I’M JUST CURIOUS: Mosquitoes and black flies – OH MY!

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by Debbie Walker

We live in Maine. We know we are going to have to deal with snow, ice and inconvenient road construction. I believe the most difficult of Maine life is the Black Flies and the Mosquitoes and “Oh My” is saying it lightly!

I tend to believe critters are each here for a purpose. So….. of course, I had to do some reading. This is what I found out about these critters

It is the female black flies we are upset with. The males feed on nectar. The females feed on mammals including us.

We know that mosquitoes need standing water to prosper, however, the black flies prefer running water. How do you folks who fish the streams stand it?! We know that from April to July the little nuisances make gardening, boating, camping and any other outdoor activity a nightmare. The one good thing is they don’t follow us into the house or tent, etc. Mosquitoes want us wherever we are!

There is even a song written by Wade Homsworth titled The Black Fly Song. I found the song on YouTube. It was written about Canada but I believe it applies to us as well. It tells about the Black Flies “picking our bones clean”.

I’ll bet woodsman didn’t have to worry about walking into the woods I’ll bet the black flies were more than willing to gang up and carry them in!

In reading various things on the internet I learned (and remember) the only state that doesn’t have black flies is Florida. Don’t get all carried away about how lucky they are in Florida because they have their curses too. They have the dreadful no see ums. You might not see them but you will certainly feel them and their after effects for days. They have fire ants. Horrible little suckers! They have Love Bugs; they don’t bite but will plaster your entire windshield if you do much traveling in May or September. Oh, and they will pit the paint on your vehicle!

Okay enough of that.

Mosquitoes: I probably can’t tell you much about those little suckers! There are several songs about them. Mosquito Song says “Swallow and chew, Eat you alive, All of us food that hasn’t died.” Truthful little song, I am surprised we didn’t learn it as kids!

Body odors entice the critters to you. Sweat, perfume, scents and the higher the body temperature the more likely the critters will find you.

Their only purpose, as I read, is to make more mosquitoes!

My friend, Otis, from Florida, when I was complaining about them, said “What are you complaining about, don’t you people saddle and ride your mosquitoes?” Oh yeah, he is a funny man!!

I read that camping is nature’s way of feeding mosquitoes. I haven’t been camping yet but I have fed a few anyway. But I will tell you that I got Ken to experiment for me. I gave him a couple of dryer sheets and said wear these and see if it works to ward off the bugs. According to Ken they seem to work. I haven’t tried them yet.

I am just curious but not about those critters and I don’t care what their purpose is anymore. I don’t want to deal with them! Contact me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com with questions or comments and thank you for reading!

REVIEW POTPOURRI – Wilhelm Furtwangler conducts Bethoven; Jane Glover conducts Haydn; Movie: The Last Hurrah; Band: The Cars; Dvorak

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Beethoven

Pastoral Symphony and Leonore Overture No. 3
Wilhelm Furtwangler conducting the Turin Radio Orchestra of Italy; Urania URN 22.227, CD, from a 1952 broadcast and issued 2002.

Wilhelm Furtwangler

Wilhelm Furtwangler (1886-1954) was one conductor now considered by more collectors and listeners to classical recordings to be very close to the greatest who ever lived – despite a catalog of recordings that are often live broadcasts of just fair to average sound quality, a wayward conducting technique and a tendency to do certain pieces over and over; for example, there are 11 or more different performances of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony.

But there is an exalted inspiration that seeps into his conducting and stirs this listener. He will use very slow, lumbering tempos or speed them to a Richard Petty level to achieve these depths. Sometimes he misses this target and mixes good and bad qualities. Still, a friend who owns just about every lp, cassette and cd of him commented to me that even 5 minutes of inspired music-making will be 10 or 15 bucks well spent .

Because of Furtwangler’s decision to stay in Germany during the Hitler years of 1933-45, he stirred a lot of controversy. And because of limited space, I cannot go into detail. However, it should also be known that the conductor used his influence to help many individuals and their families to leave Germany for safe haven . Those curious should check out Google and other related sources.

These two Beethovens are available in numerous good modern editions by other conductors but this cd should please fans of the conductor and is cheaply priced and available through the online Berkshire Record Outlet where I found my copy.

Haydn

Symphonies 83, 84 and 88
Jane Glover conducting the London Mozart Players; Musical Heritage Society 322541A, cassette, recorded 1989.

Jane Glover

Jane Glover has become one of the finest interpreters of lesser known baroque composers such as Cavalli, on whom she has expended much research, and of the later two geniuses of the 18th century classical period, Mozart and Haydn. These three works of the latter are among the most graceful, spirited symphonies to be found in the composer’s very extensive catalog. And Glover and her players deliver exceptional performances.

The Last Hurrah

starring Spencer Tracy, Basil Rathbone, John Carradine, Pat O’Brien, etc.; directed by John Ford; Columbia Pictures, dvd, 1958, 121 minutes.

Spencer Tracy

Spencer Tracy delivers one of his typically first class performances as Frank Skeffington, the Irish-American mayor of an unnamed New England City who is running for a fifth term. The conflicts between him, because of his roguish but essentially decent populist style of leadership, and a couple of power blocs, especially the old blue blood wasps, lend much interest to the story line, which is both funny and moving. And the large superb cast, which includes the other above-mentioned names, has been called by one reviewer “the largest collection of scene-stealers in the history of cinema.”

The Cars

Since You’re Gone; Think It Over
Elektra/Asylum, E 47433, seven inch 45, recorded 1981.

The group, Cars, was formed in Boston, in 1976 – the same year I moved back to Maine after my three-year sojourn in Beantown. After listening to this 45, I found myself captivated by the pulsating arrangements, utilizing interesting percussion sounds, but was unimpressed by the namby pamby two songs which went nowhere!

Dvorak

9th Symphony From the New World
James Loughran conducting the London Philharmonic; Mendelssohn: The 4th, or Italian Symphony- Antonio Pedrotti conducting the Czech Philharmonic; Net Surfin’, VMK-1059, cd, Dvorak recorded 1997, Mendelssohn from 1951.

James Loughran

This CD features two very talented conductors not generally known to even the typical American concertgoer and their interpretations of very well known symphonies. The Scottish-born James Loughran, now 87 and still active as a conductor and teacher, did one of the loveliest, most satisfying recordings of the Dvorak New World.

The even more unknown but very gifted Italian, Antonio Pedrotti (1901-1975) left one gem of an Italian Symphony, a Mendel­ssohn staple that can work as quickly as a sleeping pill in the wrong hands; this Maestro imbued the piece with perkiness, elegance and sweet poetry in just the right proportions. The CD is very cheaply priced on Amazon.

Students named to UVermont 2018 dean’s list

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Area student were named to the dean’s list at the University of Vermont, in Burlington, Vermont. There are:

Kayla Christopher, of Oakland; Delaney Curran, of Skowhegan; Brendan Curran, of Skowhegan; Emily Higgins, of Waterville; and Keely Manzo, of Albion.

SOLON & BEYOND: Library, 4-H activities; Bob Marley coming to Embden Community Center

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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!

Stewart Public Library in North Anson will hold its annual book sale, Saturday, June 30, 9 a. m. to 2 p.m., at the North Anson Fire Station. Books, audio books, magazines for adults and children. Come and stock up for summer and winter reading!

Comedian Bob Marley will be at Embden Community Center on Friday, June 29 (7:30 – 9:30). Tickets are available online at www.bmarley.com and at the door.

The Solon Pine Tree 4H Club met on Saturday, June 9, with Cooper Dellarma presiding.

The members discussed doing an educational exhibit at Skowhegan Fair in August.

Seven members, two parents and one leader are planning to attend 4-H Fun Day at Lake George on Wednesday June 20th.

After the meeting the club members, leaders and parents went to the Kennerson Farm in South Solon. for an educational tour. The Kennersons told how they got started with Lamers and Buffalo. A great time was had by all.

The next meeting will be July 13 – 15 at the Evergreen Campground for a weekend of camping.

The Madison Kennebec Valley Grange will be having a Father’s Day ham dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Sunday, June 17. For more information you may call 474-5006.

I am putting in some news rather early in the month so it will surely get to be read. I don’t know about you, but the days seem to fly by, and another month has come and gone already!

The above real news is all I have to share with you this week, and as always I would love to hear from more of you. I truly do appreciate when you share your news with all of us. (I am amazed to hear from so many of you about how much you like this column, it makes my day!)

And so with July 4 fast approaching, I came across one of those old yellowed newspaper clippings about the last celebration of July 4th in Flagstaff! In large letters it starts with, Rev. Arthur MacDougal To Give Address: One of the highlights of the entire celebration will be a fitting address to be delivered by Rev. Arthur MacDougal, of Bingham, well-known preacher and sportsman. A softball game between Flagstaff and Dead River will occupy the attention of the crowd from 3 to 4 p.m., and this will be followed by a baseball game.

Street Dancing Will End Celebration: Promptly at 8 p.m., there will be heard the strains of music from the instruments of Keefe’s Orchestra, well known to the dance lovers in this section. Dancing will continue until midnight, and when the last street dancer has finally decided to call it the end of another day, there will be happiness in the hearts of some, while to many it will be a sad affair – the thought of never treading on the streets of their home town again. Then the next headline states: Town Will Be Flooded Next Year: The cause for all the excitement and celebration is all due to the fact that just a year ago, July 5 to be exact, work was begun on the clearing of the famous Dead River Storage Project with the Central Maine Power Company, Great Northern Paper Company, Hollingsworth & Whitney Paper Co taking active part in this gigantic project which is expected to be finished in its entirety by July 1950. When the land is cleared and the houses removed, it will be the end of something for which plans had been made nearly a quarter of a century ago. Surveys and buying of property began as far back as 1926.

O. K., I’m sure Percy would not have let me put in all that sad news, if he was still here, so his memoirs this week are:

Cultivating Friends

Sow a word of praise today,
Plant a kindness-seed;
Listen to a troubled friend,
Help someone in need.
Compliment a weary soul
Too fatigued to try;
Shine forth rays of hope on all,
Comfort those who cry.
Scatter deeds of love each day,
Plant each row with care;
Sprinkle joy along your way,
Soak each one in prayer.
Ask the Lord to bless each one,
And one day you’ll reap
A harvestful of loving friends
To cherish and to keep.

(words by Connie Hinndn.)

Oldest Women’s Society to celebrate 200 years

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2017 meeting of Ye Female Society. Contributed photo

Ye Female Society for the Support of the Gospel invites all women of all ages, to join them for their 200th annual meeting on Tuesday, June 19, at 2 p.m., at Winslow Congregational Church, UCC, at 12 Lithgow St., Winslow.

The first meeting of this organization was in June of 1819 to raise money for the allocation of a pastor, a legal requirement for every town with a church. Ladies of Winslow and Clinton met and gave 25 cents each to pay for a pastor. Since then, every third Tuesday of June ladies gather in the church hall and follow the historic order of agenda, which includes reading the organization’s constitution written in 1819, and paying their 25 cent dues. Over the years a program was added to the meeting. Past programs have included gardeners, artists, historians, performances of music and theater, reenactors, and leaders of local non-profits.

This year the group celebrates its 200th annual meeting with much pomp and circumstance. President Emily Rowden Fournier, of Fairfield, will welcome women of all denominations to the meeting. Pastor Kim Shrader, the reverend of Winslow Congregational Church, will offer inspirational scripture reading and prayer. Special ceremonies will be conducted in honor of the founding mothers and to remember many women of the society who have been the primary “movers and shakers” of Winslow, putting this notable group at the center of many improvements throughout Winslow’s history. Local historian, Pearley Lachance, of Winslow, will present a program on Gold Star Mothers of World War I. A presentation of old photos and the society scrapbook will be displayed.

This is an historic event for what is believed to be the longest continuously meeting female society in America. All members and interested women are urged to attend and bring memorabilia of interest to the society. Period clothing from the past 200 years may be worn. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, please call Emily Rowden Fournier at 207-314-8607.

Area high schools hold graduations

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Winslow graduate Cassie McCaslin listens to the keynote address at the graduation at Colby on June 6. (Photo by Carol Fredette)

 

Jacob Bickford is happy to receive his diploma from Superintendent Dean Baker, at Lawrence High School’s commencement, on June 7. (Photo by Tawni Lively, Central Maine Photography staff)

 

Ryan Gagnon marches at Winslow’s graduation. (Photo by Carol Fredette)

Seagulls claim championship

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Front row, left to right, Preston Roy, Ryan Brown, Gaige Martin, Jaiden Berube, Connor Brown and Colby Nadeau. Second row, Mike Stewart, Braden Littlefield, Nash Corson, Parker Higgins, Matix Ward and Wyatt Gamache. Back, coaches Joel Littlefield, Nick Nadeau, Mike Corson, Matt Ward and Chuck Roy. Contributed photo

The Albion Seagulls captured the Fairfield PAL majors baseball championship recently. The team entered the tourney as the No. 1 seed. They took the opening game, 20-11, over Yankee Trophy, and put the title game away, 15-1, over Wright’s Dairy.

Jessica Crouse named to spring dean’s list at Elizabethtown College

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Jessica Crouse, of Winslow, was named to the dean’s list of Elizabethtown College, in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, for the spring 2018 semester. Crouse is a class of 2018 Environmental Science major.

Students on the dean’s list are full-time undergraduate students who earn a semester grade point average of 3.60 or better in 14 or more credit hours, of which at least 12 credits are letter-graded course work

Before/After School students tour SAPPI

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Quality Lab supervisor Raymond Caron showed the children about the paper making process. Contributed photo

The Vassalboro Before/After School Child Care Program was recently treated to a fantastic workshop by SAPPI Fine Paper North America Quality Lab Supervisor, Raymond Caron.

The children learned about soft wood and hard wood trees, how to count rings to determine ages of the trees and were treated to a papermaking process. They each made their own paper and some students even placed pine needles and other objects from nature in their paper. All students received a wood “coin” of their own and samples of how this paper is used in our communities for dog/cat food bags, magazines and even labels for canned products.

IF WALLS COULD TALK: Skowhegan one of few remaining towns with Main Street designation

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Katie Ouilette Wallsby Katie Ouilette

Oh, WALLS and faithful readers, all of a sudden the Moose Lottery is on at Skowhegan’s Fairgrounds and the cars coming out of the historic Fairgrounds was amazing yesterday! Actually, the Moose Lottery didn’t start until June 8, so I don’t know why all the traffic was exiting at the back gate there, but I saw it when leaving Hannaford’s, so all I could think of was ‘run, little moose, run!’. Obviously Katrina has worked very hard at putting the weekend together!

Speaking of Katrina, who has headed up the Skowhegan Main Street organization. But, 2002-2004 were days of my learning and doing by attending all the training sessions in Augusta, plus taking Skowhegan Downtown Business Owners to the events. Yes, Main Street came to Skowhegan Downtown in 2002 and joined designated Main Streets in New Hampshire and throughout the project’s earliest days in Maine. By the way, faithful readers, do you know what the first designated Main Street in Maine was? Yup, it was Brunswick. Also, in speaking of New Hampshire, the National Main Street was Littleton, New Hampshire. Yes, if it wasn’t a good program, then Town Manager “Pat” Dickey would not have urged me to send a Skowhegan application. Yes, Skowhegan won, at the time, but Skowhegan’s Town Meeting had been changed and the people of Skowhegan hadn’t voted for it. So not only did a different community win, but because of the cost of the program, Littleton, NH, and all the town’s in Maine, except Skowhegan, have dropped the program because of cost and, yes, Watervile, because of the new building going on by Colby College. Katrina has done well in planning the Moose Lottery for three days in June 2018!

Speaking of Katrina, who has been on Ch.11’s Now You Know, she has chosen her office to be in the, once, Dr. Dumont’s home on Court Street.

Yes, I remember it well, as, because so many young people were employed in those days of my being 15 years old, my first job was there!

So, Katrina is following in my footsteps, for sure!