PHOTOS: Winslow state title winners

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Winslow 9-10 year-old boys captured the state championship in the 4×100 relay at the USATF State Track Meet, held on Saturday, August 13, at Cony High School, in Augusta. From left to right is Dominic Akoa, Trafton Nadeau, Cooper Grant, and Zachary Katz. (Central Maine Photography Photo)

Winslow 11-12 Boys won the state championship in the 4×100 relay at the USATF State Track Meet, held on Saturday, August 13, at Cony High School, in Augusta. This was the second year in a row that Winslow won the age group relay at the state meet. Nixon and Kaiser were on last year’s relay as well. They were seeded at a 1:01.44 going into this meet and ended up with their best time of 59.86. From left to right, Larsen Ronco, Kaiser Stewart, Coach Kenneth Nadeau, Weston Pappas, and Nixon Souviney. (Central Maine Photography photo)

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Surprised by a northern ringneck snake

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Left, Northern ringneck snake. Right, Northern ringneck snake
under side.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

A friend of mine, who lives in Sidney, sent a text message with the photo of a snake he found under his wood pile. He said he had never seen one before. Neither have I. The snake was black with a bright yellow ring around its neck. What he found is fairly common.

Diadophis punctatus, commonly known as the ring-necked snake or ringneck snake, is a harmless species of snake found throughout much of the United States, central Mexico, and south-eastern Canada. Ring-necked snakes are secretive, nocturnal snakes, so are rarely seen during the day time. They are best known for their unique defense posture of curling up their tails, exposing their bright red-orange posterior, ventral surface when threatened.

Ring-necked snakes are believed to be fairly abundant throughout most of their range, though no scientific evaluation supports this hypothesis. Scientific research is lacking for the ring-necked snake, and more in-depth investigations are greatly needed.

Ring-necked snakes are fairly similar in morphology throughout much of their distribution. Its dorsal coloration is solid olive, brown, bluish-gray to smoky black, broken only by a distinct yellow, red, or yellow-orange neck band.

Size also varies across the species’ distribution. Typically, adults measure 10–15 inches in length,

Ring-necked snakes have smooth scales with 15–17 scale rows at midbody. Males typically have small tubercles on their scales just anterior to the vent, which are usually absent in females.

Ring-necked snakes usually mate in the spring.

Ring-necked snakes are fairly common throughout much of the United States extending into southeastern Canada and central Mexico. Eastern populations cover the entire Eastern seaboard from the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, in Canada, continuous through the Gulf Coast of Texas. Distribution moves inland into northern Minnesota, continuing diagonally through the U.S. to include all of Iowa, eastern Nebraska, and most of Kansas. In the western U.S., the distribution is significantly less continuous, with spotty, distinct population segments through most of the Pacific Northwest. Populations extend from south-central Washington continuing along the extreme West Coast into Mexico. Population segments extend inland into western Idaho, through southern Nevada, into central Utah, and continuing south through Arizona and central Mexico.

Ring-necked snakes occur in a wide variety of habitats. Preference seems to be determined by areas with abundant cover and denning locations. Northern and western subspecies are found within open woodlands near rocky hillsides, or in wetter environments with abundant cover or woody debris.

Since it is a woodland reptile, it can also commonly be found under wood or scraps. Because of hot weather, they tend to make holes and burrows, or they hide under rocks or any suitable material. They are normally found in flatland forests. Though they prefer to remain away from human-made structures, ring-neck snakes are not afraid to utilize urbanized areas as refuge from predators.

The diet of the ring-necked snake consists primarily of smaller salamanders, earthworms, and slugs, but they also sometimes eat lizards, frogs, and some juvenile snakes of other species. The frequency at which prey species are chosen is dependent on their availability within the habitat. Ring-necked snakes use a combination of constriction and venom to secure their prey. In a study analyzing the dietary habits of this species, age, amount of food consumed, and temperature were conditions that highly affected digestion. The snakes do not have a true venom gland, but they do have a structure called the Duvernoy’s gland derived from the same tissue. The venom is produced in the Duvernoy’s gland located directly behind the eye. It then drains out of an opening at the rear of the maxillary tooth. Ring-necked snakes first strike and then secure the prey using constriction. Next, they maneuver their mouths forward, ensuring the last maxillary tooth punctures the skin and allowing the venom to enter the prey’s tissue. The secretion significantly affects the righting response of the prey. Ring-necked snakes are rarely aggressive toward larger predators, suggesting their venom evolved as a feeding strategy rather than a defense mechanism. Rather than trying to bite a predator, the snake winds up its tail into a corkscrew, exposing its brightly colored belly.

Ring-necked snakes are primarily nocturnal or can be found at twilight, though some day time activity has been observed. Individuals are sometimes found during the day, especially on cloudy days, sunning themselves to gain heat. Yet, most individuals lie directly under surface objects warmed in the sun and use conduction with that object to gain heat. Though ring-necked snakes are highly secretive, they do display some social structure, but the exact social hierarchies have never been evaluated. Many populations have been identified to have large colonies of more than 100 individuals, and some reports indicate some smaller colonies occupy the same microhabitats.

If you should see one, it’s harmless to humans.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Who were the Boston Red Sox’ “Gold Dust Twins” in the 1970s?

Answer can be found here.

2022 Vassalboro school supplies drive successful

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The 4th annual Vassalboro Community School supplies drive, held on August 27, at the North Vassalboro Fire Station, was another success this year. (photo courtesy of Don Breton)

(photo courtesy of Don Breton)

(photo courtesy of Don Breton)

EVENTS: Share the Road with Carol

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Dr. Carol Eckert, shown here at Androscoggin Riverlands State Park, in Turner, was tragically killed in a bicycling accident in Windsor last October. (contributed photo)

The sixth annual Share the Road with Carol memorial bike ride will take place on Sunday, September 18. Share the Road with Carol is an all ages commemorative bike ride in Windsor and Whitefield. The ride, which has 12-mile and 27-mile options, starts and ends at the Windsor Town Office.

This annual ride honors the memory of Carol Eckert, M.D. Carol was tragically killed as a result of a bike accident that occurred in Windsor on October 10, 2016. Biking was Carol’s passion and we invite everyone who feels the same to join us in remembrance of a life well pedaled and to further the cause of bicycle safety in Maine.

The registration fee is $20 for adults, and $10 for any person under 15 years of age accompanied by a parent or guardian. Register online (https://www.BikeReg.com/share-the-road-with-carol) or at the event from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. (pre-registration is encouraged). Then current CDC guidelines relative to COVID-19 will be followed and participants are asked to wear face coverings inside the Windsor Town Office.

There will be one rest stop on the 27-mile ride. Please join us after the ride at the Windsor Town Hall for fellowship, remembrances and light snacks.

Whether you knew Carol or not, this ride is a wonderful opportunity to explore the lovely rolling hills along the border of the Kennebec and Lincoln counties.

Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/CarolsRide.

MY POINT OF VIEW – Labor Day: It gives us another needed break

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Norman Rockwell’s painting of Rosie the Riveter in 1943.

by Gary Kennedy

Well, we have one of those long weekends arriving soon. It’s hard to believe that a year has gone by so rapidly. Covid coupled with stress and turmoil seems to have played a role in the rapidity in which time has flown. When you become a senior that doesn’t play out as a good thing. There comes a time in all of our lives when things need to slow down. Unfortunately, we have very little control over that.

Labor Day is celebrated on Monday, September 5, which allows many of us another needed break from the hazardous toils of employment. We might love our job but it sure is great to have a little free time to share with family and friends. It gives us a little extra time to share with our retrospective glasses which acts as a guide into the future. My family and I enjoy the holiday as we can reminisce and pull the past forward, thus allowing us conscientious purpose for the future.

When it is my time to tout the past the first thing that comes to mind is Rosie the Riveter. The holiday itself pays tribute to the conditions and achievements of the American worker. This holiday was created by the labor movement in the 19th century. Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894, by then President Grover Cleveland. Labor Day carried some soon to be historically important people as well as some outlandish rules.

Rosie Riveter

I mentioned Rosie the Riveter who became America’s sweetheart because of her principals, attire and ethical demeanor. Rosie is one of my favorite historical figures as she represented the work ethic of Americans. She symbolized the ability of women to fill any void in support of their spouse and country. Whenever there was a shortage of help in the labor force women such as Rosie stepped up to fill the void. (America’s Pride) I always mention her during any labor shortage for whatever reason, especially war. I think of her on Memorial Day as well as Labor Day. I hope my annual effort serves to motivate the young ones who didn’t know her, to look her up and become familiar with the kind of person she was and what she stood for.

I mentioned outlandish rules; one of which was you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day unless you were rich and could afford to vacation at all seasons. Many people actually adhered to that rule. However, after a time most people felt it was hog wash and dismissed it from the things not to do.

There were a couple of ladies who claimed to be the real Rosie the Riveter but I think the most accepted was Naomi Parker Fraley who passed away in 2018, at age 96. Dr. James J. Kimble, of the University of New Jersey, Professor of Communications, was the researcher that finally got it right. The most memorable thing Rosie ever said was shortly before her death and upon it being confirmed that she was in fact the real Rosie the Riveter, “The women of this country these days need some icons, if they think I’m one, I’m happy.” Rosie is one of my heroes, yet despite her success, Rosie was forced off the factory floor when the war ended. Her achievements are buried in books and all her accomplishments wiped out of our conscious. She proved what a woman could do in the labor force, especially in the hour of need. Thanks to historian researches in search of detail and truth we were able to receive her true unredacted story.

So while you are enjoying your family and friends on this extended weekend think about how we achieved what we have and who we are today. There are many Labor Day stories; I am only sharing one with all of my friends out there. Labor Day emphasizes work ethic of which there are many examples even in our own families. Look around and you will see where you got it from. I and all my friends here at The Town Line wish you a happy and safe holiday. May the one that you pray to bless and watch over you and yours. God Bless.

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

2022 Vassalboro Days schedule of events – Friday, September 9 & Saturday, September 10

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Vassalboro Days 2022

Friday September 9 & Saturday September 10

Friday, Sept 9, 7-10 PM

Concert by the Root Notes at the Mill in the North! BYO chairs!

Saturday, Sept. 10

FREE BUS RIDES to and from the Mill, the Town Office, United Methodist Church, the Historical Society, with turn around at the LIBRARY from 10-3.
Simply wait at one of the stops, wait may be up to 15 minutes and wave the driver down!

United Methodist Church Breakfast and Silent Auction 8-10 at the church.

United Methodist Church remote Car Event from 11-1 at the church.

Ducky Derby tickets available 10-1:00 at the VBA Booth or from Ray Breton, before that day 877-2005!

Freddie’s Cruise-In at the Town Office from 9-2 for the Vassalboro Scholarship Fund!
Rain date Sunday!

Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Fried Chicken & Fries by the Masonic Lodge 10-3 (Bernie 314-3076 to order)

Many Vendors and Crafters Saturday & Sunday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the lawn and inside the Mill. (Samantha 314-4940)

Flea Market from 9-3 in die parking lot, across street from Maine Savings FCU (416-4346)

Maine Bike Coalition Rodeo 10-12 (kids bikes available, adults BYO) at Rec Fields (This event has been cancelled.)

Face Painting 11:30-1:30 at the Mill.

Giant Bubbles, Sensory Pools for Little People, and various duck fun from 10-3 at die Mill.

Vassalboro Library will have a book sale and food sale at the Library at 930 Bog Road on September 9 from 11-6 and Saturday from 10-4. The library will also have a table in the North on Saturday during Vassalboro Days. Books arc by donation and you may also buy baked goods made with love by patrons.

Vassalboro Historical Society 9-3 at the Blacksmith Shop, the Harness Shop, and the Musewn. 327 & 360 Main St both Sat. and Sunday.

Maine Apple Days Sat. and Sunday at Lemieux’s Orchard 8-6 daily.

Vassalboro Recreation Department will have a table at die Mill so that you can meet director Karen Hatch

Vassalboro Ministry Association will have a table as well for the fuel fund!

DOUBLE DAM DUCKY DERBY AT 1:30.

DUCK DUMP ATTHE DAM NEAR THE SWIMMING HOLE. THE END OF THE RACE AT THE MILL-STREAM SIDE!

ALL ARE “WELCOME TO HELP RETRIEVE DUCKS, CHILDREN WILL REQUIRE YOUR SUPERVISION! A quick training will occur at 1:15 at the VBA Tent!

Color Me Too Fun run has been cancelled. Sorry!

Vassalboro Public Library summer reading program a huge success

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Throughout the summer 67 students, all members of the Vassalboro library, participated in the Summer Reading Program “Bikes for Books,” sponsored by Vassalboro Masonic Lodge #54. Mid-June the children signed up for the program and received a welcome packet which included a free book, start-up prizes and reading logs. They also received one raffle ticket for signing up which went into the bike raffle. For every two hours read after signup, and recorded in reading logs, students received another ticket to add to the raffle. There were 12 bikes total to win – all sponsored by the Vassalboro Masonic Lodge- sized 16″, 20″ 24″ and 28″, to accommodate the different ages of the participants.

The incentive for students was immediately apparent to library staff. Many of the participating children were eager to win a bike. About 15 students were reading 15-40 hours a week, and up to 40 came often to the library to turn in reading logs for more raffle tickets. By August 28, once the final tally came in, the 67 participating students had read a total of 1,622 hours!

On August 28 the library director, Brian Stanley, assistant librarian, and two trustees gathered with members of the Masonic lodge to raffle off the bikes. Participating families were welcome to get free ice cream, to have their faces painted by a pro – Face paint Amy – and to get a free library T-shirt. Many of the winning students were present to receive the bikes and others were called who were not present. All in all 12 eager and happy students received bikes and the 1,622 hours read became a great incentive for the Library and Masonic Lodge to hold similar events in the coming years.

During the summer the Vassalboro Library also sponsored many programs for the area youth including Northern Stars Planetarium, Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers, Chewonki – Tidepools and Fins and Flippers – the LC Bates Museum and weekly storytimes. Check the library’s website and Facebook for future events.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, September 1, 2022

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ROBERT F. FORTIN

WINSLOW – Robert F. Fortin, 91, passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at home, in Winslow. Robert was born in Winslow, November 20, 1930, where he lived his entire life. His parents were Alphonse (Peter) and Julia Fortin.

He grew up in a large family of eight boys and two girls; he was the last surviving sibling. Robert was part-owner of Fortin’s Meat Market and Sunnyside Dairy Farm, in Winslow. He was in business with his father and brothers – Gerard, George and Donald – for many years.

In grade school, he met his future wife – Joan (Little) Fortin. They attended Winslow High School together and graduated in 1951. Robert was captain of the football team during his senior year in high school. Robert and Joan were married in January 1952 and recently celebrated 70 years of marriage. Together they raised four children. Sadly, Joan passed away on Easter Sunday this year.

Family was of utmost importance to dad. He adored his children and their spouses: Cynthia and Michael Soule, Corning, New York; Karen Sidelinger and Michael Thibodeau, Fairfield; Robert and Donna Fortin, China; and Janet and Brian Ellis, Winslow.

Robert was was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Matthew (Mandie) Hall, Upton, Massachusetts; Mark (Stacey) Hall, Belmont; Nathan Sidelinger, Fairfield; David (Tedi) Soule, Raleigh, North Carolina; Sara Siglin, Corning, New York; Rob (Christy) Fortin, Troy, New York; Nicole Fortin, New York City, New York; Brian (Lauran) Ellis, China; Jason (Sasha Rolland) Ellis, Waterville; and Troy (Katie) Ellis, Clinton.

He was called “Gicky” by all his grandchildren (a name given to him by his first grandchild Matthew). He always called them his “pals”. He also had 13 great-grandchildren: Bella, Lauren, Drew, Macie, Sadie, Ava, Ella, Robbie, Aubrie, Cole, Rowan, Avery Rose, Leo and soon to be born Madelyn Joan. He loved seeing them as often as possible and always enjoyed hearing about their lives.

In his younger years, he loved to fish and spend time with family their camp on Webber Pond, in Vassalboro. So much family fun swimming, fishing, eating and laughing. His sweet personality and fun sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who loved him so much.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 10 a.m., on Thursday, September 1, at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument St., Winslow.

Interment to follow at St. Francis Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville. Afterward a reception will be held at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.

Please share your memories in the online guestbook at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s name to St. Jude Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (800-213-6584) or Beacon Hospice, Amedisys Foundation, 5 Community Dr., Augusta, ME 04330 (207-621-1212).

JEAN MARIE PARLIN

JEFFERSON – Jean Marie (Casper) Parlin, 59, of Jefferson, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at her home. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 12, 1963, the daughter of Mary Casper.

Jean eventually moved to Maine and attended Erskine Academy, in South China, where she met her high school sweetheart Richard Parlin, and they married on August 7, 1982, and had two children.

Jean worked for the Maine Revenue Services and retired in March 2020. She enjoyed her family gatherings, playing bingo, watching her children and grandchildren play sports and dance, going camping, going to the beach, and playing cards with family and friends.

She was predeceased by her mother, Mary (Casper) Sandborn and stepfather, Stephen Sandborn.

Jean is survived by her husband of 40 years, Richard A. Parlin Sr., of Jefferson; two children, Richard A. Parlin Jr., of Jefferson, Erica (Parlin) Ontiveros and husband Rafael, of Windsor; her grandson Christopher and granddaughter Jasmine, both of Windsor.

She will always be remembered as Jeannie.

Visiting hours will be held at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, on Thursday, September 8, from 5 – 7 p.m.

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at the American Legion, 396 Eastern Avenue, Augusta, on Friday, September 9, at 2 p.m.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

JEAN-GUY PAQUET

JEFFERSON – Jean-Guy Paquet, 82, passed away Monday, May 16, 2022, at his home. He was born in St. Prosper, Canada, on April 1, 1940, a son of Armand and Gabrielle (Giroux) Paquet. He was the oldest of 11 siblings.

Jean-Guy moved to Jackman in 1966 working for Scott Paper Co., Bison’s Garage, and as a mechanic for the MDOT. He enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard and graduated from Forest Hills High School, in Jackman, in 1975. He retired from the U.S. Army in 2002 with the rank of CW3. He retired from the MDOT as a toll collector in 2018. He enjoyed traveling, camping, and the Fryeburg Fair.

He is survived by his children, Yvette Costello, of Jackman, Celine Myrick, her husband Scott, Gene Paquet and his wife, Tami, of Unity; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at 3 p.m., at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta, where military honors will take place. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

 

 

PHOTO: Fort Halifax DAR winners

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Front, from left to right, Elizabeth Longfellow, fifth grade American History winner, Carrina Chen, Jennie Paine Howard winner, Megan Heusers, Good Citizen winner, and Dominique Giroux-Pare’ eighth grade American History winner. Back, Patricia Poulin-Gorman, chairman of the Good Citizens Committee, and Sandra Swallow, Regent of the DAR Fort Halifax Chapter. Missing from the photo is Swayer Inman and Kloe McEachirn. (contributed photo)