I’m Just Curious: Wisdom?

/0 Comments/in /by
by Debbie Walker

Sometimes I find things on the internet that just really tickle me. The words I am passing on to you today were in an e-mail sent to me by one of my buddies. I know he didn’t come up with all this wisdom and there is nothing else that tells me about the original author. Enjoy:

  1. How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of murdered? Did you ever think of something like this? My son-in-law Todd could probably come up with some good ones. He has a head for this stuff. It has me curious now!
  2. Why does a round pizza come in a square box? It probably boils down to dollars and/or cents (sense).
  3. Why is it that people say they ‘slept like a baby’ when babies wake up like every two hours? Babies schedule or menopause that had me up in the bathroom every two hours!
  4. Why is ‘bra’ singular and ‘panties’ plural? Two cups on a bra and one panty in panties. Go figure! I think it’s funny that most bras are designed to help you look more natural! How about that one Madonna used to wear that would remind you of torpedoes.
  5. Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat? I liked this one and I also like slightly burned toast and popcorn.
  6. If corn oil is made from corn and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from? Oh, that one is just disgusting!
  7. If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons? Who are the morality cops, “They” in ‘they say’?
  8. Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him? I used to ask that a 100 years ago when I was a kid, it didn’t take a degree, it’s TV.
  9. The statistics on sanity is that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends… if they’re okay, then it’s you. Well, now I’m relieved, because when I think of my friends, we’re all in the same boat, just trying to figure out if it’s a row boat or motor boat!

Yeah, okay, so maybe these are really not wisdoms. They are just silly questions and answers. I hope you got a chuckle from these!!

I’m just curious about the questions you might have. Contact me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com, sub line: Wisdoms.

Written by Debbie Walker, of Burnham. She grew up in Burnham, spent 30 years in Central West Coast, Florida, and came back here a couple years ago.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Orchestra leader: Billy Vaughn; Country artist: Chuck Reed; Recording artist: Tony Martin

/0 Comments/in /by
Peter Catesby  Peter Cates

Billy Vaughn

Melodies of Love
Dot DLP-109, 10-inch, mono LP, recorded 1955.

Billy Vaughn

Billy Vaughn

As a name in the annals for easy listening from 1955 to 1969, Billy Vaughn (1919 – 1991) was a very successful arranger, orchestra leader and multi-instrumentalist, his saxophoning most memorable on such mega-hits as Sail Along Silvery Moon. Melodies of Love consists of eight tunes celebrating the subject, including his hit cover of Wayne King’s 1940 blockbuster, Melody of Love. The program is a pleasant one, enhanced by what would become the frequent trademark of two saxes in so many of the later records. Also, his background support for most of singer Pat Boone’s 45s, starting in 1956, contributed so much to their sales.

A copy of this original LP is listed, as of January 11, 2017, on Ebay for $13.

Chuck Reed

Cry Like a Baby; I’m Gonna Get Some Sleep Tonight
Mercury 70527, 10-inch vinylite 78, recorded approx.
1954 or ’55.

Chuck Reed

Chuck Reed

Chuck Reed had a recording career mainly centered between 1954 and the mid ‘60s, generally getting some traction, as far as minimal charting and TV appearances, in 1957. The above record combines rural country with white rhythm and blues and is a nice example of the genre. Unfortunately, it has been out of print for decades – found my copy at a junk shop.

Tony Martin

One for My Baby
RCA Victor LPM 3136, 10-inch vinyl LP, recorded early ‘50s.

Tony Martin

Tony Martin

Tony Martin (1913-2012) had one of the top two or three baritone voices singing during the ‘40s – ‘50s pop era and achieved a huge success in film, radio, TV and records, through which I have a sizable number and first got to know his expressive vibrance and warmth as a singer, particularly of romantic ballads.

Harold Arlen (1905-1986) affixed his name to over 500 songs but was most likely best known for his score for the Wizard of Oz. The above LP contains eight of his classic selections: One for my Baby; Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea; Come Rain or Come Shine; I’ve Got the World on a String; Stormy Weather; It’s Only a Paper Moon; Let’s Fall in Love; and Get Happy. And Martin gives Arlen his total all, but this LP has been deleted for decades.

Legal Notices, Week of February 2, 2017

/0 Comments/in /by

STATE OF MAINE
KENNEBEC, ss.
TONI M. FREDETTE,
Plaintiff,
V.
MARY ANN FREDETTE
f/k/a
MARY ANN WENTWORTH
Defendant
SUPERIOR COURT
CIVIL ACTION
DOCKET NO:

ORDER ON PLAINTIFF’S
MOTION TO PERMIT
SERVICE BY PUBLICATION
TITLE TO REAL ESTATE IS INVOLVED
688 AUGUSTA ROAD, WINSLOW, MAINE
BOOK 12300, PAGE 133

A Complaint has been filed with the Court against Defendant MARY ANN FREDETTE f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH, which requires personal service in accordance with Rule 4(d) of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure.

Upon motion, the Court hereby ORDERS:

That service cannot be made upon MARY ANN FREDETTE, f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH in any of the usual manners prescribed by Rule 4 despite the due diligence of the Plaintiff. Service shall therefore be made upon MARY ANN FREDETTE, f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH and all those who claim or may claim by, through, or under MARY ANN FREDETTE, f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH by publishing this Order once a week for three (3) successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the County of Kennebec, the county in which the property at issue in the Complaint is located and the county in which MARY ANN FREDETTE, f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH was last known to reside.

The first publication shall be made within twenty (20) days after this order is issued. Service by publication shall be complete on the twenty-first (21st) day after the first publication.

Plaintiff seeks a judgment in Kennebec County Superior Court against MARY ANN FREDETTE, f/k/a MARY ANN WENTWORTH to obtain a partition of certain property now owned by Toni M. Fredette and Defendant, and previously owned by Leo and Loretta Fredette, being located at 688 Augusta Road, Winslow, Maine.

The property at issue in the Complaint consists of the property described in the deed recorded at Book 12300 Page 133 at the Kennebec County Registry of Deeds.

A copy of the complaint for partition may be obtained from Plaintiff’s attorney at the address and number below.

If you wish to oppose this lawsuit, you or your attorney MUST PREPARE AND SERVE A WRITTEN ANSWER to the complaint WITHIN TWENTY (20) DAYS after service is completed by the foregoing method.

You or your attorney must serve your answer by delivering a copy of it in person or by mail to the Plaintiff’s attorney, Bryan B. Ward, of the firm of O’Donnell, Lee, 112 Silver Street, Waterville, Maine. You or your attorney must also file the original of your answer with the Court by mailing it to the following address: Kennebec Superior Court, 1 Court Street, Augusta, Maine, before or within a reasonable time after it is served.

IMPORTANT WARNING: IF YOU FAIL TO SERVE AN ANSWER WITHIN THE TIME STATED ABOVE OR IF, AFTER YOU ANSWER, YOU FAIL TO APPEAR AT ANY TIME THE COURT NOTIFIES YOU TO DO SO, A JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU IN YOUR ABSENCE FOR THE RELIEF DEMANDED IN THE COMPLAINT. IF YOU INTEND TO OPPOSE THIS LAWSUIT, DO NOT FAIL TO ANSWER WITHIN THE REQUIRED TIME.
IF YOU BELIEVE THE PLAINTIFF IS NOT ENTITLED TO ALL OR PART OF THE CLAIM SET FORTH IN THE COMPLAINT OR IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A CLAIM OF YOUR OWN AGAINST THE PLAINTIFF, YOU SHOULD TALK TO A LAWYER. IF YOU FEEL YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY A FEE TO A LAWYER, YOU MAY ASK THE COURT FOR INFORMATION AS TO PLACES WHERE YOU MAY SEEK LEGAL ASSISTANCE.

Dated: January 15, 2017
/s/ Michaela Murphy
Justice, Superior Court
Plaintiff’s Attorney:
Bryan B. Ward
O’Donnell and Lee
112 Silver Street
Waterville, Maine 04901
Telephone: (207) 872-0112
(2/9)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
Court St., Skowhegan, ME
Somerset, SS
Location of Court
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 January 26, 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.

2017-001 – Estate of CLINTON B. TOWNSEND, late of Canaan, Me deceased. Benjamin P. Townsend, 76 Williams Road, Chelsea, Me 04330 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-002 – Estate of CLIFFORD J. FECTEAU, late of Fairfield, I deceased. Thomas A. Little, 4 Sterling Drive, Westbrook, Me 04092 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-004 – Estate of SCOTT E. GREEN, late of Harmony, Me deceased. Thomas Bellen PO Box 277, North Conway, NH 03860 and Anna L. Green, 17 Carson Hill Road, Harmony, Me 04942 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2017-005 – Estate of DANIELLE A. DAVIS, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. Maureen D. Davis, 418 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, Me 04976 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-006 – Estate of EDGAR L. BEAULIEU, late of Pittsfield, Me deceased. Madalyn L. Ring, 116 Higgins Road, Pittsfield, Me 04967 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-007 – Estate of KATHLEEN ANN BERNIER, late of Solon, Me deceased. Cristi Ann Dickey, 383 South Solon Road, Solon, Maine 04979 appointed Personal Representative.

2016-334 – Estate of VALERIE TIEMAN, late of Fairfield, Me deceased. Gene Allen Harmon, 805 Ikes Road, Taylors, SC 29687 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-009 – Estate of LEWIS B. HAYES, late of Skowhegan, Me deceased. James D. Hayes, PO Box 496, Canaan, Me 04924 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-013 – Estate of JACK E. RANDALL, late of Palmyra, Me deceased. Linda M. Burleigh, 7 South Street, Newport, Me 04953 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-014 – Estate of ELIZABETH D. RANDALL, late of Palmyra, Me deceased. Linda M. Burleigh, 7 South Street, Newport, Me 04953 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-015 – Estate of DORIS H. ISHERWOOD, late of Albany, NY deceased. Sharron-Linn Schmidt, 1124 Howard Street, Schenectady, NY 12303-1241 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-018 – Estate of CHRISTIE ANN JAMES, late of Madison, Me deceased. Ruth Lyons, 77 Bennoch Road, Orono, Me 04473 appointed Personal Representative.

2017-019 – Estate of ROY E. FICKETT, late of Norridgewock, Me deceased. Randal R. Fickett, 520 Stevenstown Road, Litchfield, Me 04350 AND Diana L. Wade, PO Box 116, Norridgewock, Me 04957 appointed Co-Personal Representatives.

2017-020 – Estate of WILLIAM C. ROACH, late of Athens, Me deceased. Marlene F. Roach, 11170 Broadstone Way, Apex, NC 27502 appointed Personal Representative.

To be published on Jan 26 & Feb. 2, 2017
Dated: January 23, 2017 /s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(2/2)

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 February 8, 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.

2016-344 – Estate of NATALIE ELIZABETH LEPAGE. Petition for Change of Name (Minor) filed by Stacey Slate, PO Box 56, North Anson, Me 04950 requesting minor’s name be changed to Natalie Elizabeth Slate for reasons set forth therein.

2017-003 – Estate of ALICE MARIE MULLEN. Petition for Change of Name (Adult) filed by Alice Marie Mullen, 20 AJ Drive, Norridgewock, Maine 04957 requesting that her name be changed to Alice Marie Berry for reasons set forth therein.

Dated: January 23, 2017 /s/ Victoria Hatch,
Register of Probate
(2/2)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
SOMERSET, SS
NOTICE TO HEIRS
STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT SOMERSET, SS.
41 COURT STREET, SKOWHEGAN, MAINE 04976

Estate of RAYMOND P. WALTERS, Docket No. 2016-346

A Petition for Informal Probate of Will or Appointment of Personal Representative Under a Will or Both has been filed in the estate of RAYMOND P. WALTERS. Said petition notes that there is the possibility that unknown and unascertained heirs may exist whose identity and whereabouts cannot, with the exercise of due diligence, be determined. Accordingly, notice is hereby given to such possible heirs of the existence of the Petition for Informal Probate of Will or Appointment of Personal Representative Under a Will or Both filed.

The following are the names of the unknown and unascertained heirs whose complete address is unknown:

Robert Read

THEREFORE, notice is hereby given to them 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, a newspaper having general circulation in Somerset County, with the first publication date to be January 26, 2017.

Name and address of proposed Personal Representative: Teri McRae, 107 Parsons Pond Drive, Portland, Me 04103.

Dated: January 10, 2017
Victoria M. Hatch
Register of Probate
(2/2)

STATE OF MAINE
PROBATE COURT
SOMERSET, SS
NOTICE TO HEIRS

Estate of DORIS H. ISHERWOOD
Docket No. 2017-015

It appearing that an heir of Doris H. Isherwood as listed in an Application for Informal Appointment of Personal Representative is of unknown address as listed below:

Tracy Lynn Arnold aka Nikki Taylor

And any and all other heirs of said decedent who are unknown and whose addresses are unknown.

THEREFORE, notice is hereby given as heir 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 January 26, 2017.

Name and address of proposed Personal Representative:

Sharron-Linn Schmidt, 1124 Howard Street, Schenectady, NY 12303-1241.

Dated: January 19, 2017
/s/ Victoria M. Hatch
Register of Probate
(2/2)

MCS essay contest announced

/0 Comments/in /by

The Margaret Chase Smith Library announced the topic of its 21st annual essay contest – drug abuse. As far back as 1951, Senator Smith warned that “one of the great threats to our country today is the preying of narcotic peddlers upon our children.” Since the 1980s, the nation has waged a war on drugs with mixed results. The Margaret Chase Smith Library invites Maine high school seniors to propose how they would address the current lethal drug epidemic.

Entries are due by April 1, 2017, and decisions will be announced on May 1. Prizes are $50 for five honorable mentions, $250 for third place, $500 for second place, and $1,000 for first place. For more information, visit the Library’s website (http://www.mcslibrary.org/program/edu/essay.htm) or contact John Taylor at 474-7133.

Located in Skowhegan, Maine, the library is owned by the Margaret Chase Smith Foundation and operated under its auspices by the University of Maine. The Margaret Chase Smith Library is an archive, museum, educational facility, and public policy center devoted to preserving the legacy of Margaret Chase Smith, promoting research into American political history, advancing the ideals of public service, and exploring issues of civic engagement.

TECH TALK: “I know who you are and where you live…” – The Internet

/0 Comments/in , /by
by Eric Austin
Computer Technical Advisor

In my first column, I wrote about the perils and pitfalls of shopping on the web. Over these next few weeks, I’d like to delve deeper into some of the new issues that face us now that we live in an online world.

Let’s face it. The internet is here to stay and it has been transformative. Things can’t go back to the way they were because they have been changed forever. For some of us, this is a bit scary. For others, not so much.

Part of the problem is that the internet has evolved faster than we have had a chance to adjust. To illustrate just how drastic this divide in generations is, let me give an example from my own life.

I have two sisters, one older, one younger. There is 14 years difference between them.

My older sister has a Facebook account, but you won’t find any pictures of her children there. Her main concern is that, unlike a physical photo, a photo on the web can be easily copied and shared without her being aware. This is a valid concern, and likely understandable to many of the parents reading this.

Now, in contrast, my younger sister recently had her first child, and his entire life is chronicled on her Facebook page. She and her husband share a huge amount of their lives online, and even used it to find a nanny. They harbor none of the fears of my older sibling.

So while online privacy will continue to be an important issue into the future, the discussion is going to change as the next generation, accustomed to life online, finds the open nature of the internet to be no more risky than walking through a busy mall. In fact, according to a recent report in U.S. News, online privacy barely registers on the risk radar of millennials.

Beyond individual privacy, the internet opens up interesting new ethical questions as well. My brother-in-law, who works for a company in New Hampshire, mentioned how he researches new job applicants on social media. “If they’re drunk and throwing up on the rug in every picture on their Facebook page,” he told me, “I might think twice about hiring them.”

Is it fair for a prospective employer to evaluate an applicant’s private life as part of the criteria for a job? Or is this a good thing, giving employers another tool for finding the right person for a job?

Over the next few weeks I’ll be looking at a number of these issues, what we can do about it, what we can’t, and why, in many cases, it’s not going to matter.

For my next column, I’ll explore how we are tracked on the web, what information we leave behind, and how that information is used to manipulate us. That’s right. Get ready, because I’m gonna scare the livin’ $@%& outta ya!

Have a tech question or idea you’d like to see covered in a future column? Email me at ericwaustin@gmail.com! Until next time, happy computing.

Colby College students named to dean’s list

/0 Comments/in /by

The following Colby College students were named to the dean’s list for outstanding academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2016-17 year, in Waterville:

Celie Deagle, of Canaan, is a member of the class of 2017. She attended Skowhegan Area High School and is the daughter of Paul and Sharon Deagle, of Canaan.
Caitlin Farrington, of South China, is a member of the class of 2018. She attended Erskine Academy, in South China, and is the daughter of Neil and Doreen Farrington, of South China.

Pages in Time: Growing up in Augusta…priceless! (Conclusion)

/0 Comments/in , , /by
Pages In Timeby Milt Huntington

Conclusion (for part 1, please see Growing up in Augusta: Priceless)

Down at the other end of the street was the old Colonial Theater where Class-A pictures were shown. On Sunday, after week-long previews of coming attractions, we would be rewarded with musical extravaganzas starring Esther Williams, Bing Crosby or Jane Powell in living color or flicks like Casablanca, The Wolfman or war movies like Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo. The Colonial played their movies continuously so we could sit through a good movie twice for the price of a single ticket.

Once in a cowboy thriller, an Indian chief, played by blue-eyed Jeff Chandler, stood in the middle of a pow-wow session, folded his arms and dramatically declared: “I walk away!” “Our Gang” had seen the movie once, but we stayed for a second showing to get back to that pow-wow scene again, when we stood in the theater, one by one, folded our arms and declared to the rest of the audience: “We walk away. People call them punks today. We were harmless “hooligans” then.

On the way home from the Colonial was Ed Houdlette’s Drug Store which was known to have a particularly vulnerable pin ball machine. We hung out there a lot because Mr. Houdlette was also nice to us.

Water Street is what I like to call a street of dreams because it conjures up so many memories of shops and businesses that vanished with our youth. Remember the five- and ten-cent stores that anchored the center of down town Augusta – McLellan’s, Kresge’s and Woolworth’s. We had ‘em all. I was a stock boy and soda jerk for the Kresge operation, but it suvived anyhow for awhile.

Then of course, we had JCPenny, D.W. Adams, Chernowsky’s, the Army-Navy Store, Lamey-Wellahan, Montgomery-Ward and Sears & Roebuck. A jewelry store graced the corner of Water Street and Bridge Street – A.J. Bilodeau’s. Another one sat on the corner between Farrell’s Clothing Store and the post office. It displayed a sign with a picture of a diamond ring. The caption stated: “I came here to talk for Joe,” a popular World War II love song. Speaking of Farrell’s, it once boasted just a single aisle between two counters with a little space downstairs where I bought all my Boy Scout gear and a tux for the senior prom. Nicholson & Ryan Jewelers was always there, it seems.

Near the bottom of Rines Hill was a liquor store where my father and grandfather liked to surreptitiously shop. They would always leave their change with the Salvation Army lassie who parked out front. Once, running an errand for my mother, I dropped some change into the lassie’s tambourine. When my mother questioned me about that, I replied: “That’s what Papa and Grampy always do.”

On the other end of Water Street were the beer parlors which gave the neighborhoods a shoddy reputation. Across the street was Allen’s Grocery Store. a fish market and Berry’s Cleaners. Depositor’s Trust Co. on Haymarket Square was on the ground floor of a six-story affair which is now the site of the Key Bank building. We’re talking ancient history, I know, but who can ever forget Stan Foster’s Smoke Shop next to the old Hotel North. He specialized in meals, smokes and some real great pin ball machines. Near the

Depot News was Al’s Barber Shop which took care of ducktail haircuts and crew cuts in the early years. His partner and relative bought him out and opened Pat’s Barber Shop at the other end of Water Street near the lights.

Swan Street and Water Street have undergone a lot of change in the last 60-plus years or so. Downtown was the main thoroughfare to all those movies, and it was the pathway to Cony High before the new bridge opened up. Most of those downtown places are now long gone, but the memories (some a little fuzzy now) will remain forever. I wouldn’t swap those memories for anything. Growing up in Augusta was as good as it gets.

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

GARDEN WORKS: Kombucha: Hooch or healer?

/0 Comments/in , /by
Emily Catesby  Emily Cates

Conclusion: The Making of a “Miracle” Drink

Last time we took a look at the popular, yet controversial health tonic known as kombucha, and a few reasons why people drink it. This time, let’s explore a method behind the making of kombucha, highlighting needed containers, ingredients, and how to ensure a successful batch.

So, exactly how is kombucha made? And what’s that “mother” thingy all about? It’s the same idea as turning fruit juice into vinegar, the same organisms involved. (Ever heard of raw apple cider vinegar with “the mother”?) Instead of fruit juice or cider, however, the sugar source in kombucha is whatever is mixed in with the tea, such as plain sugar. The mother is a rubbery, pancake-shaped symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), that work together as they feed off the sugars and convert them into acids. You can oftentimes see a mother or pieces of one in a bottle of raw apple cider vinegar or store-bought unpasteurized kombucha. (I’ve used these to start a fresh batch with good results.) As each batch matures – in about two weeks – a new mother layer grows on top of the previous layer. These layers may now be separated to start new batches, or they will eventually pile up and take up all the space in the brewing vessel.

The “mother” in a batch of kombucha.

Speaking of the brewing vessel, be sure it’s non-metallic and not porcelain. Metals and lead can leach out into kombucha. A scrupulously clean, wide-mouthed glass jug with a non-metallic, loosely-fitted cover is a good idea. Start small at first, perhaps with a quart jar, to minimize the risks of losing a large batch if things don’t turn out as hoped for. Also, use organic ingredients such as black, green, oolong, chai, or other teas, organic sugars, and filtered water. Be aware, also, that there may be the possibility of a batch with an alcohol content of 5 percent. In theory there should be a minimal amount of alcohol, since the ingredients and mother are supposed to convert towards the vinegar side – though I have seen for myself that it doesn’t always happen that way in home brews. Keep your eyes out for mold, too, discarding the whole batch, and- if desired – starting fresh with a sterile vessel and a brand new mother. Alternately, if a mother is not available, a half cup or so of a previous batch, or store-bought raw kombucha may be added to the cooled mix before pouring into the vessel.

And, speaking of discarding a batch, be sure to get rid of any surplus mothers or raw kombucha appropriately. Never flush or dump down the drain, or you’ll grow a monster mother in your sewer – Ewww! Your compost pile will happily accommodate, as will your chickens or pigs.

So, now that you’ve heard the do’s and don’ts of making kombucha and wish to proceed, boil some water. Add your tea and sugar, then stir and cool to room temperature. Pour into the vessel and carefully place the mother on top. Cover and wait a couple weeks or so. When it is no longer sweet, it’s ready. Feel free to cut it with varying amounts of homemade juice and/or herbs and spices from the garden. The makings of a miracle drink? Maybe you’ll want to brew some up and then decide.

SOLON & BEYOND, Week of February 2, 2017

/0 Comments/in , /by
Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percyby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

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

The annual Solon Budget Committee meeting was held at the town municipal room on January 21. Budget committee members present were Frank Ridley, Albert Starbird, Bruce Hills, George Williams, Mike Golden, Joseph Albuit, Donald Kenerson, Barbara Johnson, Eleanor Pooler, Ann Padham and Beverly Gephart. Members who were absent were Mike Sackett, Jeff Pomelow, Carol White, Sherry Rogers, Jeremy Gibson and alternate Lois Miller. Others present were Solon Selectmen Elaine Aloes, Mary Lou Ridley and Sarah Davis; Town Clerk and Tax collector Leslie Giroux, Treasurer Leslie Giroux and Road Commissioner Mike Foster.

Coolidge Library Trustees, Chairman Richard Roberts , Jane Auderkirk and Mary Farrar were present to speak on the budget requests for the library which are: request to increase the book budget from $2,400 to $5,000. Request that $2,700 be added to the town building maintenance budget for the purpose of sealing the bricks on the exterior of the library to delay the need for re-pointing. Request to increase the librarian’s wage to $12/hour. Install lighting in the library parking lot to improve safety and security. Bring interior library wiring up to code and improve lighting; request $240 to repair/refinish the surfaces of three library tables, request $250 to update the digital catalog system software and request to raise $100 to provide internet access.

Mike Golden was elected to preside over the meeting, election of chairman, update on budget issues, proposed warrant articles, proposed budget and it was adjourned at 11 a.m. There wasn’t too much discussion on most of the items taken up. ( Lief and I also attended.)

The annual town meeting will be held at the Solon Elementary School on Saturday, March 4, with election of town officials from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The town meeting will start at 1:30 p.m.

Recently, Lief and I were asked to accompany my brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Liz Jones to a Blue Grass Festival at Messer Hall, in Anson. We had an absolutely wonderful time! The band that night was the Misty Mountaineers and the show was a dedication to Dotty Farrell who played in the band until her death. There were between 85 and 90 other people who were enjoying the great music and singing. Part of the time I was watching all of the toe-tapping feet in the audience, who were enjoying it also, (Mine were tapping right along with them). There were people there from all over the state, Lief was even able to find some one from the “County” to talk with, and I was told there were others from all over the state who attended. This is probably going to sound crazy, …(but you know me!) I could feel the love in that room, there was lots of hugging going on between other blue grass music lovers. It was a very special evening for us and many others.

Now for a little bit of information about the Messer Building where this event took place. Bill and Lori Messer bought the old building at 62 Main Street, in Anson, in October 2015 and it needed an enormous amount of work and cleaning to get it ready for its opening on November 11, 2016. He had lots of help from volunteers and friends and is thankful for that. His goal is to try to book two bands a month and rent out the hall as much as possible. On Saturday, February 25, Doctor Phil and his wife will be playing there from 7 to 9 p.m. I’ve heard them and they are great, hope many of you will be able to attend.

Now for Percy’s memoir, I kinda’ thought maybe some of you might need a good laugh so picked this one from an old yellowed news print from many, many years ago: “A solution to drought: After reading about a shortage of water, especially in the wells, I remembered a verse written on the inside of a toilet lid at a camp in Carrabassett Valley. ‘In this land of sun and fun, we never flush for number one.’”( I’m not going to say who wrote it, but it was someone from Pittsfield.)

Obituaries, Week of February 2, 2017

/0 Comments/in /by

DIANE A. GREEN

VASSALBORO – Diane A. Green, 67, of Vassalboro, passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2017. She was born in Waterville on February 15, 1949, the daughter of Mark Proctor and Anita (Parady) Violette.

Diane enjoyed spending time with her family having gatherings and cookouts at her home. She was a mother figure to many that knew her. She loved staying connected to her family and friends through Facebook. That was her pastime. She had many friends from all around.

Diane was predeceased by her mother, Anita Violette; two sister Jean Vigue and Nancy Bolduc, both of Waterville.

Diane is survived by her husband of 50 years, John D. Green, of Vassalboro; six children, Tammy Gilley, of Palermo, Johnny Green, of Vassalboro, Stevie Green, of Waterville, Pam Morneau, of Albion, Chad Green, of Vassalboro, and Lisa Reny, of Vassalboro; brothers, Reginal Vigue, of Waterville, and Danny Hawes, of Waterville. Diane is also survived by 14 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

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

Memorial donations may be sent to: John Green, 411 Taber Hill Road, Vassalboro ME 04989.

NELSON D. HARDING

ALBION – Nelson D. Harding, 73, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, January 27, 2017. Nelson was born in Freedom on November 29, 1943, the son of Lawrence D. and Gladys (Thurston) Harding the youngest of six children.

He attended Besse High School, in Albion, and in 1962 joined the United States Marine Corps. Nelson proudly served his country with two tours in the Vietnam Conflict. Nelson was a sergeant with 12 men in his squad and was most proud that all 12 returned home.

A carpenter by trade, Nelson worked with his big brother, Dennis, forming the Harding Brothers. He enjoyed stock cars and was seen often racing #32 at Unity Raceway. He avidly attended his son Jason’s activities during which time he coached Babe Ruth baseball and was an assistant leader of BSA Troop #446. Nelson was a member of China Baptist Church, Central Masonic Lodge #45 where he was a 32nd degree Mason, Washburn-Brann-Ward Post #195 of the American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts of Waterville and Fairfield.

Nelson was a caring and loving father to his son, Jason, and his fiancée, Sue. He found great joy of recent news he would be a grandfather. He enjoyed cribbage and was a fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. He enjoyed karaoke at the local VFW post and throughout the state.
Nelson was predeceased by his parents; his sister Muriel Adams; and his brother Dennis Harding.

He is survived by his son Jason Harding and his fiancée Susan Desmarais; the mother of his son, Donna Cantone; siblings, Marilyn Levesque, Patricia Higgins, and Priscilla Gould and her husband Kenneth; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, February 3, at the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield. There will be a Masonic service at 7 p.m. Friday.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 4, at China Baptist Church, Causeway Road, in China Village.

Memorial donations may be made to: Disabled Veterans National Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 96648, Washington, DC 20090-6648.

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

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

YOLANDE C. GENEST

OAKLAND – Yolande Rachel (Cloutier) Genest, 87, of Oakland, died Sunday, January 22, 2017, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Waterville on January 13, 1930, the daughter of the late Joseph and Merilda (Grenier) Cloutier.

She attended Waterville parochial schools and graduated from Mount Merici, in Waterville, in 1948.

Yolande was employed as a dental assistant to Dr. John E. ß and later at the credit office of W. T. Grant, in Waterville. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Waterville and served as president of the Rosary Sodality for several years. She was awarded a certificate in recognition of outstanding dedication for her service at Sacred Heart.

In 1951 she was married to Arthur E. Genest and together they had five children. She and Arthur enjoyed several years in Florida following their retirement. Her favorite hobbies included making work puzzles, baking goodies for her grandchildren and rooting on the Red Sox.
Yolande was predeceased by two brothers, Marcel and Henry Cloutier.

Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Arthur, of Oakland; three sons, Larry and his wife Donna, of Benton, James and his wife Linda, of Waterville, David, of Winslow; two daughters, Jeannie, of Oakland, Susan Mowles and her husband Gary, of Salisbury, Massachusetts; six grandchildren, Emily Genest, Christopher Genest, Stacey Genest, Jared Genest, Lauren Mowles and Allison Mowles; as well as one great-granddaughter, Jasmine Gogan.

LORRAINE M. THIBODEAU

WINSLOW – Lorraine M. (Bou­chard) Thibo­deau, 88, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2017, at Inland Hospital, in Water­ville. She was born January 6, 1929, in Millinocket, the daughter of Joseph and Martha (Paradis) Bouchard.

She was an active member of Corpus Christi Parish, of greater Waterville area, and past member of the choir at St. John Parish, in Winslow. Lorraine loved to make jigsaw puzzles and cherished time spent surrounded by her family.

Lorraine is survived by four sons, Daniel Thibodeau, of Waterville, Michael Thibodeau, of Wiscassett, Robert Thibodeau and wife Lyn, of Washington State, and Joseph Thibodeau and wife Diane, of Oakland; two daughters, Jean Mathieu and husband James, and Kathleen Sylvain and husband James, all of Winslow; 16 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by an infant son, David Thibodeau; three sisters, Geraldine Michaud, Yvette Jennings, and Irene Poissonnier; and parents, Joseph and Martha Bouchard.

A mass of Christian burial will be held, Saturday, February 4, at 9 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Church, 26 Monument Street, Winslow.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Email: donors@stjude.org

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

KEVIN B. DAVIS

AUGUSTA – Kevin Bruce Davis, 53, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2016, at his home. He was born on Dec­ember 28, 1962.

Kevin was an ordained minister and master MOPAR mechanic.

Locally he is survived by Marie Turberville, Crystal Turberville Davis and partner Glen Jacobs; children Monica Brunner, Angela Bailey and Dillon Estes; grandchildren Katy, Jessee, Mary Jane, Devon, Glen Ethan, Phoenix and Delila; brothers, twin Keith Davis, Kyle Davis, Jeff Beauchanon, Ron Beauchanon Jr.; father Bernard Davis; several aunts, uncles and cousins; best friends Arthur and Barry.

“You taught me how to love, how to leave myself behind. All my love, Rachel.”

OTHERS DEPARTED

RITA L. BOUCHER, 83, of Waterville, passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2017, at Heritage Rehabilitation and Living Center, in Winthrop. locally, she is survived by sisters-in-law, Jeanne Roy, of Winslow, and Doris Davidson and husband Bob, of Fairfield; and brother, Edward Lacombe, of Spring Hill, Florida, formerly of Winslow.

JOSHUA J. WESTON, 34, of Waldoboro, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2017, at his residence. Locally, he is survived by his mother, Elaine York, of Benton.

MABEL ARSENAULT, 96, of Skowhegan, passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2017, at the Sanfield Rehab and Living Center, in Hartland. Locally, she is survived by sons Peter, of Fairfield, Joseph and wife Joan, of Norridgewock, Kenneth and wife June, of Skowhegan, and daughter Josephine Hjort, of Skowhegan; and sister Catherine Marshall, of Waterville.

WILLIAM T. CARPENTER I, 61, of Waterville, passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2017, following a courageous battle with cancer. Locally, he is survived by sisters Violet White-Carpenter, of Oakland, and Jodi Jones and husband Will, of Vassalboro; brothers James Carpenter, of Waterville, and Peter Boudreau and wife Jennifer, of Oakland.

SHIRLEY R. SLACK, 95, of Waterville, passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2017, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. Locally, she is survived by a daughter, Madeline Poulin, of Waterville.

CELLEN S. FOWLE, 88, of Southport, passed away on Monday, January 23, 2017, at her home. Locally, she is survived by a son, Evert N. Fowle and wife Lori, of Vassalboro.

FORMER RESIDENTS

MARK A. THERIAULT, 59, of Old Orchard Beach, formerly of Winslow, passed away on Monday, January 16, 2017, at the Gosnell Hospice Home, in Scarborough, as a result of advanced lung disease. Locally, he is survived by brothers Paul Theriault and wife Julie, of Oakland, Jim Theriault and wife Alex, of Belgrade.

MARGARET D. WELCH, 101, of Waterford, Connecticut, formerly of Unity, passed away on Monday, January 16, 2017, in New London, Connecticut. She was a member of the Unity Union United Methodist Church, in Unity.

JOHN J. GAGNON JR., 31, of Wiscasset, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, January 24, 2017. Locally, he is survived by a brother, Brandon Gagnon and companion Tasha Swift, of Whitefield.

MARGARET D. RUSSELL, 87, of East Winthrop, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2017, at the Nursing Care Center at Glenridge, in Augusta, following a long illness. Locally, she is survived by her children, Ann Russell and husband Harold E. Perry Jr., and E. Jane Landry and husband Stephen R., all of Augusta, and James L. Russell and wife Shannon, of Whitefield.

CAROL P. KIRCHDORFER

JEFFERSON – Carol Patricia Kirchdorfer, 80, of Needham, Massachusetts and Jefferson, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2017, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. She was born in Needham,, Massa­chusetts, on January 4, 1937, to John and Marion (Ellis) Stevens.
She went to Needham schools and graduated from Needham High School. After high school she went to Westbrook College in Portland. Following college, she worked as an office secretary for a textile mill in Needham where she would meet her husband of more than 40 years.

After her marriage she became a stay-at-home mom to her two boys during their childhood. Over those years she had many interests and took classes in the craft of ceramics and learned how to make, paint and bake the pieces she made. Later on she got into teaching others her new found craft. She also worked on Christmas ornaments year-round or when time permitted so she could sell them at church craft fairs for the Christmas season.

Carol loved to read, especially romance and suspense novels as well as doing crossword puzzles. She enjoyed being outdoors and gardening whether it was a vegetable garden in the backyard or planting berry bushes or a tree.

Carol was predeceased by her parents, John and Marion Stevens; brother, John Jr.; and husband, Robert; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.

She is survived by sons, Bruce Kirchdorfer and partner Sherri Gauthier, of Jefferson, formerly of Needham, Massachusetts, and Glenn A. Kirchdorfer and partner Colleen Young Anderson, of Needham and Natick, Massachusetts; many cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and a cousin, Elaine Porter, of Somerville.

To extend condolences, please visit www.hallfuneralhomes.com.