I’m Just Curious: Wedding Boxes, etc.

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by Debbie Walker

“Wedding Box” brings different thoughts to each person who might see the words. I originally thought it was some sort of a goody box wedding present.. Nope, that is not what it is. I did some looking but all I could find was that the author is “unknown,” I don’t know who wrote it and the first time I saw it was on the internet being passed around. I printed it off because I thought it was rather special. So I hope you enjoy it too.

Marriage Box

Most people get married believing a myth that marriage is a beautiful box full of all the things they have longed for; companionship, intimacy, friendship etc. The truth is that marriage at the start is an empty box. You must put something in before you can take anything out. There is no love in marriage. Love is in people. And people put love in marriage. There is no romance in marriage. You have to infuse it into your marriage. A couple must learn the art and form the habit of giving, loving, serving, praising, of keeping the box full. If you take out more than you put in, the box will be empty.

I am hoping all of you who are married or in a committed relationship will take this all quite serious. How wonderful it would be if we could bring up our children with two loving parents. You will have to excuse me; I put my rose-colored glasses on for a few minutes!

Okay, now I have room for one of my questions. I have soooo many questions! This one involves underwear. Why can bras and panties be advertised on models on TV and pictures in catalogs but if anyone went into a store dressed like that they would be arrested for indecent exposure!

Now that would be rather foolish, because bathing suits with less fabric than most underwear can be worn in public. I just don’t understand.

Onto my next subject: Some of you know that I am involved with the Foster Grandparent Program. I just love it! If you volunteer in a school or day care now it would be to your benefit to check this out. You would call Maria Staples at 973-3611. If you are just one person or are involved in a group have Maria come and speak. This is part of Penquis. It is interesting and the kids are wonderful! They can use your attention.

And as usual I Am Just Curious, hoping you will be a little curious about the Foster Grandparent Program. I am looking for any questions or comments, send to dwdaffy@yahoo.com, sub: Marriage, Underwear, or FGP. Have you checked us out on-line yet?

REVIEWS: Music director: Archie Bleyer; Film: The Big Sleep

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Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates

Archie Bleyer

Music from the Pajama Game
Cadence, EP 4054/5, two ep 45s, recorded 1954.

Archie Bleyer

After serving seven years as Arthur Godfrey’s music director, Archie Bleyer (1909-1989) was unceremoniously fired almost the same day in 1953 as Julius LaRosa. Meanwhile, Bleyer had founded Cadence records where he would be developing a catalog that would eventually include LaRosa, the Chordettes, Andy Williams, the Everly Brothers, Link Wray and, in 1962, the megahit First Family album, featuring one North Vassalboro native, the late Vaughan Meader, whose day in the limelight ended, of course, on November 22, 1963.

The 45 rpm set under consideration this week features Bleyer, with his orchestra; the Ray Charles Singers, who backed up Perry Como on his own RCA records and TV shows for ten or more years; and singers Stephen Douglass, Dorothy Evans and Arthur Malvin, performing eight songs from the 1954 musical, Pajama Game, later even better known as a 1957 film with Doris Day and John Raitt. Two songs from the musical were hit records on their own – Hernando’s Hideaway for Bleyer and Hey There for Rosemary Clooney.

The renditions here of these superb songs were spirited in the best sense of the word. Some of them can also be heard on YouTube.

A P.S.- Bleyer got married to one of the Chordettes, Janet Extel, while both parties were still working for Godfrey, thus violating the boss’ rule about dating fellow employees – a factor most likely contributing to Bleyer’s dismissal!

The Big Sleep

starring Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Martha Vickers, Elisha Cook Jr., Bob Steele, John Ridgeley, Dorothy Malone, etc.; directed by Howard Hawks; Warner Brothers, released August 23, 1946, 114 minutes.

Humphrey Bogart

In terms of the number of times I have watched this film since my first viewing at the Cambridge, Massachusetts, Brattle Street Theater in May 1974, the Big Sleep is my favorite from the peak film noir period from the mid-’40s through the ‘50s, when the detective movies and TV shows had a combination of quantity and quality that would remain unmatched to this day.

Humphrey Bogart may have given his best performance as the cynical, ever chain-smoking, always reparteeing detective Philip Marlowe. When he visits the very rich, but ailing General Sternwood (portrayed most movingly by the veteran stage and screen actor, Charles D. Waldron, just two years before his own death at 71), and is asked by the gentleman how he likes his brandy, he replies, “In a glass!”

Within ten minutes of the visit, Marlowe meets the general’s two daughters – the eldest, Vivian, (Lauren Bacall,) who , as described by her father, is “spoiled, exacting, ruthless”; and the youngest, Carmen, (Martha Vickers,) a quite promiscuous, addicted-to-dope loose cannon who wreaks much havoc on a regular basis.

The plot initially centers around Marlowe being hired by Sternwood to get a blackmailer to leave Carmen alone, the second such situation she has gotten herself into. And this problem is the most minor of a Pandora’s Box of nastiness involving pornography, deceit, grifters, hit men and at least five murders. And one fun movie!

The acting is masterful throughout all major and minor roles. Max Steiner’s lush soundtrack enhanced the melodramatic scenes in a most riveting manner right up to a truly cathartic climax.

The great Southern novelist, William Faulkner, was one of the three scriptwriters.

IF WALLS COULD TALK, Week of October 5, 2017

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Katie Ouilette Wallsby Katie Ouilette

WALLS, you have a lot to talk about today, for sure. Yes, you have the program that has been featured about the Vietnam War and we’ll soon have November 11 and all that must be told about it and those brave souls who have laid down their lives for our United States and all that our flag’s flying has stood for.

Y’know what? I’ve been reading Smithsonian magazine and, as with every issue, I learn what I’ve never learned in my school days. Well, maybe our faithful readers and you, WALLS, have learned such, but I do feel compelled, WALLS, to write about what I have learned. O.K., faithful readers, I’ll begin with Smithsonian magazine’s teaching of World War I. The magazine has an article entitled Save by the Bell. Yup, WALLS, you guessed it! The bell is our Liberty Bell.

It seems that in April 1917, our USA was in trouble. You are so right, faithful readers, the trouble was “no money.” Our country’s treasury department undertook raising $2 billion through the sale of War Bonds (that would be $4 billion today). You and I weren’t even born in 1917, but it was decided that important people would gather around our cracked Liberty Bell, ring it and all people, upon hearing a bell ring in their community, would flock to a bank to buy a bond! Oh, do you know what the final day of the champagne was? You guessed! Yes, it was June 14, 1917! Flag Day! There’s more for you faithful readers to know, aka what a newspaper editor did to save our bell, but word count doesn’t permit such at the moment.

Yes, I want to tell about our being involved in the Vietnam War. Frankly, many, many people of our Armed Forces died, as Ken Burns, a great story teller, depicted throughout the weeks of programming that he produced for TV. Yes, with all the wars that our United States has been involved in, we have lost our true Americans who were willing to fight for our freedom….and we must be thankful for those in our military who have given their way of life, whether during war-times or times of peace.

Tomorrow, we Ouilettes will have Lew’s family here. Yes, there are heroes who have gone to a better place, but from World War II to those who have graduated from Maine Maritime Academy, we offer our thanks. And over dessert on a Sunday afternoon, surely we will all remember days gone by.

SOLON & BEYOND, Week of October 5, 2017

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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!

I haven’t come back to earth yet after again reaching my goals from writing these many columns for papers for over 50 years! It is such amazing news, in my mind, anyway, for this wonderful little paper, but especially its editor Roland Hallee.

Now I will back-track a little, I know I have shared with you how I first met Roland back when I was writing for the Somerset Gazette, in Skowhegan. Then, when that paper closed and he called and asked me if I would like to write for The Town Line. He wasn’t the editor of the paper at that time, but I was hired to write a column and I did under a couple different editors for awhile but couldn’t seem to get along with one of them, and started my own paper for awhile. Then Roland became the editor, and again I was writing for The Town Line. When I went to South China and met with Roland as the editor, I asked him point blank, “How much mushy stuff will you let me get away with?” And I don’t remember his exact words, but in essence, he said to write from my heart! That was what I was waiting to hear, and he has always kept his word!

Now for the reason I haven’t come back to earth yet is because one day last week when Lief and I happened to be at Griswold’s having lunch, two men stopped at our table,and one of them started saying, “Oh you’re just the person I wanted to see!” It was Bob Therrien, who I had done a column a few months ago about him and his Cuckoo clocks that he builds. He was very excited and he grabbed my hand and started thanking me and the article that I had written for this paper about him because it had made it possible for his long lost brother to find him.

It seems that someone in the many towns this little paper covers, had seen the article and cut it out and sent it to Bob’s brother, Donald Therrien, and that morning that we saw them at Griswold’s he had come to Bob’s home on North Maine Street, in Solon, and surprised him. Very seldom have I seen anyone so excited and grateful as Bob was, and he said, “What a good thing you did for me!” His brother was very appreciative and pleased about finding his brother also and thanked me over and over.

Bob said, “This is the best thing that has happened to me in 50 years!” (They hadn’t seen each other in that many years.)

My goals in writing all these years have been to bring, peace, love, happiness, and laughter, along with the facts of happenings going on in this area all these years. When I learned what happiness one of my columns had meant to Bob Therrien and his brother Donald, it made me very happy indeed! And I’m hoping they can get together for many more happy moments in the years to come.

October 8 will be Country Sunday/Open Mic from 1 – 4 p.m., at the Embden Community Center. The October 14 supper at the Embden Community Center will be held at 5 p.m.

Dan Schall Ministries preached and sang at the North Anson Congregational Church on Sunday to a very attentive audience. He and his wife Linda have compiled a little book of Stories & Anecdotes which is very interesting. In the introduction it says, “Our stories come from church bulletins and writings that people have sent us. I am going to use one of them this week for Percy’s Memoir: Young Construction Worker: A strong, broad shouldered young man at the construction site was bragging that he could outdo anyone in a feat of strength. He especially made fun of one of the older workmen.

After several minutes, the older worker had had enough. “Why don’t you put your money where your mouth is,” he said. “I will bet a week’s wages that I can haul something in a wheelbarrow over to that building that you won’t be able to wheel back.” “You’re on, old man,” the braggart replied. “Let’s see what you got.” The old man reached out and gabbed the wheelbarrow by the handles. Then, nodding to the young man, he said, “All right, get in.”

Obituaries, Week of October 5, 2017

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CARL ALLEN

WINSLOW––Carl Allen, 69, of Winslow, died on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, Scarborough. He was born in Waterville on December 18, 1947, the son of Adrien and Florence (Therrien) Allen.

Carl graduated from Winslow High School, class of 1965. After high school he attended Thomas College until he entered the U.S. Army in November 1967, where he was a payroll clerk until his discharge in August 1970. Upon completion of his military service he returned to Thomas College where he completed his BS degree in business management, graduating in 1972.

Carl married Linda Fortier on August 12, 1972. Together in Winslow they raised three children. Carl was employed by Prudential Insurance and later began his career as a route salesman for Frito-Lay where he retired after 28 years.

Carl enjoyed coaching his children’s activities, little league, soccer, hockey and softball. He also enjoyed ice fishing and snowmobiling with his family on Great Pond. He was an avid Winslow football and hockey fan. He served on the Winslow School Board, was elected to the Winslow Town council and was a member of the Central Maine Soccer Association of Soccer Officials and the U.S. Soccer Federation of Soccer Officials for several years and enjoyed officiating at games all over the state of Maine. He was also a member of the Kennebec Water District Board of Trustees.

Carl is survived by his wife, Linda Allen, of Winslow; two sons, Nathan and his wife, Martinique and their children, Adrianne and Austin, Daniel and his wife, Ashley and their son, Wyatt; one daughter, Jessica Boutin and husband, Jeffrey and daughter, Mia and son Xander; brother, Jerome Allen and wife, Elizabeth, of Winslow; sister, Lucille Nassar and husband, Fred, of Winslow; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

An on-line guestbook may be signed and condolences expressed at www.gallantfh.com.

LAWRENCE D. FRENCH SR.

CHINA––Lawrence “Larry” Dean French, Sr., 59, of China, passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2017, at his home. He was born in Augusta, February 4, 1958, to Vivan Alton and Vernie Ella (Haskell) French, of China.

Larry had a very large heart. He enjoyed driving, hunting, cooking and sharing his time, laughter, creative meals and baked goodies with family, especially the grandchildren, neighbors, friends and others in need. He loved caring for children and animals and they loved him. Even the “pretty Kitty’ with the white stripe that rubbed against his ankles early one morning hoping to be fed and he was.

Larry attended Erskine Academy until he decided it was not the place for him. He started his working life early, in the woods. He then drove a dump truck and operated heavy equipment for Doug Chadwick, Bill Haskell, and Marriners Paving. He enjoyed most of the people he worked with over the years. If he was not happy, he was generally very outspoken about it.

Larry was predeceased by his brothers, Randall A. French and Keith V. French; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard K. and Iona M. Dunn.

He is survived by his parents Vivan and Vernie French; his wife of 39 years, Penny Sue (Dunn) French; his sons Lawrence D. French, Jr., Johnathan A. French and partner Heather Chisholm; his daughter, Jennifer S. French and partner Ernest DeCosta; his brothers Roy French and wife Hope, Steven French and wife Karen, all of China; grandchildren, Dylan French, Bryce Sears, Aiden French, Temperance Rossignol, Landen and Logan DeCosta; his sister Amy Irish and husband Peter, of Vassalboro; his widowed sisters-in-law Penelope French, of China, and Heather French, of Virginia; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, two grandnieces, one grandnephew; and cousins.

A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, October 8, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Malcolm Glidden American Legion Post, 33 Veterans Way, Palermo. Cards and well wishes can be sent to his family at 66 Tobey Road, South China ME 04358.

MARY L. WAKEFIELD

FAIRFIELD––Mary Lee Wakefield, 70, passed away at home on Monday, September 25, 2017, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born to Joseph and Frances (Blackie) Leclair on March 1, 1947.

She was married to Kempton Wakefield Sr. for 34 years. Together they raised three children, Michael, Kempton Jr., and Rhonda Wakefield.

She attended Waterville schools, and went to work as a waitress at the Silent Woman and the Howard Johnson restaurants in her earlier years. She later worked at various mills such as the Wyandotte, Cascade, Carlton woolen mills and others. She finished her work career checking the meal cards of students, for Colby College dining services where she worked the last 15 years before retiring five years ago. She often said that her favorite part of her favorite job was interacting with the students on a daily basis.

Mary was a fiercely independent and tenacious woman with a strong work ethic, yet was always loving and caring. She was named Elks Club’s mother of the Year in 1987. She enjoyed various card games once obtaining a 28 cribbage hand during a tournament (which she won many of). She enjoyed going to casinos and playing bingo with friends. She also enjoyed going to lunch with her friends in the “out to lunch bunch” and had many special times with her niece and close friend Brenda Veilleux. Mary was known for her fiery, tell as she saw it attitude, and wry sense of humor that often had people chuckling several minutes or even hours later.

After making the difficult decision of entering into hospice care, she set one major goal and that was to meet her great-granddaughter, Isabella Rose Lyshon, which she did shortly after her birth in July.

Mary was predeceased by both parents, Joseph Leclair and Frances Blackie-Leclair; siblings, Richard Leclair, Sandra Dow, Norman Leclair, and John Leclair; and her daughter, Rhonda J. Wakefield.

Mary is survived by sons, Michael Wakefield, of Skowhegan, Kempton Wakefield Jr. and wife Debra, of Fairfield; grandchildren, Marissa Charette and fiancé Devon Lyshon, of Winslow, Jacob and Matthew Wakefield, of Fairfield; great-granddaughter, Isabella Rose Lyshon; sibling Joanne Leclair; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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

Memorial donations may be made to MaineGeneral Hospice and HomeCare, PO Box 828, Waterville ME 04903

ARTHUR B. HENDSBEE, JR.

WINDSOR––Arthur B. Hendsbee, Jr., died on Wednesday, September 27, 2017, three days after his 95th birthday. Arthur was born in Albion on September 24, 1922, and worked on the family farm until he left to find his way in life in Connecticut.

He served during World War II in the Army Air Force and went on to work at Togus VA for 35 years as an EKG technician.

He and his wife, Laura, lived on Togus Pond, in Augusta, during their early years and formulated lifelong friendships with many of their neighbors.

Arthur enjoyed hunting and other activities including a garbage route and a wood delivery from the neighborhood lumber mill.

The family then purchased The White Owl Motel, in South China, which they operated for six years.

Arthur was a member of the Bethlehem Lodge of Augusta, a Shriner, member of the Whitefield Lions Club and a Past District Governor.

He and Laura enjoyed many trips to Lions conventions. Arthur continued to work as the maintenance supervisor for Windsor Fair and served on its board of directors.

He was noted for his extremely quick wit and passion for words. A voracious reader, he could rarely be stumped spelling or give a definition of any word. At family gatherings, he would delight in entertaining all present with his sometimes “off color” poetry. He had a special bond with his only daughter, Cecilia, and enjoyed many trips to Hollywood Slots and the Oxford Casino with his besties, Frank and Gordon.

Arthur was predeceased by his wife, Laura (Rogers) Hendsbee; his parents, Arthur B. Hendsbee, Sr. and Edna M. (Wrigley) Hendsbee; brothers, John Hendsbee, George Hendsbee, Sr. and Edward Hendsbee.

He is survived by his children, Michael Hendsbee and wife Susan, of Antelope, California, Cecilia Genthner and husband Frank, of Bristol, and Wayne Hendsbee, of Farmingdale; a brother, James Hendsbee, of Clinton; three sisters, Althea Carter, of Jenison, Michigan, Faith Rankins, of Randolph and Dena Hubley, of Ft. Myers, Florida; sister-in-law, Erlene Hendsbee, of Chelsea; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

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

Memorial donations can be made to Whitefield Lions Club, P.O. Box 52, Coopers Mills ME 04341.

LOUISELLE A. BROCHU

WINDSOR––Louiselle A. Brochue, 74, of Brochu Lane, died Wednesday, September 27, 2017, at her home, following an extended illness. She was born in Thetford Mines, Province of Quebec, Canada, on January 1, 1943, the daughter of Arman Allaire and Jeannette (Dubois) Allaire.

Mrs Brochu was employed as an accountant for Brochu Foundations for many years. She was also a member of the Maine Harness Horseman Association. She was a devout member of St. Michael Parish, at St. Augustine Catholic Church.

Louiselle was a devoted mother and grandmother. She had a sweet disposition and was loved by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by family and friends.

She was predeceased by two brothers Jacques Allaire and Jean Luc Allaire, as well as two brothers-in-law, Denis Isabelle and Robert (Bob) Castonguay.

Surviving is her husband of 55 years, Guy Joseph Brochu, of Windsor; a daughter, Linda N. Pepin and husband Jerry, of Windsor; two sons, Michael J. Brochu and wife Wendy, of Manchester and Gocelyn (Joey) Brochu and his significant other Laurie Tondreau, of North Augusta; a former son-in-law Richard St. Amand Jr., of Vassalboro, and his daughter Heather Cormier, of Auburn; four grandchildren Chelsea Brochu, of Raleigh, North Carolina, Lucas Brochu and his significant other Ashley Chapman, of Sidney, Lyndsey Marshall and husband Michael, of Windsor, and Cameron Brochu, of Manchester; and two great-grandchildren Lousielle (L.J.) Marshall and Landon Marshall.

She is also survived by her siblings of Quebec, two brothers Valdy Allaire and Jean-Guy Allaire; and four sisters Claudette Isabelle, Marjolaine Gingras, Nicole Fillion and Carmen Castonguay.

Friends may visit from 8:30–10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 30th at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Augusta. A private burial will be in Holy Family Cemetery, Augusta.

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

ARTHUR E. TARBOX

VASSALBORO––Arthur E. Tarbox, Jr., 70, passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2017, at the Maine Veterans Home. He was born May 7, 1947, the son of Arthur Sr. and Mary (Roy) Tarbox.

Arthur attended local schools and was employed with Bilodeau Motors until his retirement.

Arthur was an avid automobile mechanic. He enjoyed spending his spare time repairing and restoring vehicles, including a rare German Microcar.

He was a selfless man, devoting his life to the care of all those around him. Going out of his way to help the people he loved most, putting their needs above his own. He was always quick to make a joke or a witty response just to make someone laugh and smile.

Arthur served his country as a fireman with the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged in June of 1970.

Arthur is survived by his mother Mary; daughters Jennie, Lori, Betti-jo, and Delia, son Todd; grandchildren Troy, Trisha, Billy, Amber, Katelyn, and Lily; several great-grandchildren; his sister Dawna; and brother Bryan.

Memorial condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

OTHERS DEPARTED

JANICE A. FEENEY, 77, of Augusta, passed away on Wednesday, September 26, 2017, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, following an extended illness. Locally, she is survived by a son Thomas Feeney and companion Valerie Giusani, of Whitefield; sister Shirley Michaud, of Windsor.

DONNA ANN LECLAIR, 60, of Shawmut, passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2017, at her home, following a battle with cancer. Locally, she is survived by a grandson, TrestenBergeron and frield Tiffany, of Fairfield; sister Sandy LeClair, of Benton; brother Kenneth Leclair and wife Jodi, of Fairfield; sister-in-law Linda Leclair, of Benton.

GERALD A. GORNEAU, 64, of Waterville, passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2017, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville, following a brief illness. Locally, he is survived by siblings Michael Gorneau and wife Theresa, of North Vassalboro, Julianna Lyon, and Geraldine Sidmore (his twin), all of Waterville, and Louise Pooler and husband Michael, of Belgrade.

FAVOR meeting rescheduled

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The Vassalboro FAVOR (Friends Advocating for Vassalboro Older Residents) meeting scheduled for Oct. 2 was canceled. The representative of Window Dressers who was to talk to the group about low-cost window inserts to save heat was unable to attend.

The meeting will be rescheduled, tentatively for Wednesday morning, Oct. 11. Residents interested in helping with the project, which involves measuring applicants’ windows and building the inserts, and those interested in learning about the program should check with the town office for a firm date and time.

Vassalboro voters to fill vacant selectmen’s position

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro voters will choose a new member of the Board of Selectmen at the polls on Nov. 7.

Following the death of Board Chairman Philip Haines, Lauchlin Titus and Robert Browne met in special session Sept. 27 and agreed on a shortened nomination process and a Nov. 7 election.

Nomination papers were available Monday morning, Oct. 2, and signed papers are due at the town office by 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, for candidates’ names to appear on the Nov. 7 ballot.

Whoever is elected will serve the remainder of Haines’ term, until the June 2018 elections.

Town Manager Mary Sabins told selectmen they had three options, under state law:

  • The special shorter nomination process that she recommended and board members chose;
  • A special election, probably in December, after a normal nomination process; or • A two-man board until regular elections in June 2018.

A special election would be a special town meeting, whether it is on Nov. 7 or in December, and under a local regulation would require a quorum of at least 125 voters. Sabins was not sure 125 people would come to the polls only to elect a selectman, especially in December; she thought it more likely that the requirement could be met Nov. 7.

As long as there are only two selectmen, neither can miss a meeting, since a majority of the three-person board must be present to conduct business.

The regular selectmen’s meeting Oct. 5 has been canceled. The next selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, Oct. 19.

PALERMO: Our little piece of the world: Sheepscot Pond

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COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

by Pamela McKenney, Palermo resident

A bill has been proposed by a Maine representative to open the fishway at the outlet of Sheepscot Pond and to grant management of the fishway to the Department of Marine Resources. I have lived on the river since 1989 near the bridge on Route Three. Being a water person, I know the river and the lake and have a perspective to share regarding the controversy as well as the names of representatives you should contact if you share my concerns.

Living by the water, every season has its treasures. In the winter, I have a frozen, silver-white path that leads up river and around the bends to the lake. Whether walking, skiing, or snowmobiling, this access to the woods and the sky and the air out on the water is a pleasure that is difficult to express. After ice out, a new trove of pleasures opens up. I boat often, and I love to swim—even taught swimming lessons at the Fish and Game Club for several years—so I understand the unique resource of Palermo’s lake and what it has to offer its inhabitants—human and otherwise. I also fish the Sheepscot, each season; when the flag is up, I still run to the holes; or when reeling in a keeper at the mouth of the river, feel my heart beat faster, hoping. This wealth of experience enjoyed by me and many others may be attributed to careful lake management. Could it be better? Yes, but it could be much, much worse, as we may soon see— if LD 922 passes in January.

People, like me, have been accused of “having our hackles up” and needing a little time to get over our “hysteria.” These comments convey a disregard for those who enjoy or live by the lake and have expressed concern about the proposed changes. l am quite familiar with the birds and species of fish, reptiles, amphibians and other wildlife that depend on the watershed. I know that if I pull a perch or pickerel out of the lake in winter or see a snapping turtle lay eggs in a sandy embankment in spring, then I’ll be swimming with those creatures in the summer. People who live by and recreate on or in a Maine lake, accept and respect that other living beings exist near or in the water, as do my children and now grandchildren who know the gift of life on water.

Every summer we salt the leg of a swimmer to get a leech to detach. From my kayak I have watched with horrified fascination as a snake, on the bank of the river, slowly consumed a frog. Out off the point of Bear Island, years ago, I investigated a line, tied to a float, and pulled up a trap that was teeming with American eel. I quickly dropped the trap and paddled away knowing that regardless of how far or how fast I move my boat, the eel, the snake, snapping turtles and leeches will be there. This is life on the lake. My protestations over this bill is not about an hysterical fear of sea lamprey. The idea of swimming with a lamprey does not appeal to me but I wish it no harm. I now know more about these creatures than I ever expected, and I have learned that denying lamprey access to Sheepscot Pond will not harm them, nor will denial harm the alewife, but opening access may do a great deal of harm to other lake inhabitants.

Humans will find a way to live with “the good, the bad, and the ugly” that inhabit the lake, but will the species of fish on which the lamprey feed withstand the parasitic interaction? Of specific concern is the lake trout (togue) and other game fish. Back in the late seventies, early eighties, when I fished the Sheepscot with friends, I remember the scars on the fish we caught left by the lamprey. I remember the comments of the real fishermen who said the lamprey did not leave the lake as they should in late summer. They stayed and fed on the game fish. Low water levels changed the habits of these sea creatures, making them landlocked. The sea lamprey overpopulation became such a problem that the Department Inland Fisheries and Wildlife blocked the fishway at the dam from May to June to prevent anadromous species, such as, alewife, American eel, and sea lamprey, from migrating into the lake.

Since alewife feed on zooplankton which contribute to algae blooms (alewife do not eat the algae) many are excited about their reintroduction, hoping for improved water quality for struggling Maine lakes, but overabundance of alewife (as has been experienced recently in Webber Pond) can degrade water quality and cause other complications. According to the Illinois Department of Conservation’s 1993 Biodiversity Report the presence of alewife could “restructure a lake’s food web, leaving less food for native species” like white perch and smelts, thus “limiting their availability to larger predators” such as lake trout and salmon. A.L. Houde, et al in the Journal of Great Lakes Research, reports that “consumption of alewife which contain high levels of thiaminase,” reduces absorption of thiamin in predators such as salmonids (like salmon, trout, whitefish) and can cause “reduced body condition, swim performance, and other potential impacts.” What will happen when thousands of alewife make their way into the Fish Cultural Station at the outlet? Imagine the challenges of mitigation and the need to prevent contamination. Who would test the delicate balance of a lake environment?

When I ask why would we take control of an inland lake from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, which has managed it for 50 plus years, and give it to the Department of Marine Resources? The one answer I get is: “to return anadromous fish to their origins.” That is the politically correct answer. I see it as a special interest group lobbying to benefit their “special interest” without completely considering the impact on this individual lake. We all tend to see what we want to see and maybe those who support the bill see that they are attempting to take the watershed back to the way it may have been before the dam existed and before the Fish Cultural Station (hatchery) existed and before the lake was peppered with homes that reap tens of thousands of dollars in tax revenue which pays for those departments and the salaries of representatives that now want to restore the watershed even though the existing water quality of Sheepscot Pond is currently good. A vicious circle.

But the dam does exist, as does the hatchery and the homes. This is a complicated issue made more complicated by those who lobby representatives to create bills for monetary gain—in this case those that would harvest the alewife which will flourish with access to Branch Pond, China Lake, Webber Pond, Long Pond, and now—if the bill passes—Sheepscot Pond. It is no secret that the representative who proposed the bill is the president of the alewife association but is it a conflict of interest? He represents coastal communities which will benefit from an abundance of alewife for bait. Let’s hope the representatives of Palermo and neighboring towns will consider our “little piece of the world,” as well as the interests of a currently healthy lake.

Sheepscot Pond is not just any lake to me, what does that make me guilty of? Guilty of caring about the changes that others would haphazardly impose. And when I am accused of focusing on my “little piece of the world” and not seeing the “big world” I won’t apologize for that. If more of us paid attention to the little things—the things right in front of us that we can actually do something about, then maybe those little actions should be taken. The health and wealth of our lake may change irrevocably with the scribble of a pen or removal of a barrier. Change can be good, but too often it is wrought for the benefit of specialized interests and we fail to consider the little pieces of the big world.

Maine students improve on state assessments

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The Maine Department of Education is pleased to release the 2016-17 Maine Education Assessment (MEA) results in the content areas of mathematics, English language arts (ELA)/literacy, and science. In all content areas, performance has improved or remained stable.

“I am encouraged with how well our students are performing. In 2016-17, students were assessed for the second time on the rigorous standards Maine adopted in 2011 and while participation rates remained high, students showed consistent improvement,” said Robert G. Hasson, Jr., Maine Department of Education Commissioner. “This is a true testament to the hard work and determination of our students and their teachers.”

With two years of data from the same assessments, this is the first opportunity since 2013 that the state has been able to compare results over two years in mathematics and ELA/literacy. Results are very encouraging.

Highlights include:

  • In ELA/Literacy 52.58 percent of Maine students scored at or above state expectations – a notable improvement over 50.58 percent in 2015-16.
  • In Mathematics 38.54 percent of Maine students scored at or above state expectations – a slight improvement over 38.31 percent in 2015-16.
  • In Science 61.07 percent of Maine students scored at or above state expectations – a slight improvement over 60.97 percent in 2015-16.

The number of students exempted from the state assessment due to special considerations (e.g., serious medical condition) was reduced by about half from 2015-16 to 2016-17.

Participation rates in all subjects were greater than 95 percent.

The public results can be viewed by school or district and by subgroups, including grade level groups, in the MAARS Public Reports system.

Related Stories: MEA scores up from last year in area schools

MEA scores up from last year in area schools

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DOE commissioner: “Results are very encouraging.”

 by Mary Grow

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) recently released results of Maine Education Assessment (MEA) tests for the 2016-17 school year. The state tests students in three areas, English language arts/literacy, math and science, with science tests beginning with fifth-graders.

According to DOE information, scores went up in all three areas in 2016-17 compared to the previous year, the first time the 2016/17 tests were used. The department’s press release said last year, 52.58 percent of students tested scored above state expectations in ELA/literacy; 38.54 percent exceeded expectations in math; and 61.07 percent exceeded expectations in science. The comparable figures for 2015-16 were 50.58 percent in ELA/literacy, 38.31 percent in math and 60.97 percent in science.

Below are selected figures from the state report that might interest The Town Line readers. The full report is available on line from the state education department.

Science tests were not given in two schools listed below, China Primary School and the George J. Mitchell School, in Waterville, which have only younger students. In two cases, an asterisk replaced numbers; the education department website appears to indicate that data was withheld to protect student privacy. All figures are percentages compared to state expectations.

  • China Middle School: ELA/literacy 50.81; math 32.97; science 61.54;
  • China Primary School: ELA/literacy 41.00; math 39.00; science not tested;
  • Erskine Academy: ELA/literacy 62.68; math 37.32; science 50.34;
  • Messalonskee High School: ELA/literacy 49.43; math 31.61; science 43.64;
  • Vassalboro Community School: ELA/literacy 57.63; math 50.19; science 62.77;
  • George J. Mitchell School, Waterville: ELA/literacy 30.47; math 36.72; science not tested
  • Albert S. Hall School, Waterville: ELA/literacy 54.36; math 37.34; science 65.12
  • Waterville Junior High School: ELA/literacy 46.70; math 32.24; science 54.46
  • Waterville Senior High School: ELA/literacy 59.66; math 32.77; science 53.78
  • Winslow Elementary School: ELA/literacy 48.46; math 27.31; science 57.53;
  • Winslow Junior High School: ELA/literacy 48.64; math 29.30; science 62.50;
  • Winslow High School: ELA/literacy 57.55; math 28.80; science 47.62;
  • Palermo Consolidated School: ELA/literacy 51.85; math 37.04; an asterisk for science;
  • Windsor Elementary School: ELA/literacy 47.74; math 31.16; science 70.13;
  • Lawrence Junior High School: ELA/literacy 42.72; math 33.64; science 65.41
  • Lawrence High School: ELA/literacy 53.74; math 43.54; science 52.03
  • Snow Pond Arts Academy, Sidney: an asterisk for ELA/literacy; math 37.50; science 62.50.

Related Stories: Maine students improve on state assessments