Kaitlynn Pelletier, of Waterville, was among nearly 500 students who received degrees as part of Lebanon Valley College’s 149th Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 13, in Annville, Pennsylvania. This year 382 undergraduate students were eligible to participate in Commencement.
Pelletier received a bachelor of science and bachelor of arts in music education and music.
Pelletier is a graduate of Messalonskee High School.
Jan, left, and Ron Cropley, are taking fruit orders for the Unity Rotary Club. The club will be offering 20-pound cases of oranges or grapefruit for $25 per case, and new this year, mixed packages of a variety of choices for $20. The deadline for ordering the fruit will be the week of November 5-9 for expected delivery to start the first week in December. (Contributed photo)
Ron and Jan Cropley, of the Unity Area Rotary Club, are working hard, along with the other members of the Unity Area Rotary Club, taking calls and messages for fruit orders.
Unity Area Rotary Club’s very first fund raiser was the sale of citrus fruit. The chairman then was Max Gillette (1992 – 2017) who continued as its chairman for 25 years. Ron Cropley, of Troy, currently serves as the fundraiser’s chairman and Jan as his secretary.
Unity’s Rotary club will be offering 20-pound cases of oranges or grapefruit for $25 per case, and new this year, mixed packages of a variety of choices for $20. The deadline for ordering the fruit will be the week of November 5-9 for expected delivery to start the first week in December.
For more information, contact Ron or Jan Cropley at (207)948-2524, message the club through their Facebook page (Unity Area Rotary Club) or any other member of the club.
WATERVILLE – Fernand Rodrique Corbin, 83, passed away Thursday, September 27, 2018, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland, following a brief illness. He was born September 20, 1935, in Grand Isle, the son of Claude A. and Germaine (Doucette) Corbin.
He graduated from Waterville High School, class of 1955. He proudly served his country in the National Guard until his honorable discharge. Fernand worked for many years as a poultry farmer and as a bus driver for School Administrative District #49. He was a member of Notre Dame (Corpus Christi) Catholic Church, in Waterville.
Fernand is survived by his daughter, Anna-Jean Burns and husband Robert Jr., of Clinton; grandchildren, Rosemarie Burns, of Sebago and Alton, of Clinton; partner, Faith Young, of Waterville; two brothers, Jerry Corbin and wife Jan, of Winslow, Mo Corbin and wife Carolyn, of Florida; and brother-in-law, Robert Caron and wife Donna, of Benton; many nieces, nephews.
He was predeceased by parents; brother, Roger; wife, Doris; daughter, Tina; and son, Joseph.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Notre Dame Catholic Church at a later date at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Maine 04976.
In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Fernand’s memory to Helping Hands, 32 College Avenue #104, Waterville, ME 04901.
WINSLOW – Rianne “Bonney” Andrews, 35, of Winslow, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 24, 2018, in Benton. She was born on July 27, 1983, the youngest daughter of the late Farrell Mark Bonney and Judith A. “Farnum” Smith, in Waterville.
She attended Fairfield schools and graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield.
Her sense of humor was contagious. She was witty, always willing to listen and give advice to her closest friends and family. Rianne had the roar of a lion and the heart of a lamb. Her favorite flower was the Sunflower. She loved nature and gardening but most of all playing with her boys, Nicholas and Johnny. Because of her great love for all animals, she would take in strays, feed the birds and befriend squirrels.
Her family will always remember the little girl who would wear her Halloween costume all year round. Her big sister will always remember asking why Rianne had to go shopping in her unicorn costume in July. She was vivacious and strong willed. She wanted her closest friends to know how much she appreciated and loved them, as well as the time she spent with Alika Andrews and her father Dan.
Rianne is survived by her sons, Nicholas and Johnny; nieces Zodiak Cookson and Zarah Begin; sisters Shannon Begin, Amanda DeVore and Sarah Bonney and her brother-in-law, Chris Begin; her mother, Judith and stepfather, who she always regarded as her “real” father, Mark Smith.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Giberson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To view the online obituary, or leave condolences please visit www.gibersonfuneralhome.com.
BENTON – Anita P. Gagnon, 89, died peacefully at the Maine Veterans’ Home, in Augusta, on Thursday, October 4, 2018.
Anita was born in Burnham, one cold and frosty morning, October 21, 1928, the daughter of Fred and Flora (Jean) Page.
Before moving to Benton in 1944, the Page family lived in Clinton, and then Skowhegan. The Skowhegan Fair was one of the highlights of Anita’s childhood. She graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1946. Upon graduation, she worked for the Atcheson Hotels of Maine as a secretary. This included The Augusta House, The Belgrade Inn, and The Elmwood Hotel, in Waterville.
On March 11, 1951, she married David C. Gagnon. Following David’s assignments with Armour & Co., they moved to Woodsville, New Hampshire, Somerville, Massachusetts, and then to Reading, Massachusetts. They had four children; Donald, Daniel, Dwight, and Carol, and enjoyed life on Highland Street in Reading for 16 years.
In 1969, Anita’s family moved to her grandparent’s homestead on the Bangor Road, in Benton. For 35 years she was the secretary to the Superintendent of Schools for MSAD #49.
Anita was the accompanist, on organ and piano, for the Benton Falls Congregational Church for over 30 years and the Gagnon home was blessed with her music for many years.
Anita traveled with her sister Lois to Prince Edward Island, Canada, New Jersey, Florida, and west to Washington State. Yet, as grand as these travels were, she most liked being close to home. Morning coffee with her brother, Malcom, and others, was a highlight. Sister Lois was her best friend.
Anita was a loving and kind wife, mother, daughter, sister, and a friend to many. She is survived by son, Donald R. Gagnon and his wife, Dorothy, of Amelia Island, Florida; son, Daniel F. Gagnon and partner, Lin Coomer, of Saco; son, Dwight D. Gagnon and his wife, Kay, of Benton; and daughter Carol G. MacBride, of Hartford; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at the Benton Falls Congregational Church, Benton, ME, on Sunday October 21, 2018, at 2 p.m.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anita’s name to the Benton Falls Congregational Church, c/o Dawnella Sheehan, 274 Bellsqueeze Road, Benton, ME 04901.
VASSALBORO – Carol J. Hughes, 77, of Vassalboro, passed away at home on Wednesday, October 3, 2018. She was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, on December 24, 1940, the daughter of the late Stephen and Carmella (Cossuto) Csengery.
Carol was a 1958 graduate of Erskine Academy, in South China. In 1960, she met and married Myron Hughes. They built their home and raised their family on Cross Hill Road. Her love of children encouraged her to work as a teachers’ aide and cook with SKCDC-Lake Region Center for 42 years before retiring in 2012.
She enjoyed watching the birds gather around the feeders outside her kitchen window. Each morning one could find her working on the newspaper’s daily crossword and jumble with a cup of coffee in hand. Carol loved being in the sun and spent hours in her flower gardens. Spending time at Sunday Bingo with her sister Shirley at the Winslow VFW was a must.
Carol was predeceased by her parents, husband Myron, and her brother Albert.
She is survived by her sons, William, Stephen and his wife Lisa, Tim and Karen Hughes, all of Vassalboro; daughters, Katie Hughes and Wayne Picard, of Vassalboro, and Cindy St. Peter and Bob Bower, of Monmouth; sister Shirley McQuarrie; brother Joseph and his wife Cheryl Csengery, of Vassalboro; six grandchildren, Jonathan, Corrie, Miranda, Angela, Ryan and Tyler; five great-grandchildren, Spencer, Tanner, Aaliyah, Peyton and Tiffany; several nieces and nephews.
At Carol’s request, a gathering of family and friends will be held at Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Windsor, ME, from 1-3 p.m., on Saturday Oct. 13, 2018. A private graveside service & celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Condolences, photos and stories may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.
Memorial donations may be made to: National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 1848, Longmont, CO 80502.
WINSLOW – Jannelle A. Robertson, 56, passed on Thursday, October 4, 2018, at Glenridge Nursing Home following a long illness. She was born on July 3, 1962, to George and Lorraine Robertson, in Waterville.
Jannelle lived in North Andover, Massachusetts, with her parents along with her Aunt Yvette, who was like a second mother. She moved back to Maine in 1978 and attended Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, and Thomas College, in Waterville, where she earned her associates degree in executive secretary. Jannelle then worked as a secretary at Duratherm Windows, in Vassalboro, for 16 years.
Jannelle was a fun-loving person who enjoyed going to antique stores, garage sales, and was great at decorating. She liked to go camping with her brothers, sisters, and family. Jannelle liked to spend time at her sister Annie’s and Myra’s camps, and with her friends at the many Maine beaches. She enjoyed hiking and walking along local trails, loved Blueberry Hill, in Rome, and she loved her movies!
She was predeceased by her brother Sean.
Jannelle is survived by her sisters, Myra Chaloult and her husband Gary, of Oakland, Mary Ellen Woelfel and husband John, of Ocala, Florida; brothers, James Robertson and wife Karen, and George Robertson and wife Dianne, all of North Andover, Massachusetts; sister Ann Long and husband Michael, of Rome; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.
FAIRFIELD – Jacksie Pepin passed away peacefully with family and friends surrounding her after fighting a long battle from a heart defect, Pulmonary Atresia, that resulted in one of the valves in her heart not forming.
Even though she would become tired quicker, resulting in her having to limit activities at times, she never slowed down. This could be seen in her love of swimming and her lips turning blue because she did not want to leave the water.
Jacksie was able to accomplish so much in her precious life. One of her greatest, proudest and happiest moments was having her sweet baby girl, Rihanna. Jacksie and Rihanna had such a special mommy and daughter bond, that anyone who saw them together knew that Rihanna was her mother’s reason for getting up every day.
One of the fondest memories of Jacksie is her love for animals. She recently stayed up all night helping a newborn kitten who would not eat. She fed it with a syringe and kept it warm with blankets. Jacksie brought smiles and laughter to her family. When she was young, she and her stepdad, John, would go fishing. She would spend the entire day digging for worms and then would not let John use them for bait because the worms were her friends. John taught Jacksie how to drive a tractor when she could barely walk, and let her steer his truck going down old dirt roads while looking for deer.
Older sister, Cassie, and Jacksie had such a special sister bond that always amazed everyone. They would go for walks in the woods behind their home throughout the year, looking for deer, blueberries and having special talks. On one occasion, they got lost and ended up miles down the road with Jacksie’s dog, Jasmine, leading them to safety.
Jacksie was a great older sister to Tabby, making her laugh. Even after waking up after her first heart surgery, her first words to Tabby were “Hi butt head.” Tabby would ask Jacksie to do her hair before dances at school; she was better than any beautician. Jacksie loved her boyfriend, Allan, of 12 years, so very much. She disliked having him away from her for more than a day.
Veterans Day parade in Waterville 2016
I have been a contributor of The Town Line news for a number of years now. I am a 100 percent service connect American veteran and have been aiding veterans in the development of difficult cases by all service organizations standards. I have seen VA refusals many times because of cases that couldn’t/ wouldn’t be developed, too time consuming or very difficult to prove. Most things can be proven if not frivolous. Your records were lost in a fire was the popular excuse. Some were in fact destroyed by fire but many were preserved and protected. Anyway, I am writing this to give my opinion based mostly on hearsay. However, when there is a lot of hum there is usually a hive. Lately the Veterans Administration has undergone a lot of trauma. I would like to share a little of that in hopes for feedback.
Veterans’ need media to vent their feeling and concerns. I can assure you this veteran will search for the answers for you. Whether you agree or not you will receive an answer. For those of you who aren’t aware, the Togus Pharmacy will be partially down from October 22, 2018, for approximately nine days because of a flood. Also another of my pet peeves is the fact that orthopedics is hurting for doctors and they have nowhere enough service rooms for the vets in need. The executive director Ryan Lilly could have prioritized the expansion of the medical side but elected to do almost nothing. Now there is a new director who has started off on the wrong foot; so I don’t see longevity there.
However, the VA, in its infinite wisdom, elected to promote Mr. Lilly to the head of the region and demote Kurt Johnson, the assistant director, to a paper pusher. He use to be the head of pharmacy but his friendship with Mr. Lilly somehow got him promoted to assistant director. It is fairly well known they are/were close friends.
There is a federal case involving prejudice involving Mr. Lilly and Mr. Johnson. The power-that-be overlooked the situation or have no knowledge of it; which means they didn’t do their homework. It was sad for me to see Senator Susan Collins and Rep. Chellie Pingree joining forces at the new homeless housing complex developed on federal land. I am a veteran and support veterans with unfortunate circumstances but I don’t believe housing should be built on the 500 acres at Togus. It should be done but, in my opinion, is in the wrong place. That is a medical facility which could develop into the greatest in our country. I have said that many times. Lilly made the statement and believes that he had more land there but wasn’t sure what he would do with it. Some of that land is wetland and the habitat for various many wildlife and fish.
Last but not least, the director that replaces the promoted Lilly has just closed down the Veterans Record Retrieval window placing a state of mayhem there with a considerable workload shift on those employees. New people to the records who do other things will try to pick up the slack. The more they squeeze to make themselves look good to Washington, the more they eat on veteran services. They spend their money on bad who knows what; but it isn’t something you can see. They are building a small new building directly across from emergency to further congest and demean the beauty of the Togus facility. With 500 acres you can do better than that.
Many of us are getting “farmed out” now because they don’t have time for us or they don’t have the proper room, tools, ability and doctors. Thanking a vet is not enough. You need to learn respect, responsibility and remember why you don’t speak Korean, Japanese, German or Russian. We are the land of the free, home of the brave and no matter how bad we hurt we were there for you. The oversight of VA and how it evolves for the vet is the first priority. There is much more but this is enough for now. You can call me at 458-2832 and I will try to assist in anyway I can. We can keep our affairs alive through media.
Community Commentary is a forum The Town Line makes available for citizens to express their opinions on subjects of interest to our readers. The Town Line welcomes, and encourages, differing opinions, counterpoints or opposing views. Keep the rebuttals positive and informative. Submissions containing personal attacks will be rejected.
by Mary GrowVASSALBORO — Relations among major Vassalboro town departments seem to be running smoothly, according to an Oct. 4 discussion of public safety and law enforcement issues and communication between town and school officials.
The exception, perhaps a minor one, is a potential change in the services that dispatch emergency personnel.
Currently, Vassalboro firefighters, rescue unit members and the town’s one policeman depend on the state’s Regional Communications Center in Augusta and the Kennebec Sheriff’s Office. Town Manager Mary Sabins said a recent letter suggested potential rearrangements that might take effect in July 2019.
Firefighter Michael Vashon said the Vassalboro volunteer fire department is unlikely to be affected, and is satisfied with the Regional Communications Center. Police Chief Mark Brown expects the Sheriff’s Office will continue to dispatch Vassalboro law enforcement, which is shared among him, sheriff’s deputies and state police.
First Responders Chief Dan Mayotte said his service is less satisfied with the Regional Communications Center than the firefighters are, and gave an example of an error that delayed an emergency response – not the first, he said.
Mayotte advised selectmen to look into alternatives for dispatching service, including Somerset and Waldo counties. Selectmen assigned the job to Sabins, with local emergency personnel to give her names of people with whom to talk.
New Vassalboro School Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer immediately accepted the selectmen’s suggestion that he provide them with monthly reports on school issues affecting the town, especially the budget, like numbers of students and the condition of the school building.
Pfeiffer commended custodial staff at Vassalboro Community School for conscientious maintenance that he said seems to have kept the building in good shape. Perhaps, suggested Selectmen Chairman Lauchlin Titus, there would be occasional projects on which the town crew could help.
Pfeiffer also commended Police Chief Brown for his frequent visits to the school, and Vashon praised his cooperation with the fire department. Selectmen and Brown agreed that given Brown’s limited time – he is paid for 15 hours a week – he should focus on community policing.
Vashon mentioned the lack of road access to the back of the school building for emergency vehicles, a situation Pfeiffer promised to look into.
Sabins reported on ongoing efforts to get a grant for a generator that would let the school building serve as an emergency shelter. Mayotte offered as matching funds the money voters approved for rescue unit grant matches, saying he had not yet made any applications this year, and Vashon and Pfeiffer suggested additional possible grant sources. In other business Oct. 4:
The next regular Vassalboro selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, Oct. 18.
Pictured above are Cindy Fairfield and Bob Brown, of Newport, in back are Larry and Kathleen Hillman, of Fairfield, and Margaret and Bruce Carter, of Ellsworth. Contributed photo
Pictured here are just a few of the Central Maine Square Dance Club members who attended this year’s club picnic. It was held on Sunday, July 29, at the summer cottage of Gary and Myra Chaloult, in Smithfield. The weather was very cooperative and the water was nice and cool, perfect for the day. The food was outstanding as was the opportunity to meet so many of friends off the dance floor. The Central Maine Square Dance Club meets every Tuesday night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Waterville Jr. High school on the West River Road (Rte. 104), in Watervillle. A brand new season has started with new beginners classes. Call Bob at 447-0094 or Cindy at 631-8816 for more details .
This group also traveled to Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, for this year’s 10th anniversary festival which took place from Friday, August 24 – 26. That weekend saw almost 400 dancers attending to dance various levels of squares and also included round dancing. Those attending came from 17 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces of Canada. It’s always nice to see friends whom we haven’t seen in quite a while and also meet many newer friends.
The board president of Project Sparrow, Amy Moody received a $265 donation check from Mikayla Gurney, Winslow’s Miss Teen International 2018, as part of the activities at Winslow’s Public Safety Open House. Helping children is Mikayla Gurney’s platform as her reign as Miss Teen. She feels Project Sparrow will put her donation to good use making foster children who are going into an unfamiliar situation more comfortable…
On Saturday, October 13, a fundraiser will be held to help with the care of a little girl named Serenity Bunn, affectionately known as “Blueberry,” from Windsor. At age two, Blueberry was diagnosed with stage 4 Refractory Neuroblastoma. Two years later, after multiple rounds of chemotherapy, tumor removals, and immunotherapy, her family has been informed by doctors that the cancer has stopped responding to treatment…
CHINA — China selectmen settled two issues they and Town Manager Dennis Heath have been working on for weeks at their Oct. 1 meeting.
CHINA — The five (out of seven) China Budget Committee members at a special Sept. 26 meeting unanimously accepted Town Manager Dennis Heath’s proposal that the committee assume an advisory role in town investment decisions…
VASSALBORO — Vassalboro selectmen begin their Thursday, Oct. 4, meeting with a 6:30 p.m. public hearing on amendments to the appendices to the General Assistance Ordinance. In a typical year, amendments slightly increase general assistance allowances, in conformity with state-wide changes…
VASSALBORO — For the second month in a row, Vassalboro Planning Board members commended the only applicants before them for a well-prepared application and approved it unanimously with only a brief discussion…
WINSLOW — On Saturday, September 29, the Winslow Fire Department hosted their second annual open house showcasing the equipment and the people behind the scenes who keep their community safer…
WINSLOW — At the Winslow Public Library at 6 p.m. on Oct. 18, author Mark Alan Leslie will weave the tale of the brave families who housed and fed slaves in hidden rooms, attics and elsewhere en route to the next secret “way station” on the “railroad”…
Customers will be notified of the following price adjustments through a bill message on or after October 1, 2018. Effective on or after November 1, 2018, pricing will be adjusted for residential video service…
Find out when local taxes are due for China, Vassalboro, Windsor & Winslow.
Winslow’s Colby Pomeroy, tries for a yardage gain as Lawrence’s Nathan Regalado goes for the tackle during a game between the two rival high schools on Sept. 29, in Winslow. Lawrence won the game, 17-14 (more youth football photos from Tawni Lively)…
[democracy id=”110″]
from Dennis Heath (China) — In [last week’s] edition of The Town Line there appeared a letter to the editor from Geoff Hargadon, of South China. Mr. Hargadon is aggravated by what he perceived to be a decision by the Town of China to “nearly simultaneously” re-pave Alder Park Road and cut the Transfer Station hours. I would like to offer some clarification for Mr. Hargadon…
from Marilyn Rogers-Bull (Solon) — I would like to thank the people who have written letters to the editor, that do not want to have a CMP Corridor through Maine. I am one of a few, from the Dead River, Flagstaff area, who can remember about getting driven from our land and homes by CMP 69 years ago…
ALBION — The Mill Stream Christian Fellowship will be holding a Fall Vacation Bible School, at 123 Benton Road, on Monday, October 8, from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Join Patch the Scarecrow for a morning of music, crafts, games and fellowship…
BENTON – Glenn R. Faucett, 92, died Sunday, September 9, 2018. He was born on September 4, 1926, in Pueblo, Colorado, the son of Ben H. and Grace E. (Rodda) Faucett… and remembering 7 others…
SCORES & OUTDOORSby Roland D. Hallee | It’s always a sad time of the year when we have to close up camp. That is a ritual my wife and I do every year on the last weekend of September. While taking a break during last Saturday’s “just gorgeous” day, we started to rehash the last six months…
ERIC’S TECH TALKby Eric W. Austin | Fake news. Fake videos. Fake photos. The way things are heading, the 21st century is likely to be known as the Fake Century, and it’s only going to get worse from here. Welcome to the deepfake future…
FINANCIAL MATTER$by Jac M. Arbour | People are living longer and, thus, living longer in retirement. This is both the good news and the bad news. Sure, living longer is a great thing, but in the world of financial planning, it is causing concerns for a number of retirees. One of the questions we are consistently asked is “will I have enough?”…
REVIEW POTPOURRIby Peter Cates | The late Laura Nyro was one very gifted singer, songwriter and pianist. A number of songs, Stoney End, Stoned Soul Picnic, Wedding Bell Blues, etc. have been covered by such artists as Barbra Streisand and the Fifth Dimension…
SOLON & BEYONDby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy | The Solon Pine Tree Club met on September 15 for the final meeting of the year. After the meeting everyone enjoyed a trip to pick apples at North Star Orchard…
I’M JUST CURIOUSby Debbie Walker | Have you ever wondered how long different things might last? Well, I found a few listed in an HGTV magazine awhile back. I thought maybe it might hold some interest for you. It’s an odd assortment of subjects listed in an ABC index. Here we go…
FOR YOUR HEALTH(NAPSI) — There are about 74 million children in America today and if you’re a parent, here’s something you should know: involved fathers—whether they live with their kids or not—can help their children lead happier, healthier and more successful lives…
(NAPSI)—There are about 74 million children in America today and if you’re a parent, here’s something you should know: involved fathers—whether they live with their kids or not—can help their children lead happier, healthier and more successful lives. Children who feel close to their fathers are two times more likely to go to college or find a job after high school, 80 percent less likely to end up in jail and 50 percent less likely to experience depression.1 The small moments kids enjoy spending with their fathers can make a big difference in their lives. If you’re like most fathers, you’re already doing what you can to be a great dad. Here’s a look at five easy ways to keep it up.
Spend time with your children; Be a positive role model; Send a text to stay connected when far away; Read to your children; and remember #DadJokesRule!
There has been a massive growth in fatherhood involvement over decades—fathers now spend nearly triple the amount of time with their children than fathers did in the 1960s.
Recent research suggests fathers are already very involved:
Even though fathers are largely more involved than in previous generations, dads today still want to be more engaged. Nearly half say they don’t spend enough time with their kids and want to do a better job at parenting.
To help more fathers understand the importance of their role in their children’s lives, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families, the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (@fatherhoodgov), and the Ad Council (@adcouncil) have partnered on a national Responsible Fatherhood Campaign.
“All dads should be supported and celebrated for their efforts on Fathers Day and year-round because we know how the story ends for the kids whose fathers show up for them consistently—these children and families thrive,” says Kenneth Braswell (@braswellkenneth), Director, National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse and Fathers Incorporated.
The campaign drives to Fatherhood.gov a free resource that offers information, tools and more. Dads can visit the website for ideas to get involved and stay involved in their children’s lives. Other resources include activity suggestions, homework help, online games and a long list of dad jokes! No matter how busy you may be, make time for your children. It only takes a moment to make a moment.
For helpful tips, tools, information, jokes and resources, visit www.fatherhood.gov.
Winslow’s Colby Pomeroy (3), tries for a yardage gain as Lawrence’s Nathan Regalado (34), goes for the tackle during a game between the two rival high schools on Sept. 29, in Winslow. Lawrence won the game, 17-14. (Photo by Tawni Lively, Central Maine Photography staff)
Winslow Youth Football (Photo by Tawni Lively, Central Maine Photography staff)
Winslow Youth Football (Photo by Tawni Lively, Central Maine Photography staff)
by Roland D. HalleeIt’s always a sad time of the year when we have to close up camp. That is a ritual my wife and I do every year on the last weekend of September. While taking a break during last Saturday’s “just gorgeous” day, we started to rehash the last six months.
It has been a strange summer, with many of the observations we discussed while sitting on the deck. It actually all started back in March and early April. It is said that a 40-year-old maple tree should produce approximately 10 gallons of sap to make maple syrup. I have two trees that I tap in my backyard. This year, those two trees produced 48 gallons of sap. Do the math, it doesn’t add up. They produced more than double what they should have produced.
Then, on to May. We didn’t realize it at the time, but later we would conclude that the black flies this year were not all that bad. And that was followed by a summer when mosquito numbers were down.
Another strange occurrence, we only saw three June bugs in late May and early June. This is compared to some years when, in one particular season, we counted 53 June bugs in one night.
We moved on from there, and noticed that the cicadaes, the insect that “sings” (buzzes) during the hot summer days of July. I, personally, did not hear one until July 26. Remember the old farmers folklore? From the day you first hear a cicadae, we will get the first killing frost 90 days from that time. However, that is not the problem. I probably heard cicadaes less than a half dozen times during the hot days of summer. Unusual. You normally hear them almost every sunny day.
How about the hickory tussock caterpillar? The fuzzy white one with the long black “feelers” that usually show up in abundance in August. If you just make incidental contact with them they can leave you with a rash. I have not seen one yet.
Wooly Bear caterpillar photographed on Sept. 7 at camp. (Photo by Roland Hallee)
Another caterpillar is the wooly bear, which usually predicts the severity of a winter depending on the length of the rust-colored bar on its body, and usually makes its appearance around early to mid September. So far, I have seen one, on the steps to our deck, and its rust-colored stripe was about equal to the black portions of its body. You usually see them crossing the road everywhere. Nothing, so far, this year, but that one.
Over the last couple of weeks, however, we have heard and seen an unusually large number of Canada geese settling on Webber Pond for their break before continuing south.
During August and September, we have gone through an unusually long, hot, dry spell. A time when we are pestered by yellow jackets who are in search of moisture. So far, nothing. I have seen a few small bumble bees going after the flowers’ nectar. But no yellow jackets. I haven’t even seen a nest.
For those of you who have taken vacation time to go leaf peeping, it’s not happening at the same time this year. Have you noticed that, here in early October, the trees have barely started to change colors. Most of the color you see is brown, which means the leaves are dead and will merely fall off the trees without changing to those spectacular colors. Also, if you own pine trees, which I have three, the needles have been falling in mass quantities all year. It’s impossible to keep up with them.
One other thing that remained constant were the hummingbirds arriving and departing on time, and being overrun by the harvestmen (daddy long legs).
Things, overall, just don’t seem right in 2018. But, following some research of my journal, I found we had a very similar summer in 2015. Maybe not as hot and humid, but very similar with respect to natural activities.
You can probably blame it on climate change; el Nino, el Nina or polar vortex, but it’s just not normal. However, two almost identical summers within a four-year span could spell the beginning of a pattern. I’ve heard many predictions on our upcoming winter. I don’t believe any of them. I will continue to get ready for a “Maine winter.” The oil tank is full, snowblower tuned up, and shovels ready to go. Are you?
Which Red Sox pitcher gave up the most career home runs?