Clinton kids hope to attend young authors’ camp

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With your help, 10 pupils from Clinton Elementary School will be able to attend the Maine Writing Project Summer 2001 Youth Authors’ Camp.

And who knows? From that group may come another famous Maine author!

The young authors’ camp is an initiative of the College of Education and Human Development of the University of Maine in Orono.

Clinton Elementary School Writers’ Camp Scholarship Committee members Jeanne Jones, Barbara Williams and Whendy Smith are asking the public to help with the cost of the day camp for their eager young authors, which is $100 per child.

The Clinton pupils will attend the program from 8:30 a.m. to noon Monday, July 16, through Friday, July 20, at a program site in Benton.

Working with experienced teachers who are fellows of the National Writing Project, the Clinton pupils will have the opportunity to “strengthen their writing,” and receive encouragement “to become young writers,” Jones said.

A typical day includes inspirational discussions about writing and a workshop where pupils can learn to write an autobiography or poetry, fiction or nonfiction.

The youngsters also have the opportunity to have their creativity explored, Jones added, “and they actually do write books, and learn about editing from the instructors.”

Jones, who is a kindergarten teacher, describes the program as “fantastic,” and said one of her pupils, who attended last year, “absolutely loved it, and is actually writing very well” as a first-grader.

Clinton, which is part of SAD 49 which includes Fairfield, Benton and Albion, has had writing as one of its major focus areas for four years, Jones said.

“Teachers in our district are trained to work on writing skills,” which is why the committee members hope individuals, organizations or businesses will offer to fully or partially sponsor the Clinton youngsters who otherwise might not be able to attend this special summer camp.

Recognizing that it is “inspirational that these children want to devote some of their summer vacation to learning more about writing,” the committee members hope you will help them do so.

If you can help, you are asked to mail a check to Clinton Elementary School, in care of Jeanne Jones, P.O. Box 189, Morrison Ave., Clinton 04927.

Your check will be forwarded to the University of Maine in Orono to cover the cost of tuition.

Scholarship benefactors will be notified in June of the name of the child your donation sponsored.

If you have any questions about this program for Clinton Elementary School pupils, call any of the committee members, at the school, 426-2181.

Always a deliciously popular event, the sixth annual Orono Tasting Bee is 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, at the Asa Adams Elementary School gymnasium.

Sponsored by the Orono Historical Society, this year’s fund-raiser will help with the restoration of the Orono Fire Department’s 1934 “Maxim” pumper truck.

Admission for the Tasting Bee is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12 and free for children under age 6.

Once again, Marlene Doucette is serving as chairwoman of the event, which promises outstanding tasting treats from several local eating establishments and food providers, as well as the opportunity to win door prizes.

For her mother’s 97th birthday, which is Thursday, May 24, Donna Herbeg of Brewer said cards would be most welcome, adding to the celebration of this very special day.

Those who want to send happy birthday greetings to Harriet Hall Booker, now a resident of Belgrade, can do so by mailing them to her at RR 2, Box 4855, Belgrade 04917.

Golfers who like helping others and who want to ensure that they have a tee time this Memorial Day weekend, should consider playing in one, two or both tournaments at local courses, which will benefit two Corinth-area youngsters.

Lucille Koncinsky of Kenduskeag Valley Golf Course invites members of the public to participate in a tournament beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 26, at White Tail Golf Course in Charleston, or a tournament beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 27, at KVGC.

Proceeds from both tournaments will benefit two young cancer victims, 11-year-old Jackie Blanchard and 2-year-old Andy Speed.

The entry fee is just $12 per person, playing on a team of four.

Your team can be composed of any four golfers: women, men, seniors and juniors, and no handicaps are necessary.

Winners will be awarded small prizes as will those who have the longest drives and get nearest the pin on the par-3 holes.

The prizes will be small, Koncinsky wrote, “because we want the real winners to be the two children and their families.”

Reservations for a foursome can be made by calling WTGC at 285-7730 or KVGC at 884-7330.

And, Koncinsky reminds you, teams may play either or both days.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.