EVENTS: Lincoln County Historical Association offers heritage craft workshops

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During the month of March, Lincoln County Historical Association’s education outreach program will offer a series of heritage craft workshops. The workshops will be held on March 2, 16, and 30 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. They will feature stenciling on canvas, basketry, hand brooms, and foil art. The program is generously supported by a grant from the Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust.

The March 2 workshop features brooms and foil art. Small brooms are handy to have in hand, and it is an added plus when they add to the home’s interior decor. Kathy Horton has studied the use of broom corn in the American Colonies – from the theories of who brought in the first seeds, to the time when broom corn brooms (the common broom of today) began to catch on as a necessary household item. She will teach participants how to make a wing-shaped broom (approx. 12-inch long) using broom corn.

During the second part of this workshop Louise Miller will introduce participants to foil art, also referred to as tinsel art. This art skill is similar to reverse painting on glass but is not as exacting. One does not have to excel at drawing to enjoy designing a simple picture which is then enhanced with foil.

The March 16 workshop features baskets. Baskets of all types are well-loved possessions. Allison Brown, an accomplished basket maker, will share her knowledge of basket technique. She will lead participants in the creation of a useful five inch square basket from the preparation of materials through the completion of the basket, with suggestions about color and accent details.

A workshop on stenciling or painting on canvas will be held on March 30. This was a popular technique used to produce floor coverings in the early American colonies and well into the 19th century. Painted floor cloths were often more affordable than woven tapestry or knotted (oriental) rugs. It is known that both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson had painted floor cloths in their homes. In this workshop, Rebecca Manthey will teach the technique using placemat-size pieces of canvas. Stencils, paints, and other materials will be provided. Rebecca has studied traditional designs and her work has included large 5′ x 7′ floor cloths.

The cost of each workshop is $35. All materials will be provided. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Email the LCHA office at lchamaine1954@gmail.com or call 207 882-6817 to register or to request more information.

The March 2 workshop will be held in the Fellowship Room on the lower level of the Second Congregational Church, 51 Main Street, Newcastle. In the event of a snowstorm, the workshop will be rescheduled and all participants will be notified. Location of the subsequent workshops to be announced. Participants are welcome to bring a snack; coffee and tea will be provided.

Lincoln County Historical Association is a nonprofit organization that provides stewardship for the 1754 Chapman-Hall House in Damariscotta, the 1761 Pownalborough Court House, in Dresden, and the 1811 Old Jail and Museum, in Wiscasset. For more information, please visit www.lincolncountyhistory.org, Facebook at Lincoln County Historical Association (Maine) or Pownalborough Court House Museum.

EVENTS: Shakespearean Homeschoolers to present “The Merry Wives of Windsor” this weekend

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Micah Wolf left, and Mary Herman. (photo by Aurie Maxwell)

by Abigail Maxwell

This year the Southern Maine Association of Shakespearean Homeschoolers (S.M.A.S.H.) is performing The Merry Wives of Windsor. This uproarious comedy revolves around Sir John Falstaff (played by Isla Granholm) in his hopes to woo, and win the money of, Mistress Ford (played by Micah Wolf) and Mistress Page (played by Mary Herman), the aforementioned wives of Windsor. Disgusted with his advances and completely aware that he is trying the same trick on them both, the two wives resolve to make him pay by Mistress Ford leading him on only to humiliate him.

Woven in the midst of that, Mistress Page’s daughter Anne Page (played by Rachel Maxwell) is being courted by three men, one of whom her father approves, one of whom her mother approves, and the one she truly loves. Each party involved has their own scheme and all plan around each other, trying to get the outcome they want. While a theme of revenge drives the plot, it is all harmless in the end.

The larger than life characters will have you laughing the entire play, from the smallest servant boy to the background characters who never speak.

This is something you will only get here. Theatre is about shared experience. When you go to the movies you are watching a film in a space with others but you are watching in isolation. When the actors are living the story right in front of you there is a connection that you can feel, between the actors on stage, between the individual and collective audience members, and between the actors and the audience. However, when watching this play there is more shared experience for me that makes my review a biased one. I was part of S.M.A.S.H. for six years, up until I left for college. I have younger siblings still in the program. Cumston Hall is a precious space for me, which holds memories that shaped who I’ve become. When you go and watch this play, you are not only in for a hilarious and wonderful experience but you’re supporting and witnessing the moments that are crafting the next generation.

There is much I could tell you about the power of theatre to train and educate people of all ages the invaluable skills of clear communication (yes, even in Shakespeare. Believe it or not), how to operate in a high stress environment, the importance and awareness of how you carry yourself, and how to work well with others. But I won’t bore you with the intricacies of my B.A. in Theatre Arts.

Instead, I will ask you to come see what 36 young kids between the ages of 6 – 18 are capable of and you can judge for yourself the skills which they have learned.

There are two performances left 6:30 p.m., on February 14, and 2 p.m., on February 15, at Cumston Hall: 796 Main Street, in Monmouth. Tickets can be bought online (smashmaine.jimdofree.com) or at the door.

EVENTS: Palermo planning board postpones meeting

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The Palermo Planning Board meeting, schedule for Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the Palermo Town Office, at 6 pm., the purpose to conduct official review of plans for the proposed Pine Hill subdivision on Hostile Valley Road, Tax Map R11, Lot 27C, has been postponed.

China Ice Fishing events – February 14-16, 2025

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ICE EVENTS

Friday, February 14

Bean supper, 6 – 8 p.m., Masonic Lodge.
Silent Disco, China Middle School, 7 – 9 p.m.
Snowmobile Ride, after bean supper at Masonic Lodge.
Owl Prowl, Thurston Park, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 15

Pancake Breakfast, Dirigo Masonic Lodge, Weeks Mills, 8 – 10 a.m.
Snowshoeing/Hiking, China School Forest 1:30 p.m.
Cornhole Tournament, China Middle School, 10 a.m. Pre-registration required.
Derby Ticket Sales, China Village Volunteer Fire Department.
Radar Run, Darrell and CFSC, registration begins at 9 a.m., runs are from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ice Skating and S’mores, China Lake Association, 5 – 7 p.m., China Ice Rink by the red barn near the town office.

Sunday, February 16

6th annual China Lake Ice Fishing Derby.

Fireworks to follow at 6:30 p.m. at the north end of the lake.

EVENTS: Waterville Historical Society monthly history talk on Ed Muskie

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Edmund Sixtus Muskie

by Jessica Couture

February’s history talk is on the road, just a few streets away at 38 Gold Street, Waterville, at the Muskie Community Center of Spectrum Generations! It is a fitting place since this will be about Edmund S. Muskie. Some of you may have grown up with Ed Muskie being a household name, and some of you have heard of him as a former Governor of Maine, but you may not know many other things about his life and his accomplishments. Please join us to learn all about this interesting man.

The presenter, Ray Caron, has put together this presentation for the Muskie Center’s monthly event, Tuesday, February 11, where he will be speaking about his favorite politician. Ray’s usual flair for humor, interesting historical facts, and enthusiasm will guide this talk. We will learn about Ed Muskie’s birthplace of Rumford, Maine, and his parents. Where did he go to high school? Did he attend college in Maine? What did he go on to study in graduate school? His time as a lawyer and in the Navy likely prepared his path for politics. His service in the Maine Legislature, his path to becoming Governor, his accomplishments in the fight for environmental issues such as clean air and water, will of course be highlighted.

Tuesday, February 11: Lunch (baked ham) is offered to the public at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. if you would like to dine there beforehand. Ray Caron will present at 12:30 p.m. Muskie Community Center requests you make a reservation to attend this free event, so they can be sure to have the room set up for enough people. For more information about the lunch fee scale and menu and/or to reserve your free spot for the Ed Muskie talk, stop by the front desk, or call 873-4745.

For inclement weather cancellations, they have a recorded message at 873-4745 and announcements on Facebook, local TV and radio stations.

EVENTS: Palermo planning board to meet February 13

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The Palermo Planning Board will meet Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the Palermo Town Office, at 6 p.m. Purpose – to conduct official review of plans for the proposed Pine Hill subdivision on Hostile Valley Road, Tax Map R11, Lot 27C.

EVENTS: The Waterville Opera House raises the curtain on its 2025 season with “The Cottage”

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The Waterville Opera House (WOH) kicks off its 2025 theatrical season January 31 – February 9, with The Cottage, a hilarious new comedy by Sandy Rustin.

This brand-new, side-splitting romp is an outrageous tale of sex, betrayal, and desire. A series of revelations cascades in a domino effect as one woman decides to expose her latest affair to both her husband and her lover’s wife. The true meanings of fate and faith, identity and infidelity, love and marriage are all called into question as a surprising and hilarious web of secrets unravels in this ridiculously funny romantic comedy.

Playwright Sandy Rustin also penned the stage adaptation of Clue, which the Opera House produced in 2021. Fans of that production will find the same rapid-fire comedic timing, clever turns of phrase, and well-placed occasional slapstick in The Cottage. A tight cast of six characters gallivants through an increasingly outrageous situation in a script that seems to set a new world record for twists-per-minute.

The Cottage first premiered on Broadway in summer 2023 with a powerful cast and under the direction of Jason Alexander (of Seinfeld fame). For the Waterville Opera House to have the opportunity to stage such a new work so soon after its Broadway debut is a point of excitement for many working on the production.

“The Cottage feels fresh,” said actress Sarah Harlow, who leads the six-player ensemble in the role of Sylvia. “It’s got a lot of twists and turns, and each character has many dimensions to them, which is not always the case for a farce, and certainly not always the case for female characters in a farce.”

Rustin’s play cleverly spins and subverts several tropes and attributes of the classic farce and comedy-of-manners subgenres to create a work that feels fresh and is undeniably original.

The Cottage opens Friday, January 31, at 7:30pm. Evening performances follow February 1, 7, and 8 at 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m., matinées on February 2 and 9. The Waterville Opera House is proud to offer an ASL interpreted performance on Sunday, February 2, at 2 p.m.

This production is sponsored by Mid-Maine Restoration and Marie Cormier.

The Cottage is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection.

Season Pass

The 2025 theatrical season continues April 25 – May 4, with Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, followed by mystery/thriller Deathtrap August 29 – September 7, and then concluding with the beloved classic musical, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, November 14 – 30. Season Passes are now on sale at operahouse.org. Theatregoers can enjoy a 20 percent discount off their purchase when they reserve tickets to all four 2025 productions in one transaction.

Tickets are available now. Go to operahouse.org, call 207-873-.7000, or visit the Ed Harris Box Office, in the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, 93 Main Street, Waterville, to make reservations.

EVENTS: KPAC resumes rehearsals

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Kennebec Performing Arts Company resumed rehearsals the week of January 26 in preparation for its spring concerts, which are scheduled for May 2 and 3. KPAC welcomes experienced and committed musicians to join the groups, with open enrollment continuing through February. From the rehearsal process through the seasonal performances, the KPAC groups aim for the highest standards in rehearsal etiquette, routine and practice. All vocalists and instrumentalists must be able to read music and be proficient in the technical aspects of performance.

The spring choir repertoire features works by Vivaldi, Gershwin, Tin, and an anticipated collaboration with the KPAC Jazz Band. In addition, the jazz band will feature music of Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, as well as rock and funk tunes. The wind ensemble will perform a range of pieces spanning nearly 150 years, from Strauss and Sousa to more recent movie themes, and a piece composed in 2015, Of Our New Day Begun, honoring those lost in the Charleston, South Carolina, church shooting.

KPAC Choir rehearsals resumed on Monday, January 27, at 6:30 p.m., at Hope Baptist Church, 726 Western Ave, Manchester 04351. The jazz band began rehearsals on Tuesday, January 28, at 5:45 p.m., in the chorus room, at Cony High School, Pierce Drive, Augusta 04330, followed at 7 p.m., by the wind ensemble in the Cony band room. No preregistration is required. For more information, email kpac.maine@gmail.com, or visit https://www.facebook.com/KennebecPerformingArtsCompany.

EVENTS: Erskine Academy to host 8th grade open house

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Erskine Academy invites all eighth-grade students and their parents from the surrounding communities to attend the 8th Grade Open House, on Wednesday, February 26, at 6:30 p.m., in the gym. All incoming freshmen and their parents are highly encouraged to participate in this event, as registration materials will be available and information about the course selection process will be provided. In the event of inclement weather, a snow date has been scheduled for Thursday, February 27.

Parents who are unable to attend are asked to contact the Guidance Office at 445-2964 to request registration materials.

EVENTS: 6th annual China Lake ice fishing derby slated for February 16, 2025

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Local angler enjoys setting up ice fishing traps at the China Lake Ice Fishing Derby. This year’s derby will be held on February 16 on China Lake benefiting the China Four Seasons Club and the China Village Fire Department. (photo courtesy of Sandy Isaac)

by Sandy Isaac

The China Four Seasons Club and the China Village Fire Department are co-hosting the the 6th Annual China Lake Ice Fishing Derby, scheduled for Sunday, February 16, during Maine’s Free Fishing Weekend.

Building on the success of previous years, the weekend will feature the town-wide “China Ice Days” activities beginning Friday evening. Highlights include a “Bean Suppah” at the China Village Mason’s Lodge followed by a guided snowmobile ride, weather permitting. Additional Friday events include a Silent Disco, at the Middle School, and an Owl Prowl, at Thurston Park.

Saturday’s lineup offers something for everyone: a Pancake Breakfast, at the Dirigo Mason’s Lodge, in Weeks Mills, a Cornhole Tournament, sponsored by Central Maine Power Sports, sledding, at Thurston Park (snow dependent), and snowshoeing, at the School Forest. The China Lake Association will sponsor ice skating at the China Rink by the Town Office, complete with s’mores and a warming fire pit.

Sunday remains dedicated to the main event – the ice fishing derby, with all fishing restricted to China Lake. The derby will conclude with an awards ceremony followed by a spectacular fireworks display by Central Maine Pyrotechnics. All weekend activities are open to the public.

“There is no lack of ice this year,” said China Four Seasons Club President Tom Rumpf. “We just need a little more snow to enhance some of the other activities. We encourage everyone to check our website and the Ice Derby’s Facebook page for updates.”

Reservations are required for the Silent Disco and Cornhole Tournament, both of which have participation fees. The “Bean Suppah” and Pancake Breakfast also have associated costs: $10 for the suppah and $8 for breakfast.

Rumpf added, “The China Ice Days and Annual Fishing Derby offer individuals and families a fantastic opportunity to embrace the outdoors while participating in a cherished local tradition. Each year, we build on the fun and enthusiasm. This year’s event coincides with Maine’s Free Fishing Weekend, which is an added bonus. We will follow all State of Maine ice fishing laws and regulations.”

Fishing derby weigh-ins will take place at 4 p.m., on Sunday. All entries must be in line at the Fire Station, on Causeway Road, by 4 p.m. to qualify for prizes. Awards will be presented in the following fish categories: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, brown trout, brook trout, and pickerel. In the children’s category, prizes will be awarded to the top five participants who catch the most perch. The derby’s top honor sponsored by Diesel Dan, the “lunker of the day,” will go to the angler with the largest fish overall.

The first 100 children to visit the China Village Fire Station will receive complimentary ice fishing bait buckets filled with goodies, courtesy of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, The Maine Audubon Society, and other generous donors. The buckets will be available, starting at 5 a.m., on derby day. Additionally, Central Church will be set up on the ice near the Fire Station to assist children new to fishing, and Traps for Kids of Maine will provide free traps to children, while supplies last.

“We’ll also be giving away over 50 door prizes,” Rumpf noted. “These include a double portable Nordic Legend Aurora Ice Shack from Central Maine Camper Rentals, a StrikeMaster Electric Ice Auger from Wings Tree Service, 100 gallons of heating fuel from Augusta Fuel Company, pumping services from B&B Septic, an Amphibious Cooler from Hannaford Supermarket, $500 cash from Vacationland Rentals, and Lakeview Lumber donated five separate prizes for the raffle. Many other fantastic prizes and gift certificates have been donated by local businesses. Our door prizes have really created quiet a following of their own.”

Tickets prices have not changed; $5 each or three for $10 and are available at local retailers, including China Variety & Redemption, Greg’s Restaurant, Harvest Time Bait, Lakeview Lumber, and the China Town Office. Members of the China Four Seasons Club and the China Village Fire Department also have tickets available for purchase.

For more information on door prizes, sponsors, and ticket details, visit the China Lake Ice Fishing Derby’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/China-Lake-Ice-Fishing-Derby or the official website at www.chinalakeicefishingderby.com.