SOLON & BEYOND, Week of November 30, 2017

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

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

This week I’m going to start out with some great news….we have a few birds coming back to our bird feeders! It is mostly blue jays, who tend to scare off the smaller birds, but we have seen a pair of cardinals a few times. There are a few brave little chickadees who show up after the blue jays get filled up, and it seems so good to have them all back at last.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day with family and friends, it is so much fun to see and visit with those who live so far away, and those near-by as well.

Peter and Sherry hosted my family’s Thanksgiving at their home on the River Road, in Solon, as they have done for years. There were over 30 in attendance but as always, there was an abundance of wonderful food, much laughter and love to share. To show how popular this is every year, Mark and Karen drive up from Florida, then after the luscious dinner, fun and game they head back to warmer weather that night. I am always happy when I receive the call saying they reached home safely.

Every year Peter and Sherry dream up and decorate their home for the festivities, this year the theme was poker and the decorations were spectacular! For several years now the event has been held in their garage because of the many family members attending. When they built the garage they put a good heating system out there and so it was cozy and warm with two long tables set for the dinner. Around the room there were sections set up for the games later, they try to arrange it so there aren’t any two from the same household on each of the four teams, (I think they thought there was some hanky panky because Lief and I wound up on the same team, but we didn’t tell.) The last game was when a member of each team sat down to play a game of poker. The members of the team I was on practically dragged me to the table where the game was to be played, with me protesting all the way. I had played a little poker in my younger days, but had forgotten it, until I drew a card which even I could see was a really bad one, and was about to throw my cards down, when I looked up at my advisor (Ben, and he is good at bluffing, and we won the game!)

A festive evening with the Liberty String Band, hosted by the Solon Congregational Church, will be held on Saturday, December 9, at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Admission by donation.

Next Sunday, December 3, at 4 p.m., the 7th annual Christmas Program; this includes a Christmas pageant by the Sunday School, skits and readings, special music and carol singing. There will also be light refreshments after the program. Hope you can attend and let your friends, family and neighbors know about this opportunity to capture the Christmas spirit. (I know I shouldn’t brag, but my daughter, Mary Walz, puts a lot of love and time into this annual event, and I really think the Christmas spirit should be able to be caught there.)

Over night guests of ours recently were Lief’s son and daughter-in-law, Dean and Cheryl Bull, from Georgia. We really enjoyed their visit and wish we lived nearer together.

My apologies for the fact that I was really long winded when writing about the annual Thanksgiving family get-together at Peter and Sherry’s. There will be more Thanksgiving news to share with you next week. Hope more of you will want to share your family Thanksgiving also. Thanks.

And so for Percy’s memoir: “Do something today to bring gladness To someone whose pleasures are few. Do something to drive off sadness – Or cause someone’s dream to come true. Find time for a neighborly greeting And time to delight an old friend; Remember, – the years are fleeting And it’s latest day will soon end! Do something today that tomorrow Will prove to be really worth while; Help someone to conquer sorrow And greet the new dawn with a smile – For only through kindness and giving Of service and friendship and cheer, We learn the pure joy of living And find heaven’s happiness here.”

GARDEN WORKS: It’s Tree Time! – Autumn tree planting = Success

Emily CatesGARDEN WORKS

by Emily Cates

Many folks are surprised to learn that autumn is a good time for planting trees. Once a good frost has arrived and trees drop their leaves, it’s a sign that “Tree Time” has begun! To make this event a success, let’s keep a few things in mind. The following suggestions apply not only to trees, but also to shrubs, vines, and other hardy plants.

Good planting candidates should be dormant, young, and small enough to move without too much bother. (A larger-sized plant will be easier to move if it was root-pruned last season by a sharp spade plunged into the radius of soil around it.) Try to get as many roots as reasonably possible. If the roots must be pruned, cut away areas that are damaged in the process, and remember to proportionately trim branches from the top of the tree.

All right, now it’s time to plant, preferably into an already-prepared, rock-free, planting hole which was dug with more than enough room for the roots. Special emphasis should be placed on the width of the planting hole, with enough vertical depth to accommodate an equal depth to which the plant resided previously. Be sure to work loose any compacted areas in the hole. Grafted specimens can be planted with the graft at or under soil level if it is desirable for the scion to form its own roots.

Many folks are surprised to learn that autumn is a good time for planting trees. Internet photo

Careful placement of the tree and back-filling of the soil is done best when the roots are evenly spread out. If a root does not fit, do not bend it back towards the tree. Either proportionately prune the root and top, or widen the planting hole. A huge success factor is the amount of water added at this time. Don’t be afraid to make a soupy mess, the tree will love you for it! As the soil is back-filled, water adequately to the point of saturation. Gently wiggle the tree back and forth to get rid of air bubbles. Pack the soil down gently when finished back-filling, and add a nice, thick layer of mulch to keep weeds at bay and to conserve moisture. Old rotted hay or aged sawdust are good choices. Whatever is used, it should be pulled away from the base of the tree. Hold off on fertilizers at this time, but be sure to keep the soil around the tree well-watered, to the point of saturation. Check every day or two by poking around the soil, adding enough moisture, doing so until the ground freezes. This is perhaps the most important aspect of fall planting. After all, this is the moisture that will carry the plant through from freeze to thaw.

To help prevent sun scald from the winter sun, apply a coat of interior latex paint applied from the base to several inches above the snow-line. Wrapping smaller trees, shrubs, and vines with a collar of tin foil (removed in Springtime) will accomplish this and also deter uninvited four-footed, furry guests from munching away all our hard work. While we’re at it, let’s make sure to mark our plants so that the snow plow driver or Aunt Maybelle sees them.

Now it’s tea time! What better way to plant a tree than with a spot of tea?

SEARCH annual dinner

SEARCH’s annual fall dinner celebrating seniors and their volunteers was held in October. The SEARCH (Seeking Elderly Alone, Renew Courage and Hope) program of Catholic Charities provides volunteers for seniors so they can live more independently in their home. For more information about how you can make a difference in a senior’s life right here in the Kennebec Valley please contact Lynn at 530-0137 or lkidd@ccmaine.org.

Contributed photo

Annual Christmas tree sales from St. Denis Knights of Columbus

St. Denis Knights of Columbus Council #1423 of North Whitefield will be selling Christmas Trees starting Friday, November 24, through Friday December 22, at these locations:

  1. End Zone Pizza & Deli – 315 Eastern Ave., in Augusta, Friday Nov. 24 thru Sunday Nov. 26, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thereafter Thursdays thru Sundays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The last day is Friday Dec. 22.
  2. Sheepscot General Store – Sunday Nov. 26 thru Friday Dec. 22.
  3. St. Denis Church – Sundays after the 11 a.m. Mass, behind the church.

The trees are from Pleasant View Tree Farm in Searsmont, freshly cut, custom groomed and wrapped for easy loading,  Trees are $25 each. Proceeds to benefit local charities.  For more information or to order your tree in advance please call Bob Lamothe 207-845-2320 or Pete Taylor 207-542-0820.

Magic of Christmas at Yule Goat Farm

The magic of Christmas is furry and four-footed at Pumpkin Vine Farm’s Holiday Craft Markets on December 3 and 17. In Scandinavian tradition, the Yule Goat brings presents to children at Christmas, accompanied by the Tomten, a farm gnome who looks after the well-being of the animals. The farm’s Yule Goat and Tomten will be visiting with children between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., with a special story time beginning at noon and 1 p.m. Children will have the opportunity to make a special treat for the animals in their neighborhood.

Following a visit to the barn, browse the local crafts and farm-fresh treats at the farm’s holiday market. All our products are made by local artisans and reflect the beauty and bounty of nature, from wreaths to wooden bowls, hand-knits, skin-care products, and jewelry. Our edible treats include cajeta (goat’s milk caramel sauce) and truffles, local honey, and squash, pumpkins and other veggies for your Christmas feast.

Bring your walking boots (and a sled if it’s snowy) to enjoy the beauty of the farm’s hills and fields in winter; we’ll have a fire and free hot chocolate to warm you inside and out! The farm is located at 217 Hewett Rd., in Somerville; for more information, visit www.pumpkinvinefamilyfarm.com, email info@pumpkinvinefamilyfarm.com or call (207) 549-3096.

Maine Children’s Home seeks clothing donations; get a free haircut

The Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers is seeking donations of winter clothing for needy children. Items include hat and mittens sets, warm pajamas (sizes 6-16), snow pants and jackets, and boots for ages 18 months – 12 years. A more complete list is available on the home’s website. www.mainechildrenshome.org.

Bring your donations to the Cutt-it-Out salon at 909 Main St., in Vassalboro, and receive a complimentary haircut from the staff. The salon may be reached at 509-0004.

COMMUNITY COMMENTARY: Endangered – Clean Water Act

Image Credit: chinalakeassociation.org

COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

by Lynne O’Connor
China resident

As a local China Lake Smart volunteer, I have seen the improvements citizens, volunteers, and organizations are bringing to our lakes, streams, and waterways.

However, on the federal level, two impending federal actions threaten Maine lakes and all streams, rivers, estuaries and marine environments to which they drain. The issues are radical cuts to Clean Water Act funding and repeal of the Clean Water Rule protecting wetlands and the headwater streams which provide the last remaining habitat for Eastern brook trout and feed all downstream waters. I urge you to ensure these vital protections for the integrity, health and benefits of Maine waters remain secure in 2018 and beyond.

The natural waters of Maine are our (as citizens of Maine) high value assets which generate over $3.5B in economic activity, are a joy to fishermen and all who enjoy the beauty and activities they provide, fuel 52,000 jobs, power local and property tax bases, and provide drinking water to 1/3 of our citizens each year. Currently, 53 of our 2,314 great ponds are impaired and bloom annually, more than 490 are ‘at risk from development,’ and 172 are High Priority Lake Watersheds (MEDEP). The only public funds available in Maine to prevent decline of Maine waters (lakes, streams, wells, all natural waters), and which restore impaired lakes, come from EPA’s Clean Water Act “Nonpoint Source (319)” Funds. Since 2008, seven lakes and one stream have been brought back from impairment by the 319 Program. Last year alone, fifteen 319 projects kept 500 tons of sediment, 550 pounds of phosphorus and 1,000 pounds of nitrogen out of Maine lakes and streams. Federal grants require in-state match, doubling their impact: $1,830,000 in 2015. Please see more info on this and the Clean Water Rule at http://mainelakessociety.org/advocacy/

What can you and I do? Call, Maine Senate: 1-800-423-6900, write, email, post, your concerns, and request our senators, Susan Collins and Angus King, vote against these changes in the Clean Water Act funding, and the repeal of the Clean Water Rule.

Obituaries, Week of November 30, 2017

RONALD LIVELLARA

WINDSOR-–Ronald Livellara, 57, passed away Saturday, November 11, 2017, following a long-term battle with chronic pain. He was born in the Bronx, New York, on August 31, 1960.

Ron was a landscaper for several golf courses in Florida.

His life enjoyments ranged from riding roller coasters at Coney Island, to white water rafting in West Virginia, to traveling to Maine and seeing the home of his idol, Stephen King. He played drums with his brother Rick and Bob Klein in New York.

His biggest accomplishment was purchasing his first home with his wife, Lori, in Maine.

A Celebration of Life is planned for May 2018, in New York.

Donations to offset the costs of Ron’s passing may be made to Laura Livellara, 369 Windsor Neck Road, Windsor ME 04363.

GEORGE E. FORTIN

WINSLOW––George E. Fortin passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at Oak Grove Nursing Home, in Waterville. He was born in Winslow, on June 18, 1939, to Alphonse “Peter” and Julia (Duquette) Fortin.

He graduated from Winslow High School in 1957, and went to work in the family business, Fortin’s Meat Market. He would later become a co-owner with his brothers, Gerard, Donald and Robert.

He will be remembered for his love of baseball and the many years he spent coaching Little League and Babe Ruth.

He had been involved in the Waterville Exchange and Elks Clubs for many years.

He was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Yvette Roy and Sister Norma Fortin; and his brothers, Leo, Wilbert, Gerard, Alphonse and Donald.

He is survived by his children and spouses: Diana and Gar Michaud, of Winslow, Joseph Fortin and Christine, of Albion, and Barbara and Joe Poirier, of Pittsfield; brothers, Robert and wife Joan, of Winslow, and Lucien and wife Bonnie, of South Carolina; and his companion of many years, Mary Hunter, and her children Chris and Erin. George loved his grandchildren, Joshua, Matthew, Peter, Ian, Patrick, Amaiya and Jada; and great-grandchildren. Harlen, Boyd, Matthew and Crosby. He was also Papa to Carrie, Jamie, Amy, Paige, Noah and Sophia. He is also survived by many Fortin/Roy, Pellerin and Haskell nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 2, 2017, at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Monument Street, in Winslow.

BRUCE B. DUNLAP

SOMERVILLE––Bruce B. Dunlap, 79, died Thursday, November 16, 2017, at Togus VA Hospital, in Augusta, following an extended fight with ALS. He was born on April 29, 1938, the son of Chester and Grace Dunlap.

He was raised in Stoneham, Massachusetts and graduated from Stoneham High School, class of 1955.

He joined the U.S. Marie Corps in 1956 and was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1958.

He was employed as a sales representative of the Acme Glass Company, and then owned his own business, the Hour Glass Co.

Bruce was a member of Dirigo Masonic Lodge #104 A.F. & A.M. and a life member of the Elks.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sandy Dunlap; son Michael Dunlap and his wife Brenda; daughters, Tracey Butterworth and husband Brad, and Laurie ingersoll and husband Kenny; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

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

In the spring of 2018, Bruce will be interred at Puritan Lawn Cemetery in Peabody, Massachusetts, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Wakefield Elks. Details will be announced when finalized.

Memorial donations may be made to: The ALS Association, Northern New England Chapter, The Concord Center, 10 Ferry Street, Suite 438, Concord, NH 03301.

KEVIN E. MORIN

VASSALBORO––Kevin E. Morin, 52, of Vassalboro, died on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, following a short but courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born in Camden, on June 27, 1965, to Edward and Helga F. (Oetjen) Morin.

Kevin spent most of his career working for A. W. Chaffee, in Clinton.; He considered the Chaffees to be extended family and cherished the relationship he had with them. He also enjoyed great friendships with the many people he worked with over the years.

First and foremost, Kevin enjoyed doing anything that involved time with his family. He was a devoted husband, father and Papa and would do anything for his family as well as for others who asked. He enjoyed hunting, and was thrilled to be able to share that experience with his “little guy.” He also enjoyed camping, four-wheeling and snowmobiling. Kevin was truly a jack-of-all-trades and he used his many talents to help and to teach so many. Kevin was a very social man and made friends wherever he went. He loved to just hang out with i”the guys” and share stories.

Kevin was predeceased by his father, Edward J. Morin II.

Kevin is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kathy (Beaulieu) Morin; daughters, Stephanie and Danielle; grandson, Kaiden, who was his very special “little guy,” and granddaughter, Kiley; his mother, Helga F. Morin; sisters, Susan (Allen) Rowe, Marie (Bob) Bellows, Janet (Mark) Lancaster, and Karin (Wayne) Gerow; brothers, Shawn (Kathleen) Morin, and Jason Morin and companion Kelly; many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 3, at the Augusta Church of the Nazarene.

In Kevin’s memory, donations may be made to the MaineGeneral Harold Almond Center for Cancer Care.

VIRGINIA R. LEVESQUE

OAKLAND­­––Virgina Ruth Levesque passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2017. Born September 28, 1946, to Elijah and Lilla Beale, of Danforth, with the closest hospital being across the river in another country, Ginny was born in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada.

She was the baby of eight siblings, and having lost their father at a young age, their mother moved her family and settled in Clinton. Lilla, with the help of family, raised her children while she worked full-time.

Ginny attended Waterville and Clinton schools, and she was proud of and kept up with her classmates through the years.

She was a born worker, having had many jobs in the area, her first being the diner in Clinton where she met the love of her live, Peter. Eventually, she put herself through beauty school, which led to a long and rewarding career where she met her lifelong friends and mentors. With their help and support, she opened her first salon, The Zodiac, on Silver Street, in Waterville, and few laters later, The Zodiac II, at the JFK Mall, in Waterville, all the while raising two sons and suffering a major heart attack at a very young age.

She and Peter continued to build their other business, T..D.S>, from a small little rubbish route. It was later acquired by a Fortune 500 company. After an unfortunate fire that burned one of the salons, they chose a new adventure and purchased the nearly-closed Saddleback Motor Inn and moved to Rangeley. Slowly refurbishing in only a way Ginny could, they re-opened the restaurant and bar as the Hungry Trout Bar and Grille. Ginny was in her element, being hostess to locals and folks from around the world who came to visit Rangeley. Due to health problems, they decided to sell and retire by buying a small mobile home park in Oakland, and settled there. She continued working at The Senator Inn, in Augusta, as a hostess, and lastly at Pier One Imports, in Augusta.

Her holiday parties and pig roasts became well-renowned within her circles as the place to be.

Having seven siblings and marrying into a family of nine siblings, Ginny was bless with family who contained nieces and nephews too numerous to list.

When life handed her lemons in the form of fires, flood, or heart attacks, Ginny took those lemons, squeezed herself a margarita, and plotted her comeback to live a life worth living!

She was predeceased by father, Elijah Beale; her stepfather and mother, Tate and Lilia Lewis, of Waterville; Paul and Margaret Bailey, of Clinton; Verna Proctor, of Clinton; Arlene Bouraguard, of Clinton; Robert Beale, of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; and brother-in-law, Ronald Randall, of Augusta.

Surviving family includes her husband of 49 years, Peter; their son, Brent and wife Annette Levesque, of Waterville, with their sons Dustin and Jared Levesque; son Brian and wife Shyanne Levesque, of Burnham; her brother, Richard Beale and partner Anna Gerald; her sister, Mary Randall, of Augusta; brother-in-law, Charles Proctor, of Burnham; sister-in-law, Dreana Beale, of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; and countless in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

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

Memorial donations may be made to one of the causes that were dear to Ginny’s heart: Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, Florida 33607, or Fisher House Foundation, 111 Rockville Pike, Ste. 420, Rockville, Maryland 20850.

LESLIE P. LeBLANC JR.

Leslie (Les) P. Leblanc, Jr, 59, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 19, 2017, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. Les was born in Lincoln on February 17, 1958, to parents Jean Trask and Leslie Leblanc Sr.

He proudly served in the US Navy. After retiring from the Navy, He came home to Maine to care for his mother and has resided here ever since. He has worked as a substitute teacher, school bus driver, he provided computer technology for seniors and helped with the Meals on Wheels program and volunteered at the Humane Society in Augusta. He has been extremely helpful to his family and has helped care for his aunts Hazel and Charlotte. He loved to hike with his best furry friend Fred, he enjoyed gardening, canning and technology.

He was predeceased by his parents; Jean and Leslie and brother Gary.

He is survived by his sister Virginia Bara and his brothers Joseph Leblanc and Michael Trask and nieces and nephews and cousins.

Arrangements were in the care of Plummer Funeral Home, in Augusta.

Memorial Ccntributions may be made to the ALS Foundation, 10 Ferry St # 438, Concord, NH 03301.

LAURENTIA H. BILODEAU

WINSLOW––Laurentia “Billy” Bilodeau, 92, passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2017, at Mount Saint Joseph, in Waterville, due to a short illness. She was born in Canada, to the late Odilon Lessard and Belzemire Quirion.

Laurentia furthered her education inn Waterville and worked over 28 years as a devoted employee for Sisters Hospital, Seton and MaineGeneral Medical Center, all in Waterville.

She was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, in Winslow.

She was predeceased by her husband, Louis; her infant daughter, Marie; her daughter, Ginette Cathcart; son-in-law, Brian Thompson; brothers, Germain, Geradin, Raymond Marie, Marcel, Louis Phillipe and Yvon; and by her sisters, Cecile, Marie Marte, Genoria and Jeannine.

Survivors are her children, Jean Marc and wife Suzanne; Nicole Thompson; Doris Boulette and husband Richard; and Richard and wife Donna; her sister, Lucille Turner; sister-in-law, Mona Steins Lessard; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

To share condolences, memories and tributes with her family, visit: www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations may be made to Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, 101 Silver Street, Waterville ME 04901.

OTHERS DEPARTED

REGINALD J. POULIN, 65, of Augusta, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. children Sallie Beane, of Vassalboro, Janelle Gath and husband Samuel, of Winslow, and Carmela Thompson and Lyn, of China.

EMILE MORIN JR., 81, of Augusta, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta. Locally, he is survived by sons Mark A. Morin and companion Beryl Freeman, of Augusta, and Lee P. Morin and wife Pam, of China.

JEAN E. PROCTOR, 84, of Augusta, passed away on Monday, November 20, 2017, at the Augusta Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center, following a long illness. Locally, she is survived by a son, Steven Proctor Sr. and wife Debbie, of China, and daughters Joi Stratton and husband Charles Sr., of Belgrade, Cheryl Lachance and husband Ricky, of Chelsea, and Caryn Weaver and husband Roy, of Palermo.

CYNTHIA A. LOCKWOOD, 71, of Hallowell, passed away on Monday, November 20, 2017, following a heroic battle with pancreatic cancer. Locally, she is survived by a son, Joel Lockwood and wife Shannon, of Oakland, and two granddaughters, Madelyn Lockwood and Norah Lockwood, both of Oakland.

GEORGE E. GREENE, 66, of Augusta, passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2017, at his home. Locally, he is survived by a daughter, Erin Turner and husband Adam, of Windsor.

Vassalboro selectmen’s meeting canceled; rescheduled to December 14

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro selectmen will not meet Thursday, Nov. 30. They had already moved their meeting from evening to afternoon so board members can attend a training session for elected officials, and have now canceled the meeting due to lack of pressing business. Their next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, Dec. 14.

Garage expansion OK’d by Vassalboro planners

by Mary Grow

Presented with the previously-missing site plan, Vassalboro Planning Board members quickly and unanimously approved Michael Chick’s application to enlarge his garage on Burns Road, off Church Hill Road.

At their regular meeting Nov. 9, board members ruled Chick’s application incomplete because it lacked an overall plan. They scheduled a special meeting for Nov. 21 with Chick’s application the only agenda item.

Chick’s plan showed the 16-by-60-foot addition on the back of the garage. At the earlier meeting, Chick and his wife said the addition is to provide more work and storage space; they plan no changes in activity level, traffic, landscaping, lighting or anything else likely to impact neighbors or the environment.

A couple whose land adjoins Chick’s five-acre lot told board members they have no objection to his project.