August Historical Society Newsletter

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The CIHS 150th Anniversary Celebration of District 9 Schoolhouse is on  Sunday, August 13th under the tent at the CIHS Museum. The tickets are going fast for this exciting event—but there is still time to get yours and join us!  The afternoon festivities (1PM to 3PM) are free and will include a rededication of the building, entertainment, remembrances, activities for kids, book signings, music, refreshments and more. Evening activities (5PM to 9:30PM) cost $85 per ticket and will include an old-fashioned lobster bake with entertainment provided by a jazz band with a nationally known vocalist. BYOB. More information is available on Facebook and our website. Tickets may be purchased at the Museum Shop in person or by calling  207-846-5237 during regular museum hours.   Please see our August Newsletter below

In case you want to refer to prior newsletters, here is the link to the Historical Society archive of newsletters. https://www.chebeaguehistory.com/monthly-newsletter-archive

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Tony Bennett - one of the greats

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He was 96 and sang all the way through.

From our own Barry Fitzsimmons who spent years as a professional photographer

 In 1984,  George Varga a writer for the San Diego Union and I went to San Francisco to do a story on Tony Bennett. He had a show coming to San Diego, which included some of his paintings.  We were to meet him in his hotel in the late afternoon.  We arrived early that morning and went to the hotel to search for spots to photograph him.  We contacted the manager and asked if we could go up on the roof, using the San Francisco skyline as a backdrop.  The manager  agreed to take us up, and the view was fantastic.  

Arriving that afternoon at the hotel we found it fogged in at the street level.  We met Tony in his hotel suite.  After looking at his paintings, which were spread out around the room, I took some photos of him with the paintings. I asked if he might go up to the roof. I was dreaming that the fog was down low and tthat the highrise hotel might give us a view above it.  He very generously agreed and we went to the roof only to find you couldn't see your hand in front of your face because the fog was so thick.

Our time with him was pretty much over. As we got ready to leave, he said he was going to go to a little restaurant his friend owned and asked if we wanted to join him. Well,  yes of course.  We shared a cab to the restaurant and as we got out with him at Gino's little restaurant, I photographed him crossing the street.  Several people in cars driving by recognized him yelling out "Tony, we love you.  I left my heart"!

Tony Bennett was by far the most gracious celebrity I have ever photographed.  

Photo by barry fitzsimmons

Don’t miss 40 seconds into his duet with Gaga.

Sometimes, you just have to listen to the original - sixty years ago

iPhone - My battery doesn't last (especially on an island)

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Even when you aren’t using it, your iPhone is busy with background tasks. Uploading pictures, fetching mail and, especially when you’re moving about, searching for wifi.

And when you’re on an island, it has to work harder to connect to the cell towers on the mainland.

If you have a long day ahead, you can put it in Low Power Mode. Even for an hour will help. Stuff still works, you just have to wait for it to update, when you open the app. Toggle back and forth.

(If you’re really in desperation - go into airplane mode. but realizes NOTHING comes in or goes out)

Here’s how to use Low Power Mode

For quick Access, open Control Center by swiping down from the top right of the screen

How to use an ICS button to add an event to your calendar

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On the Events Calendar, there is a simple way to add the event to your personal calendar. (warning - as Bev reminded today - events are subject to change and you should always confirm with the host.)

  1. If you have an iPhone - click ICS.

  2. If Android - click Google Calendar

  3. Your device will ask you where to add this event. it may take some experimenting as devices are different. If you’re on a computer, it may save it to your desktop and you have to click it. It will ask you which calendar to save it to.

Please remember that, once you’ve imported the event - it does not automatically update and you should always confirm with the event host.

This is second image

Wagoneers -History and Crazy

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In 2002, at the dawn of digital music recording, the Wagoneers and I recorded a bunch of songs. We are finding some new ones and having others remastered for a new tribute album. The version of Crazy (below) has just been updated and you can hear the sparkle.

If you’re not familiar with them, for over half a century - The Wagoneers made people dance. Brother Ross, Gary Ross, Med and Marlene Bowen.

HISTORY- listen to them talk about their early days

CRAZY - my understanding is this was recorded by Malcom Rice in 1970. Technology was a little wobbly back then but you can hear the nuances in Marlene’s wonderful delivery. She told me she that when she met Willie Nelson (who wrote it) she told him “I sing it better than you do” - she was right !

July- Historical Society Newsletter

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Chebeague Island Historical Society has some special events planned for this summer! On July 24th we will be visited by Dwayne Tomah – the youngest fluent speaker of the Passamaquoddy Tribe’s language. Dwayne will share Passamaquoddy songs and dance – and be performing!  On August 13th we will host a 150thanniversary celebration of the District 9 Schoolhouse – our home.  Lots of activities are planned – including a band and lobster bake.  See our July newsletter for more information here.

In case you want to refer to prior newsletters, here is the link to the Historical Society archive of newsletters. https://www.chebeaguehistory.com/monthly-newsletter-archive

Email CIHS