Art serves as backdrop for one family’s memories
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — When your dad’s a performer at heart, life can be pretty interesting, full of music, laughter and love. Such has been the case for Dan Ladner’s family.
“I think my most favorite memory of my Dad is when he was in the Lions Club production of ‘Man of La Mancha’ as Don Quixote and he asked me to help him learn his lines. We spent every evening together in the family room downstairs going over and over his lines until he was word perfect. We even practiced them in the back seat of my grandparents’ car going to tournament that year,” said his eldest daughter, Tammy Ladner-Scott.
Photo courtesy Tammy Ladner-Scott
THREE GENERATIONS are pictured at the PIHS graduation of Germaine Scott. Pictured from left are: Adam Scott, brother; Tammy Ladner-Scott, mother; Rachel Scott (at front), sister; Germaine Scott; and Dan Ladner, grandfather. The family learned their hearty smiles from Dan, who’s known for his trademark grin and jovial disposition.
The practice paid off with a wonderful opening night for the performance here in Presque Isle.
“I was so proud of him opening night. He remembered every line — and so did everybody else — by then I had the entire play memorized myself,” she said, noting the experience instilled a lasting love for the art form.
“This was the time that my love of theater was given to me by my Dad. I am so glad to have had countless opportunities to share this love with him over the many years since,” said Ladner-Scott.
That love of art has extended to the next generation, with Ladner’s grandchildren sharing some of their favorite experiences.
“One of my happiest moments with my Grampy was when he played the piano for me the year that I won Miss Presque Isle. I felt so confident knowing that he was right there beside me the whole time. I also love being in Community Players productions with him. He is fun, dynamic and makes things very exciting,” said granddaughter, Germaine Scott. “I am so happy to have him in my life!”
Photo courtesy Tammy Ladner-Scott
DAN LADNER has been entertaining audiences for decades, including one of his earliest performances of the Lions Club production of “Man of La Mancha,” in which Ladner portrayed Don Quixote.
Music has been a focal point for the family, with many fond memories created that will last a lifetime.
“Some of my best memories about Grampy revolve around music. I enjoy playing with him for the Caribou Choral Society and with him at church. I like sharing my love of music with his love of music — we know many conductors and enjoy talking about music together,” said Adam Scott, grandson. “He is a fantastic supporter of me and my music. I’m grateful to have shared that part of my life with him.”
For the youngest member of the Scott family, every moment with her grandfather is special.
“I love every thought I have about Grampy. I love going to church with him, walking the dog with and for him, being at his house with him, going to his writing group with him, going to choir practices with him and being in plays with him,” said his granddaughter Rachel Scott. “He is a special Grampy and everything I do with him makes a special memory for me.”
