REVIEW POTPOURRI – Singer/Songwriter: John Prine; Album: Ralph Towner/Gary Burton; Movie: Angel and the Badman

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

John Prine

John Prine

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. While surfing YouTube, I chanced upon a 2011 post featuring him singing a duet with Iris Dement, who has been a favorite singer of mine for at least 25 years.

The song was In Spite of Ourselves with these opening lines; “She don’t like her eggs all runny/She thinks crossin’ her legs is funny/She looks down her nose at money/She gets it on like the Easter Bunny/She’s my baby/I’m her honey/I’m never gonna let her go.”

I won’t quote further because the lyrics go a bit over the top but they are a celebration of true love between a couple who each have two verses to “extol” each other. And, yes, the song was written by Prine and featured on a 1999 album as the title one. He had Dement in mind for the duet. His wife called the singer to tease her about the lyrics, while Dement took a period to gather the courage to record it.

The song became a much requested hit; there are numerous YouTubes from over the last 19 years in which Prine sings with Dement, Emmy Lou Harris and others, not to mention other couples.

Ralph Towner/Gary Burton

Matchbook; ECM records, ECM-1056, stereo LP, recorded 1975.

This very exquisite, delectable album is a collaboration between two very gifted players – guitarist Ralph Towner, now 78, and the presently 75-year-old vibraphonist, Gary Burton. It assembles some of the most captivating “soft” jazz to be heard anywhere, yet not in the superficial, commercialized mode of a few other performers, especially from the ‘70s when such muzak really thrived.

The nine selections include seven original Towner compositions, the Adolf Comden, Betty Green and Leonard Bernstein, Some Other Time, and Charlie Mingus’s Goodbye Pork Pie Hat. The album is one I shall return to.

Often during the past 47 years, I would confuse Burton, with another Gary who was also a wonderful vibraphonist, was born the same year, 1943, as Burton, but died very tragically at the age of 38 in 1971 – namely, Gary MacFarlane !

Angel and the Badman

starring John Wayne, Gail Russell, Harry Carey, Sr., Bruce Cabot, Tom Powers, etc.; directed by James Edward Grant; Republic Pictures, 1947, 100 minutes, VHS cassette.

John Wayne

John Wayne is a gunslinger who served as Wyatt Earp’s deputy at OK Corral but is running from an otherwise questionable past. Gail Russell portrays the Quaker maiden who falls in love with him. The very engaging actor, Harry Carey, Sr., is the sheriff in pursuit of Wayne while Bruce Cabot appears as another outlaw also gunning for JW. Due to space, all I can say is that I love this film for its plotting, pacing, character development, phenomenal performances from every cast member and the most splendid concluding confrontation scene and aftermath. Finally, there are moments when Carey comes very close to stealing the show; his death within a year was a major blow to cinema!

John Wayne was a very caring friend to Gail Russell, who was an extremely shy, vulnerable woman and who would succumb to alcoholism at the age of 36 in 1961, despite Wayne’s very caring and frequent help and support.

SOLON & BEYOND: Local pastor undertakes mission trip to Uganda

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

Good morning, dear friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

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.

From Pastor Tim: ” We have all had “profound moments” in our lives. February 5 – 16, 2018, was one of those times for me. While our wives stayed home to shovel snow and tend the wood fires, three other pastors and I went on a mission trip to Uganda, Africa. to encourage and minister to Ugandan pastors. It was an awesome time, a challenging time, a rewarding and fulfilling time. There were heart-wrenching moments, but there were times of fun and laughter, too. There was great fellowship as we four American pastors served together. Above all, it was a”God-moment” in time for each of us as our horizons were broadened and we saw the struggles, the joy, and the faith of our Ugandan brothers and sisters in Christ. I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you who supported me financially on this trip and who prayed for me and my colleagues as we ministered in that beautiful country. Here is a brief summary of what we did there.

On February 5, three pastors – Bob Emrich, Tom Brown, and I left Boston on an eight-hour flight to Amsterdam. There we connected with the fourth member of our team, Jerry Conklin, from Oregon, before another nine-hours to Entebbe, Uganda, where we stayed overnight in a brand new hotel. The next day, Wednesday, we traveled to our destination – the Kalungu District – which is just southwest of Kampala, the capital of Uganda.

Thursday and Friday we had Bible conference at Faith Bible School where each of us spoke for an hour session via a translator, with Q & A both days. Then in the evenings, we divided into two groups of two and had two one-hour Bible studies in two local churches nearby. It was impressive to that these Bible School students, after being in a conference all day, walked a mile to get two more hours of Bible teaching in the evening. These student-pastors are hungry to learn the Word of God.

Saturday was the first graduation of Faith Bible School. What a privilege to be there and experience and excitement of the nineteen students and their families as they received their diplomas! This was quite an achievement for them, as they also have to work long hours in their gardens just to feed their families.

Sunday the four of us went to different churches in the area. I was to go to one that was a half-hour drive away. I was to be picked up at 9:30 a.m. However, my ride never came. Just after 9:30 a.m., a small motorcycle arrived (with a live turkey tied to the back), and thinking this might be my ride I inquired. The driver declined. Forty minutes later my ride did come, and I had a great time ministering in Pastor Joel’s church for the remainder of the morning and early afternoon. Many of those in Uganda were amazed that we Americans would come all the way to Uganda to the poor countryside to teach them the word of God.”

In this letter that I received from Tim it goes on to tell of some of the other churches they visited on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, I found this one quite interesting: ‘Richard pastors a church where there are rural farms. We literally followed a cow path to the church location. Richard leaves home on his motor-cycle for Bible School at 5 AM, picks up student #2, then goes and picks up student #3 and travels for three hours (three men on a bike) to arrive at school by 8 a.m.’”

On Thursday they headed back to Kampala and ultimately home sweet home.

And so for Percy’s memoir:

May there always be work for your hands to do;
May your purse always hold a coin or two;
May the sun always shine on your windowpane;
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
May the hand of a friend always be near you;
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

(There wasn’t any name to say who wrote these words, but I hope they help you.)

Young martial artists have their day at Battle of Maine

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Front row, left to right, Emily Feyler, Mikayla Achorn, Logan Dow, Lucia LaCroix, Jason Feyler and Daniel Ouellette. Back, Carlie Bertrand, tournament director Mark Huard, Luke Raven, Tate Jewell, CMN director Kelly Pearson, Abby Dudley and major tournament sponsor Corey Dow (H&R Block). Absent from photo is Elyse Wilson. (Photo by Central Maine Photography staff)

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 took place on Saturday, March 24, at Thomas College, in Waterville. The event helped raise funds for the Children’s Miracle Network and was a great success. Over 375 competitors and many spectators joined the event for a fun and action-packed day of martial arts competition.

Some of the youth competitors are showing off their first time tournament awards at the Battle of Maine. (Photo by Central Maine Photography staff)

 

Some of the many winners from the Battle of Maine Martial Arts championships. From left to right, Xander Giguere, third place forms, first place chanbara, Adam Fitzgerald, first place forms, first place chanbara, Abby Dudley, first place weapons, first place forms, first place fighting. (Photo by Mark Huard)

IF WALLS COULD TALK: March 17 has more meaning to me than St. Patrick’s Day

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Katie Ouilette Wallsby Katie Ouilette

WALLS, you sure have been busy this week! Frankly, if I were you, I’d begin by wishing The Town Line congratulations for bringing the news to everyone, at least to everyone in these parts, for 30 years. We should also thank Gary and Trish Newcomb for their being the founders of The Town Line. Like all things, time does change us along life’s way, but everyone who knows The Town Line must be especially grateful to Roland Hallee, since, as managing editor, he has carried the good works of The Town Line for all faithful readers since 2005. Actually, I have to admit that I had been writing this column for another newspaper. When that newspaper became history, I received a call from Roland and here you and I are, WALLS.

Well, that paragraph was easy, but, yes, WALLS was very busy this week. 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! He was the son of a Romano-British official, Calparius. When St.Patrick was captured by raiders at age 16, he was carried and became a slave in pagan Ireland. Six years later, he escaped and returned to Britain when he was about 22 years old. He studied at the monastery of Lerins. He was ordained, sent to Ireland, founded the Church of Armagh, which is now known as St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral. Yes, there he converted the Irish.

Now, Lynn’s birthday was on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, and then Skowhegan celebrated Governor Abner Coburn Day, per declaration issued by the Skowhegan Selectmen.

However, Governor Coburn was a very generous man and the name Coburn has been mounted on buildings all across the country. He was generous in death, also, and left money to have the Skowhegan Free Public Library built.

Attorney “Rob” Washburn was the one who delivered the Coburn message on March 22, while Evalyn Bowman and Shirley Whittemore served refreshments to all who attended. Oh, lest I forget, John Harlow was videographer for the event, in case you get Ch. 11 on your TV.

Today, there were so many folks attending Maine Maple Saturday and Sunday, and Kristina, Director of Skowhegan Main Street, you surely did a wonderful bit of organizing for all of us to enjoy.

China board denies BioFuels’ request to reconsider

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by Mary Grow

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.

Howe appealed both documents. At the Feb. 15 hearing, board of appeals members unanimously rejected both appeals on procedural grounds, without going into the merits of the issue.

The rest of the board agreed with Chairman Spencer Aitel that the appeal of the August letter was not filed within the required 30 days, and that the appeal of the notice of violation incorrectly listed the property-owner as BFR, when in fact the company leases its land from Ralph Howe’s wife Linda.

Attorney Kristin Collins, of Preti Flaherty, in Augusta, disagreed with both reasons and objected to the board’s not giving the Howes a chance to rebut them. She therefore asked the board to reconsider its Feb. 15 decisions.

Aitel arrived at the conclusion that the appeal was filed late by counting days on a calendar. Collins referenced state Rules of Civil Procedure that say that the day of an action does not count as the first day, and if the final day of a time period is a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the next day should be counted as the final day. By those rules, she said, the appeal was filed within 30 days. On the second point, Collins said BFR was the entity to which Mitnik’s documents were addressed, and since the company has a 99-year lease on the land it is the owner for relevant purposes. She added that nothing in town ordinances allows dismissal of an appeal because of an error on the form; in fact, she said, the town does not even require a form, as long as an appeal is in writing, nor does it require the property-owner to submit the appeal.

Board of Appeals members approved motions not to reconsider each previous action by identical 4-1-1 votes, with Robert Fischer, Lisa Kane, Anthony Pileggi and Dale Worster in the majority, Michael Gee opposed and Aitel abstaining.

Aitel told the Howes they may appeal the board’s decisions to Superior Court.

China voters approve all warrant items but one

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by Mary Grow

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. The proposal came from Selectman and Bicentennial Coordinator Neil Farrington, who stressed the importance of preserving tangible pieces of China’s past. He also urged treating China’s four villages equally, pointing out that the town is financing causeway improvements near China Village and the one-room schoolhouse in Weeks Mills and has installed sidewalks in South China.

Hugh Krajewski, one of the church directors, said Branch Mills residents support preserving the church as a multi-purpose secular community center and consider tearing down the building “not a viable option.” The town would have a better chance of getting preservation grants than would the church directors, he said.

Click the picture above to download the China Town Report for 2018 in pdf format.

Budget committee member Wayne Chadwick said preservation should be done by the China Historical Society or another private entity, not by taxpayers. He pointed out that in the Palermo half of Branch Mills Village are a newer church and a Grange Hall that could serve as community centers.

Former Selectman Ronald Breton said the TIF Committee had not been consulted on the possible use of TIF money. He added that “a selectman” – he declined to say which one – told him repairs and maintenance would be likely to cost $200,000 rather than the $80,000 in the warrant article.

Another historic preservation proposal, the request for up to $20,000 to install water and a septic system at the Weeks Mills schoolhouse, also generated debate, but was approved, not unanimously, by a show of hands. Farrington said the work would make the building usable as a community center for Weeks Mills or, now that it has internet, as a virtual school.

Chadwick opposed this expenditure, too, questioning the need for local centers now that transportation is easy, citing the shortage of land for a septic system and for parking and asking whether the additions would fit the building’s historic character.

Farrington said parking could be at the church across the road and that a neighbor is willing to share part of his land. Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux added that the Weeks Mills Water Company has agreed to extend a line to the building, and that when it was a school it had running water and a “primitive waste system.”

The other request approved only after debate was for a new precrusher-compactor for demolition and debris at the transfer station (Art. 17). The equipment would cost more than $56,000; Chadwick and others questioned whether it was a good investment.

Members of the Transfer Station Committee, which endorsed the proposal, said the new equipment would be used mostly to crush bulky items like sofas and mattresses so that each load shipped out for landfilling would have more in it. Since the town pays by the load, increasing the tonnage in each load from about six to about 10 tons would save money.

The new compactor would also save wear and tear on the loader that transfer station staff now use as an improvised crusher, would save staff time and would be safer, Paul Lucas and Linda O’Connor said. It would be a back-up for busy days or if the main compactor had a problem. Since the current hopper dates from around 1990, Farrington called a back-up a good idea.

There was disagreement over how long it would take the equipment to pay for itself, with opponents claiming up to 17 years and supporters saying if quantities of debris continue to increase and hauling costs rise the payback could be five or six years.

Art. 17 also included a little more than $24,000 for a new forklift. Transfer Station Committee Chairman Frank Soares said the one now in use needs $3,000 worth of repairs and would still be of doubtful reliability.

Another new proposal that voters approved was to spend up to $22,000 to update China’s comprehensive plan, with the understanding most of the money would be used to hire a consultant. Residents interested in serving on a committee to oversee the project are invited to contact the town office.

The business meeting began with election of Richard Thompson as moderator for, he said, about the 13th year. Voters heard brief presentations from state Senate candidates John Glowa, of China, and Matthew Pouliot, of Augusta; state House candidates Dawn Castner and incumbent Timothy Theriault, both of China; and gubernatorial candidate Mary Mayhew, of China.

During a scheduled break in business, Selectman Irene Belanger asked for audience appreciation of China’s firefighters, rescue unit members and police officers and announced Spirit of America awards for volunteerism to one individual and one group.

She recognized L’Heureux’s retirement after 22 -1/2 years as China’s town manager and said he deserves the Spirit of America award for all the extra time he has put in. The audience gave him standing applause. The other Spirit of America recipients were those overseeing and organizing programs in the China school forest behind China Primary School: Tim Basham, Elaine Philbrook and Robin Tobey, all of China, and Claire Heffernan, school health coordinator for Regional School Unit (RSU) #18.

Obituaries, Week of March 29, 2018

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PATRICIA RENY

WINSLOW––Patricia “Pat” Reny, 91, passed away at home on Thursday, March 15, 2018.

She was the wife of the late Raymond J. Reny who passed away on December 7, 2017. Together they raised six children, all of whom they were very proud.

Patricia started her working career at C. F. Hathaway Shirt Factory, in Waterville, as a stitcher for many years, then worked at the chicken hatchery and sold many veggies at “Pat’s Wayside Garden”.

Patricia celebrated her family in the way only mothers know how, through their love of food and gathering. She shared her spirit of cooking with everyone she loved, and although few have mastered her recipes, they will be remembered by many. And what fun would a family gathering be, without a deck of cards (seven and up only!), and pairing-up for a game of Charlie.

Pat was spritely at the table and could outwit us all. Even in her last days she continued to enjoy crossword puzzles with her family by her side; the Morning Sentinel jumble rarely left undone. The joy, caring and patience she shared with her family will be missed.

Patricia is survived by her son Edward Reny and wife Beth; five daughters: Elizabeth Heavener and husband William, Paula Young and husband Terry, Carolyn LeClair and husband Jerome, Rebecca Theriault and husband Gregory, Lisa LaChance and husband Frank; and many grandchildren: Lance, Jeanine, Lonnie, Deanna, Deidre, Jennifer, Jason, Julie, Hanna, Timothy, Renee, Matthew, Chris and Cody; along with 22 great-grandchildren. Patricia was one of seven children of Patrick and Ludivine LaChance.

She is survived by her brother Arthur LaChance and wife Gerry, sisters Dorothy Reny and Jacqueline Plourde and husband Arthur.
She was predeceased by her brothers Edmond and Larry LaChance and Cleo Fortin. A special thanks to sister-in-law Muriel Grenier, the only surviving sibling of her husband Raymond Reny.

An online guestbook may be signed and condolences expressed at www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: St. John Regional Catholic School, 15 S. Garand Street, Winslow, Maine 04901, or one of your choice.

GERALDINE B. OUELLETTE

WATERVILLE––Geraldine B. Ouellette passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2018, at Woodlands Assisted Living, in Waterville. Gerry was born in Skowhegan, November 16, 1930, the daughter of John and Imelda Miller.

Educated in Skowhegan schools, Geraldine worked at Norwalk Shoe Co., in Skowhegan, until she married her husband, Fredrick Ouellette. They moved to Madison and lived there until his death in 1997. Gerry moved back to Skowhegan and lived there until she moved to Woodlands Assisted Living, in Waterville.

Gerry was the oldest of five sisters who were commonly referred to as the “Golden Girls” for the close love and relationship they shared. With no surviving Children of her own, Gerry loved and doted on her many nieces and nephews. Her favorite days were spending time with family, enjoying sing-alongs, cookouts and many rides around Maine. Gerry was a devout Catholic enjoying 50 years as a member of the Daughters of Isabella.

Gerry was predeceased by her husband Fred; her child Jeffrey; her brother Jack Miller, and sisters Mary Wilcox and Patricia Schinzel.

She is survived by her sisters Eleanor Bouchard, of Skowhegan, and Kathleen Potelle, of Fairfield; and many nieces and nephews.

ARDATH E. WOOD

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.

Mrs. Wood was a 1961 high school graduate of Boothbay Region High School. In March 2000, she retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs at Togus with over 29 years of service. Some of her favorite hobbies included gardening, knitting, reading, baking and traveling.

She was predeceased by her husband, Daniel W. Wood; a step-son, Karl E. Larrabee; and a step-daughter, Barbara Mitchell.

Mrs. Wood is survived by two sons, Mark L. Larrabee, of Phoenix, Arizona, and Timothy K. Larrabee, of Vassalboro; two daughters, Denise E. Jones, of Vassalboro, and Mista E. Tessio, of Hope; her brother, William A. Farnham, of Somerville; a step-son, James Larrabee, of South China; a step-daughter, Carol McIntyre, of Medway; five grandchildren: Krystle, Benjamin, Alisha, Kayla and Elisabeth; two great-grandchildren, Abby and Hannah; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Condolences, photos and stories may be shared at: www.plummerfh.com.

Those who desire may make donations in Ardath’s memory to: Kennebec Valley Humane Society, 10 Pet Haven Lane, Augusta, Maine 04330.

PHYLLIS A. LEE

ALBION––Phyllis Arlene “Young” Lee passed away on Sunday, March 18, 2018, at Inland Hospital, following a brief illness.Phyllis was born on October 6, 1921, and lived a very long life of 96 years.

She lost her son Charlton at the age of 18 which left a huge hole in her heart.

Phyllis loved working with her hands, crocheting beautiful quilts, needle point, quilting very colorful pot holders, and stained glass was another of her many projects and talents. She loved the outdoors, gardening, perch fishing, fiddle heading and most of all berry picking. She was a great cook; many blueberry muffins and pies were made to be shared with her family and friends at Meadow by the Brook.

Phyllis was a member of the Washburn Brann Ward Post.

She was predeceased by her parents Enoch and Eunise Young; her first husband Leon Brann; son Carleton Brann; her second husband Ellis Lee; her brothers Maurice, Basil, Donald, Stanley, Warren and Waldo; and sisters Alberta and Imogne.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on her behalf to any charitable organization.

ANETTE E. LOVEJOY

WINSLOW––Anette E. Lovejoy, 70, of Winslow, passed away unexpectedly Monday, March 19, 2018, at Inland Hospital, Waterville. She was born in Waterville on July 7, 1947, the daughter of Basil and Maxine (Palmer) Rines.

Anette was a cake decorator and retired from the bakery of Sam’s Club, in Augusta. She enjoyed going out with her daughter Joyce for paint night, spending time with her daughter Becky at the pool, and being with her daughter Janet who lived with her and spent every day in their garage dayroom. She also enjoyed her time with her grandson, Devin, who would spend time cooking dinner for her and her grandson Justin, who was there to fix any of her mechanical needs from car to lawn mower.

Anette is survived by her husband Ted, of Winslow; three daughters, Janet Rogers, of Winslow, and her children Nichole and Matthew, Becky Ouellette and husband Steven, of Oakland and their children Myriah, Devin and Cody, Joyce Castonguay and husband Darrell, of Winslow, and their children Danielle and Justin; one sister Jo An Hogan and husband Eddy, of Salem, New Hampshire; four step-sons, Todd, Mark, Danny and Jay Lovejoy; and several great-grandchildren.

An online guestbook may be signed and condolences expressed at www.gallantfh.com.

OTHERS DEPARTED

STEVEN W. DAVIS JR., 35, of Waldoboro, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at his home. Locally, he is survived by a daughter, Jenna May Davis, and Steven’s former wife, Melody M. Davis, of Washington.

ARMAND LACROIX, 72, of Augusta, passed away on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at the Comfort Care Unit at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Long Term Care at Glenridge, Augusta. Locally, he is survived by sisters Theresa Smith, Lorraine Ladd and husband Donald, all of Augusta, and Jeannette Gay, of Weeks Mills.

STEVEN W. CHICOINE, 65, of Portland, passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2018, in Portland. Locally, he is survived by his former wife, Alice Chicoine, of Windsor.

LUCILLE McDONALD, 81, of Embden, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 15, 2018, at Eastern Maine Medical Center, in Bangor. Locally, she is survived by her children, Randy and Linda Cates, of Bingham, Robert McDonald, of Bingham, Lisa and Peter Foss, of Embden, and Dwayne McDonald, of Oakland.

FORMER RESIDENTS

BARBARA A. WILSON, 70, of Farmingdale, formerly of Whitefield, passed away on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at Captain Lewis Residence, in Farmingdale. She attended school in Jefferson and also attended Erskine Academy, in South China. She worked at Digital, SCI, in Augusta, and Whitefield Superette. Locally, she is survived by a son, Warner Wilson and wife Becky, of Jefferson.

Coming of Age in Waldo County

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Palermo Community Center (Photo by Connie Bellet)

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.

Patricia Oh, LMSW, is a liveable communities consultant with AARP Maine. She works with communities that want to adopt policies, make infrastructure changes, create social and recreational opportunities, and develop services to encourage everyone–from toddlers to centenarians–to be fully engaged in the community while enjoying good health and well-being. As part of her association with age-friendly communities in Maine, Ms. Oh works with a number of people who have formed a group called Aging Well in Waldo County, with the purpose of creating much more liveable, attractive towns that are easier to navigate without great dependence on private transportation. Waldo County is the first county that has joined the Liveable Communities Initiative.

Accessibility is an issue that is certain to arise during this discussion, as is isolation of many of our homebound and disabled citizens who do not drive. Bring your ideas, questions, and a dish to share! This round table of neighbors is sure to get you out of hibernation. The driveway off Turner Ridge Road is marked by a lit sign, and is right across from the ball field.

For more information, please call Connie Bellet at 993-2294, or e-mail pwhitehawk@fairpoint.net.

Erskine Academy announces school calendar change

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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.

Tyler receives MPA principal’s award at Erskine

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Caleb Tyler

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. The award, sponsored by the Maine Principal’s Asso­ciation, is given in recognition of a high school senior’s academic excellence, outstanding school citizenship, and leadership.

Tyler is a consistent high-honors student in a highly competitive academic program with numerous Advanced Placement and Concurrent Enrollment classes with nearby colleges. He received formal commendation from his teachers for excellence and outstanding achievement in the sciences, mathematics, and social studies, and he is a standout athlete in both soccer and lacrosse.

“Caleb is esteemed by his teachers and peers, earning and enjoying universal acceptance in the school community. He is an exemplary student and fine ambassador of Erskine Academy and young people in general, and he personifies the school’s core values of scholarship, leadership, stewardship, and relationships,” noted Headmaster McQuarrie when making the award.

Tyler, McQuarrie, and other award winners and their principals will attend an Honors Luncheon at the Spectacular Event Center in Bangor on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at 12:30 p.m.

The Honors Luncheon recognizes these outstanding students with the presentation of an individual plaque and the awarding of five $1,000 scholarships in the names of Horace O. McGowan and Richard W. Tyler; both were former Maine principals and executive directors of the Association. Additionally, five $1,000 scholarships will be presented through the efforts of the MPA Scholarship Golf Tournament.

The Principal’s Award is presented in more than 100 Maine public and private high schools by member principals of the MPA, the professional association that represents Maine’s school administrators.