Dog Training: Could positive methods ever cause stress?

/1 Comment/in , /by

TRAINING YOUR PERFORMANCE DOGTRAINING YOUR PERFORMANCE DOG

by Carolyn Fuhrer

The answer is yes. While all well-educated trainers strive to use positive methods to train, this choice of method does not automatically imply the learning situation is stress-free. Poor communication between dog and handler, lack of proper manipulation of consequences by the handler, failure to accurately recognize feedback from the dog, and poor timing and/or lack of feedback from the handler can lead to great stress in training, even when no harsh methods have been used.

It is important that the pathway of communication between handler and dog remains an open, two-way street, where the handler is looking and respecting feedback from the dog and the dog clearly sees the handler as a partner ready to assist and offer feedback during learning and performance of skills.

Sometimes, when we embark on a new activity, we can be over zealous because we are excited and we really think our dog is going to love this new activity. Our enthusiasm can bring with it a great deal of pressure even though we are happy, providing plenty of cookies and telling our dog how much fun this new activity is. Sadly, many new handlers come away from a new activity saying “oh, we tried …. and my dog doesn’t like it.”

When you introduce a new activity to your dog, you must take into consideration what kind of dog you have. Is your dog bold, inquisitive, likes surprises – or, is your dog thoughtful, shy maybe a little timid or wary. Introducing all dogs to a new activity the same way will not work. One size does not fit all. The way your dog is introduced to a new activity will have a profound effect upon how he views that activity in the future.

Too many trainers want to see the finished product or the complete exercise instead of building confidence and enjoyment each step along the way and usually the best results you can hope for is that the dog tolerates the exercise but never really enjoys it. You need to recognize and reinforce the early stages of initiatives each step along the way so that the dog becomes confident and will begin to drive the training.

Dogs are empowered by training and learn to be self-confident when they know they will receive consistent, fair feedback regarding their behavior. They learn to pay more attention and to try harder because they understand winning behaviors will pay well and that they can win.

We, as trainers, need to pay close attention to the choice the dog makes after he receives feedback (a consequence for behavior) in order to understand whether we are changing the behavior (strengthening or diminishing it) the way we intended to change it. We need to be observant and listen to what our dogs are trying to tell us. Just continuing down the same training path despite feedback from our dog that this is not working is a recipe for disaster.

We must keep the pathway of communication open in order for our dog to be confident and trust us. We want to build on success, not repeat failure; so, many times we must really simplify what we are asking or work with less distraction.

Training is a balance. – a two-way street between you and your dog. Without an open pathway of communication where we look for and accept feedback from the dog, we will never develop the training relationship we want.

By making a sincere effort to “listen” to what your dog is telling you and adjusting your feedback to the dog, you will open up a whole new world of enjoyable training.

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 13, 2017

/0 Comments/in /by

CONSTANCE L. HUTCHINSON

WINSLOW––Constance Lynette Benner Hutchinson, 95, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2017, in Waterville. Connie was born in Augusta on October 12, 1921, the daughter of Perle Leroy and Theodora Sanborn Benner. Connie’s family lived in several cities in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire as she grew up, and she graduated from McGaw Normal Institute in Merrimack, New Hampshire, in 1940. She went on to major in English at the University of New Hampshire, graduating in May 1943 with honors.

While attending UNH, Connie met fellow student and the love of her life, Robert Elmer Hutchinson, of Concord, New Hampshire. Connie and Bob were married on January 29, 1944, by Connie’s older sister, the Rev. Phyllis L. Benner, at the parsonage in Loudon, New Hampshire.

Bob enlisted in the Navy shortly before their wedding and was assigned to submarine duty during World War II. After the war ended, Connie and Bob both went to work for General Electric in Schenectady, New York, and Connie worked there for more than 10 years. Connie eventually joined Bob in his business, Atlas Pool Company, serving as business manager until they sold the company and retired in 1976. Upon retirement, Connie and Bob moved to Maine, living briefly in Belgrade before moving to Winslow.

Bob passed away in 1997. Connie continued to live in Winslow until 2000, when she moved to Berwick, where she resided until returning to Winslow in 2015.

In her retirement, Connie enjoyed weaving and created many items for her home and for family and friends. She also became very interested in genealogy, spending many research hours at the Maine State Library and eventually collecting her own extensive library of genealogical reference books. She was a long-time member of the Maine Genealogical Society. In 2003, she traveled to Salt Lake City with her niece Leslie Kashulines to visit and conduct research at the Family History Library. Her research began with the Benner and Sanborn families but then extended to other New England Families.

Connie and Bob never had children of their own, but they doted on their nieces and nephews over the years.

Connie was predeceased by her parents; and by her siblings, Rev. Phyllis L. Benner, Perl Sanborn Benner, and the Rev. Dr. Blair M. Benner; also by her niece Leslie Kashulines; and her nephew Gordon Benner.

She is survived by her sister-in-law Marie Benner; nieces Blair Sandra Chenard, Susan Benner Wherry, Dorcas Benner Riley, and Tabitha A. Benner; nephews Dana Benner and Dr. Lance Benner; as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

DONALD J. ROSSIGNOL

OAKLAND––Donald J. Rossignol died on Wednesday, March 29, 2017. He was born in Waterville September 3, 1923, to Agnes (Bouchard) and Vital Rossignol into a family with 11 other siblings.
Donald served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Italy, from 1944–1946, He was honorably discharged and returned with a beautiful stone carved plaque of the flag raising on Hiroshima which he loved and is still in his home today. Upon his return he worked at Scott Paper Co., in Winslow, for 31 years as a millwright while also sitting on the board for the Taconnet Credit Union, Oakland Town Council and St. Theresa’s church.

Donald and Beula were snowbirds for 20 years and were very busy playing golf, dancing and cruising to California, Hawaii and the Panama Canal.

He loved to problem solve and was busy with his hands building things (swings and picnic tables) fixing things and most especially making his wooden puzzle balls (which he passed along to his family), an activity he learned from his dad. He loved his home on Messalonskee Lake and enjoyed boating and fishing on the lake as well.
Donald was predeceased by his first wife, Yvette (Gadboury) Rossignol and mother of his children, Bonnie Clukey and husband Russell, of Florida, Gail Lewis and husband Allen, of Oakland and Peter Rossignol, of Florida, who survive him.

He is also survived by his wife, Beula (Zimba) Rossignol, of Oakland, and her five children, Larry Zimba, of Chicago, Illinois, Rhonda Cook and husband Jeff, of Oakland, Celeste Nutter and husband Tommy, of Sidney, Jason Zimba and wife Amy, of Sidney, and Zandra Zimba, of North Carolina; eight grandchildren, Dennis Clukey, Catherine Powers, Eric Lewis, Rachel Gasowski, Kitisha Croce, Haley Nutter, Dinah and Trenton Zimba; and eight great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 10, 2017, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville with burial to follow in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville.

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

Memorial donations can be made to: MaineGeneral Hospice, Attn: Administrative Director, 10 Water Street, Waterville ME 04901 or: VA VS Hospice Unit, Voluntary Services 135, Dept. of Veterans Affairs, 1 VA Center, Augusta ME 04330.

RONALD S. FROST

OAKLAND––Ronald S. Frost, 80, resident of 10 Lots Road, died Thursday, March 30, 2017, at home on the Shores Farm, following a long battle with cancer. He was born September 7, 1936, in East Monmouth, the son of Wesley S. and Sarah J. Walton Frost.

Ron attended Monmouth schools and worked construction for many years. Ron also enjoyed gardening; you would often find him working the Shores vegetable stand in the fall. He was also handy around the farm with his ability to repair farm equipment and vehicles.

He enjoyed his many grandchildren, outdoor activities, hunting, fishing and road trips with his family. Ron had a sweet tooth and loved to go on long rides with Judy Shores, his companion for nearly 25 years, to find the ripest blueberries and strawberries of the season.

Ron also enjoyed visiting Bangor, Oxford, and occasionally Foxwoods to try his luck at the slots. He had a playful sense of humor (on most occasions) and had an old-fashioned work ethic.

He was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Kenneth Frost and Wesley Frost Jr.; two sisters, Geneva Robinson and Edna Hutchinson; and Donald “Chip” Shores Jr.

He is survived by Judy Shores, of Oakland, and her family, Jolene, of Sangerville, Richard and Cheryl Shores, of Canaan (Katie and Tyler), Deanna and David Proulx, of Oakland, (David E. and Brittany and their children Bailey and Brooklynn) David T. and Betsey, of Oakland, (Dallas and Samantha): 10 children and 19 grandchildren from previous marriage to Janice Lindholm Frost, of Winthrop; Brenda and Mike Jones, of New Gloucester (Matt), Dean and Diane Frost, of Old Orchard Beach (Troy and Brady), Heidi Butterfield, of Randolph (Erica), Kevin Frost, of Lewiston (Christopher, Stephanie, and Samantha), Eric and Stacey Frost, of Leeds (Zachary and Sarah), Terri and Bill Williams, of Winthrop (Haley and Connor), Todd and Angela Frost, of Monmouth (Kayla and Shayna), Kyle and Liza Frost, of Monmouth (Brandon, Hunter, and Kaitlyn), Chad and Rachel Frost, of Winthrop (Tanner and Mason), and Allison and Jason Ricker, of Poland (Tyler); his brother Roland and Shirley Frost, of Wales, and many nieces and nephews.

To leave a message of kindness or share a memory, please visit www.shoreynichols.com.

RICHARD J. MILLER SR.

WASHINGTON––Richard J. Miller Sr., 89, of Washington, passed away at his home on Saturday, April 1, 2017. Born in Providence, Rhode Island on January 29, 1937, he was the son of Gerald and Margaret (St. Germain) Miller.

Dick grew up in Providence, attending and graduating from schools there. Upon graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in Germany during the Vietnam War, and was honorably discharged after six years of service.

Upon his return to the states he went to work as an ironworker for Local 37 Iron Workers in East Providence, while living in Chepachet. After he and Debra married, they moved to Pascoag, Rhode Island for nine years. He retired in 1995, after over 39 years as an ironworker, and he and Debra moved to Edgecomb. After two years, they moved to Washington, where they have been living for the past 18 years.

He enjoyed boating, was an avid golfer, and loved travelling in his motorhome, but more than anything, he loved spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Debra A. Miller; children, Richard J. Miller Jr., David J. Miller, Tammy F. Miller-McDonald, Heidi M. Abrahamsen, and Eric M. Foley; siblings, Gerald Miller and Fern Martin; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

ALBERT W. ALTHENN

CHINA––Albert Ward Althenn, 71, of China, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 2, 2017. Al was born in Borough, New York on April 27, 1945, to Albert C. and Evelyn (Ward) Althenn.

Al was a long-time resident of Lexington, Massachusetts and China.

Al held many interesting careers over his life span; however, was largely known as being self-employed. He had many passions in this life, including darts, cars, real estate, animals, gardens, China Lake among other interests, including his beloved cars.

Al was predeceased by his parents; and his brother Ronald Althenn.

He is survived by his sister Beverly Mairs; two nephews; a niece; and cousins.

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

Memorial donations can be made to the Humane Society Waterville Area.

SADIE M. PENDEXTER

BENTON––Sadie M. (Peters) Pendexter passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2017, following a long courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Sadie was born on December 19, 1927, to Salem and Nazera Peters.

Sadie attended schools in Waterville. In her younger years, she worked at the former Keyes Fibre Co. in Waterville. She also worked at Colby College in Waterville as a waitress. Sadie’s biggest role was being a homemaker to her four children.

Sadie was a longtime member of St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church in Waterville. She also was a former member of the Rosary Sodality.

Sadie loved family time the best. She could often be found in the kitchen, cooking her Lebanese dishes for her loving family. Sadie loved to read in her spare time and enjoyed bowling in her younger years. She was a social butterfly loved by many.

Said was predeceased by her parents; one sister, Doris Poirier; and two brothers, Ernest and Morris Peters.

Sadie is survived by her husband of 67 years, Milton Pendexter; four children, Gary Pendexter and his wife Mary, from Georgia; Curtis Pendexter and his wife Debbie, from South China; Melissa Carter and her husband Lee, from Winslow; and Kevin Pendexter and his wife Erica, from Winslow; three grandchildren, Derek Carter, of Lewiston; Julia Pendexter, from Georgia; and Madisyn Pendexter, of Winslow; one great-grandson, Aiden Carter; brother, George Peter; one niece; and one nephew.

An online guest book, and memories, may be shared at www.lawrybrothers.com.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church, 3 Appleton Street, Waterville ME 04901.

GEORGE R. STARKEY

BENTON – George R. Starkey, 60, of Benton, passed away on Friday, April 7, from complications resulting from his very recent diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. George was born on April 21, 1956, in Waterville, to Richard and Virginia Starkey, of China.

George married the former Dawn (Harris) Starkey on May 17, 1980. Together they raised a daughter Amy and a son Nicholas. George attended school in China and graduated from Erskine Academy, in China, in 1974.

One of his first jobs was a manager at McDon­ald’s, in Waterville. He later joined the management team of Burger King, in Augusta. For the last 21 years he was an assistant manager with McDonald’s Romad Co. most recently working at the Newport store. For the past several years he also enjoyed his part time job at Galusha’s Market, in Clinton.

The most important part of George’s life was family. He thrived on being around family whether it be on yearly camping events at Beaver Brook Campground, North Monmouth, annual fall trips to the Fryeburg Fair, hosting family Christmas parties, birthday parties, playing outside with his grandchildren RaeLeigh and Cooper or just sitting with friends and family visiting and drinking coffee.

He enjoyed eating ice cream every night and “tried” to annoy Dawn by clanging his spoon loudly against the completely empty bowl! His smile was contagious, his quick wit would always catch you by surprise and his enthusiasm for life was unmatched. He was more than okay with the nicknames chosen for him…HorHay, Hodge, Podge and Red. He never turned down chocolate or a match of cribbage with his BFF Jim Sevey. There are no words to share how we’ll all miss him so much. To know George was to love George.

George was predeceased by his father Richard, his sister Lydia, his father-in -law David L. Harris, his nephew Robert Harris and his dear friend Melvin Hubbard

He is survived by his wife Dawn (Harris) Starkey, of Benton; daughter Amy Starkey and her wife Jamie Routhier, of Winslow; and his son Nicholas Starkey, of Benton; granddaughter, RaeLeigh Autumn Starkey and grandson Cooper Reid Routhier-Starkey; his mother Virginia Starkey, of Waterville; sisters Sandra Keller and Paul, of China and Heide Hotham and Chuck, of China; brothers Edward Starkey and his partner Mark Colonna, of Wilton Manners, Florida, and Richard Starkey II, of China; mother-in-law Doris Harris; James and Donna Sevey, David and Celeste Harris, Danny Harris, Dale Harris, all of Waterville, Brian and Debra Pelletier, of Auburn, DeAnna Bennett and her partner Pete Tait, of Winslow, Darryl and Denise Ames, of Exeter, New Hampshire; any nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles.

Memorial donations may be made to the DBA foundation in honor of his great niece Nadia who has been diagnosed with this life threatening bone marrow disorder. To make a donation by mail, please make checks or money orders payable to DBA Foundation and mail to: DBA Foundation PO Box 1092 West Seneca, NY 14224 Or to donate online visit: ​http://dbafoundation.org/donate/

Services will be held Saturday, April 22 at 3 p.m., at Blessed Hope Advent Christian Church, 10 Pleasant Street, Waterville, ME 04901.

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

OTHERS DEPARTED

SUSAN J. WILSON, 60, of Waterville, passed away on Friday, March 31, 2017, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. Locally, she is survived by her mother, Barbara (Welch) Wilson, of Waterville.

THERESA D. GUITE, 96, of Waterville, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at the Woodlands Assisted Living, in Waterville, following a brief illness. Locally, she is survived by a daughter, Joyce Vigue-Morrissette, of Winslow; grandchildren, Derek Vigue and wife Heather, of Fairfield, and Megan Fossa and husband Mario, of Winslow; great-grandchildren Abbie and Lucas Vigue, both of Fairfield, and Emery Fossa, of Winslow.

CONSTANCE V. BEGIN, 92, of Waterville, passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at Woodlands Assisted Living, in Waterville. Locally, she is survived by children James Begin and wife Diane, of Benton, Mary Anne Trafton and husband Bill, of Waterville, and Ruth Berglund and husband Pat, of Benton.

LEAH M. COLEMAN, 94, of Bath, passed away on Friday, April 7, 2017, at her home. Locally, she is survived by a daughter, Arlene M. Strahan and husband Roy, of Winslow.

Palermo Consolidated School honor roll

/0 Comments/in , /by

High honors: Cody Devaney. General honors: Lily Bray, Wyatt Bray, Nickolas Christiansen, Timmy Christiansen, Eric Cochran, Jacob Devaney, Jessica Giguere, Grady Hotham, Hallee Huff, Rachel Huntoon, Bo Johnson, Moira MacDowell, Richard Mahoney, Adalyn Mann, Holden McKenney, Sophia Pilotte, Kaden Porter, Karen Potter, Lilly Potter, Riley Reitchel, Kinsey Stevens, Paige Sutter, Aidan Tirrell, Jackson Tirrell, Lily Vinci, Savannah Weymouth and Sam York.

Erskine seeks host families for international students

/0 Comments/in , /by

CHINA – The administrators of Erskine Academy, in China, invite those interested in hosting an international student in their home for the 2017-18 school year to an informational session to be held on Thursday, May 11, at 6 p.m., in the Erskine Academy Library. The program needs host families from the Erskine Academy service area of China, Vassalboro, Windsor, Augusta, Whitefield and Palermo. Attendees will learn more about the international student program, the host family experience, monthly compensation, and how to become a home stay placement for next school year. All are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Assistant Headmaster John Clark at jclark@erskine247.com.

Vassalboro News: Public hearing planned for revised sanitary district charter

/0 Comments/in , , /by
by Mary Grow

VASSALBORO — At the April 6th Vassalboro selectmen’s meeting, selectmen and Sanitary District trustees discussed the revised sanitary district charter that town voters will be asked to approve or reject at the June 5th town meeting.

Selectmen scheduled a public hearing on the document for Thursday evening, May 4. Town Manager Mary Sabins suggested a hearing on proposed revisions to Vassalboro’s shoreland ordinance the same evening if the date is acceptable to the Planning Board.

Raymond Breton, chairman of the sanitary district board, said the current charter dates from 1972. The trustees had an attorney prepare the revision to bring the charter up to current standards.
Selectmen had questions about whether the revised charter matches actual practice. In other business April 6, board Chairman Lauchlin Titus congratulated public works employee James “J.J.” Wentworth on receiving a Road Scholar award for participation in state training sessions.

Sabins explained that the Road Scholar designation, granted by the state Department of Transportation, is the “highest achievement of public works employees,” equivalent to certification for a town clerk or a town manager. To earn Road Scholar status, a public works employee must attend ten workshop days, seven mandatory classes and three optional, sponsored by the department’s Local Roads Center.

Public Works Director Eugene Field attained his Road Scholar certification in the spring of 2014, Sabins said.

Selectmen awarded two bids. The cemetery mowing bid went to Scott’s Property Care, of Oakland, the company which did the work last year for the same price, $24,500, Sabins said. The 1984 fire truck was sold to David Saunders, of Orland, highest of seven bidders, for $4,125.25. Board members unanimously agreed that the transfer station will be closed Sunday, April 16, for Easter.

They approved and signed a letter asking the school board to take time to advertise future vacancies, instead of filling them immediately.

The next regular Vassalboro selectmen’s meeting will be Thursday evening, April 20. The budget committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, April 13, and if necessary again on Tuesday, April 18, to make recommendations on proposed town meeting expenditures.

CHINA NEWS: TIF group asks who will supervise expenditures

/0 Comments/in , , /by
by Mary Grow

CHINA — China TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Committee members spent their April 10 meeting discussing who should supervise expenditures approved at the March 25 town meeting and what additional projects the committee should consider.

Since the TIF Committee is an advisory body, members thought they should not implement programs. However, several said, the groups that do implement programs should keep the committee, and town selectmen, informed, especially if projects change.

The largest appropriation from TIF funds was up to $750,000 over three years for the causeway project at the head of China Lake. After a long discussion, committee members agreed the first step is an RFI (Request for Information) to selected engineering firms asking for proposed design and build plans. Committee members Frank Soares and Stephen Nichols will write the RFI. The revolving loan fund for businesses, for which voters authorized up to $25,000, should be the selectmen’s responsibility, committee members said. The Kennebec Valley Council of Governments is slated to administer the program, under town guidance.

The $20,000 appropriated for the Alewife Restoration Initiative and the $40,000 for Thurston Park should be spent by the respective groups heading the projects, ARI and the Thurston Park II Committee.

Soares, who is president of the Four Seasons Club, said a small part of the $50,000 previously appropriated to the club for trail work is being reallocated to rebuild the dock at the swimming beach off Lakeview Drive opposite the town office. Volunteer work took care of some of the planned trail expansion, he said, freeing up money to extend trail improvements and for the dock. Other potential TIF Committee projects include public access to China Lake, a community center, senior housing and expansion of access to broadband internet service. China’s Lake Access Committee has been inactive since voters rejected its proposal to buy the former Candlewood property. Town Manager Daniel L’Heureux mentioned two other properties that might be available in the future; Soares said the Four Seasons Club would consider leasing its beach to the town..

Committee member Dale Worster said he preferred to develop the public beach where it would be best for the town, not where property is available. His initial idea of buying a large parcel in South China village including the present boat landing was not supported. He now proposed seeking willing sellers of land at the north end of the lake, west of the causeway, either including or adjoining Church Park.

Committee member Robert MacFarland reminded the group that China owns a small parcel off Lakeview Drive, opposite the end of the road that used to connect Lakeview Drive and Hanson Road at the Bog Road intersection. He was authorized to look into clarifying the extent of the town’s property there.

Suggestions for a potential community center included the former Fairpoint building on Route 3 and the present China Middle School, if the school department is able to consolidate China’s elementary education in an enlarged China Primary School. Neither property is likely to be available soon. Senior housing would require transportation, committee member Amy Gartley suggested. Committee member and Selectman Irene Belanger said residents responding to a recent survey were not enthusiastic about taxpayer-funded transportation.

L’Heureux said the newly-formed Broadband Committee is looking into expansion of internet service. Worster recommended expansions feature buried cable, which he said is much easier to maintain than overhead cable.

The meeting ended after a moment of silence in memory of the late Albert Althenn.

Pastor Morrell honored for longtime Boy Scout commitment

/0 Comments/in /by

China Baptist Church Senior Pastor Ron Morrell, left, the newest “Scout” in Kennebec Valley District, with China Troop #479 Scoutmaster Scott Adams. Contributed photo

China Baptist Church’s Senior Pastor Ronald E. Morrell Sr., was honored on March 25 for his outstanding support and long-standing commitment to the programs of the Boy Scouts of America. The Scouts invited Ron to preside over the invocation for their district awards banquet at the Waterville Elks, and then surprised the affable minister by making him an “Honorary Scout” because he lives his life following the the Scout Oath and Law in his daily practice already. The China Baptist Church is home to Boy Scout Troop #479 under the leadership of Scoutmaster Scott Adams.

The Waterville Elks were also honored by the Scouts for their organization’s steadfast commitment to support not only Scouting but other worthy community groups. Receiving the award for the fraternal order was Exalted Ruler Alanson P. White III.

Central Maine homeschoolers present Shakespearean play

/0 Comments/in /by

The Maxwell children, of China, in full costume, left to right, Andrew as Solinus, Ian as Antipholus of Syracuse, Abigail as Luciana and James as the Second Merchant. Photo courtesy of Eric Austin

by Eric W. Austin

On Saturday, I was lucky enough to catch the final showing of The Southern Maine Association of Shakespearean Homeschoolers (SMASH) production of The Comedy of Errors. After months of rehearsal (and surviving two blizzards!), and a previous weekend of public performances already under their belt, the cast hadn’t lost any of their enthusiasm for the material. Directed by Pastor Sam Richards, of Winthrop, it was truly amazing to see these kids, ages K-12, remember all their lines without a hitch!

Four members of the Maxwell family, of China, had significant roles. Ian Maxwell, the only 12th grader in the cast, shone in the lead role of Antipholus of Syracuse. His dramatic flair brought immediacy to the performance and his delivery of the slightly archaic Elizabethan lines was spot on. Ian will be attending Eastern University, in Pennsylvania.

Abigail Maxwell fit her part as blushing Luciana perfectly, as well as serving as apprentice director. Andrew Maxwell was imperious as Solinus, and James Maxwell showed his inner thug as the Second Merchant.

And who can forget Johnathan Batchelder, of Vassalboro, who tied the entire play together with his gravitas portrayal of Father Time?

Johnathan’s mother, Larisa, served as production manager.

For those who aren’t English majors, The Comedy of Errors is one of Shakespeare’s more farcical comedies, filled with puns, word play and mistaken identity (as well as Shakespearean staples like false accusations of infidelity, theft, madness, and demonic possession). Basically, it’s about two sets of twin brothers who are separated at birth. One set of twins later travels to the town where the first set lives, and soon everyone is confused, mistaking one set for the other as much iambician mayhem ensues.

More Mel Brooks than Richard III, it’s a complicated plot based almost entirely on the confusion of all involved, but the young thespians pulled it off with aplomb. Their spirited performances kept me entertained even when I was sharing the confusion of the story’s characters.

This year, the addition of microphones, for some of the younger actors, was a great improvement over last year, when I often struggled to hear the lines of the quieter cast members.

SMASH is a small theatre group comprised of homeschool families from the far reaches of central Maine and was founded by Sam Richards in 1993. DVDs of shows from the previous three years (Merchant of Venice, 2015; Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2016; and Comedy of Errors, 2017) are available for a small donation of $3 per DVD, or $7 for all three plus $1.50 shipping. Just email someshakespeareanhs@outlook.com or visit http://smashmaine.jimdo.com/ for more information.

Wildlife Park opening April 15

/0 Comments/in /by

The Maine Wildlife Park, located on Route 26 in Gray, will open for the 2017 season on Saturday, April 15th at 9:30 am – just in time for the Patriots Day holiday on Monday, April 17th and school vacation week!

Park staff has been working diligently to remove enough snow for paths to be cleared, most wildlife exhibits to be open, and the parking lot and access road passable! The turtle ponds may still be frozen over and the nature trails may have too much snow on them to be passable, but visitors will be excited to see a new beaver in her pond in the furbearer exhibit!

A variety of new and returning weekend events are planned for the season, beginning Saturday May 6th with a ‘Creatures of the Night’ display, associated with the Park’s newest exhibit featuring nocturnal animals.

Further on through the season you can practice Archery and Laser Rifle target shooting, meet Game Wardens and Warden authors on Warden Service Day; experience Mr. Drew & his Animals too; learn about Portland’s famous International Cryptozoology Museum or enjoy a ‘night visit’ with Northern Stars Planetarium. The Bug Man, New England Mineral Association, Wildlife Encounters, Enchanted Forests and Honeybees will return and be featured as Saturday programs. Favorites like the annual Open House, Pow Wow, Chainsaw Artists, and Rick Charette will all be back as well. And Harvest-Fest will be expanded to 2 full weekend days in October. Plan to purchase your Family Season Pass now so you don’t miss any of the fun; and be sure to pick up an Event Calendar! Keep up with current photos, stories and events on Facebook too.

Many families cannot wait to visit their favorite animals after the long winter, but close to 30,000 followers have ‘kept in touch’ with our wildlife via Facebook over the winter, ‘liking’ and commenting on photos posted of our wildlife as they adapted to winter snow and cold. But everyone’s ready to see the moose, bears, lynx, cougar, eagles, owls, and more again in person!

For more information about any of these programs, please call the Maine Wildlife Park at 207-657-4977; or visit us online at www.mainewildlifepark.com, www.mefishwildlife.com or on Facebook!

More karate winners at Battle of Maine

/0 Comments/in /by

Huard’s Sports Karate team members Eli Ker, 9, left, of Waterville, and Logan Levesque, 8, of Clinton, captured first place titles, respectively, at the 37th annual Battle of Maine Martial Arts Championships on March 25, held at Thomas College, in Waterville.

Right photo, Huard’s Martial Arts student Jackson Hineman, 11, of Vassalboro, captured first place in forms at the Battle of Maine Martial Arts championships on March 25.

Photo by Kevin Giguere, Central Maine Photography staff