In the summer of 1997, the Chebeague Island Players produced a musical extravaganza, the like the Island seldom sees.
This year, it was "An Evening with Lerner and Loewe -- Sort of."
Any resemblance to the works of that esteemed musical duo was probably intentional,
mostly coincidental, but certainly comical.
Preschool
The preschool welcomed 3 new pupils to the five "old timers" from last year. We have had a busy year, to say the least. After the first few weeks of getting to know one another and the routine, the children jumped into color recognition, shapes, sponge painting, collage, marble painting, play dough, dress-up, house play and make believe.
We celebrated Halloween by carving jack-o-lanterns (cooking them down to make pumpkin bread) and reading ghost stories. Thanksgiving came with homemade cranberry-orange relish and more books. Next came the holidays, with Christmas ornaments and gifts and Hanukkah and dreidels as well as the popular gingerbread house construction.
The New Year brought Valentine's Day cards for the Islanders. We took time to watch the seasons change, especially how the beach looks in the Fall. We made snowmen both inside and outside the school and watched Easter bring Spring - we made eggshell mosaics and Easter baskets. We also had Pajama Day with the K-6 students when we all came to school in our PJ's to make and eat breakfast together. Though four of the children will move across the hall to Kindergarten, four new students recently came for Step-Up Day.
I can't say enough about the parents of my charges. They make my job easy and I am grateful for all their help and support. In continue to look forward to each school year and am happy to have a small part in the education of your children.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kathy George, Preschool Teacher
Tales from K-2
Mrs. Williams' K-2 class had some exciting "Tales" to tell this year! Our year featured studies of Fairy Tales and Folk Tales. We began by learning about wolves (we now know that they are anything but big and bad!) and studying the tales that feature wolves. Upon learning of the plight of the wolves in Yellowstone National Park, students used their new role as "Wolf Expert" to write to the President and our Senators and Congressmen about the important reasons for saving the wolves of Yellowstone.
Our Cinderella study covered 16 countries and more than twenty versions of this famous fairy tale, with students writing their own original versions to add to the list. A Fairy Tale study would not be complete without a look at castles and Medieval Times, complete with a student "Medieval Faire" in March to celebrate their learning.
We capped off our busy year with a two-month study of the "porquoi" tales of Africa. Students wrote their own original "why" stories and performed them in the oral tradition of Africa at our "Celebration of Africa" in June. Some of the titles included:
"Why Cheetahs Run Fast," by John Summa (2), Britny Bernier (2) and Anna Maine (K)
"Why Elephants are Fat," by Conrad Birkett (K) and Denis Johnson (2)
"Why Zebras Have Stripes," by Emilia Taliento (2), Arianna Stefanilo (1) and Christy Phipps (K)
"Why Cheetahs Run Fast," by George Birkett (2), Josh Doughty (2) and Alissa Hamilton (K)
"Why the Blue-Eared Starling Looks the Way it Does," by Tyler Weagle (2), Lida Munroe (2) and Darya Johnson (1)
Students also performed traditional African dances, songs and rhythm pieces for a crowd of proud parents and community members.
The addition of Mrs.Kathy George as our assistant (along with her wonderful collection of children's books), as well as our continually fabulous, seemingly tireless parent volunteers, created a wonderful year with lots of stories to tell. We are all incredibly proud of our K-2 students and their efforts!
Respectfully submitted,
Susan V. Williams, K-2 TeacherMrs. Williams' K-2 class had some exciting "Tales" to tell this year! Our year featured studies of Fairy Tales and Folk Tales. We began by learning about wolves (we now know that they are anything but big and bad!) and studying the tales that feature wolves. Upon learning of the plight of the wolves in Yellowstone National Park, students used their new role as "Wolf Expert" to write to the President and our Senators and Congressmen about the important reasons for saving the wolves of Yellowstone.
Our Cinderella study covered 16 countries and more than twenty versions of this famous fairy tale, with students writing their own original versions to add to the list. A Fairy Tale study would not be complete without a look at castles and Medieval Times, complete with a student "Medieval Faire" in March to celebrate their learning.
We capped off our busy year with a two-month study of the "porquoi" tales of Africa. Students wrote their own original "why" stories and performed them in the oral tradition of Africa at our "Celebration of Africa" in June. Some of the titles included:
"Why Cheetahs Run Fast," by John Summa (2), Britny Bernier (2) and Anna Maine (K)
"Why Elephants are Fat," by Conrad Birkett (K) and Denis Johnson (2)
"Why Zebras Have Stripes," by Emilia Taliento (2), Arianna Stefanilo (1) and Christy Phipps (K)
"Why Cheetahs Run Fast," by George Birkett (2), Josh Doughty (2) and Alissa Hamilton (K)
"Why the Blue-Eared Starling Looks the Way it Does," by Tyler Weagle (2), Lida Munroe (2) and Darya Johnson (1)
Students also performed traditional African dances, songs and rhythm pieces for a crowd of proud parents and community members.
The addition of Mrs. Kathy George as our assistant (along with her wonderful
collection of children's books), as well as our continually fabulous, seemingly
tireless parent volunteers, created a wonderful year with lots of stories
to tell. We are all incredibly proud of our K-2 students and their efforts!
-- Susan V. Williams, K-2 Teacher
3rd - 6th Grades, 1997 -1998
This year has been fun. We have learned a lot of things ranging from inventors to architecture.
In the beginning of the year we learned how to construct a house. We found out that there was a lot of math involved in architecture. The class was split into two groups. Each group designed, and created their own house.
In the second trimester we studied great inventors. They all created things that impacted life in the Twentieth Century. The inventions included the car, penicillin, the airplane, blue jeans, steamboat, T.V., Morse Code and the telescope. Ms. Ouellette also read a book about Thomas Edison to us.
The third trimester has been interesting. We learned about the Mayan culture while reading the book The Corn Grows Ripe, by Dorothy Rhoads. We also completed a unit on the second voyage of the Mimi. Mimi was a fictional story which helped us learn more about the Mayan culture. In addition we also learned about coral reefs, scuba diving, air pressure, scorpions, and the environment in a tropical rain forest. Wow! that unit covered a lot!
Most of the math we covered in the third trimester was related to graphing in one form or another. Science was interesting. Instead of studying inventors we became the inventors and learned how to use the scientific method. We had a wide range of inventions, from cat toys to bait boxes.
-- Christopher McCollom, student
Chebeague Island
Transfer Station
The year 1997 was another busy one at the Transfer Station. Eleven thousand one hundred twenty six vehicle trips brought household trash to the facility. No record is kept of those using the brush dump or the building debris and waste metal containers.
Again in 1997 our "Bulky Waste Weekend" was a great success.
Where does it all come from? Maybe during 1998 we will see a lessening of
the amount. One would think that there has to be and end sometime.
-- Mickey Hanmer
The summer of 1997 was another active one for the CIYC. Races were held
nearly every weekend. Two of these race days included picnics at Crow Island
and at Bates Island. 
A third picnic was held on Little Chebeague.
The gathering wasn't large, but those of us who attended had a wonderful
time watching the sailboats struggling in a heavy N.W. wind between Little
Chebeague and Long Island.
For the past several years the CIYC has tried to include more members
in social events as well as the racing program. One of the ways in which
we have done this is to schedule a couple of "Power Nights" during
the summer. In 1997 we had great fun going out to dinner at Handy Boat and
at the Spar on Long Island
We also had two post-business meeting get-togethers at the home of Commodore John Ash. His porch with a view was enjoyed by all.
As of August 1997 the CIYC had 170 members. We would like to invite others to join our club and to participate in its activities. We still dream of a clubhouse and a facility for the Sailing School and welcome any ideas or contributions towards that goal.
Trophy winners for the 1997 racing season were as follows:
Small boat: 1st Kitty Freeman, 2nd Jamie Freeman, 3rd Sarah Corson
Bates Island: 1st Reggie Babcock, 2nd Jane Frizzell, 3rd David Burgess/Bill Boyce
Shattuck Cup: 1st Adam Rothchild, 2nd Jane Frizzell, 3rd Reggie Babcock
Ocean Race: 1st Jane Frizzell, 2nd David Burgess/Bill Boyce, 3rd Ralph Ragan
Round Island: 1st Jane Frizzell, 2nd Adam Rothchild, 3rd Ralph Ragan
Overall: 1st Jane Frizzell, 2nd David Burgess/Bill Boyce, 3rd Reggie Babcock
Large Boat: 1st Jane Frizzell, 2nd David Burgess/Bill Boyce, 3rd Adam Rothchild
Bungle Trophy: John Ash
CIYC officers for 1998 are:
Commodore: Tom Rothchild
Vice Commodore: Jane Frizzell
Rear Commodore: Reggie Babcock
Fleet Captain: Jeff Hahn
Secretary: Linda Babcock
Treasurer: Maricel Hahn
Other officers include:
Race Committee Chair: David Burgess (pro tem)
Sailing School President: John Ash
Sailing School Director: Karen Larson
Membership Chair: Kitty Freeman
Please feel free to contact any of us if you have questions regarding the CIYC.
-- Jane Frizzell, Vice Commodore
The Chebeague Piecemakers had a sociable, sometimes serious, often hilarious, and productive year of quilting. We meet all day on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month in the winter and on the second Tuesday during the summer. The Hall welcomes us with its smooth new floor, large tables and well- equipped kitchen for festive dinners.
On a rainy day last August, in a burst of proud splendor, we had a quilt show at the Church and Parish House. The $300 that was raised was given to the Church and the Hall. We assembled quilts we had made since our beginnings in the early 1990s, as well as antique quilts lent by various non-piecemakers. Every surface in the Church was covered. All the pews, the altar rails, the lectern, the balcony railing and the walls were ablaze with color and pattern. In the Parish House refreshments were provided and chances were sold on a quilt raffle to benefit the Hall.
Jeanette Hamilton made and contributed the quilt -- "migrating geese" in various shades of blue. The drawing for it was held at the Columbus Day dinner at the Hall. It was won by a woman from Rhode Island who visited Chebeague for just a day. So you see how our quilts can go far afield.
Throughout the fall quilters made squares for a "sampler" quilt to be raffled this coming fall to benefit the Recreation Center. Nancy Hill organized the effort, choosing the blue and yellow fabrics that are common to all the squares, assembling the finished squares and quilting them. The picture shows the result and lists the contributors who included all the active Piecemakers and several of their daughters.
Left to right showing the collective project quilt made to support the CRC: Louise Doughty, Joan Robinson, Sylvia Ross, Nancy Hill, Jeanette Hamilton, Jane Abrahamson, Donna Damon, Beth Howe, Jane Harrington, Beverly Dyer, ruth Houghton, Suzanne Jackson, (photo by Kathy McNeill) [not present: Peggie Jones, Joyce Souchek, Nancy Adams, Lola Armstrong, Audrey Collins, Nancy Sharpe, and Karen Corson]
Both last spring and this, we used our collective resources to take a trip to Keepsake Quilting in Center Harbor, New Hampshire. This year we brought with us several sets of antique squares given to us by Martha Hamilton. At Keepsake we matched them with period fabrics for sashing and backing. During the coming year we will assemble them for additional fund-raising quilts.
We welcome new members, both for summer and year round. We have a substantial collection of books on quilting, as well as cutting and ironing boards and even an extra sewing machine for anyone who happens to need one on quilting day.
Beth Howe
We at the Chebeague Post Office would like to thank all our winter and summer patrons for their support with purchasing of your postal supplies at the Island Post Office. As you are aware, we not only sell stamps but also have a
vast supply of postal items such as tee shirts, hats, ties, pens and necklaces just to name a few.
For your information, stating June 19th until Labor Day, our incoming
mail will arrive on the Island at approximately 9:30 am. Therefore you will
be receiving your mail earlier than usual and any mail going off island
needs to be at the Post Office by 1:00 pm Monday through Friday. Saturday
will remain the same hours of dispatch as they are now. The mail arrives
on the Island at 8:15 am and any mail going off the Island needs to be at
the Post Office by 11:30 am.
Post Office Hours:
Monday through Friday:
Lobby- 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
Window- 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Saturday:
8:00 am to Noon
-- Gina Ross
The past year has been one of remarkable growth for the CRC. Construction of the facility began in August 1997 with Thaxter Company as the contractor and Robert White and Dick Phipps as our volunteer building coordinators. Islanders watched the building take shape over the fall and winter, while the CRC Board and committees worked hard to hire staff, create policies, design programs, secure equipment, plan fundraising activities, and complete the myriad of tasks required for an undertaking of this magnitude. Construction of the pool began in the fall, but a November snowstorm put the project on hold until spring. Beth Dyer was hired as part-time Executive Director in late November and Lori McDonald was hired as full-time Director in January.
The CRC includes a half-court gymnasium (with a hardwood floor on par with the pro-basketball courts, which we bought for half-price), a Teen Center, a Craft Room (also used for education and training), a Fitness Room, locker rooms, and an office. Outside are an all-weather tennis/basketball court completed in 1996, as well as a full-sized heated pool and detached kiddies pool.
The doors opened on February 28, 1998. More than 200 people toured the near-million dollar facility and enjoyed a free lunch on the beautiful spring-like day. Over 90% of the community contributed more than $550,000 to the project. In-kind donations valued at over $350,000 ranged from tree cutting and fundraising to washing floors. In-kind donations also included excavators, surveyors, engineers, architects, lawyers, accountants, contractors, barge operators, plumbers, and carpenters who donated countless professional services, while other dedicated volunteers spent hours upon hours in committee work and completing the endless other jobs that had to be done! Equipment and materials have also been donated. All of this was orchestrated by the CRC organizing committee that consists of about 30 dedicated individuals. Leading the way has been the original Board of Directors with Eldon Mayer, President; Gail Miller, Vice-President; Glenn Kersteen, Treasurer; Robert Putnam, Secretary; Carol White, Jon KomLosy, and Jim Van Fleet. Chebeague Recreation Center has followed the lead of other island institutions such as the Chebeague Island Library, CIHCC, and CCR and is another shining example of what Chebeaguers can accomplish when they put their minds to it!
Although the town of Cumberland did not contribute to the capital costs of the project, it has become a partner in the operation of the recreation complex. Through an agreement with the CRC, all Town of Cumberland Recreation and Adult Education programs, which take place on Chebeague, are being administered by the CRC. In return, the Town of Cumberland contributes toward the CRC program operating costs. MSAD 51 leases space at the CRC to hold various activities including swimming lessons, but provides its own staff.
The CRC decided to implement a pass system for people who wish it. We started out on a pay-per-program basis, but found many families asking about passes. Passes are not required to use the CRC, but may be financially advantageous and convenient for some people. Pay-per-program will always be an option. In addition, there are many times set aside when all aspects of the facility can be used for free, and teens are never charged to use the Teen Center except for special events. If you have questions about program costs or the pass system please call Beth or Lori at the CRC.
Since the opening, CRC has been a beehive of activity. The school children are exuberant when they hold Friday morning physical education classes in a real gym for the first time ever. Children of all ages are enjoying Open Gym times when they can play informally. The early-release Wednesday program has been a popular one with the kids. Young artists are producing creative works from the arts and crafts programs. Teens are enjoying having a place to go to socialize, play video games, use computers, watch TV on a 32-inch screen, play a game of pool or ping pong or just hang out.
We are pleased to have volunteer instructors teaching many of our classes. This allows us to keep costs down and encourage islanders to share their many talents. Bev Johnson's tumbling classes are drawing big crowds of enthusiastic jump ropers and aspiring gymnasts. Doug Ross has run two basketball clinics for kids who are already making plans to play for Greely and they are only six! Gail Miller is coaching baseball.
Adults are enjoying their programs too. Beth Dyer's adult fitness class has many enthusiastic exercisers, and the fitness room has a loyal following. The over and under 30 basketball crowds have been having some great pick-up games. Wednesday night volleyball has a dedicated following of fun-loving players. One volleyball player remarked, "it's great to go out, have some fun, and be able to drive home in 5 minutes!" Deborah Gordon taught a well-attended vegetarian cooking class. Joe Partlow and Herb Maine each taught a computer instruction course.
On Sundays, families come together to play sports in the Gym, play games in the Teen Center, and make art projects in the Craft Room as part of the Family Day program. In short, the CRC is a place for the community to gather, play and grow together.
We've come far, but have far to go. This year will be one of trial and
error, learning and growing. We enter into our first summer with high hopes
and enthusiasm, and we welcome any ideas, suggestions, donations, and of
course, volunteers!
-- Beth Dyer, Executive Director
Chebeague Transportation
Company
The Board of Directors thanks our stockholders who attended the CTC Annual Meeting in 1997, personally or by proxy. We appreciate our stockholders' questions, suggestions and support and continue to work to maintain and improve our service mindful of that feedback.
Re-elected to seats on the Board of Directors were Ian Brown, Tom Calder, Dale Morlock ,and Gina Ross. Glenn Kersteen was also re-elected as Clerk of the Corporation.
The election of CTC officers was held at the Directors' meeting which followed the Annual Meeting. Ian Brown was elected President; Mark Dyer and Ben Prescott were elected First and Second Vice Presidents respectively; Ruth Houghton was elected Secretary, and Glenn Kersteen was elected as Treasurer. The Board, on behalf of CTC, extended our deep gratitude to Ben Prescott for his two years of dedicated and outstanding service as CTC's president. We also thanked Ben for his many hours of service as CTC's representative on the Chebeague/Cousins Transportation Resolution Team (CCTRT).
With the exception of children's fares, passenger fares remained the same as they were in 1993. In an effort to parallel the adult fare structure, children's fares were divided into Full-Fare Child ($1.00 one way) and Stockholder Child ($0.75 one way - available through the purchase of a book of twenty Stockholder Child for $15.00).
The company also adopted a barge rate system which did away with the distinction between peak and off-peak seasons and mandatory round trip tickets. Automobiles and pick-up trucks are now carried for $50 one-way and $85 round-trip, regardless of time of year. Vehicles transported to Chebeague before April 1, 1992 and able to run will continue to be grandfathered and eligible for transport to the mainland at no cost. Vehicles brought to Chebeague under the old round-trip rate will transported to the mainland at no additional cost. Vehicles that came to the island one-way and are being transported to the mainland for the immediate purpose of permanent junking will be carried for $10.
The barge schedule also provides that one-ton pick-up trucks will be transported round-trip for $100, subject to the same rules and restrictions as for smaller pick-up trucks. The regular rate for such vehicles is now $125 one-way and $200 round-trip.
Last year, we began experimenting with selling passenger tickets aboard the bus and in the Blanchard Parking Lot in an effort to "streamline" the ticketing process, especially during busy summer days. This practice was well received by our passengers and will continue this year.
To reflect the increasing value of the Company, common stock will sell for $50 a share, effective May I, 1998.
The Islander's maneuverability in windy conditions was improved with the installation of a bow thruster. Our new bus was brought into service for Memorial Day and was met with a warm reception from Drowne Road parkers. The new barge pushboat, the Dovekie, is ready to replace the aging Chesuncook. The old, leaky office trailer in the Blanchard Parking Lot has been replaced with a new edifice. Finally, we are establishing a Company office on the second floor of the "Nellie G" building on the Island.
Our parking problems are obvious. The Blanchard Parking Lot is operating very close to capacity. Last year, we found it necessary to run the bus to the Drowne Road Parking Lot through the New Year's weekend. This year, we began operating the bus to Drowne Road again in mid-April. As there has been some disruption to the Drowne Road Lot due to the reconversion of the town office building back to an operating school building, we appreciate your patience during this transition.
It is abundantly clear that we need to secure a permanent mainland landing and parking facility that meets our operational and economic needs. Early in 1998, the Maine Department of Transportation determined that the proposal for a landing be developed at the shore of the CMP property on Cousins Island was unacceptable for economic and environmental reasons. At this time, work is underway, with the Towns of Cumberland and Yarmouth and MDOT, to identify alternatives for improving the current facilities on Cousins Island. The Chebeague Transportation Company continues to be committed to the goal of achieving a permanent facility that is appropriate for Chebeague Island.
Once again, at the Annual CTC Stockholder Meeting in July, we will offer a book of ten green "guest" tickets for the $24 price of a stockholder book (a $21 savings). There is a limit of one book per stockholder. This is intended to be an incentive for our stockholders to attend the Annual Meeting. Anyone may use the "guest" tickets.
Every year, we appeal to our passengers to help us manage travel requirements during busy times. We ask that anyone planning a wedding or other large function, that will involve travel with the CTC, let us know so that we may plan accordingly. If there are more passengers than our boat or bus will accommodate, boarding preference will be given to CTC stockholders. However, if we are expecting a large number of passengers, we will schedule a second bus where possible.
This year, CTC is losing several members of the Board of Directors, Jane Frizzell, Dale Morlock and Claire Ross, who have contributed much to the Company during their terms. Also, CTC's Administrative Director for the last seven years, David Hill, has decided to move on to other challenges after guiding and supporting our operation during those many years, and we thank him for his stewardship.
Thanks are also due the many others who work continuously throughout the year providing our transportation service and to the past directors who have helped to make our company the success it is today..
Employees:
Don Blanchard
Don Buxbaum
Dianne Calder
Bruce Doyle
Don Fish
Karen Hamilton
David Hill
Darren Hillicoss
Claire Ross
David McMackin
Jim Millinger
Kim Munroe
Jim Murray
Bill Putnam
Alnah Robinson
Lindy Smith
Horace Stinson
Louise Todd1997-1998 CTC Board of Directors:
Ian Brown
Thomas Calder
Donna Colbeth
Mark Dyer
Jane Frizzell
Ruth Houghton
Glenn Kersteen
Dale Morlock
Ben Prescott (P)
Gina Ross
Claire Ross
David Stevens (P)Past Directors:
E. Abrahamson (P)
Clifford Barker
Robert Brown
Richard Calder
Barton Curit (P)
Douglas Damon
Bob Estabrook (P)
Robert Habig
David Hill
Bev Johnson (P)
Jim KomLosy (P)
Clifford Leonard
George Leonard (P)
Dick MacCormack
Fred Martindale
David Miller
Edward Morse
Chris Nyhan
Robert Putnam
Shelby Putnam (P)
Felix Repetto (P)
Malcolm Rice
H. Richardson
Bruce Riddle
Lewis Ross
C. Sheketoff (P)
Donald Souchek
Henry Steinfeld
Andrew Todd (P)
Gordon Trower
Sally Tubbesing
Gary Varney
Bruce Verrill (P)
Harland Webber
Elisabeth Weiss
Nils Wessell (P)
Robert Wheldon
Edward White
Robert White -- Ian Brown, President