REVIEW POTPOURRI – Poet: Leo Connellan; Composer: Anton Bruckner

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Leo Connellan

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Poet Leo Connellan

Poet Leo Connellan (1928-2001) was born in Portland, grew up in Rockland, lived in Greenwich Village, New York City, during the late ‘50s as part of the generation of beat poets and, upon moving to Connecticut during his later years as a college professor, became recognized as a poet laureate .

He saw the encouragement of young poets showing talent in his classes as his mission in life.

His own poems achieved renown for their simplicity of theme and celebration of daily life among regular folks.

Blueberry Boy draws on his own childhood memories and his Aunt Madge who was a beloved maternal figure after the death of his mother when he was 8 years old, and who made the best blueberry muffins this side of Heaven. The poem also conveys his own goal as a writer to take the special moments of the life experience that suddenly happen and then disappear and give them some permanence on paper:

“I only wish I could have it just once more, you go back and the place looks dull and small in its mosquito biting green.
I was a Blueberry boy in that childhood,
the sun would flush my freckles out
from where winter hid them in the
sallow pale color of snow and I would
run the meadow for blueberries that
my aunt Madge would turn into muffins
I have longed for down the tripup of manhood.
Just a minute again, on my knees, picking
frantically with expectant watered tongue,
ignorant of what lay out of the woods.”

Anton Bruckner

Anton Bruckner

Wilhelm Furtwangler

A masterful Symphony that celebrates nature is the 4th of German composer Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) and numerous performances of it abound on YouTube.

One in particular is an October 22, 1951, broadcast of the Vienna Philhar­monic under Wilhelm Furtwangler (1886-1954).

Despite the primitive sound, it is a performance that breathes with life as only Furtwangler’s interpretive genius could convey. Somebody commented that the piece sounded as if it were sung by voices instead of played by instruments.

 

 

 

LEGAL NOTICES for Thursday, February 3, 2022

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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 JANUARY 27, 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.

2022-002 – Estate of MARY DICKENSON WEST, late of Norridgewock, Me deceased. Valerie Sirois, PO Box 615, Norridgewock, Me 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-004 – Estate of MAURICE W. HOVEY, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. David W. Hovey, 145 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-006 – Estate of JOHN LEON YORK, late of Norridgewock, Me deceased. Debra Mae York, 59 Emmons Dr., Norridgewock, Me 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-008 – Estate of PAMELA IRENE GRENIER, late of New Portland, Me deceased. Daniel W. Grenier of 139 Carrabassett Road, New Portland, Maine 04961 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-009 – Estate of JAMES R. CAREY, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Adam J. Carey, 8 Daisey Lane, Hampden, Me 04444 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-011 – Estate of LISA BUCKLAND, late of North Anson, Me deceased. Robert G. Tabor, PO Box 401, Solon, Me 04979 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-012 – Estate of WILLIAM W. HANEY, late of Pittsfield, Me deceased. Tammy Smith, 145 North Road, Detroit, Me 04929 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-013 – Estate of ELISHA M. PRATT, late of Palmyra, Me deceased. Beverly A. Pratt, 8 Ballard Lane, Palmyra, Me 04965 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-014 – Estate of PEGGY KUNZ, late of Canaan, Me deceased. Terry G. Kunz, 289 Main Street, Canaan, Me 04924 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-015 – Estate of WILLIAM E. McKECHNIE, late of Norridgewock, Me deceased. April Hurlbutt, 79 Dodlin Road, Norridgewock, Me 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-020 – Estate of IRVING W. OAKES, late of Mercer, Me deceased. Adam W. Oakes, 7 Sturtevant Street, Waterville, Me 04901 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-021 – Estate of ROSE E. ROWE, late of Pittsfield, Me deceased. Jennifer M. Davis, 24 Unity Road, Benton, Me 04901 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-023 – Estate of HAROLD W. NORRIS, late of Madison, Me deceased. Pamela Norris, 15 Fairmount Circle Drive, Apt. 20, Norridgewock, Me 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-024 – Estate of MICHAEL A. TURNER, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. David W. Turner, 118 Four Mile Square Road, Anson, Me 04911 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-025 – Estate of JOHN N. LIDDELL, SR. late of Starks, Me deceased. David Liddell, 150 Clinton Road, Weymouth, MA 02189 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-027 – Estate of PRISCILLA M. OAKES, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Karen L. Gilbert, 26 Barlett Street, Fairfield, Me 04937 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-028 – Estate of STEVEN D. FARRELL, late of Anson, Me deceased. Betty Towle, 18 Lambert Street, Winthrop, Me 04364 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-029 – Estate of LAURETTA A. HARTE, late of Anson, Me deceased. Jesse Monti, 15 Old Mill Lane, Plymouth, MA 02360 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-030 – Estate of ELIZABETH M. WHITMAN, late of Solon, Me deceased. Suzan W. Ames, 91 Pleasant Street, Solon, Me 04979 appointed Personal Representative.

2022-031 – Estate of NATALIE A. POMELOW, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Diane M. Orcutt, 140 Madison Road, Norridgewock, Me 04957 and Richard T. Pomelow, PO Box 9, South China, Me 04358 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2022-032 – Estate of HELEN GRACE WAKEFIELD, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Grace H. Brace, 79 Partridge Run, Winthrop, Maine 04364 appointed Personal Representative.

To be published on Jan 27 & Feb 2, 2022.
Dated January 24, 2022.
/s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(2/3)

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 FEBRUARY 9, 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.

2021-358 – Estate of ERNIE BROOKER. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Ernie Brooker, 330 Water Street, Apt 22, Skowhegan Me 04976 requesting his name be change to Ernest Brooker for reasons set forth therein.

2021-364 – Estate of JUDITH LYNN MCCASLIN, Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Judith McCaslin, 9 Martin Stream Road, Fairfield, Maine 04937 requesting her name be changed to Judith Lynn Merrill for reasons set forth therein.

2021-365 – Estate of GARY MICHAEL BOWMAN, adult of Hinckley, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Gary Michael Bowman, PO Box 92, Hinckley, Me 04944 requesting his name be change to Ella Mikaella Bowman for reasons set forth therein.

2021-265 – Estate of LUKE SPENCER MORRISON, minor of Fairfield, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Lindsey K. Brann, 275 Skowhegan Road, Fairfield, ME 04937 requesting minor’s name be changed to Luke Spencer Brann for reasons set forth therein.
SPECIAL NOTICE: THIS NOTICE IS ESPECIALLY DIRECTED TO ERVIN MORRISON III WHO IS OF ADDRESS UNKNOWN.

2022-001 – Estate if HUNTER LEE CORSON, Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Hunter Lee Corson, 39 Chamberlain street, Skowhegan, me 04976 requesting his name be changed to Phoenix Warren Corson for reasons set forth therein.

2022-007 – Estate of DANICA SIMONE WYNKOOP, adult of Norridgewock, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Danica Simone Wynkoop, 42 Pine Street, Norridgewock, Me 04957 requesting her name be changed to Danica Simone Shanoski for reasons set forth therein.

Dated: January 24, 2022
/s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(2/3)

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Wars – Part 5

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by Mary Grow

Left, In 1780, at the age of 15, Samuel Downing joined the Continental Army. He served with the 2nd New Hamp­shire Regiment guarding forts on the New York frontier. Center, Lemuel Cook enlisted in 1781 when he was 16 years old. He served at the Battle of Brandy­wine, was present at the Surrender at York­town and was selected by Baron von Steuben to join the New York City campaign. Right, Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Albert Gallatin served as a volunteer under Col. John Allan, commander of the fort of Machias in Maine, according to his obituary. He later served three terms in the Pennsylvania House of Repre­sentatives. He also became the Secre­tary of the Treasury, served as the U.S. Minister to France and helped to established New York University.

The Revolutionary War ended in 1783 and photography was invented in the 1820s and 1830s, so most of the veterans of the war didn’t live long enough to have their portraits made. A handful of them did. In 1864, 81 years after the war, Rev. E. B. Hillard and two photographers embarked on a trip through New England to visit, photograph, and interview the six known surviving veterans, all of whom were over 100 years old. The glass plate photos were printed into a book titled The Last Men of the Revolution.

These are three of the Revolutionary War veterans who were over 100 years old when photographed.

Palermo, Sidney, Vassalboro

Palermo, Sidney and Vassalboro, like the central Kennebec cities and towns in the previous two articles in this series, had Revolutionary War veterans among their early settlers.

The grave of Isaac Worthen.

In Milton Dowe’s Palermo history, he identified Isaac Worthen (March 4, 1762 – March 1, 1841; later the name became Worthing), one of two brothers who moved to Palermo (then Great Pond Settlement) from New Hampshire, as a “hero of the Revolution.” An on-line search suggests he took the phrase from an article about Worthen, written by Samuel Copp Worthen (probably a descendant), in the Sprague Journal of Maine History, Vol. XII, No. 1, January-Mach 1924.

According to the article, Isaac’s father, Major Jacob Worthen, was a lieutenant in Captain Titus Salter’s company at Fort Washington, on Pierce Island at the mouth of the Piscataquis River, at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The fort was designed by Capt. Ezekiel Worthen, Jacob’s father and Isaac’s grandfather.

Isaac Worthen was in Salter’s company by May 1777, when he was 15. The history article says he wanted a berth on the USS Raleigh, which was going to France to buy ammunition. Turned down as too young, he jumped aboard as the ship sailed; the captain let him stay and made him a marine effective Aug. 1, 1777.

Worthen served for the duration of the war in different companies. Millard Howard added in his town history that Worthen was a corporal in a militia unit before his 17th birthday; Dowe wrote that one of his posts was West Point, in 1780.

In 1782, he married Judith Currier and they came to Palermo, where, an on-line genealogy says, their son Jonathan was born in 1785. An on-line photo of Worthen’s gravestone in Palermo’s Old Greeley Corner Cemetery shows his name; the words “Marine Continental Marines Rev War” on four lines; and his dates of birth and death.

Howard identified another Revolutionary veteran, Sir John Bradstreet, who was “nearly 40 years old when he came to Palermo with his family in 1786” and settled at the north end of Sheepscot Pond. His descendants included Clair Bradstreet, who chaired the town select board for more than 40 years in the 20th century. Bradstreet and his wife Freda (Worthing) Bradstreet lived in the Worthing House, on North Palermo Road, now owned by the Palermo Historical Society.

Thaddeus Bailey (1759 – 1849) is identified in a genealogy found on line as a Revolutionary War veteran who lived in Palermo, Albion and Palermo again. Born in Newbury, Massachusetts, he enlisted at 18 as a private in the Massachusetts militia company that spent three days at Pownalborough in September 1777 “in the defense and retaking of a mastship in the Sheepscot River.”

In 1778, he was in a unit that enlisted from Lincoln County and served in Providence, Rhode Island. From June 30 to Sept. 25, 1779, he was a private in Colonel (later Brigadier General) Samuel Rogers McCobb’s Lincoln County militia regiment and participated in the unsuccessful attempt to oust the British from Fort George, in Penobscot Bay.

(General McCobb [Nov. 20, 1744 – July 30, 1791] was born and died in Georgetown, Province of Maine. He served throughout the Revolution, at least part of the time with the Lincoln County Militia. He was a captain at Bunker Hill, a colonel on Benedict Arnold’s expedition to Québec and in charge at Penobscot after the British finally left in 1784.)

After the war, Bailey returned to Pownalborough until 1795, when he bought 100 acres for $110 in Sheepscot Great Pond (now Palermo). He and his wife Mary, whom he married in 1783 and who died before 1810, had 11 children. Census records from 1810 through 1840 show him living in Albion; a record of Revolutionary War pensioners lists him in Palermo in 1841. His pension, which started May 3, 1831, was $30.65 a year, according to the genealogy.

* * * * * *

Alice Hammond claimed to have found another Isaac (besides Isaac Worthen) who enlisted as a teenager: in her history of Sidney, she said of Isaac I. Cowan (March 14, 1758 – July 19, 1828): “At age fourteen he went into the Revolutionary War and served three years.” However, by this writer’s reckoning Cowan would have turned 15 in March 1773, two years before the fighting at Lexington and Concord.

An on-line site lists yet another young volunteer who ended up in Sidney: Massachusetts-born Jabez Rollins or Rollings (about 1767 – Oct. 4, 1842, or Oct. 28, 1847 [sources differ]) joined the New Hampshire Line in 1782, when he was 15. After the Revolution, he was in a Massachusetts regiment from February through June 1787 and helped suppress Shay’s Rebellion, the website continues; but since Shay’s Rebellion, an uprising by farmers protesting economic hardship in western Massachusetts, was suppressed by February, his role must have been limited.

On July 15, 1792, Rollings married Lydia Haskell (or Harskell) in Bradford, Massachusets. By 1795, they were in Mercer, Maine; by 1780, in New Sharon; and from 1810 on in Sidney. They had at least five children.

Capt. Abiel Lovejoy

Captain Abiel (or Abial) Lovejoy (Dec. 16, 1731 – July 4 [probably], 1811) was one of Sidney’s best-known veterans; Hammond referred to him as “Squire Lovejoy, the old slaveholder.” Born in Andover, Massachusetts, he married Mary Brown, in Charlestown, in December 1758. He was part-owner of trading ships, and later owner and captain of a small fleet based in Charleston. Hammond wrote that his ventures extended north to “the Bay of Fundy and south to the West Indies,” and that Mary sometimes sailed with him.

In 1760, Hammond said, he bought land in Pownalborough; in 1761, he and Mary and their first two children moved to what became Dresden, where he was a merchant, a ferry owner, a shipbuilder and “involved in public office and in land transactions.” In June 1763, Hammond wrote, he was one of the first three men to receive land in Sidney (then Vassalboro) from the Kennebec Proprietors.

In 1764 Lovejoy, in partnership with Mary’s father Nathaniel Brown, bought “half a saw mill and adjoining land and a half interest in a dam” on what was later Hastings Brook. In 1776, the Lovejoys moved to a farm in Sidney overlooking the river.

Hammond wrote that Lovejoy was in the Massachusetts militia from 1755, and from 1758 to 1771 his assignment was in Lincoln County, in what is now Maine – hence, presumably, his interest in acquiring land there. She added, “He also served in the American Revolutionary War.”

But she gave no details of his Revolutionary service, instead listing wartime activities in Sidney: in 1777 petitioning for an extension of the postal service and in 1778 serving on a committee to choose the post rider; in 1781 becoming Justice of the Peace; and “between 1776 and 1798” holding many other local offices.

A detailed on-line source adds that in 1776 he was a member of the pro-Revolutionary Committee of Safety and Correspondence, and in 1779 on “a committee to settle with the women on account of supplies ordered to the soldiers [sic] families by the General Court.” He was also highway surveyor in 1776 and 1777; selectman in 1779 and 1780; in 1780 town meeting moderator in 1780; and town treasurer and a county convention delegate in 1781.

Apparently he was a delegate to the Massachusetts General Court during the Revolutionary years, too, because the on-line sources says he “had been elected year after year” before he was challenged in 1781 and 1782, partly on the ground that he was not a supporter of independence.

The unnamed author of the on-line piece disagrees, calling Lovejoy “a fiery American patriot.” Evidence cited includes Tory Parson Jacob Bailey (mentioned in the history article in the Jan. 13 of The Town Line) naming him an instigator of mobs that attacked Bailey and other Loyalists, and Lovejoy’s willingness to give officers and soldiers in Benedict Arnold’s 1775 army hard money in return for their already-depreciating paper currency.

“Captain Abiel Lovejoy lost some $30,000 this way and afterwards papered a room in the Lovejoy homestead with this ‘worthless money,'” the on-line account says.

The Lovejoys had eight children before they moved to Sidney, and Hammond wrote six more were born there. The family lived in an elaborate house and owned several slaves, three of whom were buried in the small family cemetery on their farm, which Hammond called the “oldest cemetery in Sidney.”

Hammond also wrote about the Reynolds family. Nathaniel Reynolds IV, Esquire, settled in 1779 on the south end of West River Road in what was then Vassalboro, with his family. He served in the Revolutionary Army and “loaned money to the government for the cause”; and five sons “were all Revolutionary soldiers,” Hammond said.

* * * * * *

One of Vassalboro’s pre-war settlers and veterans was Charles B. Webber (January 1741 – Nov. 20, 1819). Born in Old York, Maine, he fought in the French and Indian Wars in 1757 and 1759. During the Revolution, an on-line genealogy says he is recorded as serving as second lieutenant in the Second Lincoln County Regiment of the Massachusetts militia, which was organized in 1776 and sent to Riverton, Rhode Island, in 1777.

Webber married his first wife, Hannah Call, in 1761 in Dresden. In 1765 they moved to Vassalboro, settling in the Riverside area. The on-line genealogy says their second child, a daughter named Sarah, was the first white child born in the town.

The same website says Webber was Vassalboro’s first treasurer, in 1771, and served again in 1776, when he was also the third town clerk; in 1773 and from 1792 to 1796 was a selectman and in 1790 was one of the committee that laid out Vassalboro’s first nine school districts.

A search for Webber’s name in Vassalboro’s extremely valuable on-line cemetery database confirmed his burial site in the Webber Family Cemetery at Riverside.

One of Webber’s company commanders was Dennis Getchell (1723 or 1724 – early January 1792), who bought land in the Riverside area of Vassalboro in August 1770.

Getchell was born in Berwick and is identified first as a major, perhaps from service in the French and Indian Wars. He must have moved to Vassalboro as soon as he bought his land, because the website says he was elected selectman at the first town meeting, April 26, 1771, and many times thereafter.

On July 23, 1776, he was commissioned a captain in the Second Lincoln County Regiment, and led his 50-man company at Riverton in 1777. In 1786, he was elected a member of the Massachusetts General Court.

Amos Childs (July 5, 1764 – Feb. 19, 1847) was a Massachusetts native who spent at least part of his time in the Revolutionary force as a drummer. He served three years and was honorably discharged in 1783. On Nov. 1, 1801, he married Hannah Webber (born in 1780 in Vassalboro, Charles and Hannah [Call] Webber’s daughter) in Vassalboro; they had “at least two children,” an on-line source says.

Hannah died Feb. 14, 1860; she and Amos are buried side by side in the North Vassalboro Village Cemetery.

Main sources

Dowe, Milton E., History Town of Palermo Incorporated 1884 (1954).
Hammond, Alice, History of Sidney Maine 1792-1992 (1992).
Howard, Millard, An Introduction to the Early History of Palermo, Maine (second edition, December 2015).
Robbins, Alma Pierce, History of Vassalborough Maine 1771 1971 n.d. (1971).

Websites, miscellaneous.

Carrabec High School honor roll

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Carrabec High School

Grade 12, high honors: Julia Baker, Roger Beaulieu, Cheyenne Cahill, Shyanne Holmes, Sean Olson, Courtney Rollins, Trinity Slate, Brandon Smith, Cassidy Smith and Drake Whittemore; honors:  Emma Baker, Erin Clark, Charlee Davis, Tyler Edwards, Abigail Luce, Seth Sayles, Devon Spencer and Garrett Wilson.

Grade 11, high honors:  Luke Carey; honors: Jessica Benedict, Lindsay Hamilton, Robert Lindblom, Jr., Caitlyn Oliver, Conner Peabody and Hunter Sousa.

Grade 10, high honors:  Kolby Carpenter, Jayden Cates, Devyn DeLeonardis, Cooper Dellarma, Molly Hay and Hailey Wyman; honors: Riley Crocker, Brooke-Alexis Dube and Alyssa Schinzel.

Grade 9,  high honors:  Haley McFadyen, Desmond Robinson and Brooks Sousa; honors: Logan Caldwell, Zackary Crawford, Kobi Jennings, Machaon Pierce, Seth Price, Gerald Rollins, Ian Smith and Morgan Steuber.

Apple Pruning workshop set for March 12

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Register by March 4th for Apple Pruning Techniques hands-on workshop at Midcoast Conservancy’s Trout Brook Preserve in Alna

Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District is pleased to collaborate with Midcoast Conservancy to offer a program on pruning techniques needed to keep your apple trees productive. on Saturday, March 12, from 9 a.m. – noon, at Midcoast Conservancy’s Trout Brook Preserve in Alna.

Cheryl Denz, owner and operator of Terra Optima Farm and Landscaping, in Appleton, will teach this popular class! Whether you have a small home orchard or one old tree that feeds the deer, this workshop will teach you the basic pruning techniques needed to keep your trees alive – and bearing fruit

Prior registration is required by Friday, March 4, for this class as space is limited. Dress appropriately for the weather and please bring any pruning tools you may have (pruners, loppers, handsaw). A limited number of additional tools will be available. In the event of inclement weather, the alternative date is March 19; they will contact registrants by 7 a.m. on March 12 should they need to postpone. Class fee is: $20/individual; $35/2 members of one household (plus $1 online payment processing fee).

To register, go to Knox-Lincoln SWCD’s website: https://www.knox-lincoln.org/events-workshops. For more information, please call 596-2040 or email info@knox-lincoln.org.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: It looks like six more weeks of winter; but how severe?

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Woody’s new digs.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

This year, the time really snuck up on me. Looking at the calendar as January faded away, I realized that February 2 was right around the corner. “I’m late this year,” I thought. It was time to go visit Woodrow Charles, the weather prognosticating groundhog buddy of mine who lives out in Center Vassalboro.

I hastily threw on a jacket, wrapped a scarf around my neck, put on my boots and headed out the door. It was a cold January morning, and I wanted to get out there before the nor’easter that was headed our way.

The walk to Woody’s “palace” wasn’t too bad with relatively little snow on the ground. As I approached his den, things didn’t seem the same. Was I lost? I looked around and for sure, I was in the right place. But his den was nowhere to be seen. Suddenly, I noticed a note pinned to a tree. I wandered over.

“To whom it may concern:

“My home has been confiscated by the owners of the property who bulldozed the stump and are preparing to put in a swimming pool. I have moved a little farther south, in an abandoned tree trunk.” Signed: Woody.

Well, what a turn of events. I took a left turn, and proceeded down a path through the woods. I would have missed the place had he not had a wood fire going, and the distinct smell guided me to his new abode.

I knocked, and after a few moments, Woody came to the opening. He didn’t even have a door.

“Oh, hi,” he said. “I was hoping you would come along. My apologies for the place, but I was rudely and unceremoniously run out of my other place. I’ve only been here a couple of week.”

“Boy, this place sure doesn’t come close to comparing with the other,” I said. “No big screen TV, no Keurig, probably no internet either,” I exclaimed.

“All in good time, my friend,” he responded. “Have you priced the rental market these days?”

“No, I guess not. I’ve lived in the same house for the past 46 years.”

“What are you going to do about the Super Bowl party with your buddies, Frank, Butch and Slim,” I asked.

“That’ll have to wait until next year,” he said. “Maybe I’ll go down to the local VFW and watch it there through the window.”

“Prediction?” I asked.

“Cincinnati 20, Los Angeles 17, in overtime. That seems to be the trend this season.”

Again, I left myself open for that one. “No, for the rest of the winter,” I blurted.

“Well, I saw my shadow. You see, I had to go back to primitive ways to predict the rest of the winter, with all my electronic equipment gone, and everything. However, it doesn’t mean that we’re not going to see any significant winter weather coming our way, at least in the northern tier of the U.S., for the next several weeks. March and April will experience a “back-and-forth” between the seasons with cold spells followed by warmups.

“March as a whole is looking to be slightly warmer than normal, helping out those who had high heating bills earlier in the winter during bitterly cold blasts of Arctic air, but this doesn’t mean that residents can pack away coats and break out shorts just yet. Cold fronts could still periodically swing through in February, March and even April, although the cold blasts may not be as intense as they were throughout January.

“These cold fronts will prevent extended spells of warm weather across the region and may also be accompanied by accumulating snow, including the chance of plowable snow along the Interstate-95 corridor.”

I said to him that this winter has already been the snowiest in years in Washington, D.C., with more than 12 inches accumulating in the city in January alone. Last winter, 5.4 inches of snow accumulated in D.C., and just 0.6 of an inch of snow fell there the year before that. With the prospects of snow remaining elevated into the first part of spring, this could finish as one of the snowiest years in the nation’s capital in nearly a decade.

However, the snow has not been as heavy farther north with Philadelphia picking up 4.6 inches and New York City measuring 7 inches in that same timeframe.

Woody responded by saying these cities could still end the year with near-average seasonal snowfall with the potential for wintry storms continuing over the Northeast as late as April.

“So, are you telling me to expect six more weeks of winter and beyond,” I remarked with astonishment.

“You could say that,” Woody replied.

I couldn’t help but think: that guy seems to know a lot about what is going to happen, just by whether or not he sees his shadow. I am not totally convinced.

With that, I bid my adieu and departed, a little exasperated, thinking we could be in this for the long haul, even though this has been a relatively mild winter through January, except for the cold snap we experienced toward the end of the month, and that nor’easter that blew its way through here.

We can only wait to see what develops, and deal with it.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

The Cincinnati Bengals (0-2), and Los Angeles/St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams (1-3) are a combined 1-5 in Super Bowls. Who did the Rams defeat for their only win?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, February 3, 2022

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Trivia QuestionsThe Cincinnati Bengals (0-2), and Los Angeles/St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams (1-3) are a combined 1-5 in Super Bowls. Who did the Rams defeat for their only win?

Answer:

Tennessee Titans, 23-16, on January 30, 2000.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, February 3, 2022

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JOHN McLEAN

WATERVILLE – John “Rick” McLean, 60, passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, following a brief illness. John was born on December 27, 1961, in Water­ville, the first born son of John and Celeste (Ire­land) McLean.

He attended grammar school in Vassalboro where he enjoyed playing football and baseball. He graduated from Winslow High School in 1980. He worked for the Harris Baking Company, in Waterville, until their closure and was then employed by Walmart until the time of his death.

When John was younger he was an avid fan of WWE Wrestling and loved watching it with his children and nephews. As he got older he became an avid fan of both football and NASCAR. He was thrilled when he was able to attend a race at Louden [NH] with his father and brothers. John loved family gatherings where you would find him laughing and joking.

John was predeceased by his mother Celeste.

He is survived by his father John McLean, of Vassalboro; son Joshua McLean and grandson Brayden, of Vassalboro; daughter Jessica McLean, of Oakland; son Jared McLean with his wife Randi and granddaughter Savanah, of Sidney; three brothers, David and his wife Arlene, of Winslow, Tim, of Vassalboro, and Mike and his wife Tawnya, of Fairfield; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial and graveside service will be held at a later date.

JOSEPH C. GRENIER

WINSLOW – Joseph Charles Grenier, “Ray the Bulldog”, 100, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at his home, in Win­slow. He was born in Win­slow on November 25, 1921, the youngest of 13 siblings born to Joseph and Mathilda Grenier.

As a young man he was an avid hockey player and often talked about shoveling off the snow to make a hockey rink with the local kids on the Kennebec River, near Waterville’s south end. He also took up boxing and had great success at it which gave him the ring name “Ray the Bulldog”. He was a longtime fan of the Boston Bruins and New England Patriots, and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Ray started painting and working on battleships in Boston, Massachusetts, and was drafted in 1942, serving in the U.S. Navy as a Gunners Mate 3rd Class from 1942- 1945 in World War II. Most of his missions were on LCT (land craft tank) Ships. When he returned home he was known to work in local woolen mills, most notably the Wyandotte-Worsted Textile Mill, in Waterville, until his retirement.

In 1949, Ray married Blanche Courtemauche and they enjoyed many wonderful years together until she passed away in 1993.

Ray was a man of good health and drove his Jeep, maintained his home, mowed his lawn and snowblowed his driveway right up to his passing. He had a quick wit and smart-aleck sense of humor.

He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, in Winslow, and was the oldest living member of the MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post #8835, in Winslow.

He is survived by his daughter, Lorraine Chamberlain and Patsy Viglione, of Florida; his 13 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 34 great-great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Ray was predeceased by his wife Blanche; daughters Rita McCausland and Joan Van Horn; his grandson Mike Lambert; as well as his parents and siblings.

A graveside service with military honors will be held in the spring on April 15, 2022, at 2 p.m., at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, in Augusta.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com.

ARTHUR J. GOOLDRUP JR.

OAKLAND – Arthur J. Gooldrup Jr, 82, of Oakland, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 17, 2022, at East­ern Maine Medical Cen­ter, in Bangor. He was born August 7, 1939, in Wat­er­ville, the son of Arthur Sr. and Yvonne Gooldrup.

Arthur Jr. was educated in the China school system. Arthur Jr. married the love of his life in 1957 and remained married for 62 years enjoying each other’s company, building up special memories traveling and raising their family along the way.

Arthur Jr. worked many years and was well known for his time at Dead River Co., traveling the state installing pumps before retiring in 1998. “Retirement” is a term used loosely as he was always staying busy and active by working with “Boy”, helping family, friends or on his camper and truck. He was a devoted father and doting husband. He took great pride in his family, especially his grandchildren who called him “Grampy” and “Bampa”. He always made time for his family and would be there in a moment’s notice to help his children and grandchildren.

Arthur Jr. was social and the ultimate conversationalist, he was well known across the state and beyond, not only for his hardworking reputation but because he was someone who had time for everyone and could quickly make friends even with complete strangers. He enjoyed family gatherings, traveling, camping and going to casinos with his wife Violet. Arthur Jr. was a true role model for his family and modeled all the values a family man should have. He was predeceased by his wife Violet A. Gooldrup; parents Arthur Sr. and Yvonne Gooldrup; brothers Pete Gooldrup and Norman Moulton, sisters Connie Matteson, Barbara French, and Christine Butler; nephew Eddie Clark.

He is survived by his daughters June Vigue and husband Armand, of Oakland, Brenda Kenney and partner Seth Foster, of Waterville; son Arthur “Boy” Gooldrup III, and wife Marcy, of Oakland; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Rideout, Stacey Doucette (also Goddaughter), Mandy Kenney, James Kenney, Arthur Gooldrup IV, Cory Gooldrup, and Raelynn Gooldrup; 18 great-grandchildren; brother Jimmy Gooldrup and wife Irene; sisters Lillian Belcher and her husband James, Mary Champine, and sister-in-law Joyce Gooldrup.

At Arthur Jr.’s request there will be no funeral service. Arrangements and care will be done through Dan and Scott’s cremation.

JEAN R. MASON

SOUTH CHINA – Jean Ruth Locke Mason, 74, passed away on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. Jean was born in Skowhegan on June 10, 1947, to Everette Locke and Ruth Locke, of Skowhegan.

She attended Madison Area Memorial High School, and in 1970 graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree from the Northern Conservatory of Music. In 1979, Jean married Rev. Orville Mason and they resided in Jackman where they pastored the Jackman Church of the Nazarene. After retiring from full-time pastoring, Jean and Orville eventually moved to the China area and found their church home for decades to come.

Jean has been an active and faithful member of China Regional Church of the Nazarene from its inception over 35 years ago, on Hanson Rd., South China, in a garage. She was involved with many ministries including choral programs, leading in bells, playing piano, singing, creating scenes for VBS and other programs, and had a passion for missions as she served as the Nazarene International President for many years. Jean had a servant’s heart and would gladly help whenever asked.

Jean drove a van for the Augusta school system and found joy in her interactions with the students. Beyond her work and church activities, she volunteered for the China schools in the music program. She also had a great love for dogs. She graduated from the course of study at Animal Behavior College to be a certified dog trainer and has been training dogs (she would say their owners) since then, getting 5-star reviews from most that she has helped. She also had fun making homemade dog biscuits for the dogs in her church family and her clients.

Jean is survived by her brother-in-law, Joe Arsenault; nephew Ransdall (Randy) Luce, and nieces Laurie Paine and Dana Davis.

In addition to her parents, Jean was predeceased by her husband, Orville Mason and sister Joan Aresenault.

A celebration of life was held on Sunday, January 30, at the China Regional Church of the Nazarene.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ASPCA at https://secure.aspca.org/donate.

LAURA M. GRIVOIS

WATERVILLE – Laura M. Grivois, 82, died Thursday, January 20, 2022, at Central Maine Medical Cen­ter, in Lewis­ton. She was born July 4, 1939.

She retired from Colby College, in Waterville, in 1998.

She leaves behind two sons, Jerry L. Grivois and his wife Debrah Grivois, and Jeffrey Grivois and his wife Judith Grivois; two grandchildren, Jerry Grivois Jr. and Katelynn Grivois; one sister, Lena Wilde; and many nieces, nephews.

Services will be held in the spring.

COLEINE G. HOAGUE

Coleine G. Hoague, 89, peacefully passed away on Thursday, January 20, 2022. She was born on May 17, 1932, to George and Florence Stevens.

She was born and lived in Augusta until they moved to South China.

She had a love for horses, four-wheeling, camping, singing and playing guitar. She started her career raising her kids then nursing until she started waitressing.

Coleine was predeceased by her husband of 53 years which she married on her birthday in 1952, her parents George and Florence; three brothers, Merle, Milton, and Milford; a sister-in-law Shirley Stevens; a nephew Butchie; and a great-granddaughter Payten Grace Skidgel.

She is survived by three sons Dana, Daryl and companion Penny, Danyl and companion Elsie, Debbie and husband Timothy Cormier, Deidra and companion Jim Mason; lots of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There will be no funeral services but her family will announce at a later time of a Celebration of Life.

ROBERT F. SMITH

WINSLOW – Robert Francis Smith, 68, passed away peacefully Friday, January 21, 2022. Robert was born March 17, 1953, in Waterville, the son of Leona Trask and Eben Smith.

He attended schools in Oakland and Skowhegan.

For several years he was employed at Weeks’ Body Shop, in Waterville. He then moved on to Joseph Motor Company, also inWaterville, where he was the body shop manager. In 1980 he changed careers and went to work for Lucas Tree Experts, of Portland. Bob became a licensed pesticide applicator and foreman and remained there until his retirement in 1995.

He enjoyed fishing on many different lakes in Maine but his true passion was hunting, until his health declined and he was unable to continue doing what he so enjoyed. He especially loved his annual trip to hunting camp for many years with “the boys.” He spent countless hours hunting with his very dear friends, Leo Beaulieu who passed in 2016 and David Vigue.

His children, grandchildren and great-grandson where what he was most proud of and his most cherished time was spent with them.

Bob is survived by his daughter Gretchen Rinaldi and her husband Dominick Rinaldi, of Skowhegan; son Michael Smith and his wife Carol, of Cornville; daughters Lacey Smith and partner Lee Lemieux, of Skowhegan, Lorraine Smith and partner Stephen McCarthy, of Newburyport, Massachusetts, Katlynn Smith and her partner Morgan Floyd, of Skowhegan, Jessica (Noah) Pomerleau and her partner Mikey Strom, of Winslow; granddaughters, Hailey Thorpe and partner Travis Janvrin, Leianna and Emilee Lemieux; grandsons, Christopher Wentworth, Greyson Noke and Karter McCarthy; stepgrandsons, Broc Libby and Corey Skehan; great-grandson, Max Janvrin as well as great-grandson due in May, Owen Robert Janvrin; sister, Kathy Brown, of Oakland; brother-in-law, Roger Greenwood, of Fairfield; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Basil and Winifred Trask; his daughter, Rachel; his parents; sister, Carol Hartsgrove and sister, Brenda Greenwood.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 12:30 at the VFW, 58 Preble Avenue, Madison, with a graveside service to be held in the spring.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to your local humane society.

CHARLENE G. HONEA

WINDSOR – Charlene Gracie Honea, 65, passed away suddenly on Sunday, January 23, 2022, due to natural causes, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. She was born on July 2, 1956, a daughter of George E. and Edith (Erbe) Gracie Sr..

Charlene grew up in Connecticut, graduating from Tolland High School in the class of 1974. Summers during her childhood were spent at the family cottage on China Lake, a special place that remained dear to Charlene’s heart all her life. Following high school, Charlene graduated from secretarial school. She later met her future husband, Larry Honea, and the two were married on October 21, 1989. They settled on Shuman Road, in Windsor, and became parents to their daughter, Kaitlyn Honea.

For over 40 years, Charlene was a dedicated employee at Farris, Foley & Dick, P.A., in Augusta, as a legal secretary.

Charlene, known to many as “Charlie”, enjoyed fishing, boating, four-wheeling, and spending time at the cottage on China Lake. For many years, she looked forward to playing “Setback” cards every Wednesday night with friends. In her younger years, Charlene was an avid baton twirler, and was devoted in supporting Kaitlyn following her footsteps. Traveling far and wide to competitions, she was proud to watch her daughter bring home many trophies. Charlene was a homebody at heart and simply enjoyed spending time at home, playing on her Kindle.

Above all, she loved her family dearly and was a devoted wife and mother.

She was predeceased by her parents.

She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Larry Honea; her daughter, Kaitlyn Honea; her brother, George E. Gracie Jr. and his wife Barbara; and countless other friends.

A memorial service was held on Sunday, January 30, 2022, at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, Maine. There will also be an informal “celebration of life” at a future date.

Condolences, stories, or photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Charlene’s name may be made to Alfond Center for Cancer, c/o MaineGeneral Health Office of Philanthropy, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903-0828.

CHARLES F. ROWLETTE

ALBION – Charles Frederick “Fred” Matthew Rowlette, 80, of Albion, passed away on Sun­day morning, January 23, 2022, at Maine­General Comfort Care, in Augusta, following a season of ill health. He was born June 17, 1941, in Drumkeeran Co, Leitrim, Ireland, the oldest son of Gerald Rowlette and Elizabeth (Buchanan) Rowlette.

He came from Ireland and settled in Brooklyn, New York, and took his first job, which was an elevator operator, where he met the love of his life Kathleen O’Hara, of Roscrea Co., Tipperary, Ireland. They married January 27, 1962.

He also worked in construction in New York and moved to Maine in 1964. He did roofing and drove truck several years for Home Swift. Retired from the State of Maine in 1984, where he worked for the Bureau of Purchases.

He enjoyed coon hunting with his friends and enjoyed raising Irish Jack Russell Terriers for many years.

Loved God’s word and telling people about the Lord. He liked to play the organ and loved music.

In addition to his wife of almost 60 years, he is survived by a daughter, Geraldine Travers and her husband Flint ,of Litchfield; two grandchildren, Tanya Fournier and her husband Kyle, of Greene, and Evan Travers and his wife Alicia, of Bowdoin; three great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Caleb, of Greene, and Damon, of Bowdoin; his brothers, Cyril Rowlette and his wife Molly, of Ireland, and Leslie Rowlette and his wife Rosaleen, of Ireland; his sisters, Geraldine Hopkins and her husband Ian, of England, and Patricia Barber and her husband John, of Ireland; and a cousin, Hazel Gardiner, of Ireland; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, and great-granddaughter, Rylee Mae Travers.

A celebration of life will be held sometime this summer.

Arrangements are in the care of the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St. Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com

STANLEY M. WHITTIER

WATERVILLE – Stanley M. Whittier, 91, formerly a long time resident of Augusta, died Monday, January 24, 2022, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta, following a long illness. He was born in Bath on January 10, 1931, a son of the late Stanley A. and Frances (Martin) Whittier.

Mr. Whittier attended Augusta schools and was a communicant of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Korean War.

Mr. Whittier had been self-employed barber for many years in Augusta, where he also enjoyed organizing the Chamber of Commerce Whatever Week Races and you could always spot him in the bleachers at Cony basketball games. In 1955 he built his camp on Clary Lake, in Jefferson, which was his favorite place to spend time with family.

He was predeceased by his wife, Irene J. (Valliere) Whittier; two brothers, Keith and Leonard Whittier and his sister, Joyce Chick.

Mr. Whittier is survived by his two daughters, Gail J. Champine, of Waterville, and Jane F. Roy, of Biddeford; five grandchildren, Stacy Grondin, Jessica Grondin, Carly Champine, Morgan Burnette, and Dylane Farrington, nine great-grandchildren; three great-great- grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A service was held on Tuesday, February 1, at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Burial will be in the spring in Sand Hill Cemetery, Somerville.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

The family requests that donations in Stan’s memory be made to Travis Mills Foundation, 89 Water St., Hallowell, ME 04347.

KATHLEEN J. HUMPHREY

BENTON – Kathleen J. Humphrey, 82, died peacefully of natural causes on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, in Ban­gor. Kathleen was born on August 10, 1939, in East Benton, the daughter of the late Henry and Julia (Buker) Martin.

She graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, and received her degree from Farmington State Teachers College. She worked for many years as a fabric stitcher for Health-Tex, in Brunswick, and retired early from L.L.Bean, in Freeport. She committed her retirement years to taking care of her aging parents.

Kathleen raised three sons all on her own. Everything she accomplished and did was especially for them. She was adventurous, liked to travel, and had been through 48 of our states. She enjoyed sun bathing, reading, walking, and putting puzzles together.

She is survived by two sons, Gregory Humphrey and wife Stacy, of Havelock, North Carolina, and Glenn Humphrey, of Benton; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Judith Shores, of Oakland; brother, Henry Martin Jr. and wife Patricia, of Benton; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; her son, Jeffrey Humphrey; and a brother, Thomas H. Martin Sr., all of Benton.

A family committal will be held at a later date.

To leave a message of kindness or to share a memory, please visit http://www.shoreynichols.com.

Care has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, Pittsfield.

JOSEPH A. BRANDT

WINDSOR – Joseph A. Brandt, 94, died on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, a proud member of the Greatest Generation. Joseph was born on April 9, 1927, in New York City, New York, to Joseph Brandt and Elizabeth J. Brandt.

Joseph enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II before graduating high school and was proud to have served. Joseph received several awards to include, Merchant Marine emblem, Pacific war zone bar, victory medal and Philippine Liberation ribbon.

Joseph was a huge supporter of the Second Amendment and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and enjoyed competitive shooting in rifle, pistol, and shotgun where he won numerous awards for his shooting abilities. Over the years, beginning in 1946, Joseph had been in 11 different Rifle and Pistol clubs, nine of which he served as president and help build and design ranges for up to 200 yards.

Joseph served as president of the agent’s advisory council while working in the insurance industry. He was once the president in the Whitefield Lions Club and served as president of W.I.S.D.U.M., where he met and fell in love with Margaret “Peggie” Whitehouse.

Joseph loved painting and art and was active until his death with the Harlow Art Gallery, in Hallowell. Joseph had won many prizes for his artwork that he shared with his friends and family. Joe will be fondly remembered for his enormous sense of humor, quick wit and sharp tongue.

Joseph is survived by his long-time companion, Margret “Peggie” Whitehouse, of Augusta; daughter, Elizabeth (Brandt) Cotrone; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be planned in the spring.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers or donations, Joe would love it if we all introduced a young person to firearm safety and the sport of shooting and get our youngsters involved in a local gun club for a lifetime of enjoyment in a sport Joseph held near to his heart.

HARRY N. YEATON

ALBION – Harry Norman Yeaton, 95, a devoted businessman and family man, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. Harry was born May 3, 1926, in Knox, to William and Fannie (Whitcomb) Yeaton.

He attended schools in Knox and Freedom. He served in the U.S. Army for two years and was a part of the 34th infantry regiment. He was honorably discharged in January of 1947. Harry purchased Yeaton Service and Supply, in Albion, from his father in 1969, and owned and operated it until 2017, when he sold and retired from the business that was in operation for 70 years.

Harry was a part of the Albion Volunteer Fire Department from 1960-1982. He was one of the original founders of the Lovejoy Health Center, in Albion, and was a member of the board of directors until 1990. He was a constable for the town of Albion. He was instrumental in obtaining the first emergency vehicle equipped to transport patients.

Harry was known to many children in town as Uncle Harry. He was a very generous and caring person, always putting others before himself.

Harry was a former member of the Albion Christian Church and attended Bible Baptist and Mill Stream Christian Fellowship.

He was predeceased by his parents, William and Fannie Yeaton; his sister, Francis Webber, his brothers, James and Arthur, his brother-in-law, Merville Webber; his nephews, Jerry and Jim Hustus, and his niece, Judy Burke.

Harry is survived by his sister, Betsy Yeaton, of Albion; his sister-in-law, Evelyn Yeaton, of Ocala, Florida; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, February 2, at Albion Christian Church. Burial will take place in the spring.

Arrangements are in the care of the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield, where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

OTHERS

ANNE MARIE PULSIFER

NIANTIC, Connecticut – Anne Marie Pulsifer, 57, passed away, following a brief illness, on Friday December 3, 2021, in Niantic, Connecticut. Anne Marie was born on July 14, 1964, in Waterville, the daughter of William P. and Marie A. Pulsifer, of Belgrade Lakes.

Anne Marie graduated from Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, in 1982 and continued her education at Notre Dame College, in Manchester, New Hampshire. She graduated with high honors with a paralegal degree in 1986. Anne Marie worked for law firms in New Hampshire and Portland. She also worked transcribing for a cardiologist at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. In her early 20s she moved to Niantic, Connecticut, where she worked at a car dealership for several years. Later she joined her partner, Ken, at their restaurant where she remained to assist him wherever needed.

Anne Marie’s love of books started at a very young age of 9 months old, holding a very small book sitting in her high chair. Much later, her favorite book was A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle. Anne Marie loved to cook and had many favorite recipes but pretty much did it her way and the results were always very good. She loved to share her cooking with friends and neighbors.

Anne Marie loved her home state of Maine and its four seasons. Growing up, she would skate for hours on the frozen stream listening to music with family and friends. In the spring she anxiously waited for the leaves to grow on the trees and for the spring bushes blooming. In the summer she always shared what she had planted for flowers and vegetables in the raised beds Ken built for her. In the fall she was able to enjoy the early foliage in Connecticut and the family would send her pictures of the stream during the peak foliage in Maine.

Anne Marie also loved the Maine coast where family would meet to celebrate her birthday at Two Lights, in Cape Elizabeth.

Anne Marie was a bright, genuine, kindhearted, thoughtful person with a great sense of humor.

She is survived by her parents, William P. and Marie A. Pulsifer; her sister Louise P. Hogan; her nephew William Hogan and niece Emily Hogan; and her partner Ken Hochstetter; uncle and aunt, James and Nancy Morissette; many cousins and family friend Maryanne Fotter; and her “Auntie Anne”, Anne Boulette.

Anne Marie was predeceased by her Godparents, Uncle George and Aunt Minette, Willena Monroe, and her uncle and aunt, Wilfred and Sylvia Morissette.

A memorial service will be held in the spring. Service, time and place will be announced.

SHARON K. LAMBERT

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – Sharon Kervin Lambert, 51, of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, following a courageous battle with cancer. Sharon was born on December 24, 1970, in Waterville.

After graduating from Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) with a degree in nursing, she started her first job at Lakewood, in Waterville, as an RN, kickstarting a 28-year career in nursing.

She lived in Oakland for many years where she had great pool parties and barbecues with friends and family. In 2018, Sharon moved to Hilton Head Island with her partner Karen Nevers, of 13 years, where her dreams came true living in an oceanview home. Sharon had a passion for traveling and shopping. You could always count on her for great medical advice. She was a dedicated mom. Her pleasant personality was contagious to everyone she met. Sharon was predeceased by her stepfather David Mullen.

She is survived by her three children, Trevor Kervin, Chelsea and Julia Lambert; her life partner Karen Nevers; her mother, Kathleen Kervin Mullen; her sisters Jessica Mullen, Anne Boisevert and Jerri Hume; and her one nephew Caleb Heverling.

Sharon did not want a funeral, instead she wanted a celebration of life which will be held privately here in Maine and on Hilton Head Island at a later date.

PFAS: The “forever chemicals” making more headlines

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Space-filling model of the perfluorooctanesulfonic acid molecule, also known as PFOS, a fluorosurfactant and global pollutant.

by Pam McKenney

Many of you may have recently seen an article posted by the Town of Palermo about PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” and learned that the DEP would be investigating sites in our town. During the fall of 2021, you may also remember local headlines like this: “Toxic Water in Fairfield: Residents with drilled wells deal with sky high levels of PFAS.” PFAS are man-made chemicals known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances. They are a byproduct of plastics that resist degradation to the extreme that they are referred to as “forever chemicals.” They are linked to a number of health problems, and they are showing up in our well water and in our food supply. According to a Fairfield-area DEP investigation fifty-two wells were tested and found contaminated, some with rates as high as 1800 parts per trillion (new legislation calls for 20 parts per trillion as safe).

The article on the Town of Palermo site, composed by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), asserts that this is not just a Fairfield problem. Truth is: PFAS are everywhere, from the peaks of Mt. Everest to the bottom of our oceans, including Palermo. The Maine Department of Agriculture first identified the problem in Fairfield through a milk test from a local dairy farm. Further testing revealed the chemicals existed in drilled well water, chicken eggs raised in infected sites, and even prompted the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W) to issue a “Do Not Eat” advisory for areas in Fairfield when excessive levels of PFAS were found when five of eight harvested deer were tested.

By their very nature, PFASs are here to stay and will be showing up in more headlines and in human bloodstreams. The post on the Town of Palermo website “A Brief History of PFAS (in Palermo)” Town of Palermo website, outlines Palermo’s status with this toxic substance. It is necessary to educate ourselves about the thousands of chemicals in PFAS and limit our exposure from products like: grease-resistant paper, fast food containers/wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and candy wrappers, nonstick cookware, stain resistant coatings used on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics, water resistant clothing, and fire retardant materials. Because PFAS are at low levels in some foods and in the environment (air, water, soil, etc.) completely eliminating exposure is unlikely according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

Although these products contribute to contamination, the most common way in which PFAS can infiltrate groundwater in Maine is through the spread of sludge and septage on fields. The DEP defines these materials as:

  • sludge; a byproduct of wastewater treatment and waste from pulp and paper mills.
  • septage; a fluid mix of sewage solids, liquids, and sludge of municipal origin.

When you call to have your septic system pumped, it must be disposed of. Wastewater treatment plants do not store treated materials indefinitely; it has to go somewhere. The volume of sludge and septage production is prodigious and must be managed properly.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) offers an online map that charts the locations of approved land application sites and updates as more information becomes available. Among the hundreds of identified locations in Maine, this map shows three licensed application sites in Palermo, but the DEP cautions that “not all locations statewide were utilized and site status will be confirmed based on actual spreading records.” Testing for PFAS is complicated and expensive and currently has to be sent out of state for results, however, test kits are available through DEP. Additionally, fish test results from dozens of Maine lakes are reported on the map. Being from Palermo, I noted that a 2014 test result derived from a “skinless filet” was found to have the chemical PFOA (Perfluorooctane sulfonamide, PFOA info). It is unclear who collected the sample and why, although the “concentration level” was listed at “0.0.” A conversation with Mike Jakubowski at ME DEP indicated that this is a collaborative effort among departments and “testing of Tier One sites may extend through the end of 2023.”

The DEP has categorized one sludge application site in Palermo as a “Tier One” location, which means it will be investigated and sampled. A Tier One site has specific criteria: involves the application of 10,000 cubic yards or more of sludge to the land, have homes within a ½ mile of the application, is likely to have PFAS in the sludge based on the sources and contributors of the sludge. While the material used in Palermo was similar to the Fairfield sites, the volume applied was substantially less: over 147,000 cubic yards in Fairfield, but only about 5,000 cu/y here, and only for a period of about five years, from 1997-2002. The DEP website includes a table with dozens of Maine towns currently identified as areas with the need for immediate testing. Despite these concerns, according to current laws and regulations, DEP can test land and water “by permission only,” and the spread of septage and sludge continues to be permitted through the DEP.

So who is responsible for the problem? These chemicals get into our air, water, and soil through human consumption. Consumers assume that these FDA-approved products are safe, that testing and regulation makes the spread of sludge safe. It is not safe and we continue to understand how to limit exposure and minimize the damage.

Manufacturers like 3M and Dupont have known for decades the potential risks and toxic effects of PFAS. Areas of our country where these and many other chemical companies operate are highly contaminated and municipalities are seeking compensation for clean up and for legislation to hold corporations accountable. Here is recent testimony related to PFAS for the Committee on Government Oversight and Reform. I also recommend the documentary The Devil We Know concerning Dupont and PFAS contamination. Organizations like EWG (Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization) provide information and support these efforts for reform and action. For more about the illnesses that may be linked to exposure, consider these sites: EPA website and Natural Resources Defense Council.

We will be forever living with these “forever chemicals.” Although the human body is an amazing structure of systems that can tolerate exposure to an array of substances, there are things we can do to coexist with PFASs as safely as possible. We can stop assuming products are safe and demand rigorous, responsible government oversight. We can resist attitudes that value deregulation and promote corporate profit over human life and environmental protection. We can support citizens and community activists who seek change and advocate for research. We can educate ourselves. Here are further actions recommended by various biomonitoring sites.

  • Include plenty of variety in your (and your child’s diet), and limit foods in grease-repellent wrappers and containers.
  • Avoid products labeled as stain- or water-resistant, such as carpets, furniture, and clothing.
  • Check labels of household and personal care products; avoid those with “fluoro” ingredients. Contact the manufacturer if you can’t find the ingredients on the label. Demand safe products and testing. Boycott those that are questionable.
  • If you choose to use protective sprays, sealants, polishes, waxes, or similar products, make sure you have enough ventilation and follow other safety precautions.
  • Because PFASs can come out of products and collect in dust: Wash your and your child’s hands often, especially before preparing or eating food. Clean floors regularly, using a wet mop or HEPA vacuum if possible, and use a damp cloth to dust.
  • Contact DEP if you have concerns about your drinking water or live less than a half mile from a site with a history of sludge spread. Request a test.
  • Contact your legislator to support action aimed at zero exposure and support LD1911 which refines “loading rate” calculations (that amount of PFAS allowed in treated materials). Testimony from Maine hearing 1/24/22 discussing LD1911-concerning PFAS in Drinking Water .
  • To prevent PFAS and other toxins from entering groundwater, avoid flushing or improperly disposing of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. These toxins do not disappear when they go down the drain.

Above all, strive to be involved and work to preserve our towns and our world for future generations.

Pam McKenney, a Palermo resident, is a free lance writer, and teacher at Erskine Academy, in South China. She currently serves on the board of directors of the Sheepscot Lake Assn., and is not associated with any agencies or organizations mentioned in the article. She may be contacted at pamckenney@yahoo.com.

LETTERS: All electric, all in

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To the editor:

As we keep adding wind and solar power to remove carbons at bay, we are overlooking one important fact, and that is, in my opinion, we are trying to play catch up at too late a time. It won’t matter how much we augment fossil fuels for electric generation because if [all] goes according to plan, in the next decades we will all be driving EV (electric vehicles), and this is just one of the inevitable loads we will be adding to the electric grid. Also, scientists are saying we will need to build new homes with total electric amenities, i.e., heat, air conditioning, and a host of other electric needs. It should be noted that resistive electric heat base board or space heaters all are 100 percent efficient. In other words, for every dollar spent on electric heat you get a dollar’s worth of heat. No other system can make that claim.

So, in summation, if we don’t go to nuclear power all the solar and wind in the world will never catch up to our electrical demands. I should add [that] once EVs are made mandatory most homes will have to upgrade their electrical systems as most 100 or less ampere services will not carry two (2) EV cars if both drivers have to charge their vehicles at the same time.

I was laughed at when we moved to Maine in 1999 and built an all electric home. Can’t understand so many people’s aversion to electric heat. Most say it’s too expensive, but if the home is built for it, it is not only reasonable but quiet, safe and clean.

Frank Slason
Somerville