REVIEW POTPOURRI – TV series: The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet

starring Ozzie, Harriet, David and Ricky Nelson; ABC network, 435 episodes between Oct. 3, 1952 – April 23, 1966.

The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet was one of the two or three longest running comedy shows in TV history. From 1944-54 – the last two years simultaneously on TV, it was a hugely successful radio program. In 1952, Ozzie (1906-1975) persuaded ABC to sign an unprecedented 10-year contract that paid the family, whether the show was cancelled or not, and then his perfectionist work ethic contributed to its rousing success on TV.

All four Nelsons played themselves but, otherwise, the stories had very little to do with their real lives, although, during the introduction, they stood in front of their actual house (the interior was painstakingly reproduced on the studio backlot where each episode was filmed). For me, the show’s enjoyment derived from the daily life family situations and the cleverly sketched humor naturally arising from those situations.

The Nelson Family, Front, Ozzie & Harriet; Back, David and Ricky

Examples included the following:

Don Defoe (1913-1993) played the intrusive but likable neighbor, Thorney, – perpetrator of mischief and misunderstandings. Later, Lyle Talbot (1902-1996) and Mary Jane Croft (1916-1993) portrayed Joe and Clara, whose involvement in back and forth antics between them and the Nelsons brought much comic relief.

Next, what fan could forget Rick’s giggling, bungling, free-loading friend, Wally Plumsted, who often provoked his long-suffering girlfriend, Ginger, who in turn so often referred to him as Fatso; both Skip Young (1930-1993) and Charlene Salerno (1938-1986) scored high points with their meticulously honed timing, delivery and vivid characterization – oddly, Salerno never appeared elsewhere on any TV show and film.

Finally, Ozzie himself could hold his own for unexpected, very funny facial expressions and movements. I lost track of the number of split seconds where he suddenly made a face at us viewers.

Harriet (1909-1994) was the sturdy assuring mother figure, David (1936-2011), the earnest good son and older brother, and Ricky (1940-1985) was endearing in his own constant desire to do what’s right, occasionally straying off the plantation with farcical moments of bad judgment. When he became a recording star, his father devoted the last five minutes of several episodes to him and his band performing a recent hit song.

Various video cassettes and DVDs have been released of episodes from the 14-year run but a complete set of all 435 episodes have been gathered and slated for DVD/Blue Ray release.

IF WALLS COULD TALK: East Madison Historical Society on the move

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Katie Ouilette Wallsby Katie Ouilette

WALLS, did you realize that East Madison is on the move? I attended the East Madison Historical Society meeting yesterday and, WOW, I was surprised about what had happened while I was away.

The meeting had President Gary Malbon at the helm and also attending were Lena Arno (Treasurer) and Katherine Edgerly (Secretary). Other members present were Eric and Sue Lahti, Alfred Jackson, Patty Clement, our faithful plow-man for Laney Road Arthur Mcmannus and Laura, plus Lew and I.

Did you faithful readers know that we are just a few of East Madisonites who are proud of our little community. You do remember WALLS telling you that East Madison was the first Madison and it had seven manufacturers, prior to the paper mill’s having been located in what is now Madison. Yes, the Cummings Mill is still operating, but in Guilford. And speaking of the Cummings family, King was the one who started the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. The ‘late King’ is surely missed by all who have an interest in the arts, but his dream of the art school is still alive and well with students in summer.

O.K. faithful readers, WALLS will tell you about the East Madison Historical Society’s being on the move. You must came to see our Museum which is next to the East Madison Fire Hall and the new farm museum that is next to it. As a matter of fact, the East Madison Historical Society just received a Grant from Stephen and Tabatha King! Wow! The membership has also received 501(c) (3) status. And, we of this little community sponsor so many things throughout the year, making us money to do good deeds with.

True, we used to have a grocery store and the location has become a Memorial Park, but there is much history here! Yes, we hope tourists and all local folks will come to our wonderful town of East Madison. Yes, it will be a “learning experience.” Remember, faithful readers, that WALLS told you that history is not a science, but a story that happened.

SOLON & BEYOND: Please patronize 4-H’ers at town meeting

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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!

When I sat down to write this week’s column, I thought I wasn’t going to be able to do it. For quite some time I have been receiving e-mails saying if I didn’t do such and so, my computer would be shut done. I was told I should delete it every time it came up, which I had been doing. This morning, I had to call Peter for help with this problem and his advice worked again! (I admit to being completely ignorant about anything electronic, especially after how scary it was when Lief got scammed!)

Don’t forget that the annual Solon town meeting is coming right up on Saturday, March 3, at Solon Elementary School. Election of town officials from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and the town meeting at 1:30 p.m.

The Solon Pine Tree 4-H Clubs annual bake sale is 8 a.m. to noon. The bake sale proceeds will be donated to the Solon Food Cupboard. The 4-H annual luncheon will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The proceeds benefit the 4-H Club.

Every year I almost plead with you to please come to this luncheon and support this wonderful club and their great leader. Eleanor gets more discouraged each year when only a few people show up.

A few weeks ago I wrote in this column about asking the two people who were running for the position of selectman, that if they wanted to put something in this column, I would print it. Keith Gallagher came down with his story, and visited with us, and it was in this column. So just a few days ago, I still hadn’t heard from Gaye Erskine, who was also running for that position, and I called her to see if she wanted to have something in also. She said she had withdrawn her name because she had taken a full time position at a hospital and had withdrawn her name.

Received the Solon School News letter, and thanks so much for sending it! The Second Quarter Honor Roll was enclosed. All A’s: Katelyn DeLeon ardis, Kaitlin Dellarma,Gavyn Easler, Brady Goguen, CourtneyGrunder,Macie Plourde, Desmond Robinson, Jillian Robinson, William Rogers, Aaron Soosman and Ciarrah Whittemore. All A’s & B’s: Brice Agren, Gavin Atwood, Karen Baker, Delena Cabral, Kaylynn Clark, David Dixon, Caden Fitton, Emerson Golden, Teagan Goodwin, Zachary Hemond, Veronica Hoffman, Cody James, Madyson McKenny, Aiden McLaughlin, Joseph McLaughlin, Ciara Myers-Sleeper, Abigail Parents, Riley Pelky, Machaon Piece, Allison Pinkham, Cailan Priest, Paige Reichert, Thomas Roderick, Gerald Rollins, Brooks Sousa, Fisher Tewksbury, Carl Ward and Braden Wheeler. Congratulations to all!

Also from Solon Elementary; it states, Fifth Graders To Be Radio Stars: Mr. Corson’s fifth graders will be immersed in a poetry unit during the month of March. During that unit, students will read poems they wrote or found and will be recorded by Mrs. Peggy Hamilton, who works for radio station 98.1 FM WXNZ, in Skowhegan.

The recordings will be played on the radio on a Saturday during the month of April, which is National Poetry Month. We look forward to giving students a real audience for their work!

The Snow Day Winner at Solon Elementary School is third grader Emmy Golden after guessing the first snow date. She accurately predicted that January 4 would be the first day school was cancelled due to snow.

KITTY KATS BASKETBALL FUN NIGHT will be held at Solon Elementary on Wednesday, February 28, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Students in grades K – 5 will perform their basketball skills for families and friends. See the new T-shirts purchased with funds from the Solon PTO. PTO calendar raffle tickets will be on sale at this event and by students throughout the month of March with drawings in April. Come and join the fun!

And now for Percy’s memoir: “Do something today to bring gladness To someone whose pleasures are few, Do something to drive off sadness… Or cause someone’s dream to come true. Find time for a neighborly greeting And time to delight an old friend; Remember, – the years are fleeting And life’s latest day will soon end!”

Attend world champion training

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Huard’s Martial Arts Little Dragon Lane Irish, 7, of Corinna, with World Champion Danny Etkin. Photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography staff

Over 40 young martial arts students from Huard’s Martial Arts, in Winslow, and various invited Dojos attended a special World Champion Martial Arts Training Seminar. This special event with World Champion Danny Etkin, from New York, took place on February 3 at the Community Center, in Fairfield. There were special demos, tricking, open forms, extreme forms and nunchucks. Young martial arts enthusiasts had the opportunity to train with a multi-world champion.

Erskine girls team national winner

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Front row, left to right, Bailey Cloutier, Summer Hotham, Parker King, Tori Grasse, Lydia Boucher, Madison Boynton, Alyssa Hale, Julia Basham. Middle row, Hunter Hoague, Lauren Wood, Joanna Linscott, Chiara Mahoney, McKayla Doyon, Keara Doughty, Isabella Bishop. Back row, Headmaster Michael McQuarrie, Assistant Coach Meghan Hughes, Coach Mitch Donar, Elizabeth Sugg, Madyx Kennedy, Mercedes Tibbetts, MaKenzi Strout, Alyssa Savage, Jordan Linscott and American Cancer Society representative Brian Casalinova (far right). Contributed photo

The Erskine Academy girls varsity basketball team that recently won the national American Cancer Society’s 2018 Coaches vs. Cancer 3-Point Challenge, by raising $10,000 throughout the 30-day challenge. Over 330 high school basketball teams from across America participated in the program.

CSA Fair at Lithgow Public Library

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Friends of Lithgow Public Library

On Saturday, March 10, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m,. the Lithgow Public Library will host a multi-farmer CSA Fair. The fair is free and open to the public.

Community Supported Agriculture, also called farm shares, is a great way to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. By pre-paying before the start of the growing season, you support the farmer through the early days and you reap the rewards of the harvest throughout the growing season. You can pick up your CSA box of produce at farmers markets, directly at the farm, or even have them delivered to your home or office. If you are a farmer interested in representing your farm at the fair, please contact Julie Olson, the adult services librarian, at Lithgow Public Library.

Lithgow Library is located at 45 Winthrop Street, in Augusta. For more information, please call the library or visit our website at www.lithgow.lib.me.us.

Dodgeball, basketball tourneys to benefit Jacob Seigars

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Jacob Seigars

The Whitefield Elementary School’s National Junior Honor Society will host its 2nd annual Dodgeball Tournament on Friday, March 2, in the gym, beginning at 2:45 p.m. All proceeds from the tourney will help defray medical expenses for Jacob Seigars, a 13-year-old eighth graders who attends Palermo Consolidated School. He is an honor roll student and a multi-sport athlete, who is currently being treated for leukemia at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, in Portland.

Divisions will be grade 2-5 (2:45 – 4 p.m.; grades 6-8 (4 – 6 p.m.; adult and high school (7-9 p.m.)

Students in grades 6-8 can also join the adult bracket for an additional fee if they wish. The adult bracket includes all high school students and adults.

The cost to participate is $5 per person. Suggested spectator donations are $3 for adults and $2 students.

Registrations are accepted in advance or may be made at the door. Concessions will be available.

Also, a three-on-three basketball tournament will be held to benefit Jacob, on Sunday, March 4. Four member teams will also be accepted. Registration is $50 per team.The tournament will be open to middle school, high school and adult teams.

To simplify the registration process, they are now accepting registration donations at the door. Teams must be registered no later than February 25. If you email prayforjacob18@gmail.com, they will send you a simple registration form that you can complete and email right back. This form will allow them to get you added to the teams list as quickly as possible. There will prizes for teams with more donations raised, most creative uniforms, half court point competition. Each team is guaranteed three 15-minute games. Raffle, bake sale and concessions will also be available.

Lions hold model show

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From left to right, Whitefield Lions Barry Tibbetts, Calvin Prescott and Amanda Stevens.

The 32nd Whitefield Lions Club Model Railroad and Dollhouse show was held Saturday, February 17th at the Augusta State Armory. Whitefield Lion Steven Laundrie, who organizes the event said at least 40 exhibitors were in attendance and hundreds of spectators visited the show.

Contributed photo

China’s Unbeaten Champions

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Pictured from left to right, front: Lili Lefebvre, Hayden Hoague, Madison Lully, Samantha Golden, Sarah Praul, and Mackenzie Roderick; back: Nikki Salvadori, Emma Jefferson, Emily Clark, Kayla Peaslee, Samantha Reynolds, Julia Barber, and Coach Ryan Reed. (Contributed photo)

The China Middle School girls basketball team capped off a perfect 19-0 season with a win over Vassalboro in the Sheepscot Valley Athletic Conference Championship Game, 44-36 at Erskine Academy, on February 15.

TRAINING YOUR DOG: Stress and our dogs

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by Carolyn Fuhrer

Today there is more and more focus on how stress affects our health. These same concepts also apply to our dogs. We as humans can use stress reduction techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and other relaxation techniques. For our pets, there are many products on the market ranging from drugs to aromatherapy, to videos they can watch while we are gone. But there is more we can do.

In order to help our pets with stress, we need to look at what might be causing stress. Stress has been defined as any event that requires the organism to adapt or change. The more adaptive or resilient the organism is, the better it can handle stress.

Through our training and guidance of our dogs through their daily lives, we are looking to achieve a state of mental, physical and emotional balance. An animal’s potential for wellness depends upon how well he can respond to stress at any given time. An animal that cannot respond well to stressors loses his emotional, physical and mental balance and can endanger his wellness.

Animals must have ample time to recover after responding to a stressful challenge. If stress is too prolonged, they lose more energy than they can recoup.

This can lead to cell or tissue damage, a build up of free radicals and other by-products, and the animal will be weaker the next time he has to cope with stress.

Prolonged and persistent chronic stress can be expressed through behavior issues, gastrointestinal disturbances, weight loss, problems with other organs or glands, and inflammatory responses which can further damage health.

So – how can we help our dogs? Insecurity about place in the pack or family is a primal source of anxiety. I believe that clarity and consistency in training and life situations are the foundation to reducing stress in our dogs. Overstimulation is another factor we should try and control. In a natural state, dogs spend a great deal of time seeping or resting. When they engage in activity, even enjoyable activity such as agility, a run in the woods, play – stress levels increase to meet the needs of the activity and dogs should have time to rest and recover. Consistency – knowing what is required and expected in life – helps them feel more secure and can help lower stress.

Some people confuse stress and drive. Frantic behavior is NOT drive. Drive requires focus that can be channeled. Out of control behavior is NOT drive. A dog that is frantic cannot learn.

If their basic life needs are met – water, food, shelter – nothing can stress a dog more than inconsistent demands, lack of structure and therefore lack of a feeling of safety. An owner must realize that a stressed animal cannot learn and must work to reduce stress through clarity in training and expectations to help the dog become available to find a structure in life that will work for them.

Want to learn more about stress and your dog?

Come to the April meeting of the Mid Coast Kennel Club of Maine on Thursday, April 12, at the Thompson Community Center, 51 S Union Rd, Union, Maine. A panel will be discussing stress and taking questions – the presentation will be from 5:30 until 6:30, followed by the MCKC monthly meeting.

A small donation to the Mid Coast Kennel Club is suggested. For more information, call Kathy at 207-691-2332.

This column sponsored by North Star Dog Training, in Somerville, 549-4613.

Carolyn Fuhrer has earned over 100 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.