Palermo residents win battle over Sheepscot Lake dam opening

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Sheepscot dam

by Carolyn Viens
Sheepscot Lake Assocation

The residents of Palermo have won a major battle in the opposition to LD922, the legislative bill mandating the opening of the Sheepscot Dam to alewives, and other migrating fishes which would have a negative impact on the health of the lake. Representative Jeffrey Pierce of the Maine House of Representatives, and sponsor of LD922, has agreed to withdraw the bill which is currently tabled in the Maine House upon request of Governor Paul LePage.

Following a meeting held with the governor, Mr. Pierce, Commissioner Chandler Woodcock, of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIF&W), and Commissioner Keliher of the Maine Deparment of Marine Resources (DMR), it was determined that several expensive steps would need to be taken before such legislation should be considered. These steps include the addition of appropriate biosecurity systems deemed necessary to adequately protect the Palermo rearing station, the securing of funding from private sources to assist in installation of a system meeting the DIF&W criteria, and the determination of the appropriate timeframe to reopen the fish passage for sea run alewife once the necessary measures are in place at the Palermo rearing station. These steps would be extremely expensive and time consuming to complete, and as a result the legislation has been pulled and the removal of the fish gate will not be permitted.

This indefinite postponement is a direct result of the citizens of Palermo and the Sheepscot Lake Association showing their concern repeatedly during town meetings, as well as through communication with government representatives. It would not have been successful without the ongoing involvement of Senate President Michael Thibodeau, who continually gave support throughout this process.

Congratulations to all of you who took the time and made the effort for your voices to be heard through testifying, as well as the untold hours spent contacting legislators, writing letters and articles to the newspapers, and networking with people who could help the cause! It is a testament to the fact that our voices, collectively, were heard and that the government representatives listened! A special thank you for the Long Pond constituents who participated in both research, written articles, and testimony at the hearing, as well as everyone who invested their time and shared their voice, as well as those who listened, and cared. Sheepscot will continue to be the beautiful, pristine, and healthy lake shared by so many each year!

Vassalboro School board reviews unfinished 2018-19 budget

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source: http://www.vassalboro.net/

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro School Board members reviewed an unfinished 2018-19 budget and discussed it with budget committee members at two sequential meetings March 29. The preliminary $7.9 million budget at the beginning of the meetings would require an increase in local taxes of more than $495,000, which Town Manager Mary Sabins said would amount to somewhere around $1.30 for each $1,000 of valuation (about one and one-third mil).

However, that figure is already obsolete, according to AOS (Alternative Organizational Structure) #92 Superintendent Eric Haley and Finance Director Paula Pooler. For example, they had projected a nine percent increase in insurance costs, and had learned earlier that day that the increase will be zero, cutting about $63,000 in projected expenditures.

Haley and Pooler emphasized the number of expensive unknowns in each annual school budget. For example, when a special education student who needs a full-time educational technician moves into or out of Vassalboro, budget needs can increase or decrease by thousands of dollars.

Tuition costs are also hard to predict. The state does not set its figures until late in the calendar year, and the cost varies among the different high schools Vassalboro students attend, with Waterville the least expensive and Erskine Academy the most. If the state figures are higher than expected, or if more Vassalboro eighth-graders choose Erskine, or if more high-school sophomores choose the vocational schools as an option, tuition will be underfunded.

Special education is one reason the 2018-19 budget is projected to increase, Haley said. Another is teachers’ and educational technicians’ salaries, which have been negotiated. He shared results of a survey showing that Vassalboro pays most of its teachers and educational technicians less than they would get in comparable jobs in nearby school systems like Fairfield, Oakland or Madison.

Budget committee and school board members have another joint meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, after the school board meeting at 6 p.m. that evening (a week earlier than usual because of April school vacation).

The budget committee will also meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 5, in the town office. That evening’s selectmen’s meeting will begin at 6 p.m., also in the town office.

In addition to the budget, school board and budget committee members briefly discussed consequences of dissolving AOS #92. Vassalboro Community School will have its own part-time superintendent; school board members intend to contract with Waterville and Winslow to get the same central office services they have been getting, delivered by many of the same people, with costs determined by the same formula that has divided AOS central office costs among Vassalboro, Waterville and Winslow.

While Haley and most school board members favor a three-year contract, several budget committee members and selectmen advised starting with a one-year contract. Haley said he plans to provide enough staff members, replacements and two new hires, to serve all three former AOS schools; but he needs a three-year commitment to justify staffing. He doubts Vassalboro would find less expensive services elsewhere; Pooler warned Vassalboro might end up with none.

School Board Chairman Kevin Levasseur agreed, saying no other agency “has been beating down my door” to offer a competing proposal.

School board member Susan Tuthill said a three-year contract would allow a year to adjust, not only to the new arrangement but also to a new superintendent and principal; the second year would allow evaluation; and if problems developed, the third year could be used to explore alternatives.

Selectman John Melrose has talked with people in two other towns where go-it-alone schools have moved to in-house services. Lauchlin Titus, chairman of the selectmen, compared the proposed contract for school services with Vassalboro’s alewife harvesting contract, which started as annual and when the arrangement proved satisfactory went to three and now five years.

Pooler and Vassalboro Community School Principal Dianna Gram said the comparison is inaccurate, because Vassalboro is not “jumping into the unknown”; the school has had nine years of satisfactory service from the AOS office.

Gram was accompanied at the School board and budget committee meetings by her successor, Dr. Megan Allen, who will become principal when Gram retires at the end of June.

China planners set to hear proposal on camp for teens

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by Mary Grow

The China Planning Board has scheduled an April 10 public hearing on a proposal to convert a former corporate retreat on Pond Hill Road to a leadership development camp for teenagers.

Pond Hill Road is between Route 3 and Three Mile Pond. The property has frontage on the pond as well as a tennis court, baseball field and half basketball court, owners Wesley and Susan Horton said.

The planing board’s initial review of the proposal, held March 27 with only three of the six board members present, drew nine neighbors with questions and concerns. Given the interest, board members willingly accepted several audience members’ recommendation they hold a public hearing.

The Hortons, who also run the Ironwood Maine facility, in Morrill, explained the Pond Hill Road camp is for young people, mostly between 16 and 18, who are recovering from problems like anxiety and depression, have been in treatment and are ready for a transition back to family life, college or another destination.

They plan to have no more than 10 residents at a time, with at least two staff people supervising at all times. The focus will be on life skills and character development – dealing with emotions, reconnecting with family members, finding purpose, establishing routines. Youngsters typically stay three months; the camp operates year-round.

Their clients do not have criminal records, and they are not ordered to the facility by a court or other agency. Referrals come mostly from parents, who are “part of the equation,” Wesley Horton said, and sometimes from school counselors.

“They’re good kids,” said Susan Horton, who is a psychotherapist specializing in adolescent development.

Wesley Horton added that the camp operates on a two-strike system: a second infraction of rules, like smoking, keeping an untidy room or arguing with staff about chores, means the youngster is out.

Neighbors had questions about traffic, interaction with neighborhood young people and the degree of supervision – the last raised by Anita Whittaker, considering the snow-sculpted penis she sees from her windows. The Hortons said the clients do not drive and are supervised at all times. The facility has a 10 p.m. curfew.

As the discussion drew to an end, neighbor Raymond Gosselin said the camp has been operating since the Hortons bought the property in October 2017, and asked why they are only now applying for a planning board permit.

Codes Officer Paul Mitnik said he was unaware of the Hortons’ use of the property until they asked him for an occupancy permit. He assumes they did not know they needed a change of use permit from the planning board.

The April 10 hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the town office meeting room.

See our related story: China public hearing planned on proposed teen camp

 

Area students go on American Heritage Tour

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Students and parents from China, Vassalboro, Palermo, Waterville and Chelsea at the White House, in Washington, DC.

Submitted by Jane Golden

The American Heritage tour, offered through the Boys and Girls club and YMCA of Greater Waterville at the Alfond Youth Center, is an educational journey for eighth grade middle school students to learn about America’s history and how to contribute effectively as citizens. This educational trip is offered to many of the local schools every Spring.

The first trip of this year was with students from China, Vassalboro, Palermo, Waterville and Chelsea. Tour destinations included: The Liberty Bell and U. S. mint in Philadelphia; Gettysburg National Park, where the students visited different battleground sites and the museum; Arlington Cemetery where they witnessed the changing of the guard; Washington D. C. where they visited the Pentagon 9/11 memorial, Smithsonian museums, the Holocaust museum and George Washington’s Mt. Vernon; and the final destination was New York City where they visited the 9/11 memorial, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and Times Square.

This year the China parents and students decided to raise funds to allow scholarships for students that needed financial assistance to go on the trip. Thanks to generous businesses in the local area, a couple of scholarships were awarded and those students were able to participate in a once in a life time experience. Much thanks goes to the following businesses that supported these students: Lakeview Lumber, MAJEK Seafood, Windsor Veterinary Clinic, Reed & Reed, Fieldstone Quick Stop, Whitt’s Garment Works, Hannaford and China Lake Auto Sales and Service.

China students and their parents at the White House. (Photos courtesy of Jane Golden)

Week of March 29, 2018

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Week of March 29, 2018

Celebrating 30 years of local news

The many roles of RSU #18’s School Resource Officers

When students arrive at Messalonskee High School, the first face they often see is that of Detective Tracey Frost.  “Frosty” as the kids call him, is a reassuring presence, rather than an intimidating one. He has a booming “good-morning,” a witty comment for each kid, and can call most of them by name. At Messalonskee Middle School, Sergeant Adam Sirois starts his day in a similar manner, greeting students with a smile and a quiet “hello,” complimenting their hat, asking about their weekend. “He is always chatting with the kids, either one on one or in small groups,” said head Administrative Assistant Tracey Foster […]

Your Local News

China voters approve all warrant items but one

CHINA —  China voters approved all but one of the 43 articles in the warrant for their March 24 annual town business meeting. Art. 41 was defeated on a written vote of 38 in favor to 48 opposed. The article asked authorization to spend $100 to buy the Branch Mills Union Church and up to another $80,000 from donations, grants and if applicable China’s Tax Increment Finance (TIF) fund to maintain the historic building […]

Vassalboro department heads submit requests to budget committee

VASSALBORO — These wish list items, how much road repaving should and can be done annually and similar municipal expenditure issues took up the budget committee’s March 20 meeting. No recommendations were made, because the committee, the selectmen and Sabins still need to see the proposed 2018-19 school budget to get a complete view of future needs […]

Making China a place to last a lifetime

CHINA —  Pssst! I know a bit about my fellow China residents. I know, for example, that 96 percent of you want to stay in China as you age. In fact, on the whole, most of you think China is a pretty great place to live. Now, how do I know this? I didn’t go around and ask everyone in town. Thankfully, I didn’t have to. There’s a committee dedicated to doing just that. It’s called the China for a Lifetime Committee (CFAL) […]

China board denies BioFuels’ request to reconsider

CHINA — At a March 22 meeting, the China Board of Appeals refused to reconsider its Feb. 15 refusal to hear two appeals of codes officer’s decisions filed by Bio Renewable Fuels (BRF). The case began in August 2017, when Codes Officer Paul Mitnik notified BRF owner Ralph Howe that he needed a planning board permit to continue his Dirigo Road operation. In September 2017, Mitnik sent the company a notice of violation […]

Young martial artists have their day at Battle of Maine

WATERVILLE — Young students from Huard’s Martial Arts, in Winslow, recently collected pledges for the Battle of Maine Children’s Miracle Network fundraiser. Over the years, students and the event have raised over $75,000. The 38th Battle of Maine Martial Arts championships helped raise funds for the Children’s Miracle Network and was a great success […]

Coming of Age in Waldo County

PALERMO — As part of the Evolving Communities Presentation Series, the Palermo Community Center will present guest speaker Patricia Oh on Friday, March 30, following a potluck dinner at 6 p.m […]

-Advertisement-

TOWN OF CHINA
Town Manager

The Town of China, Maine, is currently searching for qualified candidates for the position of Town Manager. China is located near the state capital on beautiful China Lake. China has a population of 4,328. China operates under a town meeting, select board and town manager form of government. The select board is seeking candidates with management experience and demonstrated proactive leadership abilities while working in the best interest of the Town of China.

Skills in financial management and budgeting with an open, collaborative and transparent management style and excellent communication skills are desired. Salary is based on experience and training. Benefits offered include health and dental insurance, holiday, sick, vacation and personal time and retirement plan.

Please send resume and cover letter with salary requirements to:

Town Manager Search    
TOWN OF CHINA    
571 Lakeview Drive    
China, ME 04358    

* Deadline for submission is April 30, 2018 *

School News

Tyler receives MPA principal’s award at Erskine

CHINA — Erskine Academy Headmaster Michael McQuarrie is pleased to announce that Caleb Tyler of Palermo, a senior at Erskine, has been selected to receive the 2018 Principal’s Award […]

Erskine Academy announces school calendar change

CHINA — Parents and students should be advised of a change to Erskine Academy’s school calendar due to excessive storm days. Friday, April 13, will now be an early release day with dismissal at 11:30 a.m. Any additional school cancellations will be reviewed to determine if further make up days will be required […]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

WATERVILLE — Peter Vigue, past president and CEO of Cianbro Corp., of Pittsfield, will speak at the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce Leadership Luncheon on Tues., April 10, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., at T&B’s Celebration Center, 6 Jefferson St. He will speak on the company’s past successes […]

Obituaries – week of March 29, 2018

VASSALBORO – Ardath E. (Farnham) Wood, 75, died Sunday, March 18, 2018, at her home, following a long illness. She was born in Boothbay Harbor, on November 8, 1942, the daughter of the late Isaac A. and Eleanor J. (Chase) Farnham… and remembering 8 others…

SCHEDULE OF LOCAL TOWN MEETINGS FOR 2018 <– click here!

Check this page to find out when your town meeting is. We’ll be updating this page as more meetings are scheduled. If you don’t see your town listed, send us an email at townline@fairpoint.net or visit our contact page!

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | The pumpkin bug, or squash bug, are also called stink bugs, but are not the traditional stink bug. Although some pumpkin bugs are called stink bugs, not all stink bugs are pumpkin bugs. If you ever spot a sizable green stink bug, there’s a good chance that it’s a pumpkin bug. They are similar in appearance to stink bugs because they both have a foul odor when squashed […]

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates |  The first time I heard singer/songwriter John Prine, now 71, was at the Gorham gym, of what is now the University of Southern Maine, during the spring of 1972. He was the opening act for Lighthouse, was totally new to me and failed to make any impression. Even his incredible fame over the 47 years that have elapsed since then never stirred my curiosity – that is until just over two weeks ago […]

Katie Ouilette WallsIF WALLS COULD TALK

by Katie Ouilette | It all began on St. Patrick’s Day, as that was daughter’s birthday and Chuck planned a wonderful party for her. Then, in my ‘stuff’ there was a write-up with the heading “Did You Know?” Yes, faithful readers, do you know that St. Patrick was born in 389 and died in 461? Wow! […]

Marilyn Rogers-Bull & PercySOLON & BEYOND

by Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy | Several columns ago I told you that Pastor Tim Hunt of the New Hope Evangelical Free Church, in Solon, was going on a mission trip to Uganda. He sent me a very interesting and inspiring letter telling about his trip and I take great pleasure in sharing it with you […]

I’M JUST CURIOUS

by Debbie Walker | I think it’s interesting but do you? I have been into the magazines again; I once again, started just cutting articles out with no thought of what magazines the ideas came from. So I apologize to those writers for not being able to give them credit they are due. Since I have no depth perception at all, as my brother told me, I was pleased to come across these: a quarter is nearly an inch in diameter and one foot is 16 pennies laid in a row […]

FOR YOUR HEALTH

Roughly 110 million adults in the U.S. are age 50 or older. If you’re one of them or know someone who is, there’s something you need to know: As you age, your nutrition needs change. You may become less active, your metabolism slows, and your ability to absorb some nutrients becomes less efficient. You need fewer calories to keep you going—which means the amount of nutrients in your food becomes even more important […]

Good Nutrition Made Easy For Older Adults

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Good Nutrition Made Easy For Older Adults

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(NAPSI)—Roughly 110 million adults in the U.S. are age 50 or older. If you’re one of them or know someone who is, there’s something you need to know: As you age, your nutrition needs change. You may become less active, your metabolism slows, and your ability to absorb some nutrients becomes less efficient. You need fewer calories to keep you going—which means the amount of nutrients in your food becomes even more important.

To help, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and nutrition scientists at the Jean Mayer U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, with support from AARP Foundation, created MyPlate for Older Adults.

What’s on MyPlate for Older Adults?

Based on the federal government’s guide to forming healthy dietary habits, MyPlate for Older Adults makes good nutrition easy. Even better, it helps seniors with fixed incomes select healthy foods within their budget. That includes showing how frozen, dried and canned fruits and vegetables can be wise alternatives to fresh produce.

MyPlate for Older Adults encourages eating whole grains, which are high in fiber, as well as plant-based proteins such as beans and tofu, along with fish and lean meat. Vegetables and fruits make up half the plate, reflecting the importance of eating several servings a day in a range of colors. MyPlate for Older Adults also recommends using herbs and spices instead of salt to season food. Cutting back on salt can have big health benefits—especially for older adults, who are at risk of hypertension.

You can use the MyPlate for Older Adults as a tool when you shop to help you decide on types and combinations of foods, and as a reminder that the foods you choose to eat should be rich in vitamins and minerals.

The rest of the recommendations include:

  • Brightly colored vegetables such as carrots and broccoli
  • Deep-colored fruit such as berries and peaches
  • Whole, enriched and fortified grains and cereals such as brown rice and 100 percent whole wheat bread
  • Low-fat and nonfat dairy products such as yogurt and low-lactose milk
  • Dry beans and nuts, fish, poultry and eggs
  • Liquid vegetable oils, soft spreads low in saturated and trans fats
  • Lots of fluids such as water and fat-free milk
  • Physical activity such as walking, resistance training and light cleaning.

Learn More

You can check out MyPlate for Older Adults and find more information about AARP Foundation at www.aarpfoundation.org/myplate.

Roland’s Trivia Question for the Week of March 29, 2018

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Question: In addition to pitching a one-hitter in game two of the 1967 World Series, who became the first Red Sox pitcher to win the AL Cy Young Award in 1967?

Answer: Jim Lonborg

<– Return to Scores & Outdoors

 

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Stink bug or pumpkin (squash) bug?

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

A reader called the office last week to inquire about a bug that resembles a ladybug, but is green in color. She was wondering if it was a pumpkin bug. Well, it very well could be.

The pumpkin bug, or squash bug, are also called stink bugs, but are not the traditional stink bug. Although some pumpkin bugs are called stink bugs, not all stink bugs are pumpkin bugs. If you ever spot a sizable green stink bug, there’s a good chance that it’s a pumpkin bug. They are similar in appearance to stink bugs because they both have a foul odor when squashed. However, stink bugs are wider and rounder.

squash bug

The squash bug, Anasa tristis, is common throughout the United States. It primarily attacks squash and pumpkins but can also attack other cucurbits, such as cucumbers.

They are the bane of a gardener. They are difficult to kill and can cause a lot of havoc.

The adult bugs are somewhat flat, large insects, measuring 5/8 inch long and 1/3 inch wide. They are usually dark gray to dark brown. The edges of the abdomens protrude beyond their wings and typically have alternating orangish and brown stripes. They are able to fly, however they often simply walk around on plants.

These bugs overwinter as adults in sheltered places, such as under plant debris, around buildings, or under rocks. When adults emerge in the spring, they fly to growing cucurbit plants to feed and mate. Females lay eggs individually in small clusters of about 20 commonly on the undersides of the leaves, especially between the veins where they form a V. The females usually begin to appear in gardens in early June, and continue to lay eggs through mid-summer.

These bugs have piercing-sucking mouth-parts they use to suck the sap out of leaves. This process produces yellow spots that eventually turn brown, and disrupts the flow of water and nutrients, which can cause wilting. Young plants are more susceptible to extensive damage. Larger, more vigorous plants are more tolerant of feeding damage, although they can also be injured or killed if they are severely attacked.

These bugs inject a toxin into the plant and suck the sap right out of it with their sharp mouthparts. This causes yellow spots that eventually turn brown. The leaves will wilt because the damage prevents the flow of nutrients to the leaves, and then they will dry up and turn black.

The most important times to control squash bugs are when the plants are young seedlings and when they are flowering. Early detection is important because adult squash bugs are difficult to kill.

Remove or knock off and kill nymphs and adults by dropping them into a bucket of soapy water. This can be challenging because the bugs hide under leaves and move quickly when disturbed.

Crush the eggs that are attached to the undersides and stems of leaves.

Trap the bugs by laying out boards or pieces of newspaper. The bugs will congregate under the boards at night, and then can be collected and destroyed in the morning.

Check your plants daily. If there are no more than a few vines infected, keep collecting and destroying the bugs and crushing the egg clusters that you find.

Insecticides are not generally needed to control these bugs. They can be used if cucurbits are found wilting early in the season. Carbaryl/Sevin is most effective if applied when eggs are hatching. Consult your local garden center for controls that are locally approved. When using an insecticide, make sure to read the instructions well.

Planting time is approaching. Make sure your garden is free of these little pests. There is no worse feeling than seeing your plants being destroyed and you have no idea what is causing it. Check under the leaves.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

In addition to pitching a one-hitter in game two of the 1967 World Series, who became the first Red Sox pitcher to win the AL Cy Young Award in 1967?

Answer can be found here.

Legal Notices, Week of March 29, 2018

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

The following Personal Representatives have been appointed in the estates noted. The first publication date of this notice is March 22, 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.

2018-045 – Estate of ALBERT LELAND MARSHALL JR., late of Solon, Me deceased. Roberta I. Marshall, PO Box 25, Solon, Me 04979 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-046 – Estate of LOIS R. WHITE, late of Athens, Me deceased. Robert W. White, 206 North Road, Athens, Me 04912 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-048 – Estate of KATHERINE A. BOUCHER, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Marc R. Bureau, 317 South Fillmore Street, Beverly Hills, FL 34465 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-051 – Estate of JULIANN L. O’CONNOR, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Diana Savage, 185 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-052 – Estate of MICHAEL PETER PICARD, late of Mercer, Me deceased. Michele Mosher, PO Box 101, Belgrade Lakes, Me 04918 and Roberta Young, 795 Lilybay Road, Unit 112, Beavercove, Me 04441 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2018-057 – Estate of ARTHUR G. CARPENTER, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Brian Carpenter, 74 Patterson Avenue, Winslow, Me 04901 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-059 – Estate of RENEE M. SCHEIRER, late of Bingham, Me deceased. Rodney Rehrig, 6005 Tenth Street, Zephyrhills, FL 33452-3521 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-060 – Estate of ANGELA M. DIONNE, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. James K. Dionne, 1125 La Costa Lane, Winter Haven, FL 33881 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-067 – Estate of NATALIE F. SAWYER, late of Embden, Me deceased. Alton Bell, Jr., 945 Falls Park Drive, Sanford, NC 27330 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-068 – Estate of MARCIA F. COOK, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Keith E. Cook, 10 Sanderson Drive, Fairfield, Me 04937 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-072 – Estate of ELEANOR G. DOYON, late of Jackman, Me deceased. Deborah A. Bourque, 130 Allds Street, Nashua, NH 03060 appointed Personal Representative.

2018-073 – Estate of BRUCE J. HILL, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Michael E. Hill, 26 Largay Lane, Glenburn, Me 04401 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-291-2 – Estate of EUGENE G. PRAY IV, late of Lexington, Me deceased. Eugene G. and Patricia R. Pray III, 1188 Long Falls dam Road, Lexington, Me 04961 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2018-074 – Estate of CATHERINE H. FIELD, late of North Anson, Me deceased. Frank Field, 8 Perryman Dr., Brunswick, Me 04011 appointed Personal Representative.

To be published on March 22, 2018 & March 29, 2018.
Dated: March 19, 2018 /s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(3/29)

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, on April 4, 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.

2017-159-1 – Estate of MASON BRIAN SCOTT STANLEY. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Whitney Parlin, 18 Family Circle, Apt 4, Skowhegan, Me 04976 requesting minor’s name be changed to Mason Brian Parlin for reasons set forth therein.

2018-062 – Estate of PATRICK MICHAEL GRAY COOKSON. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Patrick Michael Gray Cookson, 597 Higgins Road, Pittsfield, Me 04967 requesting his name be changed to Patrick Michael Gray for reasons set forth therein.

2018-063 – Estate of CHARLOTTE RENEE THOMAS, minor of Harmony, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by petitioners Jeffrey Thomas and Mychaela Denbow, 295 Athens Road, Harmony, Me 04942 requesting that minor’s name be changed to Clara Renee Thomas for reasons set forth therein.

2018-065 – Estate of KENT EARLE TAYLOR STINSON, Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Kent Earle Taylor Stinson, 331 Todds Corner Road, St. Albans, Me 04971 requesting his name be changed to Kenneth Ora Byron Jr for reasons set forth therein.

2018-066 – Estate of CHARITY LYNNE STINSON. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Charity Lynne Stinson, 331 Todds Corner Road, St. Albans, Me 04971 requesting her name be changed to Charity Lynne Byron for reasons set forth therein.

2018-075 – Estate of HEATHER MARIE ROLLINS. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Heather M. Rollins, 17 E. Dyer Street, Skowhegan, Me 04976 requesting her name be changed to Heather Marie Emery for reasons set forth therein.

Dated: March 19, 2018
/s/ Victoria M. Hatch
Register of Probate
(3/29)

I’m Just Curious: I think it’s interesting

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by Debbie Walker

I think it’s interesting but do you? I have been into the magazines again; I once again, started just cutting articles out with no thought of what magazines the ideas came from. So I apologize to those writers for not being able to give them credit they are due.

Since I have no depth perception at all, as my brother told me, I was pleased to come across these: a quarter is nearly an inch in diameter and one foot is 16 pennies laid in a row. A dollar is approximately 6-1/2 inches. While we are still playing with money did you know a penny, nickel or a dime can be used as a flathead screw driver? Did you ever think of using a coin or two to steady a wobbly table? You can also use a penny inserted into a tire tread with Lincoln’s head upside down, if you can see his whole head your tires are worn out!

Don’t throw out that empty cardboard egg carton just yet. I read you can rest your laptop on it to prevent overheating. You don’t want to leave them on a pillow or blankets, seems harmless but….

Garden starter; use those disposed egg shells and cartons with a little soil to get a head start on the garden.

Although I wouldn’t recommend trying this one I had to see if you reacted as I did to the advice. I question the intelligence of this:

How to tell how hot your grill is without a thermometer: The writer claimed this tip is chef-tested (?) and trusted method. Hold your hand palm side down over the grill, about four inches from the grate. “Count the seconds you can stand (?) to keep your hand there. 2 seconds = high heat, 3-4 seconds medium heat, etc.” I have one comment “How Stupid!”

According to an Almanac Throwback of 1894, dandelions, young milkweed (?), mustard (?), horseradish (?) tops, young beet tops, cowslips (?) and turnip tops are good for greens. The ones I question marked I have questions about, imagine that! Do all of the questioned ones grow wild? And I think fiddleheads should be in this list. I love greens!!

I cruised the 2018 Farmer’s Almanac and decided to share the 11 symbols that make people think of America. They are: American Bald Eagle, Apple pie, American Bison, The Flag, Fourth of July Parade, White Picket Fences, Norman Rockwell Illustrations, Thanksgiving, Uncle Sam, Statue of Liberty, and Little red wagons!

I didn’t know how talented chickens are in gardening. It seems in the spring they are the aerators and tillers. In the summer their specialty is pest and weed control. Fall finds the chickens busy with the clean-up and fertilization. Winter is for composting, maintenance and spring prep. (even in Maine?) Who knew those little critters kept so busy and how important they are. I just thought of them in terms of my Sunday morning breakfast supplies!

Okay, I am just curious if this column gave you info you didn’t know. Contact me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com with your questions or comments. And don’t forget we are also online.

Thanks for reading!