Over 100 racers gathered at the start line for either a 5.5-mile race or a 13.1-mile half-marathon at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson on Sunday, Sept. 26. Spread all across HVNC’s 1,000 acres of forest, Race Through the Woods volunteers guided and encouraged racers along their path.

The weather was perfect and families were able to enjoy the the improved facilities at HVNC and get their fill of local food from Sheepscot General and local beer from Sheepscot Brewery.

New this year was a wildly successful kids’ race, a quarter mile obstacle course with booby traps of tires, logs, culverts and rope webs. Over 50 kids participated and they all had a great time. The kids’ race was supported by Maine Helicopter of Whitefield, making it free for the kids.

The top male runner in the half marathon race was Peter Kraus, newly of Dresden with a time of 1:29:17.

The top female runner was Jennifer VanDongen of Bar Harbor with a time of 1:41:57.

In the 5.5 mile race, the top male runner was Jason Bigonia of Walpole with a time of 36:36. Jason was the half marathon winner last year.

Rebecca Miller of Saco was the female winner with a time of 44:57.

For a complete list of times see http://www.coolrunning.com/results/14/me/Sep28_HVNCRa_set1.shtml. Congratulations to all the racers!

Prizes this year was the winner’s choice of a homemade pie or a gift certificate from Lamey-Wellehan Shoes.

“What makes this race unique is that it is all about having fun and enjoying the outdoors,” said Ian Parlin of Trail Monster Running. “We have some racers who are out to beat records, but we have more who are here because it’s a great way to spend time outside with friends and challenge themselves.”

The next outdoors sport event at HVNC is the winter biathlon on Sunday, Jan. 25, combining the sports of cross-country skiing and shooting. Details coming soon.

The annual Race Through the Woods is supported by Lamey-Wellehan Shoes, Sheepscot Brewery, Trail Monster Running, Maine Helicopter, and Liberty Graphics. This is a great community event and wouldn’t be possible without so many supporters and volunteers.

For more information on HVNC, visit hvnc.org, call 207-200-8840, or email info@hvnc.org.

Last year, the Wiscasset High School girls varsity soccer team announced its arrival as one of the teams to beat with a September victory over Western Class C powerhouse St. Dom's.

On Monday, Oct. 6, St. Dom's got a little revenge and regained its status near the top of the division.

The Saints (9-2) retained sole possession of third place in Western Class C with a 4-0 victory over the Wiscasset Wolverines (3-7-1). Wiscasset remained in 11th place in Western Class C with the loss.

With the regular season wrapping up, Wiscasset will be able to jostle for position in the last week of the season. The team has a Friday, Oct. 10 match-up with winless Telstar (0-11) then hosts Winthrop (1-10) at home on Oct. 13. There will be an Oct. 15 match-up with Hyde before the regular season ends Friday, Oct. 17 against Hall-Dale (7-3).

The current standings have Madison (11-0) in first place, while Monmouth Academy (10-0-1) remain in second.

Wiscasset, Oak Hill tie

In a double overtime duel, it turned out nothing could separate Wiscasset and Oak Hill on Thursday, October 2 when the teams tied at 2-2.

Neither team scored in the first half, but Wiscasset was dominant. Oak Hill drew first blood in the second on a Toni Pushard-Hart goal, but Wiscasset freshman Grace Webber scored a bouncing goal to tie the game at 1.

Oak Hill didn't wait long to regain the edge: Jamie Prue, operating after a handball penalty, kicked home a goal to give the Raiders a 2-1 advantage. Wiscasset then received the help of handball, as Miranda McIntire scored on a penalty kick following a penalty.

Neither team could net a goal during both overtimes, which ended the game at a draw.

Wiscasset's Kayla Gordon had 11 saves on 13 shots, while Oak Hill's Anna Dodge collected 13 saves on 15 shots.

A pumpkin is not the willingest of canvases.

There are dips, divots, scuffs, and the over-sized fruit seems to drink the paint.

That’s not even mentioning the inevitable spider left over from the pumpkin patch that caught a ride on the behemoth.

But with the great pumpkin deployment, the pumpkins have been placed from Damariscotta to Boothbay Harbor and points between. The deployment and decorating — where artists paint, dress up, stage and carve the massive pumpkins the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest and Regatta is known for — is the unofficial kick-off to a weekend dedicated to monstrous fruit.

While downtown Damariscotta and Newcastle host the most pumpkins, there are still some waiting in the Boothbay Region.

Those include a pumpkin donated by Alvin Winslow at the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce and painted by this reporter

These pumpkins are the safe ones: They won’t be shot into the water, dropped onto a clunker or raced around the town landing. These painted and primped pumpkins will linger for a good chunk of the month.

Or, until a good storm comes and washes the paint off.

On a night that saw Wiscasset High School’s seniors honored for their athletic prowess, there were plenty of thrills, great plays and scares.

Playing at home Friday, Oct. 17, both the boys and girls varsity soccer teams suited up against Hall-Dale.

The boys team (2-11) took on the unenviable task of facing a Hall-Dale team (12-1) that has its sights set on a top spot in Western Class C. Hall-Dale currently sits in fourth place, behind the undefeated Maranacook and Mountain Valley programs and Waynflete (10-1-2).

But Wiscasset didn’t just keep pace with Hall-Dale; they matched the Bulldogs evenly for the first half in a succession of body blows and athletic plays.

In the second half the Bulldogs were able to pull ahead of a tiring Wiscasset squad and ended up with the 2-0 win. Wiscasset keeper Conlon Ranta put in a special performance as he was able to limit the potent Hall-Dale attack.

Between the boys game and the girls game, Wiscasset’s seniors were honored. The boys soccer team featured two — Tyler Flavin and Andrew Corson, while the girls team honored Miranda McIntire, Maeve Carlson, Hanna Foye, Alecia Faulkingham, Kayla Gordon, Katie-Lynn Mills, Rachel Berry, Tylan Onorato and manager Hannah Welborn.

Also receiving mention was cross country runner Ridge Barnes and football players Matt Craig, Josh Hodgdon and Craig James, who all suited up for the Lincoln Academy Eagles.

Wiscasset girls soccer (5-8-1) matched up against a tough Hall-Dale team (9-5) that was coming off a 2-1 loss at the hands of Dirigo, which is one place ahead of Wiscasset in the Western Class C standings.

As has been the case for most of the season, Wiscasset was buoyed by an elite defense — the Bulldogs duo of sisters Dani and Thea Sweet were neutralized by the Wolverines defenders.

Goalkeeper Gordon again maintained a shutout until eight minutes into the second half, when Hall-Dale’s Signey Lynch bounced in a goal. The score would remain 1-0 until the end, despite Wiscasset’s late push.

During the second half of the girls game there was a scare when a Wiscasset player went down with a medical issue. The game was interrupted and the player was removed from the field via stretcher by the Wiscasset Ambulance. The game was resumed with 13 minutes remaining.

After a season of battling, going up and down, it came down to the last minute — but the Wiscasset High School girls varsity soccer team won’t be in the state playoffs this fall.

The team (5-8-1 final record) finished 14th in the Western Class C standings, which was mere points from 13th-place Dirigo High School (6-8).

The Wolverines needed certain teams to lose if it wanted to stay mathematically relevant in the hunt.

Wiscasset started the year off in high fashion, as the team rolled over its first three opponents en route to a 3-0 record.

But this year, the injury bug bit the Wolverines, and it hit hard.

The team had to go long stretches without some of its starters. It began a seven game losing streak that stretched from Tuesday, Sept. 16, when the team lost to Hall-Dale, 5-0, to Thursday, Oct. 2, when the Wolverines tied Oak Hill, 2-2.

The Wolverines then rebounded, and in a big way: The team throttled Telstar, 6-0, on Oct. 10, and beat Winthrop, 2-0, Oct. 13.

The two wins pushed Wiscasset’s record to 5-7-1 and gave the Wolverines a tremulous grasp on 13th place in the standings; an Oct. 17 win over Hall-Dale would all but assure Wiscasset another Western Class C playoff berth. The two teams battled, but in the end the Bulldogs would come out with a 1-0 victory.

Three days later, on Oct. 20, Dirigo, which had defeated Hall-Dale earlier in the season, finished off Winthrop to push its record to 6-8 and bounce Wiscasset from the playoff picture.

The team had to rely on several freshmen, who would eventually go on to larger roles as the season progressed. By the end of the year, players such as “Mini” Maeve Blodgett and Grace Webber became starting lineup fixtures.

Both boys and girls soccer teams will host a dinner at 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6 at the high school cafeteria.

The boys team also finished in 14th place in Western Class C, with a record of 3-11. The boys division featured a multitude of powerhouse teams this season; even seventh-seeded Mount Abram finished with 10 wins.

Even with dominant teams up and down the division, Maranacook managed a perfect 14-0 season to snare the top spot in the division. Mountain Valley (13-0-1) and Hall-Dale (13-1) finished second and third, respectively.

The boys team was extremely young in a league that had grown experienced. The Wolverines relied on a squad of sophomores on defense (Kevin Lynch, Ethan James and Keeper Conlon Ranta) and on offense (Brandon Goud and Russell Marr, among many others). The team will lose two seniors to graduation, meaning that next year the team will likely be top-heavy with upperclassmen.

While the Wolverines weren’t able to secure a playoff spot, the team managed to finish the year off in style: The Wolverines went 2-1 in their final two games.

The boys and girls Western Class C regional finals will be Wednesday, Nov. 5, and the state championship will be Nov. 8.

Gargoyles, ghosts, reindeer, Nicki Minaj, Hipster Sleeping Beauty, hooded evil-doers from “The Purge,” three blind mice, the cast from “Alice in Wonderland,” a hairy-footed hobbit and a grocery bag all showed up to a class assembly.

No, this isn’t the start to a joke — it was Halloween, Friday, Oct. 31 at Wiscasset High School.

There was a full school assembly in which all four classes shuffled into the gymnasium to the tune of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and filled the bleachers with all manner of creatures.

Students spent a part of Thursday dressing the school up with gargoyles and other Halloween-themed decorations.

The newly-formed attendance challenge winners were the juniors, who received plastic cups of candy for their stellar attendance record in October. No class attended less than 88 percent of its classes; a year ago the school-wide average was 86 percent.

Other awards handed out went to a group of freshmen who dressed up as the characters from “Alice in Wonderland” and won the top prize for group costumes. The group consisting of August Moore, Grace Webber, Vanessa Dunn, Corey Campbell, Lindsey Gordon, Haley Davis and Trinin Jeffrey won the top spot for their Wonderland garb.

Second place went to Santa (Josh Hodgdon) Mrs. Claus (Erika Auger) and his reindeer (Kayla Gordon, Maeve Carlson, Alecia Faulkingham, Hannah Welborn and Miranda McIntire), who came into the gym in a procession, complete with Gordon’s red Rudolf nose.

Third place in the group division was a group of students wearing masks and hoodies who dressed as the anonymous stalkers from the movie “The Purge.”

In the individual category, Zack Hodgdon took the top spot for his Shaw’s grocery bag costume. Shaw wore a large paper bag with bottles of Mountain Dew and bags of chips popping out around his head. Second place went to Haley Bogaczyk and third place went to Tylan Onorato; neither showed up to the assembly in costume, but Onorato had been dressed as Nicki Minaj.

The honorable mentions include Krishtiana Morrow, Sarah Bart and teacher Tim Flanagan.

“Mr. Flanagan came in and said ‘Look what I’m wearing’ and I thought ‘Oh, that’s nice,’” Deb Pooler, technology coordinator and student council advisor said during the assembly, referring to Flanagan who was wearing a white shirt, tie and thick glasses. “Then he went into the gym and when he came out he was dressed as Superman.”

At the end of the assembly the freshmen class was the loudest when asked to yell the end of “We are small but we are mighty.” For their prize they received — what else? — candy.

With a fresh coating of snow to blanket the region, the time is nigh to again think of shovels, hats, mittens, heating oil and basketball.

The Wiscasset Wolverines boys and girls basketball teams will soon head indoors and take to the court. The Saturday, Nov. 29 alumni game will mark the unofficial opener to the season, with the girls game starting at 5 p.m. and the boys games following at 6:30 p.m.

The regular season will start at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, when the boys team faces off against Mountain Valley at home. The girls will follow with a Saturday, Dec. 6 match-up against Mountain Valley, also at 7 p.m. and also at home.

Boys varsity basketball

Time Date Place Opponent

7 p.m. Dec. 5 Home Mountain Valley

7 p.m. Dec. 8 Away Boothbay

5 p.m. Dec. 10 Home Telstar

Noon Dec. 13 Away Carrabec

7 p.m. Dec. 15 Away Hall-Dale

7 p.m. Dec. 18 Home Lisbon

6:30 p.m. Dec. 20 Away Mt. Abram

7 p.m. Dec. 30 Away Oak Hill

7 p.m. Jan. 3 Home Monmouth

7 p.m. Jan. 6 Home Dirigo

7 p.m. Jan. 9 Home Carrabec

7 p.m. Jan. 13 Away Lisbon

7 p.m. Jan. 15 Home St. Dom's

7 p.m. Jan. 23 Home Winthrop

7 p.m. Jan. 26 Home Boothbay

7 p.m. Jan. 29 Away St. Dom's

7 p.m. Feb. 2 Away Madison

7 p.m. Feb. 4 Away Monmouth

Girls varsity basketball

7 p.m. Dec. 6 Home Mountain Valley

7 p.m. Dec. 9 Away Boothbay

6:30 p.m. Dec. 10 Home Telstar

3 p.m. Dec. 13 Away Carrabec

7 p.m. Dec. 16 Away Hall-Dale

7 p.m. Dec. 19 Home Lisbon

5 p.m. Dec. 20 Away Mt. Abram

7 p.m. Dec. 29 Away Oak Hill

7 p.m. Jan. 2 Home Monmouth

7 p.m. Jan. 5 Home Dirigo

7 p.m. Jan. 8 Home Carrabec

7 p.m. Jan. 12 Away Lisbon

7 p.m. Jan. 16 Home St. Dom's

7 p.m. Jan. 21 Home Madison

7 p.m. Jan. 23 Home Winthrop

7 p.m. Jan. 27 Home Boothbay

7 p.m. Jan. 30 Away St. Dom's

7 p.m. Feb. 2 Away Madison

7 p.m. Feb. 5 Away Monmouth

After falling behind by 10 points in the first half against Jefferson, the Wiscasset Middle School boys basketball team fought back for a close win to open its season.

The Wiscasset Warriors won, 55-53.

The Warriors were led in scoring by Billy Pinkham with a team-high 21 points.

Dylan Orr scored 19 points in his first middle school game and Matt Chapman chipped in with 9 points and 8 rebounds.

Jefferson was paced by Creamer, who scored a game-high 41 points.

Wiscasset plays its next game at home on Monday, Nov. 17 against Bristol.

One recurring theme for Wiscasset High School's sports teams was that neither the boys soccer team nor the girls soccer team ever failed to show up for a game.

On Thursday, Nov. 13 they again proved that, as the teams filled the Wiscasset High School cafeteria for the soccer awards dinner.

Both boys coach Chris Cossette and girls coach Duane Goud stressed that while neither team made it to the playoffs, it wasn't due to a lack of commitment or heart.

That commitment earned starter Brycson Grover a second team all-conference nod and honorable mentions for Alex Webber and Kevin Lynch.

For the boys team, the most improved player took a roundabout route to the field.

“Before the year started, I told my guys ‘I need a manager, I need a manager,'” Cossette said. “And in comes Chayse (Reed). The first day (the team was practicing) he didn't even have shoes on. Then he decided to suit up and eventually, he started a few games.”

The coaches awards went to Russell Marr and Grover, both of whom gave the Wolverines an edge in competitiveness, Cossette said. The sportsmanship award winner was Webber, the co-captain.

The captains award, which is selected by the team's captains, was given to Nate Woodman.

“We picked someone who showed sportsmanship and kept the team,” Webber said. “If he was having a bad day, the team was having a bad day. But when he was on the field he was always positive. It didn't matter if we losing 8-0 or 2-0, he would always come back and say 'We can win this one.' That's why we picked Nate Woodman.”

On the girls team, Hanna Foye and Miranda McIntire were named to the Mountain Valley Conference's second team, and Maeve Carlson and Kayla Gordon were given honorable mentions. Foye, McIntire, Gordon, Carlson, Katie-Lyn Mills, Tylan Onorato and manager Hannah Welborn were all academic all-stars.

The most improved player went to Onorato, a senior, whom Goud said improved each year, but especially in her senior year.

The sportsmanship award went to Gordon, who was the team's keeper for the past two years.

The coaches awards went to Foye and McIntire, and the decision was made easily due to the amount of recognition the pair earned in their four years.

Goud said Foye's multiple selections to the second team all-conference made other coaches very wary of sending players against her, while McIntire, who scored 26 goals in her high school career, was marked from the start of each game.

Carlson was given the Wolverines award, which Goud said best exemplified the school's values and best represented Wiscasset.

For boys golf, coach Gregg Wood gave both the coaches award and the sportsmanship award to Grant Hefler, who was also a second-team all-conference player.

Good sports

The boys and girls cross country teams held their annual awards ceremony earlier in the week, with Coach Warren Cossette handing out awards to the top Wiscasset runners.

The most valuable runners were Amanda Marcus and Brandon Goud, the most improved were Logan Orr and Ella Jones, the coaches award went to Ridge Barnes and the sportsmanship awards went to Noah Jones and Marcus.

Barnes also earned his way onto the all-academic team, while Goud was named a second-team all-conference runner. Marc, Noah Jones and Angus Putnam were all honorable mentions.

But the greatest award went to the entire team: The Wolverines were picked as co-winners of the Mountain Valley Conference’s sportsmanship banner.

The Wiscasset Middle School Warriors boys basketball team moved to 2-0 on the season after a balanced attack against the Bristol B team Monday, Nov. 17.

Wiscasset beat their Lincoln County neighbors, 77-24.

The Warriors were led by John Pray's 15 points and 17 rebounds.

CJ Loyola netted 11 points to go along with 9 rebounds, Steven Roderick, in his first action of the season, scored 10 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.

Haiden Dunning and Billy Pinkham aided the cause with 8 and 7 points, respectively.

The Bristol squad was led by Kaleb Pendleton's 16 points.

The Wiscasset Warriors Middle School basketball team moves to 3-0 on the season after a hard fought battle against a tough Bristol opponent, Wednesday, Nov. 19.

The final score of Wiscasset 46 to Bristol 45, wasn't settled until the final seconds of the contest.

The Warriors were led by Matt Chapman's 18 points and 15 rebounds.

Dylan Orr scored 15 points and Billy Pinkham netted 7 for Wiscasset.

Bristol was led by Sullivan Fink's 13 points to go along with Zach Farrin, who had 11 points and Chase Crockett, who finished with 9 points.

The Wiscasset Middle School Warriors boys basketball team traveled north to play the Whitefield Wildcats on Friday, Nov. 21.

The Warriors used tenacious defense to enable their offense to get out and run in the open court. The Wiscasset team pulled off a 60-19 win to move to 4-0 on the season while being 3-0 in league play.

The Warriors were led by Haiden Dunning's 17 points and 9 rebounds. Noah Haggett netted 11 points and pulled down 7 rebounds. Dylan Orr chipped in with 9 points while Quinn Ranta added 8 points and 9 steals to the cause.

The Wiscasset Warriors boys basketball team played tenacious defense against a tough Woolwich team on Monday, Nov. 24.

The Warriors pulled off a 64-36 road victory with relentless hustle and determination.

The team is now 4-0 in league play and 5-0 overall on the season.

The Warriors were led by Dylan Orr with 18 points.

Noah Haggett scored 12 points and hauled in six rebounds while Matt Chapman added eight points and 16 rebounds.

Billy Pinkham and CJ Loyola added six and five points, respectively, for the Warriors.

Woolwich was led by Arius Eich with 15 points.

For the first time in roughly 10 years, the Wiscasset High School girls varsity basketball team made it to the state playoffs in 2014.

Hopefully, the next trip won't take as long.

The Wiscasset Wolverines look to again punch a ticket to Augusta for the second straight year and head coach Pat Quinn said the experience gleaned from last year's playoff push will only help the team realize that goal.

Especially since most of the players are back, Quinn said.

“We have six seniors coming back, and seven or eight players with meaningful varsity experience from a team that went to the playoffs for the first time in 10 years last year,” he said. “We're hoping for at least (another game in the state tournament), if not more. Augusta is a real nice goal to have in front of us.”

The Wolverines went 6-12 a year ago, despite a slow start. Towards the end of the season, Wiscasset was able to go on a run and eke-out a spot on the playoff line-up.

“Down the stretch last year, the girls really, really sort of learned what it took to compete,” Quinn said. “They especially committed themselves to defense, and staying positive, staying focused and figuring out what they can do with a little bit of luck and a lot of hard work and determination.”

For the first time since he started coaching the girls squad, the team will be without Briana Goud, who graduated in 2014.

But, a number of players have already stepped-up to take on the departed forward's starting spot.

“So far, a lot of players have improved their game to make up for what Briana did,” Quinn said. “Obviously, we'll lack some of her inside scoring, but Miranda (McIntire) did a great job over the summer by adding some offense to her game. (Junior) Colleen Hendricks is going to play an increased role, (sophomore) Hayhlee Craig is going to play an increased role. We're going to look to the combination of those three to make up that spot.”

Those players will be paired with returning forward Kayla Gordon, who a year ago paired with Goud to form an offensive and defensive wall for the Wolverines.

Add in returning guards seniors Alecia Faulkingham, Tylan Onorato and Hanna Foye and sophomore Gabby Chapman and Wiscasset’s attack becomes clear.

“(The team's strength will be) ball movement. Just from what I've seen in the first couple weeks of practice the kids are making good decisions with the ball, nobody is being selfish and I think we're going to be patient and get really good, balanced looks on offense,” Quinn said. “I don't think we're going to get bogged down. We'll have good ball handling and enough scoring options that it doesn't have to be same person scoring every night.”

The Wolverines will gel together in what should be another wild Western Conference; Dirigo, Madison and Oak Hill all return with strong rosters, and the rival Boothbay Region Seahawks have an impressive stable of seniors.

“The most important stretch will be at home against Monmouth, Lisbon and St. Dom's,” Quinn said. “I think that chunk of games is going to dictate how far we go.”

Boys basketball: Returning firepower

A year after falling to Dirigo in the Western Class C playoffs, the Wiscasset High School boys varsity basketball team is back and ready to make noise in the crowded conference.

The team is coming off a 10-8 season in which it secured the eighth seed in the Western Class C playoffs. The Wolverines would eventually go on to lose to the top-ranked Dirigo Cougars.

Gone from this year's team are departed seniors Chandler Longfellow and Dale Peaslee, both of whom started for the Wolverines a year ago.

But, there is help on the way.

The team will lean on second-year forwards Nate Woodman, Ethan James and Kevin Lynch to muscle-up its opponents; all three forwards are well over six feet tall and all three gained experience during the team's run to the playoffs a year ago.

But it isn't just the big forwards expected to lead the way for the Wolverines: Edgecomb's Brandon Sprague returns after a successful summer season, and the Wolverines retain most of their star power from a year ago.

Travis Padilla and Matt Craig both return to the squad, a year after torching the competition.

The Wolverines will need all the firepower they can muster if they hope to again compete in the conference.

Wiscasset will again have two meetings with rival Boothbay Region, which is coming off a disappointing offseason and will be looking to return to the state finals. The Seahawks (16-2 a year ago) retain most of their seniors from a year ago and will face Wiscasset on Monday, Dec. 8 in Boothbay Harbor and Jan. 26 in Wiscasset.

The Wolverines will also have a chance at a little revenge when the team takes on Dirigo (17-1 in 2013-14) on Jan. 6 at home.

The Wiscasset boys middle school basketball team suffered its first loss of the season at the hands of an unbeaten Nobleboro squad. Wiscasset lost, 56-23, Monday, Dec. 1.

Nobleboro's stifling zone defensive pressure disrupted Wiscasset's offense. Wiscasset drops to 4-1 in league play and 5-1 overall on the season.

Wiscasset was led by Matthew Smith's eight points and 11 rebounds.

Dylan Orr contributed six points while Noah Haggett chipped in with four points.

Nobleboro was led by Bryce Y. with a game high 24 points.

Joel Hatch scored 13 points and Ethan S. dropped in 10 points.

Warriors beats Woolwich

With the changing of the seasons still technically weeks away, the temperature outside still indicates winter is coming.

Also pointing in that direction? The return of Wiscasset High School winter sports.

The Wiscasset Wolverines boys and girls varsity basketball teams will tip off their seasons this weekend with a pair of games against a Western Class C rival.

The boys team will try out its new look against a team it defeated a year ago. Tipping off at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, the boys will face the Mountain Valley Falcons, who went 2-16 a tear ago.

A year ago, the two teams met on Mountain Valley's home court and Wiscasset was able to trounce the Falcons, 55-37.

At 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, the girls varsity basketball team will look to start its season on a high note when it too plays Mountain Valley.

The two teams had identical 6-12 records a year ago, and the Falcons carved-out a 49-42 victory on Dec. 30, 2013.

Both games will be played at the Wiscasset High School gymnasium, 272 Gardiner Road. Both teams will hit the road the following week for big early season tests.

The boys will face rival Boothbay at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8 while the girls will tip-off against the Seahawks at 7 p.m. Dec. 9.

The Wiscasset boys basketball team improved to 6-1 on the season with a win over a young Woolwich B squad on Thursday, Dec. 4.

The Wiscasset Warriors prevailed 71-19 on Thursday evening in Woolwich.

The Warriors were led in a balanced attack by Noah Haggett and his game-high 15 points.

Haiden Dunning tallied 12 points and six rebounds, Quinn Ranta added 11 points while Matt Chapman scored 10 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.

Billy Pinkham scored seven points and Josh Gabriele dished out nine assists.

Woolwich was led by Brenton Cahill and his team-high eight points.

On Jan. 25, Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson will host the fourth annual Liberal Cup Biathlon. All ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate.

Biathlon is an Olympic sport that combines cross country skiing and target shooting. The Liberal Cup Biathlon is a twist on that classic event. Racers can compete in self-selected skill categories, they can compete in teams of four, and everyone is encouraged to compete in costume. For the kids ages 5 to 9, there will be a cross-country skiing obstacle course known as the Ski-Daddle.

If you don’t have cross-country ski equipment you can still participate. Racers can rent cross-country skis, boots, and poles for free, thanks to the Maine Winter Sports Center, as long as supplies last. All air rifles are provided by the Southern Maine Biathlon club, and each racer will receive safety training on how to use the rifle.

Registration fees range from $10 to $25. Categories include the Ski-Daddle, Novice, Intermediate, and Expert. While classic skis are recommended there will be a skate ski category. Awards will be given out for best costume, best team name, and for youth and high school aged participants. The winning team will take home the official Liberal Cup trophy.

More details and registration information available online at http://hvnc.org/biathlon-2/. Registration is limited, and spots are filling quickly. Don’t delay!

Races will begin about 9 a.m. and continue into the late morning. All day long there will be bonfires, great food, and something on tap from the Liberal Cup. Spectators are encouraged.  

The Biathlon at HVNC has generous community support from the Liberal Cup Brewpub and restaurant, Reny’s, Bath Savings Institution, Mid-Coast Energy Solutions, Newcastle Chrysler, and Teens to Trails.

For more information: wwww.hvnc.org, info@hvnc.org, or 207-200-8840.

In keeping with the Owl's Head Transportation Museum’s newest exhibition, “Faster: The Quest for Speed,” a special winter education lecture series will focus on various incarnations of racing, exploring themes involving automotive racing, motorcycle racing and bicycle racing. All events begin at 1 p.m. on their respective dates and are free to the public

On Saturday, Jan. 17, Joe Freeman, automobile collector, and vintage racing enthusiast, driver and President of Racemaker Press, will lead the series with his talk “On Vintage Racing.”

Freeman will discuss his love of vintage racing with the museum’s latest exhibition, and a portion of his own collection of vintage racing vehicles, as a backdrop. A particular focus will be paid to dirt track racing and Freeman’s 1915 Duesenberg Benedict Special, the second place car in the 1916 Indianapolis 500.

Journalist Lynn Tolman will present “The Fastest Bicycle rider in the World: Major Taylor’s Legacy Picks Up Speed,” on Saturday, Feb. 21 When automobiles and aviation were in their infancy, bicycles were the fastest thing going. And the fastest cyclist of all was Major Taylor, "the Worcester Whirlwind."

But as a black man in an increasingly segregated society, he had to fight Jim Crow just to get on the starting line. Tolman tells the story of Major Taylor's remarkable life on and off the racetracks of the world at the turn of the 20th century, and how his legacy is shaping cycling today.

Dick Berggren returns to the Museum on Saturday, March 21 to present “A History of New England Auto Racing.” Berggren, a member of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame, motorsports announcer and magazine editor and president of the board at the up and coming North East Motorsports Museum will discuss on the history of auto racing in New England.

The series will conclude on Saturday, April 18 with Jack Churchill and Charlie Vincent presenting “Motorcycle Racing on the Isle of Man.” Churchill, a motorcycle aficionado, constructor and collector was among the crowd’s favorite speakers at the 2014 Winter Education Series.

Churchill will return accompanied by Vincent an International Six Days Trial gold medalist and top 1960s off-road racer. The duo will address the Isle of Man races, both on- and off-road. A selection of their own machines will be used to illustrate this fascinating topic.

The Owls Head Transportation Museum is located at 117 Museum Street and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, year-round.

For more information, call 207-594-4418.

The 38th annual Nequasset Lake Fishing Derby, sponsored by the Woolwich Firefighters Association, will be held on Nequasset Lake, Woolwich on Sunday, Feb. 15. Hours are daylight to 3 p.m.

A first place cash prize of $300 for the heaviest fish is being offered. Second prize is $200 cash and third prize is $100 cash.

First prize for children (under age 15) for the heaviest fish is a lifetime fishing license. Second and third place prizes will also be available. There will be door prizes of $100 cash, $50 cash and other surprises.

Tickets are $1 or six for $5. Each ticket will serve as admission and raffle entry.

Food will be served all day. For more information, call Bill Longley at 207-751-7420.

On Friday, March 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association will host an owl prowl at their Trout Brook Preserve in Alna. Lynne Flaccus, a naturalist and the Programs Manager for SVCA, will lead the exploration calling and listening for owls. The Trout Brook Preserve offers good habitat for barred owls and they are often heard there even during daylight hours.

Participants should meet at the Trout Brook parking area, which is located on Route 218 just three tenths of a mile north of The Alna Store.

You’ll find the parking area on the left just after crossing Trout Brook. It is small so consider carpooling if possible. Wear appropriate footwear and snowshoes, dress warmly and be sure to include a headlamp or flashlight.

During a short hike we will call, look, and listen for local owls and Lynne will provide information about the natural history of some of Maine’s most common night time “living mousetraps.”

Operation of the Trout Brook Preserve is generously sponsored by Carleton Realty and Roy Farmer Associates of Bath and Wiscasset who adopted the preserve as part of SVCA’s Adopt-a-Preserve program. 

The Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association is a member organization advocating shared stewardship of Maine’s 58-mile Sheepscot River since 1969. Visit www.sheepscot.org or call 207-586-5616 for more information.

The Midcoast United Soccer Club for area youth is now registering players for spring travel league play.

Registration deadline is mid-March for kids ages 8 and up. Please email parents' names and contact information to: mtilas.midcoast@gmail.com for more information and like our Midcoast United Soccer Club Facebook page for spring game dates and the newest updates.

Each year the board and staff of the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association show their appreciation for the contributions of the organization's many volunteers by inviting them to dinner. This year's “Soup to Cakes” event will take place Friday, March 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and will feature a delicious soup cook-off. A number of soups will be available and each attendee will have a chance to try each and then vote for their favorite. Beverages, sides and desert will round out the meal. In addition, we will hold a fundraising cake walk with prizes of donated cakes.

Whether you are a current or past volunteer or are interested in volunteering, please join us for a fun evening. Family and interested friends are welcome. Please RSVP by March 23 if you’d like to join in and if you would like to enter a soup for the “Golden Ladle” award, or donate a cake for the cake walk.

Well over 2,000 hours are logged each year by more than 100 volunteers who perform a variety of duties. Trail building and maintenance, water quality monitoring, preserve stewardship, wildlife habitat improvement, maintaining the SVCA building, supporting advocacy efforts, building business relationships, preparing press releases and posters, helping plan special events, education, maintaining waterfowl nest boxes, and general office assistance are just some of the ways volunteers contribute. Anyone wishing to volunteer can contribute as many or as few hours as they wish from a couple of hours each year to every week. There are opportunities for everyone to help out.

The “Soups to Cake” event will be held at the SVCA offices at 624 Sheepscot Road in Newcastle.

The Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association is a member organization advocating shared stewardship of Maine’s 58-mile Sheepscot River since 1969. For more information about volunteer opportunities or to RSVP for the event, visit our website at www.sheepscot.org, email svca@sheepscot.org or call the office at 207-586-5616.

For more than a decade, Midcoast Stewards Program alumni have been contributing time, energy, ideas and enthusiasm to conservation organizations throughout Midcoast Maine. ,

“I am a good example of the impact of Midcoast Stewards on one person,” Peggy Drake, a Midcoast Stewards program alumna said. “I took the class a year after we moved here ... and now I'm the president of PWA. That program had a huge effect on me.”

Midcoast Stewards Program alumni have provided more than 4,000 hours of volunteer service to a variety of conservation projects throughout Midcoast Maine over the past nine years. The program, coordinated by the Damariscotta River Association and co-sponsored by the Maine Coastal Program, provides participants with the knowledge they need to work towards protecting and conserving their coastal environment. It also creates a network of educated and committed volunteers working together to protect the natural and cultural resources of Midcoast Maine.

“The Midcoast Stewards Program was an amazing experience, opening up to me the deep culture and history of the area, as well as the plants and animals that thrive in the Damariscotta estuary and beyond,” DRA board member and an alum of the 2013 Midcoast Stewards Program Bob Barkalow of Newcastle said. “The ‘classroom’ for most of the course was outdoors, from Damariscotta Lake to a Jefferson gravel pit to Monhegan Island. This program is a tremendous bargain that truly deepened my understanding and appreciation for the Midcoast environment.”

Midcoast Stewards Program participants learn directly from professionals in a variety of organizations during the course, including local land trust leaders and scientists from the Darling Marine Center, the Maine Department of Marine Resources, and the Maine Geological Survey. Class format includes lectures and discussions as well as many field trips and hands-on experiences. After completing the course, participants commit to “giving back” a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service to the protection of Midcoast Maine's natural and cultural resources over the next year with a conservation organization of their choice. Volunteer projects have included helping with events, serving on boards and committees, building trails, monitoring horseshoe crabs and a wide variety of other types of service.

The 40-hour curriculum includes coastal ecology, Wabanaki material culture, geologic history, sustainable fisheries management, birds, water quality monitoring, estuarine studies and much more. This year, the Midcoast Stewards Program will meet April 14 through May 26 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m., as well as a few Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The program application deadline is April 3. The materials fee for the 40-hour course is $100 payable to the Damariscotta River Association. Limited scholarships are available. Applications and the program brochure can be obtained by contacting the DRA.

For more information call 207-563-1393, email dra@damariscottariver.org, or view its website at www.damariscottariver.org.

Runners of all levels are invited to join a community of runners at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson for six weeks of trail running. Whether you’re trying to get back into running shape after a long winter, training for a race, or just looking for a reason to run the trails this is a great opportunity for you.

The series will run every Wednesday evening beginning on April 22, and continuing until May 27. Each week runners can arrive and start anytime between 5 and 6 p.m. On April 22 representatives from Fleet Feet Running Store will provide an introduction to trail running with some basic information about gear, nutrition, and fitness planning.

Participants will arrive each week and check in with the timers. The timers will explain the course and officially start each runner. Each week two courses will be marked (a short and a long course) and runners can choose which one they plan to run. Each week the distances of both courses will increase. The short courses will range from 3-8km over the six weeks, and the long courses will range from 5-12km over the series. All courses will be well marked.

Runners are free to run solo or with a group. The series is designed to be self-competitive, where each runner is striving to get more fit and faster. On May 27 we’ll host a cookout and awards ceremony for everyone who participated.

For more information and registration visit www.hvnc.org/trailtraining. Runners are encouraged to sign up in advance for the entire series, but day-of registration will be possible. The cost for all six weeks ranges from $20-$35, and is free for kids under 13. Day-of registration will be $8. All ages and experience levels are welcome.

HVNC in Jefferson is a nonprofit education and recreation center hosting many diverse opportunities to explore the outdoors. HVNC is open to the public three hundred and sixty-five days a year, dawn to dusk. For more information about HVNC’s events, or to find out how you can support HVNC visit www.hvnc.org, write to info@hvnc.org, or call 207-200-8840.

This summer Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson is excited to kick off the Little Dyer Adventure Club for youth ages 8-14. In collaboration with the Maine Winter Sports Center (MWSC) HVNC will host two 3-day sessions during which participants will explore HVNC on foot, on bike, and in canoes while building friendships and learning how to explore the outdoors.

The first session will be Thursday to Saturday, June 25-27 for boys and girls ages 10-14 and will be led by the MWSC. Participants will hone their outdoor adventure skills while becoming familiar with HVNC. The second session will be Monday to Wednesday, July 13-15 for ages 8-10. This session will be led by two of HVNC’s educators with great outdoor education and nature exploration experience.

Participants will have opportunities to develop skills, play lots of active games, learn important safety skills, and increase their comfort and experience with outdoor sports. The experience will facilitate friendships and group work. The sessions will introduce similar skills, but activities and level of rigor will be age appropriate.

Each session will take advantage of HVNC’s backcountry-like setting. HVNC comprises over 1,000 acres of forest and is knit together by more than 25 miles of recreational trails. In addition, participants will be paddling on Little Dyer Pond, a pristine 110 acre pond with no public access. The remote setting inspires imagination and adventure, but is conveniently located for these programs and many follow-up adventures.

Participants do not need to have prior experience with any of these activities. In fact, this is a great opportunity to introduce youth to all kinds of outdoor activities in a fun, casual setting. Throughout the year HVNC will offer informal follow-up opportunities for the club to convene for a paddle, group hike, or trail project. Both 3-day sessions are just the beginning of a series of outdoor recreation opportunities.

The cost is $60 per child. Scholarships may be available. For more information visit www.hvnc.org/registration and click on the correct program, or write to info@hvnc.org.

The Maine Winter Sports Center works to build an active, outdoor future for Maine citizens through world-class resources and challenge-based programs. Our name says winter — our mission means so much more. Learn about us at www.mainewsc.org.

More information available online at www.hvnc.org, info@hvnc.org, or call 207-200-8840.

The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) is offering free children's programs with the Patten Free Library in May. The two programs will offer spring themed stories and activities for children 6 years old and younger.

It is a splendid opportunity for young children and chaperoning adults to explore the wonders of nature two Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. Participants will investigate spring events- the forest understory and tadpoles — through stories, crafts, and outdoor, hands-on exploration. KELT's Education Coordinator, Becky Kolak, will lead the way!

May 12: Forest Floor Frolic at Sewall Woods Preserve

May 26: Funny Frogs & Tiny Tadpoles at Thorne Head Preserve

Parents are welcomed and encouraged to take part in the activities. To sign-up, contact the Patten Free Library’s Children’s Room at 207-443-5141 or childrens@patten.lib.me.us. These programs are generously sponsored by the Davenport Trust Fund. To get to Sewall Woods Preserve, take High Street north out of Bath and turn left onto Whiskeag Road. Enter through stone gateposts on the right for parking. To get to Thorne Head Preserve, go north on High Street which dead ends into the parking lot of the preserve.

For more information, visit www.kennebecestuary.org or call 207-442-8400.

Each spring Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) turns locally harvested wood into unique, creative picnic tables and benches. You can outfit your house or yard with the perfect piece just in time for summer cookouts.

Currently, tables and benches are for sale at the Alna Store. Anyone who buys a piece between now and May 31will get a free large pizza. And, be sure to join us on Sunday, May 31, for HVNC’s annual Pancake Breakfast at the Alna Store, 7:30-10:30 a.m., where we will have a large inventory. The inventory is limited so don’t wait! Base prices are $175 for tables, and $200 for benches.

Outdoor furniture is one part of HVNC’s commitment to sustainable forestry. The wood is harvested at HVNC as part of annual timber stand improvements. HVNC manages the forest in order to repair forest roads, reduce erosion, create wildlife habitat, and improve the quality of wood. HVNC makes creative use of every last piece of wood. Rather than trucking the wood off site it is milled and turned into buildings and outdoor furniture at HVNC.

Write to andy@hvnc.org, or call 207-200-8840 with questions about the tables and benches. Better yet, check them out in person at the Alna Store.

The Alna Store is a vibrant community hub open six days a week where neighbors and visitors gather to enjoy great food and great company.

HVNC in Jefferson is a non-profit education and recreation center hosting many diverse opportunities to explore the outdoors. For more information about HVNC’s events, or to find out how you can support HVNC visit www.hvnc.org, write to info@hvnc.org, or call 207-200-8840.

Although it is still early for boating in Maine, it is never too early to think about making boating safer for children. Nothing gives parents and grandparents more delight than showing the kids a good time on the water. Unfortunately, in our desire to please, we often jump into unsafe situations that can end up in tragedy.

One extremely dangerous practice for any age is bow riding. Children are on a slippery curved surface with minimum side rail protection while receiving a maximum jolt from waves and passing wakes. Boating in rough water can be very scary and disorienting for a child, who is often too small to see over the rails, deafened by the roar of the engine, or being tossed off balance by the pounding waves. You can help improve stability by making sure children wear secure shoes with soft soles for traction. It is also a good idea for children to wear lightweight clothing as these items will not get too heavy when wet in the event the child falls overboard.

Many children fall into the water while boarding a boat or playing on the dock. It is a good practice to have them don life jackets all the time, on or near water. A life jacket should fit snugly so as to not rise above the head when in the water. A good test is to grasp the life jacket at the shoulders and lift the child off the ground, simulating flotation. When children fall unexpectedly into the water, they will experience sudden panic. Have them wear the jacket in your pool or at beachside to check the fit and to get them comfortable with the feeling of flotation. Don’t let an emergency be a child’s first time in a life jacket.

When a child falls into the water, time is of the essence. Plan in advance for who takes the helm, who points at the child to maintain visual contact while turning, who throws the flotation device to the child, and who goes overboard if necessary to render assistance. Having such a plan in place saves confusion and precious seconds.

Following these simple tips, will help assure that kids have a safe boating experience. These precautions also allow parents to worry less, knowing their kids can return another day for more boating fun. Take the time to think and plan before embarking on your next outing.

To learn more about safe boating practices or to take a boating class or seminar from the United States Power Squadrons, contact Wawenock Sail and Power Squadron at www.usps.org/wawenock.

On Sunday, May 24, approximately 80 people walked or ran in a 5k and a half marathon race to benefit the Wiscasset Feed Our Scholars nonprofit program.

The event began at 9 a.m., when walkers/runners started at Sheepscot Bay Resort in Edgecomb, which hosted the event. Participants walked or ran south on Eddy Road, turned right onto Cross Point Road, then left on Mill Road. Walkers/runners turned around just before Parsons Creek, then headed back to finish at Sheepscot Bay Resort.

Volunteers from St. Philip’s Church in Wiscasset, in partnership with the Edgecomb Congregational Church, help raise money for the Feed Our Scholars program, according to Gretchen Burleigh-Johnson.

Natalie Castonia, along with her husband Jake and son Jack, were cheering runners and walkers on along the course. Castonia’s parents live on Cross Point Road.

The course was a little over 13 miles. The winner's time was an hour and 24 minutes.

The race was presented by 3C Race Productions, which produces races throughout New England and New York.

Twenty percent of the entry fees were presented to Feed Our Scholars.

This year there are many special cruises catered to serve Mainers on the 49-passenger river boat, Teciani, The River Tripper, sailing out of Schooner Landing Marina “by the bridge” in Damariscotta.

Every first Wednesday of the month is Senior Citizens Day ($5 off of regular $30 ticket price). The first tour this year will be on Wednesday, June 3,from 2-4 p.m. The River Tripper is a safe and comfortable way to enjoy the sights, sounds and history of the Damariscotta River. Wheelchair guests should call for arrangements: 888-635-4309.

It is followed on Friday, June 5, with our first Locals Day with live music ($20 with Maine ID) from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Steve Jones and his friends, including Nate Schrock, will rock the boat and it coincides with the captain’s 50th birthday too. Let’s kick the season off together while we can still park in town!

For reservations, call 888-635-4309 or buy tickets at www.damariscottarivercruises.com.

Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson is excited to continue collaborating with the Maine Winter Sports Center (MWSC). This summer on June 25-27, Thursday to Saturday, HVNC and MWSC will offer the Little Dyer Adventure club for youth ages 10-14.

“MWSC has been offering youth development programs like this for years,” said Lauren Jacobs, the Youth Development Program Director at MWSC. “Our aim is to connect youth with all the great opportunities for outdoor adventure, like HVNC, right in their backyard.”

The Little Dyer Adventure Club will have all the same qualities of HVNC’s other recreational programming: it will be led by very experienced staff, it will be affordable, it will be open to all kinds of participants, and the chief aim will be to make sure that kids are having fun while being active outdoors. Participants will navigate HVNC’s trails on foot and mountain bike as well as practice the fundamentals of flat water canoeing. No experience is necessary to sign up.

In addition to skill building exercises, participants will learn to work and play in teams. Instructors will use games and fun activities to teach youth not only fundamental recreational skills, but also about conservation, respect for nature, and an appreciation of Maine’s wild places. The program will be led by MWSC professionals.

The cost is $60 per child. Scholarships may be available. For more information visit www.hvnc.org/registration and click on the correct program, or write to info@hvnc.org. A similar program is being offered on July 13-15 for ages 8-10.

The Maine Winter Sports Center works to build an active, outdoor future for Maine citizens through world-class resources and challenge-based programs. Our name says winter — our mission means so much more. Learn about us at www.mainewsc.org.

More information available online at www.hvnc.org, info@hvnc.org, or call 207-200-8840.

The annual summer music series of free concerts on the Common in front of the Congregational Church in Wiscasset will be drawing crowds on Thursdays at 6 p.m., July 2 through Aug. 13.

The lineup has a bit of something for everyone from Christian alternative rock, good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll to alternative rock to country and sounds of the Caribbean!

Here’s the schedule complete with links to band websites or Facebook pages:

July 2: Chasing the Light, Augusta’s Christian rock band: www.facebook.com/officialctl

July 9: Dyer Neck Gang, local country rockers from Boothbay, Newcastle and Richmond: www.dyerneckgang.com

July 16: Max Ater, acoustic rock: www.maxater.com

July 23: The Veayo Twins, country, pop, rock: http://theveayotwins.com

July 30: Sea Chord, rock/alternative rock

Aug. 6: Hey Man Cool, the mystery band

Aug. 13: Pan Fried Steel, Yarmouth’s community steel drum band: http://panfriedsteel.com

To hear each band’s sound, check out this article at www.wiscassetnewspaper.com and www.boothbayregister.com.

Watch for the Maine summer music series’ and festivals listings on the newspaper websites July 1!

Saturday was “Outlaw Mini Madness” at Wiscasset Speedway. Competitors from as far away as Florida came to participate in the 75-lap race. The group two division of racing was also on the agenda, featuring Late Model Sportsman, Strictly Streets and Modified. 

First on the track for the feature races were the Late Model Sportsman in a 35-lap event. Starting at the pole was the #00 of Alex Waltz. Beside him was the #6 of Chris Bowie. Behind was Tyler Robbins of the #34. When green flag racing began, Waltz sped ahead for the lead. Bowie fought back, and edged ahead of Waltz on the back stretch during lap one for the lead. Tyler Robbins took second coming out of turn four during lap four.

Behind the race leaders, cars were coming up fast. The #4 of Ben Erskine and Nick Hinkley of the #15 came up behind Waltz and Robbins, but were not able to advance. Waltz passed Robbins during lap 12 on the back stretch for second. This gave an opening to Hinkley, who passed Robbins for third.

There was a caution during lap 13, and on the restart, Waltz had a poor start, and fell behind. Hinkley passed him for second, and Erskine passed him for third. Coming up from his 10th place start was Dave St. Clair of the #14. St. Clair passed Erskine during lap 16. The following lap Hinkley passed Bowie for the lead.
The next leader change came during lap 23 when St. Clair passed Bowie for second on the outside of turn two. Erskine passed Bowie during lap 25 on the outside of turn three for third.

Then there was a caution as the #04 of TJ Watson went up into the turn one wall after making contact with Robbins. When action resumed on the track, Erskine slowed on the track causing a backup, and the #17 of Chris Thorne sped his way into third place. Thorne continued his advance up the track, and passed St. Clair during lap 28 for second. The #21 of Shane Clark, who had started in 14th, had worked his way up through the pack, and during lap 32, moved up under St. Clair and took third.

The race had an exciting conclusion. With only two laps to go, Thorne bobbled on the track, causing a mix-up in race leaders. Hinkley still held the lead, but Clark moved to second, and St. Clair to third. Thorne fell back to forth. Hinkley took the win. Clark, who placed first when Late Models raced last, took second. St. Clair placed third.

The Strictly Streets provided a show for the fans. The 25-lap feature was exciting to the finish. Starting on the pole was the #51X of Bryan Robbins. Beside him was the #03 of Jerry Robbins. Starting in third was Cody Verrill of the #11.

When the green flag flew over the track, Jerry Robbins took an early lead. The #26 of Corey Morgan headed to the outside and took second place. The #51 of Kyle Hewins took third. This was all in the opening lap! A lot of racing action!

During lap three, Morgan advanced to the lead, and the #55H of Kurt Hewins passed Kyle Hewins for third. Kurt Hewins found an opening to pass Jerry Robbins during lap seven, and took second. Kyle Hewins followed Kurt Hewins and also passed Jerry Robbins for third place. Kurt Hewins advanced up the track and waited patiently to see if Morgan would slip up, giving him the chance to take the lead. During lap 15, Kurt Hewins was able to get under Morgan on the front stretch and take the lead. Kyle Hewins took the inside track, and while Morgan was stuck in the outer groove, passed for second, moving Morgan to third. 

Moving up from his sixth place start was the #83 of Dan Brown. Brown passed Morgan on the inside coming out of turn two onto the backstretch. Race leaders remained constant until the finish. This was Kurt Hewins second win in a row. Kyle Hewins placed second. Brown came in third.

A 30-lap Modified feature was action packed. Four time Modified winner Mark Lucas had to really fight for his win this race. Starting at the pole was the #18 of Kevin Douglas. Beside him was the #61 of Shawn Austin. In third was Richard Jordan of the #8. 

Off the start, the #85 of Jairet Harrison passed Jordan for third. There was a lot of jockeying for position, but the next race leader change didn’t happen until lap 11 when Nick Reno of the #7 passed Harrison for third. Austin fell back out of the top three and Reno moved to second and Harrison back to third.

Lap 13 saw Mark Lucas of the #5 head to the outside and pass Harrison for third. There was a heated race between Lucas and Reno, each vying for position. During lap 21 Lucas got into Reno, sending Reno into a spin. Lucas invoked the Gentleman Rule, and Reno lost no position, but Lucas went to the back of the pack. The new running order was Douglas maintaining the lead. Reno was in second. Harrison was in third. 

The restart saw Douglas and Reno side to side, but a second caution brought another restart. When racing action resumed on the track, it was more two wide racing action, with Reno briefly taking the lead, only to lose it again to Douglas. Lucas had worked his way back up through the pack from the back. He passed Harrison on the inside, taking third. A determined Lucas progressed up the track and passed Reno on the outside for second during lap 26.

With only two laps to go, Lucas made his way around Douglas, taking the lead, which he did not relinquish for the remainder of the race. As the cars were heading out of turn four for the checkered, Reno spun and went sideways on the front stretch, passing over the finish line behind the #36 of Ryan Robbins. Lucas took the win. Douglas placed second. Rounding out the top three was Robbins. Reno placed fourth.

The Spotlighted feature of the night was a 75-lap “Outlaw Mini Madness” event. There were drivers from New Hampshire and Florida who came to participate in this event. To determine race order, the top 14 of the heat race winners were inverted. There was a lot of early movement in this action packed feature.

Starting at the pole was the #83 of Brady Romano. Beside him was Mike Soucy of the #6. Behind him was the #2ME of Rob Greenleaf. During lap one, Greenleaf took the lead. Lap three saw the #88 of Emerson Cayer pass for third. During lap five, Romano dropped back to fourth. Cayer advanced to second, and the #2 of Toby Wells advanced to third. Wells headed to the inside and passed Cayer for second during lap six. 

There was a caution during lap eight, and on the restart, Wells drove side by side with Greenleaf, looking for the lead. During lap nine, Wells took the lead and Greenleaf dropped to second. Cayer was in third. There was action on the track, and door by door racing throughout the pack, as all tried to gain in position. 

During lap 20, there was a caution when the #20 of Shawn Kimball suffered a mechanical problem. When racing action resumed on the track, Greenleaf was hung out to dry on the outside groove. Cayer passed under for second, then the #26 of Brent Roy took third. 

Moving up from his 13th starting position, Jimmy Childs of the #10 advanced into third place when he passed Roy for third. Childs looked for his opportunity to pass for second. That chance came during lap 29 and he passed Cayer on the inside of turn three for second. There was a caution during lap 37, and the resulting restart was exciting.

Childs got a good jump off the start and leaped to the lead, passing Wells. There was a battle for third brewing between Cayer and Greenleaf. Greenleaf was able to get under Cayer and passed on turn two during lap 42.

Lap 43 was exciting for the fans when Wells briefly took the lead. Childs was on the inside track, and Wells came down, and the pair made contact. Wells went into a slide, and when the dust cleared, Childs was once again in the lead. Cayer was in second, and Wells was in third. During lap 52, Wells took the inside track and passed Cayer for second. 

A caution during lap 58 grouped all the cars back together again for a restart. Childs and Wells raced door to door and it was an intense battle for the lead. Behind them, Greenleaf passed Cayer on the inside during lap 62 for third. The scuffle for the lead continued through lap 63, when Wells dropped in behind Childs, unable to complete a pass. Greenleaf then gets under Wells during lap 73, and passed for second. Childs takes home his biggest win of the season. Greenleaf placed second.  Wells brought up the rear in third.

Wiscasset Speedway resumes racing action, Saturday, June 27 with its group one lineup of divisions: Prostock, Napa Super Street, Thunder 4’s, and New England Four Cylinder Prostock. The flex race of the week are Nelcar Legends, in a 25-lap event. Wiscasset Speedway is located on West Alna Road in Wiscasset. For more information, head to the Wiscasset Speedway website at www.wiscassetspeedway.com. The Wiscasset Speedway website is packed with information, including schedule of events, division rosters and rules, race results, and driver profiles. Head on over to take a look.

Official results June 20, 2015

LATE MODEL SPORTSMAN (35 LAPS)

1. #15 Nick Hinkley, Wiscasset
2. #21 Shane Clark, Winterport
3. #14 Dave St. Clair, Liberty
4. #17 Chris Thorne, Sidney
5. #25 Will Collins, Waldoboro
6. #34 Tyler Robbins, Montville
7. #28 Steve Minott, Windham
8. #6 Chris Bowie, New Glouster
9. #3 Richard Jordon, Kingfield
10. #7 Jay Bailey, Wiscasset
11. #4ME T J Watson, Cundy’s Harbor
12. #5X Bryan Robbins, Montville
13. #4 Ben Erskine, Farmington
14. #00 Alex Waltz, Walpole
15. #88X Wesley Turner, Montville

STRICTLY STREETS (25 LAPS)              

1. #55H Kurt Hewins, Leeds
2. #51 Kyle Hewins, Leeds
3. #83 Dan Brown, Peru
4. #26 Corey Morgan, Lewiston
5. #03 Jerry Robbins, Montville
6. #85 Chanler Harrison, Freeport
7. #51X Bryan Robbins, Montville
8. #11 Cody Verrill, Wiscasset
9. #00 Kimberly Knight, Chesterville
10. #99X Jeff Davis, Woolwich

DNS #8X Ethan Dinsmore, Hope
DNS #84 Kenny Harrison, Pownal
DNS #22 Thomas Smith, Edgecomb
MODIFIED (30 LAPS)

1. #5 Mark Lucas, Harpswell
2. #18 Kevin Douglas, Sidney
3. #36 Ryan Robbins, Dixfield
4. #7 Nick Reno, West Bath
5. #85 Jairet Harrison, Freeport
6. #8 Richard Jordon, Kingsfield
7. #33 Ron Bryant, Livermore
8. #3 Ed Trask, Augusta
9. #61 Shawn Austin, Norridgewock

OUTLAW MINI “MINI MADNESS” (75 LAPS)

1. #10 Jimmy Childs, Leeds
2. #2ME Rob Greenleaf, West Bath
3. #2 Toby Wells, Dublin, New Hampshire
4. #88 Emerson Cayer, Contookook, New Hampshire
5. #81 Bryan Lancaster, Skowhegan
6. #41 Dixon Smith, Sidney
7. #83 Brady Romano, Livermore Falls
8. #84 Mike Bolduc, Palermo
9. #13 Cody Tribbet, Richmond
10. #19 Shane Kaherl, Jay
11. #53 Nick Bissell,  Palermo
12. #91 Scott Theriault, Debary, Florida
13. #6 Mike Soucy, Hopkinton, New Hampshire
14. #26 Brent Roy, Vasselboro
15. #20 Shawn Kimball, Augusta

DNS #4X Travis Poulliot, Madison
DNS #17 Matt Weil, Biddeford

Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association (SVCA) and the Maine Art Gallery invite artists to explore the Sheepscot watershed and create art in a week-long plein air event, July 20-25. There is an entry fee of $50.

During that time, artists will be given access to beautiful riverfront properties not otherwise open to the public. At the end of the week, the artists will bring their work to the Maine Art Gallery, 15 Warren Street, Wiscasset, for a two-week show, beginning July 30.

Artists are asked to donate 30 percent of the selling price of their art to support the efforts of SVCA and Maine Art Gallery to protect and celebrate art, nature and our local landscapes. Sales commission (30 percent) supports both the Maine Art Gallery and Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association helping these non-profits protect and celebrate art, nature and our beautiful local landscapes.

Interested artists are asked to contact SVCA for guidelines and a registration form; call 207-586-5616 or email kristin@sheepscot.org.

Anyone looking for great exercise, excellent company, and a good outdoor sport should drop by the Great Salt Bay Elementary School in Damariscotta on Thursday evenings at 5 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m.

52 Pick-up, Damariscotta’s own Ultimate Frisbee collective, has been there every Sunday for the last several years to play a low-key, high-energy game. Now, with the addition of our summer visitors, we’re playing on Thursday evenings as well.

Everyone is welcome. 52 Pick-up players range in age from 10 to 60, and come from a variety of backgrounds: parents, educators, carpenters, scientists, lawyers, slackers, engineers, artists, web designers, and more. We all show up for good exercise, fun end zone socializing, and a love of the game.

Ultimate Frisbee is known for its unique combination of athleticism, fairness, and an idiosyncratic joy of playing. Where else would you find players throwing themselves at full speed into deep snow for a diving end zone catch? Ultimate Frisbee is unique especially for something called “spirit of the game,” defined as a dedication to fairness and self-governance in the midst of intense competition. There are no referees, so players call their own fouls.

Anyone interested in coming out to play with 52 Pick-up in Damariscotta can contact Jason Anthony at 207-677-2354. Games are held behind Great Salt Bay Elementary School on Route 1B in Damariscotta. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience or age. Children are welcome, whether they want to throw a Frisbee or play on the excellent new GSB playground.

The fourth annual Harbor Fest kicks off on Labor Day Weekend with a 10-day celebration of music, food, fashion, art and healthy living events. The festival takes place in a variety of locations on the Boothbay peninsula, featuring more than 100 Maine businesses, organizations and individuals.

Major events

A Taste of Local Flavor and Live Music Marathon takes place Sept. 4-6: a $10 passport includes food tastings at 15 local establishments and live music around town. Festivities kick off on Friday afternoon with the Harbor Crawl, sponsored by 92 Moose Radio and the Rocktide Inn trolley. Weekend festivities also include a band competition sponsored by WCLZ and music from 207 host Aimsel Ponti as the official judge, and a Cocktail Competition sponsored by Cold River Blueberry Vodka. The weekend closes with the internationally acclaimed HillBenders, appearing at the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, presenting the Who’s “Tommy — A Bluegrass Opry.”

A 5k and Half Marathon takes place Sept. 6: Races start and finish at the Watershed Tavern, 301 Adams Pond Road, Boothbay. Both courses offer scenic views and a pleasant challenge. The event will feature healthy living vendors and activities before and during the race and a post race awards ceremony. The Watershed Tavern menu will be available, including Harbor Fest Ale on tap. Race to benefit the Boothbay Region and Central Lincoln County YMCA collaborative Children’s Diabetes Prevention Program.

Restaurant Theme Week is Sept. 7-11: Local restaurants step up their entertainment game adding a side of fun to their delicious menus. Caribbean, Luau, Great Gastby, Board Game, Back to School, Tapas, Oyster Shucking, Cowboys and Cowgirls, Cooking Class… a little taste of every type of delicious fun.

A Stroke of Art is Sept. 7-13: A Harbor Fest first, A Stroke of Art will feature seven days of show stopping events. This Plein Air Invitational will welcome artists from around the globe to paint the Boothbay peninsula. The ASOA Base Camp, sponsored by Harborfields Waterfront Cottages, 24 McKown Point Road, West Boothbay Harbor, will feature a wet wall of artwork in their historic boathouse for public viewing throughout the week. Daily art shows will be open to the public at various locations to include: Andrews’ Harborside Restaurant, Spruce Point Inn, Boothbay Farmers Market and Rocktide Inn.

The two featured events will take place under a waterfront tent at Harborfields: Art, Ales & Eats: Sept. 11, 3 to 6 p.m., featuring ASOA originals, Boothbay Craft Brewery Harbor Fest Ale and Watershed Tavern Eats. Meet the Artist Brunch: Sept. 13, 9 to 11 a.m., featuring ASOA originals, a Mine Oyster catered brunch and Bloody Mary bar and music by the Downeast Soul Coalition. The Harbor Fest Closing Ceremonies will immediately follow this event featuring great friends, amazing views and the 2015 Harbor Fest Award Winners.

Fishin’ For Fashion: Sept 12, 2 to 4 p.m.: This one of a kind Fashion Show features original designs made from the fishing industry, the creative flare of local shops, fine food, Harbor Fest ale, a waterfront deck and models arriving by lobster boat. Proceeds benefit local student aid fund. $25 pp. Rocktide Inn, 35 Atlantic Avenue, Boothbay Harbor.

More

A variety of additional events will take place throughout the week to include: a carnival and pancake breakfast hosted by local students, a treasure hunt and art show at the Waterfront Whale Park, haunted history tours, a farmer’s market and several live music acts to include: the Underscore Orkestra, based out of Portland, Oregon (Mine Oyster, Sept. 11) and the Sultans of String, based out of Toronto, Ontario (Opera House at Boothbay Harbor Sept. 12).

Tickets for all events are available at www.boothbayharborfest.com or locally at the Boothbay Farmers Market (every Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon) or Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce.

Thank you to our Harbor Fest sponsors: Ambassador: Maine Magazine, WCLZ Portland Radio Group, WMTW Channel 8 and Key Bank. Captain: Harborfields Waterfront Cottages, Cold River Vodka, Boothbay Craft Brewery, Boothbay Register, Rocktide Inn & Restaurant, COCO VIVO Artful Living, Spruce Point Inn Resort & Spa, Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce Claw Down. Harbor Fest Master: BRCTV, Life of the Party: Topside Inn, Tony van Hasselt, Lincoln County Magazine. Fest Friends: The Coastal Journal.

Official finishes

1. #33 Josh St. Clair, Liberty
2. #28 Steve Minott, Windham
3. #25 Will Collins, Waldoboro
4. #15 Nick Hinkley, Wiscasset
5. #87 Chuck Colby, Wiscasset
6. #21 Shane Clark, Winterport
7. #26 Andrew McLaughlin, Harrington
8. #30 Ryan St. Clair, Liberty
9. #14 Dave St. Clair, Liberty
10. #4ME TJ Watson, Cundy’s Harbor
11. #04 Allen Moeller, Dresden
12. #3 Richard Jordan, Kingsfield
13. #34C Craig Robbins, Palermo
14. #27 Brenton Parritt, Steuben
15. #34 Tyler Robbins, Montville
16. #17 Chris Thorne, Sidney
17. #4 Ben Erskine, Farmington
18. #00 Alex Waltz, Walpole
19. #5X Bryan Robbins, Montville
20. #13 Nate Tribbet, Richmond
21. #7 Jay Bailey, Wiscasset

1. #20 Shawn Kimball, Augusta
2. #10 Jimmy Childs, Leeds
3. #13 Cody Tribbet, Richmond
4. #26 Brent Roy, Vassalboro
5. #84 Mike Bolduc, Palermo
6. #41 Shane Smith, Augusta
7. #81 Bryan Lancaster, Skowhegan
8. #53 Nick Bissell, Palermo

1. #5 Mark Lucas, Harpswell
2. #7 Steve Reno, West Bath
3. #18 Kevin Douglas, Sidney
4. #33 Ron Bryant, Livermore
5. #8 Richard Jordan, Kingfield
6. #3 Mike Orr, Wiscasset
7. #96 Todd Ladd, Farmington
8. #85 Jairet Harrison, Freeport

1. #51X Bryan Robbins, Montville
2. #83 Dan Brown, Peru
3. #55H Kurt Hewins, Leeds
4. #51 Kyle Hewins, Leeds
5. #84 Skip Trip, Turner
6. #40 Mac Hannon, Union
7. #85 Chanler Harrison, Freeport
8. #00 Kimberly Knight, Chesterville
9. #11 Cody Verrill, Wiscasset
10. #03 Maurice Young, Chelsea

1. #51 Mike Mason
2. #99 Craig Landry
3. #14 Dylan Lancaster
4. #98 Kamren Knowles
5. #22 Scott Eck
6. #20 Andrew Glynn
7. #00 Shane Knight
8. #55X Nike Snyder
9. #01X David Hamel
10. #44 Logan Leach
11. #15 Grady Lane
12. #69 Dustin Gordon
13. #83 Michael Duffy
14. #03X Jake Allen
15. #55 Mike Marshall
16. #77 Vern Hodgkins Jr.
17. #53 Russell Collins
18. #55ME Brad Clement
19. #25 Tim Johnson
20. #68 Jeff Minchin Jr.
21. #42 Travis Knight
22. #42 Frank Brown
23. #69 Merrill Chapman
24. #01 Ira Hatch
25. #17 Stanley Lawrence
26. #8 Ron Whitcomb
27. #12 Shelby Brannon
28. #6 Brianna Bodman
29. #77 Griffin Laney
30. #66 Rick Goddard
31. #3 Matt Shockley
32. #2X Jeremiah Knight
33. #18 Joey Doyon
34. #0 Kimberly Knight
35. #68X Roy Glidden
36. #03 Jason Stanley

Amateur and experienced trail runners get ready! Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson has two great opportunities for runners to train and compete.

Summer Trail Training Series (each Wednesday, August 12-September 16): Runners of all levels are encouraged to sign up for this casual training series. Each week you can start your run anytime between 5 and 6pm and a volunteer will time you. We’ll have a new course marked each week ranging from 5.5 to over 10 miles. Each week will feature a different section of the annual Race Through the Woods half marathon race course. This series is a great way to get to know the trails at HVNC, and an even better way to get an edge for the Race Through the Woods. The trail training series is sponsored by Fleet Feet Running. For complete information visit: http://hvnc.org/trailtraining.

The fifth annual Race Through the Woods (Sunday, September 20): If you enjoy the rhythm and the scenery of trails, the challenge of diverse terrain, and the reward of great food and fun then you should sign up for the Race Through the Woods today! Take part in either the 5.5 mile race, or the complete half marathon. Both courses are fun and challenging. After the race you can sit back and enjoy a pint from Sheepscot Brewing or great food from the Sheepscot General Store. Kids under 10 can participate in an obstacle course race. The trail race is sponsored by Trail Monster Running. For complete information visit: http://hvnc.org/trail-race.

Runners of all experience levels are encouraged to participate in both events. If you’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to make the shift from jogging on the road to running in the woods this is it. You’ll have a chance to meet and run with others and by the end of both events you’ll know your way across the more than twenty-five miles of trails at HVNC.

For more information about HVNC’s events, or to find out how you can support HVNC visit www.hvnc.org, write to info@hvnc.org, or call 207-200-8840.

A hot and humid evening welcomed race fans and drivers to Maine's fastest oval for a full card of action Saturday night. The "dog days" of August are when top drivers begin to separate themselves from the rest of the pack, and also when some title chases are just beginning to heat up. Group 2 was in action Saturday night at Wiscasset Speedway, including Outlaw Mini's Modifieds, Strictly Streets, and Late Model Sportsman. Plus the "flex" division race of the week was the Amsoil Nelcar Legends.

The Outlaw Minis were the spotlight division on the evening with a 35-lap feature and former champ Shawn Kimball riding a 2 race win streak. The #41 of Shane Smith started at the pole position with the #19 of Shane Kaherl alongside.

8. #96 Todd Ladd - Farmingdale

9. #3 Mike Orr- Wiscasset

6 #92 Colby Messerve - Buxton

8. #8 Matt Chagnot - Derry, New Hampshire

9. #10 Ed Getty - Gray

11. #28 Kevin Liver - Raymond

14. #17 Terry Kirk - Durham

17. #72 Mike Humphrey - Cornish

18. #4 Peter Craig - Poland

19. #27 Roger Edgecomb - Hiram

6. #34 Tyler Robbins - Montville

8. #8 Chris Thorne - Sidney

12. #28 Steve Minott - Windham

13. #21 Shane Clark - Winterport

14. #4 Ben Erskine - Farmington

15. #3 Richard Jordan - Kingfield

16. #20 Tracy Gordon - Strong

Below are the official finishes of the August 29 races at Wiscasset Speedway.

MODIFIED (40 LAPS)

1. #5 Mark Lucas - Harpswell

2. #7 Nick Reno - West Bath

3. #85 Jairet Harrison - Freeport

4. #04 Allan Moeller - Dresden

5. #8 Richard Jordan - Kingfield

6. #15 Joe Williams - Woolwich

7. #33 Ron Bryant - Livermore

8. #18 Kevin Douglass - Sidney

Note: Mark Lucas's 9th win in 10 races

OUTLAW MINI (25 LAPS)

1. #5 Jimmy Childs - Leeds

2. #18x Tim Collins - Farmingdale

3. #19 Shane Kaherl - Jay

4. #26 Brent Roy - Vasselboro

5. #13 Cody Tribbet - Richmond

6. #84 Mike Bolduc - Palermo

7. #41 Shane Smith - Sidney

8. #2 Scott Trask - Richmond

9. #12 Darrin Durrell - Newburgh

Note: Jimmy Childs 3rd win of 2015 (defending division champ)

STRICTLY STREET (25 LAPS)

1. #84 Skip Trip - Turner

2. #51 Kyle Hewins - Leeds

3. #83 Dan Brown - Peru

4. #55h Kurt Hewins - Leeds

5. #85 Chanler Harrison - Freeport

6. #67 Michael Haynes - Livermore Falls

7. #2 Mike Taylor - Boothbay

8. #00 Kimberly Knight - Chesterville

9. #15 Bryan Robbins - Montville

10. #02 Paul Hopkins - Camden

11. #99 Jeff Davis - Woolwich

DNS #88 Leroy Wenzel - Wiscasset

Note: Skip Trip 1st career win at Wiscasset Speedway

LATE MODEL SPORTSMAN (35 LAPS)

1. #87 Chuck Colby -  Wiscasset

2. #21 Shane Clark - Winterport

3. #15 Nick Hinkley - Wiscasset

4. #34 Tyler Robbins - Montville

5. #33 Josh St Clair - Liberty

6. #4 Ben Erskine - Farmington

7. #26 Andrew McLaughlin - Harrington

8. #51 Puncin St Clair - Liberty

9. #25 Will Collins - Waldoboro

10. #04 TJ Watson - Cundys Harbor

11. #00 Alex Waltz - Walpole

12. #5x Bryan Robbins - Montville

13. #13 Nate Tribbet - Richmond

14. #38 Joey Doyon - Winterport

15. #7 Jay Bailey - Wiscasset

16. #28 Steve Minott - Windham

17. #3 Richard Jordan - Kingfield

18. #17 Chris Thorne - Sidney

19. #30 Ryan St Clair - Liberty

20. #34c Craig Robbins - Winslow

21. #14 Dave St Clair - Liberty

22. #11 Cody Verrill - Wiscasset

Notes: Colby is 8th different winner in 10 races for Late Model division. Nick Hinkley and Will Collins were tied for point lead going into the feature

Wiscasset Speedway returns to action Saturday, Sept. 5 for NAPA Night. Action in Group 1 divisions (Napa Super Streets, Prostocks, Thunder 4 Minis, N.E.4-cyl Pros) plus the Senior Tour Auto Racers. Racing begins at 6 p.m.

For more information check the website at www.wiscassetspeedway.com.

Are you inspired by the tranquility of running on rustic trails deep in the Maine woods? Do you enjoy the challenge of highly varied terrain, where slippery roots or loose rocks demand your concentration and sharpen your focus? Then you should register for a beautiful fall “Race Through the Woods” at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson.

Explore the exciting mix of single and double-track trails over rolling terrain in this challenging racecourse. Find the race map online at www.hvnc.org/trail-race, and start training today!

On Sunday, Sept. 20, Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) will host the fifth annual Race Through the Woods trail races. This year runners can choose between a half-marathon (13.1 mi) or a 5.5 mile race. Races will begin at 9 a.m.

Racers of all levels are encouraged to participate. Some will be racing the clock and others will be racing themselves. The day will feature local, delicious food at a fair price and beer from Sheepscot Valley Brewing. Come for the race, but plan to stay and celebrate too.

Prizes will include homemade pies and gift certificates to Lamey Wellehan’s running store. This year the overall first place man and woman will win a handmade wooden bowl with engraving on the bottom.

Back by popular demand, kids ages 4-9 are invited to participate in a Kids Race Through the Woods beginning about 10 a.m. The race will be a short obstacle course and will be timed. After the official race the kids course will be open all day.

Registration information is online at www.hvnc.org/trail-race. All proceeds will support the maintenance of HVNC trails and educational programs. This event is sponsored by Sheepscot Valley Brewing, Lamey-Wellehan shoes, and Trail Monster running.

For more information visit www.hvnc.org, call 207-200-8840, or write to info@hvnc.org.

Teens To Trails and Chewonki teamed up in 2008 to offer Sara's Scholarship — Engaging Teens in the Outdoors, which is awarded to two Wiscasset High School teens each year in memory of Sara Leone, who was lost to the Wiscasset community 10 years ago.

Leone was in love with the world and her strong connection to the out-of-doors played an important role in the way she lead her life — with passion and compassion.

She inspired the establishment of the Teens To Trails organization and the scholarship program that bears her name. This year's recipients were Gabby Chapman and Josh Kramley, who have recently returned from their Chewonki adventures. Each teenager spent three amazing weeks in the wilderness with Chewonki’s Wilderness Trips for Teens where they learned about the natural world as they learned about themselves.

“We know these outdoor experiences can change a life, and were happy to give Gabby and Josh this opportunity,” said Carol Leone, Sara Leone's mother and founder of Teens To Trails.

Teens To Trails is working with Treats of Wiscasset to host an open house and wine-tasting event in support of Sara's Scholarship. All are welcome to attend the fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11. This scholarship sparks teen interest in the outdoors, provides student leadership for the Wiscasset High School Outing Club, and encourages the growth of Outing Clubs across Maine — all goals of the Teens To Trails organization.

This full camp scholarship is made possible by the heartfelt donations of Sara Leone's many friends and family and a committed partnership between Teens To Trails and Chewonki.

"Chewonki is honored to be able to partner with Teens To Trails on such a meaningful project that gets kids outdoors," said Emma Carlson, manager of Chewonki’s Summer Wilderness Trips. Donations to keep this scholarship going can be made at the open house, mailed to Teens To Trails at 98 Maine Street, Brunswick, ME 04011, or made online at the T3 website.

The Eaton Farm Preserve of Chewonki’s Back River Trail system offers some of the most scenic hiking in Wiscasset.

To get there, drive 3.2 miles south from the Wiscasset Municipal Building on Route 1 until you come to the Route 144 exit. (It will be on your left by Norm’s Used Cars.) Turn here and continue until you come to Ready Point Road, the third turn on the right just past the airport. Follow the road until you come to the fork and bear left and the entrance of Eaton Farm Preserve.

It’s a dirt road, and there are a few ruts and big rocks to navigate around, so take it slow. As you round the curve you’ll pass the site of the old Eaton Farm. The farmhouse was on the right on a small knoll that faced the river. The home site can be found at the top of rise to the left of several towering pine trees. A stone fence marks what was once the property’s southern boundary.

The road ends at large parking area; you’ll see a kiosk with information about the trails. No trail maps were available when I was there this past Thursday. You can download a trail map by going to www.wiscasset.org. Go to: “visit” then “community trails.” Click on Map 5, Chewonki Neck and the Eaton Farm.

There are two trails to explore the North Loop and South Loop. For this story we’ll only concern ourselves with the South Loop. It’s an easy and enjoyable hike, roughly a mile from start to finish. Give yourself about an hour to traverse it.

The trail begins just beyond the kiosk and to the right. It runs roughly south by southwest. Running through the woods, it’s nicely shaded. The trail is hard-packed, although mountain biking it would be a challenge because there are a fair amount of roots and rocks along the way.

The path initially runs parallel to the Young’s Point Road. The way is marked with small tin Back River Trail discs, white with a blue Osprey on them. They appear at irregular intervals tacked to trees and are kind of fun to watch for.

In about 10 minutes you’ll come to the small point that looks out into the Back River. To your left is Broad Cove; across it on the opposite shore is Young’s Point. On a map you’ll see that these twin points of land are really one large peninsula that give it a shape akin to a lobster claw. This spot is about the halfway point and makes an ideal place for a picnic lunch. Remember to leave no trace behind. Whatever you carry in be sure to carry out.

Returning to the main trail the route continues around a small tidal inlet and over a brook. The terrain rises as the path winds its way around the point. As it swings northwards you’ll see a sizable stone embankment supporting what was once a wagon road. It lies inland on a small rise. Judging by the stonework a good deal of time was spent in its construction. You can trace the road’s route twisting and turning northward back to the meadow. A hundred years ago this was all cleared land where hay was cut.

Returning to the main trail you’ll soon come to the second lookout. Facing northeast across the river you’ll see Foxbird Island. Beyond it is Bailey Point, the one time site of the Maine Yankee Nuclear Power Plant. The atomic plant was in operation there from 1972 until it closed in 1996 and was taken down. It was Maine Yankee that donated the Eaton Farm property to Chewonki Foundation in 2007.

Walking along the riverbank, I surprised six black ducks that took flight at the first sight of me. There was also an osprey circling above the river, it soon swooped down and plucked a fish from the water in its talons.

The trail runs northwards through the woods to the meadow. There are no markers here, but following the tree line on your right will bring you back to the parking area. The meadow was actually being mowed the day of my hike.

The Back River Trail is owned and maintained by the Chewonki Foundation. It’s open year-round. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the preserve. Camping and campfires are also prohibited. Hunting is permitted here during hunting season. The Eaton Farm trails and another one on Chewonki Neck are all part of a larger trail system that includes the Cushman Mountain Preserve.

Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson is excited to be offering another series of events as part of the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend on Sept. 25-27. All events are free and open to the public. Here’s what we have in store:

Guided Morning Paddle (Sunday, Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to noon): Little Dyer Pond is a true Great Pond with no public boat launch and almost no shoreline development. This pristine pond is an amazing place to explore by canoe. Join us for a 1.5 mile walk to the pond, followed by a leisurely paddle around the pond. We’ll have a naturalist in the group to help bring to life the flora and the fauna along the way! Bring a lunch, some water, and a sense of adventure.

Full Moon Paddle (Sunday, Sept. 27, 7-10 p.m.): What could be a better celebration of the changing seasons and the Maine outdoors than a moonlit paddle on a quiet pond? Participants will meet at the main gate and walk about 1.5 miles to Little Dyer Pond. Then, two guides will lead the group on an exploration of the pond by the light of the moon. If we’re lucky we’ll be serenaded by coyotes and owls along the way. Don’t forget your headlamp!

For both events HVNC will supply the canoes, paddles, and life jackets. All ages are welcome! Participants should be comfortable in a canoe on flat water, able to steer a canoe, and able to walk three miles on moderate trails.

Space is limited by the number of boats available, and pre-registration is required. More information and registration is available online at http://www.hvnc.org/registration.

In case you cannot make either of those events, keep in mind that HVNC’s canoes are available to rent anytime. Just leave a $10 per boat donation at the Gatehouse and get out there and explore Little Dyer Pond.

For more information: www.hvnc.org, info@hvnc.org, or 207-200-8840.

Dresden residents dedicated a revitalized multi-purpose ball court at Bridge Academy on Saturday while introducing pickleball as a new use.

"Pickleball is tennis for old people," said player George Jones.

Dresden Recreation Committee Chairman Peter Walsh said that the new court will be open for young and old; it could be converted from pickleball to badminton or volleyball by simply raising the center court net, he said.

Walsh said that the decision to bring pickleball to town was partly because of its new-found popularity, but also because rebuilding the former tennis court would have cost twice the $15,000 price tag.

According to Mike Gallagher of the Central Maine Pickle Ball Club of Waterville, the game has been gaining popularity with over 400,000 association members and well over a million players nationally.

"It is like playing ping-pong while standing on the table,” said Gallagher.

He and members of the Waterville-based team gave a demonstration of the game, which is similar to tennis but requires less running, and is therefore suitable for older and less athletic players.

Rick Graffam, president of the Bridge Academy Board of Trustees, said that the old tennis court had fallen out of use due to cracks and rocks pushing up through the pavement.

"It was unsafe to play on,” said Graffam.

Walsh and Graffam appeared before Dresden selectmen in August to gain approval for spending up to $15,000 of funds dedicated to the recreation committee from cable franchise fees.

Walsh estimated on Saturday that in addition to the town funds that volunteers contributed up to $10,000 in volunteer time and materials to complete the project.

He said final touches will be put on the court soon by placing netting around the perimeter and painting lines and the interior court spaces. He is working out plans to have paddles and balls available to residents.

Graffam said that the court will add outdoor activities to the use of the former academy that houses the town library and computers.

"Our charter dictates that we look out for the kids," said Graffam.

According to Gallagher, pickleball originated with a family in Washington State that adapted a home court by lowering the badminton net, making homemade paddles and batting a wiffleball back and forth. The name pickleball came from the family dog who occasionally would steal the ball and haul it away into the woods. More information can be found online at USAPB.org.

The Provasoli-Guillard National Center for Marine Algae and Macrobiota (NCMA) at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is developing a program to train the next generation of scientists and managers in the taxonomy of harmful marine algae, a key step in rebuilding and maintaining expertise critical to managing the impacts of harmful algal blooms in every U.S. coastal region.

An award by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) initiated a three-year project that commenced on Sept. 1, 2015 and will run through August 2018.  Bigelow scientists Drs. Mike Lomas and Cynthia Heil are leading the effort.

Many Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) research and monitoring programs rely heavily on trained experts who can recognize the often subtle, morphological characteristics of HAB species and quantify cell abundances in water samples via microscopy. Cell counts are often used as an early warning of potentially harmful blooms and a trained taxonomist with a light microscope is a critical and cost-effective early warning and monitoring tool.

As the ‘gold standard’ of identification, these specialists are also needed to help researchers verify results from new technologies being developed to facilitate automated HAB cell identification in areas with diverse HABs or with emerging HAB problems.

“The current generation of U.S. HAB taxonomic experts is at or beyond retirement age creating a void in the nation’s ability to identify harmful algal blooms at a time when we are seeing them increase in frequency and duration,” said Quay Dortch, who will be managing the project for the NOAA Monitoring and Event Response for Harmful Algal Blooms (MERHAB) Research Program. “This training program will help us rebuild the expertise needed both now and as technological advances continue in the future.”

As envisioned, the course will provide expert, certified training in taxonomy of harmful marine algal species within U.S. waters.  Over the next three years, NCMA scientists and collaborators will develop detailed course material for an annual taxonomy class that will be hosted at Bigelow Laboratory.  After the initial three-year project, the program will transition to a self-supporting annual/biannual class hosted by the NCMA.

“We are delighted to be able to offer our expertise to train the next generation of harmful algal bloom experts,” said NCMA Director Mike Lomas. “It is important and critical work so that our nation is better prepared to address this ecological and health issue.”

More information ion the program is available at: http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/projects/detail?key=265.

The Provasoli-Guillard National Center for Marine Algae and Microbiota (NCMA) is a core facility of Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. Established in 1981 and formally recognized as a National Resource Center in 1992, NCMA has grown to be one of the world’s largest and most diverse collection of marine phytoplankton. NCMA now maintains in its public collection about 2,800 strains of phytoplankton, macroalgae, and bacteria from around the world for scientific and industrial research.

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, an independent not-for-profit research institution on the coast of Maine, conducts research ranging from microbial oceanography to large-scale ocean processes that affect the global environment. Recognized as a leader in Maine’s emerging innovation economy, the Laboratory’s research, education, and technology transfer programs are spurring significant economic growth in the state.