I’m Just Curious: Safe summer fun

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by Debbie Walker

It’s that time of year again. It’s the time of year when children want to play in the water. It is always intended to be wrapped up in fun and hopefully some learning.

Children reach a certain skill level in the water. It is somewhat different with each child even if they attended the same classes.
Please remember that children are never completely safe. They still make the wrong choices sometimes, even your teens (even adults sometimes!)

Part of all this I know because I was mom and dad’s water rat child. I loved the water, still do. There was one day when my cousin and I decided to see how far we could swim, we could swim out and then come back. We had gotten to the lake, across the road from my home, without knowledge of either mother. (We were tweens at this point) We were lucky that day. We thought turtles were nipping at our toes and we headed back to shore. Had it not been for the turtles (?) we might have stroked till we went as far as we could and might have used up our strength, oh maybe, mid-lake. There was no raft, etc. to rest on, just the other half of the lake. It might not have turned out well for us.

Please parents, grandparents and friends, remember children of all ages need careful supervision. Don’t rely on them hollering for “Help.” Drowning is usually ‘silent’ despite what some folks think. Please don’t leave them even for a minute. It’s just not safe.

I’m just curious if you would be comfortable asking me any water safety questions. I’m here at dwdaffy@yahoo.com.

I would like to tell you that we will be starting a new column: “IN CASE YOU WONDERED.” The plan is for it to be about a favorite subject of mine and I hope you will enjoy it. I am doing it on ‘uses’ of ordinary products used for surprising results. Some of it will be me answering questions others ask about the uses, feel free to e-mail me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com with any questions you may have or any odd-ball uses of things that you have found in the past. Lately one that surprised me was using “glow-in-the-dark” nail polish to mark a light switch that is difficult to find in the dark. It works! I found the nail polish on Amazon. I am going to paint my nails with it to show my little first graders tomorrow! (Some days I just have too much fun!)

I am hoping you will be looking for it every other week. Oh, and don’t forget we have an online version of The Town Line. You can read current copies and past columns in the archives.

Hope you enjoy the paper and your summer!

Composer: Ludwig von Beethoven; Dance Band: Russ Morgan; Vocal group: Peter, Paul and Mary

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Peter CatesREVIEW POTPOURRI

by Peter Cates

Beethoven

String Quartet No. 13, Op. 130 – Quartetto Italiano Angel 35064, 12-inch LP, recorded early ‘50s
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Ludwig von Beethoven

Ludwig von Beethoven

The 16 String Quartets of Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) constitute some of the composer’s most powerful and beautiful music, especially the last five. 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 were composed between 1823 or 1824, during a time when Beethoven was plagued by total deafness, a parasitic nephew, bad health, money, personality conflicts, the filth of his living quarters and other manure piles of aggravations, once in a while alleviated by a good day or two.

These Quartets mirror the manic ups and downs, victories and defeats and sideways in a most compelling, stirring manner. Among the paradoxes of Beethoven were the obstacles of his daily life, ones in which he either lacked the ability or willingness to confront; versus the discipline to compose not only the above Quartets, but also such creations as the 9th Symphony and Missa Solemnis while totally deaf.

The 13th Quartet is as good an example as any to begin with; I would suggest, especially to beginning listeners, to just turn on the music, sit back and let it happen. One can do the studying up later.

The Quartetto Italiano played this music totally by memory for the recording. And it is a very good performance, while the early ‘50s LP
sound is exemplary for its time.

Russ Morgan and his Wolverine Band

Everest SDBR 1095, stereo LP, recorded 1960.

Russ Morgan

Russ Morgan

Russ Morgan (1904 -1969) led one of the best dance bands during the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s, until his death. The above LP, however, is a bit more animated than his usual standard. Wolverines being a clue, Morgan assembled a group of some of the finest sidemen active in ‘50s recording sessions, including trumpeter Dick Cathcart, clarinnettist Matty Matlock, guitarist George Van Epps, saxist Eddie Miller, etc. The rousing program includes such oldies as Mama’s Gone, Goodbye; Baby, Won’t You Please Come Home; That Da-Da Strain; Squeeze Me; etc., while the jacket is provided with informative notes by Morgan’s wife, Shirley, and son, David. Worth the search.

Peter, Paul and Mary

Warner Brothers, WS1449, stereo LP, recorded 1962.

Peter, Paul and Mary

PPand M were, arguably, one of the finest musical vocal groups in any genre. This first of several great albums during their initial seven- or eight-year run (followed by solo outings and intermittent reunions) still holds up incredibly well as a listening experience, even for myself who is no longer a folkie. My personal favorites are, and will always most likely be, 500 Miles, Its Raining, Cruel War and If I Had My Way, especially with the late Mary’s eloquent, haunting gifts of both phrasing the melodic line with both P’s deploying their own harmonies or vice versa.

Finally, their gifted music director, Milt Okun, who whipped the Chad Mitchell Trio into pristine shape for their own several Mercury albums, carefully and methodically honed, nurtured and led them to a level of success they would most likely have never achieved if they had been on their own.

Area speakers compete at county level

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From left to right, runner-Up Anna Whitstone, of Winthrop Middle School, third-place winner Kameron Douin, of St. Michael School, in Augusta, second-place winner Carolyn Kinney, of Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville, and first-place winner Kyle Douin, of St. Michael School, in Augusta. Contributed photo

On April 25, area students competed in a county speech contest sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America, a fraternal financial services organization. Prior to this contest, the students had already won first, second or third place in their respective local-level contests. They shared their presentations on this year’s topic, “What does it mean to be a hero?”

The first-place winner Kyle Douin, an eighth grade student from St. Michael School, won a $50 cash award and a trophy. St. Michael School, in Augusta, will also receive an engraved trophy. Second place winner Carolyn Kinney, a sixth grade student from Mount Merici Academy, in Waterville; and third-place winner Kameron Douin, a sixth grade student from St. Michael School, also received trophies. Runner-up was Anna Whitstone from Winthrop Middle School.

Modern Woodmen’s School Speech Contest is one of many free Youth Educational Programs Modern Woodmen offers to schools nationwide. More than 100,000 students compete in the contest each year. Founded in 1883, Modern Woodmen of America touches lives and secures futures. The fraternal benefit society offers financial services and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families throughout the United States.

IF WALLS COULD TALK, Week of June 15, 2017

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Katie Ouilette Wallsby Katie Ouilette

WALLS, how wonderful it was to receive Ggaduation photos from our Bellingham, Washington, family as they attended great-grandson Landon’s graduation from Bellingham High School. There was Landon, dressed in his blue cap and gown, with his Aunt Donna, cousin Michelle and her children Kinley and Caden Wilhelm (I imagine Uncle Dean Ouilette or husband Jason Wilhelm were busy with their cameras). Oh, how proud we are of all. True, grandad Nick was in Maine and readying to return to Bellingham Yacht Sales and dad Danny was busy chauffeuring folks to Seattle airport, as his business had to come first.

Yes, WALLS and faithful readers, a column about ‘Mother knows best’ was written for this issue, but let’s make this a happy story. True, Landon’s mom did take him to the doctor he had, saying that she felt that the flu medication prescribed for him by the new doctor was not the cure. She was right! Yes, the former doctor wanted five-year old Landon at Seattle Children’s Hospital immediately. Off they went and Seattle Children’s was waiting for their arrival. Fortunately, at the hospital, a stem cell was taken and frozen before Landon was sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, in Memphis, Tennessee, where it was determined that Landon had unusual Wilm’s Cancer. Yes, and the Wilm’s specialist doctor was at St. Jude’s. So became the long cure. In fact, Landon was not only treated for Wilm’s Cancer, but he was treated to school days when he was of school age, so he missed little of his schooling … but for 12 years!

When, Landon was ‘free of Wilm’s Cancer’ he was sent back to Seattle Children’s for a stem-cell implant! It was then that dad Danny and Landon lived together in insolation for three months at Seattle Children’s Hospital!

Well, now you know ‘who’ that young man to whom my book, Two Birds in a Box, is dedicated and ‘why’ the dedication reads “To my great-grandson, Landon, and all children who are recuperating at children’s hospitals, waiting for their day to fly.” Well, Landon had his 19th birthday in January and on June 10 got his diploma. He has had a trip to wellness that few his age have experienced, but all who have had their graduations have been preparing for these years to fly. Yes, just as Momma Birds taught her babies to fly into their futures, may Landon’s experiences be an inspiration to you and remember that Mama knows best. Graduation is your beginning. Be happy and an inspiration as you begin the beginning of your life and the future.

SOLON & BEYOND, Week of June 15, 2017

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Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percyby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

Good morning, dear friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

This is one of those mornings when I sit down in front of my computer with very little real news to share with you. I did receive an e-mail from Carol Dolan with an update on Embden Community Center events. On June 24, Steve & The Good Ole Boys Band will be playing there from 7 – 11 p.m. Kitchen open. And on Sunday, June 25 Country/Open Mic from 1 – 4 p.m., second and fourth Sundays. By donation. Kithchen open.

I can’t seem to stress enough how much I appreciate any news that is sent to me. But…if I don’t receive it in time for my deadline, I can’t get it in in time.

Some of you have told me how much you like to read about my stories of visiting up to where my home town of Flagstaff used to be. Lief and I went up there to be with Dave and ‘Pete’ at their camp for a couple of days this weekend. Peter and Sherry went up also and we all had a wonderful time.

Each year as I get another year older, my memories are very dear to me. Peter and I were out on the porch and I was telling him that I had been out there trying to figure out just where it was that the house where I had lived was compared to where we were sitting. Of course I have many pictures of how it used to look but it is still hard to pin point the exact spot.

Even though the hoards of black flies and mosquitoes were enough to drive us nuts, (it does seem to me, they were worse than I could remember), we had a wonderful time….and the food, as always, was out of this world! I kind of twisted Dave’s arm, and he made his famous popovers for breakfast one morning. Delicious! Peter cooked breakfast the next morning, and can’t begin to describe how great it was. So you can see we ate well along with sharing some good special laughter and love.

They always request that I bring cookies, which I did, but I got brave and tried a new recipe for a dessert. It looked really simple and easy to make, but I couldn’t imagine what the finished product would look or taste like…. but, it got rave reviews! I’m going to share this most delectable recipe called, “Simple Strawberry Rhubarb Dessert;” 4 cups rhubarb, 1 small pkg. strawberry Jello, 1 cup sugar, 1 yellow cake mix, 1 cup water. Sprinkle ingredients in a 9 x 13-inch pan in order written. Bake one hour at 350° F. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. (Must not leave out that I bummed the rhubarb from Peter.) Hope you try this recipe and enjoy it as much as we did.

And so for Percy’s memoir which is called, “Lord, Give Us Words: “Give us cheering words for the lonely, Comforting words that bless… Encouraging words for the hopeless, Smiling words to bring happiness. Give us patient words for the struggling, Courteous words, so that rudeness ends, Kind words for those who upset us… Forgiving words for those who offend . Give us faith-filled words that are positive, That inspire optimism and zeal. Teach us “the time to keep silence” And the “time to speak” and to feel. May we wait on You with prayerful thoughts, For the wisdom You impart. Give us acceptable words to express, The meditations of our hearts. (words by Micky Meyer Mathewson.)

Day of Caring held in Whitefield

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The Midcoast Conservancy hosted children from Whitefield Elementary School at Damariscotta Lake State Park on June 3. Contributed photo

The Whitefield Lions Club “Day of Caring” kicked off on Saturday, June 3, with a Rabies Clinic at the Whitefield Lions den. Medomak Veterinary Services and Dr. Laurie Howarth immunized 42 dogs and cats against rabies.

“Hooked on Fishin” was also held on June 3, at Damariscotta Lake State Park. The event was sponsored by Midcoast Conservancy. Children aged 5-15 enjoyed a free day of fishing on the lake.

Lunch was served by the Whitefield Lions Club. The boats and all fishing equipment was provided by experienced anglers.
For more information about the Whitefield Lions Club and upcoming events visit www.WhitefieldLionsClub.com.

Researchers meet on Monday

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Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center is instituting a new program for researchers. Museum trustees are opening up the Research Center on Mondays for researchers only. The center will be staffed with folks who have experience with conducting research, especially genealogy, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., each Monday excluding those that fall on holidays or holiday weekends.

Kay Marsh or David James, both trustees, will be available to assist researchers with finding information, orienting them with the research center, and where appropriate provide additional source locations. Those who are interested in conducting research pertaining to Skowhegan or genealogy should take advantage of this opportunity for assistance from these two local experts.

The Museum house will remain closed on Mondays and no tours will be available. Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center will continue to offer services Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. through October 21. For more information call 207-474-6632 or send a message via info@skowheganhistoryhouse.org.

Lydia Gilman awarded Alfond Youth Center talent scholarship

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Lydia Gilman

Lydia Gilman, daughter of Lance and April Gilman, of China, was selected as one of 10 finalists in the 2017 Kennebec Valley – Alfond Youth Center’s Youth Talent Search. Lydia won a $500 talent scholarship to be used anyway she deems appropriate in furthering her musical talents.

The talent award night was held at Colby College, in Waterville, on June 7. Lydia played the piano and sang the song, Almost is Never Enough ,in the style of Arianna Grande. Lydia is just finishing her freshman year at Erskine Academy, in South China, where she is a high-honors student and also participates in cross country, basketball, track and choir.

Erskine class of 1967 gathers for reunion

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Front row, from left to right, Noreen (Tobey) Golden, Judy (Durrell) Gidney, Melba (Brann) Brown, Caroline (Otis) Lewis, Pat (Conlogue) Dyer, Lorraine Glidden, Charlotte (Dow) Reynolds, Wanda (Hannon) Turner and Lois (Pass) Doe. Back row, Ray Gidney, Patsy (Bumps) Glidden, Mike Roach, Herb Crommett, Pam (Pinkham) Powell, Nancy (Miller) Camelio, Louise (Caswell) Reed, Tom Reed, Gordon Page, Nancy (Mosher) McAlley, Ken Cunningham and Bonnie (Smith) Barron. Absent from photo, Katrina (Thurston) Connolly.

On June 2, the Erkine Academy class of 1967 held its 50th class reunion at the American Legion Hall, in South China. Those attending were classmates and their guests.

Contributed photo

Local students named to Thomas College Spring dean’s list

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Local students named to the dean’s list at Thomas College, in Waterville, for the spring term are: China: Alex Knight; Waterville: Emily Dufour, Kayla Hamilton, Amber Haney, Taylan Thomas.