Habitat 7 Rivers’ 21st annual Spring Walk will take place Sunday, May 4 in Brunswick at 2 p.m.

The organization’s largest fundraiser will begin at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 132 McKeen Street, and an expected 200 walkers will walk a 5K (3.1 miles) to Maine Street, down College Street, Coffin and Longfellow before returning to Maine Street and then 132 McKeen Street.

The course is on sidewalks, on flat terrain that is family-friendly, and is through some of Brunswick’s historic neighborhoods. Refreshments and entertainment will be available for walkers who annually donate their time to explain Habitat’s mission to friends, colleagues and relatives who sponsor them with donations. Other volunteers collect pledges, make food or volunteer along the route on the day of the event.

“We have raised tens of thousands of dollars each year through this event that go directly to building homes, rehabilitating existing homes, weatherizing and repairing homes in our 31-town service area in southern Midcoast Maine,” said Peggy Siegle, development and communications director. “The area's faith and business communities have been our rock and our foundation for over 20 years of gathering walkers and volunteers to make this event the annual success that it is.”

Siegle said that there will be prizes donated by area businesses for walkers who are top fundraisers for this event. The Run and Walk are Habitat/7 Rivers’ largest fundraiser of the year.

Habitat recently announced plans to build four homes on Harpswell Road in Brunswick over the next few years. Support for this fundraiser will be crucial for starting this large project, according to Dave Perron, Habitat/7 Rivers’ executive director.

So far, sponsors for this event include Bath Savings Institution, Ames True Value Hardware and Supply, HM Payson, Atlantic Motorcar, Five County Credit Union, Mid Coast Hospital, Carl Larrabee Agency Insurance, First Federal Savings, Riley Insurance and The First.

For more information or to obtain sponsorship forms, go to www.habitat7rivers.org or call 207-386-5081 to request a Walk packet.

Interested in getting outside this spring? Join Lands Manager Michael Warren from the Boothbay Region Land Trust to help spruce up the trails this April.

Feel free to meet at the following locations or contact the BRLT office for more information at 207-633-4818 or mwarren@bbrlt.org. And remember to regularly check the event calendar at www.bbrlt.org for upcoming work parties, hikes and other fun BRLT events.

Tuesday, April 15 (9-11 a.m.)

Work party at Porter Preserve: Come and join us to freshen up the trails at Porter Preserve on Barters Island. Pruners and loppers are the tools of the day. You might also bring gloves and wear rubber boots.

Friday, April 18 (Time TBD)

BRHS Community service day: This year the plan is to meet at the Gregory Trail on Sawyer’s Island to clean up some old bog bridging and re-mark the trail where needed. Boots, gloves and old clothes are the order of the day.

Tuesday, April 29, 9-11 a.m.

Work Party at Pine Tree Preserve: We will meet at Pine Tree Preserve kiosk off of Route 91 and take a hike around the loop trail to determine how Mother Nature has treated it this winter. I will have a chain saw to take care of the bigger stuff and some signage arrows to better clarify the route if necessary. If you have some hand pruning tools bring those along as well. Wear boots, gloves and appropriate outerwear as required.

Please note: As soon as the temperature warms into the 40’s, the tick population will come off siesta. Be sure to wear protective clothing and repellent when venturing outdoors.

As Richard and Vanessa Jordan get Wiscasset Speedway ready for the new season, they say the West Alna Road track continues to become what they hoped it would after they got it in a 2012 bank auction.

“From the response of the fans and drivers, and really everyone, I'm feeling pretty good. I get the feeling everyone is catching on to the idea that this is really all of ours,” Richard Jordan said April 3. “It’s like a family here.”

The Jordans hope to upgrade the public address system in the pit area, at drivers' request and, for the fans, maybe add a scoreboard.

They plan to run the business much the same this year as they did in 2013, their first full racing season as the owners.

Admission will still be $5, with children ages 6 and under getting in free. The Kingfield couple wants to keep the speedway a place for families to come, and part of that is keeping it affordable, Vanessa Jordan said.

Expect fireworks and cupcakes at the track's 45th anniversary celebration, she said. The event is set for July 26, said the speedway’s announcer-promoter, Ken Minott.

For the first time in years, the track will put on the Coastal 200. Minott said the well-known Wiscasset Speedway race has typically drawn some of northern New England’s best late model sportsmen division drivers. The $20,000 purse features a top prize of $4,000, well more than the division offers in an average race at the speedway, Minott said. Admission is free for veterans the day of the Coastal 200, on Sunday, May 25.

Opening day for racing is April 19 at 2 p.m. The pit opens at 10 a.m.; the main gate, at noon.

More than an expanded partnership in programming with the Boothbay Region Land Trust, the Boothbay Region YMCA welcomes its own Maddie Rideout and BRLT’s Tracey Hall as co-directors of Camp Knickerbocker. The skills, education and experience these two possess, along with their love of the outdoors and positive attitudes, are just a few of many traits each will bring to Camp K.

As seen in the Boothbay Register on March 26, 2014, the BRLT announced the expansion of their partnership with the Y where BRLT Environmental Educator Tracey “Turtle” Hall will be a familiar face at Camp K as she works with camp staff to utilize the lake, fields and forests on the 70-acre site. In addition to those responsibilities, Hall will work in direct partnership with Rideout, the Y’s child enrichment director with the newly added word “Camp” to her title.

Y summer camp is not a new career for Hall as she has worked at Y Camp Arroyo (part of the East Bay YMCA in California) as well as Camp Spears Eljabar in the Poconos. In both capacities, Hall worked with and educated staff and campers in the area of outdoor education. Rideout, who has worked at the Boothbay Region YMCA for four years and been responsible for summer camp registration last summer and this summer, enrolled in the YMCA camp director program some time ago in hopes there would be a Y opportunity down the road. That opportunity has come and the road has brought her to Camp K. Rideout alongside Hall are eager for camp to begin.

When asked what their responsibilities will include, Hall states that she definitely has a handle on the curriculum and outdoor education aspect of camp as well as training summer camp staff how to include it in all aspects of a camper’s day. Rideout is looking forward to continuing on with the administrative aspect of camp as well as working alongside Hall to hire and train staff, participate in flag raising ceremonies, be available to staff and parents as a resource, and to assure that camp lives up to the high quality of programs the Y is looking to provide.

Both Hall and Rideout plan to build off old camp traditions while incorporating some new ones. The spirit stick is just one of many to make a reappearance this summer. (An article to follow on what the Camp K Spirit Stick is). They also look forward to being out and about at Camp K. Greeting campers and parents in the morning as people exit their vehicles. Introducing campers to their counselors and answering any questions they may have. Ensuring the trained counselors are implementing the curriculum that has been developed for them by Hall. Overseeing the adventure and Half-Day Camp counselors and seeing to it their weekly adventures begin and end with teambuilding at Camp K.

The YMCA is currently accepting camp registration for all of its summer camps including Camp K, Y-Arts Theatre Camp, Dance Camp and Arts Camp, Adventure Camps, Sport Camps and Half-Day Specialty camps. Financial assistance applications will be accepted through Friday, June 6.

While nothing says winter like the scent of raw shrimp in our kitchens (most years anyway), nothing says spring like Fishermen's Festival weekend. The 41st hometown celebration is headed for Boothbay Harbor April 25-27.

The weekend starts off in the traditional manner with the Shrimp Princess Pageant on Friday, April 25 at 7 p.m. in the Boothbay Region High School (BRHS) gymnasium. Plan on stopping by Mr. C's on the way to the show and try something from his special pre-pageant dinner menu.

Get to the pageant early because this event isn't just for family and friends; the whole town comes out to cheer the contestants on. Girls between the ages of 9 and 12 compete for the title, as they have since 1974, when contestant Elizabeth Harding belted out Three Dog Night's “Joy to the World” and forever won the distinction of being the first Shrimp Princess. (That was back in the early days when the weekend was called the Lincoln County Shrimp Festival and held in March.)

Reigning Shrimp Princess Lillian Sherburne will return to the BRHS stage for her final hurrah as official local royalty. Lillian will then perform her final duty: crown the 2014 princess. Will she be one of Princess Lillian's 2013 runner ups? We know first runner up Hali Goodwin plans to return.

The contestants take part in a question and answer segment about the festival with Master of Ceremonies Andrew Morley, which is followed by a talent segment and gown competition. It's just like Miss Teen USA, only better, because they're “our” kids.

Parents in a celebratory mood can meet up with friends downtown, dancing and celebrating at McSeagull's to the tunes of In Too Deep. The band features local musicians Brian Howe, Brian Rittershaus, Jeff Ramsdell, Dean “the Rock” Berry and vocalist Glenn Burnham.

That friendly, but competitive spirit carries over from the school to the waterfront on Saturday, April 26 beginning with the Codfish Relay Race. Four person teams of high schoolers will don foul weather gear and run like the wind with a fish under each arm. Last year, the junior class took first first place — will they defend their title this year? In the Small Fry race, for grades 5-8, the eighth grade won first place honors with a time of 3:18.

Bait shoveling has been eliminated from the festival games to make way for a new event: The Greasy Pole.

That's right. Think of a 30-foot metal pole, 5 inches in diameter, extending over the water from a barge or float, shining in the sun, greased up with a Crisco-type product.

Up to 15 adroit individuals, aged 14 and up, will try to cross the pole to a flag at the end. Without stopping to think, he or she must pluck the flag from the pole and head back the way they came, without falling into the drink or dropping the flag. I sure hope it's one of those smaller flags you see on cars and such.

Hold that spectator spot near the water, ‘cause the Lobster Crate Running contestants will be darting across as quickly and nimbly as possible for bragging rights. Last year in the kid's competition, Isaac Wyer ran 200 crates and took first place, and Jason Maddocks won first in the adult run with 75 crates.

The trap hauling event is certainly an excitement generator — must be those lobster boat engines!

Over the years there have been some stimulating endings, a few boats hitting the pier enough to jostle the cheering adventurous spectators. The Carter family has a rep for steering their way to first place in this event more often than not, and last year was no exception: Mark Carter and brother Matt Carter came in with a time of 2:35 aboard the Samantha Ann.

Will the Carter family retain the winners title, or will Clive Farrin aboard his Sea Swallow, second place last year with a time of 3:52, claim it for himself?

Speaking of reigning champions, how about Sea Pier's women’s Tug of War team? Capt. Lesley (Carter) Blethen believes the team has won for five consecutive years. Prior to that, first place was back and forth between Sea Pier and Gray's Wharf women's team.

Last year the team's time was 0:36; in the co-ed adult pull, Pier 1 versus Fishermen's Festival committee members, Pier 1 emerged the winner in an easy six seconds. In the men's pull, Yereance & Son Plumbing, with a time of 1:18, nabbed braggin' rights and in the kid's tug, the fourth grade bested the third.

Who's strong enough, brave enough and ready to take it to the street this year?

Food related events include lobster picking and eating, and oyster shucking. Hey, this weekend is a seafood lover's dream!

Competing in, and watching festival events can make a person hungry; it’s a good thing there's a fish fry complete with fish sandwich, fries, chowder, pickles and chips.

During last year's fry, also at Mine Oyster 772 sandwiches were sold; 7 cases of potato chips, 175 pounds of French fries, 13 gallons of fish chowder and two large cases of pickles!

The kids will have fun (even without the bubblegum contest) there will be games, a bouncy house and face-painting in the Fisherman’s Wharf parking lot.

If you find yourself hungry later in the afternoon, what with all that fresh air and all, head over to the Congregational Church in Boothbay Harbor for its traditional Fishermen's Festival supper.

The fun and games continue through the night on the waterfront with musical accompaniment: The Boneheads are at McSeagull's and Krewe de Groove, with special guest Douglas Gimbel at Mine Oyster.

On Sunday, April 27 it's time to honor those who have lost their lives making their living from the sea. The bell at Our Lady Queen of Peace tolls as the names of fishermen, dating back to 1798, are read by area clergy. Immediately following, the fishing fleet floats by the dock at The Lobster Wharf, to be blessed by the clergy.

As the boats parade around the harbor, look for the Shrimp Princess, who will be aboard the lead boat.

The annual trip to Burnt Island happens at noon on Sunday. Tickets are on sale now at The First, N.A. Depart from Pier 8 and get a glimpse of the living history tour given twice weekly in season.

Fishermen's Festival is much anticipated and much beloved in these here parts. The roots of many a great story can be traced to this weekend. If you've never experienced it, you've never experienced Boothbay.

For a complete schedule of events, visit the Festival page on the Boothbay Register's website, www.boothbayregister.com.  Watch for the 2014 Fishermen's Festival supplement in the April 24 edition of the Boothbay Register. If you’ll be on your photo during the festival, be sure to use hashtag #FF207 or send your photos of the fest to pix@boothbayregister.com.

New to recreational boating? Thinking about buying a boat and getting out on the water this summer? Then come to the Boothbay Region YMCA on May 3 where the Wawenock Sail and Power Squadron will offer America’s Boating Course in anticipation of a summer season of boating ahead. This eight hour course will be held in one day.

Instruction includes: Introduction to Boating; Boating Law, Boat Safety Equipment; Safe Boating: Navigation; Boating Problems; Trailering, Storing and Protecting your Boat; Hunting and Fishing, Water-skiing and River Boating. The course is approved by most states that require certification or licenses to operate boats including all states in the Eastern U.S.

To enroll in the class or to gain further information contact John McMullen, Squadron Education Officer, at 207-433-7848 or postms@comcast.net.

The Wawenock Sail and Power Squadron is a unit of the United States Power Squadrons, the world’s largest private, non-profit boating education organization. The USPS serves the boating communities of all the United States, Canada and Japan. We are celebrating our 100th year.

We invite the young and the young at heart to come celebrate the arrival of spring at the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum on Saturday, April 19. Ride behind our 1904 vintage steam locomotive #10 from Sheepscot Station to Alna Center where hundreds of Easter eggs are waiting to be found. The child who finds a golden egg will get a large basket full of Easter goodies.

Trains will depart from Sheepscot Station hourly from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. To ensure that everyone has a chance to collect eggs, search areas will be divided by age: children 5 years old and under will be in one search area and children 6 and up will be in another. Each area for each train will have a golden egg. In the event that the golden egg for a trip is not found, the basket of goodies will go to the child who found the most eggs.

Since Easter egg hunts are for the young and the young-at-heart, our normal child’s fare of $4 will apply to all. As usual, children 3 and under are free.

Sheepscot Station is located at 97 Cross Road in Alna. From Wiscasset Village, take Route 218 north 4½ miles to the Cross Road. Take a left onto the Cross Road. Sheepscot Station is located at the bottom of the hill on the right. Check us out on our website at wwfry.org or call the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway at 207-882-4193.

Senior Emma Leonard of Boothbay, daughter of John and Donna Leonard, recently received the most improved player award in girls varsity basketball for her achievement during the winter trimester at the independent, character-based Hyde School in Bath.

“Whether playing for a championship or learning a brand new sport, Hyde's young athletes are tested daily on their work ethic, stamina, and ability to work together as a team,” Head of School Laura Gauld said of the recent athletic award winners. “These individuals are among the finest examples of athletic character at Hyde School.”

Like other entrants in the Boston Marathon on April 21, runners with ties to Wiscasset and the Boothbay peninsula have different reasons for taking part: They're honoring a friend's memory, raising money for charity or, in the case of Grace West, daughter of Wiscasset resident Greg Foster, it will be her chance to cross the finish line she was six-tenths of a mile from when the bombs went off.

“I feel like I have some unfinished business,” she said.

But West and others interviewed also have some reasons in common. They said they want to honor the city of Boston, and show resilience to terrorism.

Southport's Robert McArtor, 75, was watching events unfold on television after last year's bombings when he told his wife Linda, he didn't know how he was going to do it, but he was going to find a way to run in the marathon in 2014.

“There's a part of me that doesn't want to give in to terrorism,” said the physician, a Southport resident since 1996.

McArtor wasn't starting from scratch. He ran in the 1995 Boston Marathon, one of 16 marathons he's been in since he took them up at the age of 53. Now he does triathlons, which combine swimming, biking and marathon running.

When he was seeking a slot for this year's Boston Marathon, he found one on a team raising money for a Boston cause called Tenacity. It aids at-risk students through tutoring, mentoring and even a tennis program, he said.

The more he learned about the cause, the more it impressed him, he said. “It caught my attention and my heart,” he said.

He has also been impressed by the security measures marathon organizers are taking. He said of last year's bombings and the death and injury they caused, “It'll be on everybody's mind who's there, but it's not a deterrent.”

McArtor said besides the show of support for Boston, and now his fundraising for Tenacity, he's also running in memory of colleague, friend and fellow marathon runner, Dr. Bob Fernandez. The Boston native, who worked at Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford, died unexpectedly last fall, McArtor said.

Another entrant in next week’s race, Emily LeVan, lived in Wiscasset when she was the Boston Marathon's top U.S. female finisher in 2005 and again in 2006.

Her priorities changed when her daughter Maddie, then 3, was diagnosed with cancer. Wiscasset and the rest of the state showed their support by raising more than $70,000 for the Maine Children's Cancer Program. Maddie's 10 now, and in remission.

The way Wiscasset came together as a community is emblematic of Boston's experience over the past year, said LeVan, now a nurse practitioner living in Randolph Center, Vt.

Her last time running in Boston was at the 2008 Olympic trials. This year's Boston Marathon will be about her sixth time in the event. “It's great, it's my favorite race, so it holds a special place in my heart.

“When the bombings happened, I just got inspired to come back and run,” she said.

When West, of Massachusetts, raced last year, it was her first marathon. Her run raised more than $5,000 for America SCORES Boston, which, like McArtor's cause this year, benefits at-risk children.

This year, she's sponsoring a runner for the Alzheimer's Association, in memory of her mother and in honor of her mother's sisters, she said.

West, 37, a stay-at-home mother of two young sons, will be one of more than 5,000 entrants whose races last year were halted after the bombs went off.

“I want to finish, and I want to do it for what the race stands for. It's important to show resilience and not let the marathon be ruined.

“This can take back what it has been and not let it be stolen by what happened last year.”

On a rainy Sunday morning, April 13, the CLC YMCA gymnastics team set off for the Old Town/Orono YMCA to compete against teams from Bangor and the host team. With the team's coach, Janice Cormier-Hay, sick, Betsy Lee took over as head coach.

“This is our last regular season meet before we head to the YMCA state meet in two weeks. The girls are polishing their routines and this was a great opportunity to see all their hard work pay off” said Coach Lee.

Highlights of the meet were: Kadence Rogers (level 2) with a 9.2 on beam; Molly Taylor (level 3) with a 9.1 on floor exercise; Reed Gulden with a 9.1 on floor; Maddy Russ (level 5) with a 9.25 on vault and a 9.5 on floor; Emma Hall (level 6) with a 9.4 (personal best) on vault and 9.35 on floor; Katie Colomb (level 6) with a 9.1 on floor; and Madi Bradbury (Xcel Gold) with a 9.0 on bars.

Results by local gymnasts: Elizabeth Rethman of Newcastle: Level 4, after battling a fever and a broken toe, she came in third on vault with a 7.8, came in third on bars with a 7.1, second on beam with an 8.9, second on floor with an 8.6 placing second all around. Dakota Gregory of Newcastle: came in third on vault with an 8.45 (personal best), fifth on bars with an 8.0, sixth on beam with a 7.7, tied for third on floor with an 8.8, placing fifth all around. Chloe Achorn of Newcastle: Level 4 (age 10) tied for sixth on vault with an 8.3, 10th on bars with a 6.3, 10th on beam with an 8.05, 9th on floor with an 8.1, placing 9th all around.

Ava Carmolli of Edgecomb came in sixth on vault with an 8.05, seventh on bars with a 6.6, seventh on beam with a 7.7, fifth on floor with an 8.2, placing eighth all around. Emma Hall of Damariscotta (level 6, age 10-12) came in first on vault with a 9.4 (personal best), first on bars with a 9.15, second on beam with an 8.8 and first on floor with a 9.35 placing first all around with a (personal best) all around score of 36.7. Katie Colomb of Alna (level 6, age 13-14), came in third on vault with an 8.6, tied for second on bars with an 8.05, tied for second on beam with a 8.8, tied for second on floor with a 9.1 (personal best) placing third all around.

Upon hearing he won the drawing for the luxury guest house in sunny Salento, Apulia in southern Italy, Alden Jordan fell over backwards while reaching for his Italian dictionary.

OK, so he didn't react quite that way, but he said he was surprised to win.

The Heartwood Regional Theater Company's European raffle drawing was held on April 4 at the company's Damariscotta office. And Jordan wasn't the only winner from the Boothbay region. Trevett resident Marianne Reynolds' ticket was also drawn. Reynolds will be vacationing in Les Carroz, French Alps in an inviting chalet.

“This is great. It's one of those things, you know ... you buy a ticket but you never think you're really going to win anything,” Jordan said.

He actually bought two tickets (the day before the drawing) according to Joy Braley, executive director of Heartwood.

“Our board member Becky Recor was promoting the raffle right up to the last hours. She ran into Alden in a hardware store I believe, and convinced him to enter,” Braley said.

Jordan expects to vacation in the fall, October or thereabouts.

“I'd been to a yoga retreat in Tuscany and wanted to go south the next time, now I guess I am,” he said.

In addition to lodging, each of the raffle winners received $1,000 to be used for their trips.

The two other winning tickets drawn by Patricia Lane, vice president of the Damariscotta branch of Bath Savings Institution, Heartwood's season sponsor: a third Mainer, Carl Davis of Acton, who won the trip to Provence, and Marianne Brinker of Wellesley, Mass., who will be heading to northern Italy and that 13th century stone villa in the hillside village of Ventimiglia, Alpes-Maritimes.

“It's a win-win,” Braley said. “Twenty-eight percent of the ticket purchasers were from out of state — actually from all over the country. Because of the Web-centric and social networking nature of the raffle, geographic limits were removed. And, some of the property owners have received bookings related to exposure from the raffle.

Braley said this year marked the third time Heartwood held such a raffle, and it proved to be the most successful.

“It's nice to do a fundraiser that doesn’t put intense pressure on the Midcoast community, a community rich with culture and nonprofits, who exist at least partially, with the support of a finite number of local supporters.”

Raffle sponsors were Boothbay Cottages of Boothbay, Peapod Jewelry of Wiscasset and 118 on Munjoy Hill, Portland.  Four properties in Italy and France were donated by generous individuals, connected (some directly, some very indirectly) with the Heartwood board members.

Tickets for the raffle were $50 each with only 200 tickets available for each trip. Braley said plans are already in the works for next year's raffle, and she promises even better odds of winning. Bono Voyage! Buon Viaggio!

The Midcoast United Soccer Club, the Midcoast region’s official travel soccer club, is gearing up for the start of our spring travel soccer season. This year, Midcoast United is fielding four co-ed teams, one each in the under 9, under 10, under 12 and under 14 age groups. Practices are underway in Boothbay and Wiscasset, and our first games of the season are scheduled for Sunday, May 4.

In collaboration with GPS Phoenix soccer, there will be upcoming training sessions for everyone who is interested. The first training session for ages 8-14 will take place in Brunswick at Coastal Performance Center beginning Tuesday, May 6, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and run for six weeks. For more information, visit www.korrio.com/groups/gps-skills-11-brunswick.com.

GPS Phoenix and Midcoast United have also collaborated to bring summer youth soccer skills camps to the region this summer. There will be two, 1-week sessions, July 28 to August 1, and August 4 to August 8 from 9 a.m. to noon, and will be held at Boothbay's Clifford Park field. For more information, go to www.gps-maine.com.

Midcoast United Soccer Club is working hard to bring soccer skills and friendly competition to the youth in our area, and to provide training and support to local middle school and high school age players and their coaches. To get involved as a player, volunteer or with donations, call Pam Wiley, Club Manager at 207-776-9496 or email pwiley@roadrunner.com.

For more information on our programming and upcoming schedules our website at www.midcoastunited.com; and don't forget to like us on Facebook for club updates and information.

Bath Trails needs help to prepare the Whiskeag Trail for use by residents and visitors this spring and summer! Join Bath Trails for the Community Trail Clean-up on Saturday, May 3 for spring cleaning of the 5-mile long trail. Participants are to gather at the Bath YMCA at 8 a.m. for work assignments led by experienced trail stewards. Trail work is expected to wrap up by noon.

Raking, repairing crossings and eroded spots, re-blazing trail, and trash pick-up are possible jobs for the gangbusters day of stewardship. Volunteers with or without stewardship experience are welcome to join the trail crews. Projects will range in difficulty so that adults, families, and kids will be able to participate at their comfort level. This is a great project for scout troops or community service clubs!

The Whiskeag Trail represents the culmination of years of dedication and hard work by the Bath community, and at over 5 miles long, it is one of the longest public access trails in the area. Through the efforts of Bath Trails, the City of Bath, and the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT), the Whiskeag Trail is located entirely on public and protected land. The trail connects two popular KELT preserves, Sewall Woods and Thorne Head, to the Bath YMCA and the downtown business district.

Please register for the Community Trail Clean-up by contacting Becky Kolak at 207-442-8400 or bkolak@kennebecestuary.org. Children are required to be accompanied by an adult to participate. The Bath YMCA is located at 303 Centre Street.

This event is made possible by the Public Lands Every Day program generously sponsored by Toyota Motor Sales.

Visit www.cityofbath.com/Bath-Trails/ for more information.

For more information, please email Becky Kolak (bkolak@kennebecestuary.org) or John Swenson (jsswenson@gmail.com).

The Maine Wildlife Park, located on Route 26 in Gray opened for the 2014 season on Saturday, April 19 — just in time for school vacation.

Even though there is still some snow on the ground, and it’s a bit muddy, the wildlife park will welcome visitors a bit later than usual, due to heavy snow cover, on the third Saturday of April this year. Visitors will be happy to note that for the sixth year in a row, the park’s admission fees remain the same.

Many families cannot wait to visit their favorite animals after a long winter, but close to 13,000 fans have “kept in touch” with our wildlife via Facebook over the winter, liking and commenting on photos posted of our wildlife as they adapted to winter snow and cold. But everyone is ready to see the moose, bears, eagles, owls, foxes and more again in person.

The Wildlife Park has a variety of new things to see and do this year. A brand new native snake and amphibian exhibit is taking shape in the visitor’s center using the space formerly occupied by the restrooms. There are new games, puzzles and exhibits in there as well. The turtle ponds have been completely reconstructed to ameliorate leaking ponds and predation. The Friends of the Wildlife Park are funding the construction of a new lynx exhibit, on which work has already begun. The park also has a new resident, an unreleasable merlin, which can be viewed in the raptor exhibits.

New events are planned for several weekends beginning Saturday, May 3, starting with a snake and turtle event. Raptor programs, an L.L. Bean Camping Demo, a Tailgate Yard Sale, Summer Solstice Farmers Market, “Meet Donn Fendler Day,” Fish on Ice, Wildlife Encounters and Enchanted Forests will all be new and different.

Favorites like Mad Science, Pow Wow, Chainsaw Artists, Northwoods Law Day, Rick Charette and Halloweenfest will all be back as well. Plan to purchase your family pass now so you don’t miss any of the fun; and be sure to pick up an event calendar. Keep up with current photos and stories on Facebook, too.

The Maine Wildlife Park is owned and operated by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The park exists to promote an understanding and awareness of the wildlife, conservation and habitat protection programs and projects of MDIFW.

The Maine Wildlife Park has over 30 species of native wildlife on display, plus wildlife gardens, nature trails, a fish hatchery and other interactive exhibits and displays. The park is open daily from April 19 through November 11 from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; visitors must leave the premises by 6 p.m.

Admission to the park is free for ages 3 and under; $5 ages 4-12; $7 for adults, and $5 for seniors. Groups of 15 or more are $3.50 per person. Bring a picnic and spend the day. Family and community season passes are available, and are an incredible bargain for families and groups that visit the park several times over the course of the summer.

Remember that family passes make a great gift; and are available for purchase in the Department of Fish & Wildlife’s online store at www.mefishwildlife.com.

For more information about any of these programs, please call the Maine Wildlife Park at 207-657-4977; or visit us online at www.mainewildlifepark.com, www.mefishwildlife.com or on Facebook.

If you haven’t heard it yet, chances are pretty good that you soon will. We’re talking about that rapid-fire rapping that arrives every spring. You may hear it from a tree or telephone pole; or, if the rapper is especially clever, you may hear it from a stop sign. Many a tired homeowner has even heard it from their own stove pipe or metal chimney.

We are, of course, talking about the drumming of woodpeckers. While other birds sing to establish their territories and attract a mate, it’s believed that woodpeckers drum for the same reason. Pounding on a loud, resonating surface will certainly do the trick of getting attention, as anyone who has heard them knows well.

To some, like us, the drumming of woodpeckers is a welcome sign of spring. To others, especially those who happen to have surfaces on their house that are perfectly suited to a drumming woodpecker’s purpose, the sounds can be a bit bothersome. Regardless of whether you enjoy the sound or wish it would just stop, like listening to a bird song, tuning into the drumming of a woodpecker yields clues to the species making the sound.

Some of the differences in drumming are not so subtle. The rap of a yellow-bellied sapsucker is especially distinctive, starting fast and ending slowly: raprapraprap, raprap, rap, rap. The northern flicker gives a fast, loud drumming that’s uneven and lasts about a second. The crow-sized pileated woodpecker, the largest of the woodpeckers found in the U.S. (since the apparent extinction of the ivory-billed) has a hollow-sounding rap that rolls through the air for several seconds. To us, it sounds like a jackhammer echoing in the distance.

Hairy and downy woodpeckers look similar in appearance, but just as there are differences in their plumage that make them distinctive, and so too are the characteristics of their drumming. Both have the classic rapid-fire rapping that’s familiar to most people, but that of the hairy is faster and has a somewhat buzzy quality (we liken it to the ringing of an “old fashioned” telephone). They tap an estimated 25 times per second and pause about 20 seconds between drums. The downy, on the other hand, taps about 15 times per second and typically pauses just a few seconds between drums.

With all that pounding and rattling, you may wonder, don’t they get some pretty bad headaches? The answer is no. One thing that prevents this is their thickened skulls. Another is their extremely strong neck muscles. Both of these distinctive features keep them from causing harm to their bodies. And while songbirds typically have three toes that face forward and one back, most woodpeckers have two forward-facing toes and two backward facing ones. This allows them to more easily climb and hang on to structures.

Including, quite possibly, your chimney.

Robert McArtor’s legs were tiring on Heartbreak Hill in Monday’s Boston Marathon, and it was warmer than ideal, but the energy of the crowd carried him and other runners onward, the 75-year-old Southport man said.

“Crossing that finish line was the thrill of a lifetime,” he said by phone from the Boston-Portland Downeaster run. The train was taking him and wife Linda home to Maine on Tuesday, April 22, the day after the race. He was still feeling the race in his legs, but didn’t mind.

“The leg pain is temporary. The memories are for a lifetime,” the physician said.

He’d run the Boston Marathon once before, in 1995. That time was wonderful, also, because the Boston race is the holy grail for avid runners, he said. This time, with the added significance of the first running since last year’s bombings, he said the city’s mood was electric all weekend, and particularly on race day. “It was amazing to be a part of that ... I felt privileged and honored.

“The day yesterday was nothing short of magical.”

There was a sense of healing at the race, he said.

Another of Monday’s runners, former Wiscasset resident Emily LeVan, said she passed many “Boston strong” signs along the race.

“It was special to be a part of the event, and see the huge amount of support among the runners and the crowds,” she said, back home in Vermont Tuesday afternoon.

In her Wiscasset years, LeVan was twice the top U.S. female finisher in the Boston Marathon. Now she runs for enjoyment, not competition, so this year’s race didn’t carry the pressure of her past Boston races, she said.

Her time was three hours and 43 minutes.

McArtor finished in five hours and 45 minutes, just over an hour longer than it took him on the cooler, gray day of the 1995 race. His time Monday was about 30 minutes longer than he had expected it to take him.

“It just gave me more time to enjoy the crowd,” he said.

FREEDOM — For many who care deeply about wildlife, the recent headlines have been depressing: the ivory hunter's senseless killing of African elephants; poaching of India's remaining Bengal tigers; and the plight of polar bears due to climate change-induced shrinking ice caps.

Early April 2014 though delivered an inspirational wildlife story that showcased the best of human compassion for our fellow creatures. That's when a fully-grown 9-month-old golden eagle was released to the wild after convalescing for several months at Avian Haven, Maine's premiere wildlife rehabilitation facility located in the town of Freedom. Golden eagles are an endangered species in Maine, and rare throughout eastern North America.

The eagle's unlikely road to recovery began Dec. 29, 2013, when Kerrin Erhard and her son, Blake, found the sick bird while cross-country skiing on Ovens Mouth Preserve in Boothbay. Unable to fly, the eagle tried to escape the approaching Erhards by spreading its wings and walking unsteadily. Kerrin phoned her husband, Lincoln, who in turn called Avian Haven. Boothbay area Animal Control Officer Betsy Pratt and her husband, David, responded to Avian Haven's call. The Pratts easily captured the eagle by tossing a blanket over it.

When the eagle arrived several hours later at Avian Haven, Marc Payne and Diane Winn, wildlife rehabilitators and managers of the facility, were stunned to see a rare immature golden eagle. They had expected to begin emergency care for an immature bald eagle. Since first opening in 1999, Avian Haven has nursed nearly 12,000 injured birds representing more than 100 species.

"This is the first golden eagle we've ever handled," said Winn.

Maine is home to about 600 pairs of bald eagles, but there are no known nesting golden eagles in the state. According to state eagle biologist Charlie Todd, golden eagles last nested in Maine in 1997.

Near death, the emaciated golden eagle weighed a mere 7 pounds, about half of what a healthy eagle weighs. Too weak to fly, the eagle was caked with mud from being grounded. Payne and Winn worked quickly, taking X-rays, drawing blood and spraying agents to rid the eagle of numerous feather lice. Also too weak to eat on her own, a feeding tube was inserted in the eagle's throat to deliver a liquid meal. The lethargic bird settled in to a hospital "room" that would become her home for the next three months.

Lab results produced a mixed bag of news. X-rays looked normal, but the blood parameters indicated a state of severe debilitation and anemia. Her elevated blood lead levels were a major health risk. Payne and Winn opted to postpone chelation therapy, a treatment used to remove lead, mercury and other heavy metals from blood, until the eagle was more stable.

"We were not confident that she would live the night. But she did, and droppings on the floor the next morning gave us good news that her GI tract was working," said Winn.

Tube feeding continued for several days. "She had a heavy parasite load, which we treated, and there was some blood in her droppings," she continued.

Ophthalmologist Steve Witkin conducted an eye exam on Dec. 31, 2013, and pronounced the eyes undamaged.

On Jan. 1, 2014, additional blood work indicated worsening anemia, exacerbated by lead poisoning. She most likely ingested lead bullet fragments while scavenging a deer or moose carcass.

"We were concerned about a possible secondary rodenticide exposure, in addition to lead, so we administered a treatment for internal hemorrhage," said Payne.

An attempted transition to solid foods proved problematic. Payne and Winn experimented by giving her "pinkie" mice, a standard diet for rehabbing captive raptors. The eagle tentatively ate the mice and then promptly vomited. As her weight continued to drop dangerously low, they resumed tube feeding the bird a high-calorie liquid slurry diet.

A minor miracle happened on Jan. 4. The eagle's eyes lit up and she acted very excited when presented with a meal of muskrat, which she devoured. Her weight and strength improved daily with each muskrat meal.

"Her fondness for muskrat never waned," said Winn.

Bolstered by a steady diet of muskrats, Jan. 7 proved to be a "turn around" day health wise for the eagle. Her weight was up from a low of 6.3 lbs. to 8.8 lbs., and blood work revealed a significant improvement in healthy red blood cells. She was no longer anemic. With her condition dramatically improving, the eagle was given a much-needed bath to wash mud and dead lice from her feathers.

On Jan. 14, a follow-up parasite check also showed positive results. As a precaution, Padne and Winn administered a second treatment to rid her of internal parasites. "Her voracious appetite soon returned," Winn said, "And we were happy to see continuing weight gain. Starting on the 16th, we put her outdoors during the day, but brought her in at night to help conserve her energy through periods of colder temperatures."

Jan. 22 was another milestone day. Her weight was now at 10.5 lbs., up 33 percent in three weeks. Her strength returned too. The following day she flew up to a medium height perch inside a specially designed eagle flight cage.

Her blood work continued to improve and on Jan. 27, the blood lead levels were close to zero. Moved from her hospital room to an indoor exercise flight cage, she was now able to fly to high perches, but did so only by first flying to perches of intermediate heights. By Feb. 16, she was able to fly directly from the ground to a 40-foot-high perch.

Avian Haven's records on March 27: "She sometimes seems restless, walking the high perches almost as if pacing. Her current weight is 5.8 kg, nearly 13 pounds. We think she is ready for release."

Since golden eagles are a state endangered species, Todd, endangered species biologist with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, assumed responsibility for executing the eagle's release.

In selecting a release site, Todd considered an international Eastern Golden Eagle Working Group report on potential threats such as lead poisoning (from ingestion of spent ammunition from hunter-shot game) and collisions with wind turbine blades. Given the bird's endangered status, its recovering health and the privacy of property owners, it was decided that the release would be a low-key event with no advance publicity and limited attendance. An undisclosed area in Western Maine's mountains was selected as the April release site because golden eagles are known to pass through there during spring migration. It's hoped that the released eagle followed the lead of another golden eagle flying north to its nesting grounds in northern Quebec or Labrador.

According to Todd, during the past 40 years only six injured golden eagles have been collected in Maine, and none lived to be released. Avian Haven's rehabilitated bird would be Maine's first successful golden eagle release.

Snowstorms and cold in late March foiled several release plans. Todd needed a window of 2-3 days of good weather. Each time a release date looked promising, the window closed quickly. The long-term forecast called for decent weather during the first week of April.

Avian Haven's journal dated April 2: "Out She Goes. She flies well out of the dog kennel, but is staying low to the ground. It is soon apparent that she is going to land. Accustomed to the hard-packed snow in the flyway, she seems surprised when the soft snow barely supports her weight as she lands. She gets to her feet quickly and shakes off."

The eagle spent several minutes on the ground, orienting by looking in all directions. And then raising her powerful wings high, she got enough lift on the down-stroke to pull her feet out of the soft snow. For the first time in over three months, the eagle was flying freely in the wild.

The full flight photo is one of the last images of the eagle before she disappeared over a ridge line. Although a feeding station had been provided for her, she did not stay in the release area, and was not seen again.

A final Avian Haven journal entry: "Of course, a hope had been that she would remain in what was once a homeland for her species. But perhaps once those great wings caught the wind, her instincts could not help but take her north toward Quebec. We imagine her already there."

Post Script:

Many concerned private citizens played critical roles in the rescue and release of the golden eagle. Avian Haven is a nonprofit organization that receives no state or federal funding. It gratefully acknowledges the support provided during the young eagle's three-month recuperation period. Both cash and in-kind donations from a variety of sources helped cover the expenses associated with the bird's recovery and eventual release to the wild. On behalf of the eagle, Avian Haven thanks its many supporters who made this wildlife success story possible. If you care to make a donation, the website address is: http://www.avianhaven.org.

Ron Joseph is a retired Maine wildlife biologist. He lives in Camden.

The Boothbay Region Lady Seahawks tennis team opened its 2014 season with a 3-2 win over Wiscasset April 28.

Olivia Zaragozi defeated Sarah Hanley, 10-2, in second singles. Mackenzie Colby and Angela Machon defeated Hannah Welborn and Brooke Carlton, 10-4, in first doubles. And Anna Baumm and Chloe Hoecker defeated Alisyn Richards and Kennedy Orr, 10-2, in second doubles.

Wiscasset's Miranda McIntire defeated Courtney Chaney, 10-4, in first singles, and Wiscasset gained a walk-over win when Boothbay couldn't field a third singles player.

Teens To Trails, or “T3,” is teaming up with the Cony High School Outing Club for the second annual Maine Outdoor Film Festival in Augusta on Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. giving filmgoers time to peruse exhibits and a great collection of raffle items donated by T3 supporters and local businesses.

Attendees could win a Stand Up Paddleboard Tour with Lincoln Canoe & Kayak, full-day rafting trip for four with Three Rivers Whitewater, 2-night stay at Chewonki’s Big Eddy Campground or other items.

MOFF, which features 11 outdoor films and shorts all with Maine roots, and is produced by No Umbrella Media and Three Rivers Whitewater. The 2014 film festival featuring outdoor films by Mainers about Mainers includes: “WHSOC: Saddleback Island Trip” by Windham High School’s Asa Reed about the Outing Club’s summer sea kayak trip in Stonington; “Riding Knife’s Edge” about snowboarding on Katahdin and “No Regrets …” about fly-fishing breast cancer survivors. Join us for a fun night of great outdoor films!

Watch the festival preview online at www.teenstotrails.org. Tickets are $8 and available on the T3 website, at the door, and from a Cony Outing Club member. T3 Partners will be exhibiting on location.

Cony High School is located at 60 Pierce Drive in Augusta. Proceeds will benefit the Cony High School’s Outing Club program and help Maine teens get active outdoors.

The Maine Outdoor Film Festival’s mission is to celebrate Maine’s recreational heritage, opportunities, athletes and outdoor lifestyles. Films in the festival reflect the diverse selection of the vast selection of outdoor Maine experiences.

Teens To Trails is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit engaging Maine teens in the outdoors. T3’s goal is to establish an Outing Club in every Maine high school community, thereby promoting fun outdoor adventures, healthy lifestyles, and environmental stewardship.

The event is generously sponsored by Chimani Apps for the Outdoors and supported by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Old Quarry Ocean Adventures, Lincoln Outdoor Center, Maine Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club, Hidden Valley Nature Center, Back Country Excursions, Maine Path & Paddle Guides, L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools, Chewonki, Sugarloaf, Mahoosuc Guide Service, Maine Rock Gym, Maine Appalachian Trail Club, The North Face, Saddleback, and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry.

For at least a few moments, the cold, windy weather that has held the region hostage actually benefited athletes.

With a strong tailwind, the javelin-throwing athletes from Wiscasset, Boothbay, Oak Hill, Richmond and Lisbon high schools had a little help.

But, other than the extra push from the wind, Wiscasset High School’s first track and field meet of the year was a cold and windy affair.

Wiscasset's girls team finished fourth, behind Lisbon, which finished first, Boothbay (second) and Richmond.

The boys squad was fifth, behind first-place Lisbon, Boothbay, third-place Oak Hill and fourth-place Richmond.

In the 100-meter dash it was Boothbay's Sara Durgan (14.27) in first, with Wiscasset senior Kristen Cavanaugh in fifth place with a time of 15.11 seconds. Wiscasset rounded-out the top 10, as junior Amanda Johnson finished ninth in 16.67 seconds, and sophomore Kendra Chancellor was 10th in 16.91 seconds.

Wiscasset junior Sam Storer finished sixth in the boys 100-meter dash with a time of 12.93 seconds. Freshman Josh Kramley was 14th, with a time of 14.12 seconds.

Storer finished fifth in the 200-meter dash (26.30 seconds) while freshman Colin Viele was 11th (27.91 seconds).

Brandon Goud was impressive in his 1,600-meter debut; the freshman was seventh overall and finished in five minutes and 27.22 seconds. Goud finished 10thin the 800 meters, with a time of two minutes and 43.80 seconds.

In the girls 400-meter dash sophomore Kendra Chancellor picked up four points for her team with a third-place finish in one minute and 26.78 seconds.

In the boys 400-meter dash, Viele finished fourth with a time of 59.76 seconds.

Wiscasset senior Ali Lambert finished ninth in the girls 800-meter run with a time of three minutes and 17.03 seconds.

Wiscasset junior Amanda Johnson was fifth in the 200-meter dash with a time of 35.81 seconds.

Cavanaugh finished fourth in the girls high jump with a height of four-feet, two-inches.

Senior Nate Austin finished first in the shot put with a throw of 42 feet and six inches, 11thin the javelin throw, when he sent the spear 78 feet and one inch and seventh in the discus, with a throw of 72 feet, five inches.

Sophomore Samantha Arsenault finished in fifth place after throwing her discus 43 feet and eight inches, and finished ninth in the shot put with a throw measuring 14 feet, 10 inches.

Junior Andrew Lincoln was 11th in the shot put with a throw of 26 feet and 7.75 inches.

The Friends of Windjammer Days, organizers of the 52nd Annual Windjammer Days festival, has announced the tall ships that will be at this year's Windjammer Days Festival. The festival will take place June 22-28, with eight windjammers (updated May 8) scheduled to arrive in Linekin Bay on Tuesday, June 24 and then under full sail during the parade of sail on Wednesday, June 25.

Recently recognized as a top 100 event in the country by the American Bus Association for 2014, Windjammer Days was also listed as one of the top 20 events in Maine by Yankee Magazine.

The windjammers

American Eagle:A deep draft vessel designed to be safe and stable in open water. John Foss is the captain. This schooner offers four- and six-night cruises with a few shorter weekend cruises. For more information, www.schooneramericaneagle.com. American Eagle is sponsored by Pine State Trading Company.
Alert: This was the last New England fishing schooner engaged in commercial fishing, and is now captained by Perry Davis and Bethany Mcnelly-Davis. This schooner offers two, four and six-hour charters along with "Island Adventure" trips to explore islands in Casco Bay from Bailey Island. Alert is sponsored by Pepsi.

Bowdoin: The Bowdoin is the official vessel of the state of Maine and a national historic landmark. It was was built in East Boothbay by Hodgdon Brothers (now Hodgdon Yachts) in 1921. Owned and operated by Maine Maritime Academy, the schooner provides a platform for students to demonstrate competencies in vessel operations and technology. Captain of the Bowdoin is Eric Jergenson. For more, visit www.mainemaritime.edu.

Eastwind:Herb and Doris Smith sailed around the world twice with their three children on schooners they built by hand, including Eastwind. Tom and Jennifer Smith are the owners and captains of the Eastwind, offering two-hour voyages out of Boothbay Harbor. For more information, www.schoonereastwind.com. Eastwind is sponsored by J. Edward Knight
Lazy Jack:A topsail schooner when fully rigged can carry up to eight sails; Lazy Jack sailed for 20 years from Massachusetts to Cuba carrying various cargo for her master. Joe Tassi is the Captain. The Lazy Jack offers a two-hour day sail or private charter adventures. For more information, www.schoonerlazyjackcruises.com. Lazy Jack is sponsored by Maine Magazine.
Lewis R. French: Launched in 1871 in Christmas Cove, the Lewis R. French is the oldest vessel in the fleet and the oldest commercial sailing vessel in the United States. Garth Wells and Jenny Tobin are the captains. This schooner offers three, four, five and six- night excursions. For more information, www.schoonerfrench.com Lewis R. French is sponsored by Knickerbocker Group.
Heritage: This ship was designed and built by captains Doug and Linda Lee. The Heritage offers three, four and six-day windjammer cruises. For more information, www.schoonerheritage.com. The Heritage is sponsored by the Giles family.
Windfield Lash: The two-masted ketch was launched in 2000 after 18 years of hard labor to bring it to fruition. The captain is Dave Clarke. This schooner's homeport is Friendship, and it cruises in Maine in the summer. The Windfield Lash is sponsored by McSeagull’s Restaurant.

The annual Windjammer Days Festival will feature several new events and attractions, including a Cod Fish Race where relay teams have to transport a fish through the streets of town in full foul weather gear, lobster eating contest, and food booths from local restaurants; the 34th annual Rocky Coast Road Race; as well as classic events such as the Boothbay Harbor One Design Boat Race; the hometown street parade; an antique boat parade; Artists’ Alley; waterfront concerts; Pirates of the Dark Rose; museum exhibits; kids’ tents; pancake breakfast; boat excursions; and a spectacular fireworks display over the harbor.

The final schedule of events for 2014 Windjammer Days will be posted on www.windjammerdays.org, on www.boothbayharbor.com, and at www.boothbayregister.com. Currently, information is available on our Facebook page "Friends of Windjammer Days."

Windjammer Days 2014 is presented by the Friends of Windjammer Days and Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce and includes the following sponsors: Maine Magazine and the Brand Company; 94.9 WHOM; WMTW News Channel 8; BDN Maine, Bangor Daily News; Marshall Tent and Event Rental; Fisherman’s Wharf Inn, Tugboat Inn, Boothbay Harbor Inn members of the Lafayette Group; Pepsi; Pine State Trading Company; J. Edward Knight; Knickerbocker Group; Giles Family; McSeagull’s; Midcoast Clock & Music Box Company; Performance Group (PFG); Rocktide Inn & Restaurant; Paul E. Luke Boatyard, Southport Island Marine, Ocean Point Marina, Edgecomb Boat Works, Boothbay Region Boatyard & Boothbay Harbor Shipyard; Ted and Cheryl Nelson; Federal Distributors; Nathaniel S. Wilson Sailmaker; Cabbage Island Clambakes; Gimbels of Maine; Atomic Studios; Maine State Aquarium; Harbor Theatre and Boothbay Region Community TV, channel 7; town of Boothbay Harbor; town of Boothbay; town of Southport.

The CLC YMCA gymnastics team set off April 25 for the three-day Maine State Meet at the Waterville YMCA to compete against teams from Bangor, Bath, Old Town/Orono, Rumford, Lewiston/Auburn, Ellsworth and the host team with coaches, Janice Cormier-Hay and Betsy Lee.

“Our girls have conditioned, trained and practiced their routines and were ready to compete this weekend, and they did with great sportsmanship, grace, determination and success.”

Individual highlights of the meet were Kadence Rogers (level 2) is vault champion and beam champion with a 9.2 on beam; Allison St. Cyr (level 2) with a 9.0 on vault, Sarah Goldrup (level 2) is beam champion with a 9.1, Taylor Fink (level 2) with a 9.25 on vault, Reese Instassi (level 3) had a 9.3 on vault, Dakota Gregory (level 4) with a 9.25 on beam; Reed Gulden with a 9.325 on beam, Maddy Russ (level 5) swept her events with first place finishes and with a 9.525 on beam, Emma Hall (level 6) taking three first place events on bars, beam and floor and a 9.625 (PB) on beam.

Team highlights: Level 5 and level 6 teams are team champions in Maine.

The team members who competed were: Jhordaynia Ebanks, Kadence Rogers, Allison St. Cyr, Sarah Goldrup, Taylor Fink, Charlotte Hilton, Reece Instasi, Kayla Reardon, Kassidy Dighton, Madalyn Mercer, Elizabeth Rethman, Erica Johnson, Dakota Gregory, Chloe Achorn, Ava Carmolli, Leah Wilcox, Maddy Russ, Reed Gulden, Emma Hall, Katie Colomb and Emily Kelsey.

The Northeast Regional Championship is in two weeks in Glastonbury, Conn., where gymnasts who have qualified at level 3 through 9 compete will compete against YMCA gymnasts from six states, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Maine.

The Boothbay Special Olympics Swim Team traveled to Bowdoin College on April 3 for the Sagadahoc/Lincoln Area swim meet. The athletes returned with 29 first places, 18 second places, 16 third places, six fourth places and two fifth places

The Masters relay team took a first place in the relay. The team members were Adam Jackimovicz, Ronda LeConte, Brenda LeConte and Joey Ranco.

Donny Dunning, Matt Farnham, Joey Ranco, Ronda LeConte and Brenda LeConte brought home many first places for their individual events as well. Anthony Angelico in his first meet took two first place ribbons in the 15 and 25 meter floatation races.

Valerie Giles took all first places in her events with one second place in the 50 free. Vincent Giles took a first place in the 25 free. Deshawn Averill took a first place in the 25 meter backstroke. Thomas Wilcox took the first place in the 100 free and the Sr. Relay. Kasey Grave, Logan Posey took first places in the Sr. relay, too.

Boothbay’s athletes competed against seven other teams and 100 other athletes.

On April 10, the team traveled to Bates College in Lewiston for the state Special Olympics swim meet. The competition included the entire state of Maine’s school children, adult groups, agencies and a couple of YMCA groups. There were about 50 teams. Once again, Boothbay returned with medals in the 11 and under, 12-15, 16-21, 22-29 as well as 30 and over age groups. We brought back to Boothbay 13 gold, 19 silver, seven bronze, eight fourth places, five fifth places and six sixth places.

Despite several strong performances, the Wiscasset High School boys tennis team wasn’t able to overcome a tough Hall-Dale squad.

Playing at home May 5, the Wolverines were competitive in all matches, but at the end of the day it was Hall-Dale who held the advantage.

In singles matches, Wiscasset’s Nate Panarese fell to Hall-Dale’s Josh Peterson.

Hall-Dale’s Bryson Camp won, 10-3, over Wicasset’s Thomas Anderson, and Bulldog Nick Bates won over Wolverine Logan Grover, 10-6.

In doubles action, the Wiscasset freshmen team of Ethan James and Kevin Lynch lost, 10-4, against Andy Peterson and Thomas Plourde. The pair of Lynch and James came back from a 4-0 deficit in the first set to make a game of it, but the Hall-Dale players were able to close out.

In the second match, Hall-Dale’s Jake Young and Jacob Crockett won, 10-8, over the Wiscasset team of Ridge Barnes and Andrew Walton.

The spring soccer season was officially underway this past weekend with all four age group teams having games.

Midcoast’s U9 team hosted and lost to Freeport on Clifford Field in Boothbay, 3-2. The game was a tightly contested match with both sides moving the ball well and playing stout defense. Casey Duncan scored both goals for Midcoast. Goalkeeping efforts by Tate Whitmore, Oliver Hunter and Duncan stymied the Freeport club for most of the game. Conor Cass and Connor McFarland contributed great defensive stops, while Micah Houghton, Benno Hennig and Alexx Roy kept the ball moving in the midfield.

Our U10 team traveled to Westbrook to meet the GPS Phoenix team. GPS won 6-4. The teams were evenly matched, finding GPS Phoenix up 2-1 at the end of the first half. Maddox Tilas contributed the first half Midcoast goal, while Isaac Thompson, Nick Archer and Jack Duncan played hard to get the ball moving toward the goal. Ellory Stewart, Payton Blagdon and Kole Lutterman were big and quick on defense. Will Farrell and Andrew Gudroe split halves in the goal. Tilas added another goal and Duncan scored two goals in the second half.

Midcoast U12 team traveled to Raymond for a doubleheader. With small numbers and no substitutes, they met the team from Lake Region first, with Natalie Farrell scoring the lone goal for Midcoast, assisted by Isabelle Manahan. The second game found them facing Cumberland in a rainy match. Cumberland won the game, 4-0.

Midcoast United’s U-14 team kicked off the spring season on Sunday with new and returning players sporting bright new white uniforms. Their first game against Merrymeeting Soccer Club began with Merrymeeting scoring four goals in the first half. Midcoast answered with two goals in the first half, one by Ethan Carmolli and the second by Markus Russell. Midcoast’s defense held off their opponents in the second half while Simon Spear evened it up in the second half with two long shots to tie it for a final score of 4-4.

On only 10 minutes rest, Midcoast then retook the field against a strong Sanford Springvale team. Sanford controlled the game and came away with a lopsided win. Midcoast will face a Freeport United team this Sunday, May 11.

Midcoast United Soccer Club is the official travel soccer club in the Midcoast region. To get involved as a player, volunteer or with donations, call Pam Wiley, Club Manager at (207-776-9496) or email pwiley@roadrunner.com

For more information on upcoming schedules and local summer soccer camps, visit our website at www.midcoastunited.com, and don't forget to like us on Facebook for club updates and information.

The week of June 16 marks the beginning of summer for the Y, because that is when over 40 counselors and nearly 150 youth begin their summer adventures at the YMCA.

Critter Camp (3-4-year-olds), Scamper Camp (children entering Kindergarten in the fall), Camp Knickerbocker, Y ARTS Music Theatre Camp and the YMCA’s Counselor (Leader) In Training programs all begin the week of June 16. Throughout the course of the summer, Adventure Camps, half-day camps, baseball, football and basketball camps as well as Y-Arts dance and creative art camps join the line up for a summer of fun, adventure and memory making.

New to Camp K this summer, but not to the Y, are Camp Knickerbocker Co-Directors Maddie Rideout and Tracey Hall. Both are currently in the interviewing process for camp counselors for all different age groups at Camp Knickerbocker including a camp nurse.

Y Aquatics Director Shane Pennington has staffed Camp K’s waterfront including the boating instruction programs. When parents drop off at Camp K this summer, they will be greeted by the camp co-directors as campers step out of their vehicles and will move along to their camp group.

No need to enter the camp office unless parents need to see the camp nurse. You will also find Tracey and Maddie out and about at Camp K. Little of their time will be spent in the camp office. You will find them each morning at flag pole leading the day’s ceremonies.

From there you will find them interacting with the campers and counselors on the sports field, in the woods, at the waterfront, on the archery range and at the playground, too. Their main goal this summer is to be active with all camp participants.

Y-Arts Music Theatre Camp is making a transition from spending the full two-week session at the Boothbay Playhouse as in years past to last summer’s first week at the Y Annex and second week at the Playhouse to this summer’s first week at Camp K in the newly renovated McEvoy Lodge to the second week at the Boothbay Playhouse. Many may not know the lodge has a stage and with the upcoming renovations being made, the Y-Arts Theatre Campers will also have daily access to swimming in Lake Knickerbocker and being part of the overall feel of summer camp.

Adventure Campers this summer can look forward to white water rafting (two weekly sessions are offered of this popular camp), Acadia National Park, Mt. Blue State Park, Island Hopping Camp, Forts & Beaches of Maine Camp & H20 Camp.

Our half day camps, which run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day with the option to add on Camp K in the afternoons, are designed for 7-12 year olds. Our tried and true Fishing and Digital Media Camps with Jonne Trees are coming back along with some new Half Day Camps, which include Wilderness Exploration Camp, Ocean Adventure Camp, Primitive Skills Camp, Planes, Trains and Boats Camp, Swimming and Boating Camp and Beach Vacation Camp.

We are offering three of our most popular summer sports camps: Football camp with BRHS Football Coach Bryan Dionne, baseball camp with former Minor League player Dale Plummer, and basketball camp with Coach I.J. Pinkham.

For youth ages 12-14 years of age who are ready for a summer of fun and a bit more responsibility, we offer our 10-week Counselor (Leader) In Training program.

Our YMCA’s C.I.T. program is the first step in a youth’s transition from a camper to a potential staff member. C.I.T.’s develop strong leadership skills through training, discussion, observation and practice. The skills they develop are directly applied in leadership opportunities throughout camp in supervised programs. Through mentorship and leadership of experienced camp counselors, the C.I.T.’s engage in new and traditional camp activities, build friendships and develop a positive work ethic.

Save the dates

Camp Clean Up Day (we are looking for volunteers): Saturday, May 31. To volunteer for a project such as raking, painting or planting, please email rmooney@brymca.org or call 207-633-2855 and ask for Rose.

Financial Assistance Application due: Friday, June 6.

Camp Payment Plan Dates: Began February 6 and goes through to September 30, 2014

Y-Arts Music Theatre Camp Performances: Fridays: June 27, July 11, August 1 and August 15.

New This Summer: Friday, July 25. Grill Party at Camp K for campers, their families and friends, Y counselors and staff and a welcome to our friends from our sister Y in Katwijk Holland who will just be arriving. Enjoy a cookout and refreshments as well as swimming and boating!

Camp Carnival: Thursday, August 7.

Did you know that the Wiscasset Yacht Club is one of the most affordable family oriented organizations in the area? Come and see for yourself on Saturday, May 18 when we host our annual open house at the club from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children are encouraged to attend, and we will have activities for them. Refreshments are being provided by Bellefleur Bakery and Catering.

Founded in 1952, the Wiscasset Yacht Club strives to maintain its founders commitment to operating a club accessible to all who share an enthusiasm for boating. Club dues are low because members volunteer time and skills to operate the club and maintain the clubhouse.

We currently have membership openings, and the benefits to members are impressive. Two first-come first-serve guest moorings are provided by the town of Wiscasset. A club tender is available on our floats for those who wish to use it. Ample floats provide space for coming and going and loading and unloading your boat from May to Labor Day weekend. Lockers, restroom and shower facilities are available.

Despite the busy summertime crowds in Wiscasset, club members enjoy plenty of free, harborfront parking in our private lot. While we have an enthusiastic membership of boaters, its not unusual to have the clubhouse and deck virtually to oneself.

No one is a stranger at WYC. Club events such as summer and fall socials, family days, a Club Rendezvous Cruise, and potlucks help to acquaint members. Courtesy privileges with other yacht clubs help make travel more enjoyable.

Saturday, May 10 was a beautiful spring evening at Wiscasset Speedway. Feature racing started just as the bright lights of Wiscasset lit up the track. On the schedule were the group one division of racing: Thunder 4’s, Late Model Sportsman, Mini Trucks and Strictly Street. The Wicked Good Vintage Racers were also at the Speedway for two flex feature events.

First on the track was the spotlighted race of the week, a 25-lap Thunder 4 event. Starting on the pole was Robert McDonald (#14). Behind him were Jeff Davis (#1) Jeff Davis and Mike Mathieu )(#88me).  

During lap two, Bill Grover (#7) passed Mathieu on the outside of turn one for third. Grover moved up the track and passed Davis for second on the inside of turn four during lap two. 

Ryan Chadwick (#5) passed Davis on the outside of turn one during lap three to take third. The following lap, Chadwick passed Grover to take second. Chadwick advanced up the track and looked for his opportunity to pass McDonald for the lead. His chance came in lap seven, when he moved to the outside of turn three and completed the pass. 

Race leaders remained constant for the rest of the race. Chadwick placed first. In Victory Lane, Chadwick said, “It was good racing throughout the race. I would like to thank Bath and Wiscasset Napa and my pit crew member, Shawn. Shawn helped me get it all together.”

McDonald came in second. Grover took third. Chadwick was point leader in the Thunder 4 division, coming into Saturday’s race with 60 points. Grover was close behind, with 54 points.

Making an appearance at Wiscasset Speedway were the Wicked Good Vintage Racers. There were two feature races by the Wicked Good Vintage Racers. First up was a 20-lap late model and modified event. Starting at the pole was Mark Hughes (#25). Behind him were Steve Kahler (#96) and George Harding (#48).

When green flag racing began, Kahler surged ahead and Rosey Gerry (#151) and Mike Willette (#D5) followed behind Kahler and slid into the second and third spot. During lap two, Gerry passed Kahler on the inside of turn two for the lead. Mike Willette then passed Kahler on the inside of turn four for second during lap three.

Moving up from behind was Norris Willette (#8). Norris Willette moved to the inside during lap four and passed Kahler on the backstretch for third. Then, during lap five, Norris Willette passed Mike Willette on the inside of turn three for second. Mike Willette then dropped back allowing Harding to claim third during lap five.

Norris Willette then challenged Gerry for the lead. It was not until lap 13 that Norris Willette saw his opportunity, and moved to the outside of turn three and passed Gerry for first. Norris Willette flew under the checkered in first. Gerry placed second. Rounding out the top three was Harding.

The Wicked Good Vintage Racers hit the track once again. This time Late Model Sportsman and Outlaws were competing in a 20-lap race. In the pole position was Dennis Fish (#35). Behind him were Kevin Waterhouse (#2) and Mark Thurlow (#M16). Waterhouse and Thurlow battled for second position for two laps, then during lap three Thurlow pulled ahead for second. Waterhouse then fell back allowing Don Mehurn (#76) to claim third. Lap four saw Mehurn pass Thurlow for second.

There was a caution during lap six. There was a jumble on the restart when race leader, Fish, was slow off the start. When the dust cleared, Mehurn was in first. John Rice (#11) was in second. In third was Thurlow. Neil Martin (#1) was coming up from the back of the pack. Martin moved to the outside of turn two and passed Thurlow during lap seven for third.

Lap nine saw Rice head inside and pass Mehurn on turn two for the lead. Then, Rice spun on the front stretch causing a caution. On the restart, Mehurn was in the lead, behind him was Martin, and Bobby Symonds (#82) had moved up to third. Symonds passed Martin on the inside of turn one on lap 10 to take second.

There was another caution during lap 16. On the restart, Martin passed Symonds on the inside of turn one and moved to second. Then, Rice passed Symonds on the outside of the front stretch during lap 16 to take third.

Mehurn roared over the finish in the lead. Martin placed second and Rice took third.

An action packed 35-lap Late Model Sportsman feature was next on the agenda. Will Collins (#25) was in the pole position. Josh St. Clair (#33) and Steve Reno (#68) were behind him. During lap 13, Reno came together with Ryan St. Clair (#30), who had moved up from his seventh place starting position. Nick Hinkley (#15) passed by both and took third. Hinkley then spun alone on the track coming out of turn three causing a caution.

When racing action resumed, Collins led the pack. Josh St. Clair was in second. Ryan St. Clair was in third. During lap 20 Ryan St. Clair moved to the outside of the front stretch and passed Josh St. Clair for second.

Ryan St. Clair then moved up the track looking for first. During lap 33, he made his move, going to the outside of the backstretch and nosed ahead of Collins. Collins raced furiously beside him on the inside. The duo raced side by side until the finish with Ryan St. Clair’s Dave’s World Chevy Impala taking the checkered by a fraction of a second. Ryan St. Clair said, “It was a good race. The car loosened up a little bit but it never once faded on me. I’d like to thank my grandfather, Dave St. Clair. I would also like to thank my sponsors, my aunt Barbara, Dave’s World, and ARC Electric.”

Collins placed second. Collins came into Saturday’s race forth in points, with 48. This win will improve his standing. Post-race, Collins said, “I feel OK, a little disappointed I gave it away though. But, really, this is only my second time in this car, and there will be a learning curve.”

Josh St. Clair took third.

In a 15-lap show, the Mini Trucks took to the track. Starting at the pole was Matt Curtis (#1). Behind him were Jeff Schmidt (#22) and Gerry McKenna (#12). Right off the start, McKenna passed Schmidt on the inside for second. During lap two, Opie Allard (#68) passed Schmidt on the outside of turn three for third. 

McKenna moved to the inside of turn three and passed Curtis for the lead during lap five. Allard and Schmidt followed the inside track and also passed Curtis, leaving Curtis in fourth. 

McKenna took the win. Allard placed second and Schmidt placed third. Coming into the race, McKenna was second in points behind Kris Knox. Knox had 60 points. McKenna had 56 points. Knox did not race in Saturday’s race. Schmidt came into the race third in points with 52. 

Sixteen Strictly Street race cars roared onto the track to compete in a 25-lap feature. Starting at the pole was Gerry Freve (#39). Behind him were Zach Emerson (#23) and Jonathan Emerson (#24).  Off the start Freve and Zach Emerson battled for the lead. During lap one, Zach Emerson passed Freve on turn three for the lead. Tasha Dyer (#32) passed Jonathan Emerson for third during lap six. 

Coming from his 14th starting position was Corey Morgan (#26). Morgan passed Dyer for third on the outside of the front stretch during lap ten. Then, during lap 15, Morgan passed Freve on the outside of turn three for second. Lap 21 saw Morgan pass Zach Emerson on the backstretch for the lead.

Zach Emerson fought back and passed Morgan on the inside of the backstretch during lap 24. Morgan tried to reclaim first, but Zach Emerson beat him across the finish for first. Morgan placed second and Freve took third. 

In Victory Lane, Zach Emerson said, “It’s a little easier when you start up front. But, when I looked in my mirror and saw Corey Morgan coming up, I thought, 'uh-oh!' But really, he is a great driver and it was a good race.”

Morgan was point leader coming into Saturday’s race with 60. Zach Emerson was in eleventh with 32 points.

For more information, head to the Wiscasset Speedway website, www.wiscassetspeedway.com.

Unofficial results

Thunder 4’S (25 laps)

1.      #5 Ryan Chadwick, Wiscasset

2.      #14 Robert MacDonald, Chelsea

3.      #7 Bill Grover, NA

4.      #1 Jeff Davis, Woolwich

5.      #33 Trey Brown, Winterport

6.      #88me Mike Mathieu, Oakland

7.      #42 Kyia Roussel, Portland

Wicked Good Vintage Racers Late Model And Modified (20 laps)

1.      #8 Norris Willette, Winslow

2.      #151 Rosey Gerry, Lincolnville

3.      #48 George Harding, Fairfield

4.      #96 Steve Kahler, Warren

5.      #97 Brian Hughes, West Paris

6.      #D5 Mike Willette, Winslow

7.      #25 Mark Hughes, West Paris

Wicked Good Vintage Racers Late Model Sportsman And Outlaws (20 laps)

1.      #76 Don Mehurn, Lincolnville

2.      #1 Neil Martin, Freeport

3.      #11 John Rice, Bristol

4.      #155 Wally Henderson, Litchfield

5.      #82 Bobby Symonds, Casco

6.      #420 Keith Smalley, Warren

7.      #22 Hal Clark, Brighton

8.      #M16 Mark Thurlow, Lincolnville

9.      #35 Dennis Fish, Livermore

Late Model Sportsman (35 laps)

1.      #30 Ryan St. Clair, Liberty

2.      #25 Will Collins, Waldoboro

3.      #33X Josh St Clair, Liberty

4.      #15 Nick Hinkley, Wiscasset

5.      #17 Chris Thorne, Sidney

6.      #28 Steve Minott, Windham

7.      #00 Alex Waltz, Walpole

8.      #04 Allen Moeller Jr., Dresden

9.      #12 Dave Patten, Westbrook

10.    #98 Dan Trask, Chelsea

11.    #68 Steve Reno, West Bath

12.    #14 Dave St. Clair, Liberty

13.    #21 Shane Clark, Winterport

Mini Trucks (15 laps)

1.      #12 Jerry McKenna, Milton

2.      #68 Opie Allard, Cundy’s Harbor

3.      #22 Jeff Schmidt, Mechanic Falls

4.      #1 Matt Curtis, Freeport

5.      #14 Dave Gammon, NA

6.      #55 Larry Marshall, Dresden

7.      #17 Matt Weil, Camden

Strictly Street (25 laps)

1.      #23 Zach Emerson, Sabattus

2.      #26 Corey Morgan, Lewiston

3.      #39 Gerry Freve, Buckfield

4.      #32 Tasha Dyer, Freedom

5.      #55 Mike Marshall, Dresden

6.      #83 Dan Brown, NA

7.      #85 Jairet Harrison, Freeport

8.      #24 Jonathan Emerson, Sabattus

9.      #43 Ben Erskine, Farmington

10.    #6 Mike Brown, Union

11.    #57 Corey Mullins, Wiscasset

12.    #14 Dave Brannon, Lisbon

13.    #28 Josh Toothaker, Hollis

14.    #67 Michael Haynes, Livermore Falls

15.    #22 Thomas Smith, Edgecomb

16.    #00 Kim Knight, Chesterville

For official race results please visit www.wiscassetspeedway.com.

Friday, May 16: Last Y dance of the school year for grades 5-8 in the Y gym at 7 p.m. DJ’s Jonne Trees and Calvin Crocker are taking music requests.

Saturday, May 17: Boys home lacrosse games, grade 3-4 and grades 5-6.

Friday, May 30, 10:30 a.m.: YMCA Active Older Adult Trip to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. View the tulips, rhododendrons and other spring blossoming plants on our self guided tour. After, return to the YMCA for lunch. Y members: $16 for a ticket and lunch and non-members: $18 for a ticket and lunch. Garden members: $5 for lunch and don’t forget your CMBG pass. Register at the Y front desk by May 23.

American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1.

Tony Garreton is back with Tony’s Dance Fiesta on Wednesday and Friday, 9:15-10:15 a.m.

John Jenkins, former mayor of Lewiston/Auburn and renowned motivational speaker is instructing Tai Chi classes at the YMCA this spring. Wednesday 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 5-6 p.m. 

There are two nights left of the Wiscasset Community Center's volleyball clinics, for girls in sixth through twelfth grade.

Come out Tuesday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 14, from 7 to 9 p.m. at 242 Gardiner Road, Wiscasset. Call 207-882-8230 for more information.

Related: Wiscasset girl (digs) volleyball

Pickleball, a combination of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, is coming to the Boothbay Region YMCA.

A free demonstration and clinic will be held later in May. This will be held in conjunction with the Pickleball players from the CLC YMCA in Damariscotta.

Beginning with our summer session on June 16, the Y is hosting open play times on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. The sessions are free.

For further information or to sign up for the free demonstration and clinic, please email mhamblett@brymca.org.

For information on other offerings at the Boothbay Region YMCA, visit www.boothbayregionymca.org! Our 2014 summer schedules are posted alongside our spring schedules.

This weekend all four Midcoast United club soccer teams were successful in their games.

The U14 team traveled to Freeport where the goal keeping duo of Avery Stewart and Tim Chapelle held the Freeport team to one goal. Midcoast's Simon Spear contributed two goals for the 2-1 victory.

Our U12 team hosted the Central Maine United soccer team at Clifford Field in Boothbay and won, 4-1. Duncan Steele-Maley put two goals in the back of the net, while Natalie Farrell had one and Henry Pinkham also had one score, assisted by Benjamin Sawyer.

The Midcoast United U10 team traveled to Ellsworth for a doubleheader. The team won both games, 4-0 over Dirigo of Readfield and 4-2 over Ellsworth. In the first game, Jack Duncan had four goals, while Andrew Gudroe and Nick Archer worked together in the goal for a shutout. Against Ellsworth, Duncan had four goals and Nick Archer contributed one.

Finally, our U9 team traveled to the Gray area for their own doubleheader. In the first game they met the Gray-New Gloucester Patriots. Alexx Roy played a great game in the goal, but GNG took the win 3-0. Midcoast faced Freeport in their second game, after a quick break. Mica Houghton scored two quick goals in the first half with assists from Roy. Casey Duncan and Oliver Hunter made great saves in the goal, enabling Midcoast to take the win 2-0.

Midcoast United Soccer Club is the official travel soccer club in the Midcoast region; To get involved as a player, volunteer or with donations, call Pam Wiley, club manager at (207-776-9496) or email pwiley@roadrunner.com.

For more information on upcoming schedules and local summer soccer camps, visit our website at www.midcoastunited.com; and don't forget to like us on Facebook for club updates and information.

Join us on Memorial Day weekend to celebrate the return of the alewives. The seventh annual Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder Restoration Festival will be held on Memorial Day weekend, May 24, 25 and 26.

"We are holding the festival to celebrate the return of the alewives and the restoration work completed to date," said Deb Wilson, one of the event organizers. "We are nearly finished, we just have a punch list to go — what a wonderful achievement thanks to neighbors and friends of the fish ladder."

The festival is sponsored by the towns of Nobleboro and Newcastle, the Nobleboro Historical Society, and many local businesses. Festival events will take place in many locations around Damariscotta Mills: at the fish house at the bottom of the ladder, Mulligan's Smokehouse; along Ladds Hill Road; at Alewives Fabrics on Main Street; and on Town Landing Road. Look for signs pointing the way to activities and maps showing the location of all events.

Each day a special menu has been prepared. On Saturday, Chef Tom Wriggins will again put on his famous pig roast with all the fixin's — a real treat! And, thanks to the Damariscotta River Grill, Sheepscot Valley Brewing Company and D. L. Geary's Brewing Company, you can enjoy your pulled pork sandwich with a cold beer-while alewives swim by and osprey dive to eat their lunch. The food on Sunday will be equally special: the super-secret-recipe North Nobleboro barbecued chicken served with cole slaw, chips and a roll; and perhaps another cold beer! Beer will also be available on Monday, when we'll be serving the best crab and lobster rolls in town. We'll also have hot dogs, oysters and ice cream all three days.

Mulligan's smoked alewives, the best in the area, will be on sale all weekend at the smokehouse, or until they run out. The "Smokehouse Girls" will be serving food on Saturday and Sunday this year: their famous breakfast sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch, with all the fixins.

Paula Roberts will be making her fabulous donuts: molasses, squash, and chocolate, on Saturday near the bake sale tables; and Fondie York will be making her famous homemade donuts on Sunday at the smokehouse.

Children's activities will be held near the fish house, on Ladds Hill Road and at Alewives Fabrics. The ever-popular osprey fishing game can again be played on Ladds Hill Road, while there will be a touch tank including tide pool creatures located near the fish house. And, there will be free face painting at Alewives Fabrics together with ice cream, soda and viewing of video, "Closing the Circle."

Special children's activities on Sunday include storytelling and crafts with Dena Davis of Stories by the Sea (all day) and a Hootenanny at 11 a.m. with Derek DeGeer. Additionally on Sunday there will be an Antique Car Show, which will include Model T rides.

Please join us for a wonderful festival and a chance to see alewives close up as they ascend the fish ladder to spawn in Damariscotta Lake. For additional information, please check out our website at www.damariscottamills.org or contact Deb Wilson at 207-380-6997.

There is only one day left to apply for the 2014 Maine Moose Hunt Lottery.

Online applications must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on May 14. You can apply online now at www.mefishwildlife.com.

This year’s moose permit lottery winners will be announced on June 14 at the Moose Lottery Festival at the University of Maine Presque Isle.

Permit winners and their sub-permittees will be able to hunt in one of the department’s 25 wildlife management districts (WMDs) which cover more than 21,000 square miles.

For more information on the moose lottery, visit www.mefishwildlife.com.

The Midcoast Babe Ruth Baseball League will have nine teams this season and, weather permitting, games will begin May 18 at four locations.

The teams include:

Waldo County (representing the Searsport and Mt. View School districts and playing at Searsport High School);

Swan Lake Grocery (representing the greater Belfast and playing at Belfast High School);

Rockland Café (representing the six towns that make up the Oceanside school district and playing at the Oceanside High School field in Thomaston);

Union Farm Equipment (representing the Medomak Valley School District and playing at Medomak Valley High School);

Waldoboro (also representing the Medomak Valley School District and playing at the Waldoboro Recreation Park);

Damariscotta Lions (representing the towns in the Lincoln Academy School district and playing at the Great Salt Bay School in Damariscotta);

Wiscasset Merchants (representing the greater Wiscasset area and playing at Wiscasset High School);

Camden and Rockport (both teams will draw from the towns the make up the Camden Hill School District and will both play at Marge Jones recreation park in Rockport).

Every team will play 11 regular season games and every team will make the league playoffs.

Once again this year, players from all nine teams will be selected by the league coaches and will represent the league in the state all-star tournaments that will begin for each age group in July.

Babe Ruth Baseball is for boys ages 13 to 15, born on or after May 1, 1998 and prior to May 1, 2001.

The games on May 18 (all games start at 2 p.m.) include: Damariscotta Lions at Camden; Waldo County at Rockland Cafe; Waldoboro at Swan Lake Grocery; and Wiscasset Merchants at Union Farm Equipment.

The games on May 25 will include: Rockland Cafe at Waldoboro; Wiscasset Merchants at Damariscotta Lions; Waldo County at Camden; and Rockport at Swan Lake Grocery.

In 2014, the Colonial Pemaquid State Historic site once again will host a series of living history events, lectures and an archaeology workshop to showcase various aspects of life in Midcoast Maine during the 17th and 18th centuries and, more specifically, Pemaquid’s place in that colonial world.

Sponsored by the Friends of Colonial Pemaquid, these events draw expertise from historians, authors and archaeologists to help build an accurate picture of the place on the map known as Pemaquid.

Most living history events take place outdoors on the weekends and there is no charge for these events, other than the customary park fees. History lectures are held on Monday evenings at the Contented Sole Restaurant adjacent to the museum at Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site, where a modest fee of $5 is charged for non-members. Lectures are free to members.

Summer 2014 will also be the first full summer after completion of an authentic on-site replica of a 1600s thatched dwelling. As was the case last year, this season Colonial Pemaquid interns will be on hand in period dress to tell the story of life in 17th Century Pemaquid and answer your questions.

Join other history lovers in supporting this summer’s close look at a time and a place so important to the European development of the New World.

Colonial Pemaquid is open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Park personnel and interpreters are available to answer questions and to direct visitors to the site’s historic structures, archaeological remains, museum, burial ground and gift shop. A permanent exhibit, “Guns, Politics and Furs” is housed in the partially reconstructed Fort William Henry on site.

There is also a fascinating exhibit of coins found during excavations undertaken at Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site and a 379-year-old horsehide trunk that survived a 1635 shipwreck in Pemaquid Harbor caused by one of the most terrific storms to occur along the Maine coast.

Reservations for school or group tours can be made by calling 207-677-2423. For more information, visit www.friendsofcolonialpemaquid.org.

 Summer Program 2014

Saturday, May 24: Memorial Day Weekend Concert. Maine St. Andrew’s Pipes & Drums: Traditional tunes of the British Isles performed by a kilted band from Ellsworth at 2 p.m.

Saturday, June 14: First Evening Lantern Walk of the Season. Step into the past as you tour a 17th century village, meet some of the inhabitants and be challenged by an 18th century soldier on guard duty at Fort William Henry. 8:30 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, June 15. ($5 or free to members. Children 12 and under free.)

Saturday, June 21: For King and Country. Become a soldier and join the militia garrison of 18th century Fort Frederick. You’ll learn to march and drill, help defend the fort against the king’s enemies, and earn a day’s pay. 1 and 3 p.m. Rain date is Sunday June 22.

Friday, July 4: 238th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Public reading and commentary by living history interpreters at 2 p.m. Rain date is Saturday, July 5.

Saturday, July 12: Families of the Eastern Frontier. What was it like for families in Pemaquid during the 17th and 18th centuries? This special program highlights life on the colonial frontier, featuring personal accounts, clothing, crafts, games, and cooking. 2 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, July 13.

Saturday, July 12: July Evening Lantern Walk. Step into the past as you tour a 17th century village, meet some of the inhabitants and be challenged by an 18th century soldier on guard duty at Fort William Henry at 8:30 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, July 13. ($5 or free to members. Children 12 & under free.)

Monday, July 14: “A Plenty of Fish and Lobsters Very Great.” Cookery in Early Pemaquid at 7:30 p.m. Cultural historian Nathan Randall investigates early settlers’ diets. Did they adapt their English tastes to the Maine environment or go native? ($5 or free to members.)

Monday, July 21: A Search for Sectional Identity in 17th Century Maine District, 7:30 p.m. John O’Toole reveals how English political turmoil impacted long term plans for the District of Maine and spawned an independent population. ($5 or free to members.)

Saturday, July 26: Pirates at Pemaquid! Living history presenter and local author James Nelson recreates the infamous Dixie Bull who attacked and sacked Pemaquid in 1632. 1 and 3 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, July 27.

Monday, July 28: Forts Along the Kennebec, 7:30 p.m. Lee Cramner, Maine Historic Preservation Commission’s Emeritus Archaeologist, highlights a series of four forts that were built along the Kennebec River between 1720 and 1754 to secure the frontier and make settlers feel secure and protected. ($5 or free to members.)

Monday, August 4: The Indian Canoe Routes of Maine, 7:30 p.m. Lecture by David Cook in which he explores the Native American light-weight canoe and the technical advantage it provided in navigating the Maine watershed. ($5 or free to members.)

Wednesday, August 6: Final Evening Lantern Walk of the Season. Step into the past as you tour a 17th century village, meet some of the inhabitants and be challenged by an 18th century soldier on guard duty at Fort William Henry. 8 p.m. Rain date is Thursday, August 7 ($5 donation or free to members. Children 12 and under free.)

Saturday/Sunday, August 9/10: Olde Bristol Days: 17th Century Encampment. Outdoor interpretative weekend, showcasing civilian and military aspects of 17th century life. Reenactors demonstrate equipment, crafts, cooking, children’s games, etc. Sponsored jointly by F.O.C.P and the state of Maine. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Monday, August 11: Lightning Strikes Twice, 7:30 p.m. Native American cultural historian Ken Hamilton discloses how the Fort at Pemaquid was captured not once but twice by a Native force during King William’s War. ($5 or free to members).

Monday, August 18: In Search of A World in Transition. Archaeology in South Berwick, 7:30 p.m. Dr. Neill DePaoli, historical archaeologist, reveals more findings from his digging at the Humphrey Spencer home, tavern and gardens (1696-1712). ($5 or free to members.)

Saturday, August 30: Castlebay in Concert: Season’s End. Enjoy an outdoor performance of Celtic music featuring Castlebay, the popular local duo of Fred Gosbee and Julia Lane. 1 and 3 p.m.

Do you have children or grandchildren between the ages of 7 and 12 years old who are looking for a summer camp program that lasts only half a day, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.?

Whether it’s adventure they seek or perhaps “Planes, Trains and Boats,” our Y is offering a multitude of half-day camps to please just about anyone.

Half-day camps by week

Week of June 23: Fishing Camp is an exciting opportunity for those that want to catch “the big one” whether it be in fresh or salt water.

Week of June 30: Digital Media Camp with Jonne Trees, By the end of the week, the campers will have written and produced a fun and creative short film and will debut their finished product to family and friends at Camp K.

Week of July 7: Wilderness Exploration Camp. Campers will discover Boothbay Region Land Trust trails by hiking them, playing games and thru team building activities.

Week of July 21: Ocean Adventure Camp. Spend the week surrounded by water as campers visit the aquarium, investigate tide pools and spend a week of salty fun upon the ocean. Meet a lobsterman or two along the way.

Week of July 28: Primitive Skills Camp. Campers will discover their wild side with Camp K Co-Director and BRLT’s Education Director, Tracey Hall. Build a survival shelter. Learn how to walk like a fox and how to orienteer and which wild plants are edible to eat.

Week of August 4: Planes, Trains and Boats Camp. Campers will investigate transportation by attending the Wings Over Wiscasset festival, the Owls Head Transportation Museum and the Boothbay Railway Village.

Week of August 11: Swimming & Boating Camp. A salt and fresh water experience for campers.

Week of August 25: Beach Vacation Camp. Visit Hendricks Head, Ocean Point, Barrett’s Park and Dodge Point. One morning will include a special trip to Reid State Park.

Sports camps

Sport Camps are a traditional part of summer camp at the Y. This summer we offer three different sport camps. They run in one week sessions and begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. daily. Campers should pack a lunch, plenty of water and a swim suit and towel daily.

Week of July 7: Football Camp for 3-8 graders with BRHS Football Coach Bryan Dionne.

Week of July 15: Baseball Camp for 4-8 graders with Colby College baseball coach and former minor league player Dale Plummer.

Week of August 4: Basketball “HOOP” Camp with Boothbay Region High School varsity boys basketball coach I J Pinkham.

To register for all camps, please call Maddie Rideout at 207-633-4816 or email at mrideout@bymca.org Scholarship Assistance Applications are due by June 6.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine is looking for Knox and Lincoln County children, ages 5-14, who would benefit from having a caring adult mentor. The agency currently has carefully screened, trained and caring female mentors ready to be matched in the Damariscotta-Newcastle area in Lincoln County and in Camden, Rockland, Owls Head, and South Thomaston in Knox County.

BBBS is also hoping to identify men in Waldo, Knox and Lincoln County who would be interested in learning more about becoming a Big Brother to a prospective Little Brother. “We have many boys who would benefit from having a male role model in their lives,” said Gwendolyn Hudson, Community-Based Director, who oversees the agency’s efforts to match Bigs and Littles. “We strive to match young children in our program with adults who have similar interests and enjoy the same activities. We also offer complete training for new Bigs, and our staff provides ongoing professional support each month as their relationship develops,” she says.

Research shows that having another positive adult mentor in a child’s life can lead to youth having higher aspirations, greater confidence, and educational success. It also helps the child build better relationships and avoid risky behaviors.

“We often tell people — you don’t have to change your life to change a child’s life. Our mentors spend an average of 2-3 hours a week with their Littles, enjoying activities together and just hanging out. The important thing is for the child to have a friend they can count on,” Hudson said.

If you have, or know of, a child who could benefit from having another caring adult in their life, or would like to learn more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister for a local child, please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine at 236-BBBS (2227) or email gwendolyn@bbbsmidmaine.org.

The Wiscasset Yacht Club is as much about the people as the boats, according to its members.

“The people are great. That's the root of all happiness when you belong to an organization,” Jack Dexter of Edgecomb said at the club's open house on May 18. He and wife Carol Dexter have been members for about 20 years.

Dave and Barbara King of Woolwich enjoy meeting the other boaters and going to club events, including suppers and an upcoming prom that will feature music from the 1950s and 1960s.

Plans this summer also call for the club to repeat its Pirate Day on July 4, with an arrival in Wiscasset Harbor, children's activities, and stocks for visitors to go in, to raise money again for charity.

The 62-year-old club can focus more on events since it completed a major project in 2010, moving the building from pilings onto land, said Judy Boyes of Boothbay.

Most of the club's 112 members live in Wiscasset; most have power boats, but the sailing population is growing, Boyes said.

For more on the club, contact Boyes at 207-633-5341, or at judy@winterisland.com

Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson is known for its trees. There are a lot of them spread out across 1,000 acres of diverse terrain and habitat. Some big, some small, but all of them are valuable by one measure or another. At least that’s how HVNC’s co-founder Tracy Moskovitz sees them.

“At HVNC we encourage visitors to imagine all the reasons we value forests, trees, and wood products,” Moskovitz said. At HVNC the mission of sustainable forestry is inseparable from the missions of education and outdoor recreation. Each year a small crew of skilled loggers and volunteers manages about fifteen acres of forest. The emphasis is on repairing historical damage, improving wildlife habitat, improving water quality, and on creating durable trails that provide access to visitors.  

This approach to forest management doesn’t necessarily yield big income. “We have to be creative and re-define the way we use our wood products,” HVNC Director Andy McEvoy said.

One of the ways HVNC realizes some monetary value from their woods is by building unique, creative outdoor furniture like picnic tables and benches. Each spring, with the help of several volunteers, HVNC uses “low grade white pine” (so deemed by regional wood markets) to create durable, attractive furniture. “The wood is certified sustainable by the Forest Stewardship Council, and is a direct result of measures taken to improve soil, water, and forest quality. It might not be worth much to a mill, but we can think of a million ways to use it,” Moskovitz said.

It has also proven to be a great way to get volunteers involved. Volunteers are involved in every step of the process from harvesting trees to the final sanding. The tables are for sale through the HVNC website, www.hvnc.org/tables-and-benches, and will be available at HVNC’s annual Pancake Breakfast on June 1 at the Alna Store in Alna. 

2014 Y-Arts Celebration: At the Boothbay Playhouse on Monday, May 26 at 6 p.m. A free music event!

YMCA Active Older Adult Trip to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens: Friday, May 30, 10:30 a.m. View the tulips, rhododendrons and other spring blossoming plants on our self guided tour. After, return to the YMCA for lunch. Y members: $16 for a ticket and lunch and non-members: $18 for a ticket and lunch. Garden members: $5 for lunch and don’t forget your CMBG pass. Register at the Y front desk by May 23.

American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course: Saturday, May 30-31:  (see attached information)

Tony’s Dance Fiesta: Wednesday and Friday, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Tony Garreton is back!

Tai chi classes: Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 5-6 p.m. John Jenkins, former mayor of Lewiston/Auburn and renowned motivational speaker is instructing tai chi classes at the YMCA this spring.

A Memorial Day weekend tradition is returning to Maine's fastest track this Sunday, May 25, with the running of the 2014 Coastal 200, presented by Jordan Lumber and Jordan Excavation.

The 200 lap Late Model Sportsman main event will feature many of the top LMS drivers in the northeast region all gunning for their share of the $18,700 purse.

The winner will take home the $3,000 top prize and also try to pocket an additional $3,000-plus in lap leader bonus money. AR Bodies is also kicking in a special award for the race's Hard Charger Award, given to the driver who advances the most positions from their starting spot.

"We're all so excited to bring this race back for our fans," said track announcer/promoter Ken Minott. "As soon as the Jordan family reopened this track people were asking for this race. Yeah, it's a big race, but like all of our shows, we want to make it accessible and affordable for families to come see. So we're keeping it right at our weekly admission price. We're looking for a packed house and a great race."

Entries for the race include former track champs Chris Thorne, Allan Moeller, Will Collins and Dan Trask, plus current division leader Nick Hinckley and multi-time winner Jeff Burgess. Outsiders coming in to try to take the money away include reigning ACT champion Wayne Helliwell Jr., along with J.R. Robinson, Dave Farrington, John Brill and a host of others.

Sunday's program will also include support action in Strictly Streets, Thunder 4 Minis, Trucks and Nelcar Legends. Pit gates will open at 9 a.m. Grandstand gates open at noon, and racing action begins at 2 p.m. Grandstand admission is $5 with kids 6 and under free. Plus veterans and active duty military will also enjoy free grandstand admission. Pit entry fee is $20 for all. Wiscasset Speedway is located on the West Alna Road in Wiscasset. Full schedule and info can be found at www.wiscassetspeedway.com.

With the harsh winter finally behind us, scooter enthusiasts have been polishing their bikes, checking the oil, and donning their riding gear for another fun summer. With all the excitement and growing popularity of scooter-riding as a fun and economical way to get around (can you say 100 mpg?) surely there must be somewhere for scooter fans to go and share their love of riding?

Come down to Enoteca Athena at 97 Maine Street in Brunswick for a rally fundraiser to raise money for the second annual Ski's Shrimp Run, which takes place in Topsham on July 26. The fundraiser will have VIP scooter parking, great food and beer for sale, and many raffle items to raise money for the run in July.

“We will have patches for sale for this year and a few from last year, maybe 20,” Jessica Sherlock said, one of the main organizers of the events. “Posters hand-signed by Ski will be for sale, and we'll have raffle items available. Mostly it's a great way for scooter fans to get together.”

Other organizers include three brothers, Chris, Andy and Keith Biedryszki. The event was named for their father, Ski, who jokingly suggested they should create a big scooting party. The boys through it was a great idea, and so did more than 100 scooter riders who showed up last year. They are hoping for close to 200 this year.

Last year, they ran into a major snag on the day of the event, and local Boothbay Harbor scooter dealer, Greg Singer of Mainely Scooters, saved the day.

“We needed a scooter for Ski,” Sherlock said. “We made an emergency run up to Mainely Scooters that day and were able to rent a scooter. Crisis averted.”

The group is looking to raise at least $200, so they can buy a large banner for Ski's Run, to go over Main Street in Topsham. Any extra raised will go towards promoting the event, which is free to attend.

Ski's Run is “basically a big party,” Sherlock said. Riders meet in the Sea Dog parking lot and head out for a group ride at noon. They head into Richmond for Richmond Days, and get a police escort into town right to the front of the party. Because there are so many different levels and styles of scooters, the slowest models (49cc) ride in the front to set the pace for the group.

“No scooter left out, no rider left behind,” Sherlock said. “We include everyone, all makes and models. Sure everyone loves a vintage Vespa, and my 2002 Honda Metropolitan you'd have to pry out of my cold, dead hands. But we aren't snobs. We love all scooters and all riders. Andy's wife rides a 1983 Honda Spree. I think she paid $300 for it, and it's adorable and she has fun. That is what matters”

The group encourages all scooter dealerships to come and represent their businesses at the run.

“Scooters aren't super noisy, and people love seeing us and waving,” Sherlock said. “A big group of motorcycles go past and it's like ‘oh man, plug your ears,’ but with scooters, it's different.”

Sherlock works at Tri-Sports in Brunswick, an authorized Vespa and Honda dealership. Sherlock has loved scooters ever since she spotted one when she was in her early 20s.

“I thought it was the most beautiful little vehicle I had ever seen,” Sherlock said. “I've been in love ever since. They are so adorable, and so efficient. You can't beat the mileage.

“And there's something different about scooting. It's fun, it's more lighthearted than motorcycle riding. There's just a different attitude from scooter people, and I enjoy it.”

For more information about Ski's Shrimp Run or the scooting community in Maine, visit www.shrimprun.com, check out the Facebook page www.facebook.com/shrimp.run, or email skisshrimpun@gmail.com.

The CLC YMCA gymnastics team and their teammates who qualified over the regular season, set off for the Northeast Regional YMCA Meet in Glastonbury Connecticut to compete against Y teams from New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Maine.

Maddy Russ, 10, of Damariscotta came in on top with a first place finish and rights to call be called the Northeast Regional Champion for Level 5, 9-10 year olds. With a 37.2 all around, Russ is the uneven bars champion with a near perfect 9.7 (PB) and floor champion with a 9.5.

In the same age category, Reed Gulden, 10, of Walpole earned the balance beam regional championship top spot by performing a stunning routine earning her a 9.55 (PB), 2nd place on vault 8.95 and floor exercise a 9.3. Gulden finished just behind her teammate for second place with an all around PB, 37.15 score.

Emma Hall, 12, of Damariscotta exploded off the vault becoming the vaulting regional champion with a 9.475 (PB) and came in 3rd on the floor exercise with a 9.3 and finished with an impressive second place all around.

“This team has had amazing results against the largest field of competitors in the meet’s history,” Coach Janice Cormier-Hay said. “The girls continued to put up personal best scores and even those who did not climb the podium had the meets of their lives. Coach Betsy Lee and I are very proud of their hard work and grace under a lot of pressure."

Other regional meet highlights include: Katie Colomb of Alna (level 6) placed 2nd on beam; Madi Bradbury of Bristol (Xcel Gold) tied for fourth on both the vault and beam; Emily Kelsey of Bristol (Xcel Gold) came in third on vault; Erica Johnson of Nobleboro (level 4) came in second on vault, fourth on bars and tied for fifth on floor; Dakota Gregory of Newcastle (level 4) tied for fifth on both uneven bars and balance beam; Elizabeth Rethman of Newcastle (level 4) came in fourth on both vault and uneven bars and fifth on both balance beam and floor exercise.

Reece Instasi, 8, of Waldoboro, level 3, came in 7th on vault with an 8.875, 14th with a 7.575 on bars, 12th on bars with an 8.225, tied for 8th on floor with an 8.6, placing 16th place all around.  

Kayla Reardon, 9, of South Thomaston, level 3, tied for 10th on vault had an 8.7, 17th on bars with a 8.7, 10th on beam with an 8.9, 12th on floor with an 8.4, placing 16th all around.

Molly Taylor of Washington, level 3, 12 and up, tied for 15th on vault with an 8.45, 7th on bars with a 9.0 (PB), 17th on beam with a 7.1, 15th on floor with an 8.55, placing 18th all around.

Elizabeth Rethman of Newcastle, level 4, age 7-8, came in 4th on vault with an 8.05, 4th on bars with an 8.6, 5th on beam with an 8.85, 5th on floor with an 8.5 placing 4th all around.

Erica Johnson of Nobleboro, age 9, came in 2nd on vault with a  9.025 (PB), 4th on bars with a 9.35 (PB), 8th on beam with an 8.95, tied for 5th floor with a 9.325 (PB), placing 5th all around with a PB all around score.

Dakota Gregory of Newcastle, level 4, age 9, came in 7th on vault with an 8.6 (PB), tied for 5th on bars with a 9.3 (PB), tied for 5th on beam with a 9.2, came in 7th on floor with a 9.1 (PB), placing 7th all around with a PB all around score.

Chloe Achorn of Bremen, level 4, age 10, tied for 9th on vault with an 8.25, 22nd on bars, tied for 14th on beam with an 8.225, 14th on floor with an 8.35 placing 21st all around.

Leah Wilcox of Warren, level 4, age 13-plus, came in 17th on vault with an 8.025, tied for 8th on bars with an 8.55 (PB), 10th on beam with an 8.9 (PB), 13th on floor with an 8.5, placing 12th all around with a PB score.

Maddy Russ of Damariscotta, level 5, age 9-10, tied for 4th on vault with an 8.75, 1st on bars with a 9.7 (PB), 5th on beam with a 9.25, 1st on floor with a 9.5, placing 1st all around.

Reed Gulden of Walpole, level 5, age 9-10, came in 2nd on vault with an 8.95, 5th on bars with a 9.35, 1st on beam with a 9.55 (PB), 2nd on floor with an 9.3, placing 2nd all around with a PB score.

Emma Hall of Damariscotta, level 6, age 12, came in 1st on vault with an 9.475 (PB), 5th on bars with a 8.725, 8th on beam with an 8.8, and 3rd on floor with a 9.3, placing 2nd all around

Katie Colomb of Alna, level 6, age 13, came in 11th on vault with an 8.4, 2nd on bars with an 8.8 (PB), tied for 9th on beam with a 8.4, 13th on floor with an 8.525 placing 9th all around.

Madison Bradbury of Bristol, Excel Gold, age 9-11, tied for 4th on vault with a 9.0, 9th on bars with an 8.35, tied for 4th on beam with an 8.875, 6th place on floor with a 9.05, placing 7th all around.

Emily Kelsey of Bristol, Excel Gold, age 9-11, came in 3rd on vault with a 9.225 (PB), 11th on bars with an 8.15, 13th on beam with a 7.725, 11th place on floor with an 8.6, placing 13th all around.

The Northeast Regional Championship completes the competitive season for the team. The team will be performing for the community at their annual Exhibition, June 24th at the CLC YMCA.

Each year, local libraries schedule a program to encourage the community’s young readers to continue their reading during summer vacation. This year’s Summer Reading Program (SRP) FIZZ, BOOM, READ, invites them to read about subjects that interest them and increase their knowledge of science related topics along the way.  

Several programs and events have been planned to inspire and entertain participants. Special performances and incentives will be offered this summer thanks to the generous support that the Wiscasset Public Library Children’s Room has received from The Friends of the Library, local businesses and individuals.

Children of all ages and reading abilities can register beginning Wednesday, June 18, at 10 a.m. in the Children’s Room. The deadline for registration is Thursday, July 3.  We will celebrate the completion of the Summer Reading Program on August 15 with a visit from Northern Stars Planetarium. A handout with information and scheduling will be given out at registration. The schedule of events will also be posted online at www.wiscasset.lib.me.us, Facebook and Twitter.  

Jackson Gillman, the Stand-up Chameleon, will be performing on Wednesday, June 25, for our Summer Reading Program kickoff presentation. He incorporates comedy, drama, music and dance into his own style of theatre and promises an engaging and entertaining event.

On July 8, former teacher and librarian, Jerry Schneider of Vermont, is bringing his butterfly presentation. He will be presenting a slide show, engaging the audience in discussion about butterfly migration and population and concluding with a T-shirt craft.

Author and former Waterway Supervisor Tim Caverly will narrate the multi-media presentation “Allagash Tails and Tales” on Tuesday, July 29. The show will include music, scenic and historic photographs as well as stories detailing his personal experiences while living in the woods.

Our very own Edward J. Polewarczyk, retired United Space Alliance technical director, will be divulging thrilling, behind the scenes stories and information of the Space Program for which he worked with. His presentation on August 6 will detail his responsibilities for orbiter modifications and operations during space shuttle missions. This will surely prepare his audience for our SRP finale with Northern Stars Planetarium Star Show on Friday, August 15.

The warblers are coming, the warblers are coming. Spring migration is well underway and the warblers are the stars as they make their way from their tropical homes to their breeding grounds in the northeast. Mid­coast observers have already spotted many of these very colorful little birds as they flit through the tree tops.

May 25 Finals

Rockland Cafe 10, Waldoboro 5

Damariscotta Lions 7, Wiscasset Merchants 1

Swan Lake Grocery 8, Rockport 4

Waldo County 18 Camden 0

Standings

Damariscotta Lions 2-0

Rockland Cafe 2-0

Swan Lake Grocery 2-0

Waldo County 1-1

Union Farm Equipment 0-0

Rockport 0-1

Wiscasset Merchants 0-1

Camden 0-2

Waldoboro 0-2

Sunday, June 1: All games at 2 p.m.

Union Farm Equipment at Rockland Cafe
Waldoboro at Wiscasset Merchants
Swan Lake Grocery at Camden 
Rockport at Waldo County

The May 18 rained out game between Union Farm Equipment and Wiscasset Merchants will be made up on Sunday, June 8 as part of doubleheader in Wiscasset with game 1 at 11 a.m.

This past Sunday, May 25, the Wiscasset Speedway held the Late Model Sportsman Coastal 200 presented by Jordan Lumber and Excavation Company.

The afternoon was bright and warm, and fans packed the bleachers to watch the show. The group-two divisions also raced on Sunday, including Strictly Streets, Thunder 4’s and Mini Trucks. The Amsoil Nelcar Legends also made their second appearance of the season at the speedway.

Twenty-five Late Model Sportsman competed in the Coastal 200. Starting at the pole was the #16 of Travis Stearns. Behind him were the #23 of Dave Farrington and the #27 of Wayne Helliwell. Off the start Farrington passed Stearns on the outside to claim first. Helliwell and Stearns battled Farrington for 20 laps, but Farrington was able to keep the lead. 

There was a caution during lap 20. On the restart, Stearns passed Farrington on the inside of the backstretch and took first. Helliwell passed Farrington for second during lap 22. Jeff Burgess of the #X moved up the track and passed Farrington for third on the inside of the backstretch during lap 22. Then during the same lap, Burgess passed Helliwell for second on the outside of turn four. Helliwell fought back and the pair raced side by side for 14 laps, with Burgess just ahead by a nose, until a caution was called during lap 36. When racing action resumed, Burgess was passed by Helliwell and the #14 of Dave St. Clair.

Stearns maintained his lead until lap 61, when another caution was called. Helliwell passed Stearns on the restart and took third. Another caution was called during lap 61 but there was no leader change. 

A caution in lap 62 caused a restart. Off the start the #30 of Ryan St. Clair passed Dave St. Clair for third. Burgess moved to the outside and raced Ryan St. Clair, looking for a pass. During lap 67, Burgess completed the pass taking third.

During lap 66, Stearns passed Helliwell for fist. However, lap 68 saw Stearns pass Helliwell for first once again, and a caution was then called. On the ensuing restart Helliwell once again took the lead. During lap 74 Stearns passed Helliwell on the inside of turn four and claimed the lead once again. 

There was a caution during lap 75, but Stearns maintained his first place position. Burgess passed Helliwell for during lap 78 on the inside of turn two and claimed second. The #25 of Will Collins passed Helliwell on the inside of the backstretch during lap 78 to take third.

Stearns led until lap 94, when a caution was called. When action resumed on the track, the #26 of Andrew McLaughlin passed Collins on the outside of turn two going onto the backstretch. Collins fought back and took the position back during lap 95. Burgess passed Stearns on turn three of lap 95 and took the lead.

Lap 102 saw Stearns pass Burgess on the outside of turn two for the lead. A caution during lap 111 saw leader changes as cars headed to the pits. All cars had one mandatory pit stop. After the cars filtered off the track, Dave St. Clair had moved to first. The #33 of Josh St. Clair moved to second. The #28 of Jr. Robinson moved to third. 

When action resumed, Josh St. Clair passed Dave St. Clair on the outside of the backstretch for first. There was a caution during lap 113. The ensuing restart saw Helliwell pass Robinson for third. Josh St. Clair was not able to get a good lead off the start and Dave St. Clair took the opportunity to pass Josh St. Clair on the inside of turn two. Helliwell followed the same line and passed Josh St. Clair on the inside of the back stretch. There was a caution during lap 119 when Josh St. Clair picked up debris from the race track. Josh St. Clair had to head for the pits, and ended up at the back of the pack. There was no leader change on the restart.

The #32 of Nick Jenkins passed Robinson on the outside of turn three for third. Jenkins looked for his opportunity to pass Helliwell for second. His chance came during lap 138 and he moved to the inside and passed Helliwell on the backstretch. Stearns had been making his way back up through the pack, and he moved up and followed Jenkins to pass Helliwell taking third. Stearns headed to the outside and passed Jenkins on the outside of turn three during lap 140. Then, during lap 142, Stearns headed to the outside and passed Dave St. Clair for the lead. 

Stearns led until lap 155, when another caution was called. On the restart, Burgess passed Jenkins for third. Dave St. Clair passed Stearns on the inside of the back stretch for the lead. Dave St. Clair led for two laps, while Stearns raced to reclaim the lead. Stearns was able to pass Dave St. Clair during lap 157, and led once more. The next leader change was during lap 168. Burgess passed Dave St. Clair on the outside of turn two for second. Lap 174 saw Helliwell pass Dave St. Clair on the outside of the back stretch for third.

With only 25 laps left to go, Stearns was in the lead. Burgess was in second. In third was Helliwell. A caution was called during lap 194. On the restart, Burgess got loose, and slid down pit road. Burgess went to the back and Jenkins moved to third. When racing action resumed, Helliwell raced neck and neck with Stearns, each briefly moving ahead, going back and forth between race leaders.

Then, with just three laps remaining, the race leaders scraped and bumped together, spinning on the track. Both Stearns and Helliwell were sent to the back. Jenkins moved to first. Josh St. Clair, who had worked his way back up the pack, moved to second. McLaughlin moved to third. On the restart, Josh St. Clair pulled to lead on the outside, and passed Jenkins for first. When the checkered flags waved over the finish line, Josh St. Clair was in first. Jenkins placed second. McLaughlin took third.

“This win is thanks to my grandfather and grandmother, my mother, girlfriend, my Aunt Barbara, and the guys on my crew who have helped me every day,” Josh St. Clair said. “I would like to thank my sponsors, Dave’s World and N.F. Luce.

“We didn’t have the best car today, but we were there at the end.”

The flex race of the week was a 25 lap Amsoil Nelcar Legends feature. This was the second appearance of the Legends cars at Wiscasset this season. Starting at the pole was the #10 of Ed Getty. Behind him were the #8 of Matt Chagnot and the #16 of Eric Williams. Off the start, the #96 of Wyatt Alexander moved to the outside and passed Williams for third. Then Alexander passed Chagnot for second when he passed on the outside of turn two during lap one. The #38 of reigning points champ, Mathew Bourgoine passed Chagnot for third, during lap two.

Lap five saw Alexander pass Getty for first place. Bourgoine passed Getty during lap eight on the outside of turn three. Getty fought back and the pair battled for second for two laps. Bourgoine completed the pass during lap 10 and took second. The #399 of Bob Weymouth passed Getty on the outside of turn two coming onto the backstretch during lap eighteen and claimed third. Bourgoine moved to the inside and passed Alexander on the backstretch during lap 18 and took first. Alexander moved his Speedway Sports Park Legends car back up the track and passed Bourgoine on the outside of turn one for first during lap 19. Bourgoine fought back and the following lap saw him passing Alexander once again on the inside of turn one to reclaim the lead.

There was a caution during lap 22 when the #33 of Alan Smith passed Weymouth on the inside of the backstretch, but when the duo rounded turn three they made contact and went off the track. The #70 of Tylar Braunschweig moved to third. Race leaders remained constant until race conclusion. Bourgoine placed first. Alexander took second. Braunschweig rounded out the top three in third.

“It feels good to be point leader,” Bourgoine said, who has been Amsoil Nelcar Legend Champion for two years. “Today will be the third race in a row I have won. If we can keep this car in one piece, we will have a good season. I would like to thank Corinna Auto Body and Realty of Maine for their sponsorship. If I can have another good year, I may win Champ for third year in a row.” 

An action packed Strictly Street feature was next on the agenda. Starting at the pole was the #24 of Jonathan Emerson. Behind him were the #32 of Tasha Dyer and the #55 of Mike Marshall. When the green flag flew at the start, Jonathan Emerson and Dyer raced for the lead. Behind them, the #36 of Richard Spaulding passed Marshall for third. Then, during lap four, Dyer moved to the inside and passed Jonathan Emerson on the inside of the backstretch for first. 

A caution was called during lap six when Spaulding and Jonathan Emerson made contact and spun on the track. They were sent to the back of the pack. Dyer was still in first place. Marshall moved to second, and the #26 of Corey Morgan moved to third. When racing resumed, Morgan passed Marshall for second on the inside of turn three. Lap seven saw the #23 of Zach Emerson pass Marshall on the inside for third place. Spaulding’s car hit the wall during lap 10, and a caution was called. 

When racing action resumed, the race leaders Dyer, Morgan, and Zack Emerson raced furiously for the lead. During lap 15, they go three wide on the track coming out of turn four: Zach Emerson on the inside, Dyer in the middle, and Morgan on the outside. Zach Emerson emerged from the group as leader, Morgan moved to second, and Dyer in third. Race leaders remained constant until race conclusion. Zach Emerson placed first. Morgan took second. Dyer placed third.

Racing together, in a 20 lap feature, were the Thunder 4’s and the Mini Trucks. Starting at the pole in the Mini Truck feature was the #17 of Matt Weil. Behind him were the #12 of Jerry McKenna and the #22 of Jeff Schmidt. Off the start McKenna took first. During lap two the #0 of Kris Knox passed Schmidt to claim third. Lap eleven saw Knox pass Weil on the inside of turn one for second. 

Lap 16 Knox spun on the track bringing out a caution. Weil moved to second and the #55 of Larry Marshall moved to third. The #86 of Richard Sirois passed Marshall during lap 17. Race leaders remained constant until the end of the race. McKenna finished first. Weil took second. Sirois placed third.

“It was a lot of fun,” McKenna said. “I want to thank the guys who work on my truck, I couldn’t be here without them. Brian Farrar, Rick Farrar, Dave Gammon, Raymond White and Colton Gammon. I would also like to thank my sponsor, Farrar Logging.”

Twelve Thunder 4 cars competed in a 20 lap race. On the pole was the #31 of Leandra Martin. Behind her was the #1 of Jeff Davis and the #33 of Trey Brown. Brown passed Davis during lap one for second. The #13 of Cody Tribbet passed Davis for third during lap two. Tribbet moved to the outside during lap three and passed Brown for second. The #5 of Ryan Chadwick passed Brown during lap four to claim third.

Tribbet was looking for his chance to pass Martin for first. His chance came during lap six when he passed Martin on the inside of turn four for first. Chadwick followed Tribbet, passing Martin on the inside for second. Chadwick moved up the track racing Tribbet for first. Then during lap 10, Chadwick headed inside and passed Tribbet on turn four for the lead. 

A caution during lap sixteen resulted in a restart. Off the start, Tribbet passed Chadwick for first. The #11 of Kevin Sherman passed Martin for third on the outside of turn two during lap 17. 

Tribbet placed first. Chadwick took second. Rounding out the top three was Sherman. 

Wiscasset Speedway resumes racing action on May 31 with its group one line up of divisions: Napa Super Street, Prostock, Outlaw Mini, and New England 4 Cylinder Prostocks. The flex event of the week is a modified exhibition. Details are available on the website. Pit gates open at 2 p.m. Grandstand gates open at 4 p.m. Racing begins at 6 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and children aged seven and older. Kids six and under are free. Pit admission is $20. Wiscasset Speedway is located on West Alna Road in Wiscasset. For more information, visit www.wiscassetspeedway.com.

WISCASSET SPEEDWAY UNOFFICIAL FINISH MAY 25, 2014

LATE MODEL SPORTSMAN COASTAL 200 (200 LAPS)

1. #33 Josh St. Clair, Liberty
2. #32 Nick Jenkins, Brownville
3. #26 Andrew McLaughlin, Harrington
4. #25 Will Collins, Waldoboro
5. #14 Dave St. Clair, Liberty
6. #23 Dave Farrington, Jay
7. #3 Mike Orr, Bath
8. #30 Ryan St. Clair
9. X Jeff Burgess, Fairfield
10. #77 Jon Brill, Bridgeton
11. #27 Wayne Helliwell, Jr., Dover, N.H.
12. #16ME Travis Stearns, Auburn
13. #7X Danny Smart, Buxton
14. #7 Nick Reno, West Bath
15. #20 Corey Walker, New Vineyard
16. #1 Adam Chadbourne, Woolwich
17. #28ME Jr. Robinson, Stueben
18. #9 Dylan Turner, Freedom
19. #04 Allan Moeller Sr., Dresden
20. #15 Nick Hinkley, Wiscasset
21. #00 Alex Waltz, Walpole
22. #21 Shane Clark, Winterport
23. #17 Chris Thorne, Sidney
24. #5 Billy Pinkham, Wiscasset
25. #98 Peter James, Chelsea

AMSOIL NELCAR LEGENDS (25 LAPS)

1. #38 Mathew Bourgoine, Newport
2. #96 Wyatt Alexander, Ellsworth
3. #70 Tylar Braunschweig, West Newfield
4. #10 Ed Getty, Gray
5. #8 Matt Chagnot, Derry N.H.
6. #66 Wally Silva, Scarborough
7. #72 Michael Himphrey, Cornish
8. #33 Alan Smith, NA
9. #113 Casey Nash, Richmond
10. #16 Eric Williams, NA
11. #2 Darren Johnson, NA
12. #27 Richard Humphrey, Parsonsfield
13. #13 Nate Tribbet, Richmond
14. #399 Bob Weymouth, Topsham
15. #00 Phil Brackett, NA
16. #5 Todd Harrison, Durham
17. #78 Ivan Kaffel, Raymond

STRICTLY STREET (25 LAPS)

1. #23 Zach Emerson, Sabattus
2. #26 Corey Morgan, Lewiston
3. #32 Tasha Dyer, Freedom
4. #39 Gerard Freve, Turner
5. #5 Guy Childs, Turner
6. #6 Mike Brown, Union
7. #24 Jonathan Emerson, Sabattus
8. #22 Thomas Smith, Edgecomb
9. #19 Foster Meserve, Wales
10. #21 Shawn Rines, Wiscasset
11. #55 Mike Marshall, Dresden
12. #36 Richard Spaulding, Lisbon
13. #29 Dave White, Topsham
14. #57 Corey Mullins, Wiscasset

THUNDER 4’S (20 LAPS)

1. #13 Cody Tribbet, Richmond
2. #5 Ryan Chadwick, Wiscasset
3. #11 Kevin Sherman, Wiscasset
4. #33 Trey Brown, Winterport
5. #31 Leandra Martin, Richmond
6. #1 Jeff Davis, Woolwich
7. #04 Curtis Anderson, Richmond
8. #05 James Record, Oxford
9. #11X Kyle Dorey, Bowdoinham
10. #74 Aaron Sevigng, Windsor
11. #42 Kyia Roussel, Portland
12. #7 Bill Grover, Waterford

MINI TRUCK (20 LAPS)

1. #12 Jerry McKenna, Milton
2. #17 Matt Weil, Camden
3. #0 Kris Knox, Sanford
4. #86 Richard Sirois, Norridgewock
5. #55 Larry Marshall, Dresden
6. #14 Dave Gammon, Peru
7. #22 Jeff Schmidt, Mechanic Falls

*For official results, go to www.wiscassettspeedway.com

The 2014 North East Region Outstanding Tree Farm award will be going to the same place the 2013 Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's outstanding tree farm award went to:

Jefferson.

Word came Tuesday, May 27 that the Hidden Valley Nature Center co-founders Tracy Moskovitz and Bambi Jones and the Nature Center would be bringing more awards to Jefferson.

In 2013 Hidden Valley won with the 2013 Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's outstanding tree farm award. That award allowed the Hidden Valley to seek the North East Region title.

Andy McAvoy, Hidden Valley Nature Center director, wrote in an email that the awards are cumulative and part of the American Tree Farm System.

“We hosted two inspectors from the American Tree Farm System in early May who were charged with deciding between two tree farms in the 12-state northeast region,” he said. “We were in the running for the regional award because we had won the Maine Outstanding Tree Farm award this winter. Having won both the state and region we are now one of four tree farms across the country in the running for the national award.

“We will not hear about that until middle of summer sometime.”

As with the last award, McAvoy said this award is a good barometer of the work being done at Hidden Valley and the amount of outreach the nature center does.

“I suspect that we were nominated because of the exemplary outreach we perform,” he said. “Most outstanding tree farms will host a tour or two each year, but we host thousands of visitors annually and either passively or actively we illustrate the importance of sustainable forest practices.”

McAvoy said bringing in all members of the community has been Hidden Valley's key to outreach.

“We, HVNC, find ways to connect with our community members on the issues and practices of forestry, even those many individuals who express little to no interest in active forest management,” he said. “Our workshops and events inspire others to engage in their woods and in their community's forests.”

As part of Hidden Valley's ongoing forestry education, the nature center will host Tree Farm Field Days September 6 in conjunction with Maine Tree Farm and Small Woodland Owner's Association of Maine.

“It will be a celebration of HVNC and all things forest-related,” McAvoy said. “There will be horse logging and equipment demos, great speakers, kids events, workshops, art, music, and great food. It is open to everyone and attendance is free.”