Gaslight Theater announces audition dates for Black Comedy

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Gaslight Theater announces audition dates for their upcoming show, Peter Shaffer’s Black Comedy, directed by Lucille Rioux. Auditions will be held 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, and Tuesday, March 14, at Hallowell City Hall, located at 1 Winthrop Street, in Hallowell.

Black Comedy is a one-act farce by Peter Shaffer, first performed in 1965. The premise of the piece is that light and dark are transposed, so that when the stage is lit the cast are supposed to be in darkness and only when the stage is dark are they supposed to be able to see each other and their surroundings. A young sculptor and his fiancée have borrowed some expensive antique furniture from a neighbor’s flat without his permission to impress an elderly millionaire art collector. When the power fails, the neighbor returns early, other people also arrive….

Show dates are the weekends of April 28, 29, 30 and May 5, 6, 7. All shows take place at Hallowell City Hall Auditorium.

Please bring proof of Covid-19 vaccination to auditions. This is a one-act play with parts for three women and five men. Auditions are cold readings.

Details on the parts:

BRINDSLEY MILLER – a young sculptor, mid-twenties, intelligent and attractive, but nervous and uncertain of himself.

CAROL MELKETT – Brindsley’s fiancee. A young debutante; very pretty, very spoiled, very silly.

MISS FURNIVAL – a middle-aged lady. Prissy and refined. Clad in the blouse and sack skirt of her gentility, her hair in a bun, she reveals only the repressed gestures of the middle-class spinster — until alcohol undoes her.

COLONEL MELKETT – Carol’s commanding father. Brisk, barky, yet given to sudden vocal calms which suggest a deep alarming instability. It is not only the constant darkness which gives him his look of wide-eyed suspicion.

HAROLD GORRINGE – the bachelor owner of an antique-china shop, and Brindsley’s neighbor, Harold comes from the North of England. His friendship is highly conditional and possessive: sooner or later, payment for it will be asked. A specialist in emotional blackmail, he can become hysterical when slighted, or (as inevitably happens) rejected. He is older than Brindsley by several years.

SCHUPPANZIGH – a German refugee, chubby, cultivated, and effervescent. He is an entirely happy man, delighted to be in England, even if it means being employed full time by the London Electricity Board.

CLEA – Brindsley’s ex-mistress. Mid-twenties; dazzling, emotional, bright, and mischievous. The challenge to her is to create a dramatic situation out of the darkness is ultimately irresistible.

GEORG SAMBERGER – an elderly millionaire art collector, easily identifiable as such. Like Schuppanzigh, he is German.

For more information check www.gaslighttheater.org or call 207-626-3698.

Waterville Creates announces youth art month exhibition

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A landscape painting by Uliana Fournier, Winslow High School, grade 10. (contributed photo)

Ticonic Gallery, a division of Waterville Creates, is delighted to partner with Greene Block + Studios to celebrate Youth Art Month (YAM) with a spectacular, multi-site exhibition of artwork by local students in grades K–12. The 9th annual YAM exhibition will be on view at both locations March 3 – 31, with an opening reception on March 3 from 4­­ – 7 p.m., in conjunction with downtown Waterville’s First Friday event. Sponsored by the Colby College Museum of Art, Kennebec Savings Bank, Morning Sentinel and Kennebec Journal, and PRO Moving Service, this year’s YAM exhibition will include the work of youth artists from 25 participating area schools.

Established in 1961, YAM is a national initiative designed to emphasize the value of art education for all children and to encourage support for quality school art programs. Featuring works in a variety of media, including painting, digital art, pottery, and photography, YAM is an opportunity for students to showcase their work in a gallery setting and share their achievements with their families and their community. This year’s YAM theme is “Your Art, Your Story.”

In conjunction with YAM, Waterville Creates is conducting a special awareness campaign and fundraising drive for its Youth Arts Access Fund (YAAF). Established in March 2022 with the belief that all youth, regardless of income, ability, or background, should have access to outstanding arts programming and arts education opportunities, YAAF provides free admission for youth ages 18 and under to the full range of programming offered by Waterville Creates and its divisions, including art classes and camps, community theatre productions, live music, and film programming. Initially established as a pilot program with a $15,000 grant from the Raymond J. and Mary C. Reisert Foundation, YAAF has received additional support from a variety of foundations, businesses, and individuals. Since March 2022, the Youth Arts Access Fund has been accessed nearly 1,000 times, allowing youth to attend events and programs across all divisions of Waterville Creates, including Ticonic Gallery + Studios, Maine Film Center, and Waterville Opera House.

Located at 93 Main Street in the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, Ticonic Gallery is free and open to the public Wednesdays – Mondays, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Greene Block + Studios, located at 18 Main Street, is free and open to the public Tuesdays – Fridays, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturdays, noon – 5 p.m. For more information on YAM, please visit the Ticonic Gallery exhibitions page; for information about the Youth Arts Access Fund, including a link to donate, visit the Waterville Creates’ website.

YAM 2023 participating schools: Albert S. Hall School, Canaan Elementary School, Clinton Elementary School, George J. Mitchell School, Sylvio J. Gilbert Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, Madison Elementary School, Madison Junior High School, Maine Arts Academy, Maranacook Community Middle School, Messalonskee High School, Messalonskee Middle School, Mount Merici Academy, Mt. Vernon Elementary School, Palermo Consolidated School, Readfield Elementary School, Warsaw Middle School, Waterville Alternative High School, Waterville Senior High School, Waterville Junior High School, Wayne Elementary School, Whitefield Elementary School, Winslow High School, Winslow Junior High School.

EVENTS: Drive Fore Kids charity golf tourney to see celebrities coming to Maine

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Tuukka Rask, 15 seasons as goalie for the Boston Bruins, including one Stanley Cup Championship, Vezina Trophy winner, Olympic Bronze Medalist (Finland), will be on hand for the benefit golf tourney.

Invitational tournament will benefit Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital

World class golf will return to Maine this summer as the first annual Drive Fore Kids Celebrity Golf Tournament brings a star-studded field to the Falmouth Country Club.

The tournament will take place June 21- 24, 2023 and will feature athletes, actors and TV personalities vying for a $250,000 prize purse. Drive Fore Kids will benefit Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital with a charitable impact anticipated to be more than $100,000.

“We are committed to driving significant charitable, community and economic impact to our region,” said Brian Corcoran, Chief Engagement Officer and Founder of Shamrock Sports & Entertainment and Executive Director of Drive Fore Kids. “We are proud to partner with The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital and have set a goal to raise $100,000 for them through tournament net proceeds and special events throughout the tournament week.”

Confirmed celebrities to date include:

Roger Clemens, 11-time MLB All-Star, 2-time World Series Champion, and 7-time Cy Young winner
Patrick Dempsey, Actor and race car driver, best known for his “McDreamy” role on Gray’s Anatomy
Dylan Dreyer, Co-host of 3rd-hour of NBC’s Today show, weekday weather correspondent, and correspondent on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt
Mardy Fish, Tennis player with 6 career titles, 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist; he has competed in a PGA Tour event
Doug Flutie, Heisman-winning QB from Boston College with a 21-year pro career including the NFL; a local legend for his Hail Mary to beat the University of Miami
Michael Goulian, American aerobatic champion aviator who raced in the Red Bull Air Race World Series
Noelle Lambert, American Paralympian track and field athlete who holds the US record at 100m; contestant on Survivor 43
Derek Lowe, 2004 World Series Champion with the Boston Red Sox, member of Red Sox Hall of Fame
Kevin Millar, World Series Champion with the Boston Red Sox, host of MLB Network’s Intentional Talk
Blair O’Neal, Retired LPGA pro and winner of Golf Channel’s Big Break, former host of Morning Drive, currently with School of Golf
Tuukka Rask, 15 seasons as goalie for the Boston Bruins, including one Stanley Cup Championship, Vezina Trophy winner, Olympic Bronze Medalist (Finland)
Ronnie Russell, 6-time PBA Tournament winner, bowled PBA’s 24th televised perfect game, 2-time Team USA member
Chad Pfeifer, US Army Veteran who learned golf while rehabbing in an Army hospital in 2007; 2011 National Amputee Golf Champion, 3-time Warrior Open champion
John Smoltz, 1995 World Series Champion, 1996 Cy Young Winner, 8-time All-Star
Tim Wakefield, 19 seasons in MLB, including 17 with the Boston Red Sox; 2-time World Series Champion and member of Red Sox Hall of Fame.
Jeremy Roenick, member of NHL’s 500 Goal Club, 9X All-Star, Silver Medalist at 2002 Olympics.

2023 Vassalboro ice fishing derby prizes

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2023 Vassalboro ice fishing derby prizes

*$300 North Country Rivers White Water Rafting trip for two, won by Mary Beth Sica.

*$260 Natanis Golf Course Tomahawk Course & Cart (for 4), won by Carol T.

*$220 Natanis Golf Course Arrow Course & Cart (for 4), won by Lori London.

*$150 donated by Reliance Equipment won by Duane Farnham who donated it back to the VBA.

*$122 DeWalt DCB102 charger from Winslow Supply won by Chase Prye.

*$100+ 24M-6 Vehicle battery; carrier, terminal combo wrench, terminal protection kit, and ice scraper & snow broom from 201 Battery, Tire & Service won by Alan Johnston.

*$100 donated by Future Forests won by Scott Folsom.

*Two $50 prizes donated by Maine Savings Federal Credit Union won by Chris Thompson and the Blactentons.

*Miracle II Product ($18) from Sandy’s Magic Scissors won by Candy Manacchio.

*$50 from Maine Adirondack Chairs won by Peter Leach.

*$30 from Curly’s Carpentry won by Jake Swan.

*$50 from Pleau’s Market won by Raymond Maccacchio.

*Two $25 cards from Hussey’s General Store won by Noah Rau and Carol T.

*Two $50 cards from Central Maine Motors won by Donald Breton and Carol T.

*$20 Kat’s Creations Penguin won by Carol T.

*$10 Mistletoad Shop flower vase won by Gidney.

*$10 Mistletoad Shop small crate won by Sue Vashon.

*$10 Pam Butterfield’s Sloth quilted lap blanket won by Yvette LaChance.

Spectrum ice fishing derby returns

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Gene Letourneau

The Annual Gene & Lucille Letourneau Ice Fishing Derby will take place on Sunday, February 19, at the Muskie Community Center, 38 Gold Street, in Waterville. This mid-winter tradition for ice fishing enthusiasts and families is celebrating its 25th anniversary year! Established by Maine’s great outdoorsman and his wife, Gene and Lucille Letourneau, the ice fishing derby attracts people throughout the state to fish and compete for cash prizes.

Join in by fishing on any legal Maine pond or lake of your choice, then gather at the Muskie Community Center during the official weigh-in between 2 and 5 p.m. This multigenerational family event encourages ages 15 and under to compete in their own category. Cash prizes are awarded for first, second and third place for youth in ten fish categories and first and second place for adults in eight fish categories.

All are welcomed to attend and enjoy the fire pit, S’mores, hot cocoa, popcorn, cornhole, pool table, silent auction (from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and to purchase tasty food from Sheba’s Wicked Kitchen, of Oakland, at this outdoor/indoor event. Bring your young children to visit with Maine children’s author, Deborah Walder, and take home an autographed book (available for purchase; there will also be a couple of her signed books in the silent auction). Children’s arts and crafts and other activities will also be offered. At 3 p.m. join a chainsaw carving demonstration and visit with special guests Ryan, Ashley, Jedi and Dixie, from the Maine Cabin Masters, and Tom Welch, from Mainely Handrails. Two 25th anniversary specific items will also be available including a Fireside Camp Mug for purchase and a free anniversary cupcake provided by Cakes and Catering by Karen.

Ice Fishing Derby tickets can be purchased online and at several locations in Waterville and its surrounding areas including at the Muskie Community Center. Each ticket allows a fish entry and an entry into the door prize drawing for a Yeti Tundra Cooler and drink tumblers sponsored by Nale Law Offices. Tickets to enter a fish are sold only until noon the day of the event.

The Ice Fishing Derby is a fundraiser supporting the programs and services of Spectrum Generations including Meals on Wheels and other related services for older adults and adults with disabilities. To purchase tickets and review tournament rules please visit: https://www.spectrumgenerations.org/events/ice-fishing-derby. For more information contact Sandra MacDonald, Regional Center Director smacdonald@spectrumgenerations.org or call 207-873-4745.

EVENTS: Val­entine Vaude­ville — Back by popular demand

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Front row, from left to right, Katie Howes, Tammy Werber, and Vanessa Glazier. Back, Becca Bradstreet, Shana Page, Josh Fournier, and Helena Page. (photo courtesy of Shana Page)

Enter the world of a supper club: a great variety show and drinks and dinner complete with hat check and candy cigarette girls – Val­entine Vaude­ville. Back by popular demand this un­ique way to spend a Feb­ruary evening is being hosted by Re­cycled Shakespeare Company (RSC) as this season’s grand fundraiser.

The public is invited to join the fun on Saturday, February 18, at T & B Celebration Center, in Skowhegan, starting at 6:30 p.m., for a two-hour show of live music, dance, and comedy; accompanied by a full buffet dinner with a cash bar. The cost is $40 per person or save five percent if you book a table of six. Reser­vations are required and must be made by February 11. To re­serve please contact Cathe Ayers at 207-612-6688. Payments may be made by cash, check or Venmo @Catherine-Ayers-7.

Your attendance helps support RSC, a nonprofit grassroots community theater company based in Fairfield, now in their tenth season of offering Shakespeare and period works free of charge and accessible to all. For more information on this and other events find and like Recycled Shakespeare Company on Facebook or contact Lyn Rowden at 207-314-4730.

VBA ice fishing derby on tap

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Vassalboro Business Association will be holding its Ice Fishing Derby & Raffle on Sunday, February 12, 2023, at the Olde Mill, at 934 Main St., Vassalboro. Fish may be entered from all legal Maine waters.

Weigh In will be from 1 – 5 p.m. Tickets for fishing entries must be purchased before 1 p.m., on February 12. $1 per ticket or 6 for $5. One fish entry per ticket.

First Prize $40; second prize $20; third prize $10 for each category. Largest fish prize $125 & trophy! (Except Pike)

Categories:

Salmon, Togue, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, White Perch, Pickerel, Pike, Large Mouth Bass, Black Crappie, Small Mouth Bass, Yellow Perch, & fish caught by children 12 and under. There are hundreds of dollars in raffle prizes. You do not have to be present to win the raffle, which will be drawn at 5 p.m. Tickets may be purchased from 201 Tire & Battery; Ray Breton (207-877-2005); Samantha Lessard at the Olde Mill (207-314-4940); The Vassalboro Town Office, Maine Savings FCU, and the Library.

2023 Vassalboro Ice Fishing Derby Prizes

Raffle tickets to be drawn at 5 PM, after the fishing derby, at the Mill at 934 Main St. in North Vassalboro. They be purchased from Ray Breton (877-2005)

*$300 North Country Rivers (800-348-8871) White Water Rafting trip for2
*$260 Natanis Golf Course (622-3561)Tomahawk Course & Cart (for 4)
*$220 Natanis Golf Course (622-3561) Arrow Course & Cart (for 4)
*$150 donated by Reliance Equipment (626-0075)
*$100 donated by Future Forests (873-1292)
*Two $50 prizes donated by Maine Savings Federal Credit Union(800-348-8871)
*Miracle II Product ($38) from Sandy’s Magic Scissors (873-2469)
*$50 from Maine Adirondack Chairs (620-2592)
*$30 from Curly’s Carpentry (649-6849)
*$50 from Pleau’s Market (873-4612)
*2 – $25 cards from Hussey’s General Store (207-445-2511)
*2 – $50 cards from Central Maine Motors

Derby sponsors:

201 Tire, Battery & Service (623-2400); AMP Electrical LLC (441-3530); Antique Classics & Fords (314-8087); Attention to Detail (649-3626); Curly’s Carpentry (649-6849); Dead Wood Designs (877-2005); Freddie’s Service Center (923-9419); Fieldstone Gardens (923-3836); The Foster Agency (622-4646) Lemieux’s Orchards (873-4354); Maine Savings Federal Credit Union (800-348-8871); Vassalboro Car Care (623-0800); & Yankee Pack Rats (416-4346)

$125 biggest Fish sponsor – Vassalboro Recreation (592-3095)

*Chidren’s hat prizes donated by Maine Savings Federal Credit Union

*Tickets costs offset by donations from Hemphill’s Horses, Feed & Saddlery (872-7964); Freddie’s Service Center; Lemieux’s Orchard; Natanis Golf Course; Peter Bragdon; 201 Tire Battery & Service; & Maine Adirondack Chairs.

4th annual China Lake Ice Fishing Derby to be held on Maine’s free fishing weekend

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Families were scattered about China Lake last year during the Four Seasons Club fishing derby. (photo by Cindy Senbell)

by Sandra Isaac

The China Four Seasons Club and the China Village Fire Department are co-hosting the 4th Annual China Lake Ice Fishing Derby to be held on Sunday, February 19, during Maine’s Free Fishing Weekend.

Similar to last year, there will be town-wide “China Ice Days” activities starting on Friday night with a dinner at the China Mason’s Lodge and a guided snowmobile run directly after. More events including sledding, ice skating and a Cornhole tournament will be occurring throughout the day on Saturday. Sunday is still dedicated to the ice fishing derby with fishing limited to China Lake. The ice fishing derby will finish with a fireworks display after the derby’s award ceremony. All the weekend’s activities will be open to the public.

Two hardy young anglers show off their haul during the weigh-in at last year’s event. (photo by Cindy Senbell)

“We were a little nervous about the lack of ice early in the season, but Mother Nature seems to be doing her part and we fully expect there to be a good, solid layer of ice for fishing,” said China Four Seasons Club President Tom Rumpf. “We still need to keep our fingers crossed for snow and more ice. The lack of snow, for example, caused The China Lake Camp & Conference Center to cancel sledding last year. We encourage people to check out our website and look at the Ice Derby’s Facebook page for updates.”

Reservations are requested for the lasagna dinner at the Mason’s Lodge, as well as for the Cornhole tournament. Both activities have fees involved. Sledding and the cardboard sled race at the China Lake Camp & Conference Center and the ice skating at the town rink are free and open to all.

Rumpf continued, “The China Ice Days and the Annual Fishing Derby are a great way for individuals and families to come out and enjoy the outdoors and be part of a China area tradition. Last year was amazing and so much fun! This is also Maine’s free fishing weekend which is a nice bonus. We will be following all State of Maine ice fishing laws and rules.”

Fishing derby weigh-in time will be at 4 p.m. on Sunday and all entries must be in line at the Fire Station Building [on Causeway Road] by 4 p.m. to qualify for a prize. Prizes will be awarded in the following fish categories: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, brown trout, brook trout, and pickerel. The children’s category will be perch and kids will be awarded prizes for the top five winners with the most perch caught. The lunker of the day – the largest fish overall – will be the derby’s top prize.

The first 100 kids to stop in at the China Village Fire station will receive special takeaway ice fishing bait buckets filled with some great items courtesy of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Jack Traps of Maine, and The Maine Audubon Society. The buckets will be available starting at 5 a.m. on the day of the derby. In addition, Central Church will be set up on the ice across from the fire station on Causeway Road to work with kids who are new to fishing and Traps for Kids of Maine will be set up next to them, giving away free traps to kids who need them, while supplies last.

A young angler tries to pull up her catch during last year’s derby. (photo by Cindy Senbell)

“We will also be giving away over 30 door prizes including an StrikeMaster Electric Ice Auger courtesy of Jack Traps of Maine and Brookfield Renewable Energy, 100 gallons of heating fuel from Augusta Fuel Company, Pumping Services from B&B Septic, a kayak from Hannaford Supermarket, tons of amazing items from our friends at Whitt’s Garment Works, plus many more prizes and gift certificates, all from great local businesses,” said Rumpf.

Tickets for the derby are available for $5 a piece or 3 for $10 at many local stores including China Variety & Redemption, Greg’s Restaurant, Harvest Time Bait, Lakeview Lumber, Maritime Farms and Tobey’s. You can also purchase tickets from members of the China Four Seasons Club and the China Village Fire Department.

The China Four Seasons Club maintains a dedicated Facebook page and a website to share information on door prizes, sponsors, and ticket information. Please visit https://www.facebook.com/China-Lake-Ice-Fishing-Derby or www.chinalakeicefishingderby.com.

EVENTS: SMASH proudly presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

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Southern Maine Association of Shakespearean Homeschoolers (SMASH) proudly presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream, February 2 & 3 at 6:30pm and February 4 at 2pm. It will be performed at Cumston Hall in Monmouth, Maine.  Tickets are available at the door or online here. For more information, email smashmaine@jimdofree.com.
Adults – $8, Seniors – $6, Family – $28.
We would love to see you there!
About SMASH: Since it began in 1993, the mission for SMASH has been to show God’s love and grace through the performance of plays by William Shakespeare. Pastor Sam has often said that he would stop doing SMASH if the purpose of sharing the Gospel through SMASH proved ineffective. Involvement in SMASH has helped many homeschooled students grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually while learning about Shakespeare from a Christian perspective. Some have taken an English literature course credit for full participation.

EVENTS: Maine Sci-Fi & Fantasy Nerd Fest coming to Vassalboro

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Emmanual Hurtado, 12, of Winslow, with Batman, at last year’s festival. (photo by Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

by Mark Huard

A fun family event is coming up Sunday, February 5, 2023, in Vassalboro. The Olde Mill is the perfect place for what many call the “Nerd Super Bowl.”

When heading to the big mill the Fest offers a variety of activities, games, shopping and cosplay. Please dress up if you dare, many do! You’ll see sword fights, D&D, woodworks, art, wands, pottery, comics, tarot cards and readings, gaming stations such as Pokémon and magic the gathering. There will be fantasy books, Star Wars, Marvel heroes, crafts, toys, gemstones, Viking mugs, homemade treats, weapons for sale, yoga, trivia contests, unique clothing, costume contests, and so many other things. The vendors (all 50) this year, are really preparing to offer all the ultimate shopping experience too.

The event opens up Sunday, February 5, at 10:00am and continues until 5 p.m. Tickets are only $5. There will be a full food concession stand at the fest as well.