172 wreaths stolen in Columbia
12/4/09 | 45 comments
BAH HUMBUG

172 wreaths stolen in Columbia


Two sisters had readied holiday greens for sale
By Sharon Kiley Mack
BDN Staff

COLUMBIA, Maine — Sometime Tuesday night, real-life Grinches sneaked through a barn on Schoodic Road and down a path in the dark to steal 172 holiday wreaths ready for sale.

Valorie Geel, 53, and her sister Debbie Skeate, 50, had been making the undecorated wreaths for weeks, as they have done for more than 20 years.

The sisters support themselves through a variety of seasonal occupations — they rake blueberries, farm vegetables and in the late fall, begin making wreaths.

“They are sold to different vendors. They go to florists in New Hampshire, there are special orders, six were even for the Milbridge Congregational Church,” Geel said Thursday.

When the sisters went to begin their day at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, they discovered that all 172 wreaths had been stolen — $870 worth.

“We just could not believe it,” Geel said.

“They were all 12-inch, double-sided wreaths,” Geel said. “They are really beautiful, really pretty. We know that [the thieves] knew where to find them. They went right through my grandmother’s barn and down the path.”

Geel said she and her sister were right back at it Thursday. “We have more to make, including the ones for our family’s graves,” she said. But Geel admitted that the theft hurt.

“We live in a caring community, and everyone has been so supportive,” she said. “We look at it like, OK, they’re gone. That’s done. Now we pull up our boot straps and get back to work.”

The theft is being investigated jointly by the Forest Protection Division of the Maine Forest Service and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.

Forest Ranger Courtney Hammond said that this type of theft doesn’t happen often, but he handles about one or two cases each year. Just recently, 1,100 pounds of “tips,” which are the ends of fir boughs used to create wreaths and centerpieces, were stolen at another location in Columbia. That case is close to prosecution, he said.

He said that whoever stole the wreaths from Geel and Skeate was familiar with their operation. “It is still under investigation,” he said.

Although each undecorated wreath may look similar to people outside the industry, Hammond said most wreath buyers say they can tell who makes each wreath, that the style is almost like an individual signature.

“We will know them if we find them,” Hammond said.

Anyone with information about the wreath theft may call Hammond at 827-1800, or Lt. Travis Willey at 255-4422.

sunrisecounty@bangordailynews.net

255-0618

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Comments
45 comments on this item
On 12/3/09 at 9:26 PM, zatwoodz wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

The person or person's that did the are some of the lowest scum on earth! I hope they get what is coming to them. JAIL!!!

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On 12/3/09 at 10:27 PM, chersully2000 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

What kind of person/people do something like this! These women worked hard to make these much loved wreaths. How low can some go. I hope they recover the wreaths and find out who did this act.

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On 12/4/09 at 2:31 AM, clamchowdah wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

They will catch who stole the wreaths. Wreath buyers know how many wreaths a maker is capable of making weekly. I could always tell my wreaths from others as we all have different techniques. Good Luck Valerie and Debbie. Happy Holidays!!!

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On 12/4/09 at 2:38 AM, noreasternelly wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

wow, thats just awful, so much hard work, went into making those, i hope they find the grinch, and you ladys get your wreaths back.

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On 12/4/09 at 6:36 AM, aunttellie wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Wreaths will shed, especially if not stored properly. I hope they catch these jerks and they pay dearly.

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On 12/4/09 at 7:25 AM, oldebat wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

As bad as this theft is, at least only "holiday" wreaths were stolen. I'm just glad no Christmas wreaths were taken.

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On 12/4/09 at 7:31 AM, confusedmainer wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I hope whoever took them doesnt even get coal in their stockings....and hopefully something will happen to them that bums out their season...what goes around comes around..

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On 12/4/09 at 7:45 AM, daremom wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

It's a sad day when people steal from a neighbor...especially at Christmas time. I hope they get caught and spend their next several Christmas seasons in JAIL. Good luck girls..you are really awsome.Don't let these thugs get you down...they are truely low-life!

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On 12/4/09 at 7:47 AM, JustKev1955 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Someone who knew the operation. Sounds familiar. Brings me back to August. I bet the thieves wouldn't be able to say they were just out looking for bears or coyotes.

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On 12/4/09 at 7:47 AM, daremom wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

OLEDBAT...I think they are called HOLIDAY wreaths because they are hung from Thanksgiving theu Christmas and into the New Year...that is the HOLIDAY season. DUH!

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On 12/4/09 at 7:52 AM, ElectraGlide wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Sorry for your loose Valerie and Debbie

I have made wreaths<>Not Fun

That Said

I Still have to Buy My Christmas Holiday Wreath

Happy Christmas Holidays To ALL

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On 12/4/09 at 8:08 AM, mswinston wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

So sorry ladies. That is hard work and it really burns me that some people think it is ok to take whatever they want. I hope they find whoever did this and you are able to get your wreaths back.

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On 12/4/09 at 8:19 AM, Native1710 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I didn't know that drug dealers took wreaths in payment for Oxycontins?????

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On 12/4/09 at 8:38 AM, luvthebluharp wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Oh you are a mean one Mr. Grinch!!

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On 12/4/09 at 8:38 AM, f4driver555 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

When these scumbags are "caught" I truly hope that whomever does the catching opens up a can of Christmas Whoopa$$, and bestows that gift upon the turds.

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On 12/4/09 at 8:41 AM, coexist wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Wow, that is so very sad! Bah Humbug indeed! Once the wreaths get hung, you might be able to identify them and the thieves! Good luck!

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On 12/4/09 at 8:42 AM, qtipgram1 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Perhaps if each person in the area who is making that particular sized wreath would donate a couple of their wreaths to these ladies it would help them so their loss wouldn't be so great. Just a thought.

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On 12/4/09 at 9:14 AM, donnelly wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I used to make wreaths many years ago, nights and weekends just to make extra money for Christmas gifts for my boys. There is SO much work involved in making them, its hard work! Although I don't know these ladies personally, I feel really sorry for them, what a horrible way to start out the holiday season. They must feel so very violated. From what I understand, they have a pretty good idea who stole them, so hopefully, something can be done. It's a close knit community down there, so I'm sure they are getting alot of help in finding these thieves. Valerie & Debbie- hang in there, don't let this spoil your holiday!

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On 12/4/09 at 9:26 AM, cgjung wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Why is it so hard for people to comprehend that several special days are celebrated in December...not just Xmas? The word holiday includes every group who celebrates an important day in December.

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On 12/4/09 at 9:38 AM, sunnie1959 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

What difference does it make what they are called- "Holiday", "Christmas" or otherwise? The point, which oldebat is missing, is that these ladies had their wreaths stolen that took many hours and labor to make, and now they are out the income from that hard work. Thieves usually aren't very bright, they'll get caught.

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On 12/4/09 at 9:49 AM, Heidiliz77 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

They are called "Holiday" wreaths because they can be purchased to celebrate any one of many holidays... When I purchase mine, it is hung on my door as a Christmas wreath! Merry Christmas to some, Happy Holidays to everyone else!!!

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On 12/4/09 at 10:09 AM, yugoman wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I hope they catch the SOB or SOB'S who stole the wreaths.

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On 12/4/09 at 10:13 AM, SammieJ wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

oldebat is 100% correct. oldebat is pointing out the BS of being "politically correct" in calling them "HOLIDAY" wreaths, so it doesn't offend our snobby, liberal friends who HATE Christmas! oldebat, thanks for calling it how you see it!

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On 12/4/09 at 10:14 AM, redsoxnation wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Christmas brings out the worst in some people.

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On 12/4/09 at 12:01 PM, Celtic40 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Maine: life as it should be. Do those who have to point out that the story says Holiday wreaths and not Christmas wreaths have any idea how bigoted they are? It seems to be that behind every tree in Maine, is a fool proud of his ignorance which he mistakes for wisdom.

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On 12/4/09 at 12:46 PM, zatwoodz wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

They are Christmas Wreaths allways have been allways will be.

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On 12/4/09 at 12:55 PM, coastalblogger wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Val & Deb- sorry this happened... hopefully they can catch the animals that did this.

For the rest of you- and your stupid arguements on whatever you should be calling these beautiful greenery's --I'm pretty sure the gals would be calling 'em Christmas Wreaths, and they made them so---- 'nuf said!

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On 12/4/09 at 12:56 PM, MaineSurvivor2 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I'm glad they were only "holiday" wreaths, 'cause if they were Christmas wreaths it would have upset me!

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On 12/4/09 at 1:39 PM, DougLavigne wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

When the low lifes get caught, they will be hanging their christmas stockings with Bubba, don't drop your socks in front of bubba, also don't let your Meat Loaf, you bunch of Thieven Hievens, you thiefs are such a Hoilday Buzz Killer, I hope you make your Mommy and Daddy proud of your actions.

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On 12/4/09 at 1:52 PM, ataloss wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

OLEBAT----WHY ARE YOU ARGUING OVER THE POLITICALLY CORRECT TERM THAT SHOULD BE USED FOR THE WREATH WHEN THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ARTICLE. IT'S ABOUT MY MOM'S WREATHS BEING STOLEN, SOMEONE VIOLATING HER PROPERTY, NOT ABOUT WHAT THEY SHOULD BE CALLED? AND NOW THERE'S TENSION HERE. WHY WHY WHY MUST THERE ALWAYS BE AN ARGUEMENT? CAN'T WE ALL GET ALONG? CAN'T WE ALL DISCUSS WHAT'S AT HAND HERE? I TOTALLY SUUPORT YOUR RIGHTS TO AN ARGUEMENT OF THE POLITICALLY TERMS BUT CALL A REPORTER AT THE BDN AND SET UP AN INTERVIEW FOR AN ARTICLE REGARDING THAT. I REALLY HOPED YOU WOULD ALL JUST WISH EACH OTHER A HAPPY HOLIDAY HERE AND GET ALONG... THANKS FOR THE NEGATIVE SPIN ON AN ALREADY DARK SITUATION FOR MY FAMILY...

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On 12/4/09 at 2:05 PM, chersully2000 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

ataloss: Thanks for your words.....and so very sorry for what your mother and friend are going through.

Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays to ALL!! (it does not matter what political party....most everyone loves Christmas.....and most everyone would be truly offended and disgusted to read about the stolen wreaths from these hard-working good people.)

ataloss: I hope your mother is doing okay. I hope they catch those thieves.

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On 12/4/09 at 2:30 PM, fmrmti wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

ataloss: We're all hoping that they get caught and strung up by their holly.

Celtic40: bigoted? Really?

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On 12/4/09 at 2:56 PM, DougLavigne wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Valorie and Debbie, I would like to wish you both a Happy Holiday, I do hope you can find the strength in your hearts to keep smiling during this troubled time, please stay strong, you ladies appear to be the back bone of Columbia Maine by spreading such wonderful wreaths through out our New England area, you ladies have a special skill for reason, hold your heads high ladies as the culprits are sweating bullets right about now.

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On 12/4/09 at 3:39 PM, paulmarin wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Columbia is a pleasant little town and I suggest that Valorie and Debbie have at one time or another had eye contact with some unpleasant co-habitants of Columbia. Let's hope the perpatrators show their faces and are apprehended, convicted, and made to make restitution. In the meatime Val and Deb show good spirit and spunk by returning to work. Christmas is just around the corner. Good cheer.

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On 12/4/09 at 4:07 PM, sassyfrazz wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Well, if there is an inferno in the afterlife, I think the people who would do this kind of thing (at any time of year) deserve special front-row seats center stage.

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On 12/4/09 at 4:39 PM, SharonKileyMack wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Maybe this will help:

The making of wreaths is an ancient and honored art that began about a thousand years before the birth of Christ. The evergreen wreath symbolizes the strength of life overcoming the forces of winter. In ancient Rome, people used decorative wreaths as a sign of victory and celebration. At Christmas, the wreath is symbolic of Christian immortality. The circle and the sphere are symbols of immortality. The use of evergreens and wreaths as symbols of life was also an ancient custom of the Egyptians, Chinese, and Hebrews among other people. They are used by many religions, many nationalities and those with many diverse beliefs to celebrate a wide range of holidays.

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On 12/4/09 at 5:13 PM, Kognos wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Someone was selling wreaths out of the back of a truck this morning on the dike in Machias. First time I've seen him out there with them and from what I know of the individual it's unlikely he would do the work to make them himself. Coincidence? Maybe, but it might be worth looking into if you can recognize your work.

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On 12/4/09 at 5:39 PM, DougLavigne wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I hope you tol LT Willey that info, if not, I just left him a message.

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On 12/4/09 at 5:46 PM, ElectraGlide wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

@SharonKileyMack~~Thank You~~Very Nice Info

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All

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On 12/4/09 at 7:10 PM, wickedgracie wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

happens every year downeast .... people stealing brush or already made wreaths....

i hope they catch these scumbags...stick them in a cell to detox the pills would be a nice punishment

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On 12/4/09 at 9:12 PM, savingmaine247365 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

REAL LIFE GRINCH...STEAL CHRISTMAS

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On 12/5/09 at 1:38 PM, kpierce1986 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

probably going hungry

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On 12/5/09 at 11:48 PM, clarkie wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I want to say that i am really sorry to the ladies for their wreaths being stolen. Its really disgusting that people would rather take from someone else's hard work than get off their lazy buts and do the work themselves. I myself have made 1650 wreaths thus far this season and would be devastated if someone had stole any of mine. keep your heads held high ladies and hope that the scums get caught. criminals always get caught eventually, MERRY CHRISTMAS

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On 12/7/09 at 11:16 AM, ataloss wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR KIND THOUGHTS AND WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT, THEY HAVE BEEN TRULY TOUCHED BY EVERYONES SUPPORT... WE WISH ALL YOU FOLKS A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON OR A MERRY CHRISTMAS, WHICHEVER SUITS YOU BEST.. THANKS SO MUCH AND HAVE A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

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On 12/8/09 at 9:50 AM, Tabutoo wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

The folks who stole these wreaths are just to frigging lazy to do any real work! It is what this world is coming to. (And most likely they are already on disability, can hunt all day, fish all day or just 'ride' the roads looking for trouble but can't work!) Some of you can't spell! That would worry me more then what some people like to call them...Holliday or Christmas. At least they didn't refer to them as Xmas wreaths!

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