Obituaries, Week of February 22, 2018

/0 Comments/in /by

VIRGINIA A. VEILLEUX

OAKLAND – Virginia A. Veilleux, 75, of Oakland, passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2018, at Glenridge Nursing Home, following a long battle with dementia. She was born in Waterville, the daughter of Alton and Yvonne Pomerleau Wilbur.

She was educated in Waterville schools. She worked at Fort Halifax Packing, in Winslow, and then became a stay-at-home mom. She loved knitting, crocheting, dancing, beano and spending time with family and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents; daughter Victoria Reid; brother Keith Wilbur; and grandson Paul Caret.

She is survived by her husband, Gerald, of Oakland; sons Brian Reid, of South Carolina, Paul Reid Jr. and wife Loretta, ofSouth Carolina, daughter Sherill Reid and partner Norman Pelkey, of Waterville, Penny Goodale and husband John, of Vassalboro; sisters Diane Lane, of Oakland, Linda Rodrigue, and Donna Cayouette, both of Winslow; brothers Russell Wilbur, of Portland, Everett Wilbur, of Waterville; stepdaughter Vicki, of Windsor; stepsons Keith, of Fairfield, Paul, of Waterville; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

CATHERINE M. TRAYLOR

WINDSOR – Catherine (Cathy) M. Traylor, 84, of Windsor, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2018, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. Cathy was born at home on October 25, 1933, in Bronx, New York, to the late Joseph and Grace (Enright) McCrain.

She worked several jobs while living in New York and New Jersey. Once she married and began her family, she chose to be a stay at home mom.

Upon moving to Maine in 1984 she worked as a custodian for many years at Windsor Elementary School. She built lasting relationships with the staff and community members. The students loved her dearly as she did them. They looked up to her and always appreciated her beautiful smiles and warm caring hugs. To this day the past students remember her and share their stories of her and how much they loved her.

Catherine was always there to lend a helping hand no matter what. She was a very beautiful person, inside and out. Her beautiful blue eyes stood out from across the room.

She enjoyed going to church, shopping at Wal-Mart, and watching TV. She absolutely adored her two cats, Pat and Cat, but more than anything she cherished her time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who she loved unconditionally.

Cathy was member of Saint Michael’s Parish, attending Saint Augustine’s Church.

She is survived by three sons, Robert Burns and his partner Karen McCarthy, of Windsor, Richard Burns and his wife Andrea, of Berwick, Patrick Burns, of Augusta; two daughters, Catherine Bell and her partner Douglas Medina, of Palermo, Therese Barrett and her partner Albert Knights Jr., of Vassalboro; three sisters, Lois Ozga, of Dumont, New Jersey, Patricia Stone and her husband Warren, of Ringe, New Hampshire, Dorothy Pierce, of Bronx, New York; two brothers, Joseph McCrain and his wife Joyce, of Coram, New York, Edward McCrain and his wife Mary, of Albertson, New York; two step-daughters, Gail Traylor-Garcia, of Tampa Bay, Florida and Cindy Traylor Housman, of Tom’s River, New Jersey; grandchildren, Kelly, Pamela, Michael, Keith, Christina, Nikole, Amber, Mollie, Richie, Allison, Nicole, Brad, Brooke, Katie, Nikki, Douglas, Matt, Austyn, Annika, and Michayla; several great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Emmett Traylor; a daughter Grace Theresa Burns; three brothers, William McCrain. James McCrain and Thomas McCrain; three sisters, Eileen Baer, Grace Calvano and Joan McCrain; her all-time favorite son-in-law, Dick Bell; her step-daughter Gloria Traylor.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Saint Augustine’s Church, of Saint Michael’s Parish, on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 11 a.m. A celebration of Cathy’s life will follow at the American Legion Post 179, South China, Maine from 1 – 4 p.m.

MICHELLE D. HASKELL

ALBION – Michelle Dawn Haskell, 42, of Albion, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at the Alfond Center for Health, MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. She was born October 1, 1975, the daughter of Mark Haskell and Jackie Lucier.

She was employed as animal control officer for the towns of Albion, Troy, Thorndike and Unity.

Michelle liked gardening and taking care of her garden.

Michelle is survived by her significant other Rickey Bragg, of Albion; daughter Maryah Fortin, of Fairfield; two sons, Jared Barter, of Albion, and Charles Ripley III, of Whitefield; brother David Bumford, of Augusta; sister Naomi Williams, of Alberta, Alabama; four grandchildren, Harlen, Kohen, Ella and Jaylynn.

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

KATHERINE A. BOUCHER

FAIRFIELD – Katherine A. Boucher, 81, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at her home. She was born March 1, 1936, the daughter of Edwin and Ethel Collier.

Katherine, “Kay,” graduated from Williams High School, in Oakland, in 1954. She was a devout member of Corpus Christi Parish, where she served as a Eucharistic minister at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, in Fairfield.

She will be remembered for her delicious Saturday lunches which she made so effortlessly, and she welcomed all who happened to walk through her kitchen door to join in on the lunch. She loved July 4, swimming, traveling, crossword puzzles, gardening and a good cup of tea.

Kay was an immeasurable source of strength, leadership, comfort, understanding and unconditional love, not only for her family, but for all those she held dear to her heart. Her strong will, deep faith, kindness, generosity and love for those around her will always be cherished and forever missed.

She was predeceased by her parents, and one brother, Timothy Collier; and by husbands Romeo Bureau, Norman Pellerin, and J. Alfred Boucher.

Kay is survived by seven sons, Marc Bureau and wife Amber, Scott Bureau and wife DeeDee, Paul Pellerin, David Pellerin and wife Robin, Jeffrey Pellerin and wife Robin, Donald Pellerin, and Andrew Pellerin and wife Leanne; two daughters, Lisa Bureau Smith and partner Andre Isabelle, and Noreen Howard and husband Lewis; 14 grandchildren; the Boucher family, Robert and wife Norma, Richard and wife Debbie, Karen Witham and husband Jeff, Donald and wife Lyndsey, Kathy Simpson and husband Steve; sister-in-law, Linda Collier; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

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

Memorial donations may be made to the Alfond Cancer Center, 361 Old Belgrade Rd., Augusta, ME 04330.

ANTOINETTE B. ZEMRAK

WINSLOW – Antoinette “Toni” Zemrak, 85, passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2018, at Oak Grove Nursing Home, in Waterville. She was born in Waterville on April 1, 1932, the daughter of Joseph Philip and Belzemire Veilleux.

Toni grew up and attended school in Winslow and graduated from Winslow High School in 1950. She and her husband of 65 years, Robert, were married on September 6, 1952, and together they had five children.

Toni worked at the Federal Trust Bank, in Waterville, for many years following high school. She then opened a daycare in her home and cared for hundreds of children for more than 20 years. After retiring from being a daycare provider, she opened Antoinette’s Bridal Boutique, on Main St., in Waterville. She ran the business until her full retirement.

Toni enjoyed traveling. After her husband’s retirement, they took 2-1/2 months to travel the country. She loved her many trips to California, New York City, Myrtle Beach, Florida and Hawaii. Her longest destination trip was to Japan.

Toni is survived by her husband Robert; children Gary and wife Brenda, Brian and wife Cathy, Laurie Levasseur and husband Jim, Vicki Harding and husband Jeff, and Derek and wife Kaori; nine grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One, Suite 3C, Scarborough, ME 04074

HATTIE BUMPS

CHINA – Hattie Bumps, 95, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2018. Shewas born August 11, 1922, in Winslow, daughter of Harry W. McCaslin and Thelma (Green) McCaslin.

Hattie married Bernard J. Bumps, October 26, 1940, and they were married 35 years. They purchased the Old Bumps Homestead on Pleasant View Ridge Road where they ran a dairy farm with Bernard’s brother until the farm was sold in 1970.

Hattie chaired many seats while she was a member of the Silver Lake Grange, in China. She was a employee for years at Lipman Hatchery, in Winslow. Hattie was not a stranger to hard work as she and her family ran the farm while Bernard was enlisted in the military. She worked as a housekeeper for many years for many local residents of China.

Hattie can be remembered as a hard worker willing to help out any way possible. Hattie spent many of her days and nights crocheting dish cloths and blankets for her family and friends. She had a great appreciation and love of flowers and could be seen tending her gardens in the spring and summer each year, if you were lucky she would give you cuttings of her flowers to nurture in your own gardens.

Hattie was predeceased by her parents Harry and Thelma McCaslin, her husband Bernard J. Bumps, her daughter Nancy Bona and her ten siblings.

She is survived by her sister in-law Deloris McCaslin, her daughter, Elaine Hannan and her husband Sonny, of Weeks Mills, sons Arvide Bumps and wife Christa Bumps, of China, Joseph Bumps and his wife Cheryl Bumps, of Augusta, and her son in-law, Thomas Bona, of China; her grandchildren: Todd, Dennis, Tina, Heidi, Alisa, Trevy, Tomi, Tiffiny, Lindsey and Jasmine her eighteen great-grandchildren: Stephen, Elizabeth, AC, Dennis, Chynna, Ashley, Destynee, Jayde, Nicholas, Jordyn, Cameron, Brenden, Tedi, Jackson, Lucas, Bailey, Bella and Maddy; and three great-great grandchildren: Jayden, Rylee and Paityn. There are many aunts, nieces, nephews and cousin.

There will be a small family graveside service and burial in the spring. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.directcremationofmaine.com.

GEORGE L. DWELLEY

AUGUSTA – George L. Dwelley, 83, died Thursday, February 15, 2018, at the Maine Veterans Home following a long illness. He was born in Alexander on May 1, 1934, a son of the late Wayne and Ruth E. (Ferguson) Dwelley.

Mr. Dwelley was a graduate of Calais Memorial High School and Barrington University where he earned his bachelor’s degree.

He had been employed by Erskine Academy, in South China, for over 25 years and previously worked for many years at Winslow Junior High School.

Mr. Dwelley was an active member of the Blessed Advent Christian Church. He was an active outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. George ran canoe trips in northern Maine for many years.

He was pre-deceased by his brother, Aubrey Dwelley.

Mr. Dwelley is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mildred E. (Campbell) Dwelley, of Waterville; his son, David and Penny Dwelley, of Manchester; two daughters: Dianne and David Spurdle, of Temecula, California, and Donna and Paul Oxley, of Vassalboro; a sister-in-law, Lillian Dwelley, of East Machias; 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, April 20, at 2 p.m., at the new Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Family Life Center at the Blessed Advent Christian Church.

Those who desire may make donations to: Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME, 04074.

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

BRIAN L. ROY

WINSLOW – Brian L. Roy, 49, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 18, 2018, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. He was born December 6, 1968, in Portland, the son of Alton and Helena (Green) Roy.

Brian had graduated with a diploma from Lawerence Adult Ed, in Fairfield. He was a member of the First United Pentecostal Church, of Augusta, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and raising chickens.

Brian is survived by, his significant other Pam Henderson and her two children Nick and Morgan, of Winslow, a son Dalton Roy, of Waterville, three daughters, Tisheena Foss and husband Justin, of Weston, Victoria Williams and husband Ben, of Weston, and Kasey Inman, of Waterville; mother, Helena Roy, of Waterville; father, Alton Roy Sr. and wife Yvette, of Clinton; two brothers, Roger Green and Alton Roy Jr. and wife MJ, of Skowhegan, two sister, Brenda Dodge and husband Daniel, of Canaan, Laurie Ann Roy, of Winslow; granddaughter, Aria Foss and grandson Chandler Foss, of Weston, along with nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Thomas and Gladys Green.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Brian’s memory to the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

OTHERS DEPARTED

GABRIELLE L. MANSON, 102, of Waterville, formerly of Fairfield, Oakland and Unity, passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2018, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. Locally, she is survived by son Parrish Manson and wife, Jessey, of Waterville, and daughter Pamela Manson, of Winslow.

EVA MAY NICHOLS, 71, of Skowhegan, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at her home. Locally she is survived by daughters Shay Perryman and husband Kenny, of Oakland, and Ida Noonan and fiencé Jeremy Clement, of Vassalboro.

LORRAINE P. HAYDEN, 70, of Starks, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, at Sandy River Center, in Farmington. Locally, she is survived by daughters Katherine Casey, of Waterville, and Patricia Hayden and fiancé Errol Ireland, of Clinton; and grandchildren Cassandra Gaskey and husband Steve, Alex Casey, and Miriah Casey, all of Waterville, Zachary Casey, of Madison, Tifani Warren, of Skowehgan, and Natasha Warren, of East Benton.

Palermo residents speak up about Sheepscot fishway

/0 Comments/in , /by
Submitted by Lynda Pound, member of the Sheepscot Lake Association.

Alewives

Although a major snow storm was bearing down on Palermo, over a hundred town residents assembled in Augusta for a hearing on the bill L.D. 922 on February 7, before the Marine Resources Committee, in Augusta. This bill proposed that Marine Resources would take control of the dam on Sheepscot Lake from the Maine Department of Inland Fish and Wildlife in order to open the fishway to migratory fishes during the spawning season from April 15 to June 30. The fishes that would come up through the fishway would be alewives (to be used as bait fish for the lobster industry), Sea Lamprey, and American Eels. According the Andy Goode, of the Atlantic Salmon Federation, there would be no Salmon.

Testifying before the Marine Resources Committee were members of the Sheepscot Lake Association, a representative from the Palermo Select Board, many concerned citizens of Palermo, legislators and residents of Long Pond, and other concerned Maine citizens….most all in opposition to this bill.

The Sheepscot Lake Association and Palermo residents wanted legislators to know that they are profoundly against this opening for multiple reasons. These include threatened biosecurity of the fish rearing station from alewives entering the lake during spawning season, damage to the valuable self sustaining wild togue (lake trout) population, parasitic sea lamprey entering the lake during spawning season, and potential negative impact on the tax base of Palermo from fluctuating water levels.

Vehement opposition to this controversial bill was in clear evidence. Proponents of L.D. 922 made it clear that they did not think that there would be any problems with opening the fishway during spawning season. During testimony, it emerged that there have been no recent environmental impact studies done for Sheepscot Lake. Thus, it is not known how damaging this proposed opening would be, to either the lake or the fish rearing station. After hearing the lengthy testimony presented to them, the Marine Resources Committee members adjourned, having set a date for an upcoming workshop to vote on the bill.

On February 14, the committee reconvened to discuss L.D. 922. Much written testimony had been given to each legislator and a lively debate ensued. Proponents of the bill felt that opening the fishway during spawning season would not pose a significant risk to the fish rearing station, nor would it negatively impact the deep water fishery or the recreational use of the lake. Written testimony from the opposing side, the citizens of Palermo, contained specific information about past history with the fishway having been opened during spawning season in the era of the late ‘60s, and ‘70s. A proliferation of sea lamprey, who were unable to get out of the lake after spawning, attacked both salmon and togue. According to a written document from Inland Fish and Wildlife, deep water fish caught during this time were scarred with multiple wounds from sea lamprey. More information from Inland Fish and Wildlife outlined the high cost of equipment that would have to be installed in order to protect the rearing station from potential viruses and pathogens, if the alewives and sea lamprey were allowed to enter the lake. After much deliberation, the committee voted 8 – 4, ought to pass. At this point, the bill will be forwarded to the legislature for more debate and a vote.

It should be noted that the Maine Governor, Paul LePage, has written a letter to the Commissioners of Marine Resources and Inland Fish and Game asking them to keep the fishway as it is now, requesting that other bodies of water could be used for raising and harvesting alewives.

Give Us Your Best Shot! week of February 22, 2018

/0 Comments/in /by
To submit a photo for The Town Line’s “Give Us Your Best Shot” section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@fairpoint.net!

NEXT MEAL: Michael Bilinsky, of China Village, captured this hawk enjoying its next meal.

 

EAT UP!: Rose Jackson, of Solon, photographed this woodpecker feeding its young.

 

FINGER LICKIN’ GOOD: Emily Poulin, of South China, snapped this squirrel licking its paws after eating some sunflower seeds.

Two area boys meet “Gronk” at Barbara Bush Hospital

/0 Comments/in , , /by

by Mark Huard

Thirteen-year-old Jacob Seigars, of Palermo, attended China schools until October 2017 when he transferred to Palermo Consolidated School. He continues to attend Palermo Consolidated via robot generously provided by Grahamtastic.org

Jacob’s mother is Heather Seigars, his father is Joseph (Joe) Seigars and his bonus mother is Natasha Seigars. Jacob has a 15-year-old brother named Shawn, as well as three younger siblings, Achiva (10), Joe joe (7) and Isabella (3). He also has two pets: a yellow lab named Honey and a cat named Shade.

Jacob Seigars, of Palermo, with New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, in Portland. Photos courtesy of Mark Huard

As many know Jacob has a fantastic sense of humor. He can take any situation and find humor, even when it’s a situation that is as debilitating as being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. After being sick with numerous illnesses for about six consecutive weeks, including colds and pneumonia, Jacob was diagnosed with AML on January 15, 2018, and admitted to Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, in Portland, that same day. He has remained an inpatient at Barbara Bush since then and will remain in the hospital for at least a few more months. Jacob completed his second round of chemo­therapy on Feb­ruary 18. He continues to fight Leukemia and is determined to beat the disease.

Jacob is a phenomenal athlete and whatever sport he plays he puts his whole heart into it! He stands out by his skill and his positive nature. Jacob started playing soccer at the age of three, and started playing basketball at the age of four. Jacob started baseball at five years of age with tee-ball and played up through Little League through sixth grade. Jacob joined track and field in sixth grade and continued to compete in seventh grade, also. His best events are discus and hurdles.

Jacob has received a lot of recognition over the years because of his athletic ability and been an integral part of many teams. His middle school soccer team has won the SVAC championship the last two years. His middle school basketball team last season, China Clippers, placed second in the 2017 SVAC championship. Last season Jacob placed first in hurdles at the invitational meet. Jacob recently earned a spot to the Dirigo U14 Premier soccer team and is hoping to get back on the field soon! This season Jacob played for the Palermo varsity basketball team. He was struggling health wise this season but still managed to dominate the court and end each game with “double-doubles” while he was still able to play.

Not only does Jacob love playing sports but he loves watching them as well! Jacob loves watching the New England Patriots play football. His favorite players are Chris Hogan, Deion Lewis, and Gronk. Jacob got a surprise on February 13, when Rob Gronkowski along with his father and two brothers visited the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital to deliver a $25,000 donation to the hospital from Gronk Nation! Jacob’s counts were so low he was unable to attend the gathering and the ball spiking lesson with Gronk, so Gronk and his dad were kind enough to stop by and visit in Jacob’s room!

For more updates on Jacob’s fight and upcoming events please follow www.facebook.com/PrayforJacob18.

A dodgeball tournament has been scheduled by Whitefield Elementary for March 2 and 3v3 basketball tournament for March 4 has been scheduled by Mike Roderick and Becky and Chris Young to be held at Erskine Academy. A donation account has been established at Bar Harbor Bank and Trust. The family’s address is: The Seigars Family, 888 Route 3, Palermo, ME 04354.

William Alger, of Winslow, is pictured with New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, in Portland. Photos courtesy of Mark Huard

William Alger, 12, of Winslow has Cystic Fibrosis. CF is a genetic disorder that causes complications in the respiratory and digestive systems. He typically visits the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, in Portland, for a “clean-out,” which is a 14-day course of antibiotics administered through an IV, once every year or two.

William has been in the hospital since January 31 and recently returned home on February 20. The goals of this admission were to improve his lung function and to gain weight. Healthy weight has a direct correlation to higher lung function in CF patients. William has been busy working through his treatments, with his tutor, keeping caught up on his academics. He has been working hard in physical therapy also – getting lots of exercise to stay strong. He also gets to have some fun with the Playroom staff and other kiddos.

William’s mom Esther Bullard is quoted as saying, “Our time here is filled with sleepless nights, busy days, and an enormous effort to improve William’s overall health outcomes. One of the blessings here at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital is that special guests come and meet with the kids, providing much needed encouragement. Today William got to meet New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski! It was an incredible, unforgettable surprise.”

Gronk was so kind and humble. He took time to talk with William. They chatted about the Super Bowl game, and he asked, “so what’s your favorite sport?” William responded, “well it’s lacrosse,” which was so funny! Gronk wasn’t expecting that answer (obviously), and he said, “that’s cool, I’ve never played lacrosse!” And, of course, William said Gronk was his favorite football player, and that the Patriots are his favorite team.

William got two autographs and some amazing photos. It was a wonderful day for William that will be forever remembered.

William Alger, of Winslow, gets an autograph from New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, in Portland. Photos courtesy of Mark Huard

Week of February 15, 2018

/by

Week of February 15, 2018

Celebrating 30 years of local news

Maine’s native wildflowers come to Vassalboro School

The class started with students passing a package of shrink wrapped alewives around the room, drawing comments like, “Gross,” “Cool,” “I know what those are.” It ended with 80 pots of native plant seeds, ready to be moved outdoors to a cold frame behind the school. On February 8, students in Lorraine Kingsbury’s science classes at Vassalboro Community School learned about the importance of Maine’s native wildflowers. Karen Simpson, a Maine Master Gardener and Maine Master Naturalist delivered a lesson on the differences between, native plants, non-native plants and invasive plants. Students learned the vital role native plants play in nature’s food web […]

Your Local News

VASSALBORO: Town’s reserve funds likely not affected by stock market fluctuations

VASSALBORO — The Town of Vassalboro’s savings – its so-called unassigned or undesignated fund balance, once known as surplus, plus designated funds like cemetery trust funds – are unlikely to be affected as the United States stock market bounces up and down […]

Vassalboro planners approve two permit applications

VASSALBORO —  Vassalboro Codes Officer Richard Dolby reported that Vassalboro Planning Board members unanimously approved two applications on their Feb. 6 agenda and forwarded a revised Building Permit Ordinance to selectmen, with a request that the two boards discuss the document […]

Vassalboro selectmen to hear about LED lights; ARI update; department heads for budget discussions

VASSALBORO — Vassalboro selectmen meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, in the town office meeting room, with four major items on their agenda. Paul Vesel, Director of Business Development with Realterm Energy, is scheduled to attend to discuss converting the town’s streetlights to LED. Representatives of the Alewife Restoration Initiative (ARI) are to update board members on the proposed fishway at China Lake’s outlet dam and related matters […]

China selectmen meeting change due to holiday

CHINA — China selectmen have scheduled their second February meeting for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, since the usual Monday meeting would fall on the Presidents’ Day holiday. The board meets in the town office. On Monday, Feb. 19, the China town office and transfer station will be closed for the holiday […]

Vassalboro Fishing derby results

VASSALBORO — 2018 Vassalboro Fishing Derby Results […]

Big Brothers / Big Sisters receives grant from local bank

MID-MAINE — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine (BBBS MM) was recently awarded a $3,000 grant from Skowhegan Savings Charitable Contributions Foundation in support of school-based mentoring programs in Somerset County […]

Start seeds at the Palermo Community Center

PALERMO — Whether you are a patio container gardener or have a vast vegetable garden, getting those seeds going indoors is a fun and productive way to kickstart your growing season. Grab some seeds and growing trays on Friday, February 23, and we’ll get down and dirty with a hands-on sowing session following a delicious Pot Luck Supper at 6 p.m. […]

Palermo Food Pantry to reschedule when schools close

PALERMO — For safety’s sake, the Good Shepherd Food Bank, which contracts with local food pantries, has issued a policy that when schools are closed due to weather and road conditions, many of the area food pantries will also close. The Palermo Food Pantry, which is open every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to noon, will try to reschedule to Wednesday at the same time, at the Palermo Community Center […]

Erskine Academy to host 8th grade open house

CHINA — All eighth grade students and their parents from the surrounding communities are invited to attend the Erskine Academy Eighth Grade Open House on Wednesday, February 28, at 6:30 p.m., in the gym […]

Erskine class of 2018 to hold 5K in April

CHINA — The Erskine Academy Class of 2018 will host the 9th annual Fly Like an Eagle 5K Race/Walk on Sunday, April 29, at 9 a.m. The race will feature free performance race T-shirts (if registered by deadline), snacks for all race participants, and awards for race winners […]

Erskine Academy wins national three-point challenge

CHINA — The Erskine Academy Varsity girl’s basketball team recently participated in, and ultimately won, the National High School 3-point Challenge which is part of the Coaches vs. Cancer program. On February 13, Coach Donar was presented with a mock check to represent the funds raised for this event […]

Scrapbooking workshop at Erskine Academy

CHINA — The Erskine Academy Class of 2018 will host a scrapbooking workshop to benefit Project Graduation on Saturday, March 3, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., in the Erskine cafeteria. Creative Memories consultant Mary Haskell will be there with how-to workshops, ideas, and materials to purchase […]

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!

The Town Line to benefit from Hannaford’s Reusable Bag Program

Buy one of these reusable grocery bags in February, and the China Hannaford will donate $1 to The Town Line!

A look at the top stories from The Town Line in 2017

Winslow Girls KVAC champions

WINSLOW — The Winslow High School girls basketball team defeated Maine Central Institute, of Pittsfield, 57-31, on February 2 to make it into the KVAC championship game. Winslow prevailed again, 62-40, during the rematch for the title […]

Bulldog pride 2018

FAIRFIELD — Members of the Lawrence boys sixth grade travel team are…. (drum roll, please!)

Huard’s Karate team member tops in New England

SKOWHEGAN — Huard’s Sport Karate team member Landon Nunn, 12, of Skowhegan, captured first place in New England for point fighting for the 2017 season […]

Andrew Browne makes dean’s list

VASSALBORO | Andrew Browne, of Vassalboro, majoring in communication, was among 2,419 students at Coastal Carolina University, in Conway, South Carolina, who made the fall semester 2017 dean’s list […]

Owen Concaugh named to dean’s list

OAKLAND — Owen Concaugh, class of 2021, from Oakland, was named to the dean’s list at Bucknell University, in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, during the fall semester of the 2017-18 academic year. A student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a scale of 4.0 to receive dean’s list recognition […]

Godleski named to Genesee Community College Fall 2017 Provost’s List

SIDNEY —  Mikayla Godleski, of Sidney, was among 228 students from Genesee Community College, in Batavia, New York, who were named to the provost’s list for the fall 2017 semester […]

Do you have news about your town?
Email us at townline@fairpoint.net or visit our contact page!

CALENDAR of EVENTS: Local author to speak at ACB Library

CHINA VILLAGE | Local author Maureen Milliken, author of the Bernie O’Dea mystery series, will speak at the Albert Church Brown Memorial Library on Sunday, February 18, at 2 p.m., at the library. Admission is free, refreshments will be served, and the public is welcome […]

Obituaries – week of February 15, 2018

WINSLOW––Dorothy J. Joseph, 84, of Winslow, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2018, at Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor, following a short illness. She was born in Waterville on March 26, 1933, a daughter of John and Marie (Sirois) Bernard… and remembering 11 others…

Take our weekly survey!
[democracy id=”81″]

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | The 6th annual Maine Pond Hockey Classic took place last weekend at the Snow Pond Center for the Arts, in Sidney. Over 60 teams and 500 players from the northeast, Canada, and beyond, participated in this annual event, sponsored by the Harold Alfond Boys/Girls Club. The classic was founded in 2013, and its original site was on China Lake, in China […]

ERIC’S TECH TALK

by Eric W. Austin | In Lewiston, fake news is taking over the town. Five candidates faced off in the town’s mayoral race back in November. Democrat Ben Chin held a comfortable lead in initial polling. But then something changed. News stories started popping up on social media that painted the Democrat in an unflattering light. It didn’t matter that the stories were misleading and inaccurate […]

Dan CassidyINside the OUTside

by Dan Cassidy | This has been an up and down year for skiers and riders so far. It began with great snow and weather conditions, then rain and freezing temps made conditions challenging for snowmakers and groomers. All in all, Maine ski resorts have found ways to make the best snow and the grooming has been about as good as it gets […]

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates | Breakout Kings dealt with a special task force, led by an investigator, Charlie (Laz Alonso), and his assistant, Ray (Dominick Lom­bar­dozzi), to catch prisonors who have escaped, usually ones with violent criminal pasts […]

Marilyn Rogers-Bull & PercySOLON & BEYOND

by Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy | Good morning, dear friends. Don’t worry, be happy! The Solon Pine Tree 4-H Club met on Saturday, February 10, with Cooper Dellarma presiding. The members taking foods and nutrition are planning to meet with Mrs. Burbank during the February vacation. Mrs. Pooler did a demonstration on how to make chocolate chip bars. This was to show the members how to do a demonstration […]

Katie Ouilette WallsIF WALLS COULD TALK

by Katie Ouilette | WALLS, there is so much for you to tell our faithful readers today! Where do you want to start? O.K., we’ll start with what happened to me this noon. First, I’ll say that my step-grandmother, Lucetta Russell, who lived on a farm in Sidney, had lost her first husband in a farm accident and, to earn funds for raising her own family, she offered to take care of state children. She was a wonderful caregiver, teacher, and the Waterville hospitals soon sent the babies to her as they waited to be adopted […]

I’M JUST CURIOUS

This past week I had the experience of spending a few days at the Hotel Inland, on Kennedy Drive, in Waterville. What a wonderful vacation. I was so pampered and it was so appreciated. I kept a guest book on my bed and night stand for those pampering me to sign […]

A huge thank you

FOR YOUR HEALTH

While many strategies for “healthy aging” exist, recent evidence points to the important role of hearing health in maintaining quality of life long-term. Better hearing starts in the brain. Your brain processes and interprets the sounds your ears receive. When you have hearing loss, your brain doesn’t get all the sound information it needs to understand what’s being said and it spends more energy trying to fill in the blanks. That extra effort can take its toll […]

Keep Your Brain Fit

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Keep Your Brain Fit

/0 Comments/in /by

(NAPSI)—While many strategies for “healthy aging” exist, recent evidence points to the important role of hearing health in maintaining quality of life long-term.

Better hearing starts in the brain. Your brain processes and interprets the sounds your ears receive. When you have hearing loss, your brain doesn’t get all the sound information it needs to understand what’s being said and it spends more energy trying to fill in the blanks. That extra effort can take its toll.

A study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that people with hearing loss who wear hearing aids had the same risk for age-related cognitive decline as people without hearing loss. When you actively use hearing aids, you are more likely to stay socially engaged, one of the primary ways to stimulate your brain. Like any exercise, the mental give-and-take of social interaction helps to keep your brain fit and slows down accelerated cognitive decline.

That’s the idea behind the BrainHearing™ technology built into Oticon hearing aids. With BrainHearing, Oticon hearing aids deliver sound with the clearest, purest signal possible—in the way your brain is best able to understand it.

Because this innovative technology preserves the important details in speech, your brain doesn’t have to strain to fill in the gaps. There’s less effort involved in listening. You enjoy a more natural, more effortless listening experience, anywhere, anytime so you can stay active and engaged in all that life has to offer.

Learn More

For more facts, visit www.Oticon.com.

 

Bulldog pride 2018

/0 Comments/in , /by

Members of the Lawrence boys sixth grade travel team are, front row, left to right, Riley Leary, Gavin Wilson, Dane Zawistowski, Gavin Lunt, Aiden Jackson-Heath and Dominic Clifford. Back, Bailey Pepin, Hayden Folsom, Cameron Blodgett, Brandon Watson and Jacob York. Photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography staff

Roland’s trivia question of the week of February 15, 2018

/0 Comments/in /by

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

The U.S. has hosted the winter Olympics twice since 1960, at Lake Placid, New York, in 1980, and Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2002.

ANSWER:  The U.S. has hosted the winter Olympics twice since 1960, at Lake Placid, New York, in 1980, and Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2002.

CORRECTION: This answer has been corrected. It was a source error.

<– Back to SCORES & OUTDOORS

SCORES & OUTDOORS – Winter birds; pond hockey classic: good hockey, however….

/0 Comments/in /by
Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

A 40-year study conducted by the Audubon Society has found that more than half of 305 bird species in North America are spending the winter about 35 miles farther north than they did 40 years ago. Some of these birds include chickadees, robins and owls.

purple finch

Bird ranges can expand for many reasons, among them urban sprawl, deforestation and the backyard feeders.

The study suggests that the reason so many birds over such a broad area are wintering in more northern locations is climate change.

The study of migration habits from 1966 through 2005 found that about a quarter of the species have moved farther south. But the number moving northward (177 species) is double that amount.

Of all the birds, the purple finch was the biggest mover. Its wintering grounds are now more along the latitude of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, instead of Springfield, Missouri.

Over the four decades covered by the study, the average January temperature in the United States rose by about five degrees. That warming was most pronounced in northern states, which have already recorded an influx of more southern species and could see some northern species move into Canada.

The study also provides support for what many bird watchers across the country have long thought – that many birds are responding to climate change by moving farther north.

boreal chickadee

Previous studies of breeding birds in Great Britain and the eastern U.S. have noticed similar trends. But the Audubon study covers a broader area and includes many more species.

Examples of these are the purple finch and the boreal chickadee. They are spending their summers in the forests of Canada and fly south into the U.S. for the winter. Climate change could be playing a role in why they are not flying as far south as they used to. This is reflected in the fact that these species of birds are no longer as common as they once were in states like Maine and Vermont.

The Audubon Society likes to conduct their bird counts in mid-December. At that time of year, temperature is the primary driver for where birds go and whether they live or die.To survive the cold, birds need to eat enough during the day to have the energy needed to shiver through the cold nights.

With the milder winters that the northeast have been experiencing in that four-decade span, it is possible that birds don’t need to expend as much energy shivering, and can get by eating less food in the day.

However, researchers cannot explain why some certain species are moving. It’s speculated that changes in temperature affect different birds in different ways.

Researchers don’t know for a fact that it is warming. But when they keep finding the same thing over and over, they reason that it is not just a figment of the imagination.

MAINE POND HOCKEY CLASSIC

The 6th annual Maine Pond Hockey Classic took place last weekend at the Snow Pond Center for the Arts, in Sidney. Over 60 teams and 500 players from the northeast, Canada, and beyond, participated in this annual event, sponsored by the Harold Alfond Boys/Girls Club. The classic was founded in 2013, and its original site was on China Lake, in China.

I watched a lot of hockey over the three-day tournament and found most of it competitive. The A, B and Over-35 divisions showcased some good hockey. However, if I may make one suggestion, it would be this: there needs to be a better vetting process for the C category, or Recreational Division as it is named.

That class was the largest of the different groups. The level of talent was too broad. There were many teams with talent that should have been playing in higher divisions against stiffer competition. I watched a game on Saturday morning that ended 22-4 – I think. I lost track of the goals because they were coming so often. Not very entertaining nor competitive hockey. It was obvious that members of the losing team were amateurs who play in recreatonal leagues with below college skills, while the winners had obviously played at much higher levels. There were some teams in the recreational division that were comprised of players with much more experience from higher levels of competition.

Although many players said they had fun, I doubt losing 22-4 is exactly a joy ride. I suggest to the organizers that players with college or higher experience should not be paired against those who have high school or lower backgrounds.

If I may have one more suggestion: They need better monitoring of the games by officials. I witnessed countless rules violations that were not addressed.

Just a thought.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

When did the U.S. last host a winter Olympics?

Answer can be found here.