The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has deemed Statoil North America legally, technically and financially qualified to undertake a pilot wind farm project about 12 miles off the Maine coast. The next step in the federal offshore leasing process is to determine whether there are other wind energy developers interested in the proposed Gulf of Maine lease site. 

Last October, Statoil submitted a request for a commercial wind lease for its Hywind Maine pilot wind park, which would consist of four 3-mega watt turbines placed at water depths greater than 100 meters in a 22-square-mile lease area.

In a conference call on May 23, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management told state and federal wind farm task force members that it will soon determine if there is any competitive interest for the proposed lease and seek public comment on Statoil's proposal, its potential environmental consequences and impacts on other uses in the proposed lease area.

If the Bureau determines there is no competitive interest in the site, the leasing process will then focus on Statoil's specific construction and operation plans, which will be analyzed for consistency with the National Environmental Policy Act and other applicable laws.

If there are other qualified developers with a competitive interest in the lease site, the bureau will first go through a competitive lease sale process before considering any specific construction and operation plans.

State Rep. Bruce MacDonald, a task force member, said the exact time frame has not been determined, but he expects a notice will be issued sometime in the next three to six weeks. He said he will ensure that local fishermen and other concerned parties are informed when the federal notice/request for comments is issued.
MacDonald said that Statoil has made the decision to pursue the wind park proposal at least through the permitting phase.

Statoil will hold an open house at the Boothbay Fire House on Monday, June 25, from 4 to 7 p.m. MacDonald described the open house as an opportunity for residents to learn more about the proposed project directly from Statoil representatives and Tetra Tech, its local environmental consultants.

"I've been urging Statoil to bend over backwards to meet with the public," MacDonald said. "My suspicion is this is the first of a number of public meetings they will hold."

Statoil will also hold open houses at the Rockland Public Library on Tuesday, June 26, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute in Portland on Wednesday, June 27, from 4 to 7 p.m.

MacDonald said he encourages local residents to take advantage of opportunities to learn more and to comment on the wind farm proposal.

"I do want people to understand that there is a huge difference between conversations at Statoil's open houses and comments provided to U.S. government agencies that will be making decisions on this proposal," he said.

When she’s out kayaking alone, Dee Cooper-Rooney can yell out anything she wants. She lets out the anger from two abusive relationships.

She lost three full-term babies to her first husband’s abuse. Years later, a boyfriend left her for dead.

“I remember the ambulance driver telling the police officer, ‘At least give her the dignity of dying at home,’” Cooper-Rooney said during a recent interview. She couldn’t open her eyes and although her twin daughters were hiding in the next room, her jaw was so swollen she couldn’t tell the emergency crew where they were.

Knowing her daughters needed her gave her the strength to hang on.

That was a couple of decades ago. Cooper-Rooney, now happily married, lives in Wesley Chapel, Fla. She spends many hours on the water. Kayaking is easier than other forms of exercise on her left hip, injured in the abuse.

Cooper-Rooney was in Wiscasset recently as part of her work to spread the word that domestic violence can be survived and should be talked about. She plans to make that point in a much bigger way next year, when she will kayak from Florida to Wiscasset to raise money for Sunrise of Pasco County, a domestic violence and sexual assault center in Florida
This year she’s driving to locations along the East Coast and meeting with media and domestic violence prevention groups at various stops.

Following an afternoon paddle around the Sheepscot River’s Wiscasset shore on June 9, she sat down in a Water Street restaurant with three women who work to prevent domestic violence – one from the Department of Health and Human Services’ domestic violence and sexual assault prevention program, and two from New Hope for Women, a Rockland-based nonprofit that supports people in the Midcoast affected by domestic violence.

New Hope for Women’s Education Director Meg Klingelhofer was “delighted and honored” by Cooper’s announcement.

“Seeing her strength and her willingness to lend her voice…I know will help someone who is living in a state of terror and has never said anything to anyone about it,” Klingelhofer said. “They will see her being able to steer her own course, literally and figuratively.”

Tina Tucker, New Hope for Women’s community educator for Lincoln County, said nothing she could tell domestic violence victims could have the impact of Rooney’s story of survival and the example of liberation that her trip will be. “This is sort of the ultimate vision of freedom, what freedom looks like to her,” Tucker said.

Tucker asks people who have been abused what they would like their life to look like in a year, if it could be anything they wanted it to be. The exercise is an effort to get them to realize it can look like that, if they choose it for themselves.

Cooper-Rooney is setting an example of empowerment, said Holly Stover, the Department of Health and Human Services’ director for the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault. She shared her idea to have a succession of groups join Cooper-Rooney for the Maine legs of her trip.

Cooper-Rooney figures the 1,500-mile trip – set to begin May 15, 2013, in North Peninsula State Park in Flagler Beach, Fla. – will take 50 to 60 days.
She trains about six hours a day, three or four days a week, on the water. She has practiced rolling her kayak, to get familiar with that experience. Cooper-Rooney has lost 100 pounds since a friend got her into kayaking more than two years ago.

The licensed massage therapist has been working toward a bachelor’s degree in natural medicine from Everglades University. She hopes the good things that have come into her life will show other people in situations like hers that they can have a future free from abuse.

“Even if you’re walking in hell now, it doesn’t mean your life has to end there,” she said.

For more information – or to watch updates next year as she paddles up the coast – visit The Sunshine Paddle website.

For more information on New Hope for Women, visit their website.

The 2012 Wiscasset Fourth of July celebration will begin at 10 a.m. with the parade. The parade begins on Churchill Street, crosses Route 27, proceeds down Hooper Street to Federal Street, goes down Main Street (Route 1) to Water Street then ends at the waterfront.

Waterfront activities begin at 11 a.m. with a Veteran's Memorial Salute and flag raising. Food venders will be open throughout the day. At 3 p.m. the Wiscasset Yacht Club will start selling strawberry shortcake. There will be a kayak tour of the the harbor.

At 4 p.m. there will be a Yacht Club boat parade, with cannons shot over the river. From 4 to 6 p.m. along the waterfront and on Water Street there will be an antique street rod car show. At the same time  there will be a  family fun period, which wil include old fashioned games, carnival games, a petting zoo, and other children's activities. Also on the Main Street Pier there will be an art show and sale, Museum in the Streets exhibit, a ribbon cutting ceremomy for the Wiscasset, Waterville and Framington Rail Car that will be displayed throughout the summer on the pier, and an Open Mic from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

The car show awards will be presented at 6 p.m, the winners of the parade will be annouced at 8 p.m. From 7 to 9:15 p.m. entertainment on the warerfront will be provided by the classic rock band Generics.

Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

The Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association will host a nature walk at their Trout Brook Preserve in Alna on Saturday, June 23, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Master naturalist Jason Chandler will be the leader. The walk will be fairly easy though there are some areas of uneven terrain. Trout Brook Preserve is a mix of old pastureland, old orchards and forestland, and is home to an abundance and variety of wildlife.

The preserve protects Trout Brook, a scenic and important Sheepscot River tributary that joins the river shortly after leaving the preserve. The preserve actually has two sections on either side of Route 218.

The main entrance is located a half mile north of the Alna Store on the west side of Route 218 with a parking lot featuring an informational kiosk and space for six to eight cars.

The northern 18-acre section of the preserve protects 2,300 feet of Sheepscot River frontage including salmon spawning and rearing habitat. There are no hiking trails yet on this parcel, but visitors can enter it to gain access to the Sheepscot River.

For more information, visit the Association's website or call 586-5616.

Strawberries are ripening in the fields, soon to be transformed into the luscious shortcakes piled high with real whipped cream, chocolate dipped berries, jam and ice cream cones that have come to be expected from the crew at St. Philip's Church, Hodge St., in Wiscasset.

Expectation is building for the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. celebration of all things strawberry. The Saturday, June 30 event is a favorite of many locals, as well as those 'from away,' who look forward to the annual kick-off to the summer season.

This year, Amazing Lou, magician extraordinaire, will be performing a family-friendly show at 11 a.m. and then will be strolling the grounds entertaining with his balloon animals and sleight of hand. Musicians will also help to create a festive atmosphere. A children's area, silent auction, plant sale, hot dog stand, lunchroom and knit-and-stitch table will round out the day.

The popular pie auction will be at noon. Many homemade pies of all types will be auctioned off to the highest bidders. It is all in good, delicious fun and the proceeds support the church's various programs.

There will be a craft show with many artisans, some returning year after year to take part, but all with interesting wares, including handmade fishing ties, wooden bowls, baskets, jewelry, soaps and creams, baked goods and handiwork of other varieties.

So put the day on your calendar to join in the fun. For more information, call 882-7184; leave a message and someone will return your call.

A full-scale replica of the War of 1812 privateer Fame will be available for boarding at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath this Saturday and Sunday, June 23 and 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

During the War of 1812, more than 500 privately owned vessels were commissioned by the U.S. government to arm themselves and to seek out and capture British merchant ships and cargo intended for Britain. The move was made to help counterbalance the overwhelming odds the British Navy held over the fledgling U.S. Navy; more than 1,000 ships for Britain as opposed to a mere 20 ships for the U.S.

The original Fame was a fast Chebacco fishing schooner before she was repurposed for her wartime role in the summer of 1812. Arguably the first American vessel to bring home a prize, Fame made 20 more captures before being wrecked in the Bay of Fundy in 1814.

Visitors will learn about the fishermen, pirates, traders and, of course, the privateers of the Revolution and the War of 1812 who sailed her. Visiting Fame is free with museum admission.

This week contains the first official day of summer, which brings with it thoughts of barbecues, having lunch on the rocks, swimming off the rocks, making cairns with rocks of all sizes... and throwing rocks.

And, in these parts of Maine, thoughts of summer lead to the question, "When is the Orne's Candy Store International Rock Skipping Contest?"

This year, the ninth annual Rock Skipping Contest will take place on Saturday, July 7, with on-the-spot sign-up beginning at 9 a.m. and the first throw at 10 a.m. It all happens at the Boothbay Harbor footbridge parking lot. As is traditional, the proceeds from this event will benefit the Boothbay Region Food Pantry.

The contest – which is open to kids of all ages, regardless of their prowess in throwing rocks – is part of the history of the Webster family, owners of Orne's since 1960.

Participants should bring their own skipping rocks (we suggest at least seven), and – all important – a rock-skipping moniker/name. You can't skip without it, and you might not like the one we make up for you.

The divisions are girls 12 and under; boys 12 and under; adult women and adult men – 13 and up. Suggested donations: $5 for adults and $1 for kids 12 and under.

While people can sign-in the morning of the contest, there are other options: to pre-register at www.ornescandystore.com, click on the Rock Skipping symbol on the home page, download a PDF form, fill it out and send it in to Orne's Candy Store, 11 Commercial St., Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538; or, when you're in town, just step into Orne's Candy Store and add your name to the list on the inside of the front door. You can make your donation then or on the day.

As always, Orne's Candy Store will provide prizes for participants and winners. Everyone who enters the competition gets rock candy on a stick. The winner in each category gets the thrill of victory, a pound of Orne's Rocky Road Fudge, a handsome trophy created by Arthur Webster, your photo and name in the newspaper and your name added to the "chronicles of rock skipping legends."

So, think summer, think rock-skipping. Start practicing techniques, gather lovely, flat, round rocks... and register for the only rock-skipping contest in these parts.
For more information, call the candy store at 633-2695.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is throwing a party and it's sure to be a highlight of the summer; in fact it'll be A Bloomin' Good Time!

On Thursday, July 26, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. the Botanical Gardens will feature great food, delicious drinks and a chance to bid on more than 100 varied and remarkable items in live and silent auctions.

The party – the Botanical Gardens' annual fundraiser – will feature gourmet hors d'oeuvres, as well as cocktails and other beverages from a score of Maine's premier restaurateurs, caterers and food purveyors. A full list of featured caterers is on the Botanical Gardens' website.

The items available in the auctions during A Bloomin' Good Time! will range from valuable gift certificates from local businesses and restaurants to far-off adventures and vacations. There will also be artwork, furnishings, jewelry, and much, much more. A few items will be so special or unusual that they'll be "knocked down" at the live auction by a top auctioneer. A list of individuals and businesses who've donated auction items is on the website.

This party will also be a chance to enjoy the gardens at the peak of their summer bloom. The evening light makes everything look especially beautiful, and shuttles will be available to transport party guests to areas of the central gardens from the Bosarge Family Education Center, where the food and auctions will be.

A Bloomin' Good Time! is $35 for members and $45 for nonmembers. Tickets are also for sale in groups of 10 for $300.

Tickets are available now, online at www.MaineGardens.org, by calling 633-4333, ext. 101, or at the Botanical Gardens at 132 Botanical Gardens Dr. off Barters Island Road in Boothbay.

The Boothbay Railway Village will host to the Maine Antique Power Association and the Maine Antique Tractor Club on Saturday, June 30. These two fine organizations are dedicated to preserving unique and important mechanical labor saving devices.

The Maine Antique Power Association displays early versions of today's internal combustion engines. These curious machines will amaze and entertain you as you stroll through the Village Green and view each different exhibit. Engines from the early 1900s powered by gasoline, diesel or steam will be on exhibit and most will be operating.

The Maine Antique Tractor Club is dedicated to preserving and operating antique tractors. Demonstrating the value of these tractors to our farming industry, they are preserving a part of our rural heritage.

The Boothbay Railway Village offers narrow gauge steam train rides, Model T Ford rides and early village exhibits. Also included in the museum exhibits is a significant antique automobile collection with more than 55 vehicles, including vehicles from 1902 to 1962.

For more information, call the museum at 633-4727 or go to www.railwayvillage.org. The Railway Village is on Route 27 and is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Boothbay Region Community Resources in partnership with the Boothbay Harbor YMCA will hold a Set for Success back to school event on Aug. 19.

Their mission is to provide all elementary school children age 4-12 with free backpacks and required back to school academic supplies to ensure that every child is prepared and equipped for a successful school year. Hairdressers from the community will be giving free haircuts and representatives from community and service organizations will be available with helpful resource information and handouts. There will be a food court and children's activities.

In order to accomplish this goal BRCR is sponsoring a Back To School Mission Outreach. Every church in the community has been invited to take part and a list of school supply needs was included for early distribution to worshipers. On Sunday, July 15, parishioners in all churches are invited to bring their gifts of school supplies or money donations to church during their time of worship. Volunteers from Boothbay Region Community Resources will be on hand at the YMCA front door from noon to 1 p.m. to receive all school supply donations from churches and beyond.

Anyone from the community, visitors and businesses alike, are welcome to donate during the Back To School Outreach Sunday. Of greatest need are standard size backpacks, standard calculators, scientific calculators by Texas Instruments (found at Walmart or Staples), 1" 3 ring binders, glue sticks, 24 count colored pencils and #2 pencils. For a complete list of approximately 40 different required school supplies you are encouraged to email event coordinator, Sue Burge at vanmanbill@roadrunner.com or call 633-7049.

Money donations will be most welcome. Checks may be made payable to Boothbay Region Community Resources, memo line: Back To School, and brought to the YMCA on July 15 between noon and 1 p.m. or mailed to BRCR, P.O. Box 468, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538, Attn: Sarah Foulger.

Together we can make it a great day of Unity In The Community as we prepare to equip every Boothbay Region elementary student with required Back to School supplies and much more.

Boothbay region business owners and residents should expect to receive phone calls from the East Coast Marketing Group starting in the next few weeks and ending in August.

The Boothbay Region Ambulance Service has employed East Coast Marketing to help them raise funds for its Celebrity Softball Game, featuring Red Sox alumni versus ambulance and emergency responders. The game is scheduled to take place on the high school baseball field on August 4 at approximately 6 p.m.

The fundraiser is back by popular demand after taking a two-year break. "We did get some comments that people missed it," Ambulance Service Operations Manager Scott Lash said. "It was a great opportunity to meet some all-stars, and to meet with community members without an emergency."

Lash said the East Coast Marketing Group is a private, nonprofit business located in Maine that engages in functions all over the East Coast. The Group is a Maine regulated and registered company that is used and trusted by many non-profit organizations throughout Maine and the rest of New England.

"They have helped us fundraise in ways that we are not able to do ourselves," Lash said.

Lash looks forward to the event as an opportunity for ambulance staff to connect with the community, and for community members to connect with each other. He said that there is opportunity for community support in the form of donations and ticket purchases for the game itself.

On Tuesday, July 3, the Pemaquid Paddlers will be paddling on Broad Cove and its East Branch off of Muscongus Bay. Many types of birds should be seen on this trip as we will be paddling into an uninhabited area along the coast. The trip is free and will last about two to three hours. The paddle will leave the put-in site at 9 a.m.; please arrive early enough to be ready to paddle at that time.

The put-in site is located at the end of Storer Road in Bremen, off of Route 32. Storer Road is 3.4 miles north of Biscay Road or 0.3 miles north of Turner Road or 0.2 miles south of the Bremen Town Offices. Parking is along the side of the road.

For more information about this trip or future trips contact John Will at 677-6380 or e-mail at pemaquidpaddlers@aol.com You can also visit our website at http://pemaquidpaddles.blogspot.com.

The 8th Annual Healthy Kids Strawberry Shortcake Shuffle is fast approaching Saturday, July 7 at Great Salt Bay School in Damariscotta.

Come join us to run, walk, have fun and eat the best home made strawberry shortcake in the county. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. with the first event, the Kids Fun Run at 8:15, followed by the 5K, 10K and 3K walk at 8:45. Free strawberry shortcake for all during the awards ceremony after the event. Sponsored by Renys, Lincoln County Healthcare, Kieve/Wavus and the Contented Sole.

To register, visit www.healthykidsmaine.com. All proceeds benefit Healthy Kids the Child Abuse and Prevention Council for Lincoln County.

The Boothbay Region YMCA is pleased to present a retrospective exhibit of photographs by Anne B. Ross from July 2 to July 14. An opening reception will be held in the Bosarge Aquatic Facility, 2nd floor, on July 2 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Anne began her interest in photography using a Polaroid camera. She learned the traditional technique of black and white process and honed her technique in her own darkroom. Her interest expanded to include color processing and Cibachrome printing.  Digital technology opened a vast new field of capabilities and opportunities. 

This exhibit spans her entire career, beginning with black and whites, her beloved Reeves-Reed Arboretum, and continues the journey of exploring Anne’s other interests: the Maine coast, sailing, her Americana series and perhaps the most evocative of all, her Dreamscapes. 

The 13th Annual Y Silent Auction will be held Sat. and Sun., July 28-29 with a special Cash & Carry on Friday, July 27. Attic treasures could be yours.  All proceeds to benefit Y’s youth programs.

Mark your calendars: An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held Thurs., August 2, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the Y gymnasium.

The Y Camp Carnival at Camp Knickerbocker will be held on Thurs., August 2, 5-8 p.m. Music, games, food and a raffle. Come with your entire family for an evening filled with laughter and fun. All proceeds to benefit Camp K.

Take part in the Y Southport Rowgatta on Sat., August 11.The start time is 8:30 a.m. at the Newagen Town Landing. Paddle your canoe, kayak, or rowboat 12 nautical miles around Southport Island – it’s all about the fun. All proceeds to benefit the Y swim programs. Call (633-2855) or visit the Y for more information.

A Chair-itable Porch Party, featuring a hand-painted by local artists Adirondack Chair Silent Auction, will be held at the Spruce Point Inn Resort & Spa, seaside deck and lawn on Friday, August 24, 5-7:30 p.m.  Proceeds to benefit the Y youth programs.

Someone recently sent us an email about the robin nest in their yard. They also mentioned the eastern phoebe nest under their neighbor's porch eaves.

It got us thinking about less well known types of nests that most people probably are not aware of. For example, most people know that woodpeckers nest in tree cavities, but did you know that barred owls, numerous on the Boothbay peninsula, also use them?

So do wood ducks. You might think of ducks as nesting near the water's edge, but not only do wood ducks nest in holes in trees (and also in nest boxes made by humans!) their nest sites can be more than a mile from water.

There is even one flycatcher – the big, bold great crested flycatcher, a common bird in our area, with its yellow belly and rusty tail – that nests in holes. It often adds the special touch of draping an old snakeskin out the hole, presumably to deter predators.

What about those pendants hanging at the ends of branches, seemingly by a thread, that become more visible in winter? You may ask, "Are they even nests?" The answer is yes, they are the nests of Baltimore orioles.

Some of you may have experienced a mama killdeer giving an injured-wing display – calling and dragging a wing to lure you from her nest, which is little more than a scratch in the ground. You may not have realized though, that wild turkeys and ruffed grouse also lay their eggs on the ground.

And then you've got common eiders, a striking sight in Boothbay waters in summer when the downy babies are bobbing in their little groups, often guarded by several females. Did you know the females pluck their own breast feathers to build a soft and fluffy nests of down hidden under raspberries and other bushes? Typically, they are placed on an island to give them protection from predators.

Interestingly, Damariscove Island has one of the largest nesting concentrations of eiders in Maine. The island is off-limits during spring and summer to protect them.

Consider the ruby-throated hummingbird nest: the size of a child's teacup and woven with spider webs. These tiny homes are typically tucked in a leafy shrub or small tree.

Now envision the nest of the bald eagle: 4 or 5 feet in diameter and made of large sticks, sometimes weighing more than a thousand pounds. They're easily spotted in high trees above rivers and other bodies of water, boldly exposed to allow easy access for mom and dad eagles coming and going on massive wings.

In between these extremes are nests like the 3-inch diameter cottony cup nests of yellow warblers, placed a few feet up in shrubby areas, often near water. yellow warblers have the peculiar habit of building another layer of nest on top of the original one if a female brown-headed cowbird lays an egg in the nest in order to try to trick the warbler into raising it as its own.

But that's a story for another day...

Jeff and Allison Wells are native Mainers whose families have been here for hundreds of years. Allison Wells is a senior director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine; Jeff Wells is senior scientist for the International Boreal Conservation Campaign. They are the authors of "Maine's Favorite Birds."

The Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club is pleased to announce that it has become the second of two certified U.S. Sailing schools in Maine.

Since 1993, U.S. Sailing has played a leading role in designing and facilitating high quality sailing instruction and certifications. The curriculum and instructional methods have been carefully developed by U.S. Sailing to meet high standards and are globally recognized. Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club is now one of about 60 accredited U.S. Sailing schools in the United States.

Beginning this summer, Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club will offer the U.S. Sailing Basic Keelboat course. This course is designed for adults who want to develop the basic skills and knowledge to independently sail smaller keelboats in light to moderate conditions. A U.S. Sailing certified coach conducts all training on well-maintained equipment in a structured environment to maximize the learning opportunity.

Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club sailing programs will be designed for adults who are interested in learning to sail as well as improving their current sailing skills. In addition to introductory sailing lessons and U.S. Sailing certification courses for basic sailing on small keelboats, other intermediate and advanced racing programs and clinics are being developed. These are expected to include topics such as boat handling and boat speed, spinnakers, racing rules and tactics, navigation, and big boat sailing. Programs are available to the public.

For more information, go to the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club website at www.bhyc.net or the U.S. Sailing website at www.sailingcertification.com/learn-to-sail/basic-keelboat.

Members of the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association are working hard to make the fourth annual Champagne on the Sheepscot event a fun-filled evening.

This year the party will be held at a historic home and property bordering Squam Creek on Westport Island on Sept.15 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The original home consists of the present living and dining rooms built in 1750, with additions added later. Furnished with English and American antiques, and works by many Maine artists, the house provides a wonderful spot to enjoy views of the cove and Harper Island. The surrounding lawns and gardens, filled with native plants and perennials, include a newly constructed sunken garden. Guests can wander freely through the house and lawns.

The event features delectable hors d’oeuvres, drinks and live music. Tickets are $40 or $125 to become a patron of the event.

The People’s Choice Photography Contest is open to all who want to share their favorite images taken in the Sheepscot Watershed. Photos will be displayed at the event and guests will vote for their favorite. The three top winners will each get a cash prize. For details on the photo contest, go to www.sheepscot.org.

For more information, call 586-5616.

Where’s Waldo? In Damariscotta, of course.

He’s turning 25 this year, and to celebrate, the famous fellow in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs is visiting 20 different local businesses all through the month of July.

Those who spot him can win prizes, including buttons, books and more.

From participating business No. 1 at Reny’s Underground on Main Street, to No. 9 The Animal House at 5 Coastal Market Place, to No. 20 The Bear and the Bee Ice Cream Shop on Main street, Waldo figures are showing up in local establishments.

Anyone who wishes to participate can pick up a “Find Waldo in Damariscotta” search list with the names of all the businesses and collect an “I Found Waldo at ___” card for each Waldo they spot. Collecting cards in 16 or more businesses and turning them in at The Maine Coast Book Shop will win a Waldo button and an entry for other, larger prizes to be drawn at a Waldo party on July 31.

The grand prize is a complete six-volume set of Waldo books. People who prefer a shorter version of the hunt can collect the cards from eight businesses and pick up a Waldo button at The Maine Coast Book Shop.

Waldo is the creation of Martin Handford, whose entertaining drawings of crowd scenes swept the world in 1987. Since then, the Where’s Waldo books have held a cherished spot on bookstore shelves the world over.

In celebration of Waldo’s longevity and popularity, his American publisher Candlewick Press is teaming up with the American Booksellers Association and 250 independent bookstores all across the country, including The Maine Coast Book Shop here in Damariscotta, to have fun and encourage people to visit local businesses.

There is no charge to participate, and the game lasts for the entire month of July. For more information, call The Maine Coast Book Shop at 563-5197 and ask for Lauri or Nicole.

For the first time in decades, private fireworks are legal in Maine and the State Fire Marshal’s Office is offering safety tips to consumers, many of whom likely have never used the devices before.

“Although fireworks are now legal, it’s important for consumers to operate them safely to avoid injury and damage to property,” Acting State Fire Marshal Joe Thomas said. “Users must be 21 or older, the fireworks must have been purchased within Maine, and can be used only on a person’s own property, or have a property owner’s written permission.”

Thomas also urged consumers to make sure local ordnances are followed as several cities and towns have enacted local laws to prohibit their use.

“This the first time since 1949 that private fireworks have been allowed in Maine and consumers should read carefully the instructions to set them off in a safe manner,” Thomas said. Safety instructions are included with every sale of fireworks in Maine.

He also urged close supervision of children around any fireworks detonation and said the pyrotechnics should be stored in a secure location to prohibit access by children. He also said dry summer weather conditions can make fields, grass and woodland susceptible to fires, started by fireworks.

The Fire Marshal’s Office website has a copy of the statute that allows their use, safety instructions and a list of communities that prohibit fireworks: www.maine.gov/dps/fmo/fireworks/index.html.

Fireworks safety tips from the State Fire Marshal’s Office:

• Purchase only Maine permissible consumer fireworks, available at licensed stores, and only the quantity that you will use
• Fireworks can only be used on property that you own, or have written permission from the landowner
• Have a water hose available in case of a fire
• Only those 21 or older can possess or use consumer fireworks
• Always wear eye protection and follow all directions provided
• Light only one device at a time
• Keep spectators at a safe distance and be considerate of neighbors, pets and the environment
• Clean up all debris when finished
• Devices that do not discharge should be placed in water, after setting alone for 15 minutes
• Always make sure that unused fireworks, matches and lighters are kept out of the reach of children

As Wiscasset prepares to celebrate America’s 236th birthday with “Small Town Traditions” as its theme, a full day of activities are being planned.

Along with the excitement of the parade, picnics, fireworks and games, it is also a perfect time to remember those who gave their lives to defend our freedoms. Despite the problems facing our country, let us remember we are the greatest nation in the world, and on the Fourth of July we celebrate the birth of those freedoms.

Since the first Fourth of July celebration in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, it has been a tradi-tion to light up the skies with fireworks to cele-brate the occasion. According to the history of the first celebration of our country’s independence, the founding fathers requested 13 cannon blasts to honor the 13 independent colonies of the United States of America.

Wiscasset has kept up that tradition and many other traditions over the years. When asked what people remember about the Fourth of July in Wiscasset, old and young alike say the fireworks.

Former Wiscasset selectman Ben Rines said when he was young he remembers his parents putting him and his six siblings in back of the old truck and going to the ball field to watch the fireworks over the Sheepscot River. He also said another family tradition was to have fresh peas from his grandfather Fred Fulton’s garden. “It wouldn’t the fourth without fresh peas,” Rines said.

He remembers, as a boy, the concern around town on the fourth was the old ships Luther Little and the Hesper, would catch on fire from the fireworks.

John and Gertrude Blagdon have been selected to be the grand marshals of this year’s parade. Their family tradition was to get together at the home of Marjorie Blagdon Strout and Sewall Strout on Federal Street, just across from the old cemetery.

According to Bonnie Blagdon, the family gath-ered every year on the Fourth of July to watch the parade, have a cookout, play games and wait for the fireworks. “It was something we all looked forward to every year,” she said.

This year’s Fourth of July Committee has at-tempted to bring back some of the fun of the early years of our country, such as the old games of bean toss, a pie eating contest, tug-of-war, sack races and much more.

This year’s celebration will include events for all ages, with the traditional parade beginning at 10 a.m. The route will follow Churchill to Hooper to Federal to Route 1 to Water Street.

The Flag Raising Ceremony will follow the pa-rade at the Waterfront/Recreational Pier at 11 a.m., which will be lead by Wiscasset American Legion Post Commander James Seigars.

The afternoon events begin at 3 p.m. with a kayak tour of Wiscasset Harbor, Yacht Club boat parade, cannons to be shot over the river, art show and sale, a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Wiscasset Waterville, and Farmington rail car at 5 p.m., antique car show, classic rock band, fireworks and more.

As part of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens’ “Feather and Foliage” collaboration with Maine Audubon, naturalist and author Bob Duchesne will be “in-residence” at the Gardens in Boothbay from Monday-Friday, July 2-6. Duchesne, the birder behind “The Maine Birding Trail” book, website, and map, will share his Maine birding expertise with members and visitors throughout the week through ornithology programs for all ages. He’ll also help expand the inventory of birds on the Gardens grounds.

To register for the programs below, or for more information, call 207-633-4333, ext. 101; visit www.MaineGardens.org; or stop by the Gardens, located off Barters Island Road in Boothbay.

When he is not presenting the programs outlined below during his residency, he’ll be out on the grounds birding and answering questions. To make it easier to find him, he’ll post his general location on the door of the In-Residence Office.

Bird Habits and Habitats – Monday, July 2 (4-5:30 p.m.)

With a few tips, participants in this class in the Education Center will know where to look for their favorite birds and can start discovering them in their own neighborhood where they never realized the birds were present. Prices are $10 for members and $12 for non-members.

Family Bird Walk at Lobster Cove Meadow – Tuesday, July 3 (7-9 a.m.)

Lobster Cove Meadow on Eastern Avenue in Boothbay Harbor is a Boothbay Region Land Trust preserve known for good birding (Site 25 on Bob’s “Maine Birding Trail”). Twenty-one warbler species have been observed on the property. Green Herons, Least Bitterns, Virginia Rails, and Soras have been found in the marsh. This program, co-sponsored by the Boothbay Region Land Trust, is free; but participants are asked to sign up in advance through the Gardens.

Birding for Children – Thursday, July 5 (8:30-10:30 a.m.)

In this fun family program in the Education Center, kids will be invited to pick their favorite bird. They’ll match up the birds with favorite colors and even find out what icky things a bird will eat. Then there will be a treasure hunt to see if they can find where the birds are hiding at the Gardens. Prices, which include Gardens admission, are $20 for member families and $30 for non-member families. Pre-registration is required.

The Maine Birding Trail – Thursday, July 5 (6-7:30 p.m.)

Duchesne refers to this program as “everything you ever wanted to know about birding Maine: the founder of the Maine Birding Trail tells all.” Prices for this class in the Education Center are $10 for members and $12 for non-members, and reservations are requested.

Birding by Ear– Friday, July 6 (7:00-10:00 a.m.)

Where: Bosarge Family Education Center and Gardens Grounds

Just six quick tips will demystify how the experts identify birds instantly by their songs. For newcomers, it’s a great chance to learn a new skill; for experienced birders hoping to brush up, it’s a great refresher course. Prices are $30 for members and $37 for non-members. Pre-registration is required.

Top: The winner! Dr. Aquilino Alamo, despite being soaked from the rain, is all smiles after arriving in the Waterfront Park in Boothbay Harbor. Alamo won the 50th Annual Windjammer Days Jammers & Joggers race with the schooner Timberwind on June 25.

Bottom: Alamo finished the nearly 50-mile run from Rockport in about 8.5 hours, arriving at the park at 4 p.m. Timberwind sailed into the harbor at about 4:40 p.m. Below, surrounded by his family, Alamo is about 20 yards from completing his nearly 50-mile run from Rockport to Boothbay Harbor's Waterfront Park on Monday, June 25. He finished ahead of the schooner Timberwind by about 40 minutes. The schooner and Alamo departed Rockport at 7:30 a.m. and Alamo arrived at the park at 4 p.m., with Timberwind sailing into the harbor at 4:40 p.m. Alamo's family, as well as Stacey Miller and Brian Blethen, ran portions of the race. JOHN EDWARDS/Boothbay Register

The people of St. Philip’s Church, in Wiscasset will have been busy hulling, crushing, and sugaring loads of luscious strawberries, readying them for the famous, real-whipped-cream-piled-high shortcakes on Saturday, June 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Or have yours with Wiscasset’s Lear ice cream. Or just a dish of strawberries can be had, as well. And don’t forget the Wilbur’s chocolate covered berries. You can have yours before or after your sandwich, soup or a hot dog or two at the outside hot dog stand.

Time your visit and you can take in Lou the Magician’s show at 11 a.m. and the ever popular pie auction at noon. While visiting the Bargain Basement filled with good stuff cheap and the several crafters’ stalls displaying varied wares, your children will also have activities to enjoy in the Children’s Area behind the Church Hall. There will be abundant homemade goodies to be purchased at the bake table.

Don’t forget to save some room for the ever popular, ever delicious St. Philip’s Fish Chowder Suppers, Monday nights, beginning on July 9 and running through the end of August. Seating begins at 5 p.m. when the St. Philip’s crew dishes up rich and creamy Haddock Chowder. Rounding out the menu is vegetable soup for the vegetarian palate, salad bar, and breads, desserts and beverage.

It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a Down Maine Monday supper while helping to support St. Philip’s community missions.

For more information or to make a reservation for the Fish Chowder Suppers, call 882-7184 and someone will return your call.

There is an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy in Midcoast Maine. With thousands of acres of preserved open land and quiet country roads, hiking and biking are some of the best ways to explore this beautiful area.

The Wednesday Walkers set off on a hike every Wednesday morning, with a leader from one of the nine area land trusts. Wednesday Walker hikes are open to the public, but to see the schedule, list of land trusts, and receive announcements about weekly hikes, you must join the Wednesday Walkers Yahoo Group. To do so email towednesday_walkers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and follow the instructions in the reply email you will receive.

The Salt Bay Cycling Club has compiled a booklet of 30 local bike rides. Each ride is documented with directions to the starting point, a detailed route sheet, and a route map. Although the Salt Bay Cycling Club no longer runs organized group rides, the ride booklet is available as a PDF file. To get a copy, email Marty Welt at backlog@tidewater.net.

For more information about Wiscasset Community Center schedule or pro-grams, call 882-8230.

Summer hours

Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon; Sunday, closed. (Pool closes at 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday;5:30 p.m. on Friday)
Camps

Drama Camp – Drama Instructor Jean Phillips will be running this brand new camp for children in grades 6-8. The camp will be held the week of July 16-20 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wiscasset High School.

Summer Camp – The center is accepting registrations for its summer camp. Payment plans and scholarships are available.

Soccer Camp – Soccer camps are available this summer. Call for details.

Fitness classes

Get up and Move Weight Loss Challenge – Hall’s Olympic Martial Arts Center is offering this program at the Wiscasset Community Center. New classes begin every six weeks, three-team challenge. Next session begins in September.

WCC Fitness Punch Card – Includes Zumba, Wake-up Call, and Step it Up, Evening Water Aerobics, Hall’s Workouts Wednesdays and Fridays (in September), Kickboxing with Kristina, and Yoga with Murielle and Pilates with Coreysha Enjoy the convenience of choosing your classes with no expiration date. Call for more details.

Zumba – Zumba with Debbie will be held at the Wiscasset Community Center Gym 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Pre-registration rates and walk in rates available; Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Saturday 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., instructor Denise Click. Pre-registration rates and walk-in rates are available. For more details call the front desk.

Wake-Up Call – Class meets Monday and Friday mornings from 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. in the Wiscasset Community Center gym.

Step-It-Up – Wednesday evenings 6 to 7p.m. This is a new multifaceted cardio step class led by Lorna Weber.

Yoga with Murielle – Wednesday mornings 7:45 to 9 a.m. with instructor Murielle Corwin

Pilates – Friday mornings 7 to 8a.m. with instructor Coreysha Stone

Karate – Mondays, Little Ninjas 4:30 to 5:30p.m.; Tao Karate 5:45 to 6:45p.m.; Friday evening combo, 5 to 6 p.m.

Kickboxing – Wednesday mornings 5 to 6 a.m., Monday evenings 5 to 6 p.m.

Pool programs

Monday Morning Splash and Friday Fun Splash – These programs are especially designed for preschool children 3 to 6 years old. This program is designed to introduce beginning swimming skills in a fun-filled environment. The young swimmers will be introduced, through fun and games, to how to get their face wet, go under the water, float on their front and back, and much more. Parents are welcome to sit poolside and watch their little swimmers learn, play and make friends in the comforts of our warm pool. Program offered on Monday mornings 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. and Friday mornings 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.

Red Cross Swim Lessons – We offer year-round swim lessons for ages 4 years and older. Our W.S.I. certified instructors are eager to work with your child. Also available are private and semi-private lessons.

Water Aerobics – Morning aerobics meets Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Evening Water Aerobics – Monday evening 6 to 7 p.m. with instructor Denise Click

Aqua Zumba – Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m. with instructor Kathleen Lomothe

The Georgetown Fire Department will be holding its 37th annual Fundraising Auction on Saturday, July 7.

The schedule includes: 8 a.m. White Elephant tents open; 8:30 a.m. auction preview and food booth open; and 9 a.m. auction begins.

To donate items for sale, call Dave at 371-2020 or Ron at 371-2127. For fine arts donations, call Sue at 449-8215. All before Tuesday, July 3, in order to get items listed in the auction program.

Come and join us for lots of fun finding treasures and support our local fire department in its 77th year of service to the community.

Bath will celebrate Independence Day and Bath’s maritime heritage during Bath Heritage Days July 4-8.

In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Maine Maritime Museum, this year the event focuses on Bath’s maritime legacy. The festival theme “Celebrating our Maritime History” and Fourth of July parade theme “Life Along the Kennebec” embrace all aspects of this heritage.

Bath Heritage Days takes place over Independence Day weekend with five fun-filled days of activities for the entire family beginning Wednesday, July 4. Events include the holiday’s traditional Fourth of July parade, carnival and fireworks, plus a Kennebec River boat parade, art show, craft show, Kids’ Day, fireman’s muster, fun run and 5K, antique car show, chicken barbecue, chili-chowder fest, Whoopie Pie-eating contest and live music.

The festival’s schedule of free outdoor concerts presents a roster of accomplished regional musicians, the cream of local talent and exciting national acts on two stages at the Library Park gazebo and the Waterfront Park dock overlooking the Kennebec.

Local nonprofits take part with booths and activities at Library Park ranging from a book sale to benefit the Patten Free Library and the Cosmopolitan Club’s Strawberry Shortcake Festival to a Chili/Chowderfest and Maine’s First Ship mast floating at the Freight Shed.

This year will see the introduction of some new healthy community initiatives to the festival. Recyclable as well as standard trash collection bins will be available on the festival grounds. Also new will be the designation of Library Park as a tobacco-free area, which will be posted with signs asking festival-goers to refrain from smoking cigarettes within the park grounds. This healthy community effort is being organized in collaboration with Healthy Maine Partnerships and sponsored by Mid Coast Hospital.

The 40th annual Heritage Days will also see the reinstatement of Kids’ Day after a one-year hiatus. Crafts and other free activities for young children will be offered on Friday, July 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Library Park.

Bath Heritage Days is supported by many local businesses and presenting sponsors, General Dynamics, WPOR, WCLZ, Bud Light, WGME-13 and Shipyard Brewing Company.

For a full schedule of events, go to www.BathHeritageDays.com.

The Heritage sails into Boothbay Harbor followed by Ocean Classroom's Harvey Gamage in the distance for the 50th Annual Windjammer Days festival. The visiting windjammers moored in Linekin Bay overnight and sailed into the inner harbor June 27. JOE GELARDEN/Boothbay Register

More than two months after Pyro City started selling fireworks in Edgecomb – and a week before the big Fourth of July holiday – the Route One store is doing well, owner Steven Marson said.

“Absolutely,” Marson said. “We’re very satisfied. We’re seeing the business I anticipated.”

When the store opened April 11, area residents were most of the customers; the nearer July 4 has come, so too have come the tourists, Marson said.
Accordingly, he is expanding the store’s hours.

Thursday, June 28, through at least Sunday, July 8 – to accommodate the July 4 holiday weekend demand – the store will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

The store currently has eight full-time employees, two more than when the store opened, Marson said.

So far, the local sale of fireworks has not made extra work for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department. The department has gotten only about one or two complaints regarding fireworks, Maj. Ken Mason said June 25.

The Edgecomb store was the second one Marson opened after Maine lifted its ban on the sale of consumer fireworks. The first was in Manchester. Since launching the Edgecomb location, he has added stores in Winslow and Ellsworth. He plans to open a store in Presque Isle on Sunday, July 1.

On June 27, participants in the Wiscasset Public Library’s Summer Reading Program became familiar with the workings of the space shuttle program courtesy of Ed Polewarczyk.

Polewarczyk retired in 2008 after 34 years on the space shuttle program. He shared his wealth of knowledge about a typical space shuttle flight, ranging from mission control to the astronauts’ perspectives.

The next Wiscasset Public Library Summer Reading Program will be on Friday, July 13, at 3 p.m. The Chewonki Foundation will present a nature program entitled “Endangered Species.” Participants will learn why animal populations decline, what it means to be endangered, and how to protect these species. Two non-releasable animals will be brought along as part of the program.

Visit Alna’s signature landmarks to see the early interiors of several town-owned buildings listed on the National Historic Register on Saturday, July 7, from noon to 4 p.m.

The Historic Building Tour Day will provide the opportunity to visit the Alna Meetinghouse and Center School, both on Route 218; the Village (“Puddledock”) School on the corner of Dock Road and Route 194; and the Head Tide Church, across from the dam at Head Tide.

The event is sponsored by the Committee for Alna History and the Friends of the Head Tide Church. Volunteers will serve as docents at each location to provide background information and answer questions. A map giving information about designated parking areas, food and other points of interest along the way is provided at each tour location.

A vintage hand-stitched quilt from the 1930s or ’40s with the embroidered signatures of a number of local women will be on display at the Village School. The town archivist is looking for information about the individuals who made the quilt. Individuals who may be able to help the Committee for Alna History identify the names on these items are especially encouraged to stop in.

The Alna Store, just north of the Meetinghouse on Route 218, will be holding a Market Day and feature a luncheon special to celebrate the event. Antique stores and other small businesses will be open to welcome visitors en route to the historical buildings.

The event is free and open to the public but donations will gratefully be accepted. For more information, call 586-5313.

Explore the line-up of fine art shows and artist receptions, new exhibits and studio tours in Boothbay Harbor, Boothbay and East Boothbay/Ocean Point. First Friday Art Tour is sponsored by Boothbay Region Art Foundation. Galleries are just minutes apart by car and many are within walking distance of the Boothbay Harbor footbridge. Plan the afternoon & evening around several stops or take in just one or two.

2-7 p.m.

Paradise Studio
Don’t miss the realistic oils of Mary Ellen TK Serina and garden benches of Ron Serina during the open house tour July 6. Wine and refreshments served at 2 and 7 p.m. Open daily 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Where: Follow Route 96, the Ocean Point Road, 4/10 mile past the East Boothbay General store and turn right onto Paradise Point Road at the top of the hill. Paradise Studio is at number 70 with the bright yellow “Open” banner.
FMI: 633-6093 or www.paradisestudio.net.

3-5 p.m.

Lina Burley Studio
Featuring sea and landscapes, this well known local artist’s works in oils and watercolor focus on the reflected light and natural forms that comprise the essence of Maine. 3 to 5 p.m.
Where: The Studio is located at 575 Ocean Point Road in East Boothbay.
FMI: 633-4515

The Butke Gallery
Featuring oil and watercolor paintings by John and hand-woven cotton and wool scarves, vests, and cocoons by Jill. Refreshments.
Where: 33 Isle of Springs Road on Sawyer’s Island in Boothbay. Boothbay Common to Corey Lane - right onto Barter’s Island Rd. - left onto Sawyer’s Island Rd. - right onto Isle of Springs Rd.
FMI: 633-3442 or www.thebutkegallery.com

4-7 p.m.

Ocean Point Studio, "Visions of Maine"
Celebrating the beginning of summer. Featuring new Plein Air Paintings of the Boothbay region by Corinne McIntyre and Maine inspired Fine-Art Pottery by Fred McIntyre. Come celebrate with us. Refreshments will be served. 
Where: 130 Van Horn Road, East Boothbay
FMI: 633 4515 or www.oceanpointstudio.com

Gold/Smith Gallery
From July 1 to 30 the Walnut Ink Drawings by one of Maine’s foremost plein air painters, Diana Young, will be featured at our gallery. There will be an opening reception for Diana at the gallery during First Friday. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. We hope you can come to the opening and meet Diana Young, a wonderfully gifted septuagenarian who lives in Bangor and Eastport, Maine.
Where: 41 Commercial Street, Boothbay Harbor
FMI: 633-6252

Maria Boord Gallery
Celebrate First Friday at Maria Boord’s Studio Gallery. “I’ve been working hard so there are several wet paintings, ready to see. “ Appetizers from 4-7.
Where: 10 McKown Street in Boothbay Harbor
FMI: 315-0656 or www.mariaboord.com

5-7 p.m.

Oak Street Gallery, "Night of the Nude"
An exhibit of life drawings and watercolors of the figure by artist Mark A. Mellor. Light refreshments will be served. 5-8 p.m.
Where: 35 Oak Street, Boothbay Harbor
FMI: 633 0695

Dickinson Art
Open until 7 on First Friday, featuring pottery by Annette Stormont and finely knit scarves by Pandy Dickinson in addition to the Rick’s paintings. Wine and cheese will be available after 5.
Where: 7 Boothbay House Hill Road
FMI: www.DickinsonArt.com

Boothbay Region Art Foundation
Over 120 artists represented with all new work. Open 10 a.m. to 7 pm, the artist reception begins at 5 pm.
Where: 1 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor
FMI: 633-2703 or www.boothbayartists.org

Studio 53 Fine Art
Featuring John M.T. Seitzer and Debra Arter along with the artist collective: Dick Alden, Bob McKay, Paula Ragsdale, Cilla Alden, Lynne Seitzer, Terry Seaman, Heidi Seidelhuber and Donna Denniston. The reception celebration begins at 5 with live music by the fabulous "Tout Par Tout.”
Where: 53 Townsend Ave. Boothbay Harbor
FMI: 633-2755 or studio53bbh@aol.com

allen david Gallery
Featuring a new series, “Moody Blues,” by Allen Bunker. Additionally, many new paintings have arrived, including watercolor gems by local artist Robert Grant. In our ladies accessories area, the Wendy Stevens line of handbags is not to be missed. All this to be accompanied by our talented musicians, “Smoldering Ruins.”
Where: 15 Townsend Ave, Boothbay Harbor.
FMI: 633-0003

Coco Vivo
Maine en Plein Air; Quick Draws & Studies by some the country’s top plein air artists including Kathleen Billis, Dee Beard Dean, John Caggiano, Richard Hasenfus, Roger Milinwoski, Jennifer Holmes, Greg Laderer, Stuart Roper, Hai Ou Hou, and Tony van Hasselt. Show dates are from July 6 through 30.
Where: 129 Commercial St, Boothbay Harbor
FMI: 633-0671

Head Of The Harbor Gallery
Hosting an art reception with new works by Roger Milinowski. Refreshments will be served
Where: 31 Union Street, Boothbay Harbor.
FMI: 633-1001 or headoftheharborgallery.com

7-9 p.m.

Joy To The Wind Gallery
Come celebrate “Very Fine Art” with wine, chocolate and of course new paintings in oil by Lynne Seitzer and John M.T. Seitzer. Joy to the Wind will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed from 5 to 7 p.m., and will reopen at 7 p.m.
Where: 34 Atlantic Avenue, Boothbay Harbor. Just across the footbridge on the east side.
FMI: 633-7025 or joytothewind.com

When Lenore Imhof first met her dog Jake at the Lincoln County Animal Shelter in Edgecomb, the young golden retriever/Irish setter mix was missing a lot of pounds and much of his hair. He wasn’t healthy enough for surgery to get neutered.

Imhof, a Wall Point, Boothbay Harbor, summer resident, took Jake in as a foster dog last August. Since then, the pounds have come on, he has grown a shiny red coat, and Imhof has permanently adopted him. When they’re not in Boothbay Harbor, they live in Bloomfield, N.J., where Imhof is both an attorney and a schoolteacher.

She is grateful to Jake for being wonderful company, and to her mother Angela Imhof for helping with his care. She is also full of thanks for the shelter, which was very supportive in every stage of Jake’s recovery.

“To see him doing this well, it’s just awesome,” shelter office manager Samantha Hicks said.

On July 8, 45-year-old Imhof will show her support for animal organizations like the Edgecomb shelter. As a member of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Team ASPCA, she’ll be raising money and awareness in the New York City Triathlon.

Imhof has been a lifelong athlete, starting with competitive swimming at the age of 4. She cycles with the U.S. Cycling Federation and won a Vermont triathlon. The invitation to join Team ASPCA came after she met the team’s members at the New York City Half-Marathon, and shared Jake’s story with them.

Imhof hopes her efforts will help all the other Jakes out there – dogs, cats and other pets who owe their lives to shelters that take them in, give them care and find them homes.

When Jake and a dog friend of his were visiting the Lincoln County Animal Shelter recently, they were mesmerized by a couple of guinea pigs playing and drinking water in a large cage. The two were turned in by a woman who could no longer afford them.

That happens a lot these days, with the economy still struggling. As of June 30, nearly all 31 of the dogs at the shelter wound up there for financial reasons, Shelter Manager Betsy Pratt said.

So Pratt and Hicks appreciate the lengths to which Imhof is going to help animals in need. “I think this is amazing,” Pratt said.

Imhof’s friend Arthur Gannett of Newcastle knows firsthand the kind of caring person she is, regarding people and animals. She talked him into going to the shelter last October, to see the yellow lab he ended up adopting and naming Bert.

“It’s a fantastic feat that Lenore’s doing,” Gannett said, as Bert and Jake played at the end of their leashes. “For what she is doing for animals, I would say she is a champion.”

Although Imhof has kept up with her usual, extensive training to prepare for her first time in this particular triathlon, she will enter it with an unexpected challenge. While travelling recently, she tore some of the cartilage in her left wrist. Fortunately, she’s right-handed. However, she has to brake and change gears with her left hand when she’s cycling.

She’s been wearing a wrist support and making appointments for massage therapy and other treatment, and does not expect to have a problem in the race. She beat a bigger physical problem a couple of years ago, when herniated discs left her barely able to swim. Good care during treatment was important to her recovery, just as it was for Jake in his.

When Imhof is swimming the Hudson River, cycling the West Side High-way and running through Central Park in Jake’s honor, she will also be honoring the memories of her late father and her previous dog Sprocket. Rescued by Imhof from a Brooklyn shelter in 1996, Sprocket was a comfort to Imhof’s father, who had Parkinson’s disease. Sprocket passed away before Imhof got Jake.

Imhof has already surpassed the $2,750 each Team ASPCA member is asked to raise in donations. At last check, she had raised about $3,300.

Anyone interested in donating may go to www.teamaspca.org/participant/lenore. Although the triathlon is this week, Imhof can still accept donations through October.

More information about the Lincoln County Animal Shelter is available on Facebook.

Come to Fiddle Day at the Morris Farm on July 8 from noon to 5 p.m.

This event, sponsored by Wiscasset Family Medicine, will be held on the back lawn of the Morris Farm. Concertgoers are invited to bring their lawn chairs or blankets and settle in for a festive day of American country and folk music played by a variety of local fiddlers.

A food concession will be provided by Treat’s of Wiscasset. Old Grey Goose is our host for the day and this year we are excited to have special guest fiddler, Frank Ferrel!

Old Grey Goose plays old-time dance tunes on a variety of acoustic instruments; sings songs of love, work, diversity, and achievement from the vast repertoire of American folk history; and teaches and calls regional dances representing multi-cultural traditions.

Ferrel is widely regarded as a composer. The classic Cape Breton jig, “Spin-N-Glo,” is one of his compositions. He is considered to be one of the leading North American fiddlers performing today. Music critic Scott Alarik referred to Ferrel as “One of the finest living masters,” of that genre.

The Morris Farm at 156 Gardiner Rd. offers a natural amphitheatre like setting surrounded by pastoral beauty, peacefully grazing cows and everything else that goes with a small working dairy farm.

Tickets are available at the door, $8 for adults and $6 for seniors and children 15 and under. Kids 5 and under free.

In case of rain, the show will be moved indoors.

All proceeds from Fiddle Day at the Farm go to support the Morris Farm’s valuable mission. For more information, call 882-4080 or email in-fo@morrisfarm.org.

Fireworks Cruise
On Saturday, July 7, at 8 p.m. Cruise Bath’s colorful Heritage Days Festival waterfront, and enjoy on-the-river views of the impressive fireworks display. Bring along your favorite beverage, sit back and relax while you enjoy this once-a-year spectacle. The cost is $30 for members and $35 for non-members.

Battle for the Bay
On Tuesday, July 10, at 6 p.m., join Joshua M. Smith, Author and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Professor for a lecture on Battle for the Bay. Joshua Smith discusses his book that illuminates the little known struggle during the War of 1812 between privateers and small government vessels in the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of Maine. The cost is $5 for members and $7 for non-members.

Aoife Clancy Concert
On Friday, July 13, at 6 p.m. the 2nd Saltwater Celtic Music Festival kicks off Friday in Bath with Aoife Clancy, one of the divas of Celtic music. A native of County Tipperary, Ireland, and the daughter of Bobby Clancy of the legendary Clancy Brothers, Aoife began her music career early and ‘cut her teeth’ playing alongside her father in many an Irish pub. She was a member of the acclaimed Irish American Group “Cherish the Ladies” and has been a featured soloist with the Boston Pops and Cincinnati Pops. The cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members.

Kayaking on Merrymeeting Bay
On Saturday, July 14, at 8 a.m. - noon, spend an exhilarating 4 hours exploring the natural wonder that is Merrymeeting Bay with an expert guide and environmental narrator. No experience necessary. Disabilities accommodated. Three-day advance reservations required. Cost - $30 to $75 depending on equipment needs age and membership.

Tall Ship Gazela Primeiro
On Saturday and Sunday, July 14 & 15, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visit the 177-foot three-mast barkentine Gazela Primeiro that is the oldest active wooden square-rigged sailing vessel in the U.S. Launched in Portugal in 1901, she sailed annually with the Portuguese White Fleet to the Grand Banks to fish for cod until 1969, and has appeared in several movies including Interview with the Vampire. All boarding passes $5.

Kayaking on Merrymeeting Bay
On Saturday, July 28, 2 to 6 p.m. spend an exhilarating four hours exploring the natural wonder that is Merrymeeting Bay with an expert guide and environmental narrator. No experience necessary. Disabilities accommodated. Three-day advance reservations required. Cost ranges from $30 to $75 depending on equipment needs, age and membership.

For more information on any of the events visit www.MaineMaritimeMuseum.org.

As part of Woolwich Day celebration, there will be The Bob Meade Classic 10K Road Race and Family Fun Run on Aug. 4.

The Family Fun Run (1 mile) starts at 8 a.m. and 10k (6.2 miles) starts at 9 a.m.

The hilly course begins and ends at Nequasset Park behind the town office and runs through residential areas featuring both paved and dirt roads. Water stops will be provided.

The entry fees are $12.50 for pre-registration (non-refundable), $15 on race day.

The pre-registration is $5 for Family Fun Run and $8 day of race. All proceeds benefit the Woolwich Recreation Committee. Please make checks payable to the Town of Woolwich.

T-shirts will be provided to the first 75 people who register. Race awards go to the top finishers (male and female) in two categories (ages 13 to 21, 22 and over). For family fun run, awards go to the top finishers (boy and girl) in two categories (ages 8 and under, 9 to 14).

Pre-registration can be done at Woolwich Town Office or Race Day registration at Nequasset Park 7 to 8:30 a.m. for Bob Meade’s 10K and 7 to 7:40 a.m. for Family Fun Run.

For more information, call 442-7094 (days) or email administra-tor@woolwich.us or Bobs10K@Comcast.net.

Windjammers head to Cabbage Island in Linekin Bay to overnight at anchor there before they enter Boothbay Harbor for the 50th Annual Windjammer Days events. A.R. Tandy/BOOTHBAY REGISTER.

Olympic gold medalist Eleanor Logan of Boothbay Harbor has qualified to row on the U.S. eight-woman rowing team Olympic team at the games in London starting later this month.

Having won the gold in the eight at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Logan is ready for another chance to win for the United States this year.

The rowing events for the 2012 Olympic Games are scheduled to begin Saturday, July 28, in Eton, Great Briton. Logan said her team’s goal is to make it to the final on Thursday, Aug. 2.

“I feel really strong,” she said during a telephone interview from Princeton, N.J., where she has been training six to seven days a week, three practices per day.

Logan said that when her team won the gold in 2008, she was inexperienced, but strong and happy. Four years later, she said she is a little more experienced and not as unaware of what she is doing.

Her web page on the U.S. rowing team website lists her many achievements over the years since launching headfirst into rowing championships in 2003. Since 2008, Logan has won the silver in the pair (a two-person boat) at the 2012 Samsung World Rowing Cups I and II. She won the gold in the eight (a boat with a total of eight rowers) at the World Rowing Championships in 2010 and 2011 and in 2009, she took the silver.

“The team is really strong,” she said. “I’m excited to be on the boat and have the opportunity to race.”

Logan said she is excited to learn of the support coming from the Boothbay region and around the state of Maine.

Esther Lofgren, another rower on the team, is keeping a blog of the team’s experience.

The Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum will celebrate the grand opening of their display at the Wiscasset waterfront on July 4 at 5 p.m.

This display is a full-size boxcar, built over the winter just for this purpose. It is lettered for the Turner Centre Dairying Association, which operated a creamery building in Wiscasset on the south side of Route 1 for many years. The platform where Sprague’s Lobster and other vendors are now located is in the footprint of that building.

The display covers the history of Wiscasset, the Turner Centre Dairy system, and Maine’s railroading history. It will be open all summer long during business hours on the pier.

Saturday, July 7, starts our summer steam program. The museum is open every Saturday and Sunday during the summer, and from now until Labor Day weekend (equipment and crew permitting) we will pull our trains with our little steam engine No. 10.

Locomotive 10 was built 1904 for a Louisiana sugar plantation and hauled sugar cane on the bayous for many years. It was purchased by the WW&F Museum in 1999 and has hauled many happy passengers since then. The locomotive is great favorite of many people.

Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors or museum members, and $4 for children 4-12. Children 3 and under are free. In addition to regular tickets, we also offer an all day train pass for $20 for adults and $10 for children; and a 10-ride pass, which is $60 for nonmembers and $50 for members. The 10-ride pass is good for 10 train trips with no time limit. It can be used by the same person 10 times, by 10 people on one trip, or any combination thereof.

While visiting, please be sure to view the progress on Locomotive No. 9. This locomotive is undergoing the final stages of a multi-year restoration program. It was built in 1891 for the Sandy River Railroad in Farmington, and was on the WW&F in 1933 before the railroad shut down. It survived by being taken to Connecticut, where it slumbered in storage for many years before being returned to Maine in 1995.

The museum is also looking for volunteers. We are in need of people to help in our gift shop, with marketing, grass cutting, track crews, machining and a variety of other tasks. We are run entirely by volunteers! We’re a friendly bunch who have become good friends over the years. To join our work crews, simply show up on a Saturday.

The WW&F Railway Museum is at 97 Cross Rd. in Alna. Our hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with trains departing Sheepscot Station every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., making a 5-mile round trip in about 35 minutes.

We are 5 miles north of Wiscasset on Rt. 218. Directional signs can be found on Route 1 in Newcastle. For more information, call 882-4193 or email info@wwfry.org.

Come visit the Boothbay Harbor region in full bloom of rich vibrant colors showcasing our region’s unique fashion boutiques. The annual Boothbay in Bloom Fashion Show will be held at the Spruce Point Inn Spa & Resort on Wednesday, July 11, at 5 p.m.

Enjoy a specialty drink from the cash bar, and feast on Executive Chef Peter Stiles’ assortment of delectable appetizers as you mix and mingle with old and new friends.

Tap your toes to the upbeat tempo as local models showcase merchandise from regional merchants and vendors including: House of Logan, Slicks, Sadie Green's, Janson’s, The Cannery, Smiling Cow, Gimbel’s, The Loft, Calypso, Casual Interiors, Circle Stone Designs, Boothbay Region Greenhouses Village Store & Children’s Shop, A Silver Lining, John Edwards Jewelry and Design and The Villa.

Silent auction items also will be on display when doors open: a Newport, R.I., getaway package with an overnight stay at the Rose Island Lighthouse; gift certificate to the Newport Restaurant Group, Newport Grand Slots and two tickets to the Firehouse Theater.

Call the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce at 633-2353 to purchase your tickets at $28 per person, or reserve a table in advance for a $10 fee.

If you are looking for a great evening enjoying the best of community spirit, great cuisine and local fashion then please make sure you do not miss the Boothbay in Bloom Fashion Show.

Salad Days is the perfect combination of local food, local music and great ceramics coming together for a fun, one-day event on the beautiful Watershed campus in Newcastle. The fundraiser has something for all ages and everyone is sure to leave full and happy and with, at least, one handmade salad plate.

The 18th annual Salad Days will take place at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts Saturday, July 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each year, the Salad Days fundraising event draws up to 500 visitors from near and far to enjoy an afternoon of delicious local food, great company, incredible ceramics, kid’s art projects, lively music and the annual invitational Pottery Sale. Admission to Salad Days is $30. Admission to the Pottery Sale only is free.

Attending Salad Days in a great opportunity to select one of 500 individually crafted, beautiful, salad plates by artist Adam Paulek to fill to the brim with a bountiful lunch. Salad Days success as fundraiser relies on a huge amount of support, in the form of donations, from local businesses.

Salad Days is more than Salad!

In addition to enjoying the overflowing lunch buffet, explore the beautiful Watershed campus, set among the sweeping fields of Straw Farm with studios nestled into the woods, Watershed is brimming with art and activities!

Salad Days is thrilled to welcome back musical talent The Jerks of Grass, their rousing and melodious bluegrass tunes will be sure to inspire dancing. Voted Portland’s Best Roots/Acoustic act seven times, The Jerks of Grass are tireless performers, having played over 1,200 shows throughout New England. In between dancing, visiting with old and new friends, and enjoying lunch, stop by the Invitational Pottery Sale taking place under the tent. Admission to Salad Days is not required for those only interested in shopping the sale. The Invitational Pottery Sale features ceramics by top ceramic artists from Maine, New England and across the country. Stroll down to the open artist studios to see where Adam made the 500 Salad Days plates and where Watershed resident artists spend their days working.

The Watershed campus opens at 10 a.m., plate selection starts at 11 and the lunch buffet will begin at 11:30. The pottery sale, live music, kid’s activities, raffle, and open artists' studios continue until 3 p.m.
Funds earned during Salad Days support Watershed's community outreach programs, including the Mudmobile, a clay studio on wheels bringing clay art workshops to schools and community centers throughout the state.

Watershed Center is located off Route 1 on Cochran Road (turn north at Skip Cahill Tire & Citgo) opposite the Route 27 South turnoff to Boothbay Harbor. For more information, call 207- 882-6075 or visit www.watershedceramics.org/saladdays.php.

Due to a higher than normal number of bear-related complaints this year, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife wants to remind the public how to best avoid bear conflicts.

This year’s premature spring caused bears to emerge from their dens earlier, meaning they have been searching for food longer. Between Jan. 1 and July 3 of this year, the Maine Warden Service received 542 bear-related complaints, compared to 292 in the same period of 2010 and 252 in 2011.

The majority of bear conflicts can be avoided if homeowners remove common backyard attractants such as birdseed and garbage from their property.

“Our goal is to prevent bears from being comfortable finding foods in people’s backyards by advising residents to remove bear attractants,” black bear biologist Jennifer Vashon said. “A bear on a porch or deck is alarming but often occurs because there are food items there.”

To avoid attracting bears to your property, take these precautions with birdfeeders, garbage and grills:

Birdfeeders: The only way to avoid bears visiting birdfeeders in backyards and on porches and decks is to remove the birdfeeders or make them inaccessible. People are also reminded to rake up any seed from the ground and to store unused seed in a secure building.

Garbage: Trash that is brought to the curb the night before trash pickup is an easily accessible source of food for bears. Once bears access your garbage, they may become bolder and begin visiting the area during the day in search of food. People should wait until the morning of trash pickup to bring their trash to the curb and should store trash in a secure building that can’t be opened by a bear. Garbage dumpsters should not be overfilled so they are able to be closed and latched at all times. If you are experiencing problems with a bear accessing your dumpster, you can install a bear-proof lid, store the dumpster behind a fence or increase trash pickup.

Grills: If possible, store grills inside when not in use. Remember to burn off any food residue, dispose of wrappers and clean the grilling area after use.

If you do encounter a bear, you should make loud noises, such as banging pots together, to try to scare it off.

You should also back away from the bear to give it an escape route. Without an escape route, a cornered bear may charge.

People are also reminded to turn on outdoor lights before going outside and stay in a safe location at a distance if photographing a bear.

By taking these precautions, homeowners are more likely to prevent con-flicts that could pose a danger to human life or require corrective action such as moving or killing a bear.

“Although black bear attacks are relatively uncommon, bears that are comfortable finding food in backyards and communities could result in human injury or death,” Vashon said. “A bear that is surprised or a bear that becomes dependent on human sources of food and becomes bolder in their search for food can be potentially dangerous.”

The number of bear conflicts usually diminishes when berries begin to ripen, making it easier for bears to find natural food.

Midcoast United will host summer soccer camps with Seacoast United Maine. There will be a full-day camp for those serious soccer players. Campers can expect high level coaching with one of the many talented coaches on the Seacoast United staff.

Each day campers will be broken up into groups according to level and will play games designed to get lots of touches on the ball.

The camps run July 23 to July 27, from 1 to 4 p.m.; and July 30 to Aug. 3, 9 a.m. to 3p.m. at the Boothbay Community Field (beside the Clifford Playground) in Boothbay. Parking is on Back River Road.

To pre-register, go to www.seacoastunitedmaine.org. For more information, call Pam at 776-9496.

Luke and Jonathan Yerrall caught their first striped bass on the Fourth of July, and it's a beaut! The 6-year-old twins fought and later released the 30.5-inch fish aboard the Breakaway.

Two hundred years ago in 1812, the U.S. Navy saved our country and our way of life. On July 14, at the Town Hall in the Boothbay Railway Village, you can talk and listen to the man who knows the whole story, George Daughan, author of “1812: The Navy’s War.”

Daughan is one of four authors who plan to speak at Books in Boothbay: Maine’s Summer Book Fair, Maine’s largest single day literary event and the gathering place for 40 authors from around our state. His speaking time is at set for 3 p.m.

At 1:30 p.m., you can hear Monica Wood, author of “When We Were the Kennedys: A Memoir from Mexico, Maine.” At 2 p.m. is Tess Gerritsen, who will speak on her book “Ice Cold,” and at 2:30 p.m., Sarah Braunstein, author of “The Sweet Relief of Missing Children.”

The entire list of visiting authors can be seen on Books in Boothbay’s blog www.booksinboothbay.blogspot.com.

Books in Boothbay is presented by Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library and Boothbay Railway Village. Entrance and parking are both free and each $5 train ride qualifies the buyer to enter a drawing to win tickets to “A Day Out With Thomas” in August. Visitors can also take a spin on the steam train which leaves the Freeport Station at regular intervals during the day.

Built 100 years after the war of 1812 (in 1912 of course), retired in 1961 and acquired and moved to Boothbay Railway Village in 1964, Freeport Station was the shipping point for the successful L.L. Bean business.

Books in Boothbay has a history of its own, now in its eighth year. A special treasure hunt around the grounds of the Boothbay Railway Village has been added this year in celebration of reading, exploring, and discovering.

Mark your calendar – Saturday, July 14, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. with a special authors’ reception to follow, also open to the public. Books in Boothbay is supported by Maine Writers and Publishers’ Alliance and Sherman’s Book and Stationery Store.

For more information, call the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library at 633-3112 or go to www.booksinboothbay.blogspot.com.

When Huntington, an eastern screech owl, was younger, his feet became caught in a fence. That could have been the end of the little guy, but he was rescued. Last year, he came to live in Wiscasset at the Chewonki Foundation.

On July 6, Huntington was at work, along with some of Chewonki’s other resident owls, educating the public about those nocturnal birds of prey who can turn their heads most of the way around. He was blinking and winking. That can be part of owl courtship, but Huntington’s handler, Traveling Natural History Programs Director Keith Crowley, joked that he doubted the owl was trying to court him.

Crowley walked around the room with Huntington, showing the bird to the group of about two-dozen people at the presentation.

He won’t be sent back into the wild; he wouldn’t survive. On the plus side, he should live much longer than he naturally would have if he’d never met up with that fence. Owls as small as the eastern screech have a lot of predators and do well to live five years. In captivity, Huntington could last about two decades.

A hazard-free life has agreed with Olivia. Weighing in at a healthy 5 pounds, the great horned owl is probably about 24 or 25 years old, Crowley said. That makes her the oldest owl at Chewonki, although determining the exact age of owls can be difficult because they don’t have teeth.

Olivia was hit by a car in Virginia and has been at Chewonki since 1992.

Varia is also believed to have been hit by a car. The accident permanently injured the barred owl’s left wing. An owl’s bones are lighter and weaker than a human’s, so damage is more likely to be permanent, Crowley said as he showed the 1.5-pound bird to the afternoon’s visitors.

In the wild, an owl’s mind is always working. Timing and awareness can mean the difference between eating or not, or getting eaten or not. Although Chewonki’s owls don’t really have to worry about such things, the people who take care of them find ways to keep the birds’ minds stimulated. One owl had a great time finding his dead mice inside the pages of a phone book.

That did leave a mess to clean up, but the enjoyment the owl got from it was worth it, Crowley said.

Among the interesting owl facts Crowley shared, they have about twice as many neck bones as we do. Those help turn their heads 270 degrees, or three-quarters of the way around. That’s important, because owls can’t move their eyes around like we can. Having to turn their entire bodies to see things could scare off their prey. They are also aided by their ears’ uneven heights, to help them pinpoint the source of a sound.

Owls can crush an animal’s bones in their feet. Long-eared owls puff out when they’re scared, making them look bigger. And short-eared owls will drag one wing, as if injured, to draw a predator away from a nest.

Another free presentation on owls is planned at Chewonki, 485 Chewonki Neck Rd. in Wiscasset, on Wednesday, Aug. 1, at 2 p.m. The program is free; donations are encouraged.

Children in two different age groups can enjoy wonderful books and exciting activities during any or all of the four Monday sessions of Every-Birdy Loves Reading at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

The dates are July 16, July 23, Aug. 13, and Aug. 20. The times are 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. for 3- to 4-year-olds and 11 a.m. to noon for ages 5 to 8.

Each program will be in the Story Barn of the Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden. On Monday, July 16, the 3- to 4-year-olds will hear “Birds,” a book by Kevin Henkes. They’ll make stuffed paper birds and then turn them into a mobile to take home.

The 5- to 8-year-olds will hear a reading of “Owl Babies” by Martin Waddell. They’ll learn about the different parts of an owl and then make pinecone owls.

On Monday, July 23, the book for ages 3 to 4 will be “Planting a Rainbow” by Lois Ehlert, while ages 5 to 8 will hear “Swirl by Swirl” by Johce Sigman. The books for Monday, Aug. 13, are “Quiet in the Garden” by Aliki for 3- to 4-year-olds and “Sunflower House” by Eve Bunting for the older group. And the final week’s books will be “Ten Little Caterpillars” by Bill Martin Jr. and, for ages 5 to 8, “What Do Roots Do?” by Kathleen Kudlinski.

Activities themed on each book and tailored to each age group will include a scavenger hunt, crafts, and circle time. The activities will differ from day to day.

The fees for each session of Every-Birdy Loves Reading are $5 for members and $7 for nonmembers. To sign up, visit www.MaineGardens.org, call 633-4333, ext. 101, or stop by the Botanical Gardens, off Barters Island Road in Boothbay.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens knows how to throw a party, and this year’s fundraising event on Thursday, July 26, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., will be the party of the season.

Fabulous food, delectable drinks including a signature cocktail – Planter’s Punch – a trio of awesome auctions and the opportunity to enjoy glorious garden surroundings will combine to make A Bloomin’ Good Time! a celebration to remember.

Presenting gourmet hors d’oeuvres and a variety of beverages will be featured caterers from all over the state, who are creating and donating their finest for the occasion. A full list of the participating restaurants, caterers, brewers and wineries is on the Botanical Gardens’ website, www.MaineGardens.org.

Volunteers and staff began planning this year’s fundraising party nearly a year ago.

“We’re grateful to the cadre of dedicated volunteers who’ve work for months to create a memorable and successful, party,” the staff coordinator for the event Valerie Augustine said. “We’re also incredibly grateful to the food and drink purveyors and both the donors and bidders who make the auctions a hallmark of our fundraising events.”

The silent auction contains a treasure trove of beautiful, fascinating and valuable items and adventures; there’s something for every taste and every wallet. A few very special items will be part of an exciting live auction conducted by Douglas W. Stinson, principal auctioneer at Carl W. Stinson Inc. in Reading, Mass.

Because the number of tickets to A Bloomin’ Good time! is limited, bidders have a greater chance of taking home some terrific finds. Here are just a few of the items to be auctioned off:

• A 2012/2013 full membership to Boothbay Country Club (a $2,700 value for one year alone, and this gift certificate entitles winner to the remainder of 2012 plus all of 2013!)
• A $1,700 party package: a $500 gift certificate for Blue Elephant Catering plus a $200 gift certificate to Patricia Moroz’ Starlight Custom Cakes in Rockport plus a private rental ($1,000 value) of the Botanical Gardens after hours for a party
• Items from wonderful Maine artisans and shopkeepers including Peapod Jewelry, Damariscotta Pottery, Cuddledown, Now You’re Cooking, CHART metalworks and many more!
• An old-time log splitter
• A sea kayak

In addition to the silent and live auctions, putting additional fun into the fundraising will be a “chip-in” auction, a new feature at the Botanical Gardens. In fact, one that’s new to Maine.

It will be fast and entertaining. “You won’t want to miss it,” Director of Philanthropy Dorothy Freeman said.

A Bloomin’ Good Time will be presented in and around the spacious Bosarge Family Education Center, with delightful decorations to fit the occasion. A giant garden-themed cake will be a focal point. There will be time to enjoy the gardens at their peak, too. Shuttles will make it easier for guests to travel between the party and the adjacent central gardens.

Among the event sponsors are Bath Savings Institution, Longfellow’s Greenhouses, Tindal and Callahan Real Estate, Flagship Inn, Edgecomb Potters, Music Doing Good and Susan Schreiber.

Tickets for A Bloomin’ Good Time! are $35 for members and $45 for nonmembers. An even greater value is the discounted group of 10 tickets for $300. For more information, visit www.MaineGardens.org, call 633-4333, ext. 101, or stop by the Botanical Gardens, off Barters Island Road in Boothbay.

Experience Wiscasset’s romantic past by touring two of her grandest mansions at a special time of day. On July 18 at 5 p.m., Historic New England will offer twilight tours of both Castle Tucker and the Nickels-Sortwell House.

Built in 1807, Castle Tucker is filled with the original furnishings and decoration of the Tucker family who moved there in 1858. Prominent ship captain turned broker Capt. Richard Tucker Jr. and his much younger wife Mollie Tucker raised five lively children in the house.

After their deaths, their youngest daughter preserved the house until she died in 1964. She passed it on to her niece who preserved it for another 40 years.

Come hear stories of this large and colorful family, and how they held on to this unique estate while hiding their private turmoil from public Wiscasset.

Nickels-Sortwell House was also built in 1807, but tells a very different story.

This magnificent Federal mansion was built as a trophy home by a successful sea captain whose family’s time in the mansion was tragically brief. After years of use as a hotel, the house became the summer home of successful industrialist and former mayor of Cambridge, Mass., Alvin F. Sortwell and his family in 1899. Lovingly restored in the Colonial Revival style, the house was filled with antiques and enjoyed by multiple generations of family and friends in a bygone world of leisure and privilege.

Admission is $10 for Historic New England members and $20 for nonmembers. Admission includes both houses. Advance registration is required. Space is limited. Call 882-7169 or visit www.HistoricNewEngland.org to register.

Tour assignments come with registration. One tour starts at 5 p.m. at each house, then each group rotates for the second house tour. Tours include rooms and spaces not shown on the general tour.
For more information and a full schedule of programs, go to www.HistoricNewEngland.org.

The Westport Conservation Commission is exploring the possibility of developing an interconnected trail network on the Island.

Informal discussions with many of the Island’s residents and follow up research by members of the Conservation Commission have revealed that the Island already has many wonderful trails that provide access to and along the coastline as well as the interior of the Island. Although several of the existing trails are along the shoreline, many more are in the Island’s abundant wildlife. The commission’s objective is to create this trail network for hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

Currently, Westport has two areas with trails open to the general public, the Bonyun Preserve on the west side of the Island and Clough Point on the Island’s north end.

So far the Conservation Commission has identified several other areas where land owners have indicated a willingness to work with the commission to allow residents to travel across their property on an existing trail or along a property line shared with an adjacent landowner. The commission has also identified possible trail routes through several parcels of town-owned property as well as some undevelopable land owned by Maine Yankee.

The state of Maine has a strongly worded law, known as the Landowner Liability Law. This statute clearly states that if someone uses your land or passes through your premises for outdoor recreation, you assume no responsibility and incur no liability for injuries to that person or that person’s property. You, as a landowner, are also protected whether or not you give permission to use the land. In addition, the land owner would be protected from liability for injuries to volunteers allowed to maintain or improve the trail.

While enthusiastic, the commission is proceeding slowly on this and currently welcomes input from residents regarding their knowledge of existing trails, suggested routes for new or improved trails and their willingness to explore the possibility of allowing other residents to use a trail that traverses or passes adjacent to their property.

The Commission is hoping to work with the island’s landowners, with the understanding that any formal or informal permission is at their discretion and could be revoked at any time for any reason.
For more information, contact either Dick Tucker at 882-7965 or Jason Abbott at 882-6040.