Make-A-Wish Maine grants Jordan’s dream

Taken at Toy Story Land, at Hollywood Studios. Front row left to right, Jordan “JoJo,” Garay, 7, Layla Garay, 5 and Kobe Garay, 9. Back row , Lennie Langlais, Justina Tippin, Amanda Garay, Victor Garay and Cathy Langlais. (contributed photo)

by Mark Huard

Jordan Garay (contributed photo)

This past month, seven-year-old Jordan Garay (“Jojo”), of Winslow, traveled to Walt Disney World, in Florida, for his wish! Jojo was born with a heart defect that required him to have a pacemaker inserted at just nine days old. Jojo’s family was very familiar with Make-A-Wish, as his grandmother Cathy is a long-time wish granting volunteer, having worked with dozens of wish kids over the years.

Jojo knew all along that he wanted to go to Walt Disney World for his wish! He especially wanted to visit Legoland and dreamed of staying in Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit partner on 89-acres, in Kissimmee, Florida, which is where all wish kids stay on their local wish trips. This whimsical resort is a favorite for wish families who travel to Florida.

Jojo found out that his wish would be granted in a very special way. He and his family attended a Portland Sea Dogs game where he got to go on the field and learn the good news in front of the entire stadium.

“The atmosphere was amazing and hearing the crowd cheer for him was so special. He came running up to me after and was so excited that he was going to get his wish. The whole day was so special for our family,” says wish mom Amanda Garay.

After the special announcement, Jojo’s wish granting volunteers, including his grandmother Cathy, surprised Jojo and his family with his Wish Party. Complete with balloons, cake and travel bags packed with gifts, they learned more about what Jojo’s wish would be like.

“It was wonderful to grant Jojo’s wish to go to Walt Disney World and to see how meaningful the wish was for Jojo and his entire family,” says Mackenzie Perry, Wish Manager for Make-A-Wish Maine. “It was especially meaningful as his grandmother is a long-time Make-A-Wish Maine volunteer and we were grateful to be able to have her grandson experience the impact of a wish.”

Thanks to the Fast Pass Lanes, the Garay kids were able to make it through lines quicker and go on even more rides throughout the day. They rode some of their favorites multiple times throughout their visit. And, while the family had a lot of information about the mission of Make-A-Wish, experiencing it firsthand was a unique experience.

“Over the past 20 years I have heard my mom speak about how important Make-A-Wish is to her and I have seen her dedication to all her wish kids. I knew it was special and I knew she put her heart into it, but I never truly understood the impact of a wish until we experienced JoJo’s wish,” says wish mom Amanda. “Our family was able to make these amazing memories and not worry, not worry about hearts, not worry about cancer, not worry about anything.”

Make-A-Wish Maine extends thanks to Field of Greens Limo, Portland Sea Dogs, Give Kids the World Village, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, and Legoland for making Jojo’s wish come true.

(contributed photo)

Issue for June 16, 2022

Issue for June 16, 2022

Celebrating 34 years of local news

25th annual Maine International Film Festival to honor actor Debra Winger

Star of An Officer and a Gentleman will appear at Waterville festival in July

The Maine International Film Festival (MIFF) will present its annual Mid-Life Achievement Award to actor Debra Winger at a special ceremony held at the Waterville Opera House, on Friday, July 15, following a special 35mm screening of A Dangerous Woman, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination. Best known as an Academy Award nominee for her work in An Officer and a Gentleman, Terms of Endearment, and Shadowlands, Winger has had a stellar acting career, working in a wide variety of genres with directors including Bernardo Bertolucci, Jonathan Demme, James L. Brooks, Bob Rafelson, and James Bridges…

Your Local News

Municipal building committee to make presentation to select board

CHINA — Three members of China’s Municipal Building Committee met June 9, for the first time since January, and agreed they need to make a presentation and two requests at the June 21 select board meeting…

Assessor recommends second revaluation in two years

CHINA — China select board members held two meetings in succession June 6, first as the town’s board of assessors and then as the select board…

Paving contract awarded to Maine-ly Paving for $471,985.50

WINDSOR — At their May 24 meeting, the Windsor Select Board voted unanimously to award a paving bid to Jamie Ward of Maine-ly Paving Services, LLC, in the amount of $471,985.50…

Select board authorizes church demolition

VASSALBORO — Vassalboro select board members began their June 9 meeting with a party, recognizing retiring board chairman Robert Browne’s final meeting…

China election results

CHINA — China Town Clerk Angela Nelson reported that voters in China’s June 14 written-ballot annual town business meeting approved 37 of the 38 articles presented, by varying margins. The only one disapproved was Art. 37, asking if voters want a temporary moratorium on new commercial solar developments in town; 283 voters were in favor, 368 were opposed…

Vassalboro election results

VASSALBORO — Vassalboro Town Clerk Cathy Coyne reported the following June 9 local election results. Frederick “Rick” Denico, Jr., was elected to the select board with 269 votes. He succeeds Robert Browne, who did not seek another term…

Fairfield election results

FAIRFIELD — Unofficial returns from June 14, 2022, primary election according to Fairfield Town Clerk Christine Keller…

Name that film!

Identify the film in which this line originated and qualify to win FREE passes to Railroad Square Cinema in Waterville: “You don’t understand! I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender.” Email us at townline@townline.org with subject “Name that film!” Deadline for submission is July 8, 2022…

Waterville American Legion Post #5 installs new officers

WATERVILLE – American Legion Post #5, in Waterville, installed its officers for the coming year on June 8, 2022. Post #5 is still active fulfilling its mission of honoring men and women who served their country by wearing their uniform proudly…

EVENTS: Brian Bielanski to perform at St. George Café in July

WARREN – Bryan Bielanski, singer-songwriter, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is touring the United States in 2022 to promote his new music release and will perform on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, in Warren, at Saint George River Cafe…

Kaitlin Dixon Named to D&E president’s list

SOLON – Kaitlin Dixon, of Solon, a student at Davis & Elkins College, in Elkins West Virginia, has been named to the president’s list for the spring 2022 semester…

Oakland resident receives degree from Simmons University

OAKLAND – Katiann Carey, of Oakland, earned a bachelor of arts degree, in economics, cum laude, from Simmons University, in Boston, Massachusetts…

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Native Americans – Part 3 (new)

CENTRAL ME HISTORY — The Kennebec tribe’s village at Cushnoc (a word that means head of tide, most historians agree) was on high ground on the east bank of the Kennebec River in what is now Augusta, about 20 miles south Ticonic village (described last week)… by Mary Grow [1967 words]

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Native Americans – Part 2

CENTRAL ME HISTORY — Earlier articles in this series have identified the Kennebec River Valley as a throughway connecting the coast and the St. Lawrence River, used by, among others, Benedict Arnold going north to attack Québec in 1775 and Canadians coming south to find jobs in Maine in the 19th century… by Mary Grow [1891 words]

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Native Americans – Part 1

CENTRAL ME HISTORY — Logically, your writer should have started this series on the history of the central Kennebec Valley with the first human inhabitants, the groups once called Indians and now more commonly called Native Americans. Your writer is a coward. She did not want to take on a topic about which there is no contemporary written evidence and limited later evidence… by Mary Grow [2029 words]

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Immigrants

CENTRAL ME HISTORY — The French-Canadians and the Irish were not the only groups coming to the central Kennebec Valley from other countries. Stephen Plocher wrote in his Waterville history (found on line) that in the 1860s, people he called “Syrian-Lebanese” from Syria (Lebanon and Syria were French mandates until 1943, when they became two separate countries) began arriving… by Mary Grow [1807 words]

PHOTO: A gaggle of geese

CENTRAL ME Monique Eldridge took this photo of two geese and six gosslings during Memorial weekend…

Webber’s Pond

Webber’s Pond is a comic drawn by an anonymous central Maine resident (click thumbnail to enlarge)…

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: China Four Seasons Club life jacket giveaway

CHINA — On Saturday, June 25, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., The China Four Seasons Club (CFSC) will be hosting their first Life Jacket Giveaway and Exchange Event at the North end of China Lake on Causeway Road, in China. This water safety program is open to children and young adults 16 and under and while supplies last… and many other local events!

Obituaries

PALERMO – Pauline Horak, 93, of Palermo, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 19, 2022. She was born in Russia on November 19, 1928. She was married to Anton Horak for 54 years… and remembering 8 others.

Common Ground: Win a $10 gift certificate!

DEADLINE: Wednesday, June 17, 2022

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

Previous winner: Frank Hersey, Winslow

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | A reader recently told me they saw some fireflies recently, and asked whether it is early for them. I guess it all depends on a number of factors. Most people associate fireflies with soft summer evenings, but late in February and into March it is possible to see winter dark fireflies glowing in the woods…

FOR YOUR HEALTH

by Becky Upham | Fatigue may be a sign of an underlying health issue if it does not improve with rest and good nutrition. How fatigued activities like walking, light housework, or heavy gardening make an older person feel may be a predictor of how likely they are to die in the next few years, according to a new study…

LIFE ON THE PLAINS

by Roland D. Hallee | Before we go into the era of growing up on The Plains, in Waterville, maybe we should take a tour of the area in our “way back machine”. This will take a little time, so plan on a couple of weeks. Let’s start at the northern end of the south end, if that makes sense?…

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Experiencing a Higher Level of Fatigue May Predict Death in Older Adults

Study finds older people reporting feeling run down were more likely to die within the following 3 years.

by Becky Upham

Fatigue may be a sign of an underlying health issue if it does not improve with rest and good nutrition.

How fatigued activities like walking, light housework, or heavy gardening make an older person feel may be a predictor of how likely they are to die in the next few years, according to a new study.

The research, published on January 24 in The Journal of Gerontology, is the first to establish higher levels of perceived physical fatigability as an indicator of earlier death, said lead author Nancy W. Glynn, PhD, associate professor in the department of epidemiology at Pitt’s Graduate School of Public Health, in Pittsburgh, in a release. “Conversely, lower scores indicate greater energy and more longevity.”

What Exactly Does Fatigue Mean?

Fatigue is different than feeling sleepy. Instead, it’s a feeling of tiredness or lack of energy and motivation. However, drowsiness and apathy can sometimes accompany fatigue, according to StatPearls.

Although fatigue can be a perfectly normal response to stress or a hard day of work or play, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue if it’s not improved by getting plenty of rest or good nutrition.

Participants Reported How Fatigued They Would Be From Walking, Gardening, or Watching TV

Historically, measuring fatigue has been challenging for researchers. It could be costly and require an in-person visit and dedicated space and staff.

In an effort to standardize the definition of fatigue and make it less costly, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh developed the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale in 2011. The 10-item scale has been validated in many subsequent studies as a way to accurately capture physical and mental tiredness.

To find out if there was a relationship between reported fatigue and mortality, investigators recruited a total of 2,906 people who were enrolled in the Long Life Family Study, an international study that follows family members across two generations. The mean age of participants was 73.5 years old, 54.2 percent were women, and 99.7 percent were white.

Participants completed the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale, which asked them to rate how much physical and mental fatigue they would experience as a result of participating in activities such as walking, light housework, watching television, hiking or biking, and hosting a social event, with 0 being no fatigue and 5 being extreme fatigue. Scores could range from 0 to 50, with a higher score indicating greater fatigability.

Subjects were followed for an average of 2.7 years until the end of 2019, thereby avoiding any increased mortality as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. After controlling for several factors that could contribute to the likelihood of death, including depression, preexisting or underlying terminal illness, age, and gender, investigators found that participants with the highest level of reported fatigue (with a score of 25 or higher) were over twice as likely to die during the follow-up period compared with people who had less fatigue (with a score below 25).

“There has been research showing that people who increase their physical activity can decrease their fatigability score,” said Dr. Glynn, a physical activity epidemiologist. “And one of the best ways to increase physical activity — which simply means moving more — is by setting manageable goals and starting a routine, like a regular walk or scheduled exercise,” she added.
Glynn points out that this time of year is known to be the time when people make and break resolutions to be more active. “I hope our findings provide some encouragement to stick with exercise goals,” she said.

It’s Never Too Late to Start Exercising

Most adults over the age of 65 can safely exercise, even if they have a chronic illness, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). If you haven’t been physically active in a while or if you aren’t sure if exercise would be recommended for someone with your health conditions, check in with your doctor first.

When it comes to which type of exercise is best, experts recommend including all four types:

  • Endurance activities, such as walking or dancing;
  • Strength training, which can be done with body weight or a resistance band;
  • Balance moves, like standing on one foot;
  • Flexibility, which can be improved with yoga or stretching.

Current guidelines recommend that people ages 65 and older get at least 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic exercise (like walking) or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous exercise (like jogging) every week. Include strength training at least two days a week and practice short bouts of balance and flexibility moves every day.

LIFE ON THE PLAINS: A tour of ‘The Plains’ – Part 1

The Plains, circa 1930, with one of the three- story apartment houses that lined the west bank of the Kennebec River, on the left. (photo courtesy of Roland D. Hallee)

by Roland D. Hallee

Before we go into the era of growing up on The Plains, in Waterville, maybe we should take a tour of the area in our “way back machine”. This will take a little time, so plan on a couple of weeks.

Let’s start at the northern end of the south end, if that makes sense?

If we start along the river, there is the massive complex of the Lockwood-Dutchess Textile Mill, commonly called the cotton mill. It consisted of three large buildings, one on top of the hill was three stories, and the larger one at the bottom of the hill, five stories. In between, stood a smaller one story building, all three constructed of brick. The mill went “nonprofit” in the early 1950s. My grandfather worked there until his retirement in 1952. My grandmother also worked there for a short period before she married my grandfather, a story for later.

Across the street, was a building that contained the Pine View Furniture Store, and the famous “round house” behind it.

Proceeding on the west side of the street, next was a parking lot with a large barn. From what I recollect, the barn was used for storage, although I never did see the inside. The barn was eventually razed to make way for the new “Kentucky Fried Chicken” store.

Next, was an up-and-down duplex, and four unit tenement building, both owned by the Busque family. Alongside that was another apartment building, with many garages that spanned from Water St. to Green St.

Rodrigue’s Market was next in line, where you could buy everything from cigarettes to meat. The market had upstairs apartments. Ma Roy’s Tavern stood next door. (One thing I remember well is that her son was named Roy Roy.) I can still remember going there with my dad, enjoying an orange soda while he indulged in a “beverage”.

A three story apartment building was next, although it sat back aways from the street, followed by Pete’s Market, another mom and pop-style store. Why it was called Pete’s I don’t know. The owner’s name was not Pete. It was Bob Coté.

Some more houses were next, with another small market before a three story multi-unit tenement, before ascending on the world-reknowned, Chez Parée, a very popular watering hole on the weekends with live music. On the corner, where there is a parking lot now, was Leighteau’s Market.

Cross Sherwin Street, and there stood Dot’s Market. Can you believe, back then, within a 150 – 200 yard span there were five markets? Not to mention a sixth on top of Sherwin Hill, named Veilleux’s Market. Ah, but we’re not done yet.

Next to Dot’s Market was Red Star Laundry, now a parking lot near Scotty’s, which was earlier known as Dot’s. Scotty’s Pizza began its run across the street from Dot’s in the 1960s, in a building that was so small, it could not accommodate more than two customers at once. Otherwise, you had -to go outside. Across Redington St., was the Redington Street School, now the Forrest J. Pare VFW.

Then came a string of houses and apartment buildings, especially on the east side of Water St., where there was a string of three-story apartment buildings, all the way to Gold St. These apartment buildings stood on stilts that hovered over the Kennebec River. All of those tenement buildings are now gone from the river bank, razed back in the ‘60s. Out of site, some of the foundations are still there today. There, at the end of the row of apartment buildings, was Picher’s Furniture Store, directly across from Gold St.

On the east side of the street, almost diagnolly across from Scotty’s, stood the home of Edgar and Yvonne Poulin, Edgar being a well-known radio celebrity in Waterville (WTVL), whose Sunday radio program was called La Melodie Francais, and maternal grandparents to The Town Line’s business manager, Claire Breton. Edgar would play French music from Canada, to which my grandfather would dance while sitting in his chair.

Let’s go back across the street, to the west side. Not far from the Redington St. School, was, you guessed it, another market. I don’t recall the name of that one. Then, a few more houses before we hit the part where the Maine State Theater stood, and Daviau’s Drug Store on the corner of Gray St. It was the forerunner of LaVerdiere’s Drug Stores, and pretty much carried everything you will find in a CVS or Walgreen’s today.

Then, there were more houses and apartments to the corner of Gold St. Most of these dwellings are now gone.

So, we’ve traveled a ways this week along the northern stretch of The Plains. The Gold Street area is about the halfway point.

This part of Waterville, one of the oldest settled areas, was mostly occupied by the Franco-American community. People who immigrated from Canada to work in the mills, in search of a better life. As you can tell so far, and will learn more next week, this section of Waterville was pretty much self-sufficient. In those days, there was no need to venture “downtown”, unless you were going to a clothing store. Pretty much all you needed was right there on The Plains.

And, besides, not many had cars back then.

Next week: From Bilodeau’s Garage, to LaVerdiere’s Market.

Brian Bielanski to perform at St. George Café in July

Bryan Bielanski

Bryan Bielanski, singer-songwriter, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is touring the United States in 2022 to promote his new music release and will perform on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, in Warren, at Saint George River Cafe.

Imagine Nirvana and the Beatles had a kid together who became an acoustic rock singer-songwriter: that’s Bryan Bielanski! Although he is inspired by some of the rock greats like Tom Petty and REM, he has a distinct musical style and lyrics that make you think deep thoughts and feel like you’re really alive! This critically acclaimed globetrotting singer-songwriter has been touring the US and the world for the last 10 years.

During that time, Bryan Bielanski has performed in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Austria, Belgium, California, Canada, China, Colorado, Connec­ticut, Costa Rica, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Italy, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Luxembourg, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mexico, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Netherlands, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Poland, Russia, South Carolina, South Dakota, Switzerland, Tennessee, Texas, Thailand, United Kingdom, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Bryan Bielanski is full of fun energy and catchy songs and he is ready to entertain you!

Press

“Bryan’s Super Happy Fun Time II is a catchy, bouncy, musical journey for the senses.” – Teresa Robinson (New Mexico Entertainment Magazine, Albuquerque, New Mexico)

“Road warrior Bryan Bielanski takes happy songs, positive vibes from city to city.” Kyle Peveto (Baton Rouge Advocate daily periodical, Baton Rouge, Louisiana)

“On his website, Bielanski describes his music as : ‘If The Beatles and Nirvana had a kid together.’ That’s a pretty bold statement, but by the end of the 73-plus minutes (Bryan’s Super Happy Fun Time I run time), the listener has been given ample proof that the description is actually very accurate.” – Johnny Vinyl (Go! Eastern Oregon Magazine, La Grande, Oregon)

“Bryan has so much passion in his music. The songs sound really great” Scott Litt – Producer (REM, Nirvana)

“Catchy… the vocal melodies and guitar solos are sweetly delivered with an honest sense of urgency.” Gordon Lamb (Flagpole Magazine, Athens, Georgia)

“…intelligent and musically coherent power pop with soul.” Woody Mitchell (Charlotte Observer daily periodical, Charlotte, North Carolina)

“East Coast singer-songwriter packs more hooks than a tackle box!” Erika Boling (Metrospirit Magazine, Augusta, Georgia)

Vassalboro election results (Spring 2022)

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Town Clerk Cathy Coyne reported the following June 9 local election results.

Frederick “Rick” Denico, Jr., was elected to the select board with 269 votes. He succeeds Robert Browne, who did not seek another term.

For school board, Jessica Clark was re-elected with 227 votes, and newcomer Amy French received 213 votes. French succeeds Kevin Levasseur, who is also retiring.

There were no contests for any position. Coyne said on the ballot for each board, there were seven write-in votes for various people and 15 voters turned in blank ballots.

Voters reaffirmed the 2022-23 Vassalboro school budget approved at the June 6 open town meeting with 235 votes in favor and 55 opposed.

On a straw poll question asking if voters want select board members to draft a new town ordinance to regulate future commercial solar installations, 239 voters said yes and 58 said no. Any ordinance would become effective only after voters approve it.

LEGAL NOTICES for Thursday, June 16, 2022

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
Court St., Skowhegan, ME
Somerset, SS
Location of Court
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
18-C M.R.S.A. §3-804

The following Personal Representatives have been appointed in the estates noted. The first publication date of this notice JUNE 16, 2022 If you are a creditor of an estate listed below, you must present your claim within four months of the first publication date of this Notice to Creditors by filing a written statement of your claim on a proper form with the Register of Probate of this Court or by delivering or mailing to the Personal Representative listed below at the address published by his name, a written statement of the claim indicating the basis therefore, the name and address of the claimant and the amount claimed or in such other manner as the law may provide. See 18-C M.R.S.A. §3-80.

2022-149 – Estate of DALE E. BROOKS, late of Hartland, Me deceased. Michael J. Brooks, 85006 Majestic Walk Blvd., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-169 – Estate of SAMUEL JAMES LEVIS, JR., late of Claremont, CA. deceased. Abigail Levis, 1666 Albany Court, Claremont, CA 91711 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-181 – Estate of MARY ELLEN ROBICHAUD, late of St. Albans, Me deceased. Curtis Allen Robichaud, PO Box 233, St. Albans, Me 04971 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-183 – Estate of JENNIFER L. WEESE, late of Athens, Me deceased. Dwayne V. Weese, 42 Vernal Huff Road, Athens, Me 04912 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-184 – Estate of BRIAN R. MORRILL, late of New Portland, Me deceased. Claire Shirley Morrill, 1239 Long Falls Dam Road, Lexington, Me 04961 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-186 – Estate of CHERYL A. BURKE, late of Norridgewock, Me deceased. Lynn Williamson, 151 Childs Road, Norridgewock, Me 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-187 – Estate of ROSALEE F. RODERICK, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Robert A. Roderick, PO Box 213, Anson, Me 04911 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-192 – Estate of JAMES R. JOSEPH, SR., late of Cornville, Me deceased. Joanne M. Mackie, 43 Chapman Ridge Road, Cornville, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-193 – Estate of ALBERT E. HODSDON, III, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Canbra A. Hodsdon, 21 Knotty Pine Drive, Freeport, Me 04032 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-194 – Estate of CLAUDE C. TOZIER, III, late of Canaan, Me deceased. Cody A. Faloon, 57 Elliots Landing Road, Orono, Me 04473 and Jolie A. Sage Hatch, 171 River Road, Cushing, Me 04563 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2022-197 – Estate of HARRIET LAVINIA WESTPHAL, late of Bingham, Me deceased. Roy W. Davis, Jr., 21 Brighton Road, Bingham, Me 04920 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-202 – Estate of DIANA L. JEPSON, late of Cornville, Me deceased. Darlene Merrill, 39 Preble Avenue, Anson, Me 04911 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-093 – Estate of JOYCE KELLEY, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Tina Marie Day, 39 Kinsman Road, Cornville, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

To be published on June 13 & 19, 2022

Dated June 13, 2022
/s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(6/23)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
41 COURT ST.
SOMERSET, SS.
SKOWHEGAN, ME
PROBATE NOTICES

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE ESTATES LISTED BELOW

Notice is hereby given by the respective petitioners that they have filed petitions for appointment of personal representatives in the following estates or change of name. These matters will be heard at 1 p.m. or as soon thereafter as they may be on JUNE 29, 2022. The requested appointments or name changes may be made on or after the hearing date if no sufficient objection be heard. This notice complies with the requirements of 18-C MRSA §3-403 and Probate Rule 4.

2022-159 – Estate of FINAN ROBERT LAYNG, minor of Skowhegan, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Robert and Michaele Layng, 418 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Me 04976 requesting minor’s name be changed to Finan Thomas Layng for reasons set forth therein.

2022-161 – Estate of EMANTU ROBERT LAYNG, minor of Skowhegan, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Robert and Michaele Layng, 418 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Me 04976 requesting minor’s name be changed to Emantu Katherine Layng for reasons set forth therein.

2022-162 – Estate of AUSTIN RYDER REYNOLDS, minor of Canaan, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Veronica Reynolds, 304 Nelson Hill Road, Canaan, ME 04924 requesting minor’s name be changed to Austin Ryder Boudreau for reasons set forth therein.

2021-333 – Estate of DEVON BROWNE, adult of Canaan, Me. Petition for Appointment of Guardian for Adult filed by Shari Bryant, 102 Park Drive, Canaan, Me 04924 requesting her appointment as guardian of respondent Devon Browne, same address.

THIS NOTICE IS ESPECIALLY DIRECTED TO Tony Browne of address unknown, who may have an interest in this proceeding.

Dated: June 13, 2022.
/s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(6/23)

Fairfield election results (Spring 2022)

Looking south down Main St., in Fairfield. (Internet photo)

Unofficial returns from June 14, 2022, primary election according to Fairfield Town Clerk Christine Keller:

Governor:

D – Janet Mills, 192
R – Paul LePage, 366

Representative to Congress, District 2

D – Jared Golden, 198
R – Bruce Poliquin, 231
R – Elizabeth Caruso, 146

Maine State Senate, Dist. 16

D – David LaFountain, 192
R – Mark André, 58
R – Kevin Kitchin, 208
R – Michael Perkins, 117

Maine House of Representatives, Dist. 67

D – Robert Sexak, 199
R – Shelly Rudnicki, 352

MUNICIPAL

MSAD #49 School Budget Validation Referendum

Yes, 472
No, 226

MSAD #49 Continue 3-year Budget Cycle

Yes, 524
No, 167

MSAD #49 School Board

Rae Davis-Folsom, 582
Marlisa Golder, 5
Karen Kusiak, 34
Blank/Other, 111

Question 1: Public Water Expansion

Yes, 282
No, 402

China election results (Spring 2022)

by Mary Grow

China Town Clerk Angela Nelson reported that voters in China’s June 14 written-ballot annual town business meeting approved 37 of the 38 articles presented, by varying margins. The only one disapproved was Art. 37, asking if voters want a temporary moratorium on new commercial solar developments in town; 283 voters were in favor, 368 were opposed.

The business meeting ballot did not include local elections, which will be held in November.

Voters also approved three questions from the Regional School Unit (RSU) #18 board, on two separate ballots. They endorsed the 2022-23 school budget approved at an open meeting in May, by a vote of 491 in favor to 191 opposed; they voted to continue the annual written-ballot validation of the initial school budget vote for another three years, 507 in favor to 160 opposed; and they authorized the RSU to borrow state funds for building work, 443 in favor to 158 opposed.

In the only contest on either state primary ballot, for Republican state representative from House District 62, China voters gave Katrina Smith, of Palermo 207 votes to 194 for Jennifer Tuminaro, of China. The district includes China, Hibberts Gore, Palermo, Somerville and Windsor.

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Native Americans – Part 3

A sketch of the Kennebec tribe settling along the Kennebec River. (Internet photo)

by Mary Grow

Three local settlements

The Kennebec tribe’s village at Cushnoc (a word that means head of tide, most historians agree) was on high ground on the east bank of the Kennebec River in what is now Augusta, about 20 miles south Ticonic village (described last week).

Leon Cranmer, in his Cushnoc, pointed out that the high land provided views of river traffic both upstream and down and offered some protection against attack. Canoes could land in a cove at the foot of the bank (now, he wrote, a park and boat landing).

Charles E. Nash, in his chapters on Augusta in Henry Kingsbury’s Kennebec County history, wrote that Cushnoc village had wigwams, cultivated cornfields and open space for young men to practice “wrestling, running and dancing.”

Kerry Hardy, in a nicely-illustrated 2009 book titled Notes on a Lost Flute: A Field Guide to the Wabanaki, argued that Cushnoc was the west end of an important Native American trail that ran from the present town of Stockton Springs near the mouth of the Penobscot River (almost due east of Cushnoc) to the head of tide on the Kennebec River.

Looking at old maps, Hardy traced that east-west trail and found others that converged on Cushnoc, coming from present-day Rockland (on the coast to the southeast), Canton Point (on the Androscoggin River to the northwest) and Farmington Falls (on the Sandy River to the north).

Unfortunately, Hardy did not explain why Cushnoc was the center of a Native American communications network. Instead, he summarized the importance of the British trading post established there (as at Ticonic; and, as at Ticonic, the site of the trading post was later chosen for a fort).

Cranmer offered the theory that Cushnoc was a convenient mid-way place for Native Americans traveling between Canada and the coast to branch off to other parts of Maine.

During archaeological excavations around the trading post site between 1974 and 1987, Cranmer wrote, more than 17,500 artifacts were found, mostly signs of European rather than Native American habitation.

He specifically mentioned a few stone flakes left over as Kennebecs made their edged tools; a stone projectile point that appears from its photograph to be in excellent condition and could be anywhere from 2,200 to 6,000 years old; and a bit of pottery, the remains of what Cranmer called an Iroquoian-like jug or bowl.

If there was a Native American burial ground associated with Cushnoc, this writer has been unable to find a reference to it. J. W. Hanson, in an 1852 history of the area found on line, claimed that “the quiet graves of their [Kennebec tribal members’] fathers clustered around the mouth of each tributary to their beloved river,” but he offered no specific location.

The first British trader at Cushnoc was Edward Winslow from the Plymouth Colony in 1625, Nash wrote (or in 1628, according to Old Fort Western Director Linda Novak’s bicentennial lecture). He and successors traded European goods for Native American products, primarily beaver skins.

By the 1650s, trade and profits were diminishing, Nash said. In 1661 the Plymouth group sold the trading post to four other Europeans, who gave up and closed the operation about 1665.

Novak blamed the decline in trade at Cushnoc on rival traders Thomas Clark and Thomas Lake, who opened competing posts both upriver at Ticonic and downriver near current Pittston. James W. North, in his history of Augusta, blamed “growing Indian troubles” for the decline and said war was the final blow (the first war counted by historians, writing primarily from the Anglo-American point of view, started in 1675).

North listed other problems in the 1650s, including a decrease in fur-bearing animals, the Kennebecs’ recognition that the furs were more valuable than the goods offered in exchange and “the increasing number and avaricious disposition of the traders.”

Cranmer added two more problems that could have contributed to a smaller supply of furs: British settlements expanding into woodlands, and attacks on Maine Native Americans by Iroquois tribes from the northwest (current upstate New York and thereabouts).

In 1655, the governor of the Plymouth Colony appointed Captain Constant Southworth as magistrate at Cushnoc, responsible for administering civil law throughout the colony’s holdings. He had two main jobs, Nash wrote: to prevent other traders from trespassing and “to check the sale of demoralizing liquors to the Indians.”

Nash commented that Joseph Beane or Bane, an Englishman held captive by the Native Americans, reported that remains of the Cushnoc trading post were still visible “among the new-grown trees and shrubbery” in 1692. Novak, however, says the post was burned in 1676, during the first of the serial wars. Either account suggests the Kennebecs had no interest in using the building.

North wrote that the 1725-1744 interregnum in the Kennebec Valley wars was a genuine peace, during which the Kennebecs interacted peacefully with the British traders, who he suggested treated them fairly and even generously, and with early settlers. In 1732, Massachusetts Governor Jonathan Belcher and “a large retinue” toured the coastal settlements. The governor met with an unspecified group of Native Americans at Falmouth, and told them that he planned to establish three missionary stations in the province, one to be at Cushnoc, “where a town and church were about to be built.”

North offered no evidence of such a town, or of any pacifying influence from missionaries, before the final defeat of the French at Québec in 1759. Instead, continued Native American resistance delayed the growth of European settlements around Cushnoc for another generation.

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Besides the settlements at Ticonic/Winslow and Cushnoc/Augusta, Kennebec tribal members lived elsewhere along the Kennebec River, its tributaries and other nearby water bodies. Some of the town histories on which this writer relies describe evidences of pre-European occupation from Fairfield and Benton through Waterville/Winslow and Vassalboro/Sidney to Augusta.

The current Town of Benton has frontage on the Kennebec River, and the Sebasticook River runs (almost) north-south through (almost) the middle of town. The Sebasticook, like the Kennebec, was a major travel route for Native Americans.

Benton historian Barbara Warren says because of the rapids in the Kennebec above Ticonic (until Waterville manufacturers’ dams calmed them, beginning in 1792), upriver travel was via the Sebasticook to Benton Falls, about five miles upstream from the Kennebec, and a portage back to the Kennebec at Fairfield. The Sebasticook was also a connector between the Kennebec and Penobscot valleys, according to another source.

Kingsbury wrote that “the relics found many years ago at the foot of the hill overlooking Benton Falls are now the only traces of the original possessors of the soil.” The “hill” – high land – is the east bank of the river where Garland Road runs through Benton Falls Village. Warren remembers as a child walking along the river and finding artifacts like shards, grinding tools and “a stone weight for a fishing net.”

Warren says a state-listed archaeological site on the west side of the Sebasticook near the dam includes a burial ground. State preservation officials are protecting the exact location of the site. Your writer surmises there was a Kennebec village, at least seasonally for fishing and perhaps year-round for farming and hunting, on the east bank with the burial ground across the river, as at Ticonic.

A 1992 University of Maine at Farmington study of the banks of the lower Sebasticook, between the dams at Benton Falls and Fort Halifax, found 30 archaeological sites along that part of the river, dating from the Archaic period (in Maine, between 10,000 and 3,000 years ago, according to Wikipedia) and the early contact period in the 1600s.

A 2004 archaeological survey related to the Unity Wetlands covered the banks of the Sebasticook in Unity and a small part of Benton and found 16 riverside Native American sites. Ten of the sites were either near rapids or near a junction with a tributary stream.

In the 2004 study, the site at Benton Falls was described as having been used during the Archaic and Ceramic periods. Wikipedia says in Maine, the Ceramic period was between 3,000 and 500 years ago, or from about 1000 B.C. to about 1500 A.D.

Both the Farmington study and a Biodiversity Research Institute publication by C. R. DeSorbo and J. Brockway, found on line, mention pre-European fisheries for migrating river herring. Warren says there is evidence suggesting Native Americans built a two-tier stone fish trap where Outlet Stream from China Lake runs into the Sebasticook in Winslow, within a mile of the Kennebec.

In neither Benton nor Fairfield are there well-known evidences of pre-European settlement along the Kennebec. The Fairfield bicentennial history says Native Americans made arrowheads in an area called the sand hills in Larone, in northern Fairfield. Evidence cited included arrowheads, broken and unbroken, and chips from making the arrowheads (although collectors had picked up most of the chips).

The type of rock used to make the arrowheads was not found locally, the writers said. They surmised the Native Americans brought the rock from Moosehead.

In Alice Hammond’s 1992 history of the Town of Sidney, she quoted Dr. Arthur Speiss, of the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, saying there had been Native Americans in Sidney since “at least 5,000 years ago.” By 1992, Hammond wrote, the Historic Preservation Commission had found 11 pre-European sites along the Kennebec River and eight along Messalonskee Lake’s eastern shore.

The Town of Sidney’s 2003 comprehensive plan gives the number of pre-historic sites as 23. Maps show four areas along the Kennebec and three more on Messalonskee Lake. The plan explains that the exact locations are not publicized to protect the areas.

Hammond wrote that there was no valid way to estimate how many Native Americans lived in Sidney, nor are there individuals’ names or information on when the last groups left. She surmised they could have been gone by the 1740s.

Sidney does, however, have its legend, retold in Hammond’s history and in other sources, including Maine Indians in History and Legend.

According to that version, Messalonskee Lake is named from the Native American word “Muskalog,” or “Giant Pike,” a big, voracious fish that lived in the lake. The name further recognizes that 14 other water bodies empty into the lake, “which like the Giant Pike was never satisfied.”

A heroic brave named Black Hawk and a sneaky brave named Red Wolf both loved a lovely, lively maiden named White Fawn. White Fawn chose Black Hawk.

The evening they were formally engaged, White Fawn and Black Hawk stole away from the celebration for some private moments on a clifftop overlooking Messalonskee Lake. Red Wolf followed them, killed Black Hawk, whose body fell into the lake, and tried to kidnap White Fawn.

Screaming, she jumped from the cliff into the water. The rest of the tribe rushed to the scene. Red Wolf cried out “Messalonskee! Messalonskee!” As the avengers closed in on him, there was an earthquake and an avalanche swept him, too, into the ever-hungry lake.

Series of lectures available online

A series of 10 lectures on early Maine history presented at Old Fort Western in 2021 is now available for viewing on line. Topics include Native Americans, Fort Western and Fort Halifax and trading posts on the Kennebec River. Speakers include Dr. Arthur Speiss and Leon Cranmer, mentioned in this article. The series can be found by searching for Old Fort Western or Maine bicentennial lectures.

Main sources

Cranmer, Leon E., Cushnoc: The History and Archaeology of Plymouth Colony Traders on the Kennebec (1990).
DeSorbo, C. R. and J. Brockway, The Lower Sebasticook River: A landowner’s guide for supporting one of Maine’s most unique and important ecosystems. (2018).
Fairfield Historical Society, Fairfield, Maine 1788-1988 (1988).
Hammond, Alice, History of Sidney Maine 1792-1992 (1992).
Hardy, Kerry, Notes on a Lost Flute: A Field Guide to the Wabanaki (2009).
Kingsbury, Henry D., ed., Illustrated History of Kennebec County Maine 1625-1892 (1892).
Maine Writers Research Club, Maine Indians in History and Legends (1952).
North, James W., The History of Augusta (1870)
Warren, Barbara, email exchange.

Websites, miscellaneous.