BETHEL – The West Parish Congregational Church will host a public supper and program on the skiing history of Maine at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23.
According to Jane Chandler, a member of the West Parish Congregational Church and responsible for organizing the event, the talk will be given by Scott Andrews, the research director of the Ski Museum of Maine in Kingfield. It will begin at about 6:45 p.m.
“I know that he’s done speeches for other people, and I’ve heard he’s great,” Chandler said. “Every time I put a flier for it, someone comes up to me and says, ‘I’ve seen him, and his presentations are very good.’”
There will be an $8 entrance fee, which will cover the supper and the presentation. Chandler said proceeds will go toward helping the church.
Andrews’ speech is titled, “Schuss-Boom and Schuss-Bust: Fast-Paced Growth and Face-Plants in Maine Skiing.” There will be a slide show and discussion on the growth of skiing in Maine following World War II and the setbacks that Maine skiing suffered in the 1970s and 1980s.
Andrews said his presentation will be one of seven historical talks he is giving around the state.
“I call them ‘fireside chats,’” Andrews said. “I’m doing one on the 16th about Maine Nordic skiing heritage, and the talk I’m doing in Bethel on the 23rd will focus on the boom and bust periods of skiing in Maine. I’ve given these speeches before, so they’re well-established by now.”
Andrews added that the word “schuss” is a German word that specifically means “a ski straight down hill without making turns.”
“That’s the long way of translating it,” Andrews said. “A looser translation of the word would just be “skiing.”
Chandler said volunteers from the church will cook for the supper, which will include homemade rolls and pies. It will be served starting at 6 p.m.
“I know some women from the church are making casseroles, and I have a man who makes great baked beans,” Chandler said. “I’m planning on having enough food available for 50 people. If we get more than that, we’ll just spread the food out a little more.”
For more information, contact Chandler at 207-357-3524 or Michele Perejda at 207-400-6227.
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