On Golden Pond: The Playwright Plays the Lead

by Esther J. Perne

Ernest Thompson with Lisa Bostnar, who will play Ethel, Norman's wife of 45 years.

The loons, the lake, fishing and family: the remarkable saga continues.

On Golden Pond, beloved play, book, movie that was lived and written by Ernest Thompson on Great Pond in Belgrade celebrates its 41^st anniversary this month with a totally unique salute.

Thompson, who has a degree in theater arts from American University in Washington, D.C. and earned extensive acting credits prior to writing On Golden Pond, will be playing the role of Norman Thayer, the character that has been so endearingly portrayed on six continents, in 30 languages, on thousands of stages — even in places where there are no loons, no screen doors, no baseball.

In the live televised musical, Norman was presented by Christopher Plummer and on the big screen legendary Henry Fonda performed the lead in the second-highest grossing movie of 1982. Both Fonda and Thompson won Academy Awards for the movie.

"I'm following in the footsteps of some pretty top-level actors," Thompson says. "The role is really fascinating and I've had 41 years to think about it. I'm attempting to go deeper into his character."

It's still going to be the same play, the same comedy, Thompson states, "but there are layers under the layers."

"When On Golden Pond was written, Alzheimer's was not in our vocabulary. But the guy (Norman) is drifting away; he's losing his grip. I'm inviting the audience to come into his mind."

Audiences have always been partisan to Norman's forgetfulness, but in the June production directed by and starring Thompson, there will be a projection device that shows the audience what Norman is experiencing in scenes when he is forgetful, going into the woods and getting lost, seeing things that aren't there, being confused over things that are there. The screen will reset when Norman's mind resets.

"I'm at the precipice of creating a whole new interpretation," Thompson states. "I've always been fascinated by mental instability." Although the other characters will be played with deeper relational interpretations (Why has Chelsea stayed away for eight years? What is the mailman's underlying interaction with Norman — the father of his once upon a time crush, Chelsea?) the production will still be very, very funny, Thompson points out.

Unsure of how many other playwrights have starred in their own plays, Thompson says that for him and On Golden Pond, he hopes this production will just be the beginning and that the play will continue to be produced for decades to come.

Thompson does admit that he has an advantage with On Golden Pond. He owns it and although no one else can do anything with "On Golden Pond" without his permission, he can.

"It's a wonderful thing to own something," he says. "Not a day goes by but that we don't get a request (to produce it). There are literally hundreds of productions of On Golden Pond every year.

And now, there is one. On Golden Pond starring Ernest Thompson will be presented June 12 — 22 at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse in Meredith, New Hampshire. For tickets call 603 279-0333. Getting there from here is a beautiful drive.

Welcome Letter

Dear Readers,

Thanks to you, we are back. We love how you are always chasing us down — looking for the latest issue of Summertime in the Belgrades, telling us how much you appreciate our coverage, using our suggestions, news and information to have a great, fun, wholesome and happy summer lifestyle.

Thanks to our advertisers, too — to a support network of businesses and services that provide a positive experience for the many visitors, vacationers and residents that enjoy life among central Maine's lakes and towns and activities.

In an ever-changing world, Summertime in the Belgrades is and will remain a unique constant. It is the source for a seasonal sampling of where to go and what to do, a guide to a wealth of outings and activities, quieter times and endearing traditions. And it is a reminder that a simpler, saner side of life is possible and it's right here — all around us and in the pages of each issue.

Summertime in the Belgrades 2019 promises a rewarding range of editorial coverage: some history, some current events, some conservation, a lot of outdoor-oriented information and a lot of news you can use.

So, what are we waiting for? Summer is the best excuse to travel through our beautiful lake-dotted scenery, drive into a historic village or town, stop at a friendly, local shop or store and pick up a current copy of Summertime before heading to the nearest waterside picnic table, ice cream stand or back to the deck or dock.

Here's to good reading and a great summer.

Esther, Michael, Gregor
Corey and Ethan

Welcome Back

by Rod Johnson

Well, I guess it's time to open r State of Maine back up. Gutta go down thayah to Kittrey and move them barricades away from the rest of the gates on the Maine Pike entrance. Supposidly, one lane's good 'nuff from Novembah thru April. That's gets the skiahs up heah and back — and what few snowbirds didn't leave in time or came back early. It's been kinda nice to have it pretty much quiet up heah, but the problem is this: the money's run out. Yep, no matter how hard you work in the summah, no matter how much you stuff away in various accounts (like beeah, sled gas, Grill food), you just can't make it for moren 6 months before the bank calls and says your truk payment is 2 weeks late.

Now, just to fess up, I was writing downeast Mainer lingo above just to give all you "from-away folks" a reminder that things are different up here. So welcome back, but don't try talking up here like you just came out of New York City or South Mississippi. We know you won't sound like a real Mainer, but please do your best to give it a try, we'd sure appreciate it. It also gives the Maine folk something to make fun of from time to time.

Now that you've had a lingo refresher, let's talk about some of the Mainer habits that you should try and copy while you are here, whether it's one week or the entire season. Following is a list of dos and don'ts that you might as well get started on right from the get-go.

On your way into camp on Memorial weekend, don't bother to try and pick around the potholes on the camp road, just pound through 'em — your SUV can take it, and if it can't it ain't worth keepin. A little mud is not going to hurt your baby. Just remember, your road dues help put that dirt back in the holes, so use common sense.

When you go shopping tomorrow to fill the larder (fridge), don't buy fake butter. Get the logs of normal real butter. You're going to need it to roll corn in, and you can melt it down to dip lobsta parts in. Real good on toast too!

When you are going in and out of the camp road, or even West Road or Route 27, don't wonder why some guy gave you a short fingered wave without letting go of the Jeep steering wheel. He was just saying howdy and won't bite. He probably recognized your buggy from last year, or his brother in law is your camp caretaker. Go ahead and practice it, it's just a minor effortless finger lift. After 2 or 3 trys you'll have it down pat. Don't just stare ahead making it real clear that you aren't about to make eye contact while taking your half out of the middle. Look 'um right in the eye as you brush past and do be careful not to knock off your side mirror by hitting a hemlock tree.

When you hear someone say they are going shopping tomorrow, it doesn't necessarily mean they are headed to Portland or Freeport. It may well mean they are heading to Reny's in Farmington or Damriscotta, maybe just out to Waterville or Lewiston to see what Mardens has today. Remember, "You Should Have Bought It, When You Saw It, At Marden's." Nice little jingle.

Dress: When you are riding around with your arm out the window on the local roads (it's o.k.) with your brand new red and black plaid shirt on, rub it in dirt and run over it with your truck before putting it on. Anew red and plaid flannel shirt just doesn't get it — somehow make it appear half or two-thirds worn out.

Last but not least, don't ever say "Lobster," say "Lobsta."

Enjoy your time here, thanks for coming. We hope you are or will become an annual visitor, and that you progress this summer and learn a lot of new words.

Yours truly,
The Luckiest Boy

Water Over the Dams

by Dick Greenan

Welcome back to another Summertime in the Belgrades and the Dams Keeper Report. As of this writing, we are starting the summer off with the Village spillway dam 2.64″ above full pond. Gate 1 is open just 10″ or so to have some flow. That's right, above, i.e. the water going over the spillway is 2.64″ deep. Long Pond is 3.12″ also above full pond with both gates now completely shut down. Salmon is right at full pond. Our ponds are supposed to be at full pond to begin the summer, but with another beautiful but dry summer in the forecast, your Dams Committee has elected once again to start our summer with an extra 3″ to spare. At this level, it will not have an adverse effect on our feathered friends nor should it float anyone's dock!

All of the ponds in Maine, with the exception of our neighbors on Messalonskee Lake, suffered again last year from the lack of precipitation. But Messalonskee was actually in great shape as it basked in the leakage from Long Pond's Wings Mill Dam keeping it full all summer. Well, that will not be the case this summer as we have temporarily remediated 95% of the leakage in this one hundred-year-old dam with reinforced poly, 500 stone filled sandbags and 45 sheets of 5/8″ tongue-in-groove DryGuard sheathing.

This coming fall, we will begin a two-year final fix of the Wings Mill Dam whilst keeping what water we can in all of the ponds. Enjoy your summer! It's supposed to be beautiful.

Welcome home!

A Hiker's Guide and 50 Places to Visit in Maine

by Martha F. Barkley

I have followed for years The Bangor Daily News reporter Aislinn Sarnacki, especially her write-up several summers ago about the Wells Trail named to honor Rachel Carson. We found the short hike along the coast and enjoyed the marsh views and birding, one of Rachel's hobbies. The writer took her little toddler niece on this short hike, so all ages would enjoy that path. Wheelchair accessible, too.

Family Friendly Hikes in Maine contains a variety of choices collected over several years for hiker and non-hiker alike, places near Belgrade and places afar. She often has her dog or sometimes her husband, along with other family members, accompany her as she takes lovely color photos. Maps clearly show what your adventure will be like.

50 Things to Do in Maine Before You Die by Nancy Griffin will interest anyone, even the not so curious. The 50 chapter titles pretty much tell all, but chapter 13 caught my eye, "Learn About the Good Life." There it was, photos of Forest Farm in Harborside, Maine, developed by the famed Helen and Scott Nearing. I first learned about their "back to the earth movement" at a Belgrade book discussion one summer. (Wish I were here all winter for the monthly book groups.)

Now it is a living museum for visitors and overnight guests who understand what their maintenance tasks will be. Kind of like youth hostels in Europe.

The "Hop on a Bike" chapter interested me because our son is a cyclist and runs a Menlo Park, CA business. Acadia crushed rock carriage roads are recommended, but Baxter State Park sounds more appealing for mountain bikers. Many crowd cycle events occur around the state to raise funds and are safer on busy roads. Cyclists are protected in larger groups with escort. Tasting bitter Moxie, freshly picked warm blueberries and Aroostook potatoes, in Humpty Dumpty potato chips made in Portland, are three chapters.

Visiting the Shaker Museum in Sabbathday Day Lake is a must visit for me each summer. I worship with Brother Arnold and Sister June, the last living Shakers, at Shaker Meeting on Sunday at 10 a.m. All are welcome. Guests may even visit after worship and enjoy coffee and donuts downstairs in the kitchen/dining building. My friend in Rome, Maine, encouraged me to go out to the Shaker barn and see the sheep. They were huge.

Usually around 30 friends of the Shakers are there at Sunday meeting in the summer when I attend. A cappella singing with them is wonderful: "'Tis a gift to be simple, 'Tis a gift to be free…" Clapping and motions occasionally for certain hymns. Shaking and dancing stopped years ago because too many tourists were peering through the windows during worship. Shakers and guests are welcome to stand and speak between each hymn.

Loons and whoopie pies are common knowledge in our Belgrade area. So are the yummy bean hole suppers and their warm tender taste offered everywhere at fire halls.

Find some new Maine adventures in Stand in the Clouds, the Penobscot Narrows Observatory, and other chapters. Always something new to explore or taste around the corner in Maine. You CAN get there from here! The Maine grand canyon and desert…I highly recommend the desert just off the green trees growing lushly along lovely Interstate 295. Yes, it is 40 acres of sand dunes. You gotta' see it to believe it.

From whitewater rafting on the rivers to viewing whales from an ocean schooner, all here in Maine.

Go to find puffins on the coast, watch ice harvesting inland or view the Milky Way at 3 a.m.

Both books are available at our favorite Belgrade Public Library. Go visit and I bet you will check out more than just two favorite finds. Brian, Jerod and director Janet Patterson helped me find these two fun books full of local adventures.

Taking the Nature Test

They are simple pleasures, but they can enhance your summer, add a meaningful touch to your day or make your vacation special. How many of these lakeside experiences with nature will you enjoy this summer? Save this quiz and fill in the boxes.

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