Obituaries, Week of June 22, 2017

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THEODORE BRADSTREET

ALBION––Theodore Bradstreet, 70, known to his friends as Ted, passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2017. He was born on October 3, 1946, in Augusta, to Mary (Palmer) and Kenneth Bradstreet.

Ted graduated from Gardiner High School in 1964. He met his wife of over 48 years, Ruth (Dodge), in the summer of 1967. Ted attended college for many years acquiring a number of degrees. He went on to work in a variety of fields, and remained a passionate researcher and writer into his retirement years. His last article will appear in the Historical Breechloading Smallarms Association Journal at the end of the year.

Ted was predeceased by his parents; and one younger brother.

He is survived by his wife; their children Rebecca Bradstreet and Jonathan Bradstreet and his wife Sherry; sister Myra Rosenbaum; brother Robert; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to: St. Joseph’s Indian School, P.O. Box 300, Chamberlain SD 57325-0300 or online at stjo.org/give.

NATHAN DESJARDINS

ALBION––Nathan Michael Desjardins, 20, of Albion, died on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at Central Maine Medical Center, in Lewiston, as a result of injuries sustained in a search and rescue operation while working for the Fryeburg Police Department, who were assisting the Maine Warden Service. Nate was born on June 12, 1996, in Waterville, the second son of Nicole (Proulx) Desjardins and Brian Desjardins.

Nate was educated in local schools, enjoyed soccer and graduated with academic honors from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, class of 2014. During his sophomore year in college, he pursued his dream of studying abroad, and was fortunate enough to spend a semester in Seville, Spain, where he fell in love with the people and the culture, and where he also continued to learn how to play the violin, which he continued to teach himself when he returned to Maine.

Nate enjoyed many styles of music, with country being his favorite, and he was ecstatic that he was able to recently attend his favorite country music artist’s (Josh Turner) concert with one of his best friends. He pursued employment opportunities which would enhance his passion for learning and serving the public through roles as an EMT and reserve police officer, while using the money earned to pay for his college education.

He had completed his third year at the University of New England, School of Nursing, in Biddeford, and had a clear vision of using his education to better his contribution to police departments, EMT service or any agency called upon to assist others in time of need. Nate always spoke highly of his friends at UNE, the excellent caliber of his professors, and continued to thrive and excel academically.

Nate enjoyed the outdoors, be it skiing, fishing or kayaking. His hike up Mount Katahdin gave him a love of hiking.

He was a focused individual who wanted to make a difference in this world by contributing whatever he could, wherever he could, whenever he could. Even in death he gave of himself as an organ donor so others could enjoy life a little better.

Nate is survived by his parents; his brother Ross Desjardins; his grandmother Susan Proulx; as well as a very large extended family and circle of friends.

To view a collage of Nate’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with his family, please visit: www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

Memorial gifts may be made to: University of New England, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland ME 04103.

PATRICIA A. COLE

FAIRFIELD––Patricia A. Cole, 70, passed away Friday, June 9, 2017, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. She was born September 1, 1946, in Fairfield, the daughter of William and Ethelyn B. (Short) Fagan.

On June 12, 1982, she married Gerald A. Cole, in Fairfield. She owned and operated Center General Store, in Fairfield Center, for 13 years. She enjoyed fishing, gardening, crocheting, word puzzles, and spending time with family.

She was predeceased by her husband Gerald Cole in 2012.

Patricia is survived by her son, Ken Cutler, and companion Michelle Holmes, of Fairfield; daughter, Sue Sirois and husband Jason, of Sidney; grandchildren, Sydnee Cutler, of Benton, Karlee Cutler, of Benton, Jake Cutler and companion Jen Curtis, of Waterville, Christopher Longley and companion Dylan Tillson, of Sidney; and great-grandchildren, Kaedon, Madi, William, and Lillian.

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

Memorial donations may be made to Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville ME 04901.

AVA J. MARABLE

WINDSOR––Ava Jenell Marable passed away on Friday, June 9, 2017. Ava was born nearly 15 weeks early at Maine Medical Center in Portland, on March 26, 2017, one minute after her twin sister Eden, and weighed 1 pound 11 ounces, the daughter of Aaron and Rachelle Marable.

Ava was a fighter, she fought hard her entire time here on earth.

Ava was predeceased by her aunt Sentree; great-grandmothers Mammie and Nannie; and great-grandfathers Waldo and Bill.

Ava is survived by her parents Aaron and Rachelle Marable, of Windsor; her six siblings, Jarell, Dandre, Joslyn, Jakobe, Mason and her identical twin sister Eden; her maternal great-grandfather Ronald Dennison, of Windsor; maternal great-grandmother, Shirley Isbister, of Windsor; maternal grandparents, Warren and Stephanie Joslyn, of Windsor; paternal grandparents, Earl and Debra Gallagher, of Somerville; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

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

Memorial donations may be made for her twin sister Eden’s continued care at Maine Medical Center in Portland. All correspondence may be sent to: 4 Chuddy Lane, Windsor ME 04363.

LLOYD G. MEADER

WINDSOR––Lloyd Grand Meader, 82, of Windsor, died Saturday, June 10, 2017, at Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta following a brief illness. He was born in Vienna, on June 15, 1934, the son of Leslie Meader and Mildred (Merrick) Meader.

Mr. Meader served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean conflict. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Lapointe Lumber Co., in Augusta, for 20 years.

He always had a big smile and a great sense of humor. He had a very charismatic personality, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

His wife, Glaydies F. Meader, predeceased him. They were married December 3, 1956.

Surviving are two daughters, Nancy Gould and husband Thomas, of Pittston, and Stacey Hoyt and husband David, of Arizona; two brothers, Charles Meader, of Vienna, and William Meader, of South China; three sisters, Vivian Hughes, of California, Virginia Carter, of Wilton, and Jerlean Giles, of Georgia; three half-brothers, Floyd Ladd, of Phillips, Boyd Ladd, of Farmington, and Russell Meader, of Washington State; one half-sister Linda Round, of Enfield; three grandchildren, Tonya, Erica and Grant; one great-grandson Briton; and several nieces and nephews.

A committal service, with military honors, will be held Friday, August 11, at 2 p.m. at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor.

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

LORI A. PELLETIER

FAIRFIELD – Lori A. Pelletier, 51, passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2017. She was born February 18, 1966, in Hartford, Connecticut, the daughter of Walter Pelletier and Judy (Hawes) Pelletier.

The family moved back to Maine when Lori was young.

Although she enjoyed staying home her house was always open to friends and especially to someone who needed a place to stay. She had a special love for her dog Bently and he was loved by all who entered her home. She enjoyed bowling in her younger years and was very proud of the trophies she won. She was blessed with a good heart and was happily looking forward to the birth of her first granddaughter in a few months.

Lori is survived by her father and step-mother, Walter and Beverly Pelletier, of Canaan; her son Walter Bell and his fiancée Ashley Marie Cyr, of Millinocket; her sister Lynne Pelletier and her fiance Dan Shaw, of Windham; her step-brother Tim Patnaude and his wife Lisa, of Sabattus; her step-sister Karen Pullen and her fiance Brandon Norton, of Fairfield,; two nephews Thomas Pelletier II, of Norwalk, Connecticut, and Michael Hopkins, of Stamford, Connecticut.

She was predeceased by her mother, Judy Chase and her brother Thomas Pelletier.

Arrangements are under the direction of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 445 Watervillle Road, Skowhegan, Maine.

LLOYD G. MEADER

WINDSOR – Lloyd Grant Meader, 82, of Windsor, died Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta, following a brief illness. He was born in Vienna, on June 15, 1934, the son of Leslie Meader and Mildred (Merrick) Meader.

Mr. Meader served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict.

Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Lapointe Lumber Co., in Augusta, for 20 years.

He always had a big smile and a great sense of humor. He had a very charismatic personality. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He will be greatly missed.

His wife, Glaydies F. Meader, predeceased him. They were married December 3, 1956.

Surviving are two daughters: Nancy Gould and husband Thomas Gould, of Pittston, and Stacey Hoyt and husband David Hoyt, of Arizona, two brothers: Charles Meader, of Vienna, and William Meader, of South China; three sisters: Vivian Hughes, of California, Virginia Carter, of Wilton, and Jerlean Giles, of Georgia; three half-brothers: Floyd Ladd, of Phillips, Boyd Ladd, of Farmington, and Russell Meader, of Washington State; and one half-sister Linda Round, of Enfield; three grandchildren Tonya, Erica and Grant, one great-grandson Briton, and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.plummerfh.com.

NORMAN W. MATHIEU

WINSLOW––Norman W. Mathieu, 89, passed away in Scarborough on Sunday, June 11, 2017, from complications following a stroke. Norman was born in Winslow on January 8, 1928, the son of Joseph and Cecile (Roy) Mathieu.

He was a graduate of Winslow High School and spent two years in the United States Coast Guard. On July 8, 1950, Norman married the former Theresa J.
Poulin, of Winslow, with whom he had four children and spent 63 years.

Through his career Norman was superintendent of Hoerner Waldorf Corporation, in Waterville, and also an employee of Scott Paper Company, in Winslow,
Maine Central Railroad, in Waterville, and Winslow Junior High School. His hobbies included bowling, fishing, gardening, music, and watching the Boston Red Sox and Montreal Canadiens.

He was a devout Catholic, a life-long communicant and frequent cantor at St. John Church, in Winslow, which later became part of Corpus Christi Parish.

A great musician since the age of ten, Norman will be fondly remembered as a spiritually uplifting entertainer at the Muskie Center, in Waterville, along with area nursing homes and many private gatherings. His love of music lives on in his children and grandchildren and many extended family members.

From 2010 to 2013 Norman never left his beloved wife Theresa’s side and was her full-time care-giver until she passed away on March 13, 2013.

He is survived by daughters Barbara Mathieu, of Oakland, and Janet Bird, of Scarborough; sons William Mathieu, of Winslow, and Paul Mathieu and wife Miriam Englund, of Freedom, New Hampshire; grandchildren Jenny Michaud, of Portland, Joshua Michaud and partner Misty Doyon, of Oakland, Philip and Nathanael Mathieu, of Freedom, New Hampshire, Christopher Mathieu, of Winslow, and Danielle Zapata, of Waterville; great-grandchildren Bryce and Jayceon Mathieu, and Chace Doyon; sisters Arlene Rulman, of Westbrook, and Ann Roy, of Rockland; brother Anthony Mathieu, of Winslow; and numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.directcremationofmaine.com.

Memorial donations may be sent to: Spectrum Generations, 38 Gold St., Waterville ME 04901 or at www.spectrumgenerations.org., to support the activity fund.

REAL B. TREPANIER

WINSLOW––Real B. Trepanier, 73, died Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta, following a prolonged illness. He was born in Lac Megantic, Canada, on November 7, 1943, the son of Victor and Maria (Fredette) Trepanier.

Real was a Waterville High School graduate and a u.S. Army veteran serving in both Germany and Vietnam. After his military service, he entered the work force at Fraser Paper Mill, in Madawaska, for 10 years, then he returned to Winslow where he was employed for 20 years for Scott Paper Co. as a treatment plant operator.

Real was the historian for 10 years for the Bourque-Lanigan Post #5 American Legion, in Waterville. He was also a talented violin player and bird carver, ham radio operator and growing bonsai plants.

Real was predeceased by his siblings, Gaeton, Marielle, Richard , Paul and Carmen Trepanier.

Real is survived by his wife, Jeannine (Rancourt) Trepanier, of Winslow; daughters, Natalie Cyr and husband Vance, of Vassalboro and Sonia Trepanier, of Winslow; brothers, Patrick Trepanier, of Norridgewock, and Clement Trepanier and wife Joella, of Tifton, Georgia; sister Anita Trepanier and sister-in-law Jackie (Rancourt) Boulet, both of Winslow; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

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

OTHERS DEPARTED

CHARLES W. OLIVER, 98, of Canaan, passed away on Thursday, May 25, 2017. Locally, he is survived by children Donna Cookson, of Benton, and Debra Jean and Peter Re Jr., of Oakland.

Margaret Chase Smith essay contest winners

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The Margaret Chase Smith Library has announced the winners of its 21st annual essay contest. This year Maine high school seniors were asked to write about their solutions to the current drug epidemic.

The first-place prize of $1,000 goes to Gabrielle Kyes, from Mattanawcook Academy, in Lincoln, for her entry “Crusade Against the Drugs, Not the Users.”

Second place and $500 is awarded to Abigail Hande, of Highview Christian Academy, in Charleston.

The third-place recipient of $250 is Sigrid Sibley, of Poland Regional High School.

In addition, five honorable mention prizes of $50 were presented to Ally Clark-Bonsant and Eleanor Theriault, both of Erskine Academy, in China, Sydney McDonald, from Bangor High School, Thomas Sheils, of Casco Bay High School, in Portland, and Griffin Tibbitts, from Morse High School, in Bath.

Funding for the essay contest and library comes from the Margaret Chase Smith Foundation, located in Skowhegan, Maine.

Bible study group holds last meeting of season

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On June 15, the Margaret Stotsenburg Bible Study group from the China Baptist Church had their last meeting until fall. It was a lovely breakfast with fruit, homemade breakfast casseroles and muffins. The group meets every Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the church vestry for a time of Bible study, sharing and prayer. Any woman interested is invited to join when they resume in the fall, Thursday, September 7. This group began in the early 1970s and was named for the pastor’s wife who started it. It has been an important part of the church for over 45 years. Contributed photo

CHINA NEWS: Selectmen pay bills; seek office secretary

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by Mary Grow

Three China selectmen met briefly Wednesday morning, June 14, primarily to approve the biweekly payroll and pay other bills.

Joann Austin, Irene Belanger and Jeffrey LaVerdiere also talked about beaver control to protect the north entrance road into Thurston Park and about the need for more volunteers for town committees.

The budget committee needs a secretary, who can live anywhere in town (the committee chairman is also from the town at large, and four other members represent four geographic districts). Residents interested in helping plan China Community Days and town-wide economic development are invited to volunteer for what used to be one committee and, selectmen have indicated, will become two separate committees.

Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux said the selectmen’s meeting was rescheduled from the usual Monday evening to Wednesday morning to accommodate board Chairman Neil Farrington and member Ronald Breton, who were not available Monday, June 12. Neither was at the June 14 meeting.

The next regular China selectmen’s meeting ought to be Monday evening, June 26, unless board members again change the schedule.

VHS to display prehistoric fishing roots in Vassalboro

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From left to right, Tony Jenkins, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Simone Antworth, VHS director, Jan Clowes, VHS president, Gary Shaffer, NRCS archaeologist, Stewart Corson, VHS director, Don Bassett, exhibit designer, and Russell Smith, VHS director.  Photo by Tom Kielbasa, NRCS

by Thomas Kielbasa
NRCS-Maine
A new exhibit at a central Maine museum is the fruition of a unique partnership between the local community and the USDA to preserve prehistoric artifacts for future generations.

On June 10 the Vassalboro Historical Society officially unveiled the “Remembered Vision” display at its museum in East Vassalboro, highlighting the area’s prehistoric fishing roots. The new exhibit – which features stone tool artifacts and a diorama depicting a native village – was created with the help of funding provided by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and volunteers with the Historical Society.

The “Remembered Vision” exhibit was funded in part by NRCS through a $5,000 National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO) award to promote the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act. The Vassalboro Historical Society (VHS) matched the funds to complete the exhibit.

“It is amazing,” VHS President Janice Clowes said during a special reception at the opening of the exhibit. “The people who have seen it are amazed, and we are so excited about it.”

The exhibit was designed by freelance artist and former display coordinator with the Maine State Museum Don Bassett. Bassett incorporated into the exhibit more than 100 stone artifacts excavated from the nearby Cates family farm, which sits on the mouth of an outlet stream from China Lake and was the site of a seasonal fishing camp for prehistoric and native fishermen.

Bassett said his vision for the Vassalboro exhibit was to bring to the community “the knowledge base that for thousands of years there were people right here on the grounds, and it continued mostly around a seasonal fishing existence.”

“Remembered Vision” is quite literally a “window” into the past; the east-facing window in the exhibit looks out onto the Cates farm and the site of the prehistoric fishing camp.

Bassett explained that much of the farm’s soil is undisturbed and could provide “an enormous cache” of archaeological information, thanks to support from the local community. He said a water treatment facility had been planned for the site in the 1990s, but an outpouring of support from locals to preserve its integrity saved the China Lake site.

“Not only did they save the farm, but found property (elsewhere) for the water district to build their water treatment plant,” Bassett added. “…The community is very proud to have that site, and they are very proud of the museum.””

A carving at the new exhibit, which features stone tool artifacts and a diorama depicting a native village.
Photo by Tom Kielbasa, NRCS

Through the window of the exhibit a visitor can also see the siding of the High Tunnel System on the Cates farm that NRCS assisted with installing nearly two years ago.

The project began in 2014 when the Cates family sought NRCS assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to install a High Tunnel System to help prolong their growing season. NRCS-Maine Cultural Resources Specialist Dr. Gary Shaffer knew the significance of the site since previous excavations over the years had recovered prehistoric artifacts primarily from the Middle and Late Archaic periods; especially from about 6,000 to 4,500 years ago. Shaffer believed the installation or use of the high tunnel at the farm would only minimally disturb the archaeological site (the setting of stakes to anchor the structure to the ground), but future usage could impact the site. His own excavation recovered several ceramic sherds and metal artifacts from the 18th to 20th centuries, as well as a flake of Kineo rhyolite from prehistoric tool manufacture. Importantly, troweling of the B horizon soils in one test pit revealed the dark soil of a prehistoric fire pit. After removal of the black, greasy silt loam from the pit, Shaffer carefully screened the soil to collect even the smallest of artifacts and biological items. As a result, he found a calcined (burned) bone and several pieces of charcoal.

This bone was later identified as a mouth apparatus of an anadromous alewife fish in a charcoal pit that was around 4,000 years old; this “confirmed the presence of significant prehistoric archaeological resources in the footprint of the high tunnel” at the Cates’ farm, according to Shaffer.

It was this project that helped solidify the historic importance of the site and confirm the location’s eligibility for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), a list with more than 90,000 properties of historical significance across the nation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s NRHP is part of a program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

“The Natural Resources Conservation Service was proud to be a part of this project in Vassalboro,” Shaffer said. “The Historical Society has truly done a great job with putting together this exhibit and ensuring generations to come will learn about the rich prehistory of this area of Maine.”

Give Us Your Best Shot! Week of June 15, 2017

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BUSY, BUSY, BUSY: Michael Bilinsky, of China Village, has been busy with his camera lately.

A great blue heron wades through the water near his home.

 

As a red squirrel chomps away on some food, a bird in a nearby nest watches carefully.

 

Two gold finch perch at a feeder, almost looking like a mirror image.

Week of June 15, 2017

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Week of June 1, 2017

Two receive Spirit of America award

T im Basham and Claire Heffernan were recently presented with Spirit of America awards. From left to right, Anita Smith, Elaine Philbrook, Claire Heffernan, Tim Basham and Irene Belanger recognizing Claire and Tim with the Spirit of America Award for their contributions to the China School Forest. Absent from photo is Robin Tobey… […]

Your Local News

China residents approve ban on marijuana

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Titus re-elected in Vassalboro

Planners rule boat landing work as maintenance

Hendrikse property receives China Lake Smart Award

Ross Poulin

Winslow cadet promoted

SVAC champions

Erskine class of 1967 gathers for reunion

We’d like to feature stories about you, your neighborhood, schools, events and places you remember in Maine from the 1960s or before. Photos, too!

Send your story, with name, phone, or email, to townline@townline.org or P.O. Box 89 Jonesbrook Crossing, So. China, ME 04358. FMI: 445-2234.

Day of Caring held in Whitefield

Lydia Gilman awarded Alfond Youth Center talent scholarship

Area speakers compete at county level

Bikes for Books in Windsor

Other News

How three small towns in the U.S. ended up with the name China

Local students graduate from UNH

Researchers meet on Monday

Other News

Hersey graduates from Emmanuel College

Local students named to Thomas College Spring dean’s list

Town Line Original Columnists

Human or A.I.? The Thin Blurred Line

If Walls Could TalkIF WALLS COULD TALK

Scores and OutdoorsTitmice taking over the feeders

Marilyn Rogers-Bull & PercySOLON & BEYOND

Review PotpouriComposer: Ludwig von Beethoven; Dance Band: Russ Morgan; Vocal group: Peter, Paul and Mary

Safe summer fun

Give Us Your Best Shot!

Bikes for Books in Windsor

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On June 6, Windsor Elementary celebrated reading at its sixth annual Bikes for Books awards program. Bikes and helmets were awarded to 18 students at this assembly. Bikes for Books is a reading incentive program for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Every time a student read a book and passed an Accelerated Reader test, his or her name was entered into a drawing to win a new bicycle and helmet. The more books a student read, the more chances he or she had to win. One boy and one girl was randomly chosen from each grade level. Bikes for Books T-shirts were also presented to the top three readers in each grade.

The following students received T-shirts: Addison Brann, Brenden Brashier, Emery St. Onge, Andrew Trocki, Griffin Hayden, Mason Marable, Declan Wotton, Jackson French, Aston Bailey, Anderson St. Onge, Chase Pierce, Gwen Parker, Thomas Mullens, Andrew Box, Thomas Mullens, Kaleigh Voyles, Parker St. Onge, Jacoby Furrow, Reese Sullivan, Damon Wilson, Carson Appel, Alexis Alcott, Faith Mitchell, Parker Reynolds, Connor Menard, Samantha Box, Avery Henningsen and Emma Hutchinson..

The following students won bikes: Elijah Norton, Aria Rafuse, Quentin Tuggle, Laila Goodwin, Matthew Carver, Layla Peaslee, Blake Smith, Sophia Nino Aguire, Kaiden Kronillis, Avery Redlevske, Aiden Hastings, Abigail Miller, Damon Wilson, Ellese Turner, Xavier Schopmann, Faith Mitchell, David Bourgoin and Kristin Ray.

Bikes for Books is sponsored by Dirigo Lodge A.F. & A.M. #104 with support from Lily of the Valley # 157 O.E.S. and a matching grant from the Grand Lodge of Maine. This program was made possible with contributions from the following local businesses: Netco Inc., Mark’s Saw Shop, J.C. Stone Inc., Rapid Redemption, Hussey’s General Store, Ron’s Auto Electric, Rideout’s Market & Grill, Windsor Veterinary Clinic, Norm’s Small Engine, Aunt Gin’s Restaurant, Augusta Upholstery, and Black Dog Graphics.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Titmice taking over the feeders

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Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee

It has already been a month since my wife and I moved to camp for the summer. With the annual trek comes the installation of the bird feeding stations that are all around us. We get the usual local congregations of chickadees, nuthatches, gold finches, blue jays, woodpeckers and occasional wanderers like the house finches, purple finches and grosbeaks.

However, this year, we have observed a noticeable influx of another species of bird that would, in the past, and at home also, be occasional visitors. That would be the Tufted Titmouse.

They have dominated the feeders, and we can hear their unmistakable calls from the cover of the woods. It is a resounding peter-peter-peter.

What has caused this increase in their numbers? Populations have boomed between 1966 and 2015, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. Partners in Flight estimate a global breeding population of 8 million with 100 percent living in the U.S. They are not on the 2016 State of North America’s Birds Watch List. The most probable reasons for the range expansion include a warming climate, reversion of farmlands to forests, and the growing popularity of backyard bird feeders. It’s a story we have heard over and over about these different species of birds that are migrating further north.

It is generally thought that tufted titmice, as of late, have become year-round residents of their range rather than migrating south.

The Tufted titmouse is a small bird with gray upper-parts and white underparts with a white face, a gray crest, a dark forehead and a short stout bill, with reddish-brown flanks.

Tufted titmice, Baeolophus bicolor, live in deciduous woods or mixed evergreen-deciduous woods, typically in areas with a dense canopy and many tree species. According to this, our camp is a haven for this species of bird. They are indiscriminate eaters. They eat mainly insects in the summer, and include seeds nuts and berries in their diet. Experiments with tufted titmice indicate they always choose the largest seeds they can when foraging. They typically hold the seed with their feet and hammer it open with their beaks. In fall and winter, they often hoard these shelled seeds in bark crevices.

tufted titmouse

tufted
titmouse

Like the chickadee, they can only take one seed per trip and usually shell the seeds before storing them.

While foraging, they hop among branches and twigs of trees, often hanging upside down, sometimes hovering momentarily.

The female will lay from five to six eggs, with sometimes as many as nine. The eggs are under an inch long and are white or cream-colored with brownish or purplish spots. The incubation is done by the female only. They will hatch is 12-14 days. The male will feed the young during the early days, but both parents will feed the chicks as they get older. The young will leave the nest in 15-16 days following their hatching.

Tufted titmice nest in a hole in a tree, either a natural cavity, a manmade nest box, or sometimes an old woodpecker nest.

The oldest known wild Tufted Titmouse was at least 13 years, three months old. It was banded in Virginia in 1962, and found in the same state in 1974.

There is always something going on with Mother Nature.
CHICKADEE UPDATE

If you recall, a couple of weeks back I told of a chickadee that had taken up residence in a long-abandoned bird house behind our camp. We hadn’t seen it in a couple of weeks, thinking the worse, after seeing a blue jay in the area. Well, she was spotted this weekend, in the bird house. We didn’t want to approach the house causing a disturbance. We can only assume there are eggs in there. We will continue to monitor the situation.

Legal Notices, Week of June 15, 2017

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STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
COURT ST.,
SKOWHEGAN, ME
SOMERSET, ss
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
18-A MRSA sec. 3-801

The following Personal Representatives have been appointed in the estates noted. The first publication date of this notice is June 15, 2017.

If you are a creditor of an estate listed below, you must present your claim within four months of the first publication date of this Notice to Creditors by filing a written statement of your claim on a proper form with the Register of Probate of this Court or by delivering or mailing to the Personal Representative listed below at the address published by his name, a written statement of the claim indicating the basis therefore, the name and address of the claimant and the amount claimed or in such other manner as the law may provide. See 18-A MRSA 3-804.

2017-083 – Estate of WILLIAM E. ELIAS, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Shirley E. Ezzy, PO Box 305, Augusta, Me 04332 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-131 – Estate of WENDELL ROUTON, late of Embden, Me deceased. Colleen Routon, 2547 Embden Pond Road, Embden, Me 04958 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-133 – Estate of RAYMONDE ROUSSEAU, late of Cornville, Me deceased. Evangeline M. Chamberland, 920 Molunkus Road, Cornville, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-134 – Estate of MALCOLM A. CHIPMAN, late of Lexington Township, Me deceased. Vernon N. Ford, P.O. Box 135, New Portland, Maine 04961 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-136 – Estate of JOHN J. LAYMAN, late of Solon, Me deceased. Annette M. Layman, 190 South Solon Road, Solon, Me 04979 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-137 – Estate of ESTHER LAMBERT WATERS, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Austin J. Waters, 75 Lambert Road, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

SPECIAL NOTICE: Any Claims Against Estate to be filed at Franklin Probate Court, 140 Main Street suite t, Farmington, Me 04938, Docket No. 2017-0091.

2017-139 – Estate of ARLAND V. STEDMAN, late of Hartland, Me deceased. Michael A. Wiers, Esq., PO Box 457, Newport, Me 04953 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-140 – Estate of MILES F. CARPENTER, JR., late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Schyler Y. Carpenter, 336 Beech Hill Road, Norridgewock, Me 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-141 – Estate of HENRY D. CROWLEY, late of Mercer, Me deceased. Elisabeth M. Crowley, 624 Elm Street, Mercer, Me 04957 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-146 – Estate of MARGUARETTE ARSENAULT, late of Madison, Me deceased. Daniel J. Arsenault, 16 Nichols Street, Madison, Me 04950 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-149 – Estate of MITCHELL A. DUNCAN, late of Rockwood, Me deceased. Diane Duncan, PO Box 340, Rockwood, Me 04478 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-153 – Estate of ROBERT P. LANDRY, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Judith A. McCarthy, 18 Prospect Street, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-154 – Estate of SUSAN B. HYDORN, late of Athens, Me deceased. Elizabeth Gagnon, 110 Denbow Road, St. Albans, Me 04971 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-158 – Estate of COLBY A. WAUGH, late of Madison, Me deceased. Jonathan C. Waugh, 4424 Lower Park Road, Unit 1409, Orlando, FL 32814 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-160 – Estate of JAMES A. BARNES, JR., late of Hartland, Me deceased. Jody D. Priest, 5 Stacy Street, Saco, Me 04072 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-161 – Estate of SMITH L. BICKFORD, late of Pittsfield, Me deceased. Bruce C. Bickford, PO Box 313, Pittsfield, Me 04967 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-162 – Estate of ROBERT F. CESARINI, late of Anson, Me deceased. Ryan L. Richards, 144 Hart Street, Apt. 36, Taunton, MA 02780 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-163 – Estate of HALVER L. BADGER, late of Hartland, Me deceased. Keith T. Badger, 1174 Athens Road, Hartland, Me 04943 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-166 – Estate of WILLIAM C. CHURCHILL, SR., late of Starks, Me deceased. Caleb Churchill, 5 Hisler Mt. Road, Somerville, Me 04348 appointed Personal Representative.

To be published on June 15 & June 22, 2017
Dated: June 12, 2017 /s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(6/22)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
41 COURT ST.
SOMERSET, ss
SKOWHEGAN, ME
PROBATE NOTICES

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE ESTATES LISTED BELOW

Notice is hereby given by the respective petitioners that they have filed petitions for appointment of personal representatives in the following estates. These matters will be heard at 10 a.m. or as soon thereafter as they may be, on June 28, 2017. The requested appointments may be made on or after the hearing date if no sufficient objection be heard. This notice complies with the requirements of 18-A MRSA §3-403 and Probate Rule 4.

2017-138 – Estate of NICHOLAS PAUL VARNEY, adult of Smithfield, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Nicholas Paul Varney, 964 Smithfield Road, Smithfield, Me 04978 requesting his name be changed to Sarah Grace Varney for reasons set forth therein.

2017-143 – Estate of KATHLEEN E. UNDERWOOD, minor of Canaan, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Kathleen Elizabeth Underwood, 27 Clarke Street, Canaan, Me 04924 requesting her name be changed to Kathleen Elizabeth Hamlin for reasons set forth therein.

2017-144 – Estate of ANTHONY SHAWN THOMAS WITHEE, minor of Madison, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Kelley Leigh Withee, 132 Madison Ave, Madison Me 04950 and Jonathan Russell Butman, 43 High Street, Apt 2, Oakland, Me 04963 requesting minor’s name be changed to Anthony Shawn-Thomas Butman for reasons set forth therein.

2017-145 – Estate of BONNIE D. HAMLIN, adult of Cornville, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Bonnie D. Hamlin, 52 Ames Road, Cornville, Me 04976 requesting her name be changed to Bunny D. Hamlin for reasons set forth therein.

2017-155 – Estate of MICHAEL CHARLES SHAFER, adult of Pittsfield, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Michael Charles Shafer, 134 Leonard Street, Pittsfield, Me 04967 requesting his name be changed to Maximus Alexander Lucia for reasons set forth therein.

2017-164 – Estate of LANA LEE TESSIER, adult of Norridgewock, Me. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by petitioner Lana Lee Tessier, 73 Ward Hill Road, Norridgewock, Me 04957 requesting her name be changed to Lana Lee Swett for reasons set forth therein.

Dated: June 12, 2017
/s/ Victoria M. Hatch
Register of Probate
(6/22)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
SOMERSET, SS

NOTICE TO HEIRS
Estate of WENDELL ROUTON

DOCKET NO. 2017-131

It appearing that the following heir/devisee of WENDELL ROUTON, as listed in an Application for Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative is of unknown address as listed below:

Ann Elizabeth Routon

THEREFORE, notice is hereby given as heirs of the above named estate, pursuant to Maine Rules of Probate Procedure Rule 4(d) (1) (a), and Rule 4 (e) a.

This notice shall be published once a week for two successive weeks in The Town Line, with the first publication date to be June 15, 2017.

Names and address of Personal Representative: Colleen Routon, 2547 Embden Pond Road, Embden, Me 04958.

Dated: May 1, 2017
/s/ Victoria M.  Hatch
Register of Probate
(6/22)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
SOMERSET, SS
NOTICE TO HEIRS
Estate of EDWIN B. WESTON

DOCKET NO. 2017-112

It appearing that the following heir of EDWIN B. WESTON, as listed in an Application for Informal Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative is of unknown address as listed below:

Douglas Eugene Weston

THEREFORE, notice is hereby given as heirs of the above named estate, pursuant to Maine Rules of Probate Procedure Rule 4(d) (1) (a), and Rule 4 (e) a.

This notice shall be published once a week for two successive weeks in The Town Line, with the first publication date to be June 15, 2017.

Names and address of Personal Representative: Thomas B. Weston, 380 Weston Avenue, Madison, Me 04950

Dated: June 15, 2017
/s/ Victoria M. Hatch
Register of Probate
(6/22)