I’m Just Curious: How about if… (part 2)

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by Debbie Walker

Recently we printed “How About If”…. I didn’t realize it was going to be renamed “Part 1”. Dr. Suske (33 years Waterville Osteopathic/Inland Hospital) from China sent me an email with more “How About If…” and he gave me permission to share them with you. (ta da – part 2)

How About If…. we are a one language country. We have folks from all over the world. Why do we have to deal with the Spanish language? First I thought okay, our country does butt up to Mexico, Spanish speaking country; however we also butt up to French speaking Canada. Let’s not forget the people here who are Italian, German, etc. and let’s really not forget Native Americans. Again “How About If” we have two languages, English and Sign Language.

How About If…. we welcome and support “legal” immigrants. The people who can and want to work and they will become a strong part of our economy by also paying taxes to support their new home.

How About If….we review our priorities. Our educational system is always being hit to save tax monies. Where are the people we have to rely on for these decisions? We still need to cut down on their spending! (We have governors, senators, Congress and all in between and higher offices that I would like to get a look at their expense accounts).

How About If….. the health care system when presented to us already has from the president on down the government pay scales enrolled in such. The “power” people would then have a vested interest in having a system that may work for us all.

How About If….. all the people who have no problem with the “Pledge” and prayer in our schools spoke up and said, “What the heck,” who did that really hurt? Add a patriotic song and I believe you will be surprised to see the power rise. By using these simple tools we could bring back pride in our country from the little guys up to our elders, those who risked their lives to give us those rights.

Okay now this one is a really big one; How About If…. we start using Common Sense! Of all the “senses” known to man Common Sense is the least used! Encourage those you have influence with to rely and work on their common senses.

I admit that I am naïve about a lot of things; I write simply and often just leave a comment for you to think about. These things are my opinion that I share. With the responses I have received (especially Dr. Suske) I see that I am not alone.

I’m just curious what your thoughts are on some of these things. Thank you for reading and sharing your insights. Contact me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com, sub: How about if….

Note: Thank you for sharing Doctor! Have a safe trip home.

REVIEW POTPOURRI, Week of April 27, 2017

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Peter Catesby  Peter Cates

Whether in an urban or rural area, very devoted, if not compulsive, record collectors patrol the Goodwills and other such venues looking for that particular record, whether rare or not, that strikes their fancy and often buy just a few more that just happen to have been put out that day. This week, I am doing little summaries of 78s that might tweak some interest, whenever and wherever they might be found:

  1. John Charles Thomas – Smiling Eyes; Roses of Picardy, Brunswick 10274, recorded 1924.
    The genial John Charles Thomas (1895-1961) sang with much gusto and sincerity, whether opera or, as on this disk, favorite songs of the day; his records were consistently enjoyable, this one a really choice example. He appeared a few times on Groucho Marx’s TV show, You Bet Your Life, which can be viewed on YouTube.
  2. Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers – Blue Shadows on the Trail; Pecos Bill, RCA Victor 20-2780, recorded December 1, 1947.
    The Sons of the Pioneers blended nicely with their former King of the Cowboys (1911-1998) colleague in these two songs from Walt Disney’s 1947 animated feature, Melody of Love.
  3. Eddy Howard – Someone Like You; When the Angelus Is Ringing, Mercury 5254, recorded 5/49.
    A few years ago, I was going to tell my brother, who is a blues fan, with such favorites as B.B. King, Albert King and John Lee Hooker, about my favorite white blues singer, when he interrupted me with “Eddy Howard!” And, yes, I was dumb-founded. But this singer/bandleader (1914-1963) had a gift for turning the above pop novelties into delectable vocal miniatures, unlike any other of his generation, but was tragically taken from us at the horribly young age of 49.
  4. Les Brown – Robin Hood; Sleigh Ride in July, Columbia 36763, recorded 11/18/44.
    Whatever Les Brown (1912-2001) may have lacked in imagination or taste, he made up for with solid musical leadership. Robin Hood is a funny swing number with lyrics by Louis Prima while Sleigh Ride in July, a classy Burke/Van Heusen ballad, has some very lovely woodwind/brass sonorities.
  5. Julia Lee – A Porter’s Love Song; Since I’ve Been With You, Capitol 40008, recorded 8/9/46.
    A blues singer/pianist from 1927, when she made her first 78, Julia Lee (1902-1958) recorded 78s for the then trail-blazing Capitol Records from 1944 until her hits dried up in 1949. For the rest of her life, she was popular locally in Kansas City until her death from a heart attack. These two songs are feisty crowd pleasers, while her backup, labelled as her Boy Friends, includes Benny Carter, Nappy LaMarre, Vic Dickensen, Red Norvo, Red Nichols, etc.
  6. Perry Como – If You Were My Girl; I Cross My Fingers, RCA Victor 20-3846, recorded 1950.
    I have already proclaimed Perry Como (1912-2001) as one of my top five or six favorite male singers. I agree with a local church choir director who felt that Como had a set of pipes during his prime that were unsurpassed in her experience for the sweet, sincere beauty of sound, phrasing, projection and charisma, which I amen whole-heartedly. Unfortunately the two songs were clunkers – they went in and out my ears with no effect, emotional or otherwise. And Como’s long term conductor and arranger, Mitchell Ayres, despite his best efforts, could do nothing to breathe any life into them !!
  7. Chuck Foster – Dardanella; Who Put that Dream in Your Eyes, Mercury 5125, recorded 12/47.

Dance bandleader Chuck Foster (1912-2001) experienced several peak years of popularity when his very well-liked group was constantly in demand, mainly during the World War II years through to the early ‘50s, and it recorded a few sides for Mercury from the mid- to late ‘40s.

Meanwhile, singer Tommy Ryan (1921-2007), who had spent most of the war years as one of Sammy Kaye’s leading vocalists, would join Foster and his ensemble at least for the above two sides. The results were pleasant without being particularly moving.
Ryan pretty much ended his showbiz career in the mid-’50s, during which he began pursuing other careers and hobbies with abundant success. However, he remained the entertainer to his family, friends and some fortunate customers and, according to his son, had a beautiful voice up to his eighties, singing at Bar Mitzvahs and other similar social events.

Foster continued leading dance bands until the early ‘80s but his recording career would end after the release of one LP in 1959 for the Phillips International label.

Remembering the Saturday afternoon serials

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Pages in Time

by Milt Huntington

We hunkered down in Augusta’s Capitol Theater to watch pulse pounding, thundering, throbbing, breathless, breakneck adventures packed with thrills, spills and chills. It was one of many Saturday afternoons of long ago, when we watched the countless movie serials.

Sometimes we were mesmerized by the adventures of Superman, Batman and Robin, The Lone Ranger or perhaps Flash Gordon. The 20-minute episodes always closed with life or death cliffhangers, only to reappear the following week with miraculous escapes. Sometimes, the movie makers would conveniently invent a different ending to enable the hero or heroine to escape from certain death. I always remember the time that Jackie Cooper played Donn Fendler in the serial and fell off a three-story roof. When the serial picked up again the following week, he managed to land in a rain barrel full of water. Donn Fendler was the real life boy scout in the book about him: Lost On A Mountain In Maine.

The Green Hornet

The Green Hornet

It was an inspirational book for boy scouts everywhere, but the movie serial was really a stretch.

A lot of the serials originated as comic strips, enhanced by special effects and original sounds. I always liked the Green Hornet and Cato who would tear through the night in the Black Beauty super car as The Flight Of The Bumble Bee music buzzed in the background. Who can ever forget the mysterious masked hero of the plains with his faithful Indian companion, Tonto. I can hear the bugle ringing out even now to introduce The William Tell Overture as The Lone Ranger Rides Again. Robert Livingston and Chief Thundercloud were the originals, and then Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels appeared in the feature films when we all “returned to the golden days of yesteryear.”

Flash Gordon

Flash Gordon

Flash Gordon was a fixture of the movie serials. He was played by Buster Crabbe, and Jean Rollins was his sexy blonde heroine-girl friend, Dale Arden. One of the villains was Mingo The Mercilous, ruler of the planet, Mongo. Flash Gordon conquered the universe and took a trip to Mars. It was the most expensive serial ever made, something in excess of $350,000. I remember it being portrayed in green and white instead of black and white. Incredibly, the futuristic rocket ships and equipment were ahead of their time and materialized as the actual space travel of today.

One of my all-time favorite serials had to do with a guy in a tight fitting costume who could leap tall buildings in a single bound, was more powerful than locomotive and was faster than a speeding bullet. Clark Kent was a likeable wimp. Lois Lane was stuck on the Man of Steel. They were both reporters for the Daily Planet. If it weren’t for that darn kryptonite, Superman would have been invinceable.

Then of course, there was Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson, the dynamic duo who rode around in the Bat Mobile as Batman and Robin. I never really understood how the police chief was able to send the Bat Signal into the sky in broad daylight . Strange!

The Phantom

The Phantom

 The Phantom was another fugitive from the comic books. He wore a purple and black uniform with a skinny black mask. I sent away for a Phantom ring with skull and crossbones. I also sent away for a full- blown King of the Mounted Police uniform and a magic decoder ring.

I remember Captain Marvel as being a little bit chubby with an ill-fitting costume, but I liked the lightning bolt on his chest and the way he exclaimed “Shazam.” Captain Marvel Junior was another favorite hero, who changed from a handicapped newspaper boy to super hero by simply saying: “Captain Marvel.”

Zorro

Zorro

I also remember Dick Tracy, Terry and the Pirates, Mandrake the Magician, Brenda Starr-Reporter, Jack Arm­strong – All Ameri­can Boy, Hop Harrigan, The Spider’s Web, Adven­tures of Tarzan, Zorro, Tim Tyler’s Luck, Jungle Jim, Gang Busters, Don Winslow of the Navy, and Nyoka of the Jungle.

“Years ago in the Orient, Lamont Cranston learned a strange and mysterious secret, the ability to cloud men’s minds so they could not see him”. That’s when he became “The Shadow,” and philosophized: ”The weed of crime bares bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows.” Then we would hear his sinister, nasal-like laughter. How much fun was that!

Blondie and Dagwood were technically a series of 28 films with Arthur Lake and Penny Singleton, but they also qualified as feature films. Unlike the cliffhangers described before, they were just a lot of fun with the bumbling Dagwood character and their kids, Baby Dumpling and Alexander. Dagwood was always getting into trouble with his boss, Mr. Dithers. I loved those flicks.

By the 1940s and early 1950s, serials were so numerous with so many boring and stale plots, they totally lost their popularity. There was a brief revival of serials in the late ‘50s and ‘60s, but, but alas, they were never quite the same again, but they were certainly great while they lasted.

Milt Huntington is the author of “A Lifetime of Laughter’ and ‘Things That Make You Grin.”

Winslow High School second quarter honors

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SENIORS

High honors: Jenna Goss, Adrienne Lakey and Samuel Lambrecht. Honors: Benjamine Abbott, Michael Ayer, Danielle Berard, Melody Chapman, Mariah Cruz, Cathryn Fyfe, Adam Green, Sierra Harmon, Wyatt Hughes, Ciara LeClair, Edilene McCaslin, Cmeron Morrison, Joshua Olin, Samantha Pomerleau, Courtney Pomeroy, Tyler Sheets, Benjamin Smith, Paige Smith, Raymond Spaulding, Morgan Theriault, Ava Toothill, Elizabeth Turner and Joshua Veilleux. Honorable Mention: Carter Bradford, Jacob Clark, Grace Drummond, Nathan Gagnon, Susan Grant, Katelynn Larsen, Bethanie Lovely, Emily Manocchio, Avery Mills, Jenna Pelletier, Lisa Robinson, Faith Rogers, Jamie Sears, Samantha Washburn and Hope Winkin.

JUNIORS

High honors: Devon Gleason. Honors: Andrew Beckwith, Andrew Bolduc, Marissa Carpenter, Devin Carter, Cierra Clyde, Hannah Crayton, Dakota Cunningham, Alyssa Currie, Logan Denis, Jacob DeRaps, Ashley Dineen, Brandon Dineen, Jade Freeman, Broghan Gagnon, Natalie Greene, Roy Greenleaf, Sarah Guimond, Bryce Hillier, Olyvia Kelley, Jacob Krshner, Jake Lapierre, Brenna Martin, Kathleen McCowan, Nicholas Morris, Liz Nadeau, Alexa Petrovic, Garrett Pooler, Christine Quirion, Bailey Robbins, Kirstie Rogers, Lidia Santos, Carmen Smith, Sarah Stevens, Marcel Swiercz, Joshua Vashon, Haley Ward and Michael Wildes. Honorable Mention: Haylee Barrett, Christopher Bouti, Cory Briggs, Emily Coates, Colby Cote, Cassandra Demers, Arnold Maroney, Tyler Martin, Cassie McCaslin, Olivia Moody, Jackson Morneault, Alister Piccini, Madison Roy and Mackenzie Small.

SOPHOMORES

High honors: Sara Doughty, Arianna Hatt, Emily Robertson, Elyse St. Pierre and Jacob Witham. Honors: Maddie Beckwirth, Maeghan Bernard, Adam Bickford, Suzanne Bryan, Elizabeth Farnham, Noah Gagne, Jared Goss, Kyle Gurney, Lily Harriett, Mackenzy Labrie, Isaac Lambrecht, Weslee Littlefield, Grace Paradis, Anna Pellerin, Mikayla Reynolds, Katie St. Amand, Nicholas Tiner, Paige Trask, Desiree Veilleux, Cameron Winslow and Amber Worthley. Honorable Mention: Shawn Bryan, Alyssa Burbank, Kyle Camire, Devin Daigneault, Izaak Gajowski, Emily Glidden, Joshua Gordon, Alexander Jason, Justin LaFlamme, Andrew Mattingly, Anna Petrovic, Cheyenne Raymond, Sean Staton, Haley Twitchell, Dacota Waldie, Ely Yang and Sebastian York.

FRESHMEN

High honors: Katie Doughty, Brennan Dunton, Cameron Goodwin, Jacob Huesers, Wesley O’Neal, Carrie Selwood, Mallory Sheridan and Grace Smith. Honors: Savannah Adams, Kathryn Bailey, Rylee Batey, Devin Bettencourt, Logan Bolduc, Eri Booth, Sebastin Bouchard, Silver Clukey, Alexander Demers, Micah Dickson, Hannah Dugal, Isaiah Goldsmith, John Hankey Aaron Harmon, Gabrielle Hatt, Sadie Irza, Kaelyn Lakey, Juliann Lapierre, Riley Loftus, Caleb Mills, Christopher Mills, Madison Morin, Elena O’Hara, Madalyn Phillips, Justice Picard, Colby Pomeroy, Kristen Rancourt and Kasaundra Reynolds. Honorble Mention: Teagon Baros, Cameron Brockway, Brielle Carter, Gabriella Chambers, Abigail Cochran, Brady Corson, Ronan Drummond, Isaiah Gidney, Ross Hughes, Savannah Joler, Haylee Morse, Mariah Morrison, Shaylie Morrison, Cora Mushero, Skylar Nye, Jillian Pion, Jackson Reynolds, Gage Vaughan, Abigail Washburn and Abigail Wright.

Over 100 local Special Olympians set for games in Skowhegan on May 5

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Special Olympics Maine Area events are underway across the state. Local Special Olympics programs have been or are soon to be participating in area track and field events at the local levels as they prepare for the state Summer Games. The Special Olympics Maine state summer games will take place June 9 – 11 at the University of Maine at Orono this year. Over 1,500 Special Olympic Maine athletes, both children and adults, are expected to compete at this year’s event.

Prior to the state games, athletes must participate in local games to get times, distances, and ability levels which will help put them into appropriate divisions at the state level competition. The Somerset County Area Spring Games have been a longstanding tradition that our athletes look forward to each year. Each year, we have over 100 athletes registered to compete in our track and field events with over 50 volunteers in support of them. We thank all the local volunteers and coaches who have pulled together in support of our efforts. A special thanks to Skowhegan Area High School for letting us use their space. The opening ceremonies are accompanied by the SAHS Band. SAHS’ track and field coaches and athletes and SAHS Jobs for Maine Graduates student volunteers provide guidance throughout the day, ensuring proper tracking of times and distances. The Lion’s Club provides the almost 200 lunches hot off the grill. Several local emergency responders are available to aid and safety for all attendees.

Special Olympics Maine is a year-round sports training and competition program for children and adults who have intellectual disabilities. In Maine, they serve over 4,000 athletes.

For more information about the Somerset County Area Spring Games, please contact Maxine Briggs-Buzzell, Somerset & Upper Kennebec County Area manager at 207-293-4577 or Kim Garland, Somerset Area Spring Games coordinator at 207-566-5766.

For more information on Special Olympics Maine please visit www.somaine.org or call 207-879-0489 or find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsMaine.

SOLON & BEYOND, Week of April 27, 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!

In my column on April 6 I had written that I would write more about the wonderful benefit supper and great auction to benefit Jim Tindall, of North New Portland, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. I found out that over 300 people attended and that $5,000 was raised in support for him at that event. He and his partner, Annette, own the Dam Diner, in North New Portland, and she is running the restaurant while he is undergoing cancer treatment in Augusta.

They thank everyone so very much for all their help in making this benefit such a success. The committee Betty Cobb, Tammy Dunphy and Cathy Horne, who did the soliciting, collecting and making it a great auction. There were over 60 donors from far and near, individuals and many, many businesses, their time and effort are most appreciated.

Also, a benefit supper was held on April 8 for Zack and Zella Corson, at the Solon Elementary School and hosted by the New Hope Evangelical Free Church, of Solon. Although Zack was unable to attend, physically – he was in Portland for treatment for another illness – he was able to join the gathering via new technology. Matthew and Paul Foster were able to hook up with Zack’s iphone via Skype. A large group was in attendance, and Zack was able to speak with many friends and relatives. Later, they watched a DVD about Zack and Zella, set to a Star Wars theme. In the end, when combining donations and money raised through a Chinese auction, they were able to raise $4,600 to help with Zack’s medical bills. Many groups and businesses donated time and materials. Everyone did such a great job!

Don’t forget the annual Solon Congregational Church Inside Yard and Craft Sale on Saturday, April 29, at the Solon Elementary School from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The Keystone Chapter #78, of Solon, will be meeting Thursday, May 4, for Mothers Day program. There will be a Spring Basket Auction to benefit the scholarship fund.

Is my face Red! In last week’s column I made a drastic mistake and I haven’t got an answer for it except to correct it! Lief and I really had a wonderful time at the Easter supper held at the home of Elwood and Judy Ellis. My apologies to anyone who may have been embarrassed when I made the mistake of writing Elwood and Nancy, (Lief has nine sisters, and Nancy is one of them). But… my only excuse is sometimes I’m in a rush to get this column written in time for the deadline, and to get ready for tonight’s painting class. Maybe, it is time for me to slow down!

And now for Percy’s memoir: Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent. (words by Marilyn Vos Savant.)

Zumba-thon for veterans a success

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The Zumba-Thon for Veterans was held on April 21 at Madison Junior High School to benefit the programs for veterans at Togus. More than $1,100 was raised which will be donated to the programs such as the VA/VS which includes keeping the supply closet of comfort items for every veteran who is admitted, coffee and newspapers in the waiting room, gifts at Christmas and other activities. Below, the nine instructors who conducted the zumba-thon, from left to right, Christine Marie, Hillary White, Lisa Berry, Allison Marcoux, Tiara Nile, organizer, Lisa Doyon, Denise Delorie and Suzanne Lamb.

Contributed photos

Program on invasive plants set in Unity

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On Wednesday, May 10, ecologist Aleta McKeage, of Belfast, will present on invasive plants, one of the primary threats to environmental health that we face today. Invasive plants take over natural areas, crowding out native species and changing wildlife habitats. We will learn which plants present the worst problems in our area, how to identify them, what they do to the ecosystem, and most importantly, how we can control them.  We will observe striking examples of invasive plant infestations as well as successful control management that is being employed to combat invasive plants locally.

McKeage specializes in land stewardship and restoration integrated with outreach and community building. She is an expert in invasive plant biology and control and restoration of native plant communities in natural areas as well as human-influenced landscapes.

The talk is part of the Sebasticook Regional Land Trust’s monthly speaker series, “Restoring Connections to Place,” featuring a wide variety of conservation topics of interest to Maine. The programs are free and open to the public at 6:30 p.m., the second Wednesday of every month at the café, 93 Main, located at 93 Main St., Unity.

Agility: Routines build confidence

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TRAINING YOUR PERFORMANCE DOGTRAINING YOUR PERFORMANCE DOG

by Carolyn Fuhrer

Most of us who compete have very good dogs in class, at home or wherever we go to play with them. Why then is it sometimes different when we go to a trial? Different sounds, different smells, different dogs and people – basically unfamiliar territory – can be distracting and stressful to the dog and this is why having routines that are familiar to both of you can help your dog gain confidence.

A new environment can overstimulate your dog’s brain. In a new situation that, to your dog, is over stimulating you may feel he is not giving you the attention you want, but in reality he probably cannot handle all that stimulation. And since a dog’s first instinct is survival/safety, his brain may not be able to handle both attention to you and the environment. Survival skills will override attention to you. This dog needs familiar routines to feel safe and which will enable him to build mental stamina.

Overstimulated dogs will react differently. Some will get the “zoomies” and do all the obstacles as if you did not exist. Others will perform very slowly, trying to do the correct behavior in spite of the overwhelming environment and others may shut down and not even jump. Handler pressure here or loud cheerleading can be disastrous. Familiar routines can help these dogs.

Plan on arriving early to any new venue. Leave your dog in the car and set up his ”home” – a crate, x-pen, mat, or whatever is familiar and appropriate. When you get your dog out of the car, don’t just go inside. Let your dog see where he is. A dog’s natural way to check the environment is to sniff – and what do most handlers say immediately? Leave it – no sniff! Your dog needs to know where he is so just hang out by the car for a moment and let him look around and sniff. When he seems relaxed, find a place where he can relieve himself if necessary and go inside.

Once inside, move away from the door and just relax again. Let him see where he is, then go to his crate which can have a toy or bone inside. Sit by your dog and let him relax again. When I feel that my dog is comfortable, I like to go for a walk around the area with a toy. The toy is available to the dog, but I do not ask my dog to play. This can be too hard for a “green” dog – “I can’t play if I don’t feel safe.”

When I see that my dog is relaxing, I may start some very easy play and if my dog buys into the game I will play to the level my dog can handle in this environment. It may not be what you can do at home. If I can get play, then I might ask for “speak” and tricks and then go back to play. Then I put my dog away and let him rest. Each time you take your dog out of the crate, play should come easier and be stronger.

Warm up routines should be familiar and fun – entering the ring, how you take off the leash and go to the start line and how you set up and lead out or begin, should all be a well known routine. When your dog knows what to expect, he can then put effort into focus. End routines should also be established routines – with the dog coming to you, putting on the leash, praising, exiting the ring, celebrating and rewarding.

Routines build confidence through familiarity. Work on the routines your dog needs.

Carolyn Fuhrer has earned over 80 AKC titles with her Golden Retrievers, including 2 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.

Obituaries, Week of April 27, 2017

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JOSEPH A. LIZOTTE

FAIRFIELD––Joseph Albert Lizotte, 75, passed away in Zephyrhills, Florida, on Thursday, March 16, 2017, following a brief illness. Joseph was born in Waterville, on September 24, 1941, the only child of Albert J. Lizotte and Marie (Clementine) Bolduc Lizotte.

Joseph attended Winslow High School, graduating on June 9, 1960. Immediately following graduation, Joseph enlisted in the United States Air Force, stationed in Alaska as a freight traffic specialist. He was honorably discharged on September 12, 1963, shortly after his transfer to Dow Air Force Base, Bangor.

He held many different jobs in the Waterville/Winslow area, to include delivery driver for Harris Bakery, mill worker for both Keyes Fibre and Scott Paper Co., and finally engineer for the Maine Central Railroad Company, a job he held until his retirement in 1996.

He enjoyed many different hobbies, including camping and ice fishing. He was a member of a local bowling league and he was an avid cribbage player. He really loved traveling, and after his retirement, spent 12 winters in Florida to enjoy the warmer weather.

While in Florida, he enjoyed playing shuffleboard with his park friends, earning a championship trophy. Joseph was a wonderful cook, spending many holidays entertaining for his family and friends. It didn’t take long for the members of his local church in Florida to notice his cooking abilities, as he began volunteering for the church suppers each Friday night. His spaghetti with meat sauce and shepherd’s pie were quite a hit. Joseph also enjoyed experiencing many eateries with his wife, working on his computer with his grandson, helping to build his daughter’s house, attending his granddaughter’s sporting events, and watching all the New England sports teams.

He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Marie Lizotte.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carol Lizotte, of Fairfield; son Alton Lizotte and wife Lisa, of Bay Minette, Alabama; son Dennis Lizotte and wife Karen, of Biddeford; and daughter Heather Johnson and husband Jeremiah, of Clinton; five grandchildren: Gary Lizotte, Samantha LaBrecque, and Gage, Jazmin and Jorja Johnson; and two great-grandchildren: Ethan and Olivia LaBrecque; one sister-in-law, Patricia Marquis, of Garland; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

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

THEODORA A. CHAYKOWSKY

NORTH VASSAL­BORO –– Theodora Anne Chaykowsky, 71, passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2017, in Jackson, Tennessee. Most people knew her as Teddi. She was born May 3, 1945, the daughter of Daniel and Theresa Spaulding.

She was a nurse’s aide for several years. She cared for the elderly with so much love. Her last job was a dispatcher for Elite Taxi, in Waterville.

She enjoyed collecting anything related to elephants, making crafts, and doing craft fairs At one time she owned and operated a craft shop, The Rocking Chair, in North Vassalboro. She also enjoyed movies and TV: John Wayne, MacGyver, Walker Texas Ranger, Murder She Wrote, Westerns, and then some.

After retiring, she moved south to Lexington, Tennessee, to be closer to her daughter.

She was a loving, giving person and would do anything for anyone, and anything to get a smile on your face.

She is survived by her husband James Chaykowsky, of 37 years; three children, Steven Fitzgerald, retired Marine of 15 years, and wife Helena, of Galesburg, Illinois; Kathleen Charles, of Lexington, Tennessee, and Theresa C. Fitzgerald Williford and husband Chris, of Lexington, Tennessee; brother Lebanon Spaulding and wife Betty, of Winslow; sister Maryjane Hunt and husband Royden, of Island Falls; and three grandchildren, Ricky, Kimber, and Luke.

ROBERT F. O’REILLY

WINSLOW––Robert Francis O’Reilly, 51, of Winslow, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. He was born in the Bronx, New York, on June 4, 1965.

He was the son of the late Dorothea Hurley O’Reilly and James J. O’Reilly, formerly of Bronx, New York and Morrisville, Pennsylvania. He was the father of Kathryn O’Reilly, of Husson University, in Bangor, brother of James O’Reilly with Sherry McCullough; Eva O’Reilly Wagner, wife of Peter Wagner uncle of Phoebe and Heron Wagner, Oisin McCullough and Seamus O’Reilly.

Robert was a welder and member of the International Brotherhood of boilermakers.

Bob’s father, Robert Owens, died before Bob was born. His mother, Dorothea, was 19 at the time. Fortunately Bob developed a close bond with his father’s immediate family, Jimmy, Geraldine, Stephen, Karen, Sean and cousin John Owens and Karen’s husband Richard Bertolacci who all acted as guides throughout his life. Dorothea married Jim O’Reilly, who adopted Bob and loved him as much as the children who followed, Jimmy and Eva. Unfortunately, Jim died when Bobby was 11 years old. Although Bob suffered a lot of loss early in life, he had an enormous family of aunts and uncles and cousins who loved him dearly.

Bobby graduated from the community School, in Camden, a place where he learned many life and survival skills and met people who would shape his life forever. He served honorable in the U.S. Marine Corp.

In 1998, he fathered a daughters, Kathryn Rose O’Reilly, with Jody Lambert. Katie remained the love of his life. They were a team to his final day.

Bob loved each and every one in his family with a loyalty that was unmatched and all those who encountered Bob knew this to be true.

Bob was loved by many for his generosity, sense of humor and courage. He was a fabulous cook, he loved music, and he took great care of his mother during her long battle cancer.

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

ARTHUR D. SYLVAIN

WINSLOW––Arthur D. Sylvain, 92, of Waterville, passed away on Friday, April 14, 2017, in Waterville. He was born in North Anson on February 8, 1925, son of Paul and Homerine C. (Michaud) Sylvain.

Arthur was raised in Skowhegan and graduated from Skowhegan Senior High School, class of 1943.

He immediately entered the Army Air Corp serving in the European Theater and received an honorable discharge in 1946. Arthur worked in the construction field for 45 years as a supervisor of construction with Sanders Construction Corp., Industrial, Inc., and Consolidated Construction & Builders, Inc. Most of his work was at paper mills and power plants around the Northern New England States.

Arthur was a life member of the Waterville Elks Lodge #905, Bourque-Lanigan American Legion Post #5, Waterville and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8835, Winslow.

He was predeceased by his parents; and wife, Emily M. (Parent) Sylvain on November 27, 2011.

Arthur is survived by one son, David Sylvain and wife Jane, of Lincolnville; two daughters Cynthia Gilbert and husband Gary, of Winslow, and Denise Carpenter and husband Jeffrey, of Largo, Florida; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three sisters and two brothers, Theresa, of Leesburg, Florida, Albertine, of Hinckley, Annette Boardman, of Madison, Ernest, of Rochester, New Hampshire, and Paul, of Skowhegan.

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

Memorial donations my be made to: MaineGeneral Hospice, P.O. Box 828, Waterville ME 04903-0828.

MARJORIE E. STARBIRD

FAIRFIELD––Marjorie Edna Starbird, 58, passed away on Saturday, April 15, 2017. She was born on November 16, 1958, to Carl and Marion Adams, in Island Falls, and married her husband of 39 years, Philip Earl Starbird Jr., on August 27, 1977.

To know Marjorie was to love her. She rarely raised her voice in anger and never held a grudge if someone were to upset her. She was quick to forgive and just as quick to forget, all the while keeping a smile on her face. She wore that smile even in the toughest or darkest of times and was a shining example of how a person should treat other people in life. She didn’t care who a person was on the outside or what they did behind closed doors, she loved everybody the same just as she knew Jesus would.

Marjorie loved animals of all kinds, but had a special place in her heart for horses, dogs, and cats.

She was predeceased by her sisters, Carlene Ginter and Carol Sholler.

She is survived by her husband Philip; daughter, Tiffany Marie Starbird, son, Eric Michael Starbird and wife Samantha; sisters, Joan White and Marilyn Burpee; brothers, Carl Adams and Kilburn “Kippy” Adams; many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

For an online memory book and to leave condolences please visit www.bowersfuneral.com.

RUTH V. FREDETTE

WINSLOW––Ruth V. Fredette, 90, of Winslow, died Monday, April 17, 2017. She was born in Waterville on Decem­ber 7, 1926, the daughter of Gustave and Eva (Boulette) Veilleux.

She was educated at St. Francis de Sales School, in Waterville, and graduated from the Academy of St. Joseph, in South Berwick, on June 17, 1944, and The New England Institute of Mortuary Science, in Boston, in 1947. She and her husband bought Veilleux Funeral Home in 1962, which they owned and operated until retiring in 1997. She was active in the parish and a Euchristic Minister for many years. She and her husband both joined The Maine Funeral Directors Association in 1953. Ruth was the oldest licensed lady Funeral Director in Maine.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband Edward; her parents; sister Lorraine Rousseau and her husband Francis; brother Germain John Veilleux and wife Jacquiline.

She is survived by her two sons, Paul Fredette and wife Shari, of Pemaquid, John Fredette, of Winslow; two grandchildren, Jessica McQuillan, of Waterville; Jeremy Fredette, of Albany; two great-grandchildren, Matthew Jolicouer, of Waterville, and Oliver Fredette, of Albany.

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

FERN C. CLARK

SOMERVILLE––Fern Collins Clark, 87, of the Hewett Road, passed away at home, Tuesday, April 18, 2017, following a brief illness. She was born December 20, 1929, in Gardiner, the daughter of Evelyn and Bertie Collins.

Fern had a love for animals. She enjoyed ceramics, knitting and sewing, often making gifts for family and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband Walter; son Leo; and several siblings.

She is survived by her sons, Andy, of Somerville, Matthew, of Thomasville, North Carolina, David, of Augusta, and Roger, of Windsor; daughters Rose Jackson and Laura Castle, both of Whitefield; sisters, Angie Strand, of Washington, Pauline Castle, of Augusta, and Jeanette LeClaire; brother, Larry Collins, of Greene; several grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

DOUGLAS TYLER

WINDSOR––Douglas Tyler, 74, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at Maine Veterans Home in Augusta. He was born October 15, 1942, the son of Manley and Helen Tyler.

Douglas graduated from Gardiner Area High School in 1961, and went on to the Wentworth Institute of Technology. After graduation, he joined the Navy. He worked for the Maine department of parks and recreation for 30+ years before retiring in 2007.

He was a longtime member of the Gardiner American Legion where he enjoyed marching in the color guard during parades, and Gardiner Eagles. He also enjoyed golfing, hunting trips to the Allagash, camping, exploring Downeast Maine, playing pool, his dogs and pets, and always a good cigar and Manhattan. His favorite pastime was spending time with his family.

He was predeceased by his parents.

He is survived by his wife Marianne; sons, Ian and Shawn; grandchildren, Mitchell, Charlotte, Kayla and Brady; brother Greg and his wife Judy; nephews, John and Jeff Tyler; grandnieces, and nephews.

Memorial donations may be sent to: Maine Veterans Home, Attn: Melanie Bridges, 320 Cony Rd., Augusta ME 04330.

RENALD J. LACHANCE

WINSLOW––Renald Joseph Lachance, 85, died on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at Brentwood Rehab & Nursing Center, in Yarmouth, following a brief illness. He was born in Waterville on August 31, 1931, the son of Gustave and Alexina Lachance.

He attended Winslow schools and began working as a millwright at Huhtamaki (Keyes Fibre) retiring in 1992 after 27 years of employment. Ren enjoyed woodworking and was very gifted in varied forms of carpentry. He will be remembered for his love of family and music, as well as his sense of humor.

He was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Reginald and Leon; his sister Adrienne; and nephew Dana Lachance.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Marlene Veilleux Lachance; two daughters, Linda and Larry Hamlin and Terri and David Althenn, all of Waterville; four grandchildren, Holly (Hamlin) Carpenter and Brent Carpenter, Darcy (Hamlin) Gurney and partner Chris Sears and her two children, Jordan and Jayden Gurney, and their father, Doug Gurney, Jason and “Samantha Evans and their two children, Michael and Alysa, and Jamie and Amy Evans and their son Connor; a sister, Annette and Ernie Bake, of Winslow; sister-in-law, June Lachance, of Arizona; stepchildren Brenda and Scott Paquet, of Portland, and their son Marc and Renee Paquet, of Stockton, California, Melissa Duval, of Scarborough, Diane and Jeff Paquette and their daughters Elizabeth and Hannah, of Durham, New Hampshire, and John and Joanne Ducal and their daughters Stephanie and Courtney and fiance Sam Butler, of Biddeford; first wife, Beatrice Giroux, of Waterville; cousin, Roland and Colette Lachance, of Winslow; Nieces, as well as many, many cousins from Canada, Maine and Connecticut.

Memorial donations may be made to the: Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 US Rt. One, Suite 2C, Scarborough ME 04074, or Brentwood Rehab & Nursing Center, Dementia Unit, 370 Portland Street, Yarmouth ME 04096.