EVENTS: Shakespeare group to hold auditions

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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)

Recycled Shakespeare Company will be holding auditions for their theatrical production, The Poe Experience.

Auditions are on Monday, July 17, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Fairfield House of Pizza, in Fairfield, and Wednesday July 19, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the South Parish Congregational Church, in Augusta.

This one night only show will take place on Sunday, October 8, at 7 p.m., at the South Parish Congregational Church, in Augusta. It will consist of a reader theater approach with and pantomime. Please be prepared to do a cold read. There are roles for readers, silent performers, and help with staging, costuming, tech, and more. Everyone who wants a part gets a part and actors are encouraged to help with various aspects of the production.

If you cannot audition during these times, please contact Shana Page at 207-286-5713 or shanalynnpage@gmail.com.

Erskine Academy third trimester honor roll (2023)

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(photo credit: Erskine Academy)

Grade 12

High Honors: Carson Appel, Kassidy Barrett, Abigail Beyor, Eve Boatright, Katherine Bourdon, Breckon Davidson, Nicole DeMerchant, Lillian Dorval, Hailey Farrar, Loralei Frandsen, Lilly Fredette, Ciara Glidden, Alivia Gower, Carson Grass, Cooper Grondin, Nabila Harrington, Grady Hotham, Grace Hutchins, Olivia Hutchinson, Hallie Jackson, Kaiden Kelley, Jakob Kennedy, Casey Kirkpatrick, Siena Klasson, Meadow Laflamme, Emmet Lani-Caputo, Zephyr Lani-Caputo, Dale Lapointe, Dinah Lemelin, Brenden Levesque, Bryce Lincoln, Gwen Lockhart, Kendal Longtin, Malachi Lowery, Emily Majewski, Lily Matthews, Maddison Paquet, Timber Parlin, Kayla Peaslee, Jonathan Peil, Gabriel Pelletier, Sophia Pilotte, Kaden Porter, Alexis Rancourt, Cadence Rau, Samantha Reynolds, Ally Rodrigue, Conner Rowe, Jarell Sandoval, Gabriela Sasse, Zuriah Smith, Sophie Steeves, Daniel Stillman, Emma Stred, Paige Sutter, Mackenzie Toner, Emma Tyler, Katherine Williams, Damon Wilson and Joseph Wing. Honors: John Allen, Morgan Bergeron, Angel Bonilla, Kayleen Crandall, Grace Ellis, Brianna Gardner, Mallary Hanke, Alexzander Hoffman, Beck Jorgensen, Matthew Knowles, Noah Leeman, Brady Mayberry, Caleb McCaslin, River Meader, Gage Moody, Angelina Ochoa, Ethan Ouellette, Ezra Padgett, Hannah Patterson, Karen Potter, Paige Reed, Noah Rushing, Emmalee Sanborn, Kiley Stevens, Matthew Terry, Colby Willey and Aidan Witham.

Grade 11

High Honors: Jana Alfoudari, Tristan Anderson, Robin Boynton, Elizabeth Brown, Nolan Burgess, Makayla Chabot, Elise Choate, Simon Clark, Alexia Cole, Noah Crummett, Gavin Cunningham, Hailey Estes, Kaylee Fyfe, Aaralyn Gagnon, Caleb Gay, Trinity Hyson, Hannah Kugelmeyer, Aidan Maguire, Liberty Massie, Akela Mitchell, Austin Nicholas, Jeremy Parker, Nathan Polley, Jessica Pumphrey, Keith Radonis, Kinsey Stevens, Reese Sullivan, Haley Webb and Baruch Wilson. Honors: Abigail Adams, Lacey Arp, Duncan Bailey, Wyatt Bray, Dylin Breton, Kaleb Brown, Carol Caouette-Labbe, Nathalia Carrasco, Timothy Christiansen, Thomas Crawford, Caleigh Crocker, Brielle Crommett, Hunter Foard, Hailey Fongemie, Jackson Gamblin, Brayden Garland, Tucker Greenwald, Benjamin Hall, Nathan Hall, Tara Hanley, Natalie Henderson, Kameron Kronillis, Mackenzie Kutniewski, Logan Lanphier, Sophie Leclerc, Richard Mahoney III, Johanna Malitz, David McCaig, Holden McKenney, Lucas Mitchell, Alyssa Ouellette, Kevin Pelletier, Evelyn Rousseau, Giacomo Smith, Adam St. Onge, Lara Stinchfield, and Jack Uleau.

Grade 10

High Honors: Ava Anderson, Emmett Appel, Bryana Barrett, Geneva Beckim, Octavia Berto, Jayda Bickford, Brooke Blais, Olivia Brann, Carter Brockway, Keenan Clark, Paige Clark, Madison Cochran, Hannah Cohen-Mackin, Andra Cowing, Lauren Cowing, Gabrielle Daggett, Aidan Durgin, John Edwards, Ryan Farnsworth, Keeley Gagnon, Hailey Garate, Ellie Giampetruzzi, Kaylene Glidden, Jonathan Gutierrez, Serena Hotham, Ava Kelso, Rion Kesel, Sophia Knapp, Chase Larrabee, Shelby Lincoln, Owen Lucier, Eleanor Maranda, Jade McCollett, Abigail McDonough, Madison McNeff, Colin Oliphant, Makayla Oxley, Wallace Pooler IV, Elsa Redmond, Lillian Rispoli, Nathan Robinson, Laney Robitaille, Carlee Sanborn, Aislynn Savage, Zoey Smith and Katherine Swift. Honors: Daphney Allen, Haileigh Allen, Noah Bechard, Rylan Bennett, Kaleb Bishop, Lauryn Black, Dylan Cooley, Lillian Crommett,Trinity DeGreenia, Aydan Desjardins, Brady Desmond, Tristan Goodwin, Blake Grady, Brandon Hanscom, Echo Hawk, Emma Henderson, Kailynn Houle, Parker Hunter, Alivia Jackson, Walker Jean, Rachel Johnson, Bodi Laflamme, Jack Lucier, Justice Marable, Shannon McDonough, Elijah Moore, Kaeleigh Morin, Gavyn Paradis, Riddick Peaslee, Noah Pelletier, Ava Picard, Bronwyn Potter, Zeke Ramsay, Victoria Rancourt, Carter Rau, Justin Reed, Joslyn Sandoval, Kyle Scott, Jordyn Smith, Emily Sprague, Parker Studholme, Grant Taker, David Thompson III, Kaylee Tims, Grace Vashon and Clara Waldrop.

Grade 9

High Honors: Connor Alcott, Emily Almeida, Savannah Baker, Kylie Bellows, Landon Boynton, Addyson Briggs, London Castle, Nathan Choate, William Choate, Drew Clark, Lillian Clark, Madeline Clement-Cargill, Joshua Denis, Lauren Dufour, Madison Gagnon, Stephen Gould, Madison Griffiths, Mia Hersom, Halle Jones, Parker Minzy, Jack Murray, Elijah Nelson, Bayley Nickles, Jordyn Parise, Ruby Pearson, Abigail Peil, Elijah Pelkey, Isabelle Pelotte, Emily Piecewicz, Taisen Pilotte, Hannah Polley, Alexander Reitchel, Owen Robichaud, Leahna Rocque, Jackie Sasse, Edward Schmidt, Jaelyn Seamon, Kathryn Shaw, Nichala Small, Blake Smith, Haidyn Smith, Madelynn Spencer, Kayla Stred, Gentry Stuart, Abigail Studholme, Donovan Thompson, Finnegan Vinci and Addison Witham. Honors: Anders Bassett, Julia Booth, Brock Bowden, Kolby Caswell, Timothy Clavette, Claire Davis, Sylvia Davis, Audryanna DeRaps, Charles DeSchamp, William Ellsey Jr., Jacob Faucher, Brandon Haley, Aiden Hamlin, Benjamin Hanke, Willow Haschalk, Cadence Homstead, Aidan Huff, Jacob Hunter, Kasen Kelley, Timothy Kiralis, Savannah Knight, Kayle Lappin, Jacob Lavallee, Laylah Leach, Ava Lemelin, Brianne Libby, Hayden Little, Kloie Magoon, Tucker Nessmith, Phoebe Padgett, Gwendolyn Parker, Jackson Pelotte, Lilian Piecewicz, Desirae Proctor, Eli Redmond, Brynna Rodrigue, Kameron Rossignol, Autumn Sawyer, Briella Scanavino, Benjamin Severy, Eva Simmons, Benjamin Sullivan, Leah Targett, Phoebe Taylor, Kammie Thompson, Addison Turner, Charles Uleau, Oryanna Winchenbach and Brody Worth.

Carrabec High School 4th quarter honor roll (2023)

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Carrabec High School

Grade 12

High honors: Luke Carey, Lindsay Hamilton, Robert Lindblom, Jr. and Caitlyn Oliver; honors:  Jessica Benedict, Joel Gehrke, Mliss Hem, Conner Peabody, William Price, II. and Hunter Sousa.

Grade 11

High honors:  Kolby Carpenter, Devyn DeLeonardis, Cooper Dellarma, Trevor Donahue, Summer Lindblom, Dillon Nelson, Alyssa Schinzel and Hailey Wyman; honors: Hunter Bragg, Dakota Cahill, Jayden Cates, Sarah Craig, Riley Crocker, Molly Hay, Nevaeh Holmes, Daisy Page and Jordyn Plourd.

Grade 10

High honors:  Jeremy Barcelos, Lillian Cooley, Mason Courtney, Kallie Ebneter, Kobi Jennings, Haley McFadyen, Machaon Pierce, Seth Price, Desmond Robinson, Brooks Sousa and Ciarrah Whittemore; honors: Michael Benedict, Jr., Logan Caldwell, Cortney Cote, Gabrielle Edmunds, Tayah Edmunds, Dayna Jean Labonte, Seamus Miller, Josephine Scheve.

Grade 9

High honors:  Sierra Lynn Patenaude, Thomas Roderick, William Rogers and Hickory Smith; honors: Karen Baker, Jackamo Benner, Liliana Caldwell, Emma Campbell, Anna Canales, Colburn-James Dube, Jenna Flagg, Trevor Jennings, Alecxander Leeman, Kayden Longley, Macie Plourde.

Vassalboro scouts hold Blue & Gold banquet

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Tiger Cubs Declan McLaughlin, Lux Reynolds, Samuel Madison, and John Gray are awarded completed adventures and their Tiger Rank by their Den Leader Christopher Reynolds (yellow shirt) and Cubmaster Christopher Santiago. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

On Sunday, June 11, Vassalboro Pack #410 held its Annual Blue & Gold Banquet along with their Charter Organization, American Legion Post #126, at St. Bridget’s Center. The camping themed banquet saw the recognition of the 17 scouts within the unit as they advance in rank. It was a family celebration that discussed many of the highlights from the year and featured an Arrow of Light Ceremony, a Crossover Ceremony, and a Flag Day Ceremony.

Bear Cubs Maxsim LaCroix, Eli Richmond, Tucker Lizzotte, and Henry Gray are awarded their completed adventures and their Bear Rank by their Den Leader Lindsay Lizzotte. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

Webelos Scouts Christopher Santiago, Hunter Brown, and William Vincent are recognized for having completed their Webelos rank and the beginning of their journey towards the Arrow of Light along with Cubmaster Christopher Santiago. Photos courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

Val Bard is Legionnaire of the Year

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Bourque-Lanigan American Legion Post #5, in Waterville, selected Val Bard as Legionnaire of the Year for 2022 in recognition of outstanding leadership and service.

Commander Craig Bailey, left, presents Legionnaire Award to Val Bard on June 12, 2023. (contributed photo)

Waterville American Legion installs new officers

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On June 12, 2023, American Legion Post #5, in Waterville held its installation of officers. The past National Commander Tony Jordan installed the elected and appointed officers for 2023-2024. His installing chaplain was Bob Jordan.

Newly-installed officers at Bourque-Lanigan American Legion Post #5, in Waterville, from left to right, Commander Craig Bailey, First Vice Commander Mike Coyne, Second Vice Commander Val Bard, Finance Officer Butch Berard, Chaplain Pearley Lachance, Judge Advocate Donald Marden, and Adjutant Ernie Paradis. Absent from photo, Service Officer James Weare and Sergeant-at-Arms Mike Hanley. (contributed photo)

Issue for June 29, 2023

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OFFICE CLOSED: The Town Line newspaper office will be closed the week of July 3. There will be an issue on Thursday, July 6. The Town Line office will re-open Monday, July 10. Our apologies for any inconvenience.

Issue for June 29, 2023

Celebrating 35 years of local news

An evening of fascinating history with China Historical Society

Today is important, but have you ever wondered about the path that led to today? What challenges did those in the area face, and how did they deal with those challenges? How did China get its name? What were those amazing things done in the past that have been filed away in a diary? As you learn about the past of a community you can begin to feel the oneness of the community that blends yesterday with today… by Roberta Barnes

Town News

Appraiser explains property tax scenarios

VASSALBORO – If I raise everyone’s property valuation by 20 percent, most Vassalboro taxpayers will see little if any tax increase, assessor Ellery Bane, of RJD Appraisal, told select board members and an interested audience at the June 22 select board meeting…

Select board again postpones decision on elected officials

CHINA – China select board members again postponed a decision on whether some town officials should be elected from geographic districts, after a discussion with two planning board members who attended the June 20 select board meeting…

OPINIONS: Internet access for many may be at risk

from by Kim Lindlof (Mid-Maine Chamber) – In response to our nation’s increased reliance on high-speed Internet, both the Trump and Biden Administrations have taken important steps to provide connectivity to those that need it, particularly in rural areas. An invaluable program that’s been created in recent years to enable this is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which over 18 million American households are currently enrolled in….

Name that film!

Identify the film in which this famous line originated and qualify to win FREE passes to The Maine Film Center, in Waterville: “May the Force be with you.” Email us at townline@townline.org with subject “Name that film!” Deadline for submission is July 6, 2023…

New public park being constructed in Vassalboro

CHINA – The Town of Vassalboro is excited to announce a new park, tentatively name Eagle Park, is being developed on Rt 32 in East Vassalboro, just north of the village area. The park will include beautiful frontage on the China Lake outlet stream where Eagles and other wildlife can be viewed regularly… by Laura Jones

Albion couple visits coastal Maine botanical gardens

ALBION – On a cool but sunny spring day in mid-May, my husband Ron and I took advantage of the “Admission to the Gardens Library Program”….

Local happenings

EVENTS: Summer scouting programs available

CENTRAL ME – Summer programs will be active and enriching for youth attending area scout camps and scout activities according to two leaders of these programs. Brittany St. Amand, of Pittston, and Shelley Connolly, of Pittsfield, have spent months organizing and getting things ready for outstanding summer programs…

EVENTS: List of Lake Association Meetings

CENTRAL ME – Schedule of local lake association meetings…

Listing of local town meetings

CENTRAL ME — Listing of 2023 local town meetings in central Maine. To have your town listed, please email us at townline@townline.org…

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Life jacket giveaway

CHINA — China Four Seasons Club invites you to participate in their annual Water Safety Program for children and young adults 16 and under. The Life Jacket Giveaway and Exchange event will take place on Saturday, July 1, 2023, on Causeway Road, in China, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., or while supplies last… and many other local events!

2022-’23 Real Estate Tax Due Dates

Real estate tax due dates for the towns of Albion, China, Fairfield, Oakland, Palermo, Sidney, Vassalboro, Waterville, Windsor and Winslow…

Obituaries

VASSALBORO – Patsy Mae (Tardiff) White, 69, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 15, 2023. She was born March 20, 1954, in Waterville, the daughter of Bernard and Rena (Sylvain) Tardiff… and remembering 12 others.

Celebrating Maine history

Click here for all of our recent stories about the local history of Maine!

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: The story of Independence Day (new)

KV HISTORY — According to Wikipedia, celebrating Independence Day on July 4 each year is most likely an error. The writer of the on-line site’s article on this national holiday says that the Second Continental Congress, meeting in a closed session, approved Virginia representative Richard Henry Lee’s resolution declaring the United States independent of Great Britain on July 2, 1776… by Mary Grow

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Society of Friends in Vassalboro

QUAKER HISTORY — On Sunday afternoon, June 18, Joann Clark Austin, of South China, a semi-retired lawyer and self-described “fifth-generation China Quaker,” spoke on the local history of Quakerism at the Vassalboro Historical Society… by Mary Grow

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Taking care of paupers

KV HISTORY — The earliest settlers in the Kennebec Valley, as elsewhere in New England, were for the most part able-bodied and self-supporting. But within a generation or two, a settlement would be likely to have residents who were unable to support themselves… by Mary Grow

Up and down the Kennebec Valley: Windsor’s Colburn family

WINDSOR HISTORY — Exceptionally attentive readers with exceptionally good memories might remember that Francisco Colburn was one of the commanders of Windsor’s Marcellus Vining GAR Post in the 1880s. Marcellus is not a typical Maine name, to be sure – presumably his classically-educated parents named him after the Roman Marcus Claudius Marcellus (42 – 23 B.C.). But for some reason, your writer was struck by Francisco, and began wondering why a couple in Windsor, Maine, in the 1830s would choose that name for their son… by Mary Grow

Common Ground: Win a $10 gift certificate!

DEADLINE: Wednesday, July 13, 2023

Identify the people in these three photos, and tell us what they have in common. You could win a $10 gift certificate to Hannaford Supermarket! Email your answer to townline@townline.org or through our Contact page. Include your name and address with your answer. Use “Common Ground” in the subject!

Previous winner: Carrie McGrath, So. China

Town Line Original Columnists

Roland D. HalleeSCORES & OUTDOORS

by Roland D. Hallee | This week, I will share with you a press release I rceived from Nancy Bostrom, of American Family Care. In the early days of summer 2023, local healthcare providers are sounding an alarm about a triple tick threat that includes a rare illness that just killed a man!…

CRITTER CHATTER

by Jayne Winters | I was planning to write about the two fawns at the Duckpond Wildlife Rehab Center, but after reading through some old columns written by Don’s late wife, Carleen, I was again moved by the years of dedicated, tireless – and often under-appreciated – commitment the Cotes have given to literally thousands of wild critters since they began to rehab (initially it was part-time) in 1964…

Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates | From August 1915, a ten-inch acoustically recorded shellac (Columbia A1882) presents Prince’s Band under the direction of Charles Adams Prince (1868-1937), Columbia’s highly-accomplished musical jack of all trades and a relative of former Presidents John and John Quincy Adams…

I’M JUST CURIOUS

by Debbie Walker | This column is a little different from my usual. If I knew all the answers, I would call this my Public Service Announcement. Truth is I only have questions at this point. I am sure it will sound like a high school “Gripe Paper”…

MY POINT OF VIEW

by Gary Kennedy | The usage of Independence Day would be, and is known to all as the 4th of July. When we speak of it in this way it becomes clear as to its real meaning as each of us know and understand it. I state this as we recently have had an influx of immigrations which most likely are unfamiliar with this date in time and to its meaning…

FOR YOUR HEALTH

(NAPSI) — The summer months are here, signaling that it’s time to soak up the warm weather, enjoy time outside, and make the most of the longer days. The hotter months can also bring additional risk for outdoor activities, so follow these safety tips to prepare for a fun and healthy summer…

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Make the Most of Summer with Tips for a Healthy Season

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(NAPSI)—The summer months are here, signaling that it’s time to soak up the warm weather, enjoy time outside, and make the most of the longer days. The hotter months can also bring additional risk for outdoor activities, so follow these safety tips to prepare for a fun and healthy summer.

Use sun protection. Always take protective steps when enjoying time in the sun. Make use of the shade on a sunny day to keep cool and reduce the risk of sunburn. A wide-brimmed hat can provide additional protection from damaging UV rays. Best of all is broad-spectrum sunscreen, which should be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors. Choose sunscreen with at least SPF 15, and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

Prepare for bugs. When planning a day outside, be sure to pack insect repellent. Warmer weather means more insects, which can be more than noisy nuisances. Insects like mosquitoes and ticks can also carry disease. If the day calls for spending time in tall grass or heavily wooded areas, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent bites. Remember to check your clothing, body, and pets for ticks upon returning indoors.

Stay active. Staying active is also important to good health, and summer is a great time to jumpstart an active lifestyle. Try to get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, whether that’s swimming, playing catch, or just going for a walk around the neighborhood. Many people break up the 150 minutes a week into 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. But do whatever works for your schedule and lifestyle. Physical activity doesn’t just help you stay in shape: moving more can also improve stress and anxiety and lead to better sleep.

Drink enough water. Staying on top of fluid intake is key to staying healthy and hydrated in the heat, and it can be easy to become dehydrated without noticing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day. Sports drinks can help replenish vital electrolytes after time in the hot sun but should be consumed in moderation due to their high sugar content.

Update your COVID protection. Winter may be known as the cold and flu season, but COVID remains a threat year-round. If you are already vaccinated but don’t yet have an updated vaccine, consider getting one—especially if you are planning to travel, attend crowded events, or spend time with older adults. Updated COVID vaccines offer protection against two strains of the COVID virus. And if you’re 65 or older, or you are immunocompromised, you can get a second dose of an updated vaccine because you’re at high risk for COVID complications.

“With the official public health emergency ending, people may be tempted to dismiss COVID as something they don’t need to worry about when they make plans for the summer,” said Sima Ladjevardian, Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “The truth is, COVID is still part of our lives, and staying up to date on vaccines will help keep COVID from disrupting the things you want to do.”

For more information and to find a free vaccine, visit www.vaccines.gov.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Do you mind if I complain?

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by Debbie Walker

This column is a little different from my usual. If I knew all the answers, I would call this my Public Service Announcement. Truth is I only have questions at this point. I am sure it will sound like a high school “Gripe Paper”.

The story reads something like this: About six weeks ago I started having trouble with what I thought was possibly ‘Sciatica’, I had it before, but it only lasted a few days. Since the pain doctor treated it before I went to him again. He did a shot right where it hurt. Unfortunately, the shot only helped a little for the next couple of days.

I called the pain doc again and he did a prescription of steroids (I think), to be taken for six or seven days, again, no change. One more call to him and he said to just give it a couple of days to see if the medicine kicks in. Four days later I called and left the message that I was in no less pain. His office called me with the message to go to the ER at the hospital. I was more comfortable with going to my primary care doctor.

Last August there were pictures taken of my spine and lower back. She looked at them and said it wasn’t the sciatic, I have severe arthritis and she was sending me home to take arthritis formula Tylenol and referring me to physical therapy.

Tylenol does nothing for me on a good day and what is not understood about the amount of pain I have and what I am limited in doing? I waited another day and gave up and had Dave take me to the hospital. I spent the afternoon having a CT scan and a few X-rays and then the wait. I won’t complain about the time because I really think it was reasonable. And what did they come up with? They said they could give me three days of hydro…whatever. And I should see my pain doctor. First of all I wouldn’t even get to see him in three days. And second, he had already passed me on. So, I wound up with 10 days of a muscle relaxer, they think it is a muscle deal. Oh, and let’s not forget the physical therapy. I can hardly get the nine feet from my car door to house door.

Fortunately, my primary care doctor gave me a referral to get into a spine specialist office, I am desperate at this point. It has been so long with this, and do you think I will walk out of that office that afternoon with no pain anymore? There will be more tests, more time, more pain.

I am not sure, but I think there was a point in time when you went to the family doctor, and they took care of you or at least oversaw your medical treatments. Your doctor would show up in the hospital, mornings, and evenings. Your doctor knew what medication you would be using when you left the hospital.

So, I am just curious if you will let me forget people used to bite down on a stick for pain! I’ll let you know what I have learned when this is over.

Contact me with any questions or comments to DebbieWalker@townline.org. Have a great holiday.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Conductor: Charles Adams Prince; Violinist: Oscar Shumsky

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Charles Prince

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Charles Adams Prince

From August 1915, a ten-inch acoustically recorded shellac (Columbia A1882) presents Prince’s Band under the direction of Charles Adams Prince (1868-1937), Columbia’s highly-accomplished musical jack of all trades and a relative of former Presidents John and John Quincy Adams.

The two marches are Under a Peaceful Sky and R.B. Hall’s New Colonial March.

R. B. Hall

R.B. Hall (1858-1907) was a Maine native, having been born in Bowdoin­ham, and resided in the Pine Tree State most of his life. But his marches achieved renown in this country and, even more, in England, bandleaders and listeners there frequently believing that Hall was an English composer despite efforts to inform otherwise.

The marches are not that musically captivating but they do pass the six to seven minute duration nicely; the performances are perky, precise and imbued with conviction; and the 1915 acoustic sound is quite vivid. Interestingly, Hall’s March was used in later years by Palo Alto, California’s Stamford University as the melody for its school fighting song, whatever that means.

Both sides can be heard via Internet Archive.

Oscar Shumsky

Oscar Shumsky

Violinist Oscar Shumsky (1917-2000) was born in Philadelphia to Russian Jewish parents and started playing at 3 years old, giving his first public performance at seven with Leopold Stokowski and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

He was invited personally by ArturoToscanini, when he was 21, to join the NBC Symphony in 1939.

Shumsky also had a phenomenal memory. Once, after hearing violinist Fritz Kreisler (1875-1963) play a cadenza that the latter composed for Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, the younger man played it by heart shortly after that concert .

During the 1960s, Shumsky collaborated with pianist Artur Balsam (1906-1994) in the complete Mozart Violin Sonatas for the mail order record label Musical Heritage Society, of which I have one LP of Sonatas K 454 and 481. The music is among this composer’s finest.

Some of these recordings can be heard via YouTube.

Shumsky also had an avid interest in photography and became a close friend of Ansel Adams.

Artur Balsam taught several summers at Blue Hill Maine’s Kneisel Hall during the 1970s.