IF WALLS COULD TALK, Week of September 7, 2017

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Katie Ouilette Wallsby Katie Ouilette

WALLS, do you remember telling our faithful readers about our welcoming tourists to our Central Maine? Well, do it again, WALLS.

Yes, Alton Whittemore raised money to build what was known as the Skowhegan Information Center but is now the Skowhegan Chamber of Commerce Office. I am very proud that my granddaughter, Danielle Denis Dubois is now president of the Skowhegan Area Chamber and she and husband Kevin have their home in Canaan, whichi s truly Skowhegan area. Our great-granddaughter has begun Middle School, in Skowhegan. Yes, WALLS, I am truly proud that Danielle, as she is walking in nana’s footsteps.

Now, what about tourism in Skowhegan? Skowhegan used to be a tourist-mecca, but, borrowing a thought from writer, George Smith, Maine is the same, but different. WALLS, remember when there was a sign at the beginning of our turnpike that wanted tourists to stay away? Well, the traffic from downtown Skowhegan and up the entire Madison Avenue prove that tourists not only like to come to Skowhegan, but even on their way up Route 201, folks like the scenery that changes every year, it seems.

Oh, yes, WALLS, one thing that Skowhegan used to have was The Guest of the Week, for which the Skowhegan Tourist Hospitality Association and members of the Skowhegan Area Chamber of Commerce were responsible. WALLS, you didn’t even exist then, but many folks who had downtown businesses and restaurants remember. In the days of the Denis ownership of Lakewood, there were always free tickets to the Lakewood Theatre. Yes, WALLS, there were many things that folks who came to Maine loved, but Skowhegan was famous by way of the daily newspapers of our guests from other states and the wonderful greeting that awaited folks in Maine. Yes, memories came alive about the Skowhegan Tourist Hospitality Association when you opened the Skowhegan Hospitality Association’s Scrapbook which Vi Kyes gave to us to “guard with our lives.” We can be proud of the people who made those visits memorable.

So, faithful readers, you’ve read of the past and present and, hopefully, some of these good things will again brighten the
tourism aspect which was so well known in our area. We have wonderful historic places along the Kennebec River that is waiting for folks-from-away to discover.

SOLON & BEYOND, Week of September 7, 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!

Received the following e-mail from the Somerset Woods Trustees: Please join “Louise Coburn” (Our Founder in 1927) and the Somerset Woods Trustees at our 90th birthday party and our 2017 Annual Conservation and Awards Celebration., Sunday, September 10, at The Lakewood Inn at Wesserunsett Lake, Madison, from 6 – 8 p.m.

We are excited to announce our award winners for this year: Conservation: Alfred Jackson for his generous donation of land in Madison. Stewardship: Jeff Lloyd for his generous donation towards the creation of a new trail at Coburn Woods.

Schedule for the evening: 5:45-6 p.m.: Check in. Meet “Louise Coburn”, 6 – 6:45 p.m.: Hors d’Oeuvres and cocktails (cash bar). 6:45 p.m. Speaker: Andrew Barton (forest ecologist, science writer and professor of biology at the University of Maine at Farmington): “The Changing Nature of the Maine Woods.” 7:15 p.m., Auction, 7:30 p.m., 90th birthday cake cut by Louise Coburn and Trustees, 7:50 p.m., Conservation and Stewardship Awards, 8 p.m., raffle – drawing by Louise Coburn.

The cost is only $30/person which pays for the hors d’oeuvres, service and venue. Please come and enjoy the night. It’s the last time we will all meet “Louise Coburn.”

Here it is Labor Day as I write this column, not sure where our summer went this year, it was short to say the least! Lief and I took a leisurely and beautiful ride up to Greenville on our anniversary yesterday, and were amazed at all the red leaves that had turned from green. It seems rather early for that to be taking place, but it does make for beautiful scenery to paint…. which leads me to reminder that our Painting Club will be starting up again at Skowhegan Adult Ed and we always like to see new faces there, along with long time friends. It is starting up on Monday, September 11, and is from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the school. Tuition is free, but there is a registration fee of $5. You can sign up at the school and it is for painting in any medium that you prefer. We welcome you to join us in lots of fun.

I’m going to let Percy have more words in his memoirs than usual, and this one is entitled, “Gratitude:” When the frost has spread a silver shawl, And the leaves have turned to gold, When the fields of fruitful harvest Are a glory to behold – When dear friends and kinfolk gather For the feasting and the fun, And the cheer of home and hearth fire Fills the hearts of everyone – Then it’s time to count our blessings For the wondrous gifts we share, Reflected in each joyous heart With grateful praise and prayer. (words by Elisabeth Weaver Winstead).

Since I’m low on actual news, I’m going to print a wonderful illustration of someone’s version of “Life”. Life gives us friendship along the way to cheer our hearts on the darkest day. Life gives us the joy of a baby’s smile full of affection and free of guile; Life gives us the thrill of a mother’s care though days be cloudy or days be fair. Life gives us sleep to ease our pain; and gives us sunshine through the rain. Life gives us knowledge to understand and gives compassion to everyone. (words by Alva Trafton Gosselin.)

I found the above poem hand printed in beautiful script in a frame at a yard sale this weekend, and when the new friend, (who reads this column faithfully) and I read it together, I knew I had to print the good news about life to all you readers. The new friend gave me a great deal! Hope you like it.

In competition, how important is the judge?

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TRAINING YOUR PERFORMANCE DOG

by Carolyn Fuhrer

When you enter an event with your dog, you are actually asking the judge to evaluate your performance according to the standards of the venue. Some people would say if my dog can do everything, it really doesn’t matter who the judge is. This is not necessarily so. The less experienced you are, the more influence a judge may have on your performance.

An obedience judge is responsible for ring set ups – where the exercises will take place and the heeling pattern. Set ups close to the ring entrance, recalls towards the ring entrance, set ups with a lot of distractions behind the dog, can all complicate simple exercises. While you should practice with distractions before you show, a good judge will do their best to make the ring dog and handler friendly.

The efficiency and energy of the judge also sets a tone that you and your dog react to – basically, if you are comfortable, your dog will be comfortable. While judges should expect you to take your performance seriously and to know the rules and ring procedure, it is important to never lose your sense of humor. Things happen; and remember, there is always another show.

Good judges work hard to make the best of the situations they are given. Rally judges design the course using the signs and guidelines appropriate to the level. Some like courses with lots of sits and fronts. Other judges prefer flowing, open courses. Some look more at precision while others focus more on teamwork. Both courses can be legal, but reflect a different style.

In agility, the judge’s skill at design is also very important because they actually design the course. While, of course there are guidelines to designing a course, a judge’s influence in course design, i.e. angle of approach, tight turns, how the course flows – can all influence your dog’s performance. Some judges are influenced by the type of dog they are running and what kind of course they like, so sometimes you may get a course that is friendlier to big dogs or one that is friendlier to little dogs. Again, both can be legal courses but may favor one size dog over another. Some judges like lots of obstacle discrimination, some like pinwheels or serpentines. Some like a spiraling, tight course and others like a loopy, flowing course. Again, the more experienced your dog, the less this will concern you. Try and learn from the type of courses you have trouble running.

In tracking, the judges’ knowledge of scent theory and how dogs work and what will help the dog and what can hinder the dog along the way is extremely important.

In tracking, each new day is another experience depending upon terrain and weather conditions. Since tracking is an outdoor sport and subject to varying conditions, tracking judges must consider many factors when plotting a track. What looks good on paper may not transfer well to a field. Tracking judges must be willing to go that extra mile to make things work.

Judges, in my experience, on the whole are very dedicated and want to see dogs and handlers succeed. They work hard and put in a long day. But as in any other slice of life, some become complacent and settle in and don’t put forth much effort.

If, in your trialing experiences, you are not happy with a judge – be polite and chalk it up to experience. Seek out other experiences with other judges. You can enjoy showing and good judges are out there. Please make sure you tell the clubs when you really like a judge. Clubs work hard to put on shows and it means a lot to know they made good choices in choosing judges.

Carolyn Fuhrer has earned over 90 AKC titles with her Golden Retrievers, including two Champion Tracker titles. Carolyn is the owner of North Star Dog Training School in Somerville, Maine. She has been teaching people to understand their dogs for over 25 years. You can contact her with questions, suggestions and ideas for her column by e-mailing carolyn@dogsatnorthstar.com.

King earns spot on WPI field hockey team

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Eleventh-year head coach Lisa Moreau, at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, in Worcester, Massachusetts, has revealed the 2017 field hockey roster which includes Abby King, of Fairfield.

The Engineers, who were slotted eighth in the NEWMAC preseason coaches poll, began the campaign versus Salve Regina.

Area students achieve dean’s list

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Leyna Tobey, of Augusta, and Allison Leighton, of Oakland, has been recognized for achieving the dean’s list at Merrimack College, in North Andover, Massachusetts, for the spring 2017 semester.

One last fling

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Austin Lizotte, of Farmingdale, Riley Landry, of Vassalboro, and Trey Bard, of Fairfield, got in some last tubing fun on Embden Pond prior to the start of school.

Photo by Mark Huard, owner Central Maine Photography

Obituaries, Week of September 7, 2017

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DANIEL A. THYNG

DANIEL A. THYNG

DANIEL A. THYNG

OAKLAND – Daniel A. Thyng Jr., 51, passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2017, at Inland Hospital, in Waterville, of a heart attack. He was born on February 8, 1966, in Waterville, the son of Daniel A. Thyng Sr. and Lillian (Gilbert) (Thyng) Tracy.

He attended Oakland schools and worked as a mechanic and truck driver. He was a member of the Fairfield Church of the Nazarene and enjoyed NASCAR and spending time at the lake with friends.

Dan is survived by four children, Rachel Thyng and partner Walter Argraves, of Skowhegan, Ashley Shute, of Belfast, Daniel Thyng III, of Sidney, Chelsea Thyng and partner Justin Fowles, of Owls Head; mother Lillian Tracy, of Oakland; brother, Rick Thyng of North Belgrade; two sisters, Vanessa McFadden and husband Kevin, of Sidney, and Valerie Stephenson and fiancé Bill Maheu, of Fairfield; five grandchildren, April, Brayden, Paradise and Isabelle Shute, and Kyle Argraves; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, maternal and paternal grandparents, brother John Tracy Jr.; and infant granddaughter, Autumn Shute.

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

Memorial donations may be made to the Fairfield Church of the Nazarene, 81 Main St., Fairfield, ME 04937.

BRIAN G. AYER

SOUTH CHINA – Brian G. Ayer, 73, passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2017, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. He was born February 14, 1944, in Waterville, the son of Charles D. and Martha (Greenleaf) Ayer.

He graduated from Hampden Academy in 1962, then continued his education at Maine Maritime Academy, in Castine, graduating in 1966. He was a member of the Marine Engineer’s Beneficial Association for 34 years and Pacific Coast District #1 (PCD). Brian was employed by Lykes Brothers, American President Lines, Moore McCormick, Prudential Grace, Farrell Lines, United States Lines, and Sea Land CSX. He enjoyed Corvettes, boating, fishing, gardening, home defense (maintenance projects), traveling, coastal traveling, eating out, and collecting tools.

Brian is survived by his wife, Iola L. (Bickford) Ayer, of South China; two daughters, Alexandra Pierce and husband Alan, of Stratford, Connecticut, Laurie Poirier and husband Tim, of Winslow; three sons, Randy Pottle and wife Gail, of Palermo, Micheal Ryan and wife Heather, of Palermo, Brian Aimsler and husband Diamon, of Palm Springs, California; grandchildren, Nathan, Stella, and Lucas Pierce of Stratford, Connecticut, Tyler and Mason Poirier of Winslow, Jamie and Guin Pottle, of Vassalboro, Lindsey Pottle, of Palermo, Colton Ryan, of Palermo; great grandchildren, Trenton Poirier, of Winslow, and Ava Nugent, of Palermo.

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 the China Lake Association, PO Box 6215, China, Maine 04926.

DEANE M. NASON

WINSLOW – Deane M. Nason, 74, of Winslow, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 30, 2017, at his home following a brief illness. Deane was born on June 23, 1943, in Bangor, to Deane F. and Sarepta Nason.

After graduating from Hampden Academy in 1961, he enlisted in the United States Navy, in which he proudly served on active duty for two years and in the reserves for 20 years.

In 1971, he began a more than 40-year career in the real estate business. In 1975, he founded Nason Realty, which is now known as Century 21 Nason Realty. He valued all the relationships he developed in the real estate business, and he particularly enjoyed helping first-time home buyers. During his career, he was actively involved in state and national realtor organizations, which included service as president of the Kennebec Valley Chapter of the Maine Realtors Association and recognition in 2011 by the National Association of Realtors as Realtor Emeritus.

Community service was also important to Deane. He generously contributed to many school and youth activities. He was also an active member of Jaycees, served as an officer of the Winslow youth football program, and served on the board of directors of the Kennebec Sewerage District.

While his business and community were important to Deane, he cherished his family more than anything. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, and most recently, great-grandfather. He found his role as “Papa or Pup,” as he was affectionately called by family members upon the birth of his first grandchild more than 28 years ago, to be among the most rewarding aspects of his life.

Deane is survived by Cheryle (Rice), his wife of nearly 56 years; his daughter, Wendy Nivison, and her husband, John, of Winslow, and their children, Lauren and Jack; his son Deane, and his wife, Lisa, of Norwich, Connecticut, and their children, Jessica and Joel; his daughter, Margaret, of Newton, Massachusetts, and her children Griffin (and his wife, Joslyn, and their son, Whyatt) and Ben; his sister, Brenda Young; his brother, Brian Nason, and his wife Carol; his sisters-in-law, Pam Rogers and Genie Hammond; many special nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Deane’s life will be held on Saturday, September 30 at 11:30 a.m., in the Parker-Reed room of the Schair-Swenson-Watson Alumni Center, on the campus of Colby College, in Waterville.

Memorial donations may be made to Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, 19 Colby St., Waterville, ME 04901.

BARRY L. CRABBE

BARRY L. CRABBE

BARRY L. CRABBE

BENTON – Barry L. Crabbe, 64, passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2017. Barry was born on January 30, 1953, in Waterville, the son of Basil and Darlene (Nichols) Crabbe.

He attended Mt. View schools and graduated in 1971. Barry worked in the woods after high school for several years before going to Crow Rope, in Winslow, where he worked for 15 years. He then worked for SnoPro Trailers for eight years until they closed.

Most recently, he worked at Educare, in Waterville, for six years, where he enjoyed interacting with the children, and the children loved their “Mr. Barry.” Barry was also very fond of the teachers he was able to get to know well.

Barry enjoyed his four-wheeling trips he went on with the love of his life, Wendy. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR in his favorite recliner and had started to enjoy watching football.

Barry loved having his grandsons over to play with them and listen to their crazy stories which always made him laugh.

He was very proud of his daughter, Melissa, and loved to tease her constantly, as she did him.

Barry was an amazing man who greatly impacted the lives of those around him. He will be missed by many.

Barry was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Sue Ripley; and brothers-in law, Wayne Ripley and Ted Leighton.

Barry is survived by his wife and best friend, Wendy; daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Adam Bonnell; grandsons, Peyton and Elijah; sister, Gay Leighton; father and mother-in-law, Wayne and Betty Paul, whom he thought of as his parents; brother-in-law, Jeff Paul, and his wife Barb; sisters-in law, Kathy Paul, and Penny Ferrigan and husband David, all of whom he thought of as his own family; and many nieces and nephews.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at: www.lawrybrothers.com.

PAULINE RICHARDS

ALBION – Pauline Richards, 81, of Albion, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 29, 2017. She was born to Ralph and Julia Richards on April 13, 1936.

Pauline is survived by her children, Beverly Dyer, and partner Herbert Tenney, of Dexter; Randall Raymond, and wife Nellie, of Benton; and Pollyanna Richards, of Cornville.

She enjoyed life, her grandkids, and her animals. Pauline will surely be missed as she is now looking down over us.

Memorial donations may be made to the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, 123 Benton Road, Albion, ME 04910.

OTHERS DEPARTED

MICHAEL P. DENIS, of Waterville, passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2017, at his home, following a short battle with cancer. Locally, he is survived by his wife, Margaret Denis; daughter Melissa Denis, of Waterville; son Michael Denis Jr. and companion Brooke Chapman, of Benton; grandson Steve Denis, of Waterville; sisters Debbie Trepanier, of Winslow, and Susan Coates and husband Ed, of Albion.

NANCY A. MALOY, of Windham, passed away on Friday, September 1, 2017, at the Gosnell Hospice House, in Scarborough. Locally, she is survived by a son, Jim Maloy and wife Vicki, of Vassalboro.

FORMER RESIDENTS

BERTHA F. ROY, 82, of Augusta, passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2017, at Country Manor, in Coopers Mills. Locally, she is survived by a daughters Tina Collette, of China, and Tammy Roy and companion Alan Glidden, of Coopers Mills.

MICHELLE M. ST. LAURENT, 29, of Hartland, unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2017. Locally, she is survived by a brother, Larry Bowler, of Windsor.

RICHARD A. COUTURE, 67, of Wickenburg, Arizona, passed away on Monday, June 19, 2017, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on October 19, 1949, in Waterville, the son of Kenneth Couture and Marie Rose (Tardiff) Couture. He was educated in the Waterville school system.

DALE PRESCOTT, 75, of Chelsea, passed away on Friday, June 30, 2017, at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Wetbrook on August 28, 1941, the son of the late Thornton and Edna (Hebert) Prescott. He was a graduate of Waterville High School. Locally, he is survived by a brother, Dana Prescott, of Waterville. He was predeceased by two brothers, Darrell Prescott, and David Prescott, both from the Waterville area.

RUSSELL M. SQUIRE JR., 83, of Stratham, New Hampshire, passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2017, following a long battle with a form of dementia. He was born on July 17, 1933, in Waterville, the son of Russell M. Squire Sr. and Muriel Thomas Squire. He graduated from Waterville High School, class of 1951 and from Colby College, in Waterville, in 1955. He and his wife moved to Stratham in 1986.

LAWRENCE F. RECORD SR., 90, of Palmetto, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, following a long-time battle with cancer and heart disease. He graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China. Locally, he is survived by a son, Lawrence Record Jr. and wife Peggy, of Windsor, and a daughter, Patricia Drake and husband Fred, of Augusta.

WANDA L. ELDRIDGE, 68, of Augusta, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2017, following a short fight with lung cancer. She was born in East Vassalboro on February 10, 1949, the daughter of the late Archie and Mavice Goodale.

DANIEL I. PRATT, 55, of Belgrade, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 20, 2017, at his Belgrade home. Daniel graduated from Winslow High School, class of 1979.

ROSE L. DEPINO, of Mobile, Alabama, 55, formerly of Albion, passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, from complications of frontotempral degeneration. She was born in Waterville on October 10, 1961, a twin daughter of Virginia (Austin) and Harvey Clark. She grew up in Albion and graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, class of 1980.

LOUISE C. FREWIN, 83, of Hampton, New Hampshire, and formerly of Waterville, passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2017, at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. She was raised in Waterville and graduated from Waterville High School, class of 1951.

Sexual assault crisis volunteers sought

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Are you interested in rewarding and meaningful volunteer work? Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Center has an ongoing need for volunteer advocates for our 24-hour, free, and confidential support line. Volunteer advocates are an incredibly important and crucial part of our mission to lessen the trauma-related suffering of sexual assault and promote healing by guiding those affected by sexual violence toward survival through support, advocacy, education and community collaboration.

Volunteer advocates support those impacted by sexual violence by answering hotline calls and accompanying victims/survivors to the hospital for forensic medical exams. Volunteers respond to hotline calls from the comfort of their own home for a minimum of three shifts per month and scheduling is flexible. A Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Center staff member is always available by phone to assist our volunteers.

All volunteer advocates must be at least 18 years of age, hold a valid driver’s license, pass background checks, and successfully complete 40 hours of Advocate Training. Although this is a volunteer position, stipends may be available.

The Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Center’s next free, 40-hour Volunteer Advocate Training starts on Thursday, September 28th. The training series will be held at our Winthrop Administrative Office on Thursday afternoons from 1pm-4pm.

If you are interested in making a difference in people’s lives, please consider attending the Volunteer Advocate Training to see if becoming a volunteer advocate on our support line is a good fit for you! For more information on our Volunteer Advocate Training, please contact Jenna McCarthy at 377-1010 ext. 113 or via email at jenna.mccarthy@silentnomore.org.

For more information please visit our website at www.silentnomore.org. If you or someone you know needs support about sexual violence please call 1-800-871-7741.

Bike ride to honor tragically killed doctor

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Dr. Carol Eckert, shown here at Androscoggin Riverlands State Park, in Turner, was tragically killed in a bicycling accident in Windsor last October. Contributed photo

Share the Road with Carol is an all ages commemorative bike ride planned for October 1, 2017, in Windsor and Whitefield, Maine. The ride, which has 12-mile and 27-mile options, starts and ends at the Windsor Town Office.

This ride will honor the memory of Carol Eckert, M.D. Carol was tragically killed as a result of a bike accident that occurred in Windsor on October 10, 2016. Biking was Carol’s passion and we invite everyone who feels the same to join us in remembrance of a life well pedaled and to further the cause of bicycle safety in Maine. Register online (https://www.BikeReg.com/share-the-road-with-carol) or at the event beginning at 8 a.m. This ride is not a fundraiser.

There will be one rest stop on the 27-mile ride. Please join us after the ride at the Windsor Town Hall for fellowship, remembrances and light snacks.

Whether you knew Carol or not, this ride is a wonderful opportunity to explore the lovely rolling hills along the border of the Kennebec and Lincoln Counties.

Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/CarolsRide

Palermo residents invited to discuss Sheepscot dam

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The working group formed by Rep. Stan Zeigler, following the August 7 public meeting to evaluate the current legislation to open the dam (LD922) to allow migration of alewives and sea lamprey into Sheepscot Lake, will be meeting to view the dam and then hold a working session on Tuesday, September 19, at 4 p.m., at the fish rearing station to view the dam followed by a working session at the Palermo Town Office. This is open to the public. All are encouraged to attend and follow the working session. There will be an opportunity to ask questions for all residents and attendees. Please attend and voice your concerns!