MEXICO — An American alligator, a blind opossum and a great horned owl livened up the after-school program at Meroby Elementary School last week.

Keith Crowley, an assistant director of the Traveling Natural History Program for the Chewonki Foundation of Wiscasset, spoke about predators and their importance.

“A predator is an animal that eats other animals. They are needed to balance the eco-system,” he told youngsters.

Without coyotes, wolves and other animals that are sometimes thought of as “bad,” the populations of their prey, such as deer and rodents, would either starve or overrun their habitats, he said.

More than 60 children and parents attended the presentation, which also marked the annual Lights On Afterschool program celebrated this month around the country.

While Meroby parents and children were listening to Crowley, another Chewonki representative was talking about insects at Rumford Elementary School.

Angela Harvey, site coordinator for the Meroby after-school program, said children in each of the after-school programs have a chance throughout the school year, and during a portion of the summer vacation, to go on trips, attend enrichment and academic programs, participate in the Bryant Pond 4-H learning center, and just have fun.

After Crowley’s presentation, children and parents enjoyed a spaghetti supper.

Last year, 360 students took part in the RSU 10 Western Foothills Kids Association Afterschool Program. Last summer, 167 did; this year, 389 in K-5 have.

Funding comes from a 21st Century Learning Center Grant from the U.S. Department of Education and from small fees sometimes charged for participation. If a child’s family cannot afford the fee, financial assistance is available.

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