MY POINT OF VIEW: Linking two holidays together, Father’s Day and Juneteenth; not a good idea

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by Gary Kennedy

There is a new kid in town as of last year. I didn’t mention it as I originally thought it would just fade away. However, that isn’t going to happen as it has been around since 1910. I really had no idea. I have never even heard of it. For those in the know it is called Juneteenth Day. According to Psychiatric Times, June 19, which is also the founding date of Father’s Day, has become a dual holiday. The explanation that was given states, fathers are an integral part of families and Juneteenth is a day that families convene to celebrate the emancipation from slavery. They claim this is a hand in glove relationships (fathers and emancipation from slavery).

I for one really don’t understand the relationship but obviously the psychiatrists do. It seems to me if the fathers are part of the scenario then the mothers should be as well. For me the love of a father for his children, wife and as well as the love of the children and wife for the father and husband are as far away from the bloodiest war we have ever had, as is humanly possible. I must be missing something as the government believes it to be true or why else would they ask us to share our Fathers Day heritage with another historical event; an event which cost hundreds of thousands of lives; father against brother, brother against brother and even father against son. I just don’t see the relationship. Anyway, we are still as of now a free country and we can all believe what we want and accept or alienate these two events.

I will explain a little about Juneteenth and everyone can evaluate the likeness and difference between the two. Juneteenth is a day in 1865 that federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to ensure that all the “enslaved people” were free. This occurred 2-1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is ascertained to be logical to observe that date as the real emancipation of American slaves. Do you see the connection, yet? It seems to me if this relationship is true it should include men, women and even children. However, the only connection that is drawn by these so called pundits is with fathers. Many during slavery weren’t allowed the ability of procreation. Many slave women were for the pleasure of their masters. I’m sorry; I still don’t see how the powers that be were able to make this connection. I, in no way, mean to demean the happening which occurred in Galveston, Texas. The war was over by 1864 and that should have been the end of it but unfortunately the need for federal troops to go to Galveston, Texas, was necessary to once and for all free the people still enslaved there.

Although President Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves in 1864 there remained 250,000 slaves in Texas. Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay on June 19 and freed the remaining slaves by executive decree. This became known as “Freedom Day”. To me that sounds somewhat appropriate and a better definition of the happening. I would agree with the appropriateness of calling this holiday, Freedom Day. That being said I, for one, must recuse myself from the sharing of Father’s Day with an event laced in the overtones of war. The Emancipation Proclamation has another place in history and should be observed by itself. (My opinion only.)

Father’s Day on the other hand began with Sonora Smart Dodd, of Spokane, Washington, where it is said she heard a sermon in 1909 about Mother’s Day, thus it brought the question what about fathers? Father’s Day began on June 19, 1910. This was the month of Ms. Dodd’s father’s birthday; thus the date of Father’s Day.

In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge gave his support to the holiday and in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson issued a proclamation that recognized the day. It became a national holiday in 1972, when President Richard Nixon signed legislation designating the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day. Father’s Day is based on our adoration of one’s father and respect for the guidance and sacrifice he has given the family unit. A great father is complemented by a great family. So, those of us who are fortunate enough to have a wonderful dad show our love and respect publicly once a year on June 19. Although, for most of us the love is a daily event. However, it’s great to set a special day aside just for him as we do for our mothers at another time. This display of love and affection is carried for all time. For me Juneteenth is well worth remembering and was a great and wonderful wakening for mankind. It is a great history lesson. However, for me the only relationship it has to Father’s Day is the same as we all realize, the love and respect of our father, irrespective of his race, color or creed, every language has a translation for “Dad”.

God Bless and have a wonderful Father’s Day. Always remember our veterans and those who didn’t return home to be celebrated by those who loved him. We will always remember Dad.

The views of the author of this column are not necessarily those of The Town Line newspaper, its staff and board of directors.

Lake Life Today: #3: While planning for the future

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submitted by Elaine Philbrook

Lake Life Today is a series of articles that it is hoped will inspire you to see how, by taking just a few steps, you can make a difference and help preserve the quality of water in our lakes for future generations.

These articles have been collected and organized by LakeSmart Director Elaine Philbrook, a member of China Region Lake Alliance (aka “the Alliance”) serving China Lake, Webber Pond, Three Mile Pond, and Three-Cornered Pond. The Alliance thanks our partners at Maine Lakes and Lakes Environmental Association (LEA) for information to support this article.

The Value of a Watershed

A lake’s watershed is the area of surrounding land that channels rainfall and snowmelt via creeks, streams, rivers, ditches, storm drains, and groundwater to the lake. Watersheds supply the water that replenishes our lakes, along with other elements critical to supporting life, such as nutrients and organic matter. Water moves through a never-ending loop from sky to land and back in various states of gas, liquid or solid, through a process known as the Water Cycle.

An undeveloped watershed helps keep lakes and rivers clean by absorbing rainfall and keeping excess nutrients, such as phosphorous, out of our waterbodies. Multiple layers of vegetation, from the tallest trees to tiny seedlings, and from shrubs to ferns and perennials growing on the forest floor, all help to intercept intense rain events, reducing the amount of water hitting the forest floor. Loose, deep layers of “duff” (accumulation of leaves and decaying organic matter on the forest floor) help to absorb water and nutrients, minimizing flow directly into waterbodies.

However, many of us live in a developed watershed. Developed watersheds have roads, houses and rooftops, manicured lawns, driveways, and parking lots that are known as impervious surfaces. These impenetrable surfaces prevent rain from soaking into the ground. Instead, rain channels over these impervious surfaces which then gather speed and size (i.e., volume) as well as excess nutrients as soil is eroded. Culverts, ditches, and storm water systems transport eroded soil and direct the flow of rainwater to our waterbodies (this is the brown storm water we see headed for the lake). While this is happening, many smaller sources of erosion around homes and camps are also contributing sources of pollutants and excessive nutrients into our lakes and ponds.

We all live in a watershed. Even if we are miles away from a lake, our actions can have consequences downstream that could be detrimental to our lake’s water quality. The bottom line is that the health of Maine’s lakes and ponds is determined by what happens in their surrounding watersheds.

If you would like to learn more about China Lake’s Watershed you can view the 2022-2023 Watershed Based Management Plan here.

If you have any questions about what you can do to ensure the integrity of your valued lake or if you would like a free LakeSmart evaluation you can reach Elaine Philbrook by email at chinalakesmart@gmail.com and follow-up to read the next Townline newspaper.

Live lightly on the land for the sake of the lake (LakeSmart).

[See also: China Lake Association updates public on 10-year watershed plan] 

Give Us Your Best Shot! for Thursday, June 15, 2023

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To submit a photo for this section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@townline.org!

SPRINGTIME SIGHTS: Gary Mazoki, of Palermo, recently did some springtime photography, capturing poppies in full bloom, in Rockport, Banded Galloway cows in a field, and tulips in full color on the Jones Road, in Palermo.

Tulips in full color on the Jones Road, in Palermo. (photo by Gary Mazoki, of Palermo)

Banded Galloway cows in a field (photo by Gary Mazoki, of Palermo)

Poppies in full bloom, in Rockport (photo by Gary Mazoki, of Palermo)

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Six Ways a Simple Eye Exam Could Save Your Life

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Regular checkups by an ophthalmologist can help you see your way to good health.

(NAPSI)—It may come as a surprise to some, but an ophthalmologist can help you keep an eye on your overall health. In fact, an ophthalmologist—a physician who specializes in medical and surgical eye care—may be the first to detect if you’re at risk for a heart attack, stroke or other life-threatening conditions. That’s because subtle, early damage to tiny blood vessels in the eyes can provide important clues about what is happening in the small blood vessels of the brain and heart. 

  The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends all adults receive a comprehensive eye exam by age 40, and every year or two after age 65. 

 Surprising medical conditions that can be detected in a routine eye exam: 

 1.Cancer. This includes not only eye-related skin cancers on the eyelid or the surface of the eye, but also cancers in other parts of the body. Leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer can all be detected in the eye. 

 2.Diabetes. Diabetes is a leading cause of vision loss in the United States, but signs of diabetes can also appear in the eye before vision is affected. When a person with diabetes has high blood sugar levels, it can affect the blood vessels in the eye. That’s how an ophthalmologist might diagnose diabetes before other symptoms appear. 

 3.Heart disease. During a routine eye exam, ophthalmologists use a special imaging tool to examine the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. If the blood supply to the retina is reduced or blocked, this could be an early symptom of heart disease. 

 4.High blood pressure. One in three American adults has high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease if left untreated. Unusually shaped blood vessels or bleeding in the back of the eye can signal high blood pressure. 

 5.High cholesterol. Another common health condition that can lead to serious health issues is high cholesterol. A yellow or blue ring around the cornea can be a symptom, as can deposits in the blood vessels of the retina. 

 6.Stroke. An ophthalmologist can also spot plaque deposits in the arteries of the eye. If these pieces of plaque reach the brain, they can cause a stroke. Several eye symptoms are linked to stroke, such as loss of side vision, sudden blind spots, blurry vision, double vision, or sensitivity to light. People experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. 

 Can’t Afford an Eye Exam? EyeCare America® Can Help. 

 Individuals age 65 or older who are concerned about their risk of eye disease and/or the cost of an eye exam, may be eligible for a medical eye exam, often at no out-of-pocket cost, through the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeCare America® program. This public service program matches volunteer ophthalmologists with eligible patients in need of eye care across the United States. To see if you or a loved one qualifies, visit www.aao.org/eyecare-america to determine your eligibility.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Just passing on more information

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by Debbie Walker

I keep coming across information that interests me and I am hoping you will find some of it useful, too. You would think with all the information I find and pass along to you that my mind would be overflowing. It might if my memory worked at all! That is not the case!

This week I found some information in my Woman’s World magazine. The info had to do with making things last longer, such as making laundry detergent go further, using baking soda. Cut your use of detergent in half and then add ½ cup of baking soda. You will save money on detergent, and they will come out fresher.

I am by no means a computer knowledgeable person and printers fall in the same bracket as computers to me. There was a note about extending the life of printer ink by changing the setting. Woman’s World said you could cue up ‘draft model’, ‘fast/quick’, ‘green’, or ‘economical’. It will use half the ink of normal mode. The quality of print won’t bother most unless you are copying pictures.

Save on sponges. Every couple of days you could microwave a damp sponge for 30 seconds. This kills mildew.

Did you know candles will burn longer if the wick is ¼ inch long? It allows them to burn more slowly and evenly, prolonging life.

This was from a First magazine. Keep in mind I have not tried everything I read; I do plan on trying this one day. The Mr. X, of my life used to always have those white marks from his deodorant and I fought the battle with every week’s laundry. The First’s tidbit says to soak a clean sponge in equal parts white vinegar and water then dab over marks. Good luck. I am going to try it, too.

Now let’s have a little fun. Do you know what Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime soda is? The inventor, before marketing his new product, decided a name change was necessary. The new name was/is 7UP. (got another one to follow this one. Brad’s drink was a concoction of water, sugar, caramel, lemon oil, and others. This, as well as others, were considered medicinal drink ends. This one was designed to promote its benefits in relieving dyspepsia or indigestion. It’s name is Pepsi-Cola.

Bruce Lee was known to have said, “If you love life, don’t waste time, for time is what life is made up of.”

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking.”

Ketchup was sold in the 1830s as medicine. In 1834, it was sold as a cure for an upset stomach by an Ohio physician named John Cook. It wasn’t popular as a condiment until the late 19th century.

Eye of newt, toe of frog, and wool of bat are just archaic terms for mustard seed, buttercup, and holly leaves.

The Bloody Mary started out with the name Bucket of Blood. After Bucket of Blood, it became Red Snapper and then finally settled on Bloody Mary.

I’m just curious what I will find next to share! Please contact me with any comments or questions at DebbieWalker@townline.org. Have a wonderful week.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Calvin Coolidge

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Calvin Coolidge

by Peter Cates

Calvin Coolidge

The 30th President Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) had the kind of wife in the former First Lady Grace Goodhue Coolidge (1879-1957) who was a rarity when it came to truly being on the same page as her husband. She catered to just about every whim in him possible, although Cal had such a calm balanced unflappable personality and may not have given into whims very often.
The seven pages devoted to Mrs. Coolidge in Christine Sadler’s book America’s First Ladies abound in choice anecdotes and quotes, especially in its first three paragraphs:

Grace Goodhue Coolidge

“After Grace Coolidge became First Lady in the middle of a hot August night in the Plymouth, Vermont, farmhouse of her father-in-law, she went back to bed and slept easily. Not many women could have accomplished this feat, but then nobody else was married to Calvin Coolidge; the little red-headed president who always looked as if he smelled something burning and who never spoke to anybody if he could avoid the experience.

“If Grace had not been an unusual woman she never would have married Coolidge in the first place, and her mother, for one, could never see why she did. But Grace and her merry father, Captain Andrew I. Goodhue, a steamboat inspector for vessels plying Lake Champlain, always understood the Coolidge appeal. She was the completely happy wife, and that was the secret of her phenomenal success as First Lady.

“Grace had found an extra kerosene lamp for the dramatic swearing-in rites so that anxious reporters, who rushed to Ply­mouth after news of the unexpected death of President Harding, could see what they were writing. She watched with interest while a telephone line was strung up by emergency crews. But at around two-thirty in the morning, after the hullabaloo connected with becoming president was over, it would never have occurred to her not to accompany her husband back to bed. Nor would he have permitted such deviation from the norm. And naturally she would go back to sleep if he ordered her to do so. “

So begins, on August 3, 1923, the almost six years Coolidge would serve in the White House and ones bombarded with challenges:

The scandals of Harding’s cabinet.

The rise of the Ku Klux Klan from very low numbers to 4 million members by 1924 and the increase in lynchings.

The rise of bootlegging gangsters, and not just in Chicago, due to the “Noble Experiment of Prohibition and the naïve belief of its supporters in the perfectibility of human beings.”

The sometimes violent reactions of big business, government and society itself to any form of non-conformity, not just with progressives, socialists, free-thinkers and any other individuals whose world views deviate from their norms.

The wild partying and increasingly “loose” morals to be found at social gatherings of what’s been termed the “Jazz Age.”

The frantic speculations on Wall Street.

And finally, in a strange cause and effect manner, a terrible disillusionment with the traditional values and hopes that had sustained the country since the American Revolution, especially among veterans returning from the bloodshed of World War I.

Coolidge responded much of the time to these challenges with a hands off leadership style, admittedly disastrous in certain respects, but he did keep a close eye on events.

He also may have had a problem with narcolepsy and reportedly slept 12 hours a night while still needing a four-hour nap; these figures might be slightly exaggerated, even as H.L. Mencken did not help with the real truth about Coolidge’s sleepiness by such comments as the following – “Coolidge’s chief feat was to sleep more than any other president…The itch to run things did not afflict him; he was content to let them run themselves.”

Mencken did concede some good points – “His failings are forgotten: the country remembers only…that he let it alone. Well, there are worse epitaph for a statesman.”

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Expert warns Mainers to be vigilant of disease-spreading insect when traveling

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Asian tiger mosquito

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

OK, get ready for another invasion from Asia. This time, it’s a mosquito. Plain and simple, it’s called the Asian tiger mosquito. The mosquito can transmit a number of diseases, including the dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus.

Mainers are encouraged to use repellent if they travel interstate.

Zachary Smith, a licensed pest control professional from PestDude.com, has warned Mainers to be highly vigilant as the Asian tiger mosquito, a small, dark mosquito with distinctive white stripes on its legs and body, spreads across the country at an alarming pace.

One of the key characteristics that makes the Asian tiger mosquito a concern is its ability to serve as a disease vector and transmit a number of diseases, including dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus. While these diseases are not yet widespread in the US, the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito has raised concerns they could become more common in the future. According to Smith, two factors are accelerating the insect’s spread: climate change and human transportation. While little can be done in the short-term about changing weather patterns, there are actions Americans can take to stem its spread:

One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito is to eliminate standing water around homes and businesses. The mosquito lays its eggs in standing water, so removing sources of standing water, such as flower pots, buckets, and old tires, can significantly reduce the mosquito population. Smith also points out that these types of mosquitoes only need a bottle cap full of water to lay their eggs, and these eggs can sometimes survive being dried out. He adds: “Asian tiger mosquitos are quite lazy travelers. So if you’re getting bit, it most likely means you are close to the water source. So look carefully in your vicinity for those hidden spots that are holding water. It can be less obvious than you think – a soda can, an old glass bottle, garbage can lids, a tarp piled on the ground, all those things can hold enough water”.

Another effective strategy is to use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. The mosquito is known to hitchhike on goods and materials that are transported across borders, allowing it to rapidly expand its range. Therefore, people who are traveling interstate, particularly from east to west, are encouraged to wear repellent before setting off on their journey.

Also, it is important to support community-wide efforts to control the mosquito population. This can include initiatives such as mosquito trapping and surveillance programs, public education campaigns, and mosquito control measures such as larviciding and adulticiding.

About the Asian tiger mosquito: It is a highly adaptable species that can survive in a wide range of environments, from urban to rural areas, and from temperate to tropical climates. Unlike many other mosquito species, the Asian tiger mosquito is active during the day, with peak biting activity occurring in the early morning and late afternoon. The mosquito is particularly prevalent in southeastern states, where it has become established in both urban and rural areas.

“We have noticed a huge surge in calls to deal with Asian tiger mosquitos. Pest industry conferences have recently highlighted the invasive species, and colleagues nationwide are reporting similar findings. Despite the detection of the first Asian tiger mosquito in Texas in 1985, its rapid spread has been limited until now. As a result, individuals, especially those traveling between states, are advised to use repellent, while those with yards are encouraged to eliminate standing water to help control the mosquito’s proliferation,” says PestDude.com’s Mr. Smith.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Who is the winningest left handed pitcher in Boston Red Sox history?

Answer
Mel Parnell (123).

FOR YOUR HEALTH – Know the Signs of Stroke: Acting in Time Can Save a Life

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(NAPSI)—You work hard to help keep yourself and your loved ones healthy. To help, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) reminds everyone that stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. About 800,000 people in the country have a stroke each year. The good news is, when treated quickly, survival is possible and damage can be greatly reduced. That’s why understanding your risk for stroke, knowing signs of stroke, and acting in time are critical and can make all the difference for you or someone you care for. If you have a greater chance of stroke, there are also steps you can take now to help prevent one.  

What is Stroke?

There are two major types of stroke. One, called a hemorrhagic stroke, occurs when a brain blood vessel breaks and blood escapes into or around the brain. The other, called an ischemic stroke, or “brain attack,” occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. When this happens, brain cells stop getting the oxygen and nutrients they need.  

Risk Factors for Stroke

Anyone can have a stroke, but some people are at greater risk than others.

Conditions:

• Previous Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack

• High Blood Pressure

• High Cholesterol

• Heart Disease

• Diabetes

• Sickle Cell Disease

• Use Of Anti-Clotting Medications

• Certain Cancers

• Behaviors:

• Unhealthy Diet

• Physical Inactivity

• Obesity

• Excess Alcohol 

• Tobacco Use 

• Stimulant Drug Use

• Neck Injury

 • Individual Characteristics:

• Being over the age of 55

• More common in women than men 

• Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, and Alaska Natives are at higher risk  

Signs of Stroke

The symptoms of stroke usually happen quickly and include one or more of the following: 

• Sudden NUMBNESS or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body

• Sudden CONFUSION, trouble speaking, or understanding speech

• Sudden TROUBLE SEEING in one or both eyes

• Sudden TROUBLE WALKING, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination

• Sudden SEVERE HEADACHE with no known cause

Act in Time: Call 911 Right Away

Stroke is a medical emergency. If you believe you are having a stroke—or if you think someone you know is having a stroke—call 911 immediately. Do not wait for the symptoms to improve or worsen. Making the decision to call for medical help right away can save a life or mean avoiding a lifelong disability.

Ways to Help Prevent Stroke

You can help prevent stroke by making healthy choices and controlling any health problems you may have.

• Manage any health problems you may have, especially high blood pressure, but also diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity to lower your risk for stroke.

• Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Exercise regularly—about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. 

• Avoid drinking too much alcohol. 

• If you smoke, take steps to quit. If you’d like some help with quitting, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569) for free resources and support.

For more information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, visit stroke.nih.gov.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Busy with First magazine

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by Debbie Walker

If you have pennies, I am giving you ‘uses’ (they are not just for the piggy bank anymore). I have no idea who wrote these, but I knew it was time to pass them on to you, too.

Let’s say your little bird house has developed a leak in the roof. Use some strong glue to attach the pennies needed to keep your birds dry. (Not a fix I would have ever thought of.)

I make rice bags for my family and friends. A sock filled with rice, sew it closed and you have a rice bag. Put it in the freezer and when needed you have a comfortable cold pack. My great-granddaughter, Addi (3 years old now), calls Her’s a Cold, and I believe we are on or third or fourth generation now. They can develop a hole now and then.

In the First magazine, they mentioned putting pennies in a sock (in place of rice). Put a generous number of coins in a sock. The coins get very cold and will not melt and drip water. No mess.

Do you have fresh flowers, an arrangement brightens up most any room. Drop a penny dated before 1982 in the vase. Copper from the older coins kills wilt-causing bacteria, flowers stay healthy.

You might need to tighten a screw someday and not have a screwdriver handy. Insert a penny into the slot on top of the screw. It will fit into the slots of medium and a large flathead screw.

Do you get slugs in your garden? Place a circle of pennies (again before 1982) on the soil around the plant. The copper in the coins create a tiny electric shock on contact, so the critters will move along.

Rubbing alcohol uses:

If you overdid it spraying your new perfume you can dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and rub it over the area you sprayed. The alcohol will evaporate some of the fragrance oils.

How about some fire starters? These will help with campfires. Fill an empty glass jar with alcohol, drop a few wine corks inside then seal and store (away from fireplace). When you are ready toss a cork under the kindling and light as usual.

Suffer from motion sickness? Fortunately, I don’t but I read this in another First magazine. Keep a bottle of rubbing alcohol handy and as soon as you get feeling queasy, open the bottle, hold it close to your nose, then take a deep breathe. I was thinking maybe those little alcohol pads (at Walmart, Walgreens, etc.) would do the trick and take up less space.

Others:

Make your own Wipes – Layer coffee filters in a sealable container, pour in enough multi-surface cleaner to coat the filters then seal, Filters last longer than regular paper.

The janitors in the Corinna school I worked at knew when I had been in. I did most of the art/crafts and that usually meant some work done with colorful sprinkles! Kids loved it, janitors not so much. Then I introduced a new activity. I used those lint removers that are rolls of sticky, just peel off when it’s not picking up. Works like a charm and the kids loved dong it.

I’m just curious what you might like to share. I will be right here waiting for your ideas. Any ideas or questions or comments to DebbieWalker@townline.org. Have a great week.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Sarah Orne Jewett & others

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Sarah Orne Jewett

Sarah Orne Jewett

South Berwick native Sarah Orne Jewett (1849-1909) advised younger writers to “Write about what you know!”

Aroostook County native Helen Hamlin (1917-2004) once commented on the fascination of one’s childhood for so many:

“It is only natural that a person’s childhood environment should always remain the most glamorous and most interesting phase of one’s life, and I am no exception. Growing up in a town like Fort Kent, with a generous dose of Grandpa’s rich woods lore of old Aroostook, and in a mixed French and English household, has done more than just build a collection of reminiscences. It has left a distinct love and admiration for a land, and no other place can ever seem as attractive.”

Have Gun Will Travel

Richard Boone

Many episodes of Richard Boone’s TV series Have Gun Will Travel, which ran for six seasons from 1957 to 1963, can be accessed via YouTube; a season 6 episode, The Fifth Bullet, has Boone’s character, a well-read gunfighter named Paladin giving a man just released from prison some safe passage back home to his wife and their young son (For reasons not totally clear, five outlaws have contracts to kill him.).

Guest star Ben Johnson conveyed a most vivid presence as the man eager to be reunited with his wife and son. He did memorable acting in the movies Mighty Joe Young with Terry Moore, Shane with Alan Ladd and Van Heflin, and the Last Picture Show with Cybill Shepherd and Ellen Burstyn.

Martha Scott

Martha Scott

One very heartfelt movie on a wonderful teacher is the 1941 Cheers for Miss Bishop, starring Martha Scott (1912-2003), with a superlative supporting cast that included Marsha Hunt (who passed away last year at the age of 104.), William Gargan, Sidney Blackmer, Edmund Gwenn, John Hamilton (perhaps best known as the Daily Planet editor Perry White on the 1950s Adventures of Superman), Pierre Watkin (who portrayed Perry White for the Superman late ‘40s movie serials starring Kirk Allyn) and Mary Anderson.

Gerry Mulligan

Gerry Mulligan

In 1955, baritone saxist Gerry Mulligan assembled a sextet that included Zoot Sims on tenor sax, drummer Dave Bailey, trumpeter Jon Eard­ley, trombonist Bob Brook­meyer and bassist Peck Morrison on the Mercury Emarcy jazz LP simply titled Presenting the Gerry Mulligan Sextet.

According to the liner notes, Mulligan’s greatest fear was “musical stagnation and boredom.” Thus, after completing a very successful concert tour with his acclaimed quartet, he disbanded it and chilled out for six months to figure out what was next.

This LP of eight selections has some very eloquent musicianship ; the six participants were reported as being very pleased with the results.

Of the then-very young musicians, only Dave Bailey is still living at the very young age of 97.

In 1968, Gerry Mulligan collaborated with pianist Dave Brubeck in the Columbia LP, Brubeck-Mulligan Compadres, also featuring eight selections and recorded live in Mexico.

Before the comments on the album, a personal memory – during the summer of 1965, I attended New England Music Camp, in Sidney, along the fabulous Messalonskee Lake and had as a fellow camper Chris Brubeck.

One afternoon, he comes into the bunkhouse with a sly grin and states, “Peter, my father’s here.”

I replied, “Bulls..t he is, Brubeck!”

Within less than half a second walks the great man. And a truly down to earth gentleman.

The above album came as a result of Brubeck assembling another quartet (the famous one from the 1950s into early ‘60s had been disbanded in 1967) for a concert tour of four cities in Mexico arranged by promoter George Wein. The new quartet had Brubeck, Mulligan, Alan Dawson on drums and bass player Jack Six.

One of the concerts was held in a bullring.

All in all, a good record.

Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli

Arturo Michelangeli

Italian pianist Arturo Benedetti Michelan­geli (1920-1995), much like fellow virtuoso Vladimir Horowitz, not only had a superhuman technique with the keyboard but could also be quite eccentric and reclusive and was prone to depression.

Unlike Horowitz, Michelangeli could play the same composition twice over a period of months and both performances would have the same exact timing.

After winning first prize at a competition in Geneva, Switzerland, Benito Mussolini gave the pianist a full time Professorship at a Conservatory in Bologna.

Michelangeli made very few studio recordings but his live concerts have been released on numerous LPs and CDs. One such LP has him performing the Beethoven 12th Piano Sonata, better known as the Funeral March Sonata, and Schubert’s A minor Sonata, one of 22 magnificent ones that poured out of this composer along with over 600 songs, nine symphonies, numerous chamber music works and other pieces before he died at the young age of 31. The pianist performed both Sonatas with a cutting edge combination of dexterity and vibrant beauty.

Michelangeli had all 22 Sonatas of Schubert committed to memory.