Huard’s Sport Karate team member Mikayla Achorn, 12, captured first place in point fighting at the recent Friendship Karate Tournament. The event took place on Saturday, June 18, at the Gorham Sports Complex. (photo by Mark Huard)
Contributed photo
Sheepscot Lake Association hosted its annual boat parade on July 4. This year’s parade was the most successful yet with 32 boats participating, and residents of several camps along the lake cheering on from the shoreline. The weather was perfect.
Contributed photo
Doctor Jose Rizal
by Gary KennedyI am not only a Rotarian but also a Knight of Rizal. I believe the most beautiful love story is the life and loves of Doctor Jose Rizal. Jose Rizal was born in the very beautiful hamlet of Calamba Laguna, Philippines on June 19th 1861. He died at dawns early light on December 30, 1896, at the hands of a Spanish firing squad. He was only 35 years old.
Dr. Rizal was a brilliant young optometrist whose most memorable surgery was that of the one performed on his own mother. She was blinded by cataracts. The surgery was successful. He loved his entire family as well as friends, unconditionally and spent his very short life trying to increase their lot, especially their equality in all forms to other races. He was one of the greatest humanitarians that God ever allowed to draw breath. His philosophy was not self centered or based on greed but to have the world recognize that all men were created equal and should have the right of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. (Sound familiar?) This included the realization that we were all born in the likeness of God as well as with the ability to think and to develop those abilities into meaningful products or venues.
Dr. Rizal was a brilliant doctor but also the master of many languages and skills. The list of his abilities is far greater than that of anyone I have ever known. His format was for the world to see Filipinos as a race of people equal to the best of what the world had to offer. Time is proving him to be correct. He surrounded himself with other scholars who shared his belief not only for Dr. Rizal’s race but that of others. The USA has many clubs nationally.
Dr. Rizal was raised under Spanish rule and he loved and respected Spain. He devoted his life trying to show Spain of his loyalty and respect and only asked for acceptance, as a child would his parents. For most of his beautiful life he sought Spain’s acceptance and its acceptance of equality and family. However, there were those who were jealous of him and wanted to see his beliefs along with its followers destroyed. When I read about this brilliant God fearing man I can’t help but think of the beautiful song that was written for Vincent Van Gogh, Starry, Starry Night. If you listen to the words they would parallel Dr. Rizal’s life.
I have read what has been made available to me about this man who some believe to be saint like. I am no expert on that but I certainly can see why some would hold him in the highest of esteem. Since I joined this group of followers in 2003, a day doesn’t seem to go by that his presence doesn’t cross my mind. I have often found myself day dreaming from conjured up memories of events in his life that have stuck with me from that which I have read, from books, essays, poems and articles which lead me down many paths. Dr. Rizal is one of those characters of life that leaves you with a lasting impression and many memories of which the human mind puts in its playground.
During one of the Cuban conflicts the Americans defeated Spain and took possession of the Philippine Islands. Under American rule, and becoming a USA territory, there was good and bad but change did come and over time Filipinos would fight alongside of the Americans, and to this day the American military has a large number of Filipino soldiers. They serve with great skill and integrity. They are also the largest alien population in Maine.
The Philippines ended up with the respect they so sorely deserved and education became mandatory. Although the Philippines is not yet a rich country or at least the people for the most part aren’t, it is well on its way. Dr. Rizal from the top of Mt. Makiling can say, “now the world can see that my people are as intelligent and gifted as any of this world”. I think the histories of America and the Philippines are very similar, as an intelligent God fearing nation which is still in the growth stage. There are those of other countries that have the same desire for superiority and greed as Spain once did. There is good and bad everywhere.
Beware of the little dog as he can reach places that others cannot and that is a serious under estimate of situations. Dr. Rizal and the lessons he left us with will be remembered and honed into tools of success. As I write these words these things are happening. Love of God and family are very powerful tools of which to build for. If you don’t love God and respect the rights of others to exist you have no foundation. There is no purpose to your life besides self fulfillment coupled with greed. On December 30, Jose Rizal willingly gave his life in order to lay down an example.
It was the leaders of the church and another country that took this beautiful man’s life of which he allowed for all to see. There were many tears shed then and there are still more now. Foot prints such as those are very hard to fill and very few in history have. In the end Dr. Rizal didn’t ask for any earthly reward. He just wanted to set an example. His only request was to the Spanish, who were about to take his life as the sun was rising on beautiful Manila Bay, “please let me face the sun as it is rising”. However, the world of 1896 seemed to have little or no heart. His final request was refused. The friars of the time wanted him to be shot in the back.
Dr. Rizal, while in a prison cell, prepared for this answer and planned his last moment on this earth. He would place his feet, weight and body so as when the volley of lead balls were to strike his back his body weight would compensate allowing his hat and body to meet the earth face up. Also some say a dog circled his body howling. The dog was identical to a dog that Rizal loved. Some believe it was the spirit of a dear friend. I guess I will have to wait to find out. Dr. Rizal wrote several books, the most famous of these were Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. There are many essays, poems and various manuscripts. All that you can find is well worth the reading. Also a complete history of Dr. Rizal is available. In my opinion he was one the most remarkable men in the history of the world. I am a member of the Knights of Rizal and would love to see a branch started here in the pristine state of Maine.
We are in some very precarious times right now. History has left us with so much information and so many doorways in which to unlock. I chose to share this very short story of a very big man during this time as his work, beliefs and philosophy have love as its foundation. God bless and may your decisions be based on the heart. It is a tablet for the one we hold most dear and will face in its time. If you would like to know more about this great human being, let me know and I will write more. It’s world history and available.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (June 9th, 2008, Our house in Brandon, Canon 20D, 400 5.6L)
by Roland D. HalleeBack in May, my wife and I moved to camp for the summer. It’s always great to leave the city and live in the serenity by the lake for about five months.
And, on that Sunday, we were greeted by my wife’s favorite bird, the ruby-throated hummingbird. It was nice to see the little critters back with us.
As usual, the rule of thumb for their return from the south is around the middle of May.
But, since then, a phenomenon has occurred. Although we see a multitude of female hummers, as of last Friday, we had not seen a single male. Finally, on Saturday, one appeared, briefly mind you, and stayed about 2.5 seconds, then was gone. We have not seen another since. Kind of a mystery to us.
The ruby-throated hummingbird, Archilochus comumbris, the only hummingbird species found in Maine, winters between southern Mexico and northern Panama. During their migration south in the fall, usually mid-September, older male and female birds are better prepared for long-distance flight than first-year birds by having higher body weights and larger fuel loads.
Adults of the species are not social, other than courtship, which lasts a few minutes, they lead solitary lives. They do not migrate in flocks, so individual birds may spend the winter anywhere in this range where the habitat is to their liking. They probably go to the same place every winter.
While we’re talking about their migration, let’s put a myth to bed. The myth states that hummingbirds hitch a ride on the backs of geese as they migrate south. The legend is entertaining, but false. Hummingbirds and Canada geese migrate at different times and to different locations. It is also a fact that not all hummingbirds migrate south for the winter.
Following the mating, the male departs and the female provides all parental care.
When it’s time to return north to their breeding grounds during the spring migration, portions of the population fly from the Yucatan Peninsula, in Mexico, across the Gulf of Mexico, first arriving in Florida and Louisiana. That in itself is an amazing feat. How can such a small creature travel the 500 miles nonstop over water? It would seem the caloric energy would far exceed the hummingbird’s body weight of 0.11 ounces. Research has discovered the tiny birds can double their fat mass in preparation for their gulf crossing, then expend the entire calorie reserve from fat during the 20-hour crossing when food and water are unavailable.
During the courtship displays, they make ticking sounds with their wings, and shuttle side-to-side in flight. I once witnessed a male hummingbird during courtship by flying, rather rapidly, in a U-shaped pattern, beginning at the top of the inverted arch, flying downward, circling back up to the same height as it began, and back again, several times. It was pretty impressive to watch.
Hummingbirds have one of the highest metabolic rates of any animal. During flight, their oxygen consumption per gram of muscle tissue is approximately 10 times higher than that seen in elite human athletes.
They feed frequently during the day. When temperatures drop, especially on cold nights, they may conserve energy by entering hypothermic torpor (the process of lowering their body temperature to conserve energy).
During their hovering at feeders, the hummingbird’s wings beat up to 80 times per second. They are also the only bird that can fly backwards. Once, while my wife was sitting on the deck near a potted geranium plant, a hummingbird came to feed. It got so close she could actually feel the cold breeze coming off the bird’s fluttering wings.
Hummingbirds almost never stop. Although I have seen them sit on a perch at the feeders. They spend nearly all of their time in the air. Their legs are so small and weak, they typically can’t walk at all. But in the air, they are masters. They can, however, shuffle to move along a branch, and can scratch its head and neck with its feet.
Speaking of feeding, when is a good time to put out the feeders in the spring? In the northeastern United States, they should be ready by the end of March. Don’t wait until you see your first hummingbird, that may be well after the first ones arrive.
As unlikely as it seems, hummingbirds have predators. A variety of animals prey on hummingbirds given the opportunity. Due to their small size, they are vulnerable. However, only very swift predators can capture them, and a free-flying hummingbird is too nimble for most predators. Chief predators include sharp-shinned hawks, praying mantises, green frogs and bull frogs. Praying mantises especially have been seen to ambush adult hummingbirds at feeders on more than one occasion. Blue jays are common visitors at nests, as well as bats, squirrels and chipmunks.
The oldest known ruby-throated hummingbird to be banded was a little over nine years old. Almost all hummingbirds over seven years old are females, with males rarely surviving past five years of age. The reason probably being that males may lose weight during the breeding season due to the high energy demand of defending a territory. Also, the high demands of the migration can take its toll.
Maybe we’ll see more males, and their brilliant throats, before the summer is over.
“Game, set, match,” is an expression used to indicate a competitor has won the game in which sport?
“Game, set, match,” is an expression used to indicate a competitor has won the game in which sport?
Tennis.
To the editor:I wanted to send a sincere thank you to ALL who voted in the District #62 Republican primary on June 14. I appreciate the civic engagement and concern you have for the future of Maine!
As your Republican candidate for the position of State Representative I want to assure you that I am open to hearing your ideas and your desires for the state and I welcome emails, calls and invitations to sit down and talk them over. I can be reached at katrinaformaine@gmail.com or at 207-230-9583.
My desire as a State Representative is to be your voice and to boldly pursue legislation that advances freedom, conservative values and prosperity for all Mainers in Augusta. Already I have listened to hundreds of people who worry about inflation and the hardship of surviving winter, about the great concern parents have for the education their children are currently experiencing and about the difficulty of doing business in Maine. I have heard person after person proclaim that if Maine doesn’t see a change in this election they will have to move and their hearts are broken about it. I pledge to work every day to make Maine a state we can afford to live in, want to live in and are safe to live in. Thank you again and I hope to see you soon!
Katrina Smith
Palermo
Members of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #39, Madison, is once again collecting school supplies for children and for the classrooms in our local schools (Madison MSAD #59 and Carrabec #RSU 74). With all the uncertainties ahead this year, the need is still there. A list of suggested items: rulers, erasers, pencils, colored pencils, ink pens (blue, black & red), water bottles (no larger than 20 oz) crayons, glue sticks, backpacks, pencil pouches for binders, one-inch binders, one subject notebooks, college and standard ruled filler paper, box of tissues, wipes, and post it notes just to mention a few. Will be collecting until September. The collection box will also be at their booth in the grassy area beside Skowhegan Savings Bank, in Madison, during Madison/Anson Days, on August 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Items can be dropped off in the collection box at the Madison American Legion Hall, 20 S. Maple Street, on Mondays through Saturdays, after 3 p.m., and on Sundays, noon to 4 p.m. If you would like to send a monetary donation, make checks payable to Madison ALA, PO Box 325, Madison, ME 04950, with School Supplies in the Memo.
Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) helps to advance the mission of The American Legion. With more than 600,000 members, the ALA is one of the nation’s most prominent supporters of veterans, military, and their families. ALA members volunteer millions of hours annually, with a value averaging $1.1 billion each year. From helping to draft the GI Bill in 1944 to advocating for veterans on Capitol Hill. The American Legion Family has been instrumental in advancing legislation that improves the quality of life for our nation’s veterans. To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforveterans.org, our local website http://www.mainelegionpost39.org or contact Karen Lytle, President PO Box 325, Madison, ME 04950.
Volunteers prepare window inserts at a previous WindowDressers workshop, in Vassalboro. (photo courtesy of Vassalboro Historical Society)
The China for a Lifetime Committee is planning a Window Dressers workshop this November 7-13, at the China Lake Camp, off the Neck Road, on the west side of the lake. The initiative is a volunteer-led, barn-raising effort to construct low-cost “window inserts” that can significantly reduce residential energy costs. Orders for inserts need to be submitted to the China Town Office or through the Window Dressers’ website by September for the November workshop.
The insulated window inserts are constructed of pine wood frames, and can be ordered in natural wood or painted white. There is a maximum order limit of 10 frames, and no minimum. Orders are open to all residents of China, Vassalboro, Palermo, Albion and Windsor.
The price of the window inserts varies depending on the size of the frame requested, but generally range from $30-$70 per frame for natural pine, with an additional $5-$10 if painted white. Discounts and financial help are available for those who qualify.
As the workshop will take place during the second week of November, orders should be placed by September. Volunteers will need to visit your home to take window measurements which will then be sent to the Window Dressers organization, who will cut the wood for the frames and deliver them in time for the workshop. All volunteers visiting customer homes to measure windows are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and wear a mask.
There is a great need for local community volunteers to make this a successful Window Dressers workshop. It is requested (but not required) that anyone ordering frames also commit to a four-hour shift on one of the workshop days. The committee is also looking for anyone who can supply food to the teams participating in the workshop.
To submit an order for window inserts, or to volunteer, please call the China Town Office at 445-2014, send an email to chinaforalifetime@gmail.com, or visit the Window Dressers website and fill out the request form at windowdressers.org/sign-up-for-inserts.
For more information about the China for a Lifetime Committee, please visit their website at chinaforalifetime.com.
WATERVILLE – David J. Albert, 80, passed away on Sunday, June 19, 2022, following a brief illness. David was born in Waterville on March 25, 1942, the son of Warren and Jennie (Wainer) Albert.
He attended the Waterville Public School system and graduated from Waterville High School in 1962. David joined the Naval Reserves, stationed in Augusta, after graduation. After two years in the reserves, David was assigned active duty in the Navy’s administration office, in Bermuda, where he served for two years. David was honorably discharged for the Navy in 1964.
David became an employee of Scott Paper Co., in Winslow, soon after his stint in the Navy, where he remained for 26 years working in the maintenance department until his retirement. During this time, David became actively involved in the Local #470 Club, a group dedicated to preserving the old steam locomotive.
David joined the Waterville Elks Club in 1987 and was a loyal and proud member for 36 years. He enjoyed the formal ceremonies, the dinners, and during his daily visits, the camaraderie around a table with his friends. David was awarded life membership in the club six years ago.
David was a life-long railroad enthusiast beginning with model railroads and evolving to railroad photography. He developed a keen interest in the history of the Maine Central Railroad and could often be found in the Waterville railroad yard observing and photographing the trains’ movements. David loved to travel throughout Maine and New Hampshire “chasing trains” with his good friend and fellow railroad enthusiast, Dave Bolduc. During these excursions, he accumulated thousands of photos and negatives which he would sell to train enthusiasts and railroad magazines and authors seeking photos for the publication of their railroad books. David’s passion culminated in his co-authoring of the book New England Diesels with his good friend George F. Melvin in 1975.
On one of his photo excursions to New Hampshire, David met Dwight Smith, the new owner of the North Conway Scenic Railroad. They became fast friends and David volunteered his service to the organization for three decades, often acting as conductor for the train. David was a kind and loyal brother who will be sadly missed for his sense of humor and uncanny knowledge of classic movies and all things history.
David was predeceased by his father, Warren and his mother, Jennie.
David is survived by his brother, Richard and wife Lori, of Palermo; and sisters Sandra Roy, of Fairfield Center, and Nancy Shattuck, of Jasper, Florida; nephew, Derek Albert, of South Portland; and two nieces, Katie Roy, of Cornville, and Jessica Roy, of Skowhegan.
A graveside service was held for David at St. Francis Cemetery, in Waterville, on Saturday July 9.
Arrangements are under the direction of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville.
An online guest book may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elks National Foundation and sent to the Elks Club of Waterville, 76 Industrial St., Waterville, ME 04901.
WINDSOR – Glendon R. Casey, 85, of Windsor, passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at home. Glendon was born August 11, 1936, the son of Harold A. Casey and Thelma L. Weeks Casey.
He went by the name “Casey”. His favorite things in life were family gatherings and lunch on Sunday afternoon, trips to Round Pond, camping, cooking, hunting, fishing and mowing the lawn.
Casey was predeceased by his parents; his brothers; and his son, Bobby.
He is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn H. Cunningham Casey; his son Brian and his wife, Alice; his daughter Sissy (Glenda) and her husband, David; his son Keith; his daughter Dawn and her husband, James; his son Jeff and his wife, Rhonda; his daughters Heidi and her husband, Dave, and Heather and her partner, Rick; and his son Joshua and his partner, Jen; and many nieces and nephews; 19 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Casey’s life will be held on Sunday, July 24, at 1 p.m., at the China Legion Post #179.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to North Windsor Baptist Church, 955 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363.
WINSLOW – David G. Guimond, 93, of Winslow, died June 23, 2022 of natural causes. He was born in Fairfield, March 13, 1929, the son of David J. and Ita (Morrissette) Guimond.
He graduated Winslow High School in 1947 and Thomas Business College, inWaterville, in 1955. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War from 1948 and was honorably discharged in 1952 with rank of Staff Sergeant – E6. He retired from the Internal Revenue Service with over 30 years of government and military service. He is a life member of the Bourque-Lanigan American Legion Post #5, in Waterville.
After years of courting the love of his life, Muriel Poulin, they were married on January 29, 1955. Muriel predeceased him on August 3, 2011.
He is survived by his four children, daughter, Jane Hillman and her husband Bruce and their family, Kara Bickford and her husband James and great-grandson Edwyn, Kristen Morrell and her husband John and great-granddaughter Maisie, and David Hillman; son, Joe and his wife Maria and their family, Derek and his wife Nicole and Monique Guimond; son, John and his wife Barbara and their family, Nicole Trimble and her husband Troy and great-granddaughter Harper, Lindsey Boudreau and her husband Tyler and Elise Guimond; son, Jeffrey and his wife Stacy and their family, Morgan Guimond and great-granddaughter, McKenna and Sarah Guimond.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Winslow, on July 6, followed by committal prayers and burial at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Waterville.
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.
In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory, may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.
WINDSOR – Mary Anne Sprague, 80, passed away on Friday, June 24, 2022. She was born born May 11, 1942.
She was a 1960 graduate of Morse High School, in Bath. As a Bath native, Mary Anne loved sharing stories about the area in “the old days” and often regaled her family with tales of local legends and childhood adventures.
She took great pride in her children and grandchildren and often remarked that her kids were her “whole life”. She loved to host family gatherings (creating core memories for all of us with pool parties in the ’90s that lasted all day and late into the night) and enjoyed family road trips to magical places like Walt Disney World, in Florida, and Area 51, in Nevada.
She took great pleasure in the little things in life — a good cup of Sanka every morning with her toast, skunking her husband at cribbage, eating rock crabs, and making fudge and potato salad for her grandson, David, with whom she always shared an especially deep connection.
She also loved thinking about and talking about life’s great mysteries, and one of her favorite things to do was to stay up late debating religion and philosophy with her son. She was famous for her long phone calls that often hit the three hour mark and always covered a wide range of unexpected topics – their absence is already very deeply felt. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Stephen Sprague; her three children, Kerri Hanscom, Tedd Sprague, and Lynda Wylde; three grandchildren, Paul Cole Jr., Heather Arsenault, and David Arsenault; and numerous great-grandchildren; her brother, David Snowdon and his wife, Trudy.
At her request there will be no funeral, and burial services will be private for immediate family.
To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit http://www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
Those wishing to honor her life are encouraged to initiate a random act of kindness in her memory.
OAKLAND – Gerald “Gerry” M. Bickford, 90, of Oakland, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at the Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta. He was born on November 27, 1931, in North Belgrade, to Dennis P. and Ruth G. (Lunn) Bickford.
Gerry grew up and worked on the family dairy farm with his parents and two brothers, Chester, and Roger. He helped care for the animals, aided in growing vegetables, and harvested firewood. He attended school in a one-room schoolhouse that was located next door to the family farm.
In 1949 Gerry graduated from Belgrade High School and went on to attend Thomas College, in Waterville, where he attained an associate degree in accounting and business administration. It was there he met his beloved wife, Hilda Baldic. On June 21, 1952, Gerry and Hilda were married at the Second Baptist Church, in Waterville. In October of the same year, Gerry was drafted into the U.S. Army and deployed to Korea. In 1954, he came back from Korea and he and Hilda built a home in Oakland, where they settled and started a family. They had three children, Robin, Glen, and Heidi.
Gerry had many employment opportunities throughout his lifetime. His first job was in Bingham, as an accountant. He then went on to work for Texaco, Inc., in Boston, Massachusetts. Next was with C. F. Hathaway Shirt Co., of Waterville, and then the Maine Revenue Service, Income Tax Division, with the State of Maine.
He was a member of the Maine State Grange as well as the American Baptist Men of America. He and Hilda contributed generously to their church and were dedicated to their faith. They participated in many community projects as active members of Oakland Cascade Grange and The United Baptist Church of Oakland.
Gerry was predeceased by his wife Hilda and his brothers Chester and Roger.
He is survived by his three children. Robin Bickford, and her life partner Adonna Manzo, of Oakland, Glen Bickford, and his wife Karen Bickford, of Fairfield, Heidi (Bickford) Roberts and her husband John Roberts, of Manchester; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Friday, July 8, 2022, at the Wheeler Funeral Home, in Oakland. Burial immediately followed the service at the Lewis Cemetery, Cottle Road, Oakland.
Arrangements are in the care of the Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church Street, Oakland, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.lawrybrothers.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the United Baptist Church of Oakland, 45 Church St,, Oakland, ME 04963.
SIDNEY – Jane A. (Gidney) Robertson, 75, passed away on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Maine Medical Center, Portland, following a lengthy illness. Jane was born November 19, 1946, in Augusta, daughter of the late Harry M. and Christine F. (Cunliffe) Gidney.
She was the wife of John R. Robertson with whom she shared 40 years of marriage.
She was a resident of Sidney for many years. She was a graduate of Cony High School, in Augusta. Jane went on to further her education and graduated from Thomas College, in Waterville.
Jane was a teacher and taught business courses at Cony High School for 29 years until her retirement.
Jane was an active volunteer with John for many different civic organizations. She and John were active with the WWF Railway, in Alna, for many years. Jane was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma
In addition to her husband John, Jane is survived by her brother-in-law William Ross, of Randolph; her nephew Bryan Ross, of Whitefield, as well as many other nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Jane was predeceased by her sister Dona Gidney Ross.
In honoring with Jane’s wishes there was a graveside service at Greenlawn Cemetery, Route 131, Swanville, on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.
Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church Street, Augusta, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.
WINSLOW – Rose P. Pelotte, 95, of Winslow, passed away on Wednesday, July 6, 2022. She was born to immigrants from Poland, Joseph and Helen (Plisga) Kibbin, in Winslow.
She grew up on the family farm while attending Winslow schools. Rose married Bernard H. Pelotte on November 23, 1946. They celebrated 61 years of marriage before he passed away in 2007. She worked for many years at C.F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, and later, a homemaker when her four children were born.
Rose and Bernard enjoyed many trips to the coast of Maine as well as to the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, in Canada. They also traveled to New York City, N.Y., to attend a Christmas show with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, and many other trips.
Rose and Bernard also enjoyed spending time with their eight grandchildren while they were growing up. During summer months they tended their extensive vegetable garden. Rose and Bernard canned and pickled the abundance of vegetables for the family during the winter months. Rose was a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post #8835. She kept up on current events by reading her newspaper and watching the daily news. She was a very devout Catholic and was a parishioner of the St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow, her entire life.
Besides her parents and husband, Rose was preceded in death by her daughter Chery, son Jeffrey, sons-in-law Kevin Stetson, Donald Nadeau and Donald Hotham; her sisters Stella, Evangeline, Victoria, Louise, and Violette, her brothers Joseph, Bronick and Johnny.
Rose is survived by her daughters Brenda Stetson, with children Sara and Terry, Kyle and Dominque and their children Jordan, Aidyn and Kamryn, and Lauren and Tyler; daughter, Kathy Hotham with children Justin and Katie and their children Emily and Garret, and Cody and Emily and their children Audric and Taylor; daughter, Cheryl and Richard Brackett with children Randy and Alyssa and their children Eva and Eli; Michael and Michelle and their children Tyler and Tenley; and Jenya and Andy Young and their children Noah and Alexandria; by many nephews and nieces.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, July 14, at 10 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street, in Winslow, with a burial immediately following at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, on Grove Street, in Waterville.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com for Rose’s family and friends.
OAKLAND – Richard Nicholas Jurdak, 85, passed away Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at his home, in Oakland. He was born August 11, 1936, in Waterville, the son of Edward and Anastasia (Belanger) Jurdak.
He attended school in Waterville. On February 18, 1956, he married the former Marian Burwood, in Waterville. Over the years, he was employed by Leo’s Auto Sales, in Waterville, Emile Poulin and Pullen Ford. He was a member of the appeals board for the town of Oakland and really enjoyed going to the meetings and stating his opinions.
Richard loved to go hunting and fishing with his family as well as talking with his CB friends, his handle was “Tricky Dick”. He enjoyed mowing his lawn and going for rides with his daughter.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marian L. (Burwood) Jurdak, of Oakland; daughters, Joanne and Angela Jurdak, of Oakland; son, Edward Jurdak; sister, Sandra Marcoux; grandchildren, Nicholas Jurdak and wife Lynn, Zackary and Justin Jurdak, Nicole Clark, of Waterville, Jessica Maillet and Jennifer Carpenter; great grandchildren, Hailey, Ethan and Evan Sargent, Alister, Zeb, Jonathan and Peyton Higgins, Autumn Clark and Kastin Jurdak; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Anastasia Jurdak; son, Michael Jurdak; sisters, June Plisga, Jeannette Ross, Elizabeth Lancaster and Marie Paradis; brothers, Robert, Edward and Donald Jurdak.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 11 a.m., at the Oakland Fire Department.
Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan Maine, 04976.
In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Richard’s memory to the Oakland Fire Department c/o Oakland Town Office, PO Box 187, Oakland ME 04963.
OAKLAND – Alan “Axl” M. Rose, 37, passed away Saturday, May 14, 2022. He was born April 18, 1985, in Waterville, the son of Gene Rose and Jacquelyn (Dyer) Cloutier.
He graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, class of 2003, and Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) in 2020 as an instrument technician. He was employed at Hutamaki, in Waterville, from 2004 to 2022, was a shop steward and trustee in USW Local #449 and secretary for FEMC (Frindge Element Motorcycle Club). Alan enjoyed snowmobiling, motorcycle riding, four-wheeling, camping, and was a self-taught guitar player.
Alan is survived by his mother, Jackie Cloutier and husband Rodney, of Winslow; father, Gene Rose, of Clinton; brother, Charlie Rose and wife Jamie, of Clinton; nephew, Levi Ficalora-Rose, of Clinton; step sisters, Amiee Cloutier and family, of Broddus, Texas, and Nicole Cloutier and family, of Red Rock, Texas; several aunts, uncles and cousins; grandmothers, Bertha Chapin, of Ladylake, Florida, and Alyce Dyer, of Bangor.
He was predeceased by grandfathers, Bertrand Dyer Sr. and Aloysius Rose; grandmother, Caroline Dyer.
A celebration of Life will be held Friday, July 15, 2022, at 3 p.m., at Enchanted Gables, Hussey Hill Road, Oakland. Please bring fondest memories to the celebration for family and friends to enjoy.
Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Maine 04976.
CHINA – Leslie Roy French, 87, passed away Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at his sons home, in Weeks Mills. Born May 8, 1935, to Roy and Evelyn French. Leslie worked as a woodsman from a very young age.
He enjoyed hunting, watching sports, road trips and family gatherings.
He was predeceased by his parents, wife Linda Powell French, brothers Percy, Vivan and Ivan French, grandchildren, David Chase and Brian French.
He is survived by children, Kim and Murphy Powers, Kelly and William Noble, Kathy and Charles Pease, Leslie H. and Darlene French, Kyle Ross; stepchildren, Tricia and Steven Chayer, Kevin and Maribel Mclean, Neil and Rebekah Mclean; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, several great-great grandchildren; siblings Vera McDaniel, Ruth Stewart, Shirley Marston, Ronald and Robert French.
Private service to be held at a later date.
VASSALBORO – Mary B. Vannah, 74, died Sunday, Sunday, July 10, 2022, at her home, following a long illness. She was born in Augusta, on September 13, 1947, a daughter of the late Florian J. and Arlene V. (Cameron) Minoty.
Mrs. Vannah was a graduate of Cony High School, in Augusta, and was employed at the VA Hospital at Togus for many years, working as an eligibility clerk.
She was predeceased by her husband, Jerry A. Vannah; her son, Jerry A. Vannah, Jr., and a sister, Regina Arbour.
Mrs. Vannah is survived by two daughters: Kimmy Pratt, of South China, and Kelly Herard, of Waterville; four brothers: Kenneth Minoty, of Whitefield, Richard Minoty, of Augusta, Robert Minoty, of Whitefield and Larrie Minoty, of Vassalboro; a sister, Virginia Davis, of Augusta, as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
At her request, there will be no public visiting hours.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 27, at 11 a.m., at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Burial and committal prayers will follow at the new Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta.
Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.
The family requests that donations in Mary’s memory be made to: MaineGeneral Hospice, PO Box 828, Waterville, ME, 04901.
MONTVILLE – Ivan P. Wentworth, 80, of Montville, passed away on Wednesday, July 6, 2022. A graveside service will be held on September 12, 2022.
OAKLAND – Family and friends are invited for a graveside service at 1:00 July 15 at GreenLawn Rest Cemetery in the town of Clinton. Followed by a celebration of life at Greencamp in Oakland. Please consider donating a book in her memory. Her custom gift list is under registrant’s name Penny Bolduc at amazon.com.
by Mary GrowMembers of China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee approved a funding application, discussed a pending project and heard updates on on-going ones at their June 29 meeting.
The committee’s job is to make recommendations to the select board and voters for spending revenue in the TIF Fund. The money comes from taxes on Central Maine Power Company’s north-south line through town and the company’s substation in South China. Recommendations are within the limits set in the TIF plan, approved by town voters and by state regulators.
China Community Days asked for $10,000 for fireworks and other purposes for this summer’s celebration, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 5, through Sunday, Aug. 7. TIF Committee members unanimously approved.
The pending project is doing something about the China Lake boat landing in South China Village, which has limited access, shallow water, erosion problems and undefined lot boundaries. The first step is to define the lot lines; new committee chair Brent Chesley said Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood is seeking a surveyor.
Depending on how much land the town owns, options include providing more parking and maintaining a full-service boat landing; limiting parking and allowing hand-carry (canoes and kayaks) launches only; or discontinuing use as recreational lake access. If the area were no longer a boat landing, committee members discussed ongoing access by town firefighters.
Resident Scott Pierz, executive director of the China Region Lakes Alliance, reported briefly on four major programs, partly TIF-funded, aimed at improving water quality in China Lake and other area water bodies:
Four Seasons Club President Tom Rumpf reported on work done on trails in town and on plans for continued work. He discussed state grant possibilities and revised state regulations and oversight. Misuse of ATV trails, including incidents like the recent vandalism to bee hives in Albion (which had nothing to do with Four Seasons Club trails, Rumpf said), discourages landowners from allowing trails on their property and increases state involvement.
After electing Chesley TIF Committee chairman, succeeding Tom Michaud who declined to continue in the position, committee members elected James “J. J.” Wentworth vice-chairman.
The next committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday evening, Aug. 24.