You just never know what’s going to be said – or sung – in the House.

On Wednesday the House was paying tribute to Lewiston born-and-raised Gemma Granger, now of Sabattus. Granger is an energetic, bubbly, hard-not-to-like legislative staffer who turns 62 in May.

After 22 years of working for the state, she’s retiring. Along with being receptionist for Gov. Joe Brennan, she spent years doing constituent service and otherwise helping legislators in the House Majority Office.

Freshman Rep. William Walcott, D-Lewiston, was among those who Granger helped. On the House floor, Walcott praised Granger’s work and said the State House won’t be the same without her. A nice tribute.

But Rep. Leila Percy, D-Phippsburg, outdid Walcott. Percy stood up to speak, but instead she sang.

Percy belting out a rendition of “You Made Me (Us) Love You” to Granger. Percy sang the whole song, pausing at the right moments and carrying a flair you’d hear in a classy nightclub. No shrinking violet. Meanwhile, Granger stood and cried.

Later, Granger said she’s looking forward to time off, will attend to her health, and will stay involved in politics. Most likely she’ll become a campaign volunteer for worthy Democratic candidates. She’s been bitten by the political bug “and I care,” she said.

More singing

Later that morning members recognized the 24th birthday of Rep. Jeremy Fischer, D-Presque Isle. Someone asked Speaker Pat Colwell to give permission for Percy to lead the chamber in singing happy birthday.

“Don’t encourage her,” Colwell mused.

Percy led the group in the bipartisan sing-along.

Hot 49

On Friday, the musical theme continued, on a gubernatorial note. Percy and Rep. Sonya Sampson, D-Auburn, sang happy birthday to Gov. John Baldacci, who turned 49 that day. Around for birthday cake and the singing were first lady Karen Baldacci, first and second dogs Murphy and Sam, cabinet members and staff.

Top judge praises L-A youth court

During the annual “State of the Judiciary” address on Tuesday, Chief Justice Leigh Saufley called attention to the Lewiston-Auburn Youth Court. It’s a program in Edward Little and Lewiston high schools that has teens acting as judges, prosecutors and defenders. The “court” of peers establishes sentences for youths who committed misdemeanor crimes in an effort to stem more serious criminal activity.

With guidance from adult volunteers, including Judge Paul Cote and the Auburn Police Department, the youth court has been surprisingly effective, Saufley said. Of the 33 cases that have been “tried,” the recidivism rate stands at 10 percent, compared to an expected 30 to 40 percent rate.

The youth court is effective in preventing new criminal behavior “without the need for jail or institutional services,” Saufley told lawmakers.

Quote of the week:

“What kind of message do we send to our kids when we demonstrate by example that we can’t wait to get back to the bar to have a drink: We have to have it on the golf course?” – Rep. Marilyn Canavan, D-Waterville, speaking on legislation that would allow mobile bars on Maine golf courses.

Correction: Adjournment date

Last week in this column, we wrote that the adjournment date was March 21. That is incorrect. The legal adjournment date is April 21. Apologies to anyone whose hopes may have been raised for such an early adjournment.

Bonnie Washuk is the Sun Journal State House reporter.