Week of February 7, 2019

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Week of February 7, 2019

Celebrating 30 years of local news

Lawrence girls Box Out Cancer for Alfond Cancer Care Center

On January 29, Lawrence High School held its second annual Box out Cancer event. The money raised at this event is donated to the Alfond Cancer Care Center. This starts off with the Lawrence Girls Basketball Boosters selling pink ribbons that are hung on the gym walls the night of the event…

Hard work, determination keep Abigail Dudley plenty busy

Abigail Dudley, 12, of Winslow, carries the Martial Arts Creed, Virtues and Pillars with her in everything that she does. It helps her to maintain a heavy academic and athletic schedule. Her schedule includes Jui-jitsu with Shihan Mike Huard, Karate with Sensei Mark Huard and Shihan Mike Huard…

Your Local News

Town clerk: get funding reports in soon; late fee now in place for dog licenses

CHINA — Town Clerk Rebecca Hapgood had three messages for residents and selectmen at the Feb. 4 selectmen’s meeting…

With no public in attendance, selectmen make short meeting of ordinance amendments

CHINA — Codes Officer Paul Mitnik had prepared a two-and-a-half page summary of the recommended changes. Most are in Chapter 2 of China’s Land Use Ordinance…

Souper Bowl gathers 927 food items

CLINTON — The week of January 28 – February 1, the student council led the annual “Souper Bowl” Food Drive competition at Clinton Elementary School for the Town of Clinton’s Food Bank…

Municipal Tax Information

Find out when local taxes are due for China, Vassalboro, Windsor & Winslow.

Featured Classified Ad

TRUMPETS for sale from Lee Austin’s private collection. Student trumpets from $75 – $250. Playable condition. Call 968-2421. Ask for Ann.

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School News

Carrabec High School second quarter honors

CARRABEC — Listing of students who acheived honors during the second quarter at Carrabec High School…

Dostie achieves Nichols College dean’s list

VASSALBORO — Tyler Dostie, a Nichols College student from Vassalboro, has achieved dean’s list for the fall 2018 semester at Nichols College, in Dudley, Massachusetts.

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Joler earns Albright College Founders scholarship

BENTON — Kiana Joler, of Benton, has earned a $12,000 annual Founders Scholarship to Albright College, in Reading, Pennsylvania. A senior at Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, Joler is interested in studying communications: journalism in college.

Emmanuel College names area students to dean’s list

CENTRAL ME — In honor of their outstanding academic achievement, Emmanuel College, in Boston, has named these area students to the dean’s list for the fall 2018 semester. Local students honored include: Sarah Desrosiers, of Winslow, Devin Fitzgibbons, of Winslow, and Micah Riportella, of Sidney.

Mallory Beane receives scholarship from Husson

CENTRAL ME — Husson University, in Bangor, has announced that Fairfield resident, Mallory Beane, will receive a $3,000 Provost’s Leadership Scholarship for the 2018-2019 academic year. Beane is a first-year student currently enrolled in Husson’s BS in exercise science/doctor of physical therapy program.

Zoli Nagy named to Springfield College dean’s list

ALBION — Springfield College, in Springfield, Massachusetts, has named Zoli Nagy, of Albion, to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the fall 2018 term. Nagy is studying Applied Exercise Science.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

from Russell Vesecky (Harmony) — There is a need for regulations to restore a solvent social order: A) Job priority for men who are sole support of their families. B) Limit the hiring of women with underage children. Reward those who train for homemaking skills. C) Free kids from compulsory public education…

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

from Pastor James Ferrone RET (China) — So-called “Woman’s Health” has made the Romans look almost human, while Americans are becoming more like Barbarians. Life has no meaning, babies are sold for their body parts at great profits, but they will never have a life to enjoy…

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CHINA — China Family Fun Day, a free community event, Sat., Feb. 16, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., China Lake Camp and Conference Center. Admission, and all activities and food are free. There is a groomed sliding hill (sleds not provided). Cardboard sled race 2 p.m…

Obituaries

CLINTON – Bonnie Lynn Oakes, 51, of Clinton, passed away on Friday, January 25, 2019, following a courageous three-year battle with cancer. Bonnie was born in Waterville on April 10, 1967, to Raymond Oakes and Lorraine Quimby… and remembering 9 others…

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | In case you haven’t heard, a great black hawk appeared in Maine in August 2018. A resident of tropical Mexico through Central America to Peru, and northern Argentina, it had been spotted in South Padre Island, in Texas, in April 2018, a little north of its normal range…

Dan CassidyINside the OUTside

by Dan Cassidy | If you chose to find lodging in the Old City of Quebec, you’ll be amazed at all the snow sculptures, ice castles, eateries close by and don’t forget that if you’re there during the annual Winter Carnival, it is scheduled for February 8 through mid-February this year…

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates | This past Sunday, February 3, was the 60th anniversary of the plane crash that claimed the lives of all four passengers on board shortly after takeoff near Clear Lake, Iowa…

Marilyn Rogers-Bull & PercySOLON & BEYOND

by Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy | Received a card for another budget committee meeting on January, 30, at 7 p.m., at the Solon Town Office, to discuss more articles needed for town meeting regarding the McQuilken Road Issue…

I’M JUST CURIOUS

by Debbie Walker | Since I grew up right over the hill from Winnecook Lake/Unity Pond it seemed like I was attracted to it in all seasons. I grew up with a bit of a cocky, self-assured attitude when it came to that lake? It seemed like I was born knowing how to swim…

THE MONEY MINUTE

by Jac M. Arbour | In the case of annuities—and, for that matter, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, index funds, exchange traded funds, money markets, certificates of deposit, or any other interest-bearing account—it isn’t accurate to say that they are generally “good” or “bad”…

FOR YOUR HEALTH

(NAPSI) —“Zombie Hands.” That’s what can happen to an estimated 5 to 10 percent of the population when temperatures start to fall. Fingers turn white, blue or red as the small blood vessels go into spasm within minutes of exposure to cold or stress, and they appear to be “dead” as blood flow is constricted…

Cold, painful fingers can mean a serious disease

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Cold, painful fingers can mean a serious disease

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(NAPSI) — “Zombie Hands.” That’s what can happen to an estimated 5 to 10 percent of the population when temperatures start to fall.

In a typical case of Raynaud’s phenomenon, also known as Raynaud’s disease or syndrome, sufferers experience numbness and pain in their fingers, toes and other extremities. Fingers turn white, blue or red as the small blood vessels go into spasm within minutes of exposure to cold or stress, and they appear to be “dead” as blood flow is constricted.

Named for the French physician Maurice Raynaud, who first recognized the condition in 1862, it causes an interruption of blood flow to the fingers, toes, nose or ears. There may be associated tingling, swelling or painful throbbing. The attacks may last from minutes to hours. In severe cases, the area may develop ulcerations and infections, which can lead to gangrene.

Raynaud’s can occur as a “primary” disease—that is, with no associated disorder—or as a “secondary” condition related to other diseases, such as scleroderma, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

“Ninety percent of Raynaud’s sufferers don’t seek treatment and too many physicians pay short shrift to those who do,” says Lynn Wunderman, founder and chair of the Raynaud’s Association. “Treatment is important because some sufferers may have an underlying condition such as systemic scleroderma or lupus. Awareness of such a problem may allow for earlier medical intervention.” Simple blood tests can rule out the presence of antibodies associated with diseases that have Raynaud’s as a component.

What’s Being Done

To help, the Raynaud’s Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit health organization, launched a new and assertive campaign,”Don’t Turn a Cold Shoulder to Painful Fingers,” to urge those with the disorder—and their doctors—not to dismiss the pain that Raynaud’s sufferers endure, or the lifestyle adjustments they make to minimize exposure to cold or stress.

Although there is no known cure as yet, treatment options such as calcium channel blocker drugs have been clinically proven to alleviate symptoms by opening up the blood vessels so blood circulates more freely.

How To Lend A Warm Helping Hand

You can support the Raynaud’s Association with a tax-deductible donation. Contributions help fund member mailings, the website, awareness-building efforts, and thousands of educational materials distributed each year to sufferers.

Learn More

For more facts, visit www.raynauds.org.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: The mystery of why the great black hawk found its way to Maine

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The great black hawk

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

I was saddened to hear of the unfortunate outcome in the saga of the great black hawk that found its way to Maine, only to discover this place, especially December to April, is not friendly to tropical birds.

In case you haven’t heard, a great black hawk appeared in Maine in August 2018. A resident of tropical Mexico through Central America to Peru, and northern Argentina, it had been spotted in South Padre Island, in Texas, in April 2018, a little north of its normal range. Last August, this individual surfaced in Biddeford. It was determined to be the same bird based on the similarities in what is highly variable immature plumage, from photographs that were compared.

It again disappeared until reappearing in Deering Oaks Park, in Portland.

The great black hawk, Buteogallus urubitinga, is a bird of prey which also includes eagles, hawks, and vultures. They feed mainly on reptiles, other small vertebrates and large insects, mainly chasing them on foot. This particular one had adjusted its diet, and was doing all right dining on gray squirrels in the park. They are about the size of an osprey, but larger than our red-tailed hawk.

The adult bird is 22 – 25 inches long and weighs about 2-1/2 pounds. It has very broad wings, and is mainly black. The short tail is white with a broad black tip. The bill is black and the legs are yellow. The sexes are similar.

During a snowstorm on January 20, the bird was discovered laying on the ground in Deering Oaks Park. It was transported to Avian Haven, in Freedom, a reputable bird rehabilitation facility. Initially, it was feared the bird would probably lose a toe on one of its feet due to frostbite.

Diagnostic testing that included infrared thermology and doppler ultrasound indicated no blood circulation to the feet and lower legs. Additional examination revealed that both feet were discolored and showing signs of severe decomposition.

The folks at Avian Haven explored various alternatives to save the bird. They discussed the possibility of fitting the bird with prosthetics, and keeping it in a controlled setting. It was decided the bird probably would not adapt to two artificial legs that would need occasional adjustments, and that the bird probably would not do well in captivity. In the wild, they are used to perching, grasping food with its talons, or landing successfully following flight.

Despite having remained somewhat active with a good appetite, the bird was observed laying on its side, and not eating as it had. It was then decided the bird could not be saved, and was euthanized on January 31. That, it must be noted, was not an easy decision for the staff at Avian Haven, nor the professionals that were consulted during the process.

Of course, the question on everyone’s mind was why this bird had found its way to Maine. Only one other great black hawk had ever been sighted in the United States. Many species wander about. That is nature’s way to encourage species to expand their range. Animals with too small a territory are prone to extinction, especially in the event of a catastrophe like a major storm, epidemic or even an oil spill. But the great black hawk is not known to wander. Wanderers are called vagrants. It has always been said the great black hawk never, ever, leaves its tropical home. Unfortunately for it, this one did.

However, some individual birds seem to have a cerebral malfunction that causes their navigational system to go a wry. Could the unseasonable extreme warm weather we had last summer give a tropical bird the sense that the rest of the world is like the tropics?

Who knows what drew that bird to our area, only to meet with an unfortunate ending.

BOLD PREDICTION

Following the Boston Red Sox defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2018 World Series, and the New England Patriots defeating the Los Angeles Rams in the 2019 Super Bowl, I am predicting the Boston Bruins will defeat the Los Angeles Kings in the 2018-19 Stanley Cup final. While we’re at it, let’s go out on a limb and say the Boston Celtics will defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA final. No, I wouldn’t bet the farm on it.

Also, do you remember what Woodrow Charles’ prediction was for the Super Bowl? “Pats by 10,” was his forecast. Final score, New England 13, Los Angeles 3.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

New England Patriots Julian Edelman was named MVP in Super Bowl LIII. Who was the last wide receiver to win that award?

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, February 7, 2019

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New England Patriots Julian Edelman was named MVP in Super Bowl LIII. Who was the last wide receiver to win that award?

Answer:

Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl XLIII, 10 years ago.

Carrabec High School 2018-’19 second quarter honors

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Grade 12

High honors: Lilyana Aloes, Tristan Bachelder, Lauren Chestnut, Lillian Johnson, Lindsay Lesperance, Lauren Rafferty, Dylan Reichert, Taegan Tatakis and Chantel Whittemore. Honors:  Jurney Beane, Gwynith Breault, Brody Miller, Peter Mouland, Cole Rugh and Sidney Small.

Grade 11

High honors: Isaac Boucher, Annika Carey, Ricky Gordon, Scott Mason and Mary-Jena Oliver. Honors: Emily Avery, Cassidy Ayotte, Nevaeh Burnham, Ashley Cates, Caitlin Crawford, Shay Cyrway, Olivia Fortier, Ariel Guinn, Madison Jaros, Riley Maheu, Mabel Mouland and Abby Richardson.

Grade 10

Honors: Aidan Caplin, Jasmyne Coombs, Adam Houle, Ethan Johnson, Chantelle LaCroix, Elizabeth Manzer, Mikayla Oliver, Sarah Olson, Courtney Peabody, Dimitri Turcotte and Haley Way.

Grade 9

High honors: Cheyenne Cahill and Shyanne Holmes. Honors: Emma Baker, Julia Baker, Abigayle Ballard, Elijah Canales, Alexander Cloutier, Xavier Cloutier, Tyler Edwards, Aliyah Grunder, Abigail Luce, Courtney Rollins, Aislinn Slate, Brandon Smith and Garrett Wilson.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Because I said so

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by Debbie Walker

Since I grew up right over the hill from Winnecook Lake/Unity Pond it seemed like I was attracted to it in all seasons. I grew up with a bit of a cocky, self-assured attitude when it came to that lake. It seemed like I was born knowing how to swim. I was always in a debate with mom and dad about the lake and it would usually end with “Because I Said So.”

I also grew up over hearing stories of Dad’s escapades at the lake. I heard these stories late at night when Dad and his sister were talking and they thought I was asleep. I heard about how they used to dive off the railroad trestle and how he and his brothers used to swim before the ice was out of the lake.

Beware of talking about your past escapades when a child is anywhere in earshot of your conversation, asleep or awake, because you just never know for sure. I am reasonably sure those were not stories they intended me to hear.

It was always known that I was going to be the first one in the family to get in that lake each year. It was always a big joke, even into my married life. What I didn’t realize was by now I had nephews and a niece who had listened to my late night stories.

My love for the water had not changed over the years, so I had added to my skill and education by taking all the Red Cross and the YMCA courses; I was a registered instructor with both. Although we had done swimming lessons with my niece and nephews as they came along, and had some water safety talks, we had missed the “black ice” talk.

One day, one of my nephews decided he was going out onto the ice, ‘black ice,” this is “late in the year ice” and is not safe. (Called black because it really looks somewhat black by this time.) Again, long story short, my nephew fell in and had it not been for his little brother and sister quickly getting help, our story might have turned out different.

First comment on being retrieved from the water was, “ I beat Aunt Deb into the water this year.” I was devastated. I realized we had used the old “Because I said so” with the kids instead of teaching them how the lake and the ice works. So please, before another child wants to be the first or thinks, ice is ice, please have a serious talk with them and explain what the fall/winter/spring dangers are, not just the summer ones. If you don’t truly understand, find an instructor who does, and in a language to which the kids will listen. Spring, summer, fall or winter, your children do not belong anywhere near the water (ice) unless you are close by. Please don’t use the old “Because I said so.” It doesn’t work, education does. Take it from someone who knows.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Observing 60th anniversary of the “Day the Music Died”

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The debris field of Buddy Holly’s chartered Beech Bonanza aircraft on February 3, 1959. Internet photo

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

This past Sunday, February 3, was the 60th anniversary of the plane crash that claimed the lives of all four passengers on board shortly after takeoff near Clear Lake, Iowa – singers Buddy Holly, 22; Ritchie Valens,17; and Big Bopper, 28; and pilot Roger Peterson, 21. The details can be found via many sources, conveniently including Google, Wiki etc., of what Don McLean’s 1971 song American Pie aptly referred to as “The Day the Music Died”!

Buddy Holly

I would like to call attention to two fine records of each of the singers – one well-known and one not so well-known:

Buddy Holly recorded the riveting That’ll Be the Day and the much lesser-known love song Every Day and conveyed the most vivid immediacy in his singing. During the mid 1960s, Skeeter Davis did an RCA Victor LP of Holly’s material with his parents attending the studio sessions in Nashville.

Ritchie Valens

The Ritchie Valens La Bamba is justly classic because of its several reappearances in the public eyes and ears while the unknown Little Girl has a romantic tenderness all its own. Interestingly, although his parents were from Mexico, he learned very little Spanish because they spoke English at home.

J.P. Richardson

Big Bopper’s (editor’s note: actual name is J.P Richard­son) Chantilly Lace is one roaring example of his baritone/bass vocalism. His very first documented 45 record Beggar to a King with a higher, softer voice was a later hit for the Cana­dian country singer, Hank Snow.

Waylon Jennings

Editor’s note: Country/­western singer Waylon Jennings was also reportedly scheduled to be on that flight, but gave up his seat to the Big Bopper. The story is told that Jennings gave up his seat on the ill-fated flight in 1959 that crashed, killing Buddy Holly, J. P. Richard­son, Ritchie Valens, and pilot Roger Peterson. They were on their way to Moorhead, Minnesota, for their next concert. Band member Tommy Allsup lost his seat to Valens on a coin toss. Both Jen­nings and Allsup continued on the bus.

THE MONEY MINUTE: The truth about annuities

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by Jac M. Arbour CFP®, ChFC®, President
J.M. Arbour Wealth Management

There is much confusion in people’s minds today about annuities and whether or not to purchase one. If you read the financial section of certain newspapers, you might have seen articles titled things like “Why I Hate Annuities and You Should Too.” If you pick up other papers, though, you might have seen “Why I Love Annuities and You Should Too.” So which perspective is correct? Which article should guide you in making financial decisions? The answer depends on your circumstances.

In the case of annuities—and, for that matter, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, index funds, exchange traded funds, money markets, certificates of deposit, or any other interest-bearing account—it isn’t accurate to say that they are generally “good” or “bad.” Like other types of accounts, annuities have their pros and cons, and you have to answer the question of which is which—a pro or a con—for you and your family.

So, how about this: Instead of loving or hating annuities, let’s take a peek at what annuities can and can’t do for you and why you may or may not want to consider one for purchase.

  • Risk. Do you have the need or the desire to position some of your money where there is absolutely no stock market risk? If the answer is yes, a fixed annuity or a fixed index annuity might be worth considering. (In this case, a CD could be a valuable consideration as well.) If the answer is no, although a variable annuity would give you access to market performance, it typically comes at a much higher cost (this is the major reason why some literary contributors “hate annuities”); you would likely be better off investing in something other than an annuity.
  • Guaranteed Income. Do you have the need or desire to have a percentage of your retirement income contractually guaranteed? If the answer is yes, be sure the annuity you consider offers an income rider, and that the rider comes at a fair cost. If the answer is no, do not buy an income rider: you do not need to pay for something you will likely never use.
  • Costs and Fees. With the wrong annuity, you can quickly spend a bundle: some variable annuities cost up to 4% per year, once you consider all the bells and whistles. (In my opinion, this is way too much, no matter what.) On the other hand, fixed index annuities typically do not have an annual fee—unless you add an income rider, which typically costs around 1% per year. Fixed annuities are usually straightforward and offer a guaranteed rate of return—again, with no annual fee. Regardless, make sure you run the numbers, and make sure that what you buy has the highest probability of future applicability.
  • Liquidity. Annuities come with what is called a surrender charge schedule. When you open an annuity contract, you are usually limited to free withdrawals of up to 10% per year. This means that not all of your money is available to you without a penalty. Be sure to know how, when, and how much of your money you will be able access without penalties, including how circumstances such as chronic, critical, and terminal illnesses might affect the liquidity of your money.
  • Interest. Be clear about how your contract will earn interest. Annuity contracts earn either a guaranteed rate of interest (in the case of a fixed annuity) or a variable rate of interest that is linked directly to the upward and downward movements in the market (as a variable annuity), or the annuity can participate in a portion of market upside with no downside market risk (this is a fixed index annuity).

These five points do not cover all the bases, but I hope each promotes further clarity during your decision making process. For everything you need to know to make fully informed financial decisions, always consult with a financial professional who has a fiduciary responsibility to you.

See you all next month.

Jac Arbour is the President of J.M. Arbour Wealth Management. He can be reached at 207-248-6767

Investment advisory services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser.

INside the OUTside: Bonjour, Québec

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Skis and poles spread out all over the snow while the owners take a hot chocolate break. (Photo by Dan Cassidy)

Dan Cassidyby Dan Cassidy

It’s that time of year to start planning a vacation trip to ski country. If you haven’t ever been to Quebec, or maybe you’ve been in the summer for a visit but to make Ski Quebec City, Charlevoix, you’ll be amazed at what you’re in for.

Winter Carnaval de Québec …

If you chose to find lodging in the Old City of Quebec, you’ll be amazed at all the snow sculptures, ice castles, eateries close by, and don’t forget that if you’re there during the annual Winter Carnival, it is scheduled for February 8 through mid-February this year. The winter celebration has been going on for over 50 years and draws over 8,000 people from all over the world. Be sure to check out the boat racing that crosses the Saint Lawrence River.

Four ski resorts, including Mont-Sainte Anne, Le Massif De Charlevoix, Stoneham Mountain resort and Le Relis Centre are all close by historic Quebec City. Each has snowmaking, equipment rentals restaurants and ski shops.

Mont-Sainte Anne has three mountain faces, with one overlooking the St. Lawrence River and is the highest vertical drop for night skiing.

Next is Le Massif de Charlevoix, about one hour east of the city. You’ll be amazed with beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River and has the highest vertical drop east of the Candian Rockies.

Stoneham Mountain Resort offers Canada’s largest night skiing area. There are three terrain parks for freestylers with an Olympic caliber half pipe. Stoneham also offers the best après ski ambience.

Le Relais is a close drive of 15 minutes from Old Québec that has the most lighted runs in the Québec City area. There are also three terrain parks for all levels of skiing and riding.

Leave the car behind and catch a ride on Ski Bus that serves Québec City, Mont-Sainte-Anne and Le Massif.

With the old city charm and magic that comes alive during the annual winter carnival, you and your family will find out that being outdoors during the winter can be really ‘cool!’

If it’s a ski trip your thinking about, let Ski Québec City and Charlevoix get you on some of the most beautiful terrain in all that ski country has to offer. Also, don’t forget your passport!

Ski and ride safely. Use your head and don’t forget to wear a helmet.

Souper Bowl gathers 927 food items

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The 2019 “Souper Bowl” Food Drive competition at Clinton Elementary School. (Contributed photo)

The week of January 28 – February 1, the student council led the annual “Souper Bowl” Food Drive competition at Clinton Elementary School. The classrooms were divided into two teams – the Patriots and the Rams – and competed to see who could bring in the most items for the Town of Clinton’s Food Bank. The Patriots team won and the school donated a total of 927 items, making the annual event a success for everyone involved.