Fiddler on the Roof musical premiers in renovated Schoolhouse Arts Center - By Molly Olsen

Fiddler on the Roof is the sort of musical where the songs have seeped so deeply into the public consciousness that we don't even necessarily associate the tunes with the show anymore. I once saw "To Life" performed at a wedding, in Mrs. Doubtfire Robin Williams parodied "Matchmaker", and "If I Were a Rich Man" was  even sampled for a 2004 Gwen Stefani hit. So although these songs have perhaps morphed into something completely separate from the show, the Schoolhouse Arts production (directed by favorite of the theater, Bruce Avery) reminds us of the truly great story and characters from which these songs are derived.

In the beginning of the show we meet Tevye, played by (the perfectly cast) Chris Roberts, who leads us through the story of his village, 1900's Anatevka, with grace and humor. He explains that the town bases most decisions upon the teachings of ancestors— rituals and historical conventions are the building blocks of their lives. The opening song, "Tradition", lays out the time-honored roles of husbands, wives and children, and reminds the audience of how cemented and pre-planned most of these people's lives are.

As the show continues we meet Tevye's family. First is his wife Golde played by Danielle Raitt, who is a great partner to Roberts, with her own comedic timing and strong dramatic moments. Then we are introduced to the pair's five daughters; the oldest Tzeitel (Kim Drisko), followed by Hodel (Lauren Bamford), Chava (Katie Stoddard), and the two youngest Shprintze and Bielke (played by Ashley McBreairty and Meghan Reidy). Because the girls come from a poor family, the very funny, busy-body matchmaker, played by Sabrina Luy, attempts to find them each a suitor. This leads to the song "Matchmaker", which was among my favorites as it nicely showcases the three oldest girl's strong voices.

From there the audience is taken through the story of how Tevye's three eldest daughters meet and choose their future husbands, instead of being "matched" as is the norm. And so the couples ask the girls' father to accept the marriages despite their uncommon circumstances, which is not an easy thing to do for such a devout Jewish man. Following the requests, Tevye's faith is tested even more deeply, and eventually his whole village must face change whether they like it or not.

 

When it comes to this show's music, I've always loved "The Sabbath Prayer" as well as "To Life", and the casts renditions did not disappoint— the former a beautiful hymn, and the latter the upbeat tune you'll leave the theater humming. "Sunrise, Sunset" is another gorgeous song that will make many a parent in the theater cry. But then there's a song that I feel often gets overlooked: "Far From the Home I Love", which is unfortunate, because when done well, it can be incredibly moving. Luckily, Bamford delivers with a pitch perfect, near-flawless rendition. Although the cast clearly brought their own talents to the table, it should be noted that the show was under the musical direction of the incomparable Victoria Stubbs.

The first half of the show is a bit more high energy and bright when compared to the second act. But "L'Chaim" means "to life", and life is something that has to be experienced through ups and downs, both light and darkness— and we are all better for seeing those parts in between. This show will lead your heart back to moments when your own children got married, when parts of your family struggled to stay together, and when big changes were coming in the world, so all you could do was stand by your beliefs and hope for the best. I've always felt that the best kinds of shows were ones that could really made you feel something, and this story certainly does.

It seems appropriate that Fiddler on the Roof should be the first show to open at Schoolhouse after some recent renovations, as the show tackles the big question of when should tradition should be upheld, and when should we welcome change? Schoolhouse Arts Center is a wonderful example of history meeting change. This is the theater's 26th year, during which time it has hosted classes for all ages in everything from puppet-making to Zumba, and has put on show after show filled with heart, and powered by community. And lucky for the theater, that community (as well as the grant-giving Naragansett Foundation) saw its value, and helped it to make some much wished-for changes to the building's facilities. 

After 12 weeks of construction, the old school house now has a new floor in the theater, 20 more seats (with room for more should the show sell-out), new curtains donated by Gorham schools, and has even been made handicap accessible with a ramp from the outside straight to the theater, paired with a door from the gathering room (where most patrons spend intermission) which opens to the same platform the ramp comes up to. Although the entire building has the charm and history that only a school built 100 years ago can, it's nice to have some options for those who wish to avoid the stairs, but still want to see one of the wonderful shows which Schoolhouse has become known for.

Show Dates:

July 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 at 7:30 p.m.

and July 6, 13, 20, 27 at 5:00 p.m.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for students and seniors.

Schoolhouse Arts Center is located at 16 Richville Road (Route 114) in Standish, just north of the intersection of Route 114 and Route 35.

Call 642-3743 for reservations or buy tickets on-line at www.schoolhousearts.org.

Officer Hudnor reports for duty at Windham PD - By Michelle Libby

Officer Justin Hudnor is getting used to life on the streets of Windham. After a year working as a corrections officer and 18 weeks at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, Hudnor is finally doing what he has wanted to do his whole life…be a police officer. 

Hudnor graduated from the academy on May 23^rd and is in the process of completing the 14-week field training component of his job, which means he is riding with other officers and trying out different shifts. 

Hudnor was born and raised in Brunswick and is a graduate of Thomas College. “I’d never been to Windham, only driven through,” he said. He had a friend who told him about the Windham Police Department. “He said it was like a big family. It sounded like something I want to be a part of,” he said.

“Eighteen weeks of fun,” is how Hudnor described the academy. The most challenging part was being away from his friends and family including his fiancée. “Not being able to eat when I want or 20-second showers, I like my showers,” he said. 

“It was a good time. I made good friends from all over the state. For me it is a huge accomplishment,” he added. 

As a corrections officer, he learned how to build a rapport with the inmates. He was able to find out what they had done and why they committed the crime. “It was a good experience,” he said. 

One of his first calls in Windham was an attempt to locate from New Gloucester. Hudnor went with Sergeant Bill Andrew to track a man who cut his mom’s boyfriend’s throat with a sword. “We ended up getting him. It was the most adrenaline rush so far,” he said. Hudnor is a self-professed adrenaline junkie. “I couldn’t imagine sitting at a desk all day,” he said. “Being outside, being a role model in the community and getting criminals off the streets,” is what he likes about being a police officer.

Hudnor noticed over the last few weeks that speed on Route 302 and distracted driving are the biggest issues facing Windham.

In the future, he would like to be a detective working on “big time cases.” For now, he’s enjoying the warm welcome he has received from town employees and the community. “Everybody’s happy to see us. Everyone waves. That’s a good thing,” he said.

Nutritious, fun lunches for children and teens - By Michelle Libby

A red cooler sitting next to a new picnic table holds the lunches for anyone who drops by the old REAL School on High Street in Windham from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. This past Monday, six kids dropped in for a free, nutritious lunch and conversation about the neighborhood. 

Liza Dalfonso and Stephanie Strout, both employees at Saint Joseph’s College, were the volunteers of the day, passing out milk, PB&J, yogurt and a banana. 

“It’s a fun, nutritious lunch, said Martin Jefferson, a seventh grader.

“It’s free,” said Jack DiBlasi, a sixth grader. The boys liked getting together for lunch and sharing their knowledge of the area. They arrived in groups of two.  

“It’s really close by,” said sixth grader Brandon Davis, who along with the other boys, walked to the site.

Saint Joseph’s College and Preble Street Maine Hunger Initiative are inviting children and teens to come for lunch all summer. Last year the program was in a different location and did not attract many people. This year as word gets around Windham and Gorham, they hope that the program will grow. 

 

“In the past three years we have served nearly 12,000 lunches, at nine lake region sites,” said Amy Russell, who coordinates the program.

The summer food program is for anyone one 18 and under. The only caveat is that the food must be eaten onsite.

“Our involvement with the program began four years ago. We joined efforts with The Maine Hunger Initiative to resolve childhood, summer hunger. This is our fourth summer, all of which I have worked on this,” said Russell of Saint Joseph’s College’s involvement.

“I saw it on the website at Saint Joe’s,” said Dalfonso. “I thought it was such a great idea. This makes me so happy. It’s such a great feeling,” she added. 

The lunches will continue until August 22. The meal menu changes each day, from chicken, lettuce and tomato wrap, ham and cheese wrap, chicken tenders with dip to a turkey and cheese sandwich, and includes healthy sides. In Windham, the location is the same, rain or shine. 

The volunteers on Monday brought sheets for picnics. A canopy and a picnic table are there as well.

“This program is 100 percent volunteer run. We rely on the locals to help distribute the meals, as well as entertain the kids. We work with the USM Cooperative Extension to provide nutrition education. We would be interested in anyone with talents or interests to share to come and share with the kids!” Russell said. 

The Preble Street Maine Hunger Initiative is a direct action and advocacy program created to meet immediate food needs, offset food supply shortages, and develop long-term solutions to hunger.

The Federal Summer Food Service Program (FSFP) is an equal opportunity provider. Meals will be provided to all children free of charge regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation or disability.

Other free lunch sites are Naples at the town beach or if raining at the Naples Town gym, Casco at the Community Center, 940 Meadow Road, and the Sebago Elementary School lawn, 283 Sebago Road in Sebago. Harrison’s site is at Crystal Lake Park, Norway Road, but is closed July 7 to the 11 for Old Homes Days. 

All sites will be closed on July 4.

For more information contact Catherine’s Cupboard Coordinator Amy Russell at 893-7790 or arussell@sjcme.edu.

Relay for Life participants party all night to fight cancer - By Michelle Libby

The Relay for Life of Sebago Lakes Region raised just over $50,000 during its annual fundraiser which ends with the relay itself where teams gather to walk around the Windham High School track all night because cancer never sleeps. 

There was a good turnout, according to sponsorship and publicity chair Emily Wainwright. “We had some new teams including the Windham Police Department and WHS French Honor Society that did amazing!”

Activities took place all night. The best parts were Zumba at 3 a.m. with Dinah Aldrich, the survivor lap and the luminary lighting, were lights are turned off and bags decorated in memory or in honor of someone were lit from within while names of survivors, fighters and those who lost their battle were read. 

Music was provided by Hicks Productions. New this year, the relay had a bounce house and a jail which brought in over $500 in donations and were a huge hit with both children and adults. Tabitha Leadbetter, an LMT certified in oncology massage from Graceful Awakening did chair massages for volunteers and team members, according to Wainwright.

 

“The weather was great, the generosity and love were flowing in record amounts and there is just something amazing about bringing a community together for such a worthy cause.  Mike Pelletier won the Nancy Tufts Spirit of Hope Award for his never ending energy and support of both the cause and his beautiful wife, and Becky Driscoll won the American Cancer Society’s Sandra C. Labaree Volunteer Values Award for starting up with Sebago Lake Region six years ago this month—both are the most kind-hearted, driven, caring and supportive people you will ever meet.  It was an honor to present them with these awards and there are no two people more deserving,” Wainwright said.

Fifth grader wins essay contest against 20,000 - By Michelle Libby

Nicole Levine, a fifth grader at Jordan-Small Middle School is the State of Maine winner in the InvestWrite Competition with McGraw Hill Financial for the spring essay contest elementary division. Levine and her teacher Jack Fitch were recognized at the school on June 16^th. 

Levine is among 20,000 students nationwide who wrote an essay for the competition. 

The competition is part of the Stock Market Game and is judged by teachers and industry professionals.

Levine wrote about Facebook as a Long-term Investment. “The most important reason for my decision to choose Facebook is that I wanted to select one of the very best and most innovative companies that will lead the future for communicating over the World Wide Web,” she wrote. 

"Teaching students at a very young age the basics of finance and the stock market is essential to their broad education and to being well-informed investors later in life,” said Douglas L. Peterson, President and Chief Executive Officer of McGraw Hill Financial.  “As financial markets become more complex and more global, investors of all ages can benefit from learning how to save, spend and earn money wisely—what we call ‘financial essentials.’ We are delighted to support the SIFMA Foundation and congratulate Nicole on this achievement.”

Levine enjoys playing the piano and recently started violin lessons. She has also participated in basketball and softball for many years and dances competitively in ballet.