Ann LePage visits local kids

Photo: Matt Hongoltz-Hetling

STORY TIME — Dozens of children listen as Ann LePage reads them a story about Baxter, the Jack Russell Terrier mix that lives in the Blaine House with the family.

OXFORD — About 70 area pre-schoolers and kindergartners came together for a visit with First Lady of the state of Maine Ann LePage, wife of Governor Paul LePage, at the Oxford School Age Child Care (SACC) on Tuesday.

A group of preschoolers first performed a series of Christmas-themed songs, after which LePage read the children a storybook about Baxter, the LePage family dog.

The book describes life in the governor's Blaine House from the dog's perspective, and contains much information about events that have had significance in Maine state history.

Baxter, the dog featured in the book, was also in attendance, and looked on as children listened to his story. He is a Jack Russell Terrier mix and was adopted from an abusive home in Florida in 2008.

LePage took children through the book page by page, occasionally stopping to ask them a question or to address individual children who joined her at her seat and pointed out things that they noticed in the book's illustrations.

After the reading, the children presented LePage with two Christmas-themed flowers, and LePage joined event organizers in handing out small presents for each child.

Tracey Cox, administrator for SACC, said that when the school was looking for a speaker to come participate in the school's Children for Champions program, SACC supporter Suzanne Grover stepped forward to coordinate the LePage visit.

"She was able to schedule it for us," said Cox.

Previous speakers in the program have included WGME's Greg Lagerquist, who spoke about his trip to Alaska; race car driver Travis Stearns, who brought his vehicle for the children to see; mime artist Karen Montanaro; and Crusher, the mascot for the Maine Red Claws basketball team.

Even when judged alongside those colorful characters, Cox said that LePage had done a good job of interacting with the children.

"I thought it went great," she said.