EVENTS: Parade of Lights set for November 30

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Downtown Waterville aglow in lights, and bustling with activity during the Parade of Lights in 2023. (photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

by Mark Huard

The Children’s Discovery Museum is excited to be collaborating with the city of Waterville to host this wonderful event.

While we have loved partnering with Winslow each year for the parade, due to ongoing bridge construction, we believe it is safer to keep the parade on one side of the river.

The 2024 Parade of Lights will be held on Saturday, November 30, at 6 p.m. Floats will assemble along College Ave., travel down to Main Street, stopping at Castonguay Square for the lighting of the giant spruce and Santa’s arrival at Kringleville. We would like to invite all area schools, businesses, churches, organizations and municipalities to participate in the parade by entering a float, marching band, or other appropriate entry.

There is a $25 registration fee to participate, which helps keep the event sustainable. We are limiting the number of floats to 30, so register early to ensure participation. All floats must be decorated and we encourage holiday or winter-themed decorations and lights, lights, lights! The more lights the better! Please note that the official Kringleville Santa is the only Santa allowed in the parade.

If you have any questions please contact the Children’s Discovery Museum at kringleville@childrensdiscoverymuseum.org.

This event will take place, rain or shine! No rain date.

PROBATE NOTICES for Thursday, November 21, 2024

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STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
COURT ST.,
SKOWHEGAN, ME
SOMERSET, ss
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
18-A MRSA sec. 3-801

The following Personal Representatives have been appointed in the Estates noted. The first publication date of this notice November 21, 2024. 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 or be forever barred.

You may present your claim 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 the Personal Representative’s 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. §3-804.

2024-081 – Estate of RICHARD L. WEYMOUTH, late of St. Albans, Maine deceased. Jodianne L. Weymouth, 146 Ripley Road, St. Albans, Maine 04971 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-343 – Estate of LELAND B. HILLS, late of Solon, Maine deceased. Teresa Anne Hills, 417 Brighton Road, Solon, Maine 04979 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-345 Estate of LESLIE ELIAS-HENDSBEE, late of Madison, Maine deceased. Bruce Hendsbee, 29 Myrtle Street, Madison, Maine 04950 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-346 – Estate of DWIGHT W. FOOTE, JR., late of Carmichael, California deceased. Kathleen Newton Foote, P.O. Box 276, Rockwood, Maine 04478 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-347 – Estate of COLLEEN E. BRADSTREET, late of Hartland, Maine deceased. Taylor Bradstreet, 8 Hill Crest Drive, Clinton, Maine 04927 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-348 – Estate of JONATHAN G. CAYFORD, late of Athens, Maine deceased. Samantha J. Reid-Oliver, 16 Emerald Acres Drive, Madison, Maine 04950 and Mackenzie J. Cayford, 69 Mallard Road, Madison, Maine 04950 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2024-349 – Estate of RONALD K. SARNER, late of New Portland, Maine deceased. Elliott Barden, Sr., P.O. Box 363. Temple, Maine 04984 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-350 – Estate of WAYNE L. PARLIN, late of Madison, Maine deceased. Travis Parlin, 3 Andrea Ave., Benton, Maine 04901 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-351 – Estate of PATRICIA HUGHEY, late of Jackman, Maine deceased. Karen Finnegan, P.O. Box 65, Jackman, Maine 04945 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-355 – Estate of JACQUELINE L. PIO, late of Palmyra, Maine deceased. Dustin Pio, 9 Eastland Ave., Millinocket, Maine 04462 and Brian Scott, 784 Warren Hill Rd., Palmyra, Maine 04965 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2024-356 – Estate of MARK G. WALRAVEN, late of Brighton, Maine deceased. William Walraven, 60 Justine Road, Plymouth, Massachusetts 02360 and Mark A. Walraven, 49 Blue Gill Lane, Plymouth, Massachusetts 02360 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2024-357 – Estate of ARTHUR A. GAGNE, SR., late of Canaan, Maine deceased. Shawn Gagne, 15 Warren Ave., Canaan, Maine 04924 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-363 – Estate of EDWARD A. WILLS, late of San Bernardino, CA deceased. Lewis Wills, 919 River Road, New Portland, Maine 04961 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-364 – Estate of APRIL M. PALMER, late of St. Albans, Maine deceased. Bridget Gould, 511 Rome Road, Rome, Maine 04963 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-365 – Estate of SCOTT B. LUDDEN, late of Hartland, Maine deceased. Rosalie DeRaps, 262 Ford Hill Road, Hartland, Maine 04943 appointed Personal Representative.

2024-366 – Estate of JANUSZ A. JANKIEWICZ, late of Skowhegan, Maine deceased. Beata J. Jackson and Jeffrey Jackson, CMR 402 Box 1961, APO AE 09180 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2024-372 – Estate of FREDERICK J. FOSS, SR., late of Norridgewock, Maine deceased. Holly Mullen, 13 Colonial Lane, Condo #8, Norridgewock, Maine 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

TO BE PUBLISHED November 21, 2024 & November 28, 2024

Dated: November 24, 2024
/s/Victoria M. Hatch,
Register of Probate
(11/28)

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 10 a.m. or as soon thereafter as they may be on December 4, 2024. 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.

2024-368 – BRYSYN JAMES CLARK. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Brysyn J. Clark, of 49 Pleasant Street, Hartland, Maine 04943, requesting name to be changed to Brysyn J. Clark-Stoots for reasons set forth therein.

2024-371 – DARCY MADELINE LITTLE. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Darcy M. Little, of 1430 Main Street, Pittsfield, Maine 04967, requesting name to be changed to Damien Mosher Little for reasons set forth therein.

Dated: November 21, 2024

/s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(11/28)

VETERANS CORNER: VA not Halloween friendly this year

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Veterans Administration facility at Togus. (Internet photo)

by Gary Kennedy

Well, Halloween has come and gone. Julie and I went to a friend’s house to share with them and to see all the adorable children in their costumes. Our friends give the Cadillac of candies and the children are aware of that. We are always assured of family and friends, which is another plus. We share a great meal which we all participate in its preparation. So for us it is just another time for bonding.

V.A. wasn’t as friendly as they were in years past. It use to be all the check in points had candy and some of the employees even dressed down for the occasion. It was joyful in the old days. It seems the spirit has been knocked out of yesterday’s humanity. Things have changed and the vets and their families can feel it. Now we can only reminisce. Perhaps some management will come along that will instill some of what use to be normal. I for one have a very large soft spot for V.A. Togus as it has been in the center of my life for many years. I have enjoyed a tremendous amount of good fortune for myself, family and veterans in need. There are still many wonderful people working there and supporting our veterans. There are also many employees there for just a paycheck. However, even if it’s just a job, if you do it well, all will benefit from you.

I have received several phone calls and emails regarding a supposed mandate on bathroom facilities. It seems we will be going to UNISEX C.R.’s this coming month. This is one of those political things we have been watching lately. Whoever came up with this idea must be anti veteran. Disabled veterans search out family bathrooms because of medical reasons. Usually there are two people involved in bathroom experiences for many veterans. Sometimes a disabled veteran could need 20 minutes to complete his need along with a caregiver. The system we have now has worked fine for many years. If it’s not broken why try and fix it?

When the veteran is using the bathroom, other veterans are on a waiting list. This can become very difficult. Anyway, I told the veteran who emailed me that I would check it out with Boston on the first of the week. We need to see if this is a national mandate and share our opinion along with the obstacles in case this wasn’t thought through. It’s great to find ways to improve the system but sometimes in so doing, the proposed improvement carried baggage with it. These things need to be thought out carefully. I happen to agree with these veterans. If it’s not broken don’t try to fix it. In the past nearly 50 years I have never seen a problem with the comfort rooms. If there are other opinions out there, let’s hear them.

Another problem we have lately is oversight of the area surrounding building 200 to building 205. The construction company doing the work in that area is not considering those around them. They can follow some of the protocol of other employees. They don’t need to park pick-ups on the sidewalk or in handicap spaces. When they have things to unload that is a different story. The one’s I watched didn’t have that problem. We have such limited parking as it is. Some veterans can’t even walk.

I remember asking if it wouldn’t be good to have veterans help with the solutions. When the advocates first came to Building 200, I mentioned that veterans had a lot to offer and perhaps a group of vets could serve as a committee of unofficial oversight. No one knows better than a vet. Also, it could put purpose in some veteran’s lives. Knowing you and your advice is needed is a powerful tool and in some cases could prove to be valuable. Also, it’s a good way to find out what’s driving the other side. It was accepted as a good idea but didn’t go anywhere. If you have any ideas or suggestions please contact me so I can address them with you. When the world is as it is, there will always be veterans. As long as there are veterans there will always be need.

Never forget, my brothers and sisters, we are in this together and we should always stand tall in helping one another. Don’t be afraid to contact us if you are in need. We have each other you don’t have to go it alone. Also, there are several service organizations, V.F.W., American Legion, D.A.V, Maine Vets, to name some. They all have V.S.O.’s (Veterans Service Officers) to advise you and steer you in the correct direction. Last but certainly not least, you have Veterans Benefits Administration (V.B.A.) they are equipped with V.A.’s finest. It’s best if you call first but they do allow walk-ins. They are there from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday- Friday.

Our COLA adjustment which is the same as Social Security 2.5 percent. Example: Multiply the amount you are receiving currently by 2.5 and add the result to your check. This is all we have time for this week. God bless you and yours. Have a great and safe weekend.

CORRECTION: This article has been updated to specify Togus Regional Office is open at 8:30 a.m., not 8 a.m.

Vassalboro transfer station committee reviews changes manager claims are overkill

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by Mary Grow

At a Nov. 13 meeting, Vassalboro transfer station task force members reviewed plans for changes at the transfer station that new station manager Adam Daoust thinks may be overkill.

Presently, users disposing of municipal solid waste (MSW) at the Lombard Dam Road facility have to back up to the waste hopper. Occasional accidents led to a select board decision last fall to work toward a new plan that would eliminate the need to drive backwards.

The proposed alternative is drive-through area. It would have a roof, to keep water out of the waste, and open ends, to prevent build-up of gases.

In January, Vassalboro select board members contracted with Senders science, engineering & construction, of Camden, to design the new building, after company head Jeff Senders visited the facility and met with task force members.

Senders presented three slightly different plans. In addition to the new building, part of the plan is having separate entrance and exit driveways instead of the present single driveway.

Task force members reviewed the plans and talked about costs, needed permits and approvals, accommodating commercial haulers as well as individual residents, traffic issues on Lombard Dam Road and disruptions of service during construction, among other issues.

Select board and task force member Chris French pointed out that voters have supported putting away money for the project for two years. Perhaps, he said, Vassalboro could contract to use China’s disposal facility during the change-over.

Daoust suggested taking down the tower that now rises above the facility; putting a cover over the MSW hopper and another over the separate bulky waste hopper; and leaving the traffic pattern as it is. He thinks the proposed changes would do little to improve traffic flow and might increase waiting time.

Town Manager Aaron Miller asked task force members to send their suggestions to Daoust, and Daoust to write up a response and his ideas.

Task force members tentatively scheduled their next meeting for 5:15 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 12, before that evening’s select board meeting.

EVENTS: North Pond Association to hold annual fundraiser

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The North Pond Association of Mercer, Rome and Smithfield, is ho- ho- hosting a wonderful opportunity for you to be the highest bidder on gifts for holiday gift giving season! (Of course these items make great birthday, anniversary, wedding gifts, and more, as well.)

Get your tickets early as there are only 80 being sold! $20 per person or $35 per couple gets you appetizers and two drink tickets and live music to enjoy! The event takes place on Friday, December 6, at the Fairview Grange #342, located at 826 Village Road, in Smithfield, on the shore of North Pond from, 6 – 9 p.m. Auction closes 8:30 p.m.

Message NPA on Facebook or Text 207-432-6005 to reserve your spot today!

A unique list of items have been donated and the NPA encourages you to check out their Facebook page to find out more auction item details. The following is the list of items that will be up for bid:

Saint Marten Timeshare Week 2025, Lynch Landscaping – LakeSmart Certified Gift Certificate, Lakewood Golf Course, Belgrade Golf Course, Waterville Country Club, Natanis Golf Course, (all golf gift certificates are greens fee and cart inclusive), 122 Corson On Farm Dining Gift Certificate, Table for 4 Rooted Dinners Farm to Table Dining, Portland Pie Company Pizza for a Year, Float Plane Ride over North Pond , Bob, Check It 4 Me – Camp Service , Bigelow Brewing Company Basket, Sunset Cruise on North Pond, Kevin James Oil Painting, Carole Storro Giclee Print.

All proceeds go to the NPA’s Remediation Fund! www.northpondmaine.org.

Palermo foundation seeks grant

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Once again, the Living Community Foundation is in the running for the annual crowdfunding grant from the Maine nonprofit, SeedMoney.org. This fundraiser only lasts from noon on November 15 to noon on December 15, and your support is greatly appreciated. It’s easy! Just go to https://donate.seedmoney.org/10184/palermo-community-garden. Simply click on the bright orange DONATE button, and you can enter your credit card number and the amount you want to pitch in. It’s safe and secure, and it helps the Palermo Community Garden. Any amount will be most helpful to get us to our goal of $1,500.00 by December 15. SeedMoney.org will add to what you and others contribute, so your kindness will grow along with the garden.

The Palermo Community Garden donates over 400 pounds of fresh, organic greens, veggies, and fruit to the Palermo Food Pantry every year, helping to feed dozens of families in 12 towns. More people are joining every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to noon, so they are enlarging the parking lots and getting a new, lighted sign on Veterans Way. They are replacing the fruit trees lost during last December’s storm, and replacing the vicious blackberries with thornless varieties that are much safer. The beautiful Community Garden will be much more appealing and bountiful for everyone to enjoy! They welcome your participation in this project to help the community, and thank you for your generosity!

If you have questions, please contact Connie at (207) 993-2294 or email pwhitehawk@fairpoint.net. The Board of Directors wish you a delightful and healthy Holiday Season!

EVENTS: Festival of Trees set for upcoming weekends

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Alfond Youth & Community Center and Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce combine efforts to present Festival of Trees this holiday season, continuing a proud tradition.

Participation in this year’s event continues a fabulous holiday tradition. At the same time, money raised supports families in the community experiencing food insecurity through the services of Alfond Youth & Community Center and funds workforce development services and assistance through the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, meeting a need existing throughout our region.

Who doesn’t love a beautiful holiday tree? Imagine over 50 trees, each uniquely decked out in holiday cheer. This wonderful family event will be held at Waterville Elks Banquet & Conference Center, 76 Industrial Rd., Waterville from November 22 – 24 and November 29 – Dec. 1. Hours on both Fridays and Saturdays are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Festival of Trees will provide a magical experience that the whole family can enjoy. Admission for ages 12 and over is just $2 per person; children 12 and under are admitted for free. Children are also given a free book upon arrival.

Purchase and drop your individual tree tickets (just .50 each) into the bucket of your favorite tree and you could go home with a beautifully decorated tree complete with all trimmings, gift cards and merchandise displayed. Tree winners will be drawn after 5 p.m., Sunday, December 1, and notified that evening. Trees will be available for pickup the following Monday and Tuesday.

This year’s 50/50 experience has also been enhanced by increased prize amounts, with a maximum payout of $10,000 daily. Winners will be drawn each day and you do not need to be present to win. A note: in each of the cases of winning a tree or 50/50 amount, winners are responsible for any tax implications and a 1099 Form will be furnished for values exceeding $600.

Whether you visit to view the trees on display or are willing to volunteer some time to help staff the event, it will be time well-spent – and you will be helping support your community through your participation. It takes a substantial number of volunteers for an event of this magnitude. Several slots remain open, particularly for the weekend of November 29-30. For more information about volunteering for a shift, or shifts, please visit www.festivaloftreesmaine.net.

CRLA inspectors find no invasive plants in China Lake, Three-mile & Webber ponds

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China Lake, in fall 2024. (photo by Roland D. Hallee)

by Gerry Boyle

The boat inspection period at China area lakes was extended by a month, an additional day was added to the weekly schedule, inspections were extended to cover anchors and other gear, and the weather cooperated.

All of that added up to 20 percent more boat inspections, and more plant fragments found, but the same result as in past years – not a single invasive discovered.

That was the very good news in the 2024 Courtesy Boat Inspection report from the China Region Lakes Alliance. The water bodies covered by the CRLA inspections – China Lake, Three-mile Pond, and Webber Pond – showed no evidence of invasive plants, at a time when other lakes and ponds in the region and state are grappling with Eurasian milfoil, hydrilla, and other environmentally damaging species.

“We didn’t have any confirmed invasive on any of the lakes or any of the launches,” said then-CRLA Director Jessie Mae MacDougall.

A total of 1,327 boat inspections were conducted at the three water bodies this year, up from 1,138 in 2023. While 111 plant fragments were found, none were determined to be invasive plants, after examination by the state Department of Environmental Protection or Lake Stewards of Maine. There were a couple of occasions where analysts asked for additional photographs of plant fragments, MacDougall said. “We keep them in a refrigerator until it’s deemed not a problem,” she said.

That was the outcome for the China-area samples, but other vegetation collected in Maine this summer were deemed a problem. Inspectors discovered more than 100 invasive plants, mostly from boats inspected as they were leaving affected water bodies. As most boaters who trailer their boats hop from one Maine lake to another, preventing the spread of invasives is crucial.

Lake associations in the Belgrade and Winthrop areas, just 20 miles from China Lake, for example, have been grappling with invasives for years. In other New England states, the problem is serious – and expensive. A study cited by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, shows that invasive plants can cost $12,000 in lost property value for each shoreline owners. Controlling the problem mechanically or chemically can cost $200 to $2,000 per lake-acre every year, the study says.

In the China area, inspectors did come up with more plant fragments than in past years, which may be the result of the inspections being extended until the third week in September, a full month later than had been customary. MacDougall said September is a high-growth season for aquatic plants in Maine lakes, and more vegetation closer to the surface results in more plants being caught on propellers and hulls.

In addition, inspectors were dispatched singly, rather than in teams of two – which had been past practice – which expanded coverage without increasing costs. The inspectors, many of whom are high-school students, were provided with safety training and emergency numbers. “We knew everybody was comfortable being there by themselves,” MacDougall said. “And things were great. Generally, people are willing to assist.”

The China-area boat inspections are relatively convenient compared to invasive protection in place in other parts of the country, and in New England, she said. In some parts of the western U.S., boats and trailers are put in a decontamination station that kills all organisms. In some states, inspections are mandatory, and administered, not by volunteers, but by state inspectors. Only a boat with an inspection tag is allowed to be launched.

It’s a serious effort, for good reason.

In addition to having to contend with invasive plants, communities are seeing threatening invasive organisms like the spiny water flea and the zebra mussel. The spiny water flea, which is native to Eurasia, was brought to this country in the ballast of freighters. The organisms, which outcompete native fish and plankton for food, were recently found in Lake Winnipesaukee, in New Hampshire. Zebra mussels, which can foul water pipes, are established in lakes in New Brunswick, Canada, just over the Maine border.

“It’s especially important to keep vigilant about those organisms as well,” MacDougall said. “That’s why we’re trying to encourage the inspectors to use language that includes the animals, the insects – everything – so that people understand that it’s not just plants that they’re concerned about.”

“These inspections are absolutely crucial to keeping our area lakes and ponds free from invasives that could have devastating effects,” said Stephen Greene, president of China Lake Association, which helps fund and manage CRLA, with grants from the town of China. “We can’t afford to let our guard down.”

Local Rotary Club selected as nonprofit beneficiary for November

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Rotary members in Waterville are encouraging community members to shop at Hannaford Supermarket, 140 Elm Plaza, and purchase reusable bags to help raise funds for community projects. In this way, shoppers can support the community and the environment.

During the month of November, the Hannaford Community Bag Program will benefit the Waterville Rotary Noon Club. For each $2.50 bag purchased, $1 will go to the club. The Waterville Rotary Noon Club raises funds to complete community outreach projects such as food pantry donations, education resources, and mental health aide.

Rotary President Lindsey Cameron, urges customers to purchase these bags, “On behalf of the Waterville Rotary Club, we are honored to be selected by Hannaford’s Community Bag program. This opportunity allows us to further our club’s impact and give back to our neighbors. Putting service above self is what we do best and having this support allows us to continue focusing on taking action.”

The Community Bag benefits civic, education, health & wellness and military/veterans organizations. Learn more at www.hannaford.2givelocal.com.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Palace Records & Taj Mahal

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Palace Records

Grieg 2nd Peer Gynt Suite and Liszt 1st Piano Concerto; Kurt Baumann conducting the Viennese Symphonic Orchestra; Palace PST-610, 12-inch stereo LP released mid-1950s.

Palace was one of many record labels that came and went during the 1950s. The jacket had a list price of $4.98 which was the usual retail price for stereo releases on major labels – RCA, Columbia, Capitol , Atlantic, MGM, Decca etc. – and which listed the real names of artists, not pseudonyms such as the non-existent Kurt Baumann and the so-called Viennese Symphonic Orchestra, which were often the practices of the dime store record labels.

However, despite the lack of information on the conductor, the orchestra and, with respect to the Liszt Concerto, the pianist (not even a fake name), the performances of both works were very exciting and the recorded sound quite good.

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal – Recycling the Blues and Other Related Stuff; Columbia KC 31605, t12-inch stereo LP, recorded 1972.

Still living at 82, Henry St. Claire Fredericks Jr., better known by the stage name of Taj Mahal, is a multi-talented instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, etc., who could be labeled a blues singer but such a categorization would be a mistake.

Mahal has always been inspired by world music from Hawaii, the South Pacific and Caribbean, India, Africa and elsewhere as well as jazz and gospel, having been exposed to these influences from an early age by his parents owning a shortwave radio, Mahal’s mother singing in the church choir and both of them hosting friends who were jazz singers and musicians, including the great Ella Fitzgerald.

The title of this 1972 album, Recycling the Blues and Other Related Stuff, hints at these eclectic influences while song titles – Ricochet, A Free Song (Rise Up Children Shake the Devil Out of Your Soul), Cakewalk into Town, Sweet Home Chicago – hint at something more positive than the usual focus of the blues on mere misery and despair.

Among the several instruments Mahal has mastered are the piano, banjo, organ, steel guitar and harmonica.

Backup singers on this album include the Pointer Sisters.

Traditional bluesmen who plied the genre without Mahal’s multi-cultural interests have included the gifted B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Robert Johnson, Bessie Smith, Albert King and Muddy Waters. However, back during the ‘70s when I worked in Boston record stores, I noticed that the records of these blues artists were more frequently bought by whites whereas the soul albums of the Ohio Players, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Supremes, Temptations, Earth Wind and Fire, Four Tops and Ojays were purchased by African-Americans.

I inquired of an African-American colleague the reason; she replied that the blues artists were considered Uncle Toms by younger people whereas the contemporary soul singers were upbeat, assertive and even confrontational against the racism and other social injustices that unfortunately continue to exist a half century later.