The curtain closes on a holiday tradition — but the memories will last forever following final performance after 17 years

/0 Comments/in , /by

Children performing at the Warming Up for Christmas concert. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

by Mark Huard

December 1 marked the beginning of the 25 days ‘til Christmas, but it also marked the end of a 17-year career for Stephen Fotter. The Performing Arts Center rang with holiday cheer and fantastic music from the Fotter Family of musicians. It was a bitter sweet moment as the members were doing what they love, but this is the last time that they will do it all together on the stage.

Linda and Stephen Fotter. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

Over his 17 years, Stephen Fotter and his wife Linda, have shown their tireless and selfless take on the world by gathering everyone together and donating all of the proceeds to charitable causes. You heard that right, the event is completely done for charitable causes so that more people can have shelter, safety and food that they normally wouldn’t have. This year alone, the Fotter’s raised $14,300 for the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter. They also raised $1,700 for the Shine On Cass Foundation. The Fotters and the community have helped raise over $150,000 over the years.

Warming Up with the Fotters always occurs during the Christmas season; but the Fotters are known for their kindness year round. They had 65 students in this year’s production, but they have been part of the lives of hundreds of children and adults through the years. Stephen Fotter lights up the stage with his infectious energy on the night of these performances, but we are told that this is a daily occurrence for him. He brings a passion of music and life to so many people, and provides a learning environment for those who want to enter his studio.

In true Fotter fashion, Stephen and his wife do not take any credit for the success of their events but rather extend the gratitude to all of the many students staff and band members that surround them. The following band members lit up the stage with their talents and stood faithfully beside Stephen Fotter for years: Douglas Moore, Gus Moen, Noah Caret, Uncle Dean Bureau, Gary Coons, Neil Amalfitano, Libby Phillips, Jordan Willette, and Shel Sherman and vocalists Tammy Baker and Mary Ann Quirion.

The Fotters have a strong faith and have been clear that their only goals are to help others. So when talking about the career of Stephen and Linda Fotter, a better word to describe it is their legacy. It’s a legacy of benevolence, grace and compassion. It’s a legacy filled with beautiful music that touches not only our ears but our hearts. And it’s a legacy that will continue to inspire others to live and love just a little bit harder.

Week of December 13, 2018

/by

Week of December 13, 2018

Celebrating 30 years of local news

Remembering Katiebug: A short, bright local light

Sarah Watson lost her daughter, Katie, in October. Now she’s starting a foundation to help other parents of sick kids…

Your Local News

Selectmen adopt mailbox policy; ask for opt out on business equipment tax

CHINA — China selectmen unanimously adopted the mailbox policy, which sets standards for placing mailboxes along state and town roads and says that if a plow truck damages a mailbox, the owner, not the town, is responsible…

Selectmen vote to not appeal decision on property

CHINA — The four China selectmen at a Dec. 5 special meeting voted unanimously not to appeal a legal decision involving a property on Three Mile Pond…

Police chief’s job description finally approved

VASSALBORO — At their Dec. 6 meeting, Vassalboro selectmen finally approved the police chief’s job description they have been revising for the last couple months, with one final revision…

New books at Albion library

ALBION — The Albion Library has received several new books for Juveniles from Tumblehome Learning, Inc. of Boston. Here are a few of them…

Nivek Boostedt earns Eagle Scout rank

CHINA — Friends, family members, elected officials and other scouts gathered together to honor Nivek for earning his wings – the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America…

First time champ

PALERMO — Roger Files, of Palermo, collected first place awards in both Kata and Kumite at the State Martial Arts Rating and Total Championships…

PAGES IN TIME: The story of Killdeer Lodge – conclusion

CHINA — The property had been acquired by the Dillenbeck family in the 1920s when Ben Dillenbeck’s brother-in-law Earle Eli Wagner purchased 250 acres of land for his resort development dream on China Lake is described in a 1949 brochure promoting Killdeer Lodge on China Lake…

Municipal Tax Information

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

School News

Ben T. Thibert named to Clarkson University’s dean’s list

OAKLAND —  Ben T. Thibert, of Oakland, a junior majoring in aeronautical engineering, was named to the dean’s list for the spring 2018 semester at Clarkson University, in Potsdam, New York.

Matthew Steward named to dean’s list at Bob Jones University

SKOWHEGAN — Matthew Steward, a sophomore criminal justice major, of Skowhegan, was among approximately 890 Bob Jones University students named to the fall 2018 dean’s list, in Greenville, South Carolina.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CHRISTMAS TREE SALE, St. Denis Knights of Columbus Council #1423, every Thursday through Sunday, through December 21, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., at End Zone Pizza & Deli, 315 Eastern Ave., Augusta; St. Denis Church, Sundays after 11 a.m. Mass, behind the church…

Give Us Your Best Shot!

The best recent photos from our readers!

Obituaries

ALBION – Red (Ora) Bennett, 81 of Albion, passed away at his home on Saturday, November 24, 2018. He was born on January 15, 1937, in Albion, the son of Rinaldo and Izetta (Boody) Bennett… and remembering 12 others…

Take our weekly survey!

[democracy id=”120″]

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | My wife and I had a dear friend visit with us last week, and following many different conversations, she asked the question, “Why are Canada geese flying north in December?” Interesting question…

CRITTER CHATTER

by Amy Messier | My name is Amy. Many of you know me as the volunteer with the apron who showed up at the Wildlife Care Center, in Vassalboro, about 14 years ago and never left…

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates | Composer Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) left a Christmas oratorio, the above-listed Birth of Christ and quite exceptional in its own sublime beauty…

Marilyn Rogers-Bull & PercySOLON & BEYOND

by Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy | The Solon Pine Tree 4-H Club met on December 8, with Cooper Dellarma presiding. There were 20 members, three leaders and ten visitors present…

FOR YOUR HEALTH

(NAPSI) — Americans are officially abandoning attempts to be healthy until 2019, according to a new study. A new study into the health and diets of Americans saw as many as 45 percent say they’re postponing any resolution to eat clean or lose weight until after the holiday festivities…

Holiday Dining: Writing Off The End Of The Year

New books at Albion library

/0 Comments/in , /by

Albion Public Library

The Albion Library has received several new books for Juveniles from Tumblehome Learning, Inc. of Boston. Here are a few:

Non-Fiction:

Seeking the Snow Lion,
Geology is a Piece of Cake,
Remarkable Minds.

Fiction:

The Perilous Case of the Zombie Potion,
Mosquitoes Don’t Bite Me,
The Confounding Case of the Climate Crisis.

Why are Canada geese flying north in December?

/2 Comments/in /by
Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

My wife and I had a dear friend visit with us last week, and following many different conversations, she asked the question, “Why are Canada geese flying north in December?”

Interesting question.

According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, there are several possibilities, but in fall it’s likely these are family groups moving around, now that the yearlings can fly, in search of feeding grounds. Canada geese raise their young near water, where the goslings can feed and, if necessary, dive or swim away to escape predators. In late summer the adults temporarily become flightless as they molt their wing feathers. This usually takes about six weeks, during which the geese remain grounded. Once the young have learned to fly, and the parents have regained their flight, the whole family will take off from their nesting grounds to find more productive feeding areas – and this movement could be in any direction. This happens in the late summer before the massive southward migration as temperatures drop across the continent.

First and second year geese (not old enough to breed), along with those that lost nests early in the breeding season also undertake a molt migration. Individuals may move several to hundreds of miles during the late spring and summer to large bodies of water where they will be safer as they molt their wing feathers. In September and October many of these individuals will be returning from this seasonal journey, and again may be seen flying in almost any direction.

Also, bear in mind that there are increasingly large numbers of resident Canada geese across North America. These birds do not migrate at all, and so you may see them at any time of year flying in any direction. Their numbers have been growing exponentially since the mid-20th century and they have begun to be seen as nuisances in some communities.

Our friend noted that these geese were in their flight V formation, and there were three separate groups.

Johnnie St. Vrain, of Times-Call, states that what she may be seeing are geese that decided this is as far south as they needed to go. They probably came from further north in Canada. They’ll spend the night on a relatively large reservoir or lake where they feel safe. In the morning, they’ll fly out to whatever feeding grounds they have. They might be flying to a local park or to a nearby cornfield.

If their feeding ground is north of their roosting area, you’ll see them flying north in the morning, but you might miss them heading back south that evening.

Some of these winter geese fly in from neighboring states. Others fly down from the mountains to spend the season in front range cities.

Geese are pretty well adapted. They will fly only as far south as they need to make a living.

Historically, most Canada geese would migrate through this area, with very few sticking around. But agriculture, specifically the grain left in farmers’ fields, has caused geese to spend winters here.

The geese that fly north-to-south in fall are less noticeable. They fly a couple thousand feet high.

But locally, large numbers of geese will sit out on a lake. Their warmth will keep the water open. The geese might move when we’ve had really cold weather and a lot of the lakes around here ice up and become unavailable. But we have enough warm days, that if there’s enough geese hanging out, it will create holes they can stay in. Or they’ll stay on the river, but they don’t like that as much.

Our friend lives on the river in Fairfield, probably why she sees these flocks of Canada geese flying north. There are many cornfields north of Fairfield.

It may be worth paying a little more attention to see if they return at night.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

The New England Patriots have appeared in 10 Super Bowls, the most in NFL history. Name the three teams that are next with eight appearances each.

Answer can be found here.

Roland’s Trivia Question for the week of December 13, 2018

/0 Comments/in /by

The New England Patriots have appeared in 10 Super Bowls, the most in NFL history. Name the three teams that are next with eight appearances each.

Answer:

Dallas, Denver & Pittsburgh.

First time champ

/0 Comments/in , /by

Roger Files, 14, of Palermo, with his awards. (Contributed photo)

There were enough points from all the karate tournaments that were held this year for Roger Files, 14, of Palermo, to qualify for the karate state championships. Roger collected first place awards in both Kata and Kumite at the State Martial Arts Rating and Total Championships, held at the Boys and Girls Club, in Waterville, on December 1. Roger trains with Club Naha, at the Boys – Girls Club, and instructor Craig Sargent.

Roger Files is congratulated by a teammate. (Contributed photo)

Legal Notices, Week of December 13, 2018

/0 Comments/in /by

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

The following Personal Representatives have been appointed in the estates noted. The first publication date of this notice December 6, 2018

If you are a creditor of an estate listed below, you must present your claim within four months of the first publication date of this Notice to Creditors by filing a written statement of your claim on a proper form with the Register of Probate of this Court or by delivering or mailing to the Personal Representative listed below at the address published by his name, a written statement of the claim indicating the basis therefore, the name and address of the claimant and the amount claimed or in such other manner as the law may provide. See 18-A MRSA 3-804.

2018-229 – Estate of LILLIAM M. MERRILL, late of Anson, Me, deceased. Eddie Welch, 15 Warren Hill Road, Belgrade, Me 04917 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-326 – Estate of RICHARD I. HUNT, JR., late of Fairfield, Me deceased. David F. Hunt, 59 Nyes Corner Drive, Fairfield, Me 04937 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-328 – Estate of E. JOYCE DIPIETRO, late of Solon, Me deceased. Anna Hupper, 171 French Hill Road, Solon, Maine 04979.

2018-329 – Estate of JEFFREY P. POMERLEAU, late of Madison, Me deceased, Patricia Ouellette, 895 Beckwith Road, Cornville, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-330 – Estate of DAVID L. MITCHELL, late of Madison, Me deceased. Lester and Mary Tomlinson of 166 Golf Course Road, Madison, Maine 04950 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2018-331 – Estate of LEON EARL NASON, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Deanna L. Nason, 110 Bigelow Hill Road, Skowhegan, Maine 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-332 – Estate of CATHY MARIE LASLOW, late of Anson, Me deceased. Sheila A. Laslow, 23 Cutler Ave., Apt 4, Hampton, NH 03842 and Michael L. Laslow, 67 Hennessey Road, Industry, Me 04938 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2018-333 – Estate of JOANNE P. RENDELL, late of Norridgewock, Me deceased. Carl Edward Rendell, 492 River Road, Norridgewock, Me 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-335 – Estate of GAGE ARTHUR WEEKS, late of Canaan, Me 04924 deceased. Harry D. Weeks, 14 Stoney Park Drive, Canaan, Me 04924 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-336 – Estate of CATHERINE AURIEMMA, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Lisa Auriemma, 21 Newhall Street, Fairfield, Me 04937 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-338 – Estate of GRACE M. DODDGE, late of Detroit, Me deceased. Michael A. Dodge, 950 Hartland Road, Canaan, Me 04924 appointed Personal Representative.

To be published on December 6 & 13, 2018.
Dated: December 3, 2018 /s/ Victoria Hatch, Register of Probate
(12/13)

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

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE ESTATES LISTED BELOW

Notice is hereby given by the respective petitioners that they have filed petitions for appointment of personal representatives in the following estates. These matters will be heard at 10 a.m. or as soon thereafter as they may be December 19, 2018. The requested appointments may be made on or after the hearing date if no sufficient objection be heard. This notice complies with the requirements of 18-A MRSA §3-403 and Probate Rule 4.

2018-305 – Estate of NICHOLAS R. OUELLETTE, JR., minor of Fairfield, Me. Petition for Appointment of Guardian of Minor filed by Judith A. Smith, 1 Adams Road, Fairfield, Me 04937.

THIS NOTICE IS ESPECIALLY DIRECTED TO NICHOLAS R. OUELLETTE, SR., of address unknown.

2018-304 – Estate of JOHN M. OUELLETTE, minor of Fairfield, Me. Petition for Appointment of Guardian of Minor filed by Judith A. Smith 1 Adams Road, Fairfield, Me 04937.

THIS NOTICE IS ESPECIALLY DIRECTED TO NICHOLAS R. OUELLETTE, SR., of address unknown.

2018-337 – Estate of CYNTHIA ANN CURRIER, adult of Skowhegan, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Cynthia Ann Currier, 48 Water Street, Suite 1, Skowhegan, Me 04976 requesting her name be changed to Cynthia Ann Sinclair for reasons set forth therein.

Dated: December 3, 2018 /s/ Victoria Hatch, Register of Probate
(12/13)

CRITTER CHATTER: Duck Pond animal rehab center still going

/1 Comment/in /by
by Amy Messier

Greetings fellow wildlife enthusiasts! My name is Amy. Many of you know me as the volunteer with the apron who showed up at the Wildlife Care Center, in Vassalboro, about 14 years ago and never left. This has been a very sad year for us at the Center since we lost our beloved Carleen Cote. She passed away with heart illness back on April 27 (ironically, her birthday), not long after she had decided to stop writing the monthly “Critter Chatter” articles that were enjoyed by so many.

The late Carleen Cote holds the “Spirit of America Award” presented to the Wildlife Care Center in 2015. (Contributed photo)

Her husband, Donald, and I have discovered that many people are under the impression that we are no longer in business. This could not be farther from the truth. We are still here doing what we’ve always done, which is taking in injured and orphaned wildlife mammals, young and old, healing them when possible and releasing them back to the wild. Our passion for what we do is just as strong and dynamic as it has ever been. So for those and various other reasons, I have decided to take up the pen and bring you information, anecdotes, pictures and stories from the Center.

Please also note the email address at the bottom of this article. Feel free to write with comments and questions. If there is a particular Maine wild animal that you would like more information on, you can request it and I will do my darned best to write about it. I would like the articles to be yours and ours. After all, we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for all of you. Donald, Debbie, Jeff, all of our wonderful volunteers and I thank you so very much for your past and continuing support.

I hope you will look for next month’s article. I have decided to start, where else, at the beginning – what to do when you find an animal…from the animal’s viewpoint! See you then.

Donald Cote operates the Wildlife Care Center, along with volunteer Amy Messier and other volunteers. The Center, located on Rte. 3, in Vassalboro, is a nonprofit facility, supported entirely by the Cotes’ own resources and outside donations. Call them at 445-4326, email thewildlifecenter@gmail.com or write to 1787 N. Belfast Ave., Vassalboro, ME 04989.

REVIEW POTPOURRI – Composer: Berlioz; Xmas quote from Borge; Band: Abba

/0 Comments/in /by
Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Berlioz: L’Enfance du Christ

Andre Cluytens conducts Paris Conservatory Orchestra with chorus and soloists. EMI, Recorded 1964, 2 CDs.

Hector Berlioz

André Cluytens

Composer Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) left a Christmas oratorio, the above-listed Birth of Christ and quite exceptional in its own sublime beauty. The work focuses on three episodes of the Christmas story- Herod’s dream and massacre of the innocents; the flight of Joseph, Mary and their infant into Egypt; and the hospitality provided by an Ishmaelite family in the Egyptian town of Sais.

Its vocal solos and choruses abound in melodic richness. The baritone aria, depicting the evil Herod’s dream and sung by Ernest Blanc, is an eloquent one with Berlioz’s matchless orchestral scoring. The harp and flute duet and a capella chorus; Roger Soyer’s Joseph; Victoria de los Angeles’s Mary; and Nicolai Gedda’s Narrator add up to a work that, for me, has sustained numerous rehearings throughout the years.

Andre Cluytens’s 1964 set has been nicely remastered and reissued a number of times. It is available through Amazon and its vendors at inexpensive prices .

Xmas quote from Victor Borge

Victor Borge

“Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people only once a year. “

Abba: Arrival

Polydor 2344058, LP, recorded 1976.

The quality of Abba’s songs is wide ranging, from good to sublime, as it was 40 years ago when I first heard them. Arrival is one of eight albums released before they disbanded in 1982. The marriages of the two couples comprising the group, Benny and Anni and Bjorn and Agnetha, ended becau

se of the pressures from their phenomenal worldwide popularity.

This album’s 10 songs included Dancing Queen, Money Money Money, Why Did It Have to be Me, and the title song, while the arrangements, range of musical instruments and sheer sound contributed to a major ‘70s pop classic.

ABBA

FOR YOUR HEALTH – Holiday Dining: Writing Off The End Of The Year

/0 Comments/in /by

(NAPSI)—Americans are officially abandoning attempts to be healthy until 2019, according to a new study.

A new study into the health and diets of Americans saw as many as 45 percent say they’re postponing any resolution to eat clean or lose weight until after the holiday festivities.

The research, commissioned by Herbalife Nutrition, delved into the true extent of holiday indulging and found the average person gains six pounds in holiday weight.

Just 12 percent will make it through the holidays without any weight gain at all, according to the research.

Where does all that weight gain come from?

  • Forty-four percent have eaten more than one Thanksgiving dinner in the same day and 30 percent have eaten to the point of feeling sick.
  • Four in 10 have devoured so much holiday food they’ve needed to loosen a button on their pants.
  • During the holiday season, the understandable inability to resist temptations and overindulge has also seen 55 percent break a diet for home-cooked holiday food.
  • Seventy-nine percent say they eat more sweets and treats at the end of the year—but even with this overeating, 54 percent believe they’ll be successful in staying healthy in 2019.
  • The average person will overeat on 13 separate days between Thanksgiving and the New Year.

Nutrition and health expert Dr. John Agwunobi says that holidays don’t have to throw off your healthy lifestyle. “Healthy snacking is a useful tool in combating overindulgence. Consuming protein-rich snacks before heading out to a holiday feast can help make you feel full, so that you don’t overindulge.”

Staying on track can be hard, especially if you are tackling it on your own. Dr. Agwunobi adds, “Herbalife Nutrition independent distributors have demonstrated that developing a support system of people who know your goals, strengths and weaknesses can be extremely beneficial in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially during the challenging times of the year.”

Dr. Agwunobi added, “While resolutions are a great way to kick-start a healthy year, a healthy diet is a long-term solution that you’ll want and need to practice steadily—for days, weeks and months—for lasting results.

“For best results, stick to a balanced diet that isn’t overly restrictive and combine it with consistent exercise to help achieve your healthy resolutions. You can start this holiday season simply by parking at the farthest spot from the store or mall entrance, helping you rack up extra calorie-burning steps.”

Learn More

For more facts, tips and recipes, go to www.herbalife.com.