Claude Bonang Receives Special Legislative Sentiment
93 year old Claude Bonang, a long time Brunswick resident, was warmly welcomed to the Maine State Senate Chamber Tuesday morning, 16 January, and presented with a special legislative sentiment by Assistant Senate Majority Leader, Matthea ‘Mattie’ Doughtry, Senate District 24. Mattie represents Brunswick, Freeport, North Yarmouth, Harpswell, and Pownal. A legislative sentiment acknowledges and recognizes academic, athletic, civic, professional or service-related accomplishment. In prepared remarks, Mattie noted, “I am delighted to present Claude with a legislative sentiment that celebrates and recognizes his contributions. He shows no signs of slowing down, and we all are lucky that he can continue to put on a good show with the rhythm bones.”
Claude was accompanied on Tuesday by several members of Brunswick Rotary including past, current and future club presidents. The special sentiment follows Claude’s recent receipt of the distinguished Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow award which was presented to Claude by the President of Brunswick Rotary. In this award, Claude was recognized for his life of outstanding and sustained community service. In receiving the Paul Harris Fellow Award, Claude joins many notable figures, including former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, U.S. astronaut James Lovell, and polio vaccine developer Jonas Salk, who also received the Award in their time.
Claude is an author, musician, and retired teacher who taught biology at Brunswick High School for 32 years. At 93 years old, Claude is a local legend known for his ability to play saws, spoons and rhythm bones. Rhythm bones are one of the oldest man-made instruments, likely going back to prehistoric times. From 2014 to 2019, Claude competed in the Brunswick Rotary Midcoast Maine’s Got Talent Show, winning the 2014 competition for his performance of “Sweet Georgia Brown” on rhythm bones. In 2015, he won the Judge’s Award for his performance of “Darktown Strutters Ball” and “Bill Bailey.” He has also performed for People Plus for years. He is a YouTube sensation with a video that has has over 12,850 views. Want to check it out? Just type “Claude Bonang plays the spoons” into the search bar.
As Claude exited the Senate gallery Tuesday morning, he caught the attention of staff and legislators as he regaled all with a short impromptu performance of his rhythm bones. Smiles were seen throughout.
Pictured: Matthea ‘Mattie’ Doughtry, Maine State Senator Senate District 24 and Claude Bonang, special legislative sentiment recipient.