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priorities, our river resources don’t always get the attention they deserve. This designation will enable a long-term watershed approach to local river stewardship.”

Over the next year, York River watershed communities will form a Stewardship Committee to facilitate implementation of the stewardship plan, engage citizens, and coordinate with partner groups. The committee will decide how annual funding from the National Park Service Wild and Scenic Rivers Program is used for activities and projects that help protect the qualities that earned the river its Wild and Scenic status.

For more information on the York River Wild and Scenic Study, visit www.yorkrivermaine.org. (Image of the upper York River by David J. Murray of Clear Eye Photo)

Janna Syrene, Broker

Direct: (207)475-8626 janna@beangroup.com wwwTeamSyrene.com

In association with Bean Group (800) 450-7784

Andrew B. Schontag, 78 SOUTH BERWICK –

Andrew B. Schontag passed away peacefully at the age of 78 on December 21, 2022, at the Berwick Estates in South Berwick. He was born in Newton, MA, on November 11, 1944, to Carl and Ernestine Schontag.

A 1963 graduate of ActonBoxborough Regional High School in Acton, MA, he owned and operated automotive businesses in Massachusetts and Virginia, always a car enthusiast and lifelong master mechanic.

MCINTIRE-MCCOOEY FUNERAL HOME

Div. of Tasker Funeral Service, Inc.

301 Main St., So. Berwick, ME 03908 207-384-2373 • www.taskerfh.com

TASKER FUNERAL HOME

Garrison City Crematory Tasker Monument Co. 621 Central Ave., Dover, NH 03820 603-742-4961 • www.taskerfh.com

Family Owned and Operated

We are often asked by the families we serve, here at JS Pelkey & Son and Bernier Funeral Homes, why certain expressions and traditions exist in the funeral service industry. One of the most often asked questions is “Why send flowers to a memorial service or funeral, aren’t they just a waste of money?” Well nothing could be further from the truth.

As my friend Todd Van Beck recently wrote in an article: Flowers are sent to funerals for several reasons. Flowers are a means of expression. It is often difficult for those mourning a death to put feelings into words. Flowers are a visual expression of love, sympathy, and respect. They are a way of lending support and sharing the burden of grief.

In addition to sending flowers to the funeral, there is a growing trend to send flowers to the home of the bereaved after the service. Some people also send flowers to the church in memory of the deceased.

Flowers create a background of warmth and beauty which adds to the dignity and consolation of the service. Those who have attended services where there were no flowers have noted that something was

Andy was a voracious reader, a history buff, and a Civil War enthusiast, participating in many battle reenactments. He loved Virginia, especially the Shenandoah Valley.

He loved his Southern Comfort and Coke, sweet tea in a mason jar, and a pipe full of Captain Black. Andy was a great dancer and colorful storyteller, with an infamous deep rich voice. He was known for being a good friend, generous and kind – an old soul that was also mischievous and ready for adventure. Andy made friends wherever he went.

Andy was preceded by his brother Peter Schontag, and survived by his brother Russel Shon; sister Cheryl Sherman; daughter Kristen Smith; and two grandchildren, Marshall and Grayson Smith.

Andy will be laid to rest in the Schontag Family Cemetery in Newton, MA. Arrangements are entrusted to the Johnson Funeral Home, 26 Market Street, North Berwick. Condolences may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhomeme.com.

Paul Soper, 55

WELLS – Paul passed on to his heavenly home on December 21, 2022. Born on November 24, 1967 in Washington D.C., Paul was the son of Richard and Linda Soper.

Paul received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Southern Maine. Later he went on to earn his master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University. He was employed by Labcorp, where he was an IT project management director for the last seven years. Prior to

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