 TEL: (207) 445-4326. PLEASE NOTE THE PRIOR wildlifecarecenter EMAIL ADDRESS IS NOT BEING MONITORED AT THIS TIME.
Palermo Foundation receives Bigos donation
Palermo Community Foundation (photo by Connie Bellet)
Submitted by Connie Bellet
PALERMO, ME — The Living Communities Foundation has received a generous donation of $3,000 from Michael Bigos, son of Ted and Jeanne Bigos, of Palermo. Michael Bigos, an attorney living in Auburn, has donated the funds to honor his father and late mother, who were founding members of the foundation, originally called the Palermo Community Foundation. The Bigos family was active in civic and community service in Palermo, also being involved in building the Post Home for American Legion Post #163, as well as the Palermo Community Center. Before he retired, Ted Bigos worked for the USDA as a loan officer, and for the Town of Palermo as its Assessor. At this time, Ted Bigos is residing at the Veterans Home, in Augusta.
The Living Communities Foundation is an all-volunteer Charitable Foundation that Ted Bigos helped become registered under IRS code 501(c)3. Its mission is to respond to the needs of the community in an adaptive, sustainable mode using traditional values, ancient wisdom, and common sense. The Palermo Community Center has been home to Palermo Online, an early Internet Service Provider; a digital learning center; an art studio; a recording studio for music and Native language preservation; the Palermo Food Pantry; and the Great ThunderChicken Drum. Programs have included classes in American Sign Language, Biblical studies, guitar and art lessons, as well as free Dinner-and-a-Movie nights.
The board of directors, officers, and volunteers of the foundation join together to thank Mr. Bigos and his family for his kind donation. It is support like this that keeps the foundation fully functional well into the difficult times we all face.
OBITUARIES for Thursday, February 23, 2023
THOMAS C. HACHEY
OAKLAND – Thomas C. Hachey, 65, passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023, following a hard fight with cancer. Tom was born on December 12, 1957, in Waterville, the son of Lois Hachey and Edward F. Hachey.
He was a devoted husband to his wife Jan Hachey, a dad to his children, Michael and Lauren Hachey, and a Grampy to his little princess Ellie Hachey. Tom’s smile would light up a room and everyone knew he always had a good story to tell.
Early on, he started his long stretch of employment after graduating from Waterville High School in 1976, just making enough beer money to make it back and forth to hockey games with the boys. This eventually led him to working for the Waterville Police Department where he met his partner in “crime”, Steve Thompson. A few years went by and they decided to purchase Arbo’s Towing and Repair, in Waterville, along with other investments down the road. Tom and Steve worked together for a total of 42 years until Tom retired three years ago.
Aside from work, Tom was an avid outdoorsman that loved to hunt, fish, and hang out at camp. A group of close friends got together to build a beautiful camp in Northeast Carry right on Moosehead Lake. Making memories with friends and family, there was no place Tom would rather go (besides Pennsylviania/Alaska). From moose hunts, deer hunts, bird hunts, fishing trips, ice fishing, you name it, camp was the place to be.
Tom loved watching and playing sports his entire life. From cheering on his New England teams to coaching all of Michael and Lauren’s youth teams, Tom never missed a game or an opportunity to yell from the stands.
Tom is also survived by his sister Virginia Joseph, brother Michael and wife Mary Hachey; is nephews Gregory Joseph, Steven and wife Sherri Hachey, as well as their two children Dylan and Cameron Hachey.
Services will be held at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver Street, in Waterville, at 10 a.m., on Thursday, March 2. A reception is to follow immediately after the service at the Elks Lodge banquet room, in Waterville.
PAUL E. DUBOIS
OAKLAND – Paul E. Dubois, 62, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2023, in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. He was born August 30, 1960, in Waterville, son of Robert E and Sharon Reynolds Dubois. Paul passed away peacefully while on vacation in South Carolina.
He attended Sidney and Oakland schools, graduating from Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, in 1978. He joined the Army National Guard after high school, stationed in Fort Dix, New Jersey. He was a metal worker and wheeled vehicle mechanic.
Paul was also a professional welder. Other jobs included Cascade Woolen Mill, in Oakland, BABAC, in Winslow, TCR, Sappi, in Hinckley, and apartment management to name a few.
Lobstering as a recreation became a labor of love. He and partner Debbie became the local lobster dealers. They spent countless hours cooking and distributing to local clients.
Paul loved camping, hunting, fishing, woodworking and many mechanical endeavors.
One of his last great accomplishments was turning his Harley Davidson motorcycle into a trike. He was very proud of it.
Paul was a member Oakland American Legion Post #51, where he was currently the finance officer. He was instrumental in the success and getting the financial situation into a great place. He loved to do the chicken BBQs and make dough boys. Paul was also a member of the American Legion Riders which he was very involved and also help to start the Post #51 Chapter where he also served as the treasurer.
He was also very active in the Oakland Lions Club where he and Debbie could be found in the trailer cooking up meals at the Gazebo and other locations for the Lions Club. Paul was also a member of the Waterville Forrest J. Pare VFW Post #1285 Auxiliary, and the Waterville Elks Lodge #905.
Survivors include sister Peggy Kinsey, of Belgrade; nece Holly, husband Charlie Plourde; and great-niece Amani Plourde, of Vassalboro. Far too many extended family and friends to name.
Paul was predeceased by parents Robert and Sharon DuBois; his partner Debbie Williams, for whom his life was forever changed after her sudden passing
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 3 p.m., at the American Legion, in Oakland, where there will be a military service followed by the Waterville Elks Lodge ceremony.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Oakland American Legion Post #51 Project.
SISTER JOYCE KEEVAN
WATERVILLE – Sister Joyce, formerly known as Sr. Ann Patrick, 86, died on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Mount Joseph, Waterville, following a long journey with dementia. She was in her 66th year as a Sister of St. Joseph of Lyon.
Joyce was born on May 16, 1936, in South Berwick, daughter of Leroy and Mary (Lawless) Keevan and one of four siblings with Leroy, Thomas, and Ann. Ann also became a Sister of St. Joseph. Joyce attended St. Michael School and the Academy of St. Joseph, graduating in 1953. She earned a B.S. in Natural Sciences from St. Joseph College, Standish, and continued her education through programs of the National Science Foundation at Western Maryland College, Maryland, and Emory College, Georgia. She also pursued pastoral studies at Loyola University.
She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon in 1954 and made her First Vows on August 15, 1956. Over the years Joyce served in various leadership positions of the community: the Provincial Council; the Advisory Board of St. Joseph’s Child Care Center, and on the Sisters’ Board of Directors.
Sr. Joyce was a teacher at heart and succeeded in making science come alive for her students at St. Rose of Lima School, Jay; St. Michael School and the Academy of St. Joseph, South Berwick; St. John the Baptist School, Winslow; and Marshwood High School, Eliot, where she spent the last 25 years of her teaching career.
Sr. Joyce loved nature and the outdoors, the various pets that became part of her life, and the Boston Red Sox. In her retirement she had her dog trained as a therapy pet and would visit local nursing homes bringing joy to residents and staff alike. She celebrated her Irish ancestry year-round.
She was predeceased by her parents and siblings and is survived by the Sisters of St. Joseph, with whom she shared life and ministry, several faithful and loving friends, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 24, 10 a.m. at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville. Visitation will be at Notre Dame one hour prior to the Mass. A reception will follow at the Notre Dame Parish Hall. She will be buried at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 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.gallant.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations for the missions of the sisters may be made to the Sisters of Saint Joseph, 80 Garland Rd., Winslow, ME 04901.
Sen. Pouliot visits with Vassalboro select board
by Mary Grow
Matt Pouliot
District #15 State Senator Matthew Pouliot visited the Vassalboro select board’s Feb. 16 meeting to speak briefly about legislative issues and to ask what’s important to Vassalboro officials and residents.
He began with the state-wide need for affordable housing and the problem of balancing responses to state issues with local control. The example he gave is the 2022 Maine law allowing auxiliary housing and duplexes on lots zoned for single-family residences.
In response to an earlier email from board member Chris French about the difficulty of finding licensed codes enforcement officers, Pouliot said legislators have no proposals yet, but there is talk of an incentive to Maine community colleges to provide training.
Board members, town manager Aaron Miller and audience members told the senator local issues include upgrading the transfer station (Miller suggested a state infrastructure grant); municipal staffing, as town employees retire or deal with health issues; and ambulance service, as Delta Ambulance joins others in Maine in asking municipalities for an annual payment.
Pouliot said one bill about ambulance service has been introduced.
He added that he has introduced legislation about siting solar farms. The purpose, he said, is to encourage solar development on sites like capped landfills, ledgy areas and PFAS-contaminated land, rather than on good farmland.
Pouliot offered his email address, mpouliot57@gmail.com, and said he welcomes constituents’ emails.
Select board members’ main decision Feb. 16 was to create a new transfer station task force and appoint its seven members: Dan Bradstreet, Amy Davidoff, select board member French, Doug Phillips, Zach Smith, Maggie Stickle and Jim Webb.
Miller and transfer station manager George Hamar will be advisors to the task force. French said the group will examine facility operations and equipment, recycling options, grant opportunities and other relevant topics.
Vassalboro’s trash hauling contract was on the Feb. 16 agenda; the current contract expires in August, select board chairman Barbara Redmond said. Miller had two quotes. Action was postponed to the board’s March 16 meeting; Miller asked Hamar to see if he could get figures from additional haulers.
Also postponed for a month were further discussion of:
- Changing the town office entrance to make it handicapped-accessible, while Miller gets more information on alternatives;
- Bids for a generator at the town office, until other budget figures become more definite;
- Revisions to Vassalboro’s Marijuana Business Ordinance, until Miller and board members make sure it matches state law and consider whether to recommend additional changes; and
- Revisions to Vassalboro’s No Parking Ordinance, pending consultation with the state Department of Transportation.
Further discussion of the proposed 2023-24 town budget is scheduled for a March 9 meeting.
In other business, selectmen unanimously authorized road foreman Eugene Field to buy a $9,000 bush hog for roadside mowing, with the intention of adding to the 2023-24 budget another $9,000 for the currently-unavailable flail mower Field said does a better job. Field reported he was unable to find a roadside mower to rent this summer.
Select board members have canceled their March 2 meeting, because only one member was available that evening. The March 9 and March 16 meetings are scheduled to start at 6 p.m. in the town office meeting room.