Erskine Academy first trimester honor roll (2022)

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Grade 12

High Honors: Isaac Baker, Julia Barber, Alana Beggs, Jacob Bentley, Nickolas Berto, Gabriell Berto-Blagdon, Jack Blais, Autumn Boody, Olivia Bourque, Lilian Bray, Abrial Chamberlain, Emily Clark, Jesse Cowing, Jasmine Crommett, Isabella DeRose, Luke Desmond, Alexander Drolet, Coralie Favier, Emma Fortin, Wyatt French, Josette Gilman, Samantha Golden, Trace Harris, Isaac Hayden, Hayden Hoague, Grace Hodgkin, Rachel Huntoon, Emma Jefferson, Grace Kelso, Mallory Landry, Aidan Larrabee, Madison Lully, Isavel Lux Soc, Hunter Marr, Malcolm Martinez, Wes McGlew, Rebecca Morton, Adam Ochs, Abigail Peaslee, Tony Pedersen, Devon Polley, Lilly Potter, Sarah Praul, Riley Reitchel, Parker Reynolds, Kadince Rideout, Mackenzie Roderick, Andrew Shaw, Hannah Soule, Natalie Spearin, Lily Thompson, Daniel Tibbetts, Lily Vinci, Summer Wasilowski and Hayden Young.

Honors: Evan Butler, Lodin Chavarie, Nicholas Chavarie, Daniel Cseak, Colby Cunningham, Kaden Doughty, Abigail Dutton, Kelsie Fielder, Chase Folsom, Jenna Gallant, Ciera Hamar, Larissa Haskell, Balqis Hutami, Hunter Johnson, Madelyne Koehling, Lili Lefebvre, Shawn Libby, Reese Martin, David Martinez – Gosselin, Calvin Mason, Kaden McIntyre, Christian Moon, Brady O’Connor, Liam Perfetto, Paige Reed, Julian Reight, Ely Rideout, Nathaniel Solorzano, Hannah Strout – Gordon, Hannah Torrey and Samuel Worthley.

Grade 11

High Honors: Carson Appel, Andrew Bentley, Abigail Beyor, Eve Boatright, Katherine Bourdon, Breckon Davidson, Nicole DeMerchant, Lillian Dorval, Grace Ellis, Lilly Fredette, Loralei Gilley, Carson Grass, Cooper Grondin, Mallary Hanke, Nabila Harrington, Grady Hotham, Grace Hutchins, Olivia Hutchinson, Hallie Jackson, Kaiden Kelley, Emmet Lani-Caputo, Dale Lapointe, Dinah Lemelin, Malachi Lowery, Emily Majewski, Lily Matthews, River Meader, Angelina Ochoa, Ezra Padgett, Timber Parlin, Hannah Patterson, Kayla Peaslee, Jonathan Peil, Gabriel Pelletier, Sophia Pilotte, Kaden Porter, Alexis Rancourt, Cadence Rau, Ally Rodrigue, Noah Rushing, Gabriela Sasse, Felicia Schwab, Zuriah Smith, Sophie Steeves, Daniel Stillman, Paige Sutter, Aidan Tirrell, Mackenzie Toner, Emma Tyler, Katherine Williams and Damon Wilson.

Honors: John Allen, Molly Anderson, Kassidy Barrett, Angel Bonilla, Samuel Boynton, Alexis Buotte, Emma Charest, Nicholas Choate, Courtney Cowing, Jacob Evans, Myra Evans, Hailey Farrar, Erin Fontaine, Brianna Gardner, Reiana Gonzalez, Alivia Gower, Alexzander Hoffman, Kassidy Hopper, Beck Jorgensen, Jakob Kennedy, Meadow Laflamme, Zephyr Lani-Caputo, Joseph Lemelin, Brenden Levesque, Bryce Lincoln, Gwen Lockhart, Kendal Longtin, Brooklyn McCue, Jenna Perkins, Karen Potter, Samantha Reynolds, Sarah Robinson, Jaxson Roderick, Conner Rowe, Emmalee Sanborn, Jarell Sandoval, Sammantha Stafford, Kiley Stevens, Emma Stred, Lauren Tyler, Marianna Waldron, Colby Willey, Joseph Wing, Aidan Witham and Keanah Young.

Grade 10

High Honors: Lacey Arp, Leah Bonner, Isabella Boudreau, Heather Bourgoin, Kellsie Boynton, Robin Boynton, Elizabeth Brown, Nolan Burgess, Makayla Chabot, Elise Choate, Connor Coull, Caleigh Crocker, Brielle Crommett, Noah Crummett, Gavin Cunningham, Hailey Estes, Kaylee Fyfe, Jackson Gamblin, Caleb Gay, Leah Grant, Nathan Hall, Tara Hanley, Cristina Hart Loran, Natalie Henderson, Jessica Hendsbee, Kameron Kronillis, Stephanie Kumnick, Carol Labbe, Sydney Laird, Kiley Lee, Jack Lyons, Aidan Maguire, Richard Mahoney III, Alexia McDonald, Holden McKenney, Austin Nicholas, Jazel Nichols, Alejandro Ochoa, Jeremy Parker, Nathan Polley, Jessica Pumphrey, Giacomo Smith, Kinsey Stevens, Reese Sullivan and Baruch Wilson.

Honors: Abigail Adams, Tristan Anderson, Austin Armstrong, Duncan Bailey, Bryce Boody, Wyatt Bray, Kaleb Brown, Nathalia Carrasco, Hayden Chase, Timothy Christiansen, Simon Clark, Thomas Crawford, Keira Deschamps, Hunter Foard, Aleigha Gooding, Tucker Greenwald, Lilliane Herard, Conor Jones, Hannah Kugelmeyer, Mackenzie Kutniewski, Logan Lanphier, Sophie Leclerc, Brody Loiko, Thomas Manchini, David McCaig, Danny McKinnis, Carlos Michaud, Abigail Miller, Morgan Miller, Cami Monroe, Alexis Moon, Royce Nelson, Alyssa Ouellette, Remy Pettengill, Keith Radonis, Evelyn Rousseau, Gavin Rowe, Adam St. Onge, Lara Stinchfield, Jamecen Stokes, Ryan Tyler, Jack Uleau, Haley Webb and Elijah York.

Grade 9

High Honors: Ava Anderson, Emmett Appel, Bryana Barrett, Noah Bechard, Octavia Berto, Lauryn Black, Brooke Blais, Carter Brockway, Keenan Clark, Paige Clark, Madison Cochran, Hannah Cohen-Mackin, Lauren Cowing, Lillian Crommett, Gabrielle Daggett, Brady Desmond, John Edwards, Ryan Farnsworth, Chloe French, Clara French, Kaylene Glidden, Jonathan Gutierrez, Brandon Hanscom, Emma Henderson, Serena Hotham, Kailynn Houle, Parker Hunter, Ava Kelso, Sophia Knapp, Lucy-Anne Knowles, Bodi Laflamme, Chase Larrabee, Jack Lucier, Owen Lucier, Eleanor Maranda, Jade McCollett, Abigail McDonough, Shannon McDonough, Madison McNeff, Ella Moore, Thomas Mullens, Owen Northrup, Makayla Oxley, Ava Picard, Janessa Pimienta, Wallace Pooler IV, Carter Rau, Elsa Redmond, Justin Reed, Lillian Rispoli, Laney Robitaille, Carlee Sanborn, Joslyn Sandoval, Aislynn Savage, Kyle Scott, Jordyn Smith, Zoey Smith, Parker Studholme and Clara Waldrop.

Honors: Haileigh Allen, Leonard Balderas-Young, Lillian Balderas-Young, Geneva Beckim, Rylan Bennett, Jayda Bickford, Kaleb Bishop, Landen Blodgett, Olivia Brann, Dylan Cooley, Andra Cowing, Kaden Crawford, Trinity DeGreenia, Aydan Desjardins, Lucas Farrington, Kaylee Fortier, Kenneth Fredette, Wesley Fulton, Ellie Giampetruzzi, Tristan Goodwin, Trent Haggett, Echo Hawk, Landen Hayden, Walker Jean, Montana Johnson, Rion Kesel, Kaiden Kronillis, Ayden Malmstrom, D’andre Marable, Justice Marable, Kaeleigh Morin, Addison Mort, Colin Oliphant, Noah Pelletier, Sadie Pierce, Bronwyn Potter, Alyssa Pullen, Zeke Ramsay, Nathan Robinson, Achiva Seigars, Larissa Steeves, Katherine Swift, Grant Taker, Grace Vashon and Taylor Wright.

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Wars – Part 3

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John Chandler

by Mary Grow

Veterans of Waterville and Augusta

After the Revolutionary War, the demobilization of the army increased the population of the Kennebec Valley. This article and the following will describe some of the Revolutionary veterans who became part of local history, chosen more or less randomly. A visit to old cemeteries in area towns would undoubtedly add more names.

In her history of the South Solon meeting house, Mildred Cummings explained that many demobilized soldiers from southern New England came to the District of Maine for its inexpensive land. Such a move would be especially appealing to younger sons who, until after the new United States government and laws took effect, could expect the family farm to be inherited by their oldest brother.

(Solon is farther up the Kennebec River, outside the area of this study, but friends have assured this writer its meeting house is worth a visit.)

The number of central Kennebec Valley settlers, veterans and others, who came from New Hampshire and Massachusetts substantiates Cummings’ explanation.

Kingsbury added, in his Kennebec County history, that survivors of Benedict Arnold’s 1775 march to Québec remembered the Kennebec Valley as a beautiful place with land and timber resources, and some brought their families to live there.

One such was Colonel Jabez Mathews (1743-1828), according to the Waterville centennial history. Mathews went up the Kennebec with Arnold’s expedition, returned to his home town of Gray and in 1794 brought his two young sons with him to Waterville, where he was a tavern-keeper.

The Waterville history includes a chapter on military history written by Brevet Brigadier General Isaac Sparrow Bangs. After much research, he and collaborators came up with a list of more than two dozen Revolutionary War veterans with a connection to Waterville, the majority men who settled there after the war.

Ernest Marriner wrote a brief piece (reproduced on line) in which he said only two men enlisted from the small Waterville/Winslow settlement, John Cool from the Waterville side of the Kennebec and Simeon Simpson from the Winslow side.

With his essay is a photo of the memorial tablet in the Waterville Public Library listing 24 Revolutionary veterans in Waterville, most, obviously, men who came after the war. His list and Bangs’ list are similar but not identical.

The first man Bangs mentioned (he is not on the memorial tablet) was Captain Dean Bangs (May 31, 1756 – Dec. 6, 1845), a Massachusetts native who was a mariner before the war, a privateer in 1775 and for two years beginning in 1776, a soldier in Abijah Bangs’ company in Colonel Dike’s regiment (probably Colonel Nicholas Dike, of the Massachusetts militia).

In 1802 Bangs bought “a large tract of land” in Sidney, part of it overlooking the Kennebec River, where he farmed and “reared a large family.” Waterville was his “mercantile home.”

Elkanah Bangs

As of the 1902 history’s publication, he and some of his family were buried in a private cemetery on his land. A memorial in the cemetery said that Dean Bangs’ father, Elkanah Bangs, was a privateer in the Revolution who was captured and died “on the Jersey prison ship at Wallabout Bay, New York, in July 1777, aged 44 years.”

(Since the memorial was erected by Dean Bangs’ grandson Isaac Sparrow, this writer concludes that the Isaac Sparrow Bangs who wrote the chapter is related to Elkanah and Dean Bangs.)

John Cool, for whom, according to Bangs and Marriner, Waterville’s Cool Street is named, enlisted in the Continental Army from Winslow on March 12, 1777, and was discharged March 12, 1780. In 1835, “on a paper” (perhaps concerning a pension?) he said he was 78 years old and had lived in by-then-Waterville for 70 years. He lived on Cool Street another 10 years, dying Oct. 5, 1845, six months after he turned 89.

Sampson Freeman, “a free man of color,” was another Continental Army veteran who served his three years, from Feb. 1, 1777, to Feb. 5, 1780, including service at Valley Forge dated June 1778 (the month the army moved out of that encampment). Freeman enlisted from Salem, Massachusetts; after the war he lived in Peru, Maine, before moving to Waterville in 1835, where he died in 1843.

Asa Redington

Asa Redington (Dec. 22, 1761 – March 31, 1845), according to records Bangs and colleagues found, enlisted from New Hampshire in June 1778 and was discharged in December; in June 1779 re-enlisted for a year; in March 1781 enlisted for the third time.

He served in New England the first two terms, and after March 1781 went with the army to Yorktown. After Cornwallis surrendered, Bangs wrote, Redington came back north with the army to West Point, where on Dec. 23, 1783, he was discharged “without pay, and left to travel 300 miles to his home, carrying the musket he had borne during his long service.”

Redington moved to Vassalboro in 1784, married into the Getchell family, and in 1792 moved to Waterville for the rest of his life. The musket, Bangs wrote, remained in the family for years, until Redington’s oldest son gave it to the State of Maine.

Marriner added that Redington, with his father-in-law, Nehemiah Getchell, built the first dam at Ticonic Falls. Redington became a mill owner, added “a shipyard and store, and accumulated more land.”

He was the Justice of the Peace who convened Waterville’s first town meeting, held on July 26, 1802. The Redington Museum is in the Silver Street house that he built in 1814 for one of his sons.

Another prominent Waterville veteran was Dr. Obadiah Williams (March 21, 1752 – June 1799). The second of Waterville’s early physicians, he enlisted from Epping, New Hampshire, and was at Bunker Hill as a surgeon in Major General John Stark’s regiment in the Continental Army. He served for the duration of the war and came to Winslow in 1792. Several sources say he built the first frame house on the west (later Waterville) side of the Kennebec.

Daniel Cony

Augusta also had Revolutionary veterans among its early settlers. One of the most prominent was Daniel Cony (Aug. 3, 1752 – Jan. 21, 1842). He has been mentioned in several previous articles, notably as the founder of Cony Female Academy, opened in 1816 and closed in 1857 (see The Town Line, Sept. 2, 2021, for a summary history of the Academy and a brief biography of Daniel Cony).

A Massachusetts native, Cony was a physician practicing in Shutesbury when the Revolutionary fighting began at Lexington and Concord. North wrote in his history of Augusta that Cony enrolled in the Massachusetts militia in the fall of 1776 and joined General Horatio Gates’ army at Saratoga, New York.

North tells the story of an early adventure: a leader was needed to cross an area exposed to fire from a British battery, and he volunteered. “[T]he young adjutant at the head of his men by his wary approach drew the enemy’s fire, felt the wind of their balls, then dashed forward with his command unharmed.”

Cony and his family came to Augusta (then Hallowell) in 1778. His many public positions after the war included town clerk and selectman in Hallowell; member in both houses of the Massachusetts General Court; member of the Massachusetts electoral college when George Washington was elected to his second term as president of the United States; delegate to Maine’s 1819 Constitutional Convention; member of the new Maine legislature and of the Maine executive council; and Kennebec County probate judge.

Consistent with his enthusiasm for education, after the Massachusetts legislature chartered Hallowell Academy in 1791 (during one of his terms as a legislator), he became a member of the first board of trustees; and he was an overseer of Bowdoin College, founded in 1794, for its first three years.

On Oct, 17, 1797, in honor of the anniversary of Burgoyne’s surrender, he began building a new house. That house burned June 13, 1834. The same year he built a new one, described on a Museum in the Streets plaque as “a double brick visible on the hill behind the fort,” where he died.

In 1815, renowned portrait painter Gilbert Stuart did portraits of Cony and his wife, Susanna Curtis Cony, according to an on-line Central Maine newspapers report dated May 1918. In 1917, the Cony Alumni Association obtained permission to replicate Cony’s portrait (the original belongs to the Minneapolis Institute of Art). The resulting canvas print, framed, was hung in the Cony High School library in August 2017, according to the report.

Seth Pitts, Jr. (1754 – Aug. 22, 1846), and his younger brother, Shubael Pitts (1766-1849), were born in Taunton, Massachusetts, and both served in the Revolution. Their parents moved to Hallowell before 1781.

Seth married Elizabeth Lewis from Canton, Massachusetts. Shubael married twice, each time to one of midwife Martha Ballard’s assistants. His first wife was Parthenia Barton (1772- Sept. 4, 1794), from Vassalboro; an on-line history says Martha Ballard was “in attendance” at her death. On July 28, 1796, Shubael Pitts married Sally Cox or Cocks (born 1770).

Shubael made his living as a blacksmith, with his shop on the east side of Water Street, in Augusta. Sally “operated a boarding home for debtors in the same area,” the on-line history says.

When Augusta’s first militia company was established in 1796, Shubael Pitts was one of four captains, according to Kingsbury. (Another was Thomas Pitts, who was born too late to fight in the Revolution but was active in the War of 1812.)

The on-line history says Shubael and Sally are buried in Augusta’s Kling Cemetery (also called the Reed-Cony Cemetery, on the east side of West River Road [Route 104]). Parthenia is buried in Mount Vernon Cemetery (identified as “the old section” of Mount Hope Cemetery).

One of the veterans who spent his last years in Augusta had an unusual service record. Ephraim Leighton (January 1763 – March 15, 1851) first visited the area with his father, Benjamin Leighton, “when there were but three houses in Augusta,” according to Kingsbury. Coming from Edgecomb, they went on to Mount Vernon “by blazed trees” and settled there, Kingsbury wrote.

By May 1776, according to an on-line source, Ephraim was back in Edgecomb, because it was from there that, at the age of 11 (according to the source; 13, by this writer’s math), he enlisted in Captain Henry Tibbetts’ company in a Massachusetts regiment “and served as a waiter to Capt. Tibbetts.” He was discharged in November 1776, but despite his brief and not very military service he was later awarded a pension.

Leighton married Esther Tibbetts on Nov, 23, 1789, in Rome. He was a farmer in Rome and Mount Vernon, moved as far north as Parkman and after about 1813 lived in Augusta. He is buried in the city’s Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

John Chandler (Feb. 1, 1762 – Sept. 24 or 25, 1841) was another Revolutionary War veteran who came to Augusta late in life. Born in Epping, New Hampshire, third son of a blacksmith who died in 1776, in 1777, at age 15, he joined the Continental Army. He was captured by the British, escaped, was captured again in May 1779 and escaped in September. Returning to Epping, he promptly re-enlisted.

At some point he served at Fort Detroit, in what is now Detroit, Michigan, under future Secretary of War (in Thomas Jefferson’s administration) Henry Dearborn. Dearborn thought enough of the illiterate youngster to lend him money to buy a farm in Monmouth in the District of Maine, where Chandler and his wife Mary settled in 1784.

Wikipedia says “a local schoolmaster” educated Chandler. He became a successful blacksmith and prominent enough in town to be elected to the Massachusetts Senate (1803-1805) and the United States House of Representatives (March 1805 to March 1809).

Declining renomination, he became Kennebec County Sheriff in 1808 and in 1812 a major general in the Massachusetts militia. His story will continue with the history of the War of 1812.

Main sources

Kingsbury, Henry D., ed., Illustrated History of Kennebec County Maine 1625-1892 (1892).
Nash, Charles Elventon, The History of Augusta (1904).
North, James W., The History of Augusta (1870).
Whittemore, Rev. Edwin Carey, Centennial History of Waterville 1802-1902 (1902).

Websites, miscellaneous.

CORRECTION: In a previous version of this article, artist Gilbert Stuart was misnamed Stuart Gilbert.

Annual plant sale fundraiser underway

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Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District’s 2022 Spring Plant Sale Catalog is now available in print and online! Plants are available for pre-order, either online or by mail through Tuesday, April 19, 2022. This year we are offering curbside pick-up of your orders on Friday, May 13, and Saturday, May 14, and “Cash and Carry” on Saturday, May 14, at Union Fairgrounds. Quantities are limited so order early – and often – for the best selection!

This annual spring fundraiser provides more than 180 varieties to choose from: bareroot fruit trees and berries for the home orchard and garden; native conifers, deciduous trees, shrubs and vines for conservation, wildlife, and landscape enhancement; and native, organic, Maine-grown perennials and herbs in 1-gallon pots for pollinators. The plant list includes new varieties in all categories as well as tried and true favorites. As always, the print catalog offers descriptions of the plants and cultural requirements to aid in choosing the right plant for the right place. Plant care fact sheets and additional information, including plant images, may be found on our newly updated online store and website.

The proceeds of this fundraiser support the youth and adult conservation programs throughout the year.

They are dependent on volunteers to help pack orders and distribute to customers. Volunteers receive some perks as a thank you for helping with our largest annual fundraiser. If interested, please contact louisa@knox-lincoln.org.

Don’t wait to place your order: visit https://www.knox-lincoln.org/spring-plant-sale to download a catalog or to shop online; call 596-2040 or email julie@knox-lincoln.org to receive a catalog by USPS – and, think spring!

SOLON & BEYOND: Continuing with events at Solon Elementary School

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Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percyby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

This is a continue of Solon Elementary School news:

Winter Session of After-School Program To Begin: This program will run on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 2:30: 4: 15 p.m., at the school. This program is run by a partnership between the Town of Solon and RSU #74 for students in grades K – 5. Participants will have healthy snacks and will engage in fun and educational activities focused on reading and math and hands-on crafts and cooking projects geared around a weekly theme. We hope to get students outdoors for some winter fun activities as well.

The theme of the first week is Weather. The After-School Program staff members are Mrs. Jen Mello, Mrs. Ellie Howell, and Mrs. Melisa Dube from the Town of Solon and Mrs. Jen LaChance, Mrs. Mary Keenan, and Ms. Samantha Taylor from the school. The program will run for five weeks starting January 11 and ending February 17. There will be no sessions the week of January 31. Permission slips are going home with students this week. Parents will need to pick up their child or children after the program at 4:15 each day. If you have questions, please call the school at 643-2491. We also plan to run a spring session, which will probably begin in March.

Principal’s Message: I want to wish all of our students and families a Happy New Year. I hope you had a festive holiday season and some special times with family and friends during the Christmas break. The Christmas spirit was alive and and well in our community this year! Many generous individuals and organizations supported our students and families during the Christmas season by donating food baskets, Christmas gifts, winter weather gear, and other items.

We thank all of these wonderful people: Solon Congregational Church, New Hope Church and Homeless Shelter, Mrs. Ann Jackson, Mr. Leland McDonough, Mrs. Peggy Luce, Mrs. Terry Hoops and Embden Town Office. On January 5, our school board will consider extending their mask mandate through March 4 as a way to curb the spread of COVID in our schools and reduce the number of students and staff who have to quarantine .

During the month of January we will be administering the NWEA assessment to students in grades K-5. Students took these tests in reading, language, use, and math in October and will take them again in May. The winter assessment helps us to check students’ progress and make adjustments in there instruction if needed.

Now for one of Percy’s memoirs: Everyone one in life goes through a hard time sometime, but you can’t let that define who you are. What defines you is how you come back from those troubles and what you find in life to smile about. So onward and upward, with renewed spirits.

PHOTO: Third generation black belt

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Kancho Randy Huard, right, and Mackenzie Huard, 20, left. (photo by Mark Huard)

Kancho Randy Huard started Huard’s Martial Arts School in 1966. This was at a time when there were very few Dojos in the area. He built the school on a foundation of loyalty, discipline and respect.

Over 55 years later, he is still teaching those same values to his students and through his students. On January 7, 2022, there was a very special milestone, as it was the beginning of the third generation of Huard’s family black belts. Mackenzie Huard, 20, has worked extremely hard and earned a black belt. He has now joined the fellowship started by his grandfather all those years ago. This was a special night for the family that will be cherished forever.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: What is a white squirrel and where did they come from?

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Albino squirrel: Note the pink eyes.

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

I ran into an acquaintance at a local supermarket last week, and he commented on my articles on black squirrels, and told me he had heard that a reported albino squirrel had been spotted in the central Maine area.

We’ve talked the gamut about squirrels, grey, red, black, white-tipped tails, so let’s dive into white and albino squirrels.

First, is there a difference between an albino squirrel and white squirrel?

There is, in fact, one true squirrel for which a white coat seems to be a characteristic of the entire species, at least in parts of its range. Its an Oriental Tree Squirrel found in Thailand and other parts of South East Asia. Another belongs to a yet undescribed species recently found on Palawan Island, in the Philippines, and thought to be endangered. So if you sighted a white squirrel here in North America outside of captivity, its almost certainly a color variant of one of our native species.

But, let’s talk about local squirrels.

Squirrel coats have a wide variation in color. There is much variation in squirrel coat color both locally and regionally. The general pattern of brown/gray on top and white below (counter shading) is considered the wild type from which other variations arose.

White Squirrels are just another color variant of this variable species. The most common sightings of white squirrels are of isolated individuals with a completely white coat but dark eyes. This variant appears to spring up sporadically all over the species’ range and then dies out, only to pop up again somewhere else.

Still rarer seems to be the type of coat pattern we hear about in Brevard, North Carolina. The coat is mostly white but there is a distinctive head patch and dorsal stripe that broadens in the shoulder region. The head patch can be solid, horseshoe or doughnut shaped; it may resemble a triangle, a diamond, deer tracks or even a widow’s peak (Count Dracula). There is some evidence that this pattern is inherited. Although there is much variation in the amount of pigmentation, these white squirrels definitely can produce melanin (a brownish-black pigment found in skin and hair in animal tissues), not just in the eyes but in hair cells as well. The region of white hair, normally restricted to the abdo­men in a gray squi­rrel, is expanded at the expense of pigmented regions.
Albino squirrels can’t produce melanin.

In addition to the white coat color, another variant in the Eastern Gray Squirrel can be found.

One additional variant should probably be mentioned here. Its not uncommon to observe a tan, ochre, or “blond” Eastern Gray Squirrel. This condition is thought to occur when the black/brown color is “diluted” by a preponderance of a yellow/red color. The color coat is not a factor when squirrels mate. Mating between coat color variants is probably random or non-assortative. Coat color is not nearly as much a factor as hormonal attraction. Squirrels have two breeding seasons per year, one in winter and one in summer; within those periods, each mature female will enter estrus on a different day but only for that one day. When a female enters estrus, interested males come from hundreds of yards away and camp out at her “door step” (outside her nest) before dawn without ever seeing her coat color. Most accounts of “courtship”, itself, are brutal with little opportunity for females to be selective by any means, let alone coat color. Fortunately for her, she is only “receptive” and pursued by males for that one day during each breeding period. During that time, she may be impregnated by several different males, none of which help raise the young. That is one reason piecing together the genetics of coat color variation in squirrels is so difficult.

For many of us the existence of a white squirrel is difficult to imagine, but it is not as uncommon as you may think! Populations of white squirrels can be found in places across the United States and sightings of these mystical creatures are becoming more common. There are over 200 species of squirrels and only one subspecies is found to have white as a primary color morph!

The easiest way to know if the white squirrel you spotted is albino or a rare morph is by its eye color. Albino squirrels are completely white with red or pink eyes. This unique eye color is found in all albino animals and is a result of a lack of melanin​ pigments that produce eye and coat color. Albinism is a genetic condition caused by a recessive gene. This means that both the mom and dad squirrel have to be carriers of this gene in order to produce albino offspring. This is what makes it so rare! It is estimated that 20-30 percent of white squirrels in North America are albino.

The rare white morph of the eastern grey squirrel has black eyes and can have a mix of white and grey coat. Similar to albino squirrels, white eastern grey squirrels owe their unique coat color to their genes. But, unlike albino squirrels who have a mutation on the gene coding for pigmentation, western grey squirrels actually have a gene that codes for a white coat! Despite having this ‘white coat’ gene, it still only occurs very rarely because being so brightly colored makes a squirrel less able to blend in amongst the trees and thus more visible to predators.
​
Catching sight of these rare variations of squirrels is tough unless you know where to find them. There are five main cities that claim to be the official ‘home of the white squirrel’.

1. Olney, Illinois
2. Marionville, Missouri
3. Brevard, North Carolina
4. Exeter, Ontario, Canada
5. Kenton, Tennessee

Traveling to one of these locations will greatly increase the success of your white squirrel sighting adventure!

In a map created by researcher Rob Nelson, and Roland Kays, a zoologist at North Carolina State University, shows two sightings of white squirrels in Maine, one in central Maine and the other DownEast – both identified as the white morph variety, and not albino.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Of the eight remaining NFL teams in the playoffs, name the three that have never won a Super Bowl. (Tennessee, Buffalo, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Green Bay, Tampa Bay, San Francisco, Los Angeles Rams.)

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, January 20, 2022

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Trivia QuestionsOf the eight remaining NFL teams in the playoffs, name the three that have never won a Super Bowl. (Tennessee, Buffalo, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Green Bay, Tampa Bay, San Francisco, Los Angeles Rams.)

Answer:

Tennessee, Buffalo, Cincinnati.

Tuminaro to run for the Legislature

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Jennifer Tuminaro

China mother, wife and small businesswoman, Jennifer Tuminaro has announced she is running for the Legislature in District #62 (China, Palermo, Somerville, Hibberts Gore, and Windsor). Tuminaro was encouraged to seek office by current Rep­re­sentative Tim Theriault (R-China), who is term-limited. A longtime resident of China, she is concerned with the long-term health of Maine and the need for greater citizen input in decisions that affect their everyday life and local control.

“Maine needs to ensure that everyday citizens already overburdened by high fuel, food and energy costs, are not required to foot the bill when the federal money runs out,” said Tuminaro. “The billions of dollars in pandemic relief that Maine has received will not be there in future years. So it’s important that we focus on making Maine more affordable for the average family rather than creating new programs that require additional taxes. As for our children, it is essential that financial literacy becomes a staple in their education, that greater parental involvement in the classroom is promoted, and that our children are well-equipped to achieve rather than just survive, to become leaders rather than victims.”

Jen Tuminaro has extensive experience in the field of banking and bookkeeping. She is currently a finance manager for the Maine Center for Disease Control. Jen and her husband Michael manage two small, family-owned businesses, and are raising four children. Her experience includes work as a home educator and substitute teacher at Erskine Academy.

Jen has a BA from the University of Delaware and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Maine.

OBITUARIES for Thursday, January 20, 2022

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HAZEL M. COLE

WINSLOW – Hazel Marie (Hamlin) Cole, 95, passed away on Saturday, January1, 2022, at home. She was born March 24, 1926, in Center Vassalboro, daughter of the late Roland Grey Hamlin and Edna Mae (Desmond) Hamlin.

During her school years and after graduating from East Vassalboro Grammar School and Erskine Academy, in South China, she was active in church works and The Youth Group at the Center Vassalboro Community Baptist Church. She was member of the Center Vassalboro Ladies Aid and a member of the Getchell Street Baptist Church, in Waterville.

Hazel was home one week after graduating from Erskine Academy June 1945 and then went to work at W.B. Arnold Hardware Store, on Main St., in Waterville, as a cashier. In January 1946 she went to work for the Waterville Morning Sentinel, on Silver Street, in Waterville, in the circulation department. She retired from the Morning Sentinel in January 1984.

When dating Murray Burpee Cole in 1964, she realized that she may have taken his place as cashier at W.B. Arnold Hardware Store in 1946, because he had left there for a better paying job. Hazel married Burpee on June 12, 1965, at The Center Vassalboro Baptist Church.

Burpee and Hazel raised purebred Boxer dogs, for many years. They took their Boxers, after obedience classes, to dog shows as handlers, bred by exhibitors, etc., and many ribbons were won. Trips were taken to Dog Shows in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, and Canada. There were eleven Boxer dogs at the Cole’s residence through the years from 1972 to 2015 that were part of the family, and 60 puppies were sold.

Volunteering at nursing homes with their therapy dogs were special days, to help cheer up the patients. Those that loved dogs had their day made happier by a visit. Visiting Togus V.A. Hospital with Tickles or Twinkles their hearing ear dogs, helped to cheer up the veterans.

Boat rides from Boothbay Harbor were always special days for which to look forward.

Hazel liked to sew, knit, crochet, and care for houseplants. She was deeply religious, reading the Bible and devotions daily. She and her husband Burpee enjoyed woodworking and making items for craft shows. Fun times together were had taking their puppies on camping trips to Sewall Campground, in Acadia National Park. She enjoyed the prayers, support, calls and fellowship from members of Getchell Street Baptist Church, Center Vassalboro Baptist Church, and Vassalboro Full Gospel Church.

She was predeceased by her brothers, William Melvin Hamlin and Charles Desmond Hamlin, and sisters Helen May (Hamlin) Greene, Dorothy Thelma (Hamlin) Boynton, Gladys Ruth (Hamlin) Smith, and her husband, Murray Burpee Cole.

Hazel is survived by her sister-in-law, Hazel B. Hamlin, of Ohio; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews. There will be a graveside service in the summer at Howard Cemetery, in Winslow.

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.

MARION REYNOLDS

WATERVILLE – Marion Reynolds, 93, of Waterville, passed away on Saturday, January 1, 2022, at Lakewood Nursing Home, in Waterville, following a long battle with dementia. She was born in 1928 in Embden, to Marjorie and Coney Haskell.

She worked for several years as a cook and caregiver for Senior Spectrum. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her greatest loves were God and her family. She is survived by her son, Glen Curtis Reynolds; her grandchildren, Glen Chase, Jason Reynolds, Amanda Balogh, Dylan Reynolds, Cyle Reynolds, Rylan Reynolds, and four great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by her husband, Glen Dallas Reynolds, and her daughters, Donna Chase and Dorothy Reynolds.

There will be a graveside service at Sunset Cemetery, in North Anson, in early summer. Details to follow.

ALBERT B. FRENCH

VASSALBORO – Albert B. French, 79, passed away Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at his home. He was born October 11, 1942, in Somerville, oldest son of Herbert French and Marion (Brown) French.

Albert lived a long life of love and generosity that touched every soul he met. His witty sense of humor and passion for story telling would captivate any room. He would never forget a face no matter where he traveled throughout the country.

His long time trucking career began at the young age of 15 in a logging truck and, not to forget, he took his driving test in a loaded pulp truck on his way to the mill for delivery. He gave up his schooling to provide for his family. He eventually built his own business, F & F Enterprises – “Fudd’s Outlaws” – a fleet of trucks and trailers which operated throughout the United States. He then dissolved that business and created A & E Transportation which operated for over 15 years, during which he and his wife shared five years as team drivers seeing the country together. He retired at 70 years old from over the road driving as a proud owner operator, and in all that time and all the millions of miles driven he never had an accident.

Albert’s passion was also hunting from Maine to Colorado. He was able to enjoy 12 years of elk and mule deer hunting in Colorado. Maine deer hunting started at the very young age of 5 with his father teaching him his knowledge and skills, along with guiding him how to fish at all the favorite spots. He enjoying taking his children and grandchildren to his favorite fishing places and many trips to Canada for those brook trout. The most special place of all was the camp at Shin Pond. Many precious memories were created there over decades with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Eva (Gould) French; son Jeremy Albert French and wife Becky; daughters Deborah French, Meloney French, Susan (French) Hixon and partner Ric Marshal; 11 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews; great-nieces, great-nephews; and several cousins; his sisters, Lena O’Neal and husband Wayman, and Jane Hoffa; and brother Fred French.

He was predeceased by parents, brother Bruce French, sister Sally (French) Page and husband Al Page.

Celebration of life will take place Sunday, January 30, at 1 p.m., at American Legion, Rte. 17, Augusta. Please bring stories to share of this amazing man’s life.

Arrangements made by Direct Cremation of Belfast.

CHRISTOPHER HOOD

BENTON – Christopher “Chris” Hood, 63, passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2022. He was born to Vernal Hood Jr. and Sylvia (Hodsdon) Hood, in Waterville, on August 30, 1958.

He lived daily by the scripture verse his wife gave him, Psalm 118:17 “I will not die, but live and proclaim what the Lord has done.”

He was educated in the Fairfield school system and worked at Cianbro Corp. in Pittsfield, Scott Paper Co. and S.D. Warren, in Winslow. Chris’ passion was to teach – archery, hunting, fishing and carpentry, especially to his nephews, and grandchildren. He tried to encourage others to discover their potential. He told many stories of adventures he had with his father and best friend Joe Boucher in his many years in the Boy Scouts from hiking the Appalachian Trail to camping and learning how to cook over the fire, especially his famous peach cobbler in the dutch oven. If anyone went fishing or hunting with Chris, you would know he truly lived out the Boy Scout motto, “Be Prepared”, to the chagrin of his wife or grandsons as they lugged his many tackle boxes. Chris loved being outdoors, hunting or fishing. He opened the first indoor archery range in the state of Maine, which he ran with his son Troy and ran a Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) program. He was the second Eagle Scout in Benton and chief in “The Order of the Arrow” at Camp Bomazeen, in Belgrade.

He started “Craftsmen for Christ” carpentry ministry building wheelchair ramps and other carpentry needs at no charge.

His favorite times were trips to camp in Oakfield, with his wife, children, grandchildren, nephews, and especially his dad. There were many stories shared about “The $77 hole”. He enjoyed working at Unity Raceway and watching his nephews and brother-in law race. He helped build Temple Academy/Calvary Temple, and was the videographer for the T.V. ministry. His most recent passion was photography, winning several ribbons at local fairs. He and his wife took many rides looking for things to photograph, especially sunsets.

He also attended New Beginnings Church. Chris truly loved his wife Jean of 45 years (high school sweethearts since 1972), his son Troy and his daughter Crystal. Also, his grandchildren always looked forward to his many creative bedtime stories!

Chris is survived by his wife Jean Hood, of Benton; son Troy Hood and partner Dawn; daughter Crystal Stone and husband Joe; father Vernal Hood Jr. and wife Anne; sister Sherry Fernald and husband George; grandchildren Quentin Hood, Alli Hotham, Lydia, Hunter, Gunner Bussell, Isabelle Cuningham, Cassidy Bussell; and great-grandchildren; in-laws Pat, Rose, Lee and aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces; also by his adopted mom Carla Mayhew and Aunty Rowena.

Predeceased by his mother Sylvia A. Hood and grandson Owen.

A celebration of life will be held at New Beginnings Church, Waterville, January 22, 2022, at 1 p.m.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan ME 04976.In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Sportsman Alliance of Maine, 205 Church Hill Road, Augusta, Maine 04330.

COL. MAYO P. MORRIS

WNSLOW – Col. Mayo Phillips Morris, 81, retired United States Army, passed away on Friday, January 7, 2022. Born October 14, 1940, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the son of John and Georgia Morris.

Raised on Long Island, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at 18 years old. He proudly served his country for 36 years with tours that include Germany with the 3rd Infantry Division, Okinawa, and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, before attending the Kings Park State School of Nursing in 1966. Mayo was a devoted health care professional for 37 years as a nurse anesthetist.

In his spare time, he enjoyed flying his Cessna Skyhawk, riding his Harley Davidson, and Skidoo snowmobiles. He was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman and sharpshooter. Mayo was the epitome of a true family man.

He was predeceased by his first wife Diane Hayes, brothers John and Charles, and sister Mary Frangipani.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sue “Susie”; sister Barbara Drummond; his sons Paul, Chris and wife Jennifer, John and wife Markayla; grandchildrren Walker, Kensington, and Ella-Elizabeth.

A Memorial service will be held at First Church, 1 Park Street, in Waterville, on Saturday January 22, 2022, at 11 a.m.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at directcremationofmaine.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mayo’s memory to the Travis Mills Foundation, 1002 Watson Pond Rd., Rome, ME 04963 or through the website http://www.travismillsfoundation.org/

PETER W. PARKHURST

FAIRFIELD – Peter W. Parkhurst, 76, passed away on Friday, January 7, 2022. He was born in Hanover, New Hampshire.

He graduated from Woodstock High School, in Vermont, and received an associate degree in landscape architecture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Peter went on to serve in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He retired from Verizon in 2001 after 31 years.

As a young boy, Peter began hunting with his family in the woods of Vermont, a love he carried with him to the woods of Maine. He was active with the United Way and sponsored a Special Olympics participant in skiing at Sugarloaf. He was an avid golfer who accomplished three holes in one and was a member of the Waterville Country Club.

Peter was always puttering in his workshop and gardens. Many of Peter’s friends and family are lucky enough to have something from his workshop. His gardens and lawn were immaculate. He loved traveling with his wife, family, and their friends. They traveled to 49 of 50 states and several National Parks. In recent years one of his favorite activities was watching the Tampa Bay Lightning games with Heather and Abbie – texting from Florida to Maine and UNH.

A friend described Peter perfectly as “a strong person, disciplined, organized, proud of his family, and loved life and all its challenges.”

Peter was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Olive Parkhurst, his siblings, John Parkhurst, Pauline Parkhurst, and Marjorie Johns.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Parkhurst of 54 years; his daughters Heather Vigue and Kerry Hekl and their husbands, Derek Vigue and Douglas Hekl, respectively; his grandchildren, Abbie and Lucas Vigue, and Parker and Kennedy Gross; his siblings, Bunchie Angel, Harold “Bud” Parkhurst II, and Richard Parkhurst; and his brother and sister-in-law, John and Bonnie West; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held this winter in Zephyrhills, Florida, and in the spring in Waterville.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Special Olympics of Maine, 525 Main St., Unit D, South Portland ME 04106.

HARLAND L. WEEKS

SIDNEY – Harland Lee Weeks, 90, passed peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, December 7, 2021. He was born in Waterville on June 6, 1931, the son of Arnold and Edna Weeks.

He was a graduate of Waterville High School and Thomas College, in Waterville. He married the love of his life Mary, a love that lasted 68 years.

Harland was a proud vet who served in the Korean War as an assistant to the postmaster. He liked to joke that everyone liked him because he was the one who would pass out their love letters.
Upon his return, he worked alongside his dad and brother at A.L. Weeks and Sons – a well respected auto body shop, in Waterville.

In their younger years, Harland and Mary loved to go dancing with the company of their friends.

Always the social butterfly, Harland could be seen walking the streets talking to the neighbors and to anyone who would lend an ear. He enjoyed hunting with his brother Maynard and son Chris. He was a great fisherman and loved to take his grandchildren fishing at their camp in Monson. His grandchildren hold fond memories of sleepovers up at camp – but loved to joke that Harland’s snoring would keep them awake and that is how he got the nickname Freight Train Frankie. Harland and Mary loved having their grandchildren at their camp on Great Pond as well. Harland was always thinking of creative ways to keep the kids occupied. He would create different games on the pool table and dart board, and even came up with an eye spy game for the long drive to Monson.

Harland had a love of flowers, and was always proud to show off his blooming buds. He had a green thumb and a blueberry bush that would provide an abundance of blueberries each year. Harland was very involved at The Pleasant St. Methodist church where he served as head usher.

He was predeceased by his wife Mary.

He is survived by his daughter Julie and her husband Bob; grandchildren Tiffany and Danielle and great-grandchildren Avery, Brooklyn, Cole, Landon and Connor; son Chris and wife Janet; grandchildren Amanda and Christopher and great-grandchildren Wyatt and Mikaela; daughter Tammy, husband Roger, grandchildren Timothy and Jonathan, great-grandchildren Hannah, Samuel and Harland; his brother, Maynard and sister-in-law Elizabeth Jensen. There will be a spring service with military honors and burial.

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

An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that if you wish to donate to the Pleasant St., United Methodist Church soup kitchen, 61 Pleasant St., Waterville, Maine 04901.

MICHAEL R. POULIN

VASSALBORO – Michael Robert Poulin, born in Gardiner, passed away at home following a lengthy battle with cancer.

He was predeceased by his parents Raynold and Joyce (Jones) Poulin and a younger brother Patrick Poulin.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Janet Poulin, and two children, Heather Poulin, of Vassalboro, and son Shawn and wife Leah Poulin, of Thibodaux, Louisiana; sister Doreen and husband David Jones, of Jackman; brother John Poulin, of Jackman, and sister Rose and husband Ken Cronin, of Buxton; six grandchildren, D’andre and Mason Marable along with Dominic, Parker, Cooper, and Jordan Poulin; several nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Gardiner High School in 1971, he attended two years at Plus-Gray’s School of Business and then joined the U.S. Navy where he served four years. In 1977 he began a job with VA Togus as a janitor working his way up to a supply technician, retiring in May 2016, leaving behind his “work wife” Tonya Picard.

Mike enjoyed playing golf with his favorite adversary, Karen Viens, his sister-in-law.There is a family camp on Sheepscot Lake where all shared several fond memories. The family was graced last year with one more visit to a little piece of heaven in Jackman, at Supply Pond.

Mike also looked forward to the family’s annual trip to Boothbay where the family would go to McSeagulls, enjoy drinks and laughs, before heading out to Cabbage Island for a lobster feast and memories that no picture could capture.

A memorial service was held on Friday, January 14, at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner. A committal service with full military honors will be held in the Spring, at Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care, or MaineGeneral Health, by mailing to the Office of Philanthropy, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903-0828.

JANICE LaPOINTE

WINSLOW – Janice LaPointe, 71, passed away quietly on Sunday, January 2, 2022, just 10 days away from her birthday. She was born on January 12, 1950, to Ovila and Leone LaPlante.

Janice always wore black, like she was ready for a funeral, when in reality she was the life of the party. She was the nicest, sweetest and most giving person and her energy would light up even the darkest rooms. She had an incredible love for music, with a magical singing voice that was known by many when she was in a band with her brothers and cousin Jeff.

Even though Janice never had full function in her right arm, she never let that stop her. She worked for the Department of Corrections for 30 years as personal director until she retired. Janice’s greatest legacy was to love everyone. She never had anything bad to say about anyone. She always insisted that she loved everyone more than they loved her. Towards the end of her life her mind wasn’t who she was but her heart was still true and still she would say she loved us more.

Janice is survived by her husband Daniel LaPointe; daughter, Terie; grandchildren Ava, Myles and Lyla; her brothers, Ron and Brian; two sisters, Claudette and Carol.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post #8835, in Winslow, on Saturday, January 22, 2022, from 1 – 3 p.m.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home, please visit http://www.VeilleuxFuneralHome.com to share your condolences and memories.

MARY E. CHASE

WATERVILLE – Mary E. Chase, 83, of Waterville, passed away on Monday January 3, 2022. She was born on January 22, 1938, in Waterville, the daughter of William Chase and Marguerite Griffin. She was raised in Fairfield and educated in the Fairfield school system.

Mary was known for her care of others throughout her life. She spent a number of years providing housekeeping services and childcare to many families. As the eldest, she took on the role and responsibilities of helping out with her younger siblings. Later in life when nieces and nephews arrived, she played an active role in their lives as well. She spent hours traveling all parts of the state to attend activities that her family was involved with, whether it was a sporting event, band competition or a dance recital, “Mae” took the time to show family they were important. She was also a social butterfly and enjoyed catching up with old friends and extended family whenever she could. She loved to dine out and frequent her favorite restaurants.

Mary was an avid reader and enjoyed keeping up with current events by reading the newspaper daily and watching her favorite newscasts. She was also a New England Patriots fan and loved to watch the games with her brother. Mary was an animal person and enjoyed bird watching along with spending time with her beloved cat “Maggie”.

Mary was predeceased by her father, William Chase, mother Marguerite Griffin, stepfather Ross Griffin Sr., and her sisters Marjorie Chase, Marguerite Bickford and Marisa Griffin.

She is survived by her brother Ross Griffin Jr., of Waterville; nieces and nephews, Jeri Hume-Cole, husband Chris Cole, Christian Trott and fiancée Kayla McKenna and daughter Lillian Bernardini, all of Waterville, Bobby Young, of Portland, Sarah Albert, husband Jeff Albert and their four children, Joseph, Anna, Elizabeth and David Albert, all of Wayne, Damien Benoit and wife Becka Benoit and their daughter Anaya Benoit, all of Waterboro.

A spring burial will take place at the Maplewood Cemetery, in Fairfield, with a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area,100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

SCOTT HORNE

BENTON – Scott Horne, 55, passed away on Monday, January 3, 2022. He was the son of Ted and Stephanie Danforth (predeceased).

He attended Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, before joining the U.S Army. He served in the Army honorably, completing jump school and receiving expert status in hand grenades. Not a surprise to those that knew Scott. Scott was a lifelong adventurer, living every moment on his terms. To many he was “Superman”. Fearless and bigger than life. He was an avid hunter, a member of the Big Bucks Club. He was proud of his venison recipes and could be found cooking up batches of cookies for everyone. He was at home on the ocean lobstering as well as fishing and catching bait on multiple lakes, ponds, and rivers throughout Maine. He was equally at home on snowmobiles and four wheeling trails, loved cruising on his Harley. Gardening was a passion of Scott’s. Scott was generous to a fault, both of himself and with what he had.

To those who called him friend or family he was never too busy to do what he could in time of need. Scott just naturally loved animals. Anyone living with Scott knew they would have to share their living space with animals; including but not limited to snakes, turtles, ferrets, lizards, and his devoted “rat pack”. Scott also loved children. He was a bigger than life grandfather to both Violet Rose and Hunter Scott. He was known to give young fishermen free bait from his shop. He enjoyed seeing young people outside enjoying the ice, the woods, and the garden. No one having seen Scott in his full Easter Bunny outfit riding his side by side throughout Benton, could ever doubt that there wasn’t still a big kid residing in his big heart. His bright blue eyes always shone bright and even in the worst of times he could find a smile and a hug to share.

At the age of 14 Scott joined the Kent Family Farm, in Benton. He remained there until joining the Army. Following his military service he returned to Benton, staying with his Godparents Buddy and Nancy Dow (predeceased). Scott went on to work several places including P B Guide Services, Northern Mattress, and local mills. Twenty-two years ago, he started his own bait business in Oakland known as “Wild Things”. He was well respected and sought after in the bait business. He was assisted in his business by his family, as well as his friend Jamie Moore. He was often known to be off on some adventure with his frequent “partner in crime” Will Daggett Jr. His last few summers, Scott could be found out in the hay fields of the Kent Family Farm with his “minions” and riding on the tractor with the one he loved.

Besides his parents and godparents, Scott, was predeceased by his wife Kathy Marie Horne.

He is survived by two children, daughter Dawn Horne and her partner Jason Stow; son Kenneth Violette and his partner Sunshine White; two grandchildren Violet Rose and Hunter Scott; his three sisters, Lucretia Raymond, Laurie Burkett, and Michelle Ring; his aunts and uncles Darlene Rodgers, Dan and Melanie Good, and Vincent Morrison, Larry and Kathy Horne, Ken and Rona Horne, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday February 5, at 1 p.m., at the Best Western Hotel, Main Street, Waterville, in O’Brien’s Banquet Room (formerly known as Pete and Larry’s). The family asks that you come with your Scott stories for one last adventure with the one and only Scott.

There will be a full military burial at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta. A date will be forthcoming.

In addition, a memorial event in Scott’s honor will be held to benefit children and the outdoors. Look for details on Facebook in the coming future.

LEENA A. KOULETSIS

FAIRFIELD – Leena A. Kouletsis (Saikkonen), 87, passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, in Fairfield, from a stroke. She was born June 27, 1934, in Helsinki Finland.

She was a mother like any other, who loved her family more than anything, yet she was unique in so many ways.

From a humble beginning against the back drop of World War II, she told stories of her life that most only read about in a book. With only a high school education, she spoke five languages fluently. She was well read, with a wealth of knowledge. She loved pitting her wit against Jeopardy contestants nightly. She was not only smart but funny, constantly entertaining with her quick wit and humor.

Her sense of adventure and travel led her to England, where she met and married her husband of 65 years, James A. Kouletsis. She was so full of life. Her determination, or as the Finns say, “sisu”, showed whenever she set her mind to getting something done. And mind you it always got done.

Although a more daunting task later in life, she never faltered once in 66 years caring for her husband with love, kindness, grace and dignity until his passing. Her ability to create something out of nothing using her imagination and ingenuity made many a successful kid’s or grandkid’s costume, or a gourmet “space pot” meal. She was always in motion, nicknamed “Quickafoot”.

RONALD H. CUMMINGS

SIDNEY – Ronald H. Cummings, 73, of Sidney, Maine, passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born September 29, 1948, the son of Russell and Marilyn (Keene) Cummings.

Ron graduated from Williams High School, in Oakland. He married his high school sweetheart Linda (Brann) and they were married for 55 years.

Ron worked for Central Maine Power Co. for 40 years.

Ron loved spending time with his family, fishing, camping, hunting. One of his greatest passions was his commitment to give the kids of Sidney the opportunity to participant in athletics. He volunteered countless hours coaching and organizing for the Sidney athletic association. Through his battle with cancer he would still go to the ball field to watch his great-grandson play. He also loved playing fantasy football and baseball with his old buddies form CMP.

He is survived by his wife Linda; sons Tony and Michelle Cumming, Corey and Janet Cummings; daughters Shawna and Thomas Merrow, Tarieann and Mark Sawyer; grandchildren Dylan and Cody and Beth (Roberts) Cummings, Lucas, Ian and Tj Merrow, Austin and Amber Cummings, Miranda, Jake and Justin Sawyer; great-grandchildren Kyle, Alexa, Riley, Skylar, Aubrey, Amelia, Isaac; his brothers and their families and his mother-in-law and brothers and sisters in-law; nephews and nieces.

Arrangements were made by Direct Cremation of Maine where memories may be shared.

A family gathering will take place in the spring time.

JOYCE C. CRONK

FAIRFIELD – Joyce Carol Elkins Cronk, 85, passed away in her home, in the early morning hours on Thursday, January 6, 2022. Joyce was born in Thorndike, on Saturday, March 21, 1936, to parents Grace and Claire Elkins.

Joyce is a graduate and alumni of Maine Central Institute, MCI, of Pittsfield. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Benjamin Berry Post #50. For many years she worked as a waitress, a bookkeeper, manager, and a Personal Care Assist, PCA.

All who knew Joyce will remember her by her spunk and sense of humor and surviving many life-threatening and unexpected medical events. Joyce enjoyed crocheting, crossword puzzles, her plastic canvas crafts, wearing her favorite jewelry, her Pepsi and donut sticks, fish chowder, and lobster rolls, making lists, her TV shows, reading books and many entertainment magazines, listening to music, and in her younger years, she loved dancing.

Joyce is survived by her two daughters, Carol Norris, and Janet Moxcey; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Melissa French and her husband John, and their three children, Olivia, Jakob, and Trinity French; Aimee Jacques and her husband Edwin, and their four children, Zachary, Nicholas, Abigail, and Isabelle Jacques; Sonya Veilleux, and her four children, Lauryn, Olivia, Carter, and Kailynn Houle; Alison Hinkley and her husband Gary, and their two children, Ava and Grayson Hinkley; Joshua Cobb and his wife Jennifer and their four children Evan, Brayden, Addison, and Andrew Cobb; Chelsey Cobb and fiancé Rook Morrigan; Chad LeBrun and his two children, Raven and Chase LeBrun; and Payton Hunt; her niece and nephews, Deborah Wheeler, Glen Wheeler, and Paul Elkins; her cousins, Charles and Tamera Gage, and Pat McDonald; as well as many other family relatives.

Joyce was predeceased by her father and mother, Claire and Grace Elkins; brother, Dennis Elkins; sister, Doreen Wheeler; nephew Brent Elkins; niece, Elaine Wheeler; cousin and best friend, Eileen Gage; granddaughter, Amber Cobb; and great-grandchildren Emily, Elizabeth, and Nathan Houle.

Joyce’s Celebration of Life will be held, Sunday, January 16, 2022, at 1 p.m., located at Island Apartment’s Community Room, 12 Island Avenue, Fairfield, Maine 04937. Please contact, her daughter Carol Norris if you need more information.

Interment will be held at Rogers Cemetery, in Troy, in the spring with a date and time to be determined.

Services are under the care of the Lawry Brother’s Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield, Maine, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donations can be made to the American Legion Auxiliary, Benjamin Berry Post #50 to the current treasurer, Sharon Spaulding, 140 Detroit Road, Troy, Maine, 04987.

CHARLES A. ACKER

WHITEFIELD – Charles W. Acker, 93, died at home on Friday, January 7, 2022, following a period of declining health. Chuck was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on November 11, 1928.

Chuck was a Renaissance man who possessed myriad and diverse talents; he was a farmer and builder, a psychologist and poet, a scholar and teacher. Understated and kind, he was also a husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, friend, and colleague. Family and friends admired and benefited from his many skills, devotion to ideas and idealism, penetrating mind, unmatched verbal gifts, generous sense of humor, and gentle spirit.

The fourth of six children, he grew up on a hardscrabble subsistence farm in Hilltop, Colo. with two cash crops: milk and pinto beans. He attended a one-room schoolhouse where he read through the entire library.

When Chuck was 14, his family moved to Canoga Park, California, where he encountered his first flush toilet and attended the second-largest high school in Los Angeles. He felt out of place as a “country boy with ill-cut hair,” but he studied assiduously and became valedictorian of his senior class. In his graduation speech, he spoke against discrimination, urging his classmates to “clean up our own back yard.”

He graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles, (UCLA) with a B.A. in psychology in 1950. He served an 18-month tour of duty in Korea before being accepted to the same university’s graduate program in psychology. While earning his doctorate, Chuck interned at the Veterans Administration; he eventually devoted nine years to the VA.

In 1958 Chuck married Michelle (Michaela del Consuelo) Muñoz, and they bought a house in Topanga Canyon, California. Their daughter, Allison-Claire, was born in 1961 and their son, Nathaniel Wesley in 1965. Locally, Chuck was involved in fighting real estate development and in establishing the Topanga State Park. He also helped to found the Topanga Banjo and Fiddle Contest, which still thrives today. In his spare time, Chuck taught himself to play the harmonica and the dulcimer, raised animals, and worked on the house.

Tired of smog and traffic, Chuck left Los Angeles in 1971 in search of places where he could live in closer harmony with the natural world. He accepted a job implementing a centralized medical records system at the Augusta Mental Health Institute. He and Michelle divorced, and Chuck married Barbara Mayer in 1973. During his psychology career in Maine, Chuck licensed mental health facilities, led clinical teams, and served as the state’s first forensic psychologist at AMHI, working in the courts to determine if defendants qualified for the insanity defense.

In 1977, Barbara and Chuck moved into a passive solar house that Chuck designed and helped to finish in Whitefield, and their daughter Jennifer was born the next year. Chuck expanded his rich farming life, cultivating several acres of vegetable gardens and fruit orchards, raising chickens, and keeping horses. Always good with his hands, he could build nearly any contraption from scratch. Chuck was an active member of his rural community, serving on the board of the Sheepscot Valley Health Center and working to develop a comprehensive town plan.

In the early 2000s, Chuck helped to found Senior College at the University of Maine at Augusta, a learning community for people over 50. Over 20 years, Chuck taught more than 60 classes for Senior College, largely focusing on the intersection of science and religion.

Chuck was predeceased by his parents Charles Raymond Acker and Mary Frances Acker; siblings Lois Wilson, Donald Acker, Robert Acker, and David Acker; as well as his first wife, Michelle Muñoz Acker.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Barbara Mayer; brother, Paul Acker and wife Mary; daughter, Allison-Claire Acker; son, Nathaniel “Ned” Muñoz Acker and wife Erica Bronner Acker; son-in-law, Timothy Silvestre; daughter, Jennifer Mayer Acker and husband Nishi Shah; grandchildren Catalina-Claire Silvestre, Alden Silvestre, Zoe Acker, and Rafael Acker; and many nieces and nephews.

There are no plans for an in-person gathering at this time. Chuck’s remains will be interred at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of the Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, where condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Natural Resources Council of Maine, the Maine Civil Liberties Union, the New Mainers Project, or another social justice or environmental organization of your choice.

DELPHIS J. BELLIVEAU SR.

CLINTON – Delphis J. Belliveau Sr., 74, passed away Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at his home in Clinton. He was born February 6, 1947, in Saint Paul, New Brunswick, Canada, the son of Daniel Joseph and Helene Marie (Geneau) Belliveau.

He was employed for many years as a mason in construction. On March 18, 2000, he married Rita Dow, in Clinton. He enjoyed carpentry, hunting and fishing.

Delphis is survived by his wife of 21 years, Rita (Dow) Belliveau, of Clinton; sisters Delcina Leger, of St. Paul ,New Brunswick, Thaddie Belliveau, of St. Marie, New Brunswick, Elise Gallant, of Rumford, Alice Poirier and husband Ronald, of Bouctouche, New Brunswick, Leonard Belliveau, of Waltham, Massachusetts; daughters Tracy Hall and husband Kevin, of Arundel, Wendy Dow and Rick Gilliland, of Benton; sons Delphis Belliveau Jr., of Albion, and Joseph Dow, of Waterville; grandchildren Jocelyn Acheson, Cullen and wife Rebecca Acheson, Erin Acheson, Gracie Acheson, Chantelle Thomas and Joseph Dow; many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by sisters-in-law Andrea Belliveau, Lena Belliveau, brothers-in-law Reginald Gallant and Leo Leger.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

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

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in his memory to Beacon Hospice, American Lung Association and Clinton Fire and Rescue.

NANCY E. HALL

WATERVILLE – Nancy Elaine (Cunningham) Hall, 84, passed away peacefully at Mount Joseph Residency, in Watervile, on Tuesday, December 7, 2021. She was born in Belfast on September, 9, 1937, the daughter of Alfred and Geraldine (Gurney) Cunningham.

Nancy was educated in Belfast schools. She married Gordon Hall and moved to Waltham, Massachusetts, for a time before moving to Waterville.

Nancy worked as a CNA at Thayer/Seton hospitals, Waterville Osteopathic Hospital and Lakewood Manor, all in Waterville. She also spent a lot of time babysitting her grandchildren.

Nancy lived in South Portland (Betsy Ross House) for many years and was an active member of the Resident’s Activity Committee, holding many offices including president before moving back to Waterville.

Nancy loved anything Elvis Presley and was an avid Boston Red Sox fan, having large memorabilia collections. She loved all animals, especially dogs. She enjoyed watching sports, current events and reading books. She was a sweet, kind, caring person who loved her family.

Nancy is survived by her children; Michael Hall and wife Angela, of Scarborough, Michele Veilleux and husband Douglas, of Winslow, Karen Hamilton, Anthony Hall, both of Florida, Gregory Hall, of California; 16 grandchildren; and 26 greatgrandchildren.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents and her brother Alan Sr.

There will be a family graveside service later this spring 2022 at the Waterville Cemetery.

In memory of Nancy, donations may be made to your local animal shelter.

China transfer station committee waits for more info

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by Mary Grow

Members of China’s Transfer Station Committee continued discussion of several issues, but still lack information to make decisions.

Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood told them residents continue to respond to the survey she distributed that asked, among other things, the days and hours on which they use the transfer station. Survey results will be part of decisions on changing transfer station and town office hours.

Palermo representative Robert Kurek asked about information on future costs for the trash bags Palermo residents use as part of the agreement that lets them share China’s transfer station. Bag costs are expected to rise, and the committee therefore plans to recommend an increase in the price Palermo residents pay for them.

There is not yet firm information on future costs.

Transfer Station Manager Ronald Marois said he has had no replies to inquiries about ways to cover the container beside the disposal building and hopper.

Committee member Mark Davis is looking into possibilities for an on-site incinerator, but he has nothing to report yet.

The incinerator could be used either for waste disposal only or for a trash-to-energy plan, Davis said. Kurek said it would make sense if its costs – paying down the initial cost and labor and fuel to run it – were lower than costs of out-of-town disposal.

Committee member Karen Hatch said the free for the taking building, also called the swap shop, has run out of room. She reminded residents who continue to bring donations that volunteers welcome only useful, attractive, like-new things someone else is likely to take away promptly.

The next China Transfer Station Committee meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9.