Attendees at the Boothbay Harbor Opera House Tim Sample Show got a good "Sample-ing" of Maine and local humor. According to Mr. Sample, it was the last performance in the town where he grew up. The Opera House was packed, and Tim did not disappoint. Old friends, family and a significant number of “people from away” put aside their cares in the world for an evening of joy-filled stories, observations and occasional music. I was somewhat saddened by the fact that there were no “skidders” parked in the woods adjacent to the Opera House. But that did not impact the clear picture Tim painted from early band performances up Kingfield way! 

Cathy Sherrill, dean of Opera House operations, gave Tim a most welcoming introduction at the show’s beginning. “It is my honor to welcome Tim back to the town that provided him ample material for what he turned into a career as Maine’s foremost touring storyteller! Over the past 20 years it has become a summer tradition to bring Tim to the Opera House stage, and it was great fun to celebrate his farewell tour with him. Going forward, summers won’t be quite the same without his annual 'Bert & I' updates, but he has entrusted his stories with us, and we know many by heart. The stories will live on.” 

At the beginning of the first set, Tim shared a bit about how Mainers speak, with a focus on the loss of the hard “R” often dropped at the end of words like here, which, in original Maine speak comes out “heeyuh.” Over becomes ovah. Mister, mistah. You get the picture. I wondered if the opposite is also true. Damariscotta is transformed into Damuscotter. Alva, perhaps Alver (not to be confused with the expensive baby eels). It was a fun phonics lesson which seems less heard these days as we become more homogenized.  

Tim’s stories of local legends like Eliot Winslow and Douglas Carter reminded us all of local characters and their whimsical way of encapsulating the most regular events, like old wooden lobster trap purchases and Route 27’s endless loops around Southport, going west to bet back East! I was reminded of two wonderful old friends, Ding Trask and his son Evered with his pup sidekick Blueberry. I wish I had had the sense to record our conversations. They were unique local gentlemen. 

Tim covered a lot of territory but mostly, I think, enjoyed sharing stories from his local past. The corner turning event for his standup, so it seems, was a chance meeting with Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary. Mr. Stookey suggested that Tim park his guitar at the curb and tell some stories. Bingo! A big step for sure, which turned out to be just right and a good fit for 50 some years. It was nice to have him share his gift with us. 

On a final note, I found it encouraging to hear Tim chat regarding his thoughts about kindness. And this is no joke. The refreshing message seemed so deeply sincere that it all but rivaled his last story about hauling up a large person with lobsters clinging to a long adrift body, which ultimately was a good catch considering the price of lobster. In the end, what matters a lot in life is not  the size of your catch, it's the bait you choose. And for you, Mr. Sample, the price per pound is always changing, but you still gotta fish. Thank you for being you.