Annie isn’t Annie:

Annie is the 3-year-old gray tiger cat that was owned by Karen McNutt of Standish and disappeared from her home and was missing for one year and five months. She was finally trapped and returned, and although tired and hungry she did not appear to be in bad shape from her ordeal. She was taken to the vets and checked and they were happy to report that she was fine.

In recent weeks, Annie has not been feeling well and was returned to the vets. The vet determined that they would do some X-rays to see if they could find a reason for her symptoms and then just clean her out if she needs it as she did appear to be bloated. Karen left the cat and later in the day received a call to pick her up. Karen is a responsible pet owner and had Annie neutered, so she was pretty surprised when the vet told her that Annie was pregnant.

It seems that Annie isn’t Annie afer all.

They look the same, and even act the same, but Karen’s cat was neutered and this one is due to have her kittens momentarily. Annie is now the $400 cat who is soon to give birth to four or five kittens as determined by the X-rays. No one seems to know what really happened to Annie, but this Annie will likely be around for a while in her newly adopted home, because she knows a good thing when she finds it.

Happy 60th Anniversary:

Eugene and Betty Ann Irish will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on May 30 with four of their five children and several other relatives at Sedgley Place in Greene, Maine.

Eugene and Betty Ann were both born and spent all of their lives in Standish. Eugene recently celebrated his 80th birthday. Their children are very proud of their parents, according to daughter Judy. She said that they are the nicest people you could ever meet.

Betty Ann worked at the town hall in Standish for a number of years, and they are very connected to the town. They cook and prepare food for people who are in need of help and support; they take friends to doctor’s appointments, and buy small gifts and birthday treats for neighborhood children.

Recently, Eugene went over to Bridgton to cut limbs and debris that were left by the recent storm. His friends no longer live in their home, but he wanted to assure that the mess was cleaned up for them. They have five children: David from Cape Cod, Jean Irish (Fuller) and Sandra Thurston from Standish, Judy Rancourt from Fairfield, and Daniel from Phoenix, as well as two grandchildren, Karen and Michael Irish, and a step-grandchild, Chris Rancourt.

If you see these folks out during the next couple of weeks, be sure to send a greeting of congratulations to these two fine people who worked hard and stayed together for these 60 years.

SAD 6 Applies for Literacy Grant:

SAD 6 applied for a Literacy Grant through the Barbara Bush Foundation in April. This grant is a collaborative venture between The Barbara Bush Foundation and the Maine Department of Education. The goal will be to have parents read with their children and encourage them to become more interested in the benefits that reading can bring to families.

Last year, SAD 6 recieved $5,000 in seed money from the Foundation. This grant application would be for $25,000 and would help to implement the literacy program in local schools for one year. A second year grant can be applied for, but then the schools will have to incorporate the program into their ongoing budget.

Kathy Walz, adult education director, is interested in implementing the Read to Succeed Program in the SAD 6 reading program and would offer a number of services to participants who have children up to 8 years of age. The Read to Succeed Program would give priority to children who have difficulty reading, but would serve families with children who are pre-school age as well. They will work with children in their homes and will be available in the schools and at the local library. The library staff will try to target children who would need help in reading.

The district-wide program will also help parents who want to get their GED, high school diploma, or prepare for college. Parents have a great impact on their children’s habits and they would like to help parents to make reading a priority in their homes. They want to make learning fun and provide activities around friendship, parenting tips, reading skills, adult education, crafts and spending special time with their children through field trips, visist guest speakers, and obtain expert advice that will help them to advance their reading skills.

This grant application will be decided on by the end of May or early June, and implementation will be as early as July 1. For more information, contact Cathy Walz at 929-9185 or by e-mail at cwalz@sad6.k12.me.us.

College Transitions:

For recent high school graduates, the transition from high school to college can be challenging. For adults who have been out of school for five, 10 or more years, the transition back to school can seem impossible. Many adult learners need to improve their math or writing skills before they can attend college classes for credit. Adult Education at Bonny Eagle recognizes that the adult learners have unique concerns when it comes to attending college. For that reason, it started the new College Transitions Program.

It is designed for adults who are interested in attending a college, community college, or vocational program. In addition to improving computer, math and writing skills, the program will help learners navigate through the admissions process, enroll in a program that is right for them, and take the intimidation out of going on to college.

According to data from the 2003 Census, someone with an associate’s degree makes an average of $8,000 more a year than someone with only a high school dimploma. A bachelor’s degree will increase that figure to $23,000 a year. That adds up to more than a million dollars in the course of a lifetime.

If you or someone you know is interested in going on to college but don’t know where to start contact Bonny Eagle Adult Education at 929-9185. They can help people in all stages of college readiness and they want to help you.

American Legion Standish Memorial Post 128:

The first pot luck supper for the American Legion Post 128 will be held on May 24 at 6 p.m. at the Kiwanis Meeting House. The legion is urging all veterans to come to this supper to meet other vets in your community and to be in on the ground floor of organizing this worthwhile organization.

Bicycle Safety Program:

The bicycle safety program will be held this Saturday, May 19 at Bonny Eagle High School. Be sure to take your children to the Kiwanis-sponsored event. There will be eight bicycles given away. There will be T-shirts and helmets to be purchased for $5. Children can have their bicyles checked for safety and ride the bike course. Call Ken Brooks for additional information at 642-2756.

Kiwanis Club:

Kiwanis Club will also sponsor the antique hydroplane races on May 19 and 20 on Watchic Lake at Kiwanis Beach. There will be an outdoor barbecue, weather permitting. Otherwise it will be held inside. The boat show will go on rain or shine.