Damariscotta River Association (DRA) staff members were thrilled when Natalie Bisset, a student visiting with her class from Jefferson Village Elementary school, found an albino snake.

“This is the find of a lifetime,” said Sarah Gladu, education coordinator. “This is most likely a young garter snake. Albino animals are rare in nature and witnessing genetic diversity is testament to the value of protected open space for wildlife.”

The Jefferson Village Elementary school third graders visited the DRA in mid-October to participate in the Wabanaki Living Skills and Culture program.

This program, the DRA maintains, is intended to not only teach students about Wabanaki culture but also connect them in a personal way to the landscape, including local plants and animals. Finding and learning about wildlife is an integral part of the program but finding a rare animal was particularly exciting for students.

For more information about the DRA, call 207- 563-1393, email dra@damariscottariver.org, or visit www.damariscottariver.org.

The Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce is excited that Santa has accepted our invitation to visit Damariscotta on Saturday, Nov. 30. Santa is taking a break from making his list and checking it twice to stop by to meet the children from our region.

He will arrive at noon in a festive parade from Newcastle through downtown Damariscotta . The parade will feature a lively performance on Main Street by our local dance troupe, Renys Rockets, led by Midcoast Dance Studio’s proprietor, Faye Cain. Children of all ages will delight in the fire engines and adoption animals that will accompany Santa through town.

Following the parade, families are invited to join Santa at Lincoln Theater for a photo opportunity and a free holiday movie, “Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas,” sponsored by the Damariscotta Chamber of Commerce. Parents are asked to bring their own cameras to capture the moment.

As always, Santa encourages everyone to shop locally and visit downtown to browse our local shops and see what they have to offer this holiday season.

“The Chamber has so much fun bringing Santa to our community, and we thank the businesses and organizations that help make it such a treat for all the children,” said Toni Crouch of the Damariscotta Region Chamber.

The Chamber extends a special thank you to Nobleboro Antique Exchange for their generous support for this event.

The Boothbay YMCA Dolphins swim team competed at the Casco Bay YMCA on November 16. The meet consisted of five teams, two sessions, six hours of racing and 360 swimmers. Boothbay had the smallest team of 42 swimmers ages 6 to 18 but made one of the biggest splashes.

Twelve swimmers participate in their first swim meet; Catherine Clifford, Meghan Clifford, Madison Phelps, Hannah Hills, Rafael Goldhirsch, Jackson Lorrain, Wyatt Lorrain, Marissa Peters, Toby Clarkson, Bobby Clarkson, Delly Clarkson, and Samantha Clarkson.

Out of our 88 individual swims, an amazing 70 were listed as best times. What is also amazing is that we had only five swims DQ (disqualify) or no show for their race. Coach Sarah Currier and Coach Earl Brewer did an excellent job helping the swimmers get to the block in time for their races.

On the relay front, all of our Boothbay relays placed 4th or better, with four of the eight relays taking home gold.

The 8 and under started the meet off with the girls 100 freestyle relay with Piper Carleton, Madison Phelps, Lydia Currier and Callen Eason placing 3rd. The boys 100 freestyle relay of Rafael Goldhirsch, Jackson Lorrain, Wyatt Lorrain and Gryffin Kristan placed 2nd.

The 100 freestyle mixed relay of Catherine Clifford, Hannah Hills, Duncan Hardwick and Toby Clarkson placed 1st. For the 10 and under girls 200 freestyle relay we fielded two relays: Arden Carleton, Maren Whitney, Emilie Crocker, Zoe Eason placed 3rd and Alyson Shook, Kasey Graves, Meghan Clifford and Marissa Peters placed 4th. The boys 10 and under 200 freestyle relay placed 1st with Chris Hamblett, Henry Currier, Jameson Labrecque and Ben Pearce.

The boys 11-12 200 freestyle relay placed 1st with Adam Sirois, Tim Norton, Ethan Thompson and Rowan Kristan. The women’s 400 Medley relay of Evy Case, Lincoln Hamblett, Anna Sirois and Emma Pearce placed 1st.

As for individual events there were a lot of fast races. Callan Eason eased to victory in the 8 and under female 25 back and the 25 Free. Piper Carleton and Lydia Currier had strong races in the 8 and under female 25 breast and fly, finishing in 2nd and 3rd for the 25 breast. In the male 8 and under 25 back Rafael Goldhirsch, Toby Clarkson and Wyatt Lorrain placed 3rd, 4th, and 6th. In the male 8 and under Gryffin Kristan placed 2nd in the 25 fly and 25 breast. In the male 9-10 100 IM Henry Currier, Jameson Labrecque, and Ben Pearce placed1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

In the boys 9-10 50 back Chris Hamblett, Lucas Hardwick, and Gareth Hodgdon placed 1st, 4th, and 6th. Hannah Witwicki placed 2nd in the female 11-12 50 fly. Ella Yentsch placed 2nd in the female 11-12 50 free. In the male 11-12 50 backstroke Ethan Thompson, Adam Sirois, and Tim Norton placed 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Rowan Kristan won the male 11-12 50 free and 50 breast.  Evy Chase placed 4th in the female 13-14 200 IM and dropped 8 seconds from her best time. Nicole Labrecque dropped time and placed 2nd, 3rd, and 2nd in her 50 Fly, 100 Fly, and 500 free in the female 15+ age group. Austin Crocker placed dropped 22 seconds in his men 15+ 500 Free.

The Dolphins next meet is this Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Canoe City YMCA in Old Town/Orono.  Their first home meet of the season is Saturday, Dec. 7.

This season Hidden Valley Nature Center hosted its first-ever Mountain Biking Club for kids ages 8 to 12.  For six Sunday afternoons the bikers met to explore the nature center by bike, and learn by experience the fundamentals of mountain biking: negotiating mud, rocks, moss, wet leaves, ledges, downed trees and slippery bridges.

Coaches Mike Howland and Kenneth Kortemeier, led club members Theo Crocetti, Liam Card, Aiden Jacobs, Conrad Kortemeier, Charlie Moss, Eoin O'Mahoney and Tate Whitmore. And parents Josh Jacobs, Bill Card, Chris Whitmore, Howie Moss, Al Crocetti and Kristin Stone rode along with the group sharing skills and enthusiasm. Together the club explored over 20 miles of trails. By the end of the season the group knew their way around the landscape in a way not so easily accomplished on foot.

The club will reconvene again in the spring of 2014 for six weeks of riding before black fly season. New riders are always welcome and encouraged.  Look for more information later this winter on www.hvnc.org.

Hidden Valley Nature Center is committed to providing healthy living and recreation opportunities to Midcoast Maine. More information, schedules and event listings for outdoor recreation at HVNC is available online. Be sure to take a look at the upcoming kids cross-country ski clinic, as well as the cross-country ski seasonal equipment lease program.

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

In October, seven individuals built a “stock” stone wall under the direction of a dry stone walling instructor on the property between the Nequasset Meeting House and the cemetery.

The wall is approximately 30 feet long and 5 and 1/2 feet high. It is truly a masterpiece and, because the seven wallers paid a tuition fee, there was no cost to the town. The wall will remain for centuries as a lasting tribute to their work.

There is a strong desire to continue the project and build a second wall of approximately 10 feet long. This section will be built of the same stone in the same fashion and create a natural opening between the Meeting House and the cemetery. We hope to build this second section in the spring of 2014.

In order to accomplish “Phase II” we will need community support.

Checks should be made out to the Woolwich Historical Society, referencing Stone Wall Phase II, and mailed to Barbara Richards, 369 Barley Neck Road, Woolwich ME 04579.

Thousands of lights, dozens of trees, wreaths and greenery galore and music and merriment fill the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor throughout the month of December. With each passing week additional decorations are added — and most events are free. Give yourself a gift this season and come to the Opera House at least once.

Community Band joins Boothbay Region High School Band & Chorus

In celebration of the season, on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m., the Boothbay Region High School Band and the Community Band, both under the direction of Meredith Duke will perform a free holiday concert at the Opera House. The BRHS band’s holiday concert has quickly become a tradition at the Opera House, but this marks the first year that the Community Band will be joining in the music making at the Opera House.

This will be Duke’s final holiday concert at the Opera House since she is moving to Nashville, Tenn., to pursue a musical career at the end of the school year. The evening will also include a performance by the high school chorus under the direction of Mary Miller.

The Garden Club’s Festival of Trees

The Boothbay Region Garden Club’s Festival of Trees opens on Friday, Dec. 6 and continues through the Harbor Lights weekend, December 7 and 8. This event is free, with holiday goods available for sale and trees auctioned off to raise money for the Garden Club.

The Dough Ball

The sweetest moment of the season just might be The Dough Ball preview party, which serves as the kick-off to the 7th annual Gingerbread Spectacular. On Friday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m., the Opera House doors swing open to reveal a house transformed by the magical display of gingerbread houses against the backdrop of twinkling trees and greenery hung by designer Kevin Kiley.

The Dough Ball serves as the Opera House’s only fundraising event of the season, and is an evening with wonderful hors d’oeuvres, specialty drinks, music provided by Bigelow Lab’s jazz master Barney Balch and friends, a quirky silent auction and a chance for guests to be there when the 2013 Gingerbread Spectacular prizes are announced.

Advance tickets are $20 and available through the box office at 86 Townsend Avenue, or by calling 207-633-5159. Tickets purchased on the day of the party are $30. The Dough Ball is exactly that, a ball, and perhaps the best holiday party of the season. Come dressed up or dressed down, but don’t miss this glittering event in Boothbay Harbor this season.

7th annual Gingerbread Spectacular

Crowds of wonder seekers typically fill the Opera House during each of the two days of the annual Gingerbread Spectacular, beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14. The Spectacular includes an exhibit of dozens of gingerbread creations, well beyond just a small gingerbread house.

Visitors can expect to see castles and cabins, landmarks, fantasy creations and more, including the Opera House’s Great Tree. In addition to the extraordinary exhibit of gingerbread architectural wonders, the Gingerbread Spectacular features a sale of holiday baked goods created by the Friends of the Opera House, musical presentations by young and old community members — and free cocoa! This event is open December 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information on creating a gingerbread house to be entered in the Spectacular, contact the Opera House at 207-633-6855.

Community Potluck and Carol Sing

The community comes together one last time before the holidays on Wednesday, Dec. 18 for a potluck and carol singing. Amidst the stunning decorations that define the Opera House during the holiday season, friends and neighbors are invited to bring a dish to share (and a plate and utensils for themselves), while sharing stories and warming up for the community carol sing. The doors for the potluck open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner from 5:30-6:30 p.m. After the meal, there will be music by Kevin Kiley, John Adams, Matthew Ryder, Abbey Hutchins and friends. Beer and wine available for sale.

2014 season opens with Hot Tuna

With the halls undecked, the 2014 season kicks off with a night of music provided by the legendary band Hot Tuna on Sunday, Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m. For more information about the band, visit www.hottuna.com.

Advance tickets are $30. Tickets purchased on the day of the concert are $35. Tickets and information available through the Opera House box office at 86 Townsend Avenue, or by calling 207-633-5159 or by visiting www.boothbayoperahouse.com.

The first-ever online Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper Staff Pro Football Challenge continues deeper into the second half of the NFL season. Each week, staff members Ben “The Incredible Bulk” Bulkeley, Kevin “The Hammer” Burnham, Nicole “The Lion” Lyons, Katrina “The Ninja” Clark, Mike “Big Scar” Scarborough, Mike “The Iron Horse” Marr and Gary “Mad Stork” Dow “try” to pick the winners of each NFL game by Wednesday evening (each week there is a Thursday game). The winner (best winning percentage) at the end of the regular season will be treated to a prize (we haven’t come up with one yet). We will post each players record from the following week.

Week 11 standings: Gary 12-3; Nicole 11-4; Mike S. 10-5; Katrina 9-6; Mike M. 9-6; Kevin 7-8; Ben 6-9

Overall: Ben 96-66; Kevin 94-68; Mike M. 94-68; Mike S. 94-68; Katrina 90-72; Nicole 90-72; Gary 88-74

Week 11 Comments: Wow, the Challenge standings have tightened up considerably, with Ben and Kevin having sub-par weeks while Gary, Nicole and Katrina “upped their game.” Gary is psyched at being only eight games from the lead.

Week 12 Prognosis: The marquee game of the week includes our beloved 7-3 Patriots hosting the 9-1 Broncos. Dud of the week: Jaguars at Texans. Anybody's guess on the winners of both games … or most games here. Nicole is going for the lead; she's all alone with her picks of the Florida teams, Dolphins, Jaguars and Bucs.

Week 12 picks

New Orleans at Atlanta: New Orleans: Gary, Kevin, Mike S., Katrina, Ben, Mike M., Nicole; Atlanta:

Carolina at Miami: Carolina: Kevin, Mike S., Katrina, Ben, Mike M., Gary; Miami: Nicole

Chicago at St. Louis: Chicago: Katrina, Mike M.; St. Louis: Kevin, Mike S., Ben, Nicole, Gary

Jacksonville at Houston: Jacksonville: Nicole; Houston: Kevin, Mike S., Katrina, Ben, Mike M., Gary

Minnesota at Green Bay: Minnesota: Nicole, Gary; Green Bay: Kevin, Mike S., Katrina, Ben, Mike M.

NY Jets at Baltimore: NY Jets: Mike M., Gary; Baltimore: Kevin, Mike S., Katrina, Ben, Nicole

Pittsburgh at Cleveland: Pittsburgh: Kevin, Katrina, Ben, Mike M., Nicole; Cleveland: Mike S., Gary

San Diego at Kansas City: San Diego: Ben; Kansas City: Kevin, Mike S., Katrina, Mike M., Nicole, Gary

Tampa Bay at Detroit: Tampa Bay: Nicole; Detroit: Kevin, Mike S., Katrina, Ben, Mike M., Gary

Indianapolis at Arizona: Indianapolis: Kevin, Mike S., Katrina, Ben, Nicole; Arizona: Mike M., Gary

Tennessee at Oakland: Tennessee: Katrina, Ben, Nicole; Oakland: Kevin, Mike S., Mike M., Gary

Dallas at NY Giants: Dallas: Ben, Mike M., Nicole; NY Giants: Kevin, Mike S., Katrina, Gary

Denver at New England: Denver: Kevin, Mike S., Mike M.; New England: Katrina, Ben, Nicole, Gary

San Francisco at Washington: San Francisco: Kevin, Mike S., Katrina, Ben, Mike M., Nicole; Washington: Gary

The players

Ben “The Incredible Bulk” Bulkeley used to play football. He used to weigh over 200 pounds, but he wanted to play wide receiver, so he slimmed down drinking Slim Fast and cutting down on his Devil Dog consumption.

Kevin “The Hammer” Burnham played football locally and was on the 1973 Class D championship team, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this season. He played linebacker and running back and suffered a few concussions during his playing days ... which may explain a lot.

Nicole “The Lion” Lyons watches football ... sometimes.

Katrina “The Ninja” Clark likes to make her picks by blindfolding herself and throwing darts at the chart in her backyard. Once in a while she even hits it. More often she hits the squirrels.

Mike “Big Scar” Scarborough last played organized football in junior high. He played both ways as a lineman, offensive and defensive tackle. Big Scar was a "speed lineman," who loved nothing better than running down a QB in the backfield.

Gary “Mad Stork” Dow played defensive end for the 1972 Class A state runner-up Edward Little "Red Eddies" of Auburn. He alleges he was selected "All-State" but since this was before the creation of the Internet, there is no way to confirm it. He went to play for the University of Maine from 1973-1976 as a defensive end and outside linebacker. He states he won Eastern Collegiate Athletic Association (ECAC) Player of the Week honors against Bucknell University in the fall of 1975, but again, there is no way to confirm this claim either.

Mike “The Iron Horse” Marr made a name for himself in junior high and intramural sports with his aggressive and undisciplined playing technique, often going for the biggest guy on the field and stiff arming. When in a clutch position on the field, he drew attention by using modern dance techniques, something nobody wanted to see. To this day, he still can't watch “Flashdance” without tapping his feet.

Wiscasset Speedway's owners have asked for free rein with days and hours in 2014, for a host of possible new uses including a circus, monster truck shows, motor cross, horse events and concerts.

They're not talking about a concert like 2010's Oxxfest that drew controversy under a prior owner, however: Vanessa Jordan, who owns the speedway with husband Richard Jordan, said they want no part of anything along those lines.

“That's not the direction we want to go in,” she said in an interview November 29. “Everything we do is focused on family; otherwise, we don't do it.”

Jordan plans to make that clear to selectmen and residents on December 3, when the board considers the track's request for its 2014 special amusement permit.

Tuesday's selectmen's meeting starts at 6 p.m. in the town office's municipal meeting room.

The concert idea would involve a fiddlers' group or something similar, that picnicking families could enjoy, Jordan said.

The track on West Alna Road could become a year-round outdoor venue, the Jordans state in their permit application.

The speedway put on a full season of Saturday racing from April through October this year, with no other uses sought.

But as the Jordans, of Kingfield, continue hearing from groups interested in using the place, they'd like to expand their options.

“(B)ecause of various interest groups inquiring into the use of our facility, the opportunity to be considered a year-around outdoor venue for family-focused events...is presenting itself. Activities such as go-carting, truck pulls, monster truck shows, drifting, demolition derby, motor cross, circus events, concerts, swap-meets and equestrian events are all possibilities,” the Jordans state in their 2014 permit request.

“(W)e respectfully request unrestricted days (and) hours of operation for flexibility and accommodation as we navigate and negotiate bringing potential businesses to benefit the entire area,” the application continues.

“Please be assured, our desire to be good neighbors and respected community member(s) shall keep us mindful of operating with reason and common sense.”

The 2010 Oxxfest spurred a lawsuit by a couple living next to the track.

A Lincoln County Superior Court justice later barred prior owner Doug White's company from holding any music festivals or concerts that would need special amusement permits.

In a 2012 interview, the neighbors' lawyers said they were unsure if that court order would apply to new owners.

The track's past problems, from Oxxfest to unpaid property taxes, pre-dated the Jordans' takeover. In Friday's interview, Vanessa Jordan said they want to restore the track's ties with the town.

“They were pretty broken,” she said.

“Our goal is to do it slowly. We're trying to build credibility.”

Saturday night racing will remain the track's focus in 2014, the permit request states.

The price to come watch isn’t changing, either. Admission will still be $5 a person, ages 6 and under free, to keep it affordable for families, Jordan said.

The job Wiscasset Speedway's owners have done reopening the track has put them in the running for an award.

Stephen Perry, owner and host of the television show “Mainely Motorsports,” has nominated Richard and Vanessa Jordan's efforts in the “Big Accomplishment” category for the show's sixth annual Mainely awards.

The category's other contenders all involve championship wins or other on-track successes. But Perry said he wanted to let award voters also consider the Jordans' efforts in bringing back the 44-year-old track.

“I've been very impressed,” Perry said.

The Jordans, of Kingfield, were the high bidders in a 2012 bank auction on the West Alna Road property. The couple worked with the state to address environmental concerns; met with drivers; and received help from relatives and many other volunteers in mowing the grounds, painting buildings, and cleaning up overgrowth in an old cemetery there, the Benjamin Blagden Cemetery.

The couple changed the track's name from Wiscasset Raceway back to the name Wilford Cronk gave it when he opened it in 1969; and, in another homage to the track's heritage, they named a concessions stand “Wilford's,” after Cronk.

Ken Minott, track announcer and assistant promoter, said he thinks the Jordans' meshing of the old with the new has been important to the track's success under their ownership.

That included getting new people involved along with others who have a history with the track, Minott said.

Although Perry includes the Jordan name in his wording of the “... reviving Wiscasset” nomination, Vanessa Jordan said she really views it as recognition for the whole Wiscasset Speedway team.

To take the survey that will decide the winners of the Mainelys, go to www.mainelymotorsportstv.com. Voting ends December 24.

The Jordans and their fellow nominees will have to wait until January 10, during the Northeast Motorsports Expo in Augusta, to find out who won. Perry said he'll keep the survey results secret until then.

The first-ever online Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper Staff Pro Football Challenge continues deeper into the second half of the NFL season. Each week, staff members Ben “The Incredible Bulk” Bulkeley, Kevin “The Hammer” Burnham, Nicole “The Lion” Lyons, Katrina “The Ninja” Clark, Mike “Big Scar” Scarborough, Mike “The Iron Horse” Marr and Gary “Mad Stork” Dow “try” to pick the winners of each NFL game by Wednesday evening (each week there is a Thursday game). The winner (best winning percentage) at the end of the regular season will be treated to a prize (we haven’t come up with one yet). We will post each player's record from the following week.

Week 13 standings: Mike S. 13-3; Ben 11-5; Katrina 11-5; Nicole 11-5; Gary 10-6; Kevin 9-7; Mike M. 9-7

Overall: Ben 117-74-1; Mike S. 112-79-1; Nicole 110-81-1; Kevin 109-82-1; Mike M. 109-82-1; Katrina 108-83-1 Gary 103-88-1

Week 13 Comments: Wow ... Mike S. had a great 13-3 week and jumped into second place. Nicole jumped over Kevin and Mike M. to take over third place and Katrina is coming on strong. New England barely defeated the league's worst team, Detroit hammers Green Bay and Seattle looks unbeatable.

Week 14 Prognosis: Most division leaders look strong (New England, Cincinnati, Seattle, Dallas and Denver) while others like New Orleans, Indianapolis and Detroit are still suspect to upsets. Then you add the teams on the rise (Carolina, Miami, Arizona and perhaps Baltimore) and you have another interesting week for picking the winners. And this week you have the two of the worst teams facing off, Houston and Jacksonville! Could the score be 3-2? Mike S. is riding the Carolina train alone; Nicole is riding the Colts and the Rams alone; Katrina is banking on the Bills by herself; and Mike M. is the only one who still believes in RG III!

Week 14 picks

Houston at Jacksonville: Houston: Mike S., Ben, Gary, Nicole; Jacksonville: Kevin, Katrina, Mike M.

Buffalo at Tampa Bay: Buffalo: Katrina; Tampa Bay: Mike S., Kevin, Ben, Gary, Nicole, Mike M.

Carolina at New Orleans: Carolina: Mike S.; New Orleans: Kevin, Katrina, Ben, Gary, Nicole, Mike M.

Cleveland at New England: Cleveland: New England: Mike S., Kevin, Katrina, Ben, Gary, Nicole, Mike M.

Detroit at Philadelphia: Detroit: Kevin, Ben, Mike M.; Philadelphia: Mike S., Katrina, Gary, Nicole

Indianapolis at Cincinnati: Indianapolis: Nicole; Cincinnati: Mike S., Kevin, Katrina, Ben, Gary, Mike M.

Kansas City at Washington: Kansas City: Mike S., Kevin, Katrina, Ben, Gary, Nicole; Washington: Mike M.

Miami at Pittsburgh: Miami: Mike S., Kevin, Ben; Pittsburgh: Katrina, Gary, Nicole, Mike M.

Minnesota at Baltimore: Minnesota: Baltimore: Mike S., Kevin, Katrina, Ben, Gary, Nicole, Mike M.

Oakland at NY Jets: Oakland: Kevin, Gary, Nicole; NY Jets: Mike S., Katrina, Ben, Mike M.

Tennessee at Denver: Tennessee: Denver: Mike S., Kevin, Katrina, Ben, Gary, Nicole, Mike M.

NY Giants at San Diego: NY Giants: Katrina, Ben, Gary, Mike M.; San Diego: Mike S., Kevin, Nicole

Seattle at San Francisco: Seattle: Mike S., Kevin, Katrina, Ben, Gary; San Francisco: Nicole, Mike M.

St. Louis at Arizona: St. Louis: Nicole; Arizona: Mike S., Kevin, Katrina, Ben, Gary, Mike M.

Atlanta at Green Bay: Atlanta: Ben, Mike M.; Green Bay: Mike S., Kevin, Katrina, Gary, Nicole

Dallas at Chicago: Dallas: Mike S., Kevin, Gary, Nicole, Mike M.; Chicago: Katrina, Ben

The players

Ben “The Incredible Bulk” Bulkeley used to play football. He used to weigh over 200 pounds, but he wanted to play wide receiver, so he slimmed down drinking Slim Fast and cutting down on his Devil Dog consumption.

Kevin “The Hammer” Burnham played football locally and was on the 1973 Class D championship team, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this season. He played linebacker and running back and suffered a few concussions during his playing days ... which may explain a lot.

Nicole “The Lion” Lyons watches football ... sometimes.

Katrina “The Ninja” Clark likes to make her picks by blindfolding herself and throwing darts at the chart in her backyard. Once in a while she even hits it. More often she hits the squirrels.

Mike “Big Scar” Scarborough last played organized football in junior high. He played both ways as a lineman, offensive and defensive tackle. Big Scar was a "speed lineman," who loved nothing better than running down a QB in the backfield.

Gary “Mad Stork” Dow played defensive end for the 1972 Class A state runner-up Edward Little "Red Eddies" of Auburn. He alleges he was selected "All-State" but since this was before the creation of the Internet, there is no way to confirm it. He went to play for the University of Maine from 1973-1976 as a defensive end and outside linebacker. He states he won Eastern Collegiate Athletic Association (ECAC) Player of the Week honors against Bucknell University in the fall of 1975, but again, there is no way to confirm this claim either.

Mike “The Iron Horse” Marr made a name for himself in junior high and intramural sports with his aggressive and undisciplined playing technique, often going for the biggest guy on the field and stiff arming. When in a clutch position on the field, he drew attention by using modern dance techniques, something nobody wanted to see. To this day, he still can't watch “Flashdance” without tapping his feet.

Although December is off to an auspicious and brown start, things will soon be getting white.

Unfortunately for snow-lovers, they will be going back to brown just as quickly.

The National Weather Service in Gray is tracking a winter storm that is expect to impact the Midcoast on December 9. The storm could bring up to several inches of snow, Meteorologist Margaret Curtis said.

“Well, it will start as snow, just before day break,” she said. “We expect the storm to come up the coast early Monday morning and you folks there by the ocean can expect things to stay a little bit warmer.”

Curtis said that means the mountains will get the white stuff throughout the day while the Midcoast gets a slushy grab bag.

“It's looking like it's going to turn into sleet and rain in the afternoon,” she said. “I wouldn't expect a lot (of snow) but there could be a couple of inches before it starts raining.”

Curtis said the storm that will slog across Maine is made up of the wintry mess that's crawling through the midwest and a blast of cold that's creeping along the northern part of the country.

“Right now there's a big storm moving through Arkansas and there's a lot of cold air stuck in the middle part of the country,” she said. “Luckily we live in mild Maine.”

We've all admired the National Geographic photos of the serene white owls perched like solitary buddhas on the Arctic tundra. For some birders and photographers, finding the elusive Snowy Owl is an obsession akin to Ahab's quest for the white whale Moby Dick. The rare appearance of this beautiful foreigner in Midcoast Maine can seem like a magical visitation. These are birds that have watched polar bears, after all. They hang out with Harry Potter.

If there's ever been a winter to see a Snowy Owl in the Camden Hills, this is it. By mid-November, the Arctic owls had invaded the Great Lakes region and the Northeast. So many birds were dispersing southward, one was even photographed on a roof in Bermuda! To check out for yourself a live map of this fall's reported Snowy Owl sightings to date on ebird.org, follow this link: http://bit.ly/1eWhlAC.

Here in New England they're being seen in multiples up and down the coast. Over the last weekend of November almost a dozen were found along the tiny strip of New Hampshire that is coastal, seven of those on Hampton Harbor alone. Birders were reporting three or four birds in one scope view there and at Popham Beach, Biddeford Pool, and other open areas. Three individuals were observed on Monhegan Island and at least one in Acadia National Park. A webcam on Mount Agamenticus in southern Maine captured footage of a Snowy perched on the summit observation deck, a mostly unlikely visitor. On Dec. 3, a birder friend on an owl quest found ten in and around Biddeford Pool!

By keeping a safe distance and backing off when a bird appears agitated in any way, you'll ensure that you are not yet another contributing factor to the demise of a bird so far from its natural home.

Of course this abundance of Snowy Owls begs the question: What are they all doing here? And are they massing for a takeover? 

The age of many of the owls being seen this year might tell the story. Snowy Owl plumage varies with age and gender. An adult male can be almost pure white, a veritable ghost of a bird flying on silent wings. Females typically show more black barring, while plumage of juvenile birds of either gender is the most heavily barred throughout. Most of the Snowies reported in New England are youngsters. Lots of young birds suddenly appearing in New England indicates one of two general situations: too few rodents or too many.

A food shortage, like a crash in the lemming population, can force hungry birds southward to find new hunting grounds and fend for themselves. Or, what seems more likely, lots of lemmings supported a particularly successful breeding season for the owls, resulting in simply too many young birds hanging around: Get out of here and get your own food, Junior! Rather than an invasion, it's more like an anxious milling around of hungry teenagers, with the New England coast serving as the stocked refrigerator.

And that hunger is something to keep in mind when you see a Snowy Owl. The Arctic tundra is a long way away. These birds had to fly thousands of miles to get here, and as with any migrating bird, are probably under a fair amount of stress. The tendency when we spot a cool bird, especially a big, charismatic one like an owl, is to get as close as you can, especially if you want a photograph. And then the bird flies away. Do that enough and you've got a tired, stressed bird that might not have the energy to hunt well for its next meal. Then you've got a tired, stressed, hungry bird. And soon, given the rigors of winter, a dead bird. Yes, these things are cyclical and inevitably Snowy Owls are found dead during an irruption year, from exhaustion, starvation, collision with a human-made structure, or (in the last Harry Potter movie, at least) attack by an evil wizard. But by keeping a safe distance and backing off when a bird appears agitated in any way, you'll ensure that you are not yet another contributing factor to the demise of a bird so far from its natural home.

Wherever you are this winter, scan the coast, check open fields, look for that round white shape on the beach. Last year a Snowy Owl that hung around the Samoset Resort for several days was spotted on the golf greens, the hotel roof, the breakwater, and the rocky shore. I, for one, hope this winter to see one on the blueberry barrens of Beech Hill in Rockport, a place that's been special to me and my family long before I began working for Coastal Mountains Land Trust, the local nonprofit that has conserved almost 600 acres there. (Click here for a trail map of Coastal Mountains Land Trust's Beech Hill Preserve.) The habitat is perfect—wide-open fields full of rodents and with views of Penobscot Bay—and several have been spotted there over the years. It's just a matter of time.

The owls, those mysterious white emissaries of the remote polar regions, are out there. Keep your eyes open and believe, just a little bit, in magic.

Kristen Lindquist is an amateur naturalist and published poet who works for Coastal Mountains Land Trust in her hometown of Camden.

More Meditations

Flying squirrels

Meditations on office birding

Spring peepers in autumn: Why are they still talking

Fall migration on Monhegan and the Yellow-rumped Warbler

Otter latrines

Chasing rare birds

On watching hawks

Click your heels three times and say, “There's no place like Oz, there's no place like Oz, there's no place like Oz.”

Now, walk in the front door of the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, and head for “The Wonderful World of Oz: Selections from the Willard Carroll and Tom Wilhite Collection,” and you'll know it's true.

Since Columbus Day weekend, those to whom the 1939 film was dedicated, the “young at heart,” have experienced selections from this massive collection much as Dorothy experienced Munchkinland — in enchanted awe.

Carroll, who began collecting Oz memorabilia as a child, has amassed 100,000 items related to Frank L. Baum's magical land.

“I really like opening up the collection to the public,” Carroll said. “A lot of people know about the movie, but not the books, the silent films, or the 1902 stage version ... I've given a few tours of the exhibit and loved seeing the reaction of the people. When they see Dorothy's dress and the Munchkin costume, they just stop in their tracks.

“Whether you like it, love it, or hate it, Oz is a great equalizer; everyone has some sort of memory or a story about it.”

Ham Meserve, son of Margaret Hamilton (the Wicked Witch from the 1939 film), resides on Southport Island and owns the house his mother lived in on Cape Island. Meserve was a tow-headed child of three when the film was being made. He remembers running around on the set during a rehearsal once. He has been to the exhibit in Rockland three times.

"What's spectacular about the exhibit is the way it gets across how much "The Wizard" has impacted American pop culture," Meserve said. "That's what's brilliant — showing the 100 years of Oz from the books, silent films, stage shows, the "Wizard" movie and then "The Wiz" (1978) and "Wicked ..." The movie comes in near the end, but it as played a key role in pop culture."

Carroll's childhood love of everything Oz has grown sizeably over the decades. From a “Wizard of Oz coloring book” to his first first edition volume (bought at age 15 for $150), to the wicked mother of all memorabilia: the hourglass.

“I always wanted the hourglass. I remember as a kid wondering what happened to it after the movie,” Carroll said.

And then, several years ago it came up for auction. Carroll was there — and so was a bidder for Michael Jackson. Fortunately for Carroll, who recalls the event as his “best and worst” auction experience, Jackson's representative was unable to continue bidding and Carroll got it.

“I could never have outbid Michael Jackson," Carroll said, laughing. "I couldn't believe what I paid for it. After that, I sent someone to bid for me. I decided it wasn't a good idea to have me let loose at an auction!”

He didn't get to touch or hold the unforgettable, intimidating, OK, downright scary timepiece until it was delivered to the Carroll/Wilhite home in California.

What was that like?

“It was pretty great,” Carroll said. “It was delivered in an enormous box. What was surprising was how light it was; it's a pretty fragile item made mostly of paper maiche and balsa wood. The globes are where the weight is. 

“I had what I called my “earthquake proof" box made to store it in. But I'd take it out for special occasions. A couple of people who visited us asked to hold it and their hands were almost shaking, it's such an iconic item.”

Also in Carroll’s “most prized” category are a series of the wallpaper panels of the 1902 stage production that were designed by the first illustrator of Baum's books, W. W. Denslow.

The future Oz Museum

In the not too distant future, these items, among the largest private collection of Oz memorabilia in the world, will be displayed in “The National Oz Museum, Center for Illustration and Literature for Young People,” in Camden.

In 2012, as part of the Rhode Island School of Design's (RISD) design studio, 12 graduate students completed their vision of what the interior of the museum would look like in the 5,000 square foot workshop on Carroll and Wilhite's property. The students visited the site prior to beginning their conceptual drawings.

“We just let them wander, as opposed to leading them through the building,” Carroll said.

Once he and Wilhite narrowed the 12 students down to two, they had input on the designs.

“The one we chose had a nice facade. Inside, it reflected the open, welcoming feeling we were looking for; we didn't want the museum to feel like attraction,” Carroll said.

The Oz museum will contain a permanent exhibit of 150 to 175 items, including the 105 items now at the Farnsworth. Carroll plans to rotate other exhibits, perhaps his 1902 stage show photos and posters, the movie blueprint, and another of his collection of foreign Oz books in 50 languages.

“It's great to see how different illustrators interpret the characters. A Russian author wrote four novels, sequels of the last Baum book, that were very popular in eastern Europe,” Carroll said. “These books add a worldwide reach to the museum.”

A library-like environment will be created for the book display (including the three Carroll authored). Although the volumes can't actually be handled, they can be scanned and then viewed on iPads.

Carroll, like the rest of us, can't wait for it to be completed. He said they hope to start pricing out construction costs in the next few years.

Oz's role in Carroll's life extends beyond the collection and future museum plans. In 2011 he began working with Bay Chamber Concerts to develop and stage his original children's opera based on his favorite Oz book, “The Road to Oz.”

“It's a 75-minute opera with sets designed like a big pop-up book by children's book author Bob Staake," Carrol said. "The idea is to tour the opera, which is designed to be performed by local children's choirs in the towns the show goes to.”

To Oz? To Oz! “We're off to see the collection, the wonderful collection of Oz!”

Adult tickets to the Farnsworth exhibit are $12, $10/seniors and students (17 and up), $0/for 16 years and younger. The collection will be displayed until March 30, so call your flying monkey, grab your broom, or follow an imaginary yellow brick road to 16 Museum Street.

For more information, visit farnsworthmuseum.org.

See a photo gallery of some of the items from the Carroll-Wilhite collection on www.boothbayregister.com, thanks to David Troupe at the museum.

UPDATE: The school has announced that all afterschool activities have been canceled for today.

Original post: Tonight’s Wiscasset High School girls junior varsity and varsity basketball games have been canceled, due to the weather.

The Wolverines were scheduled to travel to Hall-Dale, but the games will be played at a later date.

The holidays are a time for treasured family gathering. For pet parents, this includes those members with four legs and fur.

While you might be thrilled with the idea of decking the halls with family, friends and Fido this year, Fido may not be so enthusiastic.

Much to the dismay of many pet parents, the holiday season can create the perfect recipe for misbehavior in pets. Increased noise, unfamiliar people, and a flurry of out-of-routine activities can confuse and stress pets, which can cause them to act out, even if they're usually well-behaved.

If you'd like to ensure that your well-planned holiday isn't ruined when your pet suddenly begins stealing from the table, raiding the trash, begging, jumping, or whining, check out our list of tips and tricks for curbing bad holiday behavior.

Tire your pet out

A tired dog is a good dog. In all the hustle and bustle of prepping for a holiday party, it's easy to forget how important exercise is for your dog. A bored and restless pooch will find a way to entertain himself and release pent-up energy — naughty or otherwise.

During the holiday season, bump long walks or intense play sessions with your dog up to the top of your to-do list. On the day of your party, set aside time before your guests arrive to exercise your dog so that he gets everything out of his system, and is far less likely to beg, bark, or get himself into trouble.

Keep him busy

Keep an ample supply of toys, treats, or bones you know your dog enjoys on hand. Toys that wear your dog out physically are great, but toys that keep his mind busy and wear him out mentally, like puzzles and food dispensing toys, are good choices as well.

A tip: if your dog loves his Kong toys, try stuffing one or two of them with peanut butter and then freezing them; this will keep your pooch busy for a while!

Get back to good behavior basics

It's always wise to reinforce and practice good behaviors once in a while. This is especially true during the holiday season. Stock up on reward treats, then give your dog a refresher course on the basic commands (sit, stay, wait, leave it, and the all-important "drop it") ASAP.

Make sure to have treats handy during parties to reward him for acting on his best behavior.

Have a back-up plan

With all the excitement of holiday preparations and festivities, even the most well-behaved of dogs can lapse on their manners from time to time. It's important to have a plan B in case your dog just can't curb his enthusiasm, and his behavior gets out of hand.

Have a place ready to distance your dog from the action. Place him in a crate, behind a baby gate in a separate room, or on a tether out of reach of guests and tables.

If you do have to separate your dog, give him something really special to keep him occupied, such as a favorite toy or a Kong stuffed with a mixture of soft dog food mixed with doggy-safe holiday fare, such as mashed potatoes or turkey.

Assign doggie duty

During the hustle and bustle a holiday party, it's important that your dog is properly supervised. Recruit a trusted fellow dog lover and assign them the task of helping you keep an eye on your four-legged co-host. They can help keep his behavior in check, curtail any overly generous food-giving guests, and take him out for potty breaks when necessary.

With a little preparation and practice and a lot of consistency, your dog will impress your guests with his good manners. He may even earn himself a spot on Santa's "nice" list, and find a brand new Kong under the tree this year!

Named best pet travel site by Consumer Reports, TripsWithPets.com's mission is to offer resources that ensure pets are welcome, happy, and safe while traveling.

The first-ever online Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper Staff Pro Football Challenge continues deeper into the second half of the NFL season. Each week, staff members Ben “The Incredible Bulk” Bulkeley, Kevin “The Hammer” Burnham, Nicole “The Lion” Lyons, Katrina “The Ninja” Clark, Mike “Big Scar” Scarborough, Mike “The Iron Horse” Marr and Gary “Mad Stork” Dow “try” to pick the winners of each NFL game by Wednesday evening (each week there is a Thursday game). The winner (best winning percentage) at the end of the regular season will be treated to a prize (we haven’t come up with one yet). We will post each player's record from the following week.

Week 13 standings: Mike S. 12-4; Kevin 12-4; Katrina 12-4; Ben 11-5; Nicole 10-6; Gary 10-6; Mike M. 10-6

Overall: Ben 128-79-1; Mike S. 124-83-1; Kevin 121-86-1; Nicole 120-87-1; Katrina 120-87-1; Mike M. 119-88-1; Gary 113-94-1

Week 14 Comments: Mike S. is creeping toward the lead, although Ben had another solid week — as did all of the Challengers. Three weeks left to catch Ben! Great week of interesting games ... comebacks (Yeah, Patriots), snowstorms, another no-show for Washington, and Chicago, Baltimore and Miami are hanging on to playoff hopes. Seattle was brought down a notch after losing to San Fran and Dallas maintains its late season failure reputation.

Week 15 Prognosis: Trying to find a solid pick … perhaps Philadelphia over Minnesota or Seattle over NY Giants? All the other games could go either way in this season of parity. Indianapolis, Kansas City and New Orleans should win … but who knows. Gary is going for upsets (NY Giants and Oakland), trying to catch the leaders, we suppose.

Week 15 picks

San Diego at Denver: San Diego: Denver: Nicole, Ben, Katrina, Kevin, Mike S., Mike M., Gary

Arizona at Tennessee: Arizona: Nicole, Ben, Katrina, Kevin, Mike S., Mike M., Gary; Tennessee:

Buffalo at Jacksonville: Buffalo: Mike S.; Jacksonville: Nicole, Ben, Katrina, Kevin, Mike M., Gary

Chicago at Cleveland: Chicago: Nicole, Ben, Katrina, Kevin, Mike S., Mike M., Gary; Cleveland:

Houston at Indianapolis: Houston: Nicole; Indianapolis: Ben, Katrina, Kevin, Mike S., Mike M., Gary

New England at Miami: New England: Ben, Katrina, Kevin, Mike S., Mike M., Gary; Miami: Nicole

New Orleans at St. Louis: New Orleans: Nicole, Ben, Katrina, Kevin, Mike S., Mike M., Gary; St. Louis:

Philadelphia at Minnesota: Philadelphia: Nicole, Ben, Katrina, Kevin, Mike S., Mike M., Gary; Minnesota:

San Francisco at Tampa Bay: San Francisco: Ben, Katrina, Kevin, Mike S., Mike M., Gary; Tampa Bay: Nicole

Seattle at NY Giants: Seattle: Nicole, Ben, Katrina, Kevin, Mike S., Mike M.; NY Giants: Gary

Washington at Atlanta: Washington: Atlanta: Nicole, Ben, Katrina, Kevin, Mike S., Mike M., Gary

Kansas City at Oakland: Kansas City: Nicole, Ben, Katrina, Kevin, Mike S., Mike M.; Oakland: Gary

NY Jets at Carolina: NY Jets: Nicole; Carolina: Ben, Katrina, Kevin, Mike S., Mike M., Gary

Green Bay at Dallas: Green Bay: Kevin; Dallas: Nicole, Ben, Katrina, Mike S., Mike M., Gary

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh: Cincinnati: Nicole, Katrina, Kevin, Mike S., Mike M.; Pittsburgh: Ben, Gary

Baltimore at Detroit: Baltimore: Nicole, Kevin, Gary; Detroit: Ben, Katrina, Mike S., Mike M.

The players

Ben “The Incredible Bulk” Bulkeley used to play football. He used to weigh over 200 pounds, but he wanted to play wide receiver, so he slimmed down drinking Slim Fast and cutting down on his Devil Dog consumption.

Kevin “The Hammer” Burnham played football locally and was on the 1973 Class D championship team, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this season. He played linebacker and running back and suffered a few concussions during his playing days ... which may explain a lot.

Nicole “The Lion” Lyons watches football ... sometimes.

Katrina “The Ninja” Clark likes to make her picks by blindfolding herself and throwing darts at the chart in her backyard. Once in a while she even hits it. More often she hits the squirrels.

Mike “Big Scar” Scarborough last played organized football in junior high. He played both ways as a lineman, offensive and defensive tackle. Big Scar was a "speed lineman," who loved nothing better than running down a QB in the backfield.

Gary “Mad Stork” Dow played defensive end for the 1972 Class A state runner-up Edward Little "Red Eddies" of Auburn. He alleges he was selected "All-State" but since this was before the creation of the Internet, there is no way to confirm it. He went to play for the University of Maine from 1973-1976 as a defensive end and outside linebacker. He states he won Eastern Collegiate Athletic Association (ECAC) Player of the Week honors against Bucknell University in the fall of 1975, but again, there is no way to confirm this claim either.

Mike “The Iron Horse” Marr made a name for himself in junior high and intramural sports with his aggressive and undisciplined playing technique, often going for the biggest guy on the field and stiff arming. When in a clutch position on the field, he drew attention by using modern dance techniques, something nobody wanted to see. To this day, he still can't watch “Flashdance” without tapping his feet.

For the past three years, late November and early December have marked the time for the reappearance of the Damariscotta River Association (DRA) community ice skating rink at Round Top Farm on Business Route 1. This event occurs in three stages.

The first stage requires setting up the boards that define the perimeter of the rink. This year, 30 stalwart volunteers turned up to drag the boards and brackets out of storage. They secured them and completed the job in less than two hours.

For stage two, last week, the liner made its annual appearance. Again, a record number of volunteers showed up to complete the task. According to organizer Matt Filler, the liner does not get unfurled until there is appropriate weather. He talks of the delicate timing required. The process necessitates two consecutive days when the weather is cold enough to make ice. The liner gets set on the first day, and the water gets poured on the second. If the first day happens without the second, then leaves and debris can end up littering the liner before the ice can be made.

He jokes that he becomes “the local weatherman, with people asking me on a daily basis, ‘what’s the weather going to be like?’”

The ideal weather conditions determine when stage three, the final one, takes place. This year, as in the past, Damariscotta Fire Department-Massasoit Engine Company members once again volunteered their time to flood the rink once the liner was laid.

At 5:30 a.m., they performed their task in freezing temperatures but in good spirits. Unfortunately, Mother Nature intervened on the following days, contributing a layer of icy snow and rain, making the rink unusable until it can be cleared.

The annual appearance of the ice rink is made possible by the dedicated work of volunteers who participate in one, two, or all three of the stages. The rink’s initial creation was made possible by generous donations from numerous individuals, organizations and businesses. The names of major founding sponsors appear on a sign at the rink.

Additional important help was provided by Colby & Gale, which donated propane for the warming hut, and by Great Salt Bay Sanitary District, which donated the water to fill and maintain the rink.

Following the completion of the rink set-up, the DRA is hoping that a similar number of people will volunteer to help prepare and serve the hot drinks that will be available at the warming hut on weekends. For more information or to volunteer for a two-hour shift, please call the DRA at 207-563-1393, email dra@damariscottariver.org, or view their website at www.damariscottariver.org.

Plans call for “Wings Over Wiscasset” to be back in a big way in 2014, running two days instead of one. (Click here for information on last year’s event)

Add-ons for the second annual event at the Wiscasset Municipal Airport include a swing dance, World War II encampment, and antique boat, auto and military vehicle competitions.

Organizers have given next year's event a working title of “Wings Over Wiscasset 2.0,” to signify its upgrade.

There will still be the big draws of an air show, fireworks and a pair of concerts, “Wings” interim executive director Dennis St. Pierre said.

The expansion to two days, Friday, Aug. 8 and Saturday, Aug. 9, eliminates the downside of having a weekday-only event. Last year's was on a Tuesday, so that YMCA and other summer day camps could bring groups of children.

Next year's day one, on Friday, will still give the day camps a chance to attend, but the new, second day on Saturday means people who work weekdays won't be limited to attending at night.

Children not part of a camp group will need an adult with them and will be assigned to follow a group's rotation through the activities, St. Pierre said.

One major change for 2014 involves the event's funding. The Texas Flying Legends Museum and Music Doing Good donated performances this year to help give the event its start.

Going forward, “Wings” must stand on its own, covering the bills through fundraising and sponsors, St. Pierre said. The town, as the airport's owner, is expected to continue handling liability insurance and certain other costs, he said.

The “WOW” committee needs about $35,000 to produce the event, St. Pierre said. In an interview at the airport December 12, following a committee meeting, he said he's confident the goal will be reached, because “Wings” met or surpassed all its goals this year.

One planned fundraiser is the swing dance with dinner on night one of “Wings.” Military dress will be available for rent, St. Pierre said. The committee also hopes to bring in money in the coming months with raffles for warplane rides and other prizes. Any money left after bills are met will go toward the 2015 “Wings,” St. Pierre said.

Except for the dance, admission to “Wings” will still be free. Donations will be accepted to help with costs, St. Pierre said. This year's gate donations went to pre-picked nonprofits; in 2014, nonprofits can raise money with booths at the event, he said.

As a new member of the Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce, “Wings” can take tax-deductible donations, St. Pierre said. The committee will fit under the chamber's nonprofit status, he said.

The committee is in talks with a number of groups that have World War II planes, for both the ground displays and the air show. “The options are extremely exciting,” St. Pierre said.

Having more than one warbird group involved, possibly including the Texas Flying Legends Museum again, would strengthen the event, he said.

Meanwhile, the search is on for sponsors, and for new “WOW” committee members with business or non-profit backgrounds and experience in organizing events, St. Pierre said.

Anyone interested in serving on the committee, becoming a “Wings” sponsor, having a booth for a nonprofit, or being a for-profit vendor, should email St. Pierre at info@wingsoverwiscasset.org.

For more on next year's plans, go to www.wingsoverwiscasset.org.

If you have any cancellation info for December 17, please send to news@wiscassetnewspaper.com

-The Tuesday, Dec. 17 Wiscasset High School boys varsity and junior varsity basketball games have been canceled due to the incoming snowstorm.The games, which were scheduled to be played against Oak Hill at home, have not yet been rescheduled.

-All after school activities for today have been canceled, which include jump rope club, cheerleading and basketball.

-The Wiscasset Middle School holiday concert is canceled tonight, Dec. 17. It will be rescheduled for Thursday, Dec. 19, at 6:00. Participating students should arrive at 5:30.

The SAGE Square Dancing group will hold an open house and workshops on January 7 and 14 at the Dike-Newall School, 3 Wright Drive, Bath. The free events will be held from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. each night. For more information, call Polly Harris at 207-373-1778.

The first-ever online Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper Staff Pro Football Challenge of the NFL season enters its final two weeks of competition. Each week, staff members Ben “The Incredible Bulk” Bulkeley, Kevin “The Hammer” Burnham, Nicole “The Lion” Lyons, Katrina “The Ninja” Clark, Mike “Big Scar” Scarborough, Mike “The Iron Horse” Marr and Gary “Mad Stork” Dow “try” to pick the winners of each NFL game by Wednesday evening (each week there is a Thursday game). The winner (best winning percentage) at the end of the regular season will be treated to a prize (we're close to deciding that!). We will post each player's record from the following week.

Week 15 standings: Kevin 10-6; Mike S. 9-7; Ben 9-7; Gary 9-7; Katrina 8-8; Nicole 8-8; Mike M. 8-8

Overall: Ben 137-86-1; Mike S. 133-90-1; Kevin 131-92-1; Nicole 128-95-1; Katrina 128-95-1; Mike M. 127-96-1; Gary 120-101-1

Week 15 Comments: My oh my ... another crazy week. Minnesota, St. Louis, Green Bay, Miami, Pittsburgh and San Diego all pulled upsets. Kevin gained a game on Ben but doesn't have much hope for catching him in the end — unless Ben drinks too much 'nog over the Christmas holiday and lets Gary make his picks (ouch!).

Week 16 Prognosis: A lock — Denver over Houston. Toss-up — Probably all of the rest! We don't see Oakland beating San Diego, however, and Dallas better move to Oklahoma City if they let Washington beat them. Most interesting — Arizona at Seattle. Can the Cardinals win a big one? Want to snooze? Tennessee at Jacksonville. Nicole is breaking the “lock” — Texans over the Broncos.

Week 16 picks

Chicago at Philadelphia: Chicago: Kevin, Ben; Philadelphia: Mike S., Katrina, Mike M., Gary, Nicole

Cleveland at NY Jets: Cleveland: Mike M., Ben; NY Jets: Mike S., Katrina, Kevin, Gary, Nicole

Dallas at Washington: Dallas: Mike S., Katrina, Kevin, Gary, Ben; Washington: Mike M., Nicole

Denver at Houston: Denver: Mike S., Katrina, Kevin, Mike M., Gary, Ben; Houston: Nicole

Indianapolis at Kansas City: Indianapolis: Gary; Kansas City: Mike S., Katrina, Kevin, Mike M., Nicole, Ben

Miami at Buffalo: Miami: Mike S., Katrina, Kevin, Mike M., Nicole, Ben; Buffalo: Gary

Minnesota at Cincinnati: Minnesota: Cincinnati: Mike S., Katrina, Kevin, Mike M., Gary, Nicole, Ben

New Orleans at Carolina: New Orleans: Mike S., Mike M., Gary, Nicole; Carolina: Katrina, Kevin, Ben

Tampa Bay at St. Louis: Tampa Bay: Nicole; St. Louis: Mike S., Katrina, Kevin, Mike M., Gary, Ben

Tennessee at Jacksonville: Tennessee: Mike S., Katrina, Kevin, Nicole, Ben; Jacksonville: Mike M., Gary

Arizona at Seattle: Arizona: Mike M., Nicole; Seattle: Mike S., Katrina, Kevin, Gary, Ben

NY Giants at Detroit: NY Giants: Nicole; Detroit: Mike S., Katrina, Kevin, Mike M., Gary, Ben

Oakland at San Diego: Oakland: San Diego: Mike S., Katrina, Kevin, Mike M., Gary, Nicole, Ben

Pittsburgh at Green Bay: Pittsburgh: Gary, Nicole, Ben; Green Bay: Mike S., Katrina, Kevin, Mike M.

New England at Baltimore: New England: Mike S., Katrina, Gary, Nicole; Baltimore: Kevin, Mike M., Ben

Atlanta at San Francisco: Atlanta: San Francisco: Mike S., Katrina, Kevin, Mike M., Gary, Nicole, Ben

The players

Ben “The Incredible Bulk” Bulkeley used to play football. He used to weigh over 200 pounds, but he wanted to play wide receiver, so he slimmed down drinking Slim Fast and cutting down on his Devil Dog consumption.

Kevin “The Hammer” Burnham played football locally and was on the 1973 Class D championship team, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this season. He played linebacker and running back and suffered a few concussions during his playing days ... which may explain a lot.

Nicole “The Lion” Lyons watches football ... sometimes.

Katrina “The Ninja” Clark likes to make her picks by blindfolding herself and throwing darts at the chart in her backyard. Once in a while she even hits it. More often she hits the squirrels.

Mike “Big Scar” Scarborough last played organized football in junior high. He played both ways as a lineman, offensive and defensive tackle. Big Scar was a "speed lineman," who loved nothing better than running down a QB in the backfield.

Gary “Mad Stork” Dow played defensive end for the 1972 Class A state runner-up Edward Little "Red Eddies" of Auburn. He alleges he was selected "All-State" but since this was before the creation of the Internet, there is no way to confirm it. He went to play for the University of Maine from 1973-1976 as a defensive end and outside linebacker. He states he won Eastern Collegiate Athletic Association (ECAC) Player of the Week honors against Bucknell University in the fall of 1975, but again, there is no way to confirm this claim either.

Mike “The Iron Horse” Marr made a name for himself in junior high and intramural sports with his aggressive and undisciplined playing technique, often going for the biggest guy on the field and stiff arming. When in a clutch position on the field, he drew attention by using modern dance techniques, something nobody wanted to see. To this day, he still can't watch “Flashdance” without tapping his feet.

The Damariscotta River Association (DRA) has announced that Vacation Days Nature Camps will be offered Monday, Dec. 30 and Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. These programs will offer outdoor nature exploration for children ages five to twelve.

These day camps will focus on studying mammals in winter. Participants will hike for animal tracks and signs, keep a nature journal, make a plaster track to take home and build a snow shelter called a quinzhee. There will also be a special owl pellet dissection activity where each participant will dissect an owl pellet and reassemble the prey skeleton to identify what was eaten.

The fee is $60 per day and participants may register for both days or just a specific day. Call DRA to register for these programs. Limited scholarships are available. A health form will be required for all participants.

For more information call 207-563-1393, email dra@damariscottariver.org, or visit www.damariscottariver.org.

It’s the last full week of 2013, and Christmas is nestled smack dab in the middle, on Wednesday. How will you be celebrating?

Coming up this week we have many choices for entertainment and holiday fun. Starting on Sunday, Dec. 22, if you need your gifts readied for giving, Boothbay Region High School senior Josiah Purin will be wrapping presents at the Boothbay Baptist Church from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise money for his Ocean Classroom trip. Call 207-380-7377 for more info.

Why not go for a pre-Christmas holiday hike (maybe add snowshoes or cross country skis)? Wiscasset High School student and now Eagle Scout David Marcus worked hard to improve the markings for the Wiscasset trail system — get out there and enjoy them.

On Wednesday, Dec. 25, all are welcome to the Community Christmas Dinner at noon at Our Lady Queen of Peace at 82 Atlantic Avenue in Boothbay Harbor. There are several other Christmas Eve/Christmas Day church services and dinners in the Wiscasset and Boothbay area, too, so call your church for details.

On Saturday, Dec. 28, drop in on the Lincoln Theater’s Holiday Guitar Night in Damariscotta, featuring musicians Eric Lugosch and Stephen Bennett. Starts at 7 p.m.

Are you or someone you know looking for work? Molnycke is looking to expand, Seacoast Energy in Newcastle is looking to fill six-plus positions, and there’s plenty other openings in our classifieds pages.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Growing up in Wiscasset, Heidi Sutter always wanted to live somewhere with a lot of open land and not many people.

From photographs she saw of Alaska, it looked like it fit the bill. The daughter of Janet Spinney of Wiscasset and Scott Sutter of Edgecomb, moved there in 1994, at the age of 18, right after she graduated from Wiscasset High School.

She's still there, 20 years later, loving her life on the glacier-fed Chistochina River. The 38-year-old wife, mother and schoolteacher is also a dedicated musher with a kennel full of huskies.

“It's definitely a lifestyle,” Sutter said about mushing.

“I can't imagine not doing this,” she said in a telephone interview from Alaska on December 19.

Sutter first got into mushing when she answered a newspaper ad for a handler, a job that amounts to being a musher's apprentice, she said.

She learned about running the dogs and taking care of them; she got paid in Seven-Up and Snickers bars. (These days, handlers usually get a stipend, she said.)

Sutter enjoyed using the outdoor survival skills that mushing requires. “It was totally up my alley,” she said.

She and husband Darrin Lee now compete in mid-distance sled dog races ranging from 100 to 500 miles, and long-distance ones that go 1,000 miles.

About 80 sled dogs and 50 people live in Chistochina. That's fine by Sutter. She grew up around dogs and likes the close relationship with them that mushing brings.

“It's a solo journey, you and your dogs. And you're going through difficult conditions, blizzards and everything else. I'm always amazed at what the dogs do.

“You put your total trust in them and they put their trust in you.”

Each dog's place in the lineup gives it a certain job. The dogs in front provide the speed and steering, Sutter said; the ones in the back, nearer the sled, provide power and get the sled over and around obstacles.

Sutter and Lee, owners of KMA Kennel, train their dogs year-round. When there's no snow on the ground, the dogs are hitched to a four-wheeler instead of a sled. On hot days, the dogs cool off in the river.

Then, there are the extremely cold times, when Sutter’s “Artic Oven,” comes in handy.

The insulated tent stays warm inside, even at -40 F, Sutter said. A wood stove in it dries items and heats water for the dogs' food.

“You're experiencing nature the whole time,” Sutter said of the mushing life.

She was glad she missed one brush with nature in November 2012, however. She saw bear tracks, but never encountered the grizzly who made them.

“There's nothing scarier than seeing bear tracks,” particularly at that time of year, she said.

She would not have expected a grizzly to be active in November. So it may have been sick or hurt, potentially making it more dangerous, she said.

In addition to mushing, Sutter and Lee haul wood, water and supplies with their dogs.

The kennel's website at www.kmakennel.com, has profiles of the dogs and information about sponsoring them; the site also shows hats and other fur items Sutter sews and sells, yet another part of her life in the Copper River Basin.

One of the most annoying things about snow for me, is that we have to work so hard removing something that eventually goes away on its own.

There! I've always wanted to say that. I feel better now.

These last snows have been remarkably beautiful. Light, fluffy, sparkly ... early.

Photographically, it was as pretty as it gets. For people with cameras, and jeez, who doesn't have some photo making device, it was great material.

Take for example, this week's photo I've titled “Creative Coastal Chalet” or “CCC” for short (not to be confused with Civilian Conservation Corps).

Note the substantial depth of snow accumulated on the various planes of architecture — we are talking some significant accumulation. The snow just settled atop all the surfaces, beautifully, evenly and with only occasional break in the contours of the structure. A perfect mold.

Well, it’s all but gone now. Rain, warming temps, freezing rain and ice have worked onto the pristine surfaces and rendered them into splotch glug. And I took a header off our back steps just to lay icing on my cake.

Smoke 'em if you got 'em folks; we're in for a ride. Leave some cookies and milk out for Santa!

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Parks and Lands will sponsor free, guided hikes in five state parks on New Year’s Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative.  That initiative, held in all 50 states, offers individuals and families an opportunity to begin the new year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1, 2014 at a state park close to home.  

“First Day Hikes are an opportunity to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the new year with friends and family,” Gov. Paul R. LePage said. “It is healthy and fun way to ring in the new year, celebrate our shared achievements and look to 2014 with optimism and a renewed focus.”

Commissioner Walt Whitcomb stressed the importance of beginning the new year with a healthy lifestyle. “There is no better place to start the new year with a healthy lifestyle than state parks. State parks offer wonderful opportunities for exercise and moments to reflect away from electronic display screens and the constant barrage of information,” said Whitcomb. “In the coming year, the DACF is looking to identify more ways to connect healthy outdoor activities and healthy, locally grown foods and produce.”

“This will be the first of many exciting Maine state park offerings planned for 2014,” said Will Harris, director of the Bureau of Parks and Lands.  “First Day Hikes are a great way to cure cabin fever and burn off those extra holiday calories by starting off the new year with an invigorating walk or hike in one of our beautiful state parks. “We are excited to host First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into state parks.” 

Park staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which average one to two miles or longer depending on the state park.  First Day Hikes will be offered at the following locations and times:

Lily Bay State Park, Beaver Cove, noon: Leisurely 1-hour ranger led hike along the shore of Moosehead Lake to investigate the wonders of the season. Wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes or boots. Meet at the entry booth parking lot. FMI: (207) 695-2700

Popham Beach State Park, Phippsburg, 1:30 p.m.: Easy 1-mile hike on the Fox Island tombolo investigating tidal pools. Wear warm clothes and sturdy footwear. Meet at the West side parking lot: 207-389-1335.

Range Ponds State Park, Poland, 12:30 p.m.: 1.5 mile ranger lead hike on our interpretive trail and along the beach; the trail is easy with one short hill; visitors are encourage to bring warm clothes, boots or snowshoes if the snow is deep. Meet at flag pole in front of bathroom buildings: 207-998-4104.

Sebago Lake State Park, Casco, 10:30 a.m.: 1.5 mile woodlands hike. Snacks will be provided and hikers should wear warm clothes and sturdy foot wear.  Snowshoes are a good idea if people have them. Meet at the day use area boat launch: 207-693-6231.

Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, 10 a.m.: 0.3 mile guided walk to enjoy ‘Winter in the Woods’ and learn how plants and animals survive the cold winter months. The program length is approximately 1 hour in length; please dress for the weather. Meet at the Picnic shelter by second parking lot; dogs are not suitable for this hike: 207-865-4465.

According to the National Association of State Parks Directors (NASPD), last year’s national event has 22,000 participants who hiked 43,911 miles in our state parks across the country. For More Information about hike locations, difficulty and length, terrain and tips regarding proper clothing and similar events in other states, visit www.americasstateparks.org.

For more information on the Maine State Parks, go to www.parksandlands.com.

For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, go to www.maine.gov/acf.

A Brewer meeting originally scheduled for December 9 by the Maine Department of Marine Resources to seek stakeholder input on a plan to reduce the harvest of elvers by 25 to 40 percent from the 2013 harvest for the 2014 fishing season, has been rescheduled for January 2. The meeting will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. at Jeff’s Catering, 15 Littlefield Way, Brewer.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has postponed action on Draft Addendum IV until its 2014 Spring Meeting so that it can update the landings data and continue to develop options for the 2015 fishing season.

In the interim, the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) has agreed to reduce the harvest for the coming season. Landings in 2013 totaled 18,253 pounds.

This is the second of two meetings seeking industry input on a plan to reduce the harvest; the first was held in Augusta on December 11.

The Sage Round Dance club will hold free workshops during an open house on January 6 and 13 from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. each night. The workshops will be held at the Dike-Newall School, 3 Wright Drive, in Bath.

For more information, call Polly Harris at 207-373-1778.

GRAY — The National Weather Service Friday has issued a winter storm watch for Sunday, as a coastal storm could bring 6 to 10 inches of snow.

A fast moving low pressure system is expected to move up the northeast coast and across Cape Code Sunday night, spreading snow into Maine and New Hampshire Sunday evening into early Monday morning, Dec. 30.

This latest storm is likely to produce a band of heavy snowfall, although some of the precipitation may fall as rain near the immediate coast of Maine and across southern New Hampshire. Inland areas of central New Hampshire and western Maine, along with the Midcoast are expected to be most impact by heavy snowfall, according to the NWS in Gray.

The winter storm watch is in effect from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning. Heavy snow will cause travel difficulties, and areas that still have ice on trees from the ice storm earlier in the week may be more susceptible to accumulations, causing additional broken limbs, downed wires and power outages.

Winds are expected to be 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph, and temperatures will be in the 20s.

The extended forecast follows.

Friday afternoon: Sunny, with a high near 33 F. West wind around 10 mph.
Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 20 F. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 39 F. West wind 10 to 15 mph.
Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26 F. West wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Snow likely, mainly after 5 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 32 F. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
Sunday night: Snow, mainly before 5 a.m. Low around 23 F. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.
Monday: Scattered snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31 F. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.
Monday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 7 F.

GRAY — The arrival of Sunday's storm later this afternoon is consistent statewide, but the snow-rain mix line travels as far up the coast as Knox County, with points north likely to see all snow and accumulations of up to 10 inches of it.

Despite the likelihood of warmer temperatures and snow changing to rain at times up through the Midcoast, Knox and Lincoln counties could see 3 to 6 inches of snow before the storm departs early Monday morning.

An late Sunday afternoon forecast from the National Weather Service has placed the Midcoast, down to Portland, under a winter storm warning through 4 a.m. Monday, Dec. 30. The precipitation may begin as rain along the coast before changing to snow, which will be heavy and “sticky,” falling at rates of 1 to 2 inches or more per hour tonight.

For Knox and Lincoln counties, snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches away from the shoreline are forecast, and the immediate coastline may see more rain than snow. For Waldo County, snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches are predicted, with little or no changeover to rain.

Heavy, wet snow statewide will cause travel difficulties, and areas with ice still on trees may be susceptible to accumulations, broken limbs, downed utility lines and power outages.

Along the coast, winds will be north at 15 to 15 mph and gusting to 30 mph, with temperatures in the upper 20s. Inland, winds will be north at 5 to 10 mph, with temperatures also in the upper 20s. For both, visibilities may drop to 1/4-mile at times.

During a winter storm warning, dangerous travel conditions are likely so only emergency travel is suggested. If you must travel, drive with extreme care and bring some emergency supplies in case you get stranded.

Today’s storm will usher in frigid temperatures for the New Year, as temperatures will drop and average 10 to 20 degrees below normal from Tuesday, Dec. 31 through Saturday, Jan. 4. There will also be dangerous wind chills well below zero next week. As of Sunday morning, the NWS is also tracking another low that it says will bring a “general snowfall” to the region Thursday night, Jan. 2, into Friday as it tracks just to the south.

For updated NWS weather, click here.

The extended forecast for the Midcoast follows.

Sunday night: Rain and snow before 3 a.m., then a chance of snow. Low around 24 F. Blustery, with an east wind 10 to 15 mph becoming north 20 to 25 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Monday: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 31 F. Blustery, with a west wind 5 to 15 mph increasing to 15 to 25 mph in the afternoon.

Monday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 2 F. Wind chill values as low as minus 15. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 13 F. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 6 F.

Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards can be reached at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com or 706-6655.

GRAY — Word of a late-week storm has been swirling around for days, but it wasn't until 3:20 p.m. on New Year's Day that the National Weather Service pulled the Midcoast into the mix. It had been forecast that the persistent cold snap would keep the storm at bay, but that has since changed, schools remained closed or closed early Thursday and at 3:44 p.m., a blizzard warning was issued.

Extreme cold settles into the area: Tips for coping with the weather

The blizzard warning includes a wind chill warning through 1 p.m. Friday and includes coastal areas of Lincoln and Knox counties, up through Belfast in Waldo County. The blizzard warning is in effect through 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3.

The forecast calls for wind chill values as low as minus 37 Thursday night through Friday morning.

Accumulations now of 6 to 10 inches are predicted along the coast, with light but persistent snow continuing through early Friday morning.

Winds will be northeast at 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph and temperatures between minus 12 and 7 above zero. Visibilities at times will be 1/4-mile or less.

State and county offices and many businesses have opted to close early and late-day and evening events are being canceled as the day wears on, temperatures drop and winds pick up.

A blizzard warning means that severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring, including falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel dangerous and not recommended. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you, including an extra flashlight, fresh batteries, food and water. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.

A wind chill advisory means the combination of very cold air and gusty winds will create dangerously low wind chill values. This will result in frost bite or lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken. If you must go outside, dress in layers and keep all your skin and your head covered. Protect livestock from the cold, ensure access to fresh water and bring pets inside.

Related stories:

• Extreme cold settles into the area: Tips for coping with the weather
• Closings, cancellations and delays
• Governor extends hours for fuel deliveries

The Wiscasset High School boys basketball games against Oak Hill for Thursday, Jan. 2, have been canceled due to the weather.

The games will instead be played Saturday, Jan. 4, with the boys junior varsity team tipping-off at 1 p.m. with the varsity squad playing at 2:30 p.m.

The girls, who will be playing in Boothbay against the Seahawks, will tip-off at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, for junior varsity and 7 p.m. for varsity.

The girls’ junior varsity and varsity basketball games at Boothbay Region High School scheduled for today, Jan. 2, have been rescheduled for Saturday, Jan. 4, at 5:30 and 7 p.m., respectively.

Winter in Maine can be a dark time. If the short cold days aren’t enough to drive one inside, then the bitter biting wind and driving snow might be.

For that reason, the Maine State Parks opened up on the first of the year for hikes across the state.

At Popham Beach State Park in Phippsburg, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park Manager Andy Hutchinson switched from that Freeport-based park to give a guided tour to a group of 20 hiker along the icy shores of Popham and up Fox Island.

“Welcome to one of the coldest days of the year,” Hutchinson said. “But, we’re lucky; today is supposed to be the warmest day this week.”

That warmest included temperatures that struggled to hit 20 F and a wind chill that nudged that total closer to zero.

But those cold temperatures and harsh wind couldn’t prevent people and dogs from clamber over boulders and across frozen beaches in what has become a yearly rite: A quick walk in the cold to kick off the year.

In 2013, approximately 22,000 people across the United States walked 43,900 miles on the first of the year. The goal, according to a release from the Bureau of Parks and Land Director Will Harris, is to get people outside and to burn off some holiday calories while setting the tone for the rest of the year.

And hopefully, the rest of the year won’t feature harsh wind and numbing cold.

On January 26, Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) will host the third annual Liberal Cup Biathlon. Racers from the age of 8 up are encouraged to register. Don’t be intimidated by this Olympic tradition. Skiers and snowshoers of all experience levels are encouraged to take part, and you can participate regardless of whether or not you know how to shoot a gun. We’ll have experts on hand to show everyone how to safely and skillfully target shoot. At HVNC learning on the fly is part of the challenge, and part of the fun.

If you’re not a skier, consider signing up for the snowshoe category. Racers on snowshoes will run a relatively short loop and will use the same shooting range as everyone else. If you don’t have snowshoes HVNC will rent you a pair, but supplies are very limited. Write to info@hvnc.org to inquire about renting snowshoes for the day of the event.

Registration fees range from $10 to $30 depending on the age bracket. Categories include youth, high school, open and masters. More details and registration information are available online at hvnc.org/biathlon-2. Registration is limited, and spots are filling quickly. Don’t delay!

The Liberal Cup Biathlon is all about the spirit of fun. Racers are encouraged to sign up in teams of four, and are encouraged to come in costume. Awards will be given for the best overall team names, and for best costumes.

The Biathlon at HVNC has generous community support from the Liberal Cup Brewpub and restaurant, Reny’s, Bath Savings Institution, Newcastle Chrysler and Teens to Trails. There will be a bonfire, hot food and drinks and beer from the Liberal Cup for those over 21.

HVNC is a nonprofit education and recreation center located in Jefferson. Comprised of 1,000 acres of forest, thirty miles of multi-use trails, several rustic campsites and huts HVNC is an authentic North Maine Woods experience. For more information about events, education, or HVNC day-use visit www.hvnc.org, call 207-200-8840, or write to info@hvnc.org.

The first-ever online Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper Staff Pro Football Challenge of the NFL season will continue through the Super Bowl. Each week, staff members Ben “The Incredible Bulk” Bulkeley, Kevin “The Hammer” Burnham, Nicole “The Lion” Lyons, Katrina “The Ninja” Clark, Mike “Big Scar” Scarborough, Mike “The Iron Horse” Marr and Gary “Mad Stork” Dow “try” to pick the winners of each NFL game by Wednesday evening (each week there is a Thursday game). The winner (best winning percentage) at the end of the season will be treated to a prize (we've decided on a gift from each player). We will post each player's record from the following week.

Week 16 standings: Ben 14-2, Nicole 14-2, Kevin 12-4, Katrina 12-4, Mike M. 12-4, Gary 11-5, Mike S. 11-5

Overall: Ben 160-95-1; Mike S. 154-101-1; Kevin 152-103-1; Nicole 152-103-1; Katrina 151-105-1; Mike M. 146-109-1; Gary 145-110-1

Week 17 Comments: Well, we've decided to extend the Challenge through the Super Bowl in order to try and catch Ben, the leader. But with Ben having another banner week, it will be tough for Mike S. to catch him. It was a good week of picking for the Challenge participants. Most of us thought it would be difficult, but everyone had good results.

Week 18 Prognosis: Quarterbacks, turnovers and defense are the key to these games .... Home field advantage should go to Cincinnati and Philadelphia, because of the weather. Green Bay, however, has lost three times to San Francisco since 2012 and Clay Matthews is out. But Aaron Rodgers provided a spark in the Packers' win over the Bears. Could he do it again? Is Indy ready to take on the big boys? Can San Diego win in cold weather?

Week 18 picks

Kansas City at Indianapolis: Kansas City: Mike S., Ben, Gary; Indianapolis: Nicole, Mike M., Kevin, Katrina

New Orleans at Philadelphia: New Orleans: Mike S., Gary; Philadelphia: Nicole, Ben, Mike M., Kevin, Katrina

San Diego at Cincinnati: San Diego: Nicole, Gary, Mike M.; Cincinnati: Mike S., Ben, Kevin, Katrina

San Francisco at Green Bay: San Francisco: Mike S., Nicole, Mike M., Kevin, Katrina; Green Bay: Ben, Gary

The players

Ben “The Incredible Bulk” Bulkeley used to play football. He used to weigh over 200 pounds, but he wanted to play wide receiver, so he slimmed down drinking Slim Fast and cutting down on his Devil Dog consumption.

Kevin “The Hammer” Burnham played football locally and was on the 1973 Class D championship team, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this season. He played linebacker and running back and suffered a few concussions during his playing days ... which may explain a lot.

Nicole “The Lion” Lyons watches football ... sometimes.

Katrina “The Ninja” Clark likes to make her picks by blindfolding herself and throwing darts at the chart in her backyard. Once in a while she even hits it. More often she hits the squirrels.

Mike “Big Scar” Scarborough last played organized football in junior high. He played both ways as a lineman, offensive and defensive tackle. Big Scar was a "speed lineman," who loved nothing better than running down a QB in the backfield.

Gary “Mad Stork” Dow played defensive end for the 1972 Class A state runner-up Edward Little "Red Eddies" of Auburn. He alleges he was selected "All-State" but since this was before the creation of the Internet, there is no way to confirm it. He went to play for the University of Maine from 1973-1976 as a defensive end and outside linebacker. He states he won Eastern Collegiate Athletic Association (ECAC) Player of the Week honors against Bucknell University in the fall of 1975, but again, there is no way to confirm this claim either.

Mike “The Iron Horse” Marr made a name for himself in junior high and intramural sports with his aggressive and undisciplined playing technique, often going for the biggest guy on the field and stiff arming. When in a clutch position on the field, he drew attention by using modern dance techniques, something nobody wanted to see. To this day, he still can't watch “Flashdance” without tapping his feet.

Special Olympics Maine will send nearly 500 athletes to Sugarloaf USA for the 45th annual Special Olympics Maine Winter Games January 26-28.

The events will begin on Sunday evening with one of Maine’s largest community suppers. Citizens of Carrabassett and surrounding areas will play host to the athletes by bringing in casseroles and desserts and serving more than 800 people. The evening activities kick off with outdoor skating and hot chocolate, a sing-a-long and karaoke.

The competition will be underway bright and early on Monday morning, and Opening Ceremonies featuring our parade of athletes, will begin at noon sharp. That evening athletes will be treated to a torchlight parade, fireworks and victory dance.

Enroute to Sugarloaf, Special Olympic teams will have the opportunity to take a break and stretch at a rest stop courtesy of the Roderick-Crosby Post and Auxiliary #28 of Farmington. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided to the athletes.

During the three day event athletes will compete in Nordic skiing, Alpine skiing, Snowshoe, Speed Skating and Dual Ski.

Special Olympics is a year-round athletic training and competition program for adults and children with intellectual disabilities. In Maine there are over 3,800 athletes involved in the program. The State Winter Games at Sugarloaf will host nearly 500 athletes from approximately 65 teams.

Competitions will run through Tuesday morning and will conclude with Closing Ceremonies at noon on January 28.

For further information on Special Olympics Maine or the State Winter Games, please call our state office at 207-879-0489 or email Lisa Bird at lisab@somaine.org.

Junior Morgan Crocker scored 19 points and freshman Cagney O'Brien pitched in with 14 as the Boothbay Region High School varsity girls basketball team (4-3) easily defeated the Wiscasset Wolverines, 48-30, at BRHS Saturday night, Jan. 4 in a rescheduled game due to Thursday's snowstorm.

Boothbay jumped out to a 20-6 first quarter lead and were never tested by the visiting Wolverines. Crocker scored nine of her points in the quarter.

The Lady Seahawks stretched their lead to 34-11 at halftime and Coach Tanner Grover was able to use his entire squad in the second half.

Wolverine junior Kayla Gordon led Wiscasset (1-7) with 14 points.

The Boothbay junior varsity edged Wiscasset, 39-35, in the opening game.

The Lady Seahawks are scheduled to travel to Carrabec on Tuesday, Jan. 7 and the Lady Wolverines are scheduled to host the Dirigo Cougars on January 7.

The Boothbay Region YMCA Dolphin swim team will have a home meet on Saturday, Jan. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Islands have a mysterious draw to many people. Certainly the idea of isolation is central to the fascination. Birders may share this fascination, but we also layer on some of our own particular reasons for wanting to spend time on islands. There is the idea of exploring the unknown; in this case, the unknown bird life that, because of bird migration, is changes daily during the height of migration.

Especially alluring to avid bird is the siren song of the mega-rarity, the bird species that perhaps has only occurred a few times in the region (or never before!). In general, such rarities are found on islands more regularly than other locations, partly because islands draw in lots of migrating birds that find themselves over the ocean with no other place to land. This results in higher densities of birds per unit area and therefore more likelihood that an oddity will be among them. It is also generally easier for a birder to see and identify more of the birds in the smaller space of a small island, where there are fewer places for birds to hide.

We’ve written in these pages before about how Monhegan Island is famous among birders for all these reasons and more, but there are island examples around the world: the Dry Tortugas in the Florida Keys, Attu in the Aleutians, the Farallons in California, to name just a few of the well-known islands that have become legendary as great birding hotspots.

For the last 10 years, one of us (Jeff) has listened to his own island birding siren song and has flown out with a few compatriots on the small mail plane in late December or early January from Owls Head to Matinicus Island. It was a decade ago that he started the island’s first annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Sometimes the exact date for the count is determined only a day or so in advance, as weather is the key, specifically, weather that allows the participants to fly out in the morning and back in the late afternoon.

Every year the island shares some new interesting twist to its bird life. One year there were well over a hundred white-throated sparrows and dark-eyed juncos all over the island, and the next year, not a single one could be found. A tattered turkey vulture soared very low over the group one year looking like it was hungry enough to come down for the sandwiches that the counters were consuming. Razorbills can be in abundance over the frigid ocean some years, and there have been harlequin ducks along with loads of scoters and other sea ducks.

But this year was especially wonderful because the island showed off, along with its regular marvelous bounty of birds, a very rare Townsend’s solitaire — a species from western North America that has only graced the state a handful of times previously. It’s the kind of bird that, had it been known in advanced, would likely have “inspired” many more birders to hop on the plane for a chilly day of counting birds. And if the solitaire weren’t enough, a gorgeous snowy owl flushed up during pursuit of a sparrow.

Mysterious, yes, and alluring indeed.

The first-ever online Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper Staff Pro Football Challenge of the NFL season will continue through the Super Bowl. Each week, staff members Ben “The Incredible Bulk” Bulkeley, Kevin “The Hammer” Burnham, Nicole “The Lion” Lyons, Katrina “The Ninja” Clark, Mike “Big Scar” Scarborough, Mike “The Iron Horse” Marr and Gary “Mad Stork” Dow “try” to pick the winners of each NFL game by Wednesday evening (each week there is a Thursday game). The winner (best winning percentage) at the end of the season will be treated to a prize (we've decided on a gift from each player). We will post each player's record from the following week.

Week 18 standings: Ben 0-4, Nicole 3-1, Kevin 2-2, Katrina 2-2, Mike M. 3-1, Gary 2-2, Mike S. 2-2

Overall: Ben 160-99-1; Mike S. 156-103-1; Nicole 155-104-1; Kevin 154-105-1; Katrina 153-107-1; Mike M. 149-110-1; Gary 147-112-1

Week 18 Comments: Mike S. jumped a couple of games closer to Ben and Nicole jumped past Kevin, with Katrina not far behind. It took a near record-breaking comeback by the Colts to give four of us another win.

Week 19 Prognosis: We're coming down to the wire, with this week, next week and the Super Bowl to pick. New England, with much of its linebacker corps depleted, will find it tough to defeat the upstart Colts at home. Can Philip Rivers (or his running backs) dismantle the Broncos defense? New Orleans will have to keep the ball a lot in Seattle in order to win. And it will be a toss-up between Carolina and San Francisco.

Week 19 picks

New Orleans at Seattle: New Orleans: Gary; Seattle: Mike S., Ben, Katrina, Mike M., Kevin, Nicole

Indianapolis at New England: Indianapolis: New England: Gary, Mike S., Ben, Katrina, Mike M., Kevin, Nicole

San Francisco at Carolina: San Francisco: Gary, Mike S., Katrina, Mike M., Nicole; Carolina: Ben, Kevin

San Diego at Denver: San Diego: Ben; Denver: Gary, Mike S., Katrina, Mike M., Kevin, Nicole

 The players

Ben “The Incredible Bulk” Bulkeley used to play football. He used to weigh over 200 pounds, but he wanted to play wide receiver, so he slimmed down drinking Slim Fast and cutting down on his Devil Dog consumption.

Kevin “The Hammer” Burnham played football locally and was on the 1973 Class D championship team, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this season. He played linebacker and running back and suffered a few concussions during his playing days ... which may explain a lot.

Nicole “The Lion” Lyons watches football ... sometimes.

Katrina “The Ninja” Clark likes to make her picks by blindfolding herself and throwing darts at the chart in her backyard. Once in a while she even hits it. More often she hits the squirrels.

Mike “Big Scar” Scarborough last played organized football in junior high. He played both ways as a lineman, offensive and defensive tackle. Big Scar was a "speed lineman," who loved nothing better than running down a QB in the backfield.

Gary “Mad Stork” Dow played defensive end for the 1972 Class A state runner-up Edward Little "Red Eddies" of Auburn. He alleges he was selected "All-State" but since this was before the creation of the Internet, there is no way to confirm it. He went to play for the University of Maine from 1973-1976 as a defensive end and outside linebacker. He states he won Eastern Collegiate Athletic Association (ECAC) Player of the Week honors against Bucknell University in the fall of 1975, but again, there is no way to confirm this claim either.

Mike “The Iron Horse” Marr made a name for himself in junior high and intramural sports with his aggressive and undisciplined playing technique, often going for the biggest guy on the field and stiff arming. When in a clutch position on the field, he drew attention by using modern dance techniques, something nobody wanted to see. To this day, he still can't watch “Flashdance” without tapping his feet.

The Damariscotta-Newcastle Rotary Club’s seventh annual Karl’s Kids Ski Day fundraiser will be held on Saturday, March 1 at Sugarloaf. Karl’s Kids honors the late Karl Berger by helping less fortunate children up to the age of 18 in Lincoln County who want to participate in athletics. Karl’s Kids has helped “Make Dreams Real” by providing sports equipment, cheerleading uniforms, and many other items that helped.

If you are aware of a child up to age 18 who has a financial need for sports equipment, uniforms, or other related items in order to participate in athletics, please request a grant application by going online at www.karlskids.org , click on Karl’s Kids and print off an application. You can also call Mike Hall at 207-832-5541 for further information or grant questions. All information is kept strictly confidential and not released to the general public. If you are a parent, coach, teacher, mentor or friend of a child in need please contact Karl’s Kids for help.

This year’s event will kick off Friday, Feb. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Sugarloaf Hotel with a welcome reception and preview of silent auction items. Some of the items already included are Red Sox tickets, sailing trips, lobster bakes and much, much more.

On Saturday, March 1 there will be a fun day of skiing from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Discounted lift tickets are available through Karl’s Kids. Contact Hall at 207-832-5541 for information on tickets. From 2 to 4 p.m. we will have a fun race on the Boardwalk race course. For a $5 donation to Karl’s Kids you will get two runs for a chance to win prizes for fastest run, slowest run and craziest dressed skier. After the race from 4:30 to 6 p.m. there will a closing reception at the Sugarloaf Hotel with a great silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and thank yous to all of our great sponsors. At 5:30 p.m. the race winners will be announced. The silent auction will close at 6 p.m.

Karl’s Kids is also looking for sponsors for the event and silent auction items. If you are interested in making a difference in children’s lives, make a contribution to Karl’s Kids, c/o Damariscotta-Newcastle Rotary Club, P.O. Box 363, Waldoboro, ME 04572. See you on the slopes!

Wiscasset Speedway picked up the “Promoter of the Year Award” at the Northeast Motorsports Expo in Augusta held January 10-12.

“We were very excited to take home this award considering it was our team's first year together,” Ken Minott, track announcer and assistant promoter, wrote in an email January 13.

The speedway had a loss in a separate set of awards last weekend, Mainely Motorsports' “Mainelys.” The track's comeback under new owners Richard and Vanessa Jordan had been nominated in the “Big Accomplishment” category. That award went to Travis Benjamin's win in the TD Bank 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway, said Stephen Perry, owner and host of the television show “Mainely Motorsports.”

Perry described the promoter award as the more prestigious of the two the Wiscasset track was up for, because a committee decides it; an online survey decides the “Mainelys,” he said.

In other results with ties to the track on West Alna Road, Cory Morgan, who won races at both Wiscasset Speedway and Oxford Plains Speedway, got the expo award for “Weekly Support Division Driver of the Year,” based on his 2013 season, Perry said; and Jerry Bailey took “Best Appearing Mini Cup or Legacy Car” for his entry at the expo, Perry said.

 Susan Johns can be reached at 207-844-4633 or susanjohns@wiscassetnewspaper.com

LiveStrong at the Y. The Boothbay Region YMCA, in partnership with the Boothbay community and local health professionals, is offering a second session of this program designed to support cancer survivors in their quest to regain physical, emotional and spiritual strength.

LiveStrong is a free 12-week program, providing a supportive environment that encourages a survivor’s journey back to a healthier well-being. Participants will be guided through specialized group exercise classes and strength training programs by Y staff members who have received specific training in cancer treatment and recovery. The free program begins February 4 and is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Please sign up ASAP.

Trek Across Maine, Indoors. Presented by the American Lung Association and the Boothbay Region YMCA, the Trek Across Maine has moved indoors; well at least the training has. Join our certified instructors who take you across the state of Maine from Bethel to Belfast on the actual route of the Trek from start to finish including actual mileage and terrain.

Start preparing now for the June 13-15, 2014 event. Even if you don’t do the outdoor event you can take the challenge now to do something for your health and the health of others. (Participants who sign up for the program get T-shirt and a percentage of the class fee will go to the American Lung Association.)

All ages can participate but you must be at least five feet tall. No experience necessary.

Session I: January 6 to February 17

Session II: February 25 to April 7

Session III: April 21 to June 9

Day/Time: Mondays, 5:30-7 p.m.

Member: $45 per session; non-member: $90.

Participants can start at any time but there is no pro-rating and no refunds. Must have six people to run the program.

NEW! An Indoor Field Hockey program with Coach Michelle Bouchard for elementary and high school students is held on Mondays from 5:15-6:15 p.m. in the Y Field House. It’s not too late to sign up. $5 drop in fee per class or $25 for a 6-week session. Register online at www.boothbayregionymca.org or at the Y front desk. 

Y-Arts Presents: “Dinosaurs Before Dark” for grades 1 through 6 with rehearsals beginning January 24 and “Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr.” for grades 7 through 12 with rehearsals beginning February 3. Performances for both shows will take place in May at the Boothbay Playhouse. 

YMCA Dance for grades 4 through 6 on Saturday, Feb. 1, 7-9 p.m.

YMCA Valentine’s Day Dance for grades 6 through 8 on February 14, 7-10 p.m. Both dances are $5 per person at the door!

Cardio Tennis at the Y is now 1.5 instead of 1 hour long. We’ve added a half hour to the beginning of each class for instruction time. Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m. and Wednesday, 5-6 p.m.

The Damariscotta River Association (DRA) announced that they are offering several guided nature walks focusing on winter wildlife. On Thursday, Jan. 16 there will be a “Full Moon Owl Prowl” from 7 to 9 p.m. The group will meet at Dodge Point Preserve in Newcastle and go for a walk there to look for owls.

Following the walk, the group will carpool to several other nearby locations to search for owls by playing audio recordings in the hopes that owls in the area may respond with vocalizations. This program will be led by experienced birder and Midcoast Audubon Board Member Dennis McKenna and DRA Education Coordinator Sarah Gladu.

On Sunday, Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon, there will be an “Animal Tracks and Signs” walk at the NORGAL Preserve in Bristol. The NORGAL Preserve, which is accessible through the Bearce-Allen Preserve due to a partnership with Pemaquid Watershed Association, can be found by turning onto Sproul Hill Road from Route 130 in Bristol and then taking a right onto Austin Road where parking is available on the right. DRA staff report that a variety of tracks are likely including coyote, fox, deer, turkey and snowshoe hare.

Later that same day, January 26 from 1 to 3 p.m., “Wetlands in Winter” will be the topic for a walk at the DRA Great Salt Bay Farm, 110 Belvedere Road, Damariscotta. Participants will identify wetland plants as well as exploring fresh and saltwater marshes. The group will also drill through the ice to identify aquatic invertebrates. Both of these programs will be led by Sarah Gladu, DRA Education Coordinator and naturalist.

On Sunday, Feb. 2 Gladu will lead a “Winter Forest Ecology Walk” from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at DRA’s Baker Forest in Newcastle. The group will learn about wildlife adaptations to winter conditions and identify trees and shrubs along the way. The initial part of this walk is steep but subsequently the trail becomes fairly level. Nonetheless, participants should be mindful of winter conditions and prepare appropriately.

Snowshoes and crampons are recommended for all of the above programs, depending on conditions but the DRA asks that you not bring skis or dogs to the programs. Registration is required for all programs. There are limited spaces for the Owl Prowl.

The Damariscotta River Association is a nonprofit membership supported organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of the Damariscotta River, its watershed, and adjacent areas for the benefit of all. For more information call 207-563-1393, email dra@damariscottariver.org, or go to www.damariscottariver.org.

This Valentine’s, the Boothbay Register and Wiscasset Newspaper are looking for your “How We Met” story.

Maybe it’s funny, maybe it’s weird, maybe it’s sweet or maybe it’s a classic. Or if you know someone else with a good story — tell them to enter!

Whatever the story, swing over to our contest page and enter. We’ve made it easier to register and easier to play.

The winner will get a gift certificate to a local restaurant for a free dinner for two.

Entries will be accepted now through February 12 and voting will start January 30.

If you don’t enter, you can’t win, so play today.

Children ages 6 to 10 are invited to discover the joy of the outdoors at Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center February 18-21 in Lincolnville.

Learn about animal tracks and how to survive in the snow then drink hot chocolate in a cozy, wood-heated cabin after a day of sledding. This four-day camp during February school vacation week will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Cost is $150 per child.

Register for the day camp by February 7 at http://extension.umaine.edu/tanglewood.

For more information, or to request a disability accommodation, contact Patti Chapman at 207-789-5868 or patricia.chapman@maine.edu.

The first-ever online Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper Staff Pro Football Challenge of the NFL season will continue through the Super Bowl. Each week, staff members Ben “The Incredible Bulk” Bulkeley, Kevin “The Hammer” Burnham, Nicole “The Lion” Lyons, Katrina “The Ninja” Clark, Mike “Big Scar” Scarborough, Mike “The Iron Horse” Marr and Gary “Mad Stork” Dow “try” to pick the winners of each NFL game by Wednesday evening (each week there is a Thursday game). The winner (best winning percentage) at the end of the season will be treated to a prize (we've decided on a gift from each player). We will post each player's record from the following week.

Week 19 standings: Ben 2-2, Nicole 4-0, Kevin 3-1, Katrina 4-0, Mike M. 4-0, Gary 3-1, Mike S. 4-0

Overall: Ben 162-101-1; Mike S. 160-103-1; Nicole 159-104-1; Kevin 157-106-1; Katrina 157-106-1; Mike M. 153-110-1; Gary 150-113-1

Week 19 Comments: Mike S. has jumped to within two games of Ben with three games to play! Katrina finally caught Kevin for fourth place.

Week 20 Prognosis: Two weeks to go ... the old guys battle it out in Denver and the young bucks face off in Seattle. It will be experience vs. exuberance in the Super Bowl. “To preserve my luck, I will maintain my record of not watching a single game until the Super Bowl,” Nicole says. “Somehow, I think the NFL wants to give Manning one more try at winning another Super Bowl. That's why I am picking the Broncos,” Kevin says.

“It's time for New England's fourth Super Bowl win and it's time for New England to beat Pete Carroll, whom I have always liked, but not in the Super Bowl against the Pats!” Gary says.

“In week 2, when they fought, Seattle got 10 penalties and San Fran got 12. (16 penalties total in week 14). Both are very physical teams. A penalty in a crucial moment could decide the game, like a field goal after a 15-yard penalty. I'd advise the 49ers to bring earplugs. As for the Patriots, well, I'm not sure if they can pull it off, but I'm no fair-weather fan. So go Pats!” Katrina says.

 Week 20 picks

New England at Denver: New England: Mike S., Gary, Nicole, Katrina, Mike M.; Denver: Ben, Kevin

San Francisco at Seattle: San Francisco: Kevin, Katrina, Mike M.; Seattle: Ben, Mike S., Gary, Nicole

The players

Ben “The Incredible Bulk” Bulkeley used to play football. He used to weigh over 200 pounds, but he wanted to play wide receiver, so he slimmed down drinking Slim Fast and cutting down on his Devil Dog consumption.

Kevin “The Hammer” Burnham played football locally and was on the 1973 Class D championship team, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this season. He played linebacker and running back and suffered a few concussions during his playing days ... which may explain a lot.

Nicole “The Lion” Lyons watches football during the Superbowl.

Katrina “The Ninja” Clark likes to make her picks by blindfolding herself and throwing darts at the chart in her backyard. Once in a while she even hits it. More often she hits the squirrels.

Mike “Big Scar” Scarborough last played organized football in junior high. He played both ways as a lineman, offensive and defensive tackle. Big Scar was a "speed lineman," who loved nothing better than running down a QB in the backfield.

Gary “Mad Stork” Dow played defensive end for the 1972 Class A state runner-up Edward Little "Red Eddies" of Auburn. He alleges he was selected "All-State" but since this was before the creation of the Internet, there is no way to confirm it. He went to play for the University of Maine from 1973-1976 as a defensive end and outside linebacker. He states he won Eastern Collegiate Athletic Association (ECAC) Player of the Week honors against Bucknell University in the fall of 1975, but again, there is no way to confirm this claim either.

Mike “The Iron Horse” Marr made a name for himself in junior high and intramural sports with his aggressive and undisciplined playing technique, often going for the biggest guy on the field and stiff arming. When in a clutch position on the field, he drew attention by using modern dance techniques, something nobody wanted to see. To this day, he still can't watch “Flashdance” without tapping his feet.

Naturalist Led Walks and Talks

Animal Tracks and Signs Hike is Sunday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m. to noon at the NORGAL Preserve, Austin Road, Bristol.

Join naturalist Sarah Gladu to look for signs of coyote, snowshoe hare, a variety of rodents and turkeys. Learn about the winter habits of these mammals through first-hand observation. Recommended donation: $5. Call DRA to register.

Wetlands in Winter is Sunday, Jan. 26, 1 to 3 p.m. at DRA Great Salt Bay Farm, 110 Belvedere Road, Damariscotta

Participants will identify wetland plants as well as explore fresh and saltwater marshes. The group will also drill through the ice to identify aquatic invertebrates. Snowshoes welcome, no skis please. Call DRA to register. Recommended donation: $5.

Winter Ecology Hike with a Naturalist is Sunday, Feb. 2, 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Baker Forest, River Road, Newcastle. 

The group will learn about wildlife adaptations to winter conditions and identify trees and shrubs along the way. Snowshoes welcome, no skis please. Call DRA to register. Recommended donation: $5.

Special Event: Winter Party at Round Top Farm is Sunday, Feb. 2, noon to 3 p.m. (Rain or no-snow date: February 16) at DRA Round Top Farm, 3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta.

Sledding, skating, animal tracks craft, free hot chocolate, sled dog demonstration, hockey shooting contest for a poster, hot dogs for $1 donation, warming hut open and campfire with marshmallow roasting. Nordic ski clinics with L.L.Bean Discovery School instructor (register in advance for hourly time slots and bring your own equipment or rent). Free except for Nordic clinics ($12/session).

Green Crabs in the Damariscotta Estuary Round Table Discussion: Friday, Feb. 28, 7 to 8 p.m. at DRA Great Salt Bay Farm, 110 Belvedere Road, Damariscotta

The serious impact of the invasive species green crab in the Damariscotta Estuary will be discussed by Dr. Dan Belknap of the University of Maine as well as several local clam diggers and oyster growers. Shoreline owners, those involved with any marine seafood industry and interested citizens should attend. Free.

Children’s Programs at DRA Great Salt Bay Farm

Wild Encounters: A regular program for homeschool families (age 5 and up). Classes are held from10 a.m. to noon the second Monday of each month (except March). Hike and nature journaling always included. Fee: $5/child. Call DRA to register. 

Outdoor Living Skills: Dogsledding and snow-shelter building on February 10.

Maple Syruping: On March 4, tap a tree and learn how trees work. Tree identification game.

Frogs and Pollywogs for preschoolers (ages 2-5) and their parents/guardians. Classes are held 10 to 11 a.m. Hike always included. Fee: $3/child. Call DRA to register.

Winter is a Wonderland: February 13, dogsledding and snow-shelter building.

Maple Syruping: On March 13 tap a tree and learn all about trees. Taste maple sap.

Jr. Naturalist After-School Program for Grades 1 to 5. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:15 to 5 p.m. Inquiry-based, hands-on learning in a safe outdoor environment. The DRA Great Salt Bay Farm is on a bus route from local elementary schools and close to Route 1. Month-long sessions that include school vacation week. Fee: $55/$50 members (scholarships available). Call DRA to register.

February Vacation Wildlife in Winter Day Camp for Ages 5 to 10. February 18-21, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hike for animal tracks and signs, go dog sledding, create art projects, play nature-inspired games. Fee: $176/$156 members (scholarships available). Call DRA to register.

The Damariscotta River Association, a nonprofit community-supported land trust located at 110 Belvedere Road in Damariscotta, has been working since 1973 to preserve and promote the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of the Damariscotta River region.

For more information, call 207- 563-1393, email dra@damariscottariver.org or check the website www.damariscottariver.org.