Local Child is Winner in Writers’ Contest

SOUTH BERWICK –

Noah Quater’s story “Joe the Dragon” was selected as a 3rd place winner for Kindergarten in this year’s New Hampshire Public Television – PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest.  Noah’s story features a water-breathing dragon named Joe, who has a hard time making friends with the fire-breathing dragons at school.  That all changes when Joe's water saves the day! Noah lives in South Berwick.

The contest encourages children in K – 3rd grade to explore the power of creativity by writing and illustrating their own stories, and promotes reading skills through hands-on, active learning. This is the 18th year NHPTV has hosted a writing and illustrating contest for children.  There were 320 entries this year; more than 10,000 children have participated over the years.

NHPTV’s first-place winners will compete against the winners from 62 other public television stations in the national PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest. The first-, second-, and third-place winners in the four grade categories will be recognized at the awards ceremony June 2nd at NHPTV Family Day at Story Land in Glen, New Hamspshire.  Award-winning children’s author Kathy Brodsky, whose books include “A Horse Named Special,” “Stover,” and “The Inside Story,” will speak at the ceremony.

“We’re so pleased to offer this opportunity to celebrate young writers. The entries we received were very impressive,” said Dawn DeAngelis, NHPTV's chief content officer.

The contest is part of NHPTV's commitment to promoting literacy and a love of reading, writing and creative expression in children. The contest aligns with New Hampshire writing and reading standards, and is made possible with support from NEA-New Hampshire.

This year's NHPTV winners were chosen by a panel of judges including local educators and librarians. Winning stories can be read on the website www.nhptv.org/kidswrite.

Starting as the Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest in1994, the contest became the NHPTV– PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest in 2010. Six local children have been recognized for their work with national awards.  

Wells Student Heads to Environmental Summit in Virginia

WELLS -
Emilee Wooldridge, a Wells High School student, has been selected one of 250 National Youth Delegates to attend the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment (WYSE) held at George Mason University from June 24 to June 29. Mason is hosting this event with partners the National Zoo and the National Geographic Society.
“I can’t wait,” said an excited Wooldridge who added that she has never been to the Washington, D.C. area before. WYSE delegates are either high school sophomores or juniors who apply to attend.
“Wooldridge was chosen based upon academic accomplishments, demonstrated interest and excellence in leadership in the sciences and conservation studies,” read a statement from George Mason University regarding Woolridge’s selection and the program.
“With distinguished faculty, guest speakers, and direct access to elite D.C. practitioners, the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment offers scholars and student leaders an unparalleled experience.”
Wooldridge is a sophomore at Wells High School. She is a member of the WHS Band Color Guard and is a captain on the Winter Guard. Earlier this year she was the Assistant Director and Stage Manager for the 2012 spring musical at WHS, ‘Anything Goes.’ Regarding her future beyond Wells High School, Wooldridge indicated that she has not researched any colleges that she would like to attend. Emilee Wooldridge is the daughter of Janice Wooldridge in Wells. George Mason University is located in northern Virginia near Washington, D.C. This article was written by Reg Bennett.

Photo caption: Emilee Wooldridge is heading to Washington D.C. for meeting on environment (photo by Reg Bennett)

Ride for the Troops Raises Money and Spirit

YORK -
The 5th Annual Ride for the Troops cruised through York County this past Sunday. Sponsored by Patriot Riders of New England – MA Chapter #1 and Patriot Riders of America – Maine Chapter #1, the beautiful scenic ride through coastal towns raised money for local veterans. The ride started at Inn on the Blues at York Beach, and ended at Bentley’s Saloon in Arundel, where there was a ceremony honoring our veterans with great music, food, and raffles. (Photos courtesy of Dan Brennan)

Cinco de Mayo With a Purpose

OGUNQUIT—
May 5, a traditional Mexican holiday, is typically celebrated as a rite of passage. This year, join Daisy’s Children as they celebrate a night of promise at Jonathan’s Restaurant in Ogunquit.
What began as a simple desire to care for three children in a small mountain village in Honduras has rapidly grown to provide nutritious meals, clean drinking water, educational uniforms and supplies, as well as medical care for more than 100 children in this village, under the guidance of founder Sharon Beckwith and her Honduran partner, Maria Elena Plaites Manzano.
Cinco de Mayo has a far deeper meaning to Beckwith as well as Joyeis, Carla and Roberto. May 5, 2008, was the day that Deysi Suyapa Madrid Chavez died in Concepcion del Norte due to complications of malnutrition. This 24-year-old mother gave her life because she chose to feed her young children rather than herself.
This year, Jonathan’s Restaurant partners with Daisy’s Children to host a celebration of all that has happened in honor of Deysi. A night filled with laughter and joy, coupled with a south of the border flair will commence with a cocktail hour at 7 p.m. A cash bar will feature specialty margaritas, sangria, Corona and more. Appetizers will include a Latin flair. A silent auction will be held throughout the cocktail hour and into dinner, featuring many fine local and Honduran items brought back from the village area. Dessert will be coupled with Honduran coffee and select live auction items.
Throughout your meal the wait staff will muster up their comedic timing to raise a grand total in tips to cover our First Annual Gringo Trophy. Come prepared to tip them well knowing that each dollar you spend will feed a child two meals and a healthy snack. Guests may also bring along a bag of props to entice their waiters to perform in order to incur a higher tip!
This event is open to the public. Tickets are on sale now by calling 207-646-4777. Tickets are also available at The Hair Shop in North Berwick, and Lucy’s Art Emporium in Dover, NH. For more information, please visit www.daisyschildren.org.

Photo caption: Daisy’s Children works to provide sustenance, education, and medical support to the disadvantaged children of Honduras. (daisyschildren.org photo)

The Man behind the Music: Maestro Robert Moody to Visit

KENNEBUNK –
Do you ever wonder what it means to be the music director of the Portland Symphony Orchestra (PSO)? How do conductors spend their time when they’re not on the podium? Get to know the man behind the music as Maestro Robert Moody shares the answers to these questions and more about American orchestras in the 21st century.
Robert Moody, conductor of the Portland Symphony Orchestra, will be making the rounds in Kennebunk on May 1. The first stop on his visit will be as guest conductor of the Kennebunk High School Band, led by band teacher Benjamin Potvin. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions as well as perform for Moody during the morning band rehearsal.
“We were excited to extend the offer for Mr. Moody to work with the KHS Band. Due to the unique collaboration of Huntington Common, River Tree and Kennebunk Savings, we were able to sponsor his visit at no cost to the school,” commented Juliette Coldreck, program director at RTA. “Susan Benner, the activity coordinator at Huntington, has been supportive of the event by allowing us to use this funding to benefit the community.”
Huntington Common will be hosting a Lunch and Learn after Moody’s visit to KHS. The PSO music director will be talking to residents and guests about his life as a conductor, working for the PSO, and his passion for music. Huntington Common will be accepting Lunch and Learn reservations from the community. The RSVP includes lunch and the lecture in the Huntington Common dining room at no cost; only 50 reservations will be accepted. Guests must arrive by 11:45 a.m. on May 1. To reserve a seat, please call 207-985-2810.
Since his appointment as Music Director in 2008, Robert Moody has gained renown for the Portland Symphony Orchestra through its outstanding performances, innovative programming, and deep-rooted community collaborations. Highlights of his tenure with the PSO have included critical and audience acclaim, a fully revamped “Magic of Christmas,” a sold-out gala concert with Renée Fleming, and the establishment of important new works through commissions and premiere performances. Moody is a frequent guest conductor with orchestras throughout the country.
Robert Moody’s visit has been sponsored by a union of Huntington Common, Kennebunk Savings Bank and River Tree Arts to bring art, music, and theatre enrichment to the lives of Kennebunk area seniors. For more information, please call River Tree Arts, 207-967-9120.

Sarton Centennial Pays Tribute to Renowned Writer

YORK –
The May Sarton Centennial is just two weeks away. The author, who would have been 100 years old on May 3, was born in Belgium. At age 2, she fled to England with her family when the Germans invaded, and they moved to Massachusetts the next year. The famous wrier of more than fifty books settled in York in her later years. The York Selectmen just proclaimed May 3 as May Sarton Day, and the celebration is filling up fast with participants.
Some of the highlights in the May Sarton Centennial Schedule:
Opening Reception with Symposium presenters, appetizers, wine and a Birthday Cake for May Sarton. From 4 to 7 p.m. at the Parsons Center.
Two days of presentations by friends, filmmakers and scholars on Friday and Saturday.
Rare screening of the film “Mrs Stevens Hears the Mermaids Singing.”
A Poetry Celebration and Clambake on Saturday Night at Fosters Clambake in York with Poets Laureate, music, and great food. Tickets available separately for $40 each.
Educators can earn 1.5 CEUs while attending the Symposium.
Walking tour of York Village for attendees.
Sunday service at South Church Unitarian Universalist with a focus on May Sarton in Portsmouth. Public Welcome.
Raffle of a unique collection of books and film inspired by the Centennial and donated by the Symposium presenters. Tickets are $10 each or three for $20. Tickets can be bought when registering, through PayPal now or at the event. Drawing is during the dinner on Saturday, May 5. Winner need not be present to win.
Special Sarton exhibit of photos, letters, rare books, art work and other artifacts will be on display at the York Public Library and Parsons Center. Some items, including a framed print by York artist and May Sarton friend, Beverly Hallam, are for sale to support the Symposium.
The books have all been donated by the Board of Trustees of the York Public Library as its contribution to the symposium. Hallam, a longtime friend of Sarton’s, personally donated her print, as well. Hallam and Sarton were neighbors in York. Wild Knoll, Sarton’s home, is on the same property as the house where Hallam still lives today.
A limited edition print by Hallam, entitled “Keukenhof Gardens 11,” is one of only three made. Hallam has had a long and distinguished career as an artist and is a pioneer in the use of acrylics and the airbrush. In recent years Hallam has been experimenting with the use of shape and color in computer-generated prints.
Rounding out the sale is a framed photo interpretation of Sarton’s gravestone in Nelson, New Hampshire, created by tombstone artist Walter Skold.
All of the items are currently on view at York Public Library. They are part of a larger exhibit that includes photos and letters on loan from the Maine Women Writers Collection at the University of New England, and copies of rare and personal writings on loan from the Berg Collection at the New York Public Library. Several “Broadsides,” limited edition beautifully crafted poems written by Sarton and given to friends on special occasions, are on loan from the Maine State Library
The public is also welcome to attend the opening reception on May Sarton’s birthday, Thursday, May 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Parsons Center, and a presentation at the First Parish Church on Friday morning, May 4, at 9 a.m. and on Saturday morning, May 5, at the same location at 10:15. All other Symposium presentations require a Symposium ticket. A complete ticket is $90, or you may choose to attend only the Symposium for $50. Please see maysarton100.org for details.

Maine Supreme Judicial Court Improves Transparency

As a public service, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court now provides live streaming of its oral arguments. Although associated technical support is not offered to listeners, if you experience problems listening to the stream, please send an e-mail to lawcourt.clerk@courts.maine.gov. Staff will then be given the opportunity to determine if there is a technical issue or a common problem that can addressed. In your message, please include information on what device you were using to tune in (PC, Mac, iOS, or Android) and, if on a PC or Mac, what browser you were using. It should be noted that not every e-mail will be acknowledged.
The stream will be active only while the Court is in session and on the bench. A schedule of the Court’s next oral argument session, with a summary of the issues involved in each case, can be accessed online. The Court’s schedule for the year is available on its calendar page.

For more information, visit www.courts.state.me.us. This article was provided by Beth O’Connor, Maine State Rep District #145.