Joe Norton has been building walls for around 12 years. They're not the kind of walls that keep people out. In fact they do just the opposite. Their artful beauty draws people in. 

The owner of Norton Stone & Tile, Norton said much of his work is practical — tiling and mosaics, stone walls, walkways, stone or granite steps, sea walls and patios. But as indicated by his completed projects around Boothbay Harbor and other places in Maine, the creativity and beauty in his work tells you he's as much an artist as a mason.

Norton said he didn't wake up one day and decide to become a mason.

“I started doing masonry, working for Dave McFarland, while I was going to college,” Norton said. “When I got out of school I started doing little jobs on my own, and it just kind of happened.”

Norton has never studied art or design. It comes naturally.

“All the women in my family are artists. My mom, my grandmother, my sister, my aunt and my great aunts are all artists.” His mother, Suzanne (Sanni) Norton is well known for her painted furniture and murals.

He said he plans his designs, at least in part, mathematically. “We usually find the center point (of a walkway), then figure out how the stones or tiles are going to fit together. I try to know ahead of time where I'm going with it.”

When he's not tiling, or building a walkway or a stone wall, Norton makes wall art and tables, using his favorite medium, stones, with some other found items thrown in. Though he has sold several of the striking abstract reliefs, he remains humble. “I can't paint or draw to save my life. I just like playing with rocks.”“I’m really not an artist,” he said.

Chris Fritz of Alison Evans Ceramics disagrees. “Just look around town and see the walls he's built. We've had some of his tables in here that have been sold, and people see them and will order another one. He's very talented in a lot of ways — stonework, tiling, tables. It's pretty impressive. And he's a great guy.”

Merritt Grover is in agreement with Fritz.

“Joe makes these tables with lobster designs and we'll fit plexiglass to them. They're amazing. He has done tile work at my house, and made stone walls for me. And he's such a quiet, unassuming guy you'd never know he's so good at what he does. He's the nicest guy in the world.”

Willie Morton, Norton's friend and employee, has been working with him for around three years. “I love doing the stonework,” he said. “It's awesome. And Joe bought me a really nice office.” His new office is an excavator.

Two years ago Norton and Morton built a stone wall for Margaret and Steve Branch, at the east side of the footbridge. The wall is a foot thick, with a flower bed built into the top, and rocks and stonework strategically placed to make it look like, well, art. “Ideally that's the kind of thing I'd like to do every day,” Norton said. “Unfortunately it doesn't always work out that way.”

Most of their work during the winter is interior. Norton said tile work, which he learned from his friend Heather Casey while working for her in Hawaii, keeps them busy.

Norton's website states: “We aim to design and build as soundly and as solidly as possible while adding special touches unique to each project.” The special touches are what make his work lovely to look at.

Most of Norton's jobs have been around the Boothbay region, including several pieces at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, but he has done projects in Damariscotta, South Bristol, Camden, Blue Hill, Cumberland and Cape Elizabeth.

Norton Stone & Tile’s website states “We like stonework that serves a purpose and feels natural to a site. We like tile work that exists in harmony with the rest of your home. Simplicity with a touch of the unexpected.”

“Working with Joe is always a pleasure,” Norton’s friend, Steve Berger of Knickerbocker Group said. “It’s not just that you can count on him to get the job done; it’s his blissful demeanor in doing so. He’s both artisan and artist in a world that is increasingly mass produced.”

Norton said one of his reliefs was recently 'liked' on his Facebook page by someone in Morocco. “Now something like 5,000 people in Morocco have 'liked' it.” But he's not an artist. “I am single though,” he said.

Norton can be reached at 207-380-1948 or joe@mainestones.com.

The Chewonki Foundation in Wiscasset is opening an innovative, intentionally small independent day school, the Elementary School at Chewonki, for grades 3-6, in September 2016. A pilot version of the program has been under way this year. Families interested can attend an open house on Sunday, March 13, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at Chewonki.

“We believe deeply in the value of rigorous academic and experiential outdoor learning for students of all ages,” said Willard Morgan, president of Chewonki. “Chewonki’s board of trustees voted unanimously on February 10 to graduate this year’s successful pilot program into a school for grades 3-8. We have educated children this age for 101 years in summer and school-year programs. Now we are inviting families from surrounding towns to learn about the Elementary School for next year and beyond.” Grades 7 and 8 will be added over the next several years as the school grows to a planned size of 36 students.

The school’s curriculum combines academics with outdoor experience through an integrated program of science, math, reading, writing, social studies, and the arts. Students spend a significant part of each day learning in nature. The place-based focus of the program allows investigative, real-world learning so students can develop meaningful ties to the community and the natural world.The social curriculum is equally important and nurtures lifelong learners.

“Each day, we incorporate team-­building and challenge activities that include sharing work and ideas, small-group collaboration, and reflecting together to ensure that all voices are heard,” explained Kat Radune, lead teacher. “We create an autonomous and supportive learning environment for all students. And we have fun!”

The school takes full advantage of Chewonki’s unique resources, including 101 years of expertise in nature-based teaching; a working farm; animals, from sheep to owls; and 400 acres of forest, fields, intertidal shoreline, ponds, and salt marsh, allowing myriad opportunities for hands-on learning; fosters problem-solving through engaging students in real-life, place-based activities; and offers curriculum relevant to Next Generation Science Standards, National Council for Social Studies Learning Targets, and Common Core standards for mathematics and literacy.

Morgan added, “We expect our experience with the Elementary School to inform and augment our collaboration with educators in Maine, especially our local school partners.”

The open house will give parents and children the opportunity to explore the classroom and campus, meet staff, understand the flow of the school day and curriculum, and learn more about the enrollment process, including financial aid available based upon demonstrated need. Spaces are limited for 2016-2017. Additional open houses are scheduled for April 10 and May 15, 2-3:30 p.m.

RSVP to Anna Hunt at elementaryschool@chewonki.org or207-882-7323. For more information about the school, go to chewonki.org.

Midcoast Conservancy is delighted to announce the addition of Andrew Bezon to its staff. Andrew will take over the position of forest and recreation specialist from Andy McEvoy, who is leaving Maine.

“Andrew’s wealth of experience and talent is tailor made for Midcoast Conservancy, as we grow Hidden Valley Nature Center and continue to build bridges between people and the natural world,” says Executive Director Jody Jones. Andrew did his undergraduate studies at the State University of New York at Brockport and received a master’s in educational leadership/experiential education at Minnesota State University in Mankato. In Wrangell, Alaska, he worked with at-risk youth in a therapeutic wilderness program and as a wilderness consultant. Since 2012, Andy has worked for the Chewonki Foundation, most recently as the assistant director of outdoor classroom/summer wilderness trips. Andy has extensive experience as an educator of Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder, in rough carpentry and woodlot management, as an instructor of cross-country skiing and chainsaw safety, and is both a certified Maine Physical Education teacher and Registered Maine Guide.

As the forest and recreation specialist, Andy will be responsible for day-to-day oversight of Hidden Valley Nature Center, coordinating Timber Frame Construction and Chainsaw Safety workshops, outdoor furniture building and marketing, and forestry-related landowner education programs, as well as clinics, races and other HVNC events. In addition, he will oversee trail and building maintenance on all Midcoast Conservancy projects and properties and work to increase access to recreational opportunities for community members. 

“I am committed to helping people develop a relationship with the natural world, and am looking forward helping create even more recreation opportunities, so people of all ages can enjoy an active lifestyle,” Andy says. He is excited to be part of the Midcoast Conservancy mission, and to continue what has been started there. He is looking forward to putting down roots in the Midcoast community with his family. Andy and his wife Haley, who works at the Edgecomb Eddy school, have two young children and live in South Bristol.

A story ran in the August 4, 1972 issue of the Portland Press Herald with the headline: “A Future for Seaweed?”

The answer is yes.

The story was about a young entrepreneur, Robert Morse, who started a seaweed processing business, the Samoset Algae Co., in 1971.

Originally from Marlborough, Massachusetts, Morse is a merchant marine engineer who sailed in the Vietnam era. His family used to spend every August in Boothbay Harbor on their schooner. In 1962 his parents purchased a home on Samoset Road.

One of the first members of Maine's Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, Morse became interested in the benefits of seaweed when he planted his first garden. “I wanted to grow an organic garden and I saw an ad for liquid seaweed. There was a picture of the Norwegian coast, and when I got their brochure, it looked like my front yard, the Sheepscot River. I thought, 'I could do that.'”

It wasn't an entirely foreign concept to Morse. “When I was 12, on Cape Cod, my cousins were harvesting Irish sea moss. My first job was pulling the starfish and mussels out of sea moss.”

His products are now sold nationwide.

Now North American Kelp, the company is located in Waldoboro where kelp, harvested off the coast of Maine, is processed.

On March 7, Morse's 30,000 square foot processing plant was buzzing with activity. A 25-ton harvest of seaweed had been brought in.

According to the Portland Press Herald story, in 1972 the seaweed was being cut from the rocks by a couple of young employees, Pete Thayer and Bob Thompson. The seaweed was hauled in a dory, then dried outside in the sun. Once dry, the seaweed was ground up and made into a seaweed meal.

The process of drying the seaweed, or kelp, has gotten a little more complicated over the past 44 years.

Well, actually a lot more.

Instead of sunshine, Morse now uses wood pellets as fuel for drying. “They burn as clean as natural gas,” he said. “We've used Maine wood pellets for seven years. We're not buying any foreign fuel.”

The seaweed is mechanically harvested, using seven owner-operated mechanical harvesters fishing for seaweed in bays and inlets, from Eastport to Casco Bay.

Once the kelp has been trucked to the plant, it is conveyed to a large, rotating wood-fired drum to dry. Four pounds of wet seaweed will make one pound of dry.

The dried kelp meal is then blown into 2,500-pound “bulk bags,” and eventually winds up in 50-pound bags for distribution to farms and grain companies to be used as an organic feed supplement for dairy cows and other farm animals, and as a soil conditioner to garden center companies. “A dairy cow takes two ounces a day,” Morse said. “We have thousands of animals on our feed supplement.”

The granular meal is a green color, like the color of rockweed, the type of seaweed used in the process. “The coloration is what we're after,” Morse said. “We're able to do a very low temperature drying to get as high a quality as Iceland does with geothermal drying. All the Icelandic kelp meal has a nice green color. We're able to match that color.”

Iceland brings in 2,000 to 2,500 tons of this product annually through Portland harbor.

According to a University of Maine study Morse said there are a million tons of rockweed on the coast of Maine. Currently being harvested annually is around 1.4 percent or 14,000 tons. “The beds that we've harvested since 1971 have 30 percent more seaweed in them than when we started,” Morse said. “By properly cultivating the beds by harvesting the re-growth is increased.”

Morse said that with ocean acidification increasing, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences has been documenting that rockweed harvesting is a good way to reduce the carbon, which would increase the alkalinity of the ocean. Properly harvesting the rockweed can help overcome the ocean acidification.

“We have a 16-inch cutting height,” he said. “Canada has a 10-inch cutting height. We have the highest cutting in all the five countries that harvest rockweed commercially. As a result, 25 percent of that million tons is in permanent conservation. There's not a fishery on the coast that has a more harvestable biomass, reserved continuously, than the rockweed fishery.”

Morse said there's a billion dollar market for seaweed, if the available seaweed was properly harvested and processed. “Right now 80 percent of our marine products are lobsters,” he said. “When I started in ’71, lobsters were around 10 percent. We need to develop some of the other fisheries.” Morse believes the seaweed industry could be bigger than the lobster one, unless lobster processing was brought back to Maine from Canada. “If they did that, instead of a 500 million dollar fishery, it would be a 2 ½ to 3 billion dollar fishery,” he said. “But for some reason we let New Brunswick process all our Maine lobster.”

Seaweeds have been used for fertilizer and food for thousands of years. The North American Kelp website states that “the northern New England coast is one of the more productive seaweed growing areas in the world. Its climate, over 3,000 miles of rocky habitat, abundance of nutrient-rich waters and a large tidal flow make it an ideal habitat for seaweeds.”

Morse said there was a forerunner to his seaweed business in the Boothbay area.

“Luther Maddox had a wood-fired rotary drum drier at Dogfish Head on Southport in the 1860s,” he said. “He was drying rockweed two miles from where I started, on Samoset Road, and making a soil conditioner and sending it to tobacco farmers in Connecticut. We built a wood-fired rotary drum seven years ago. I call it 'Back to the Future.’”

The company employs around 30 people and Morse said they would hire more. “We're open for multiple applications.”

North Atlantic Kelp also produces a line of liquid seaweed fertilizers.

Call 1-888-662-5357 for more information, or visit the website, http://www.noamkelp.com.

The Central Lincoln County YMCA in Damariscotta and the Boothbay Region YMCA will host free lacrosse clinics for boys and girls in grades 1-8. These clinics are free, however, registration is required online, over the phone or in person at your home YMCA.

The clinics will be held: Tuesday, March 29, 3:30-5 p.m. at CLC YMCA; Tuesday, April 5 3:30-5 p.m. at CLC YMCA; Thursday, March 31 3:30-5 p.m. at BR YMCA; and Thursday, April 7 3:30-5 p.m. at BR YMCA

Participants with equipment should feel free to bring, otherwise equipment will be provided. Transportation from one Y to the other may be available -- please visit your home Y for more information and to see all of the great programming happening at your home YMCA. Visit clcymca.org or boothbayregionymca.org.

The Central Lincoln County YMCA in Damariscotta will host a 3-on-3 basketball tournament April 2 and 3.

Games for youth (boys and girls) grades 3–6 will be played April 2 and games for youth (boys and girls) in grades 7-8 will be played April 3.

Early registration by March 22 will be $60/per team, after March 23, the fee will be $70/per team. Open shoot will be between 8:15 and 8:45 a.m. and games begin at 9 a.m. both days.

For more information on programming at the CLC YMCA, visit clcymca.org.

The CLC YMCA, in partnership with the Boothbay Region YMCA, is offering new teen leadership opportunities at Camp Knickerbocker this summer for 6-8 grade youth. The two leadership programs will be lead by CLC YMCA Program Coordinator Karen-Ann Hagar.

Joe Clark, senior program director, said, “The program for CITs and LITs will not only help build leadership skills at Camp Knickerbocker, but also skills to help at home, school, and the community. The CIT and LIT students will have the opportunity to have hands on learning experiences that will help build the leaders of tomorrow.”

Our Leader in Training (LIT) program is a summer camp program for youth who are entering 6th or 7th grade. This program is an excellent opportunity to learn leadership strategies, build team skills and develop a healthy work ethic. As an LIT, youth are expected to take on responsibilities associated with counseling and instructing while being supervised and guided. The LIT program is a summer-long commitment. For those campers who are successful, there is also an opportunity to return to camp as a CIT the summer prior to their 8th grade yearto gain additional leadership experience.

The Counselors in Training (CIT) program for incoming 8th grade students, will help young people learn how to effectively lead campers and gain experience and knowledge in youth development through mentoring programs, team building, fun group activities and more. The program emphasizes professional etiquette, working within a hierarchy and working with peers. The transition from LIT to CIT will emphasize moving from personal development to using the skills they have learned at camp to help guide the next generation of campers. 

As a way to give back to her community what was given her, Karen-Ann Hagar has made it her passion to guide pre-teens and teens through their path of discovery and life ventures. Starting at the age of 12 years old, Karen-Ann remembers the genuine rally of community members of teachers, pastors, neighbors, family, youth leaders and more.

The CIT program for Grade 8 participants is a free program. The LIT program for Grades 6-7 is $550 for the entire summer. Contact Program Coordinator Karen-Ann Hagar at khagar@clcymca.org or 207-563-9622 for more information on how to register to become an LIT or CIT.

For more information on Summer Camp, visit CLCYMCA.org

Spending active time outdoors is good for individuals and it’s good for families. More and more research is showing that spending a little bit of time being physical outside has significant health benefits for people of all ages. As winter disappears and spring fever sets in let’s take stock of all the upcoming opportunities for outdoor fun and exercise that Midcoast Conservancy has lined up.

If you’re really eager to hit the trails, be sure to sign up for the six-week Trail Run Training Series at Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC). Each Wednesday from April 20 to May 25 runners of all levels can join others for a casual, non-competitive trail run. A short course and a longer course will be marked each week, and runners can start anytime between 4:30 and 6 p.m. It’s a great chance to meet other runners, explore the trails at HVNC, and stay committed to six weeks of outdoor exercise. Plus, you’ll get a good jump start on training for the annual Race Through the Woods trail race at HVNC in October.

If you have younger kids at home, ages 10 and 14, make sure to get them signed up for the Canoe and Paddle Board Camp we’re hosting with the Maine Winter Sports Center on June 21-23. Participants will learn the basics of canoeing and standup paddle boarding on Damariscotta Lake. After that, they can all spend the rest of summer on Little Dyer Pond at HVNC, Damariscotta Lake, or even on the Sheepscot River!

All this is above and beyond the everyday opportunities available to all members: access to 60+ miles of trails and opportunities to paddle on Little Dyer Pond, Damariscotta Lake, and the Sheepscot River. Events like these are designed to give you the confidence and skills you need to explore the beautiful places around you. Be sure to check our website http://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events/ for a complete listing of all the upcoming events. Then, get outside!

The CLC YMCA, in partnership with the Boothbay Region YMCA, is offering a combined and expanded summer camp experience to provide kids ages 3+ in Lincoln County with an adventurous, active and healthy summer.

Registration is now open for more than 70 camps with camps beginning June 20. Campers will be provided with a free lunch and breakfast and transportation will be provided from the CLC YMCA to Camp Knickerbocker.

Scholarships are available for all camps and applications can be found online at your home YMCA's website and must be submitted by May 27. Payment plans are also available for all camps. Programs for Leaders in Training (LIT) for Grades 6-7 and Counselors in Training (CIT), a free program for Grade 8.

Summer camp registration is online at clcymca.org for members of the CLC YMCA and boothbayregionymca.org for Boothbay Region YMCA members. This summer's camp lineup includes Scampers and Critters, Sailing, Adventure, Y-Arts, Dance Sports and specialty camps. Summer Camp questions should be directed to the Camp Registrar at campregistrar@brymca.org.

Newcastle’s Local Planning Committee has finalized its plans for a mid-spring extravaganza that will encourage residents to come out and participate in the development of the town’s comprehensive plan.

Residents have noticed “This is Newcastle” signs sprouting up on lawns and in windows around town. Now, Newcastle is planning a weekend of entertainment, informative topic sessions and, of course, plenty of food and Newcastle beverages for anyone interested in learning more about the town. The goal is to attract citizens who want to be part of comprehensive plan development.

The festivities begin on Thursday, April 28 at 5:30 p.m. with pizza and refreshments, at the Lincoln Academy ATEC Center, Room 409, followed by a hands-on workshop. The Community “Check In” and block party will be held on Saturday, April 30, at 68 Main Street, from noon through 6 p.m., with a beer garden at 5:30, a presentation and conversation at 6 p.m., and a bonfire at 7:30. A wrap-up presentation and dessert will be held on Monday, May 2, at the Newcastle Fire Station Community Room at 86 River Road. The presentation begins at 6 p.m.

Throughout the long weekend, topic meetings will include: Active Living; Public Safety and Public Services; Building in Newcastle; a Business Mixer — Supporting the Local Economy; Farming; Forestry and working lands; Community; Arts; Education; Social Services; and a Pop-up design studio.

The Mid-Coast Sports Car Club has been home to foreign sports and touring cars since 2001. Members participate in numerous activities throughout the year such as road rallies, Funkhanas, autocross, hill climbs, car shows and driving tours to interesting places. Training is available for any event.

If you own a foreign sports or touring car, you should consider joining the group.

More information is available at: www.mmscc.com, or send questions to: mmscc@fostersonline.net.

The last time Dresden twins Jaxx and Jett Dowling hunted for Easter eggs in Wiscasset, the brothers were 1 and got one egg apiece, their mother Taylor Alley recalled.

On Saturday, they were back at the hunt, on what is now the Wiscasset Middle High School track. Alley estimated the two got 20 eggs each.

“This time, we got success.”

Besides the eggs, it was another Easter memory made, she said.

The boys, who turn 5 in May, occasionally bit at the pastel-colored, plastic eggs before opening them and showing family members the gum, rings, candy and erasers they found inside.

“A frog,” Jett Dowling, toy in hand, announced to cousin Danielle Kotow, another of Alley’s several family members who joined in the fun Saturday.

Jaxx Dowling said his favorite part of the event was the Easter Bunny. His brother liked the eggs best.

Wiscasset Parks and Recreation’s facility and programs manager Bob MacDonald moved about with a bullhorn, encouraging the participants; they had bags and baskets and either held an adult’s hand or ran back to their adult then headed off for more of the 6,000-plus eggs. Those who found one of 24 sparkled eggs met up with organizers for a stuffed animal prize. They’re bunnies, MacDonald said as he held up one that sported a football and was still up for grabs in the waning moments of the hunt.

The event filled the school’s parking lot.

MacDonald said it looked like the turnout may have surpassed last year’s count of 177 participants. “We had a wonderful time,” he said as Wiscasset’s Easter Bunny, silent as always, gave a thumbs up in agreement.

The sky changed on the gray morning shortly before the event. “I called it,” MacDonald said about predicting sun. “And it was the weirdest thing, it wasn’t five minutes and then the sun came out. The Easter Bunny came through,” he added.

Spring in Maine means a lot of good things: longer, warmer days, robins, budding trees and maple syrup.

On March 26, there were some blue balloons and a sign at the corner of Eddy and Cross Point roads in Edgecomb, and the faintest aroma of boiling maple sap was wafting around.

Chris Sieracki and his wife Margot Stiassni-Sieracki had posted the sign: “1.1 miles to Maple Syrup Saturday. Henhouse Sugaring, at 232 Cross Point Road,” a small locally owned maple syrup producer.

Chris Sieracki was in his sugar house cooking up a batch of sweet-smelling sap in a large metal container with three separate compartments. All three were full of the stuff, and bubbling away. “This is a maple syrup evaporator,” he said. “Its main job is to cook the sap and to evaporate water from it.”

The clear sap starts in one of the three compartments, where it boils at a high temperature, then enters the second 'pre-syrup' compartment, through holes in a divider, and finally into the third one, where it finishes cooking. At that point Sieracki tests the syrup for the correct sugar density, which he said is 66 percent.

Next the syrup is transferred through a filter into a large bin, with a burner, to sterilize it. “I bring it up to 180 degrees so that mold and bacteria are killed off,” he said. Then it’s bottled and labeled.

Sieracki said he had been using the old method of hanging buckets from the trees, then he began using sap lines, and a friend showed him a way to pump the sap with a vacuum system. “The pump that was suggested was very expensive, so I went online and found better pumps for a lot less money — around one fifth the cost.”

There are 400 maple trees and 150 taps behind the house. The sap is pumped into a large tank at the back of the sugar house. From there it’s pumped into the sugar house when he’s ready to cook it. The plastic tubing running from the trees is clear plastic, so visitors can see the sap being pumped on its way to the sugarhouse.

Sieracki said he started making syrup 25 years ago, but has only been using the current setup for three years. “We started in Vermont, and moved here 20 years ago. There was a hen house here on the property that we turned into a sugar house,” hence the name, Henhouse Sugaring.

The Sierackis are hoping for 40 gallons of syrup this season. That represents around 3,500 gallons of sap.

The running of sap is highly dependent on dramatic changes in temperature from night to morning. It starts running when there is a frost at night and a warm day following. This was a good winter for it. It began early and, due to the temperatures, it’s a long season. “We started cooking on February 1 this year, due to the relatively warm temperatures,” Sieracki said.

“The biggest sap day of this year was the same day those thunderstorms came through at 5:30 in the morning. Everybody remembers that day. The same day the house burned down on Westport Island. I was in here making syrup like crazy and I heard all these sirens, because Westport is only a mile away, across the water.”

He said it's been a little slower since, because there hasn't been such a dramatic change in temperature. “It went from below freezing to in the 50s that day.”

One of the visitors on Saturday, Larry Roy, said he knew a little about maple sugaring. He had relatives in Canada who made their own syrup many years ago. “It was an old-fashioned approach,” he said. “They used a huge pan — around five by ten feet — and cooked the sap on a huge wood stove. The big treat for kids was to pour the syrup over the snow and make candy.”

The syrup-making will continue for as long as there is a good frost at night and a warm day following. Last year Sieracki said he made syrup from February 2 until the first week in April. “I think it's going to be another early and long season.

“The day every sugar maker dreads is when it gets into the 60s. The sap stops flowing. The trees are like, 'OK, now it's time to grow!'”

When all is said and done, the final product is thick and golden brown and oh so sweet.

“I'm a technical person,” Sieracki said. “Technical challenges are really interesting. It's not just putting a bucket on a tree and collecting sap and boiling it. Everything can be improved with a little bit of technology. The sap yield can be improved with appropriate use of pumps. There's so much more you can keep doing.

“I think about this year-round, day and night.” Sieracki said. “It's an obsession. I was testing reverse osmosis in our yard last summer to see if I could get it to work. It's a hobby and a passion, and I obsess over it because I want it to come out right.”

Henhouse Sugaring’s phone number is 207-931-7039. Call ahead to be sure the sugar house is operating. It’s well worth the trip.

On the morning of March 23, Tim Tibbetts had plans to haul out and demolish the float at his home on Christmas Cove, Southport Island. While he was waiting for his friend Gerry Gamage to show up, he decided to take a walk down to the float. As the float, which was slanted downward, came into view, Tim knew it would be a while before they got to all that hauling out and demolishing.

“I just happened to go down there (to the float),” Tibbetts said. “I got three to four feet from the (harbor) seal, and I could see the gill net wrapped around his neck and a back flipper. He didn't try to jump back in the water; I don't know if he could swim as he was and maybe the salt in the water made his wound burn.”

Tibbetts went back up to the house and told his wife, Kathy, about the seal he estimated was around 30 pounds.

“We knew we had to call somebody,” Kathy said. “So I called 9-1-1. I told the operator about the seal and what we needed. She told me 'this number is for emergencies' and I told her that little guy needed help and if he wasn't an emergency I didn't know what was. She was quiet for a few seconds after that.”

The operator gave Kathy the number for the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Massachusetts. NOAA then contacted Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME), that in turn contacted volunteer responder Lisa Perry in Boothbay Harbor. Perry took on this role back in 2006 with the former Strandings Program.

“It wasn't a safe situation,” Perry said of the scene. “He (the seal) was out at the end of a pier that was in bad condition and in the process of being removed. Tim and Gerry went out to the end of the dock with a rope and to try and pull him closer to shore. (The seal) fell into the water briefly. They pulled him up onto the dock and I put a blanket over him and we managed to get him into the travel crate.”

“Poor soul, he didn't seem to want to go back in the salt water,” Gamage said, “but, he didn't really like us that near to him. We tried to use a blanket before the rope, but the wind wasn't making that easy. That's why we used the rope.”

“We lifted him up and I thought geez, he's a lot more than 30 pounds! He looked so small on the float.”

The seal wasn't happy about any of this. Perry said he hissed and growled the whole time. As Perry recalled, “He was quite the lively one! You would never have known he was injured.”

Perry said the seal wasn't quite 1 year old and weighed around 60 pounds.

She drove the seal as far as Brunswick where she met Assisting Stranding Coordinator Dominique Walk. Walk transported the seal to the triage center in Harpswell where his wounds were treated and where he would stay until his condition was stabilized. In addition to its outward injuries, the harbor seal had a severe respiratory infection. He remained in Harpswell until Friday when he was transferred to the clinic at Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut dedicated to caring for injured harbor and gray seals.

Kathy and Tim have heard the seal's health is improving thanks to a course of antibiotics. The couple plans to drive down to Connecticut, or wherever he will be released back into the wild.

“Mystic releases mammals most (often) off Blue Shutters Beach in Rhode Island,” Kathy said.

“Kathy really wants to go, so we'll drive down, probably see the aquarium while we're there,” said Tim. “It was good to be able to help.”

Perry said that without the action taken by the Tibbetts and Gamage, the seal would have died.

To report a sighting of injured and/or stranded marine mammals, call MMoME's toll free number: 1-800-532-9551. Pup season runs April through June and more volunteers are needed during this time. For more information on this non-profit organization, and to learn about becoming a volunteer responder, like Perry, visit http://mmome.org.

For the past three years, Boothbay Harbor has been the home of a one-of-a-kind opportunity for children and young adults ages 5 to 17. The Boothbay Sea and Science Center is a program that provides sailing and science education all wrapped up into one fun, inspirational eight-week package.

Last year’s Boothbay Sea and Science Center spring solicitation letter stated: “The Boothbay Sea and Science Center is committed to community and to its promise that no child will be left on the dock.”

The center was conceived of in 2011 by a small group of Boothbay community leaders. In 2012, the group hosted a business after hours event at the Boothbay Harbor Shipyard, around the time the HMS Bounty sank after leaving that very place. The program of informing the community about the center was combined with a memorial for the Bounty, and for the two crew members who lost their lives that day.

The organization is the brainchild of President/Executive Director Pauline Dion. “We all felt that there was a need for a community program that focused on basic sailing skills and affordable access to the waterfront,” she said.

The community rallied around the idea of the newly named Boothbay Sea and Science Center.

The program was launched in 2013, at Wotton's Wharf, with one sailing director/instructor, Gray Ferris. “We had one turnabout, one 23-foot sailboat and three rowboats,” Dion said. “It was strictly rowing and sailing that summer, and it was successful.” The enrollment was 23 students, ages 5 to 17.

At that point Dion realized needed more space was needed. The program moved its headquarters to the old Spar Shed Marina in East Boothbay.

In 2014, there were five directors/instructors — three for sailing and two for science. “We introduced science that year,” Dion said. “We had the use of a weather station that the owner of the Spar Shed had installed,” she said. The science program entails pretty much anything having to do with the ocean — marine sciences and weather, water temperature and wind.

The enrollment that year went up to 54.

Dion said that with the growth spurt, there arose the need for yet more space, so in 2015 the program was moved to Ocean Point Marina in East Boothbay. That summer, the sea and science programs were integrated for children ages 5 to 7 and the Mizzen Program was created — the first of its kind in Maine. The age 10 to 15 group is called the Stay’s’ l program.

2015 brought 57 students, 28 females and 29 males, ranging in age from 5 to 15.

The fleet at the center now boasts five turnabouts, two fixed-keel sailboats and eight rowing dinghies – all on loan. A K-6 — a high-tech 19-foot racing sailboat — and an Ideal 18 were also just donated.

Dion said there is no power on any of the boats, which are used for not only teaching sailing skills, but also for science. Utilizing scientific equipment on the boats, the kids are learning about the principles of weather and marine plants and animals. “They're doing some data collecting and water sampling, and gaining an appreciation for oceanography.”

And there's a touch tank for marine animals. “We get our critters from DMR (Department of Marine Resources),” Dion said. “We have a special license for them. You can't even put a mussel or a clam in a touch tank without a license. It's called captivity. So it's OK for you to put mussels and clams in a pot of boiling water, but not in a touch tank!”

The program also includes educating kids about the lobster fishery. Dion has a recreational lobstering license for five traps. The traps are set close to the dock at Ocean Point Marina. Nicholas Morley, who has 150 traps for commercial fishing, set them last summer, and spoke to the group. “Five-year-olds were mesmerized by him,” Dion said. “You could hear a pin drop.” Morley will be participating in the program again this summer. He uses his own 23-foot lobster boat for hauling. Note to lobstermen: The lobsters are thrown back.

The projected enrollment for 2016 is 65 participants. “We're introducing the topsail program for participants who are ready to move to the next level with sailing,” Dion said.

There will be six instructors this summer, including an education director, a waterfront director and four instructors. Dion said the education director and three of the instructors are coming from Maine Maritime Academy. The program is currently looking for a sailing instructor, 18 years old or older.

This summer’s program will include inspirational speakers and educators like sailmaker Nat Wilson, and representatives from Ocean Point Marina, Boothbay Harbor Shipyard, Bigelow Laboratory, U.S. Coast Guard Boothbay Harbor, Hodgdon Yachts and DMR.

“All these kinds of programs are community-based and we're all trying to work together,” Dion said. “We're trying to open doors of opportunity for kids. It's not just about sailing and science. It's about history, it's about literature, it's about art and architecture. It's all about life skills.

“An important part of our mission is to open doors of opportunity for kids, and we're hoping we'll have a big impact on the little guys. We're really excited about the enrollment and we're noticing that some of the kids who began at around age 5 are now 6 or 7 and are adding weeks because they want to be here. Our age 5 to 9 program has really grown, and we love watching these kids and seeing what they'll do down the road.”

Dion said the program is always looking for donations of turnabouts and rowboats.

The Boothbay Sea and Science Center now offers online registration at www.boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org. Early registration is recommended.

The program opens on June 27 and closes on August 19.

To learn more about how you can donate a boat or volunteer at the center, contact Pauline Dion at info@boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org or call 207 350-5357.

Skidompha’s Chats with Champions Committee and Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop are delighted to announce that Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper columnists Jeffrey and Allison Wells, well-known birders, Maine natives, and authors of "Maine’s Favorite Birds," are the featured speakers for the Tuesday, April 5, Chats program in the library’s Porter Meeting Hall.

As spring approaches, this is the perfect time to learn more about our state’s birds. The authors’ 72-page guidebook is a great resource for anyone curious about Maine’s natural world, without the expense and perhaps confusion of more advanced field guides. There will be copies to purchase and have autographed.

The Wellses describe "Maine’s Favorite Birds"as a “gateway book,” a guide that offers people the basics in birding. They wrote it for those who enjoy birds and want to know more about what they’re hearing and viewing; that includes children and every age in between.

“We see this book as a way to get people excited about birds — people who aren’t studying birds as a living or making a commitment to go birding every weekend,” Allison Wells said. “[Birds] really do add so much enrichment to life.”

They highlight more than 100 birds loved by Mainers, a lineup based on years of experience researching, leading bird walks, answering questions, and discussing birds with Maine residents and visitors.

Along with scientific bird descriptions the book includes birding tips, easy-to-remember song descriptions, birding hot spots and ways birders can put their observations to use for science and conservation.

Jeff and Allison focused on the birds that people are most likely to see in their everyday lives, in backyards, parks, wild areas, and nature preserves. Paired with colorful detailed paintings by artist Evan Barbour, the guide is both practical and beautiful.  Barbour earned his bachelor of arts from Reed College and a credential in scientific illustration from the University of California-Santa Cruz.

The book has had an excellent reception and remains on several lists of recommended bird field guides.

Jeffrey Wells, Ph.D., is a Fellow of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Dr. Wells is one of the nation's leading bird experts and conservation biologists, and author of “Birder’s Conservation Handbook.” Allison Childs Wells, formerly of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is a senior director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine, a statewide nonprofit membership organization. Both are widely published natural history writers. The Wellses live in Gardiner with their young son and two indoor cats.

For more information visit www.mainesfavoritebirds.com and also “like” their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MainesFavoriteBirdsfor posts and spectacular photographs.

“Chats with Champions” is a free community offering from your national award winning Skidompha Library.  Please allow time to locate parking.

After moving out of their shop in Damariscotta in November, Cara and Michael Gaffney have relocated. They took over the new retail space on the street level of 8 Wharf Street, Boothbay Harbor in December, and have been pouring candle wax all winter.

Seawicks Candle Company’s new space is finished in an industrial interior design, with exposed heat ducts and metallic greys that give it a modern, edgy feel. It is refined and elegant. “We love the industrial look, so we're really happy with it,” Cara said.

The Gaffneys said the shop is something they've dreamed of. “We liked being in Damariscotta, but we wanted to try it here, where we have a real connection,” Cara said. “Now we have a shop in the town that we have such great memories of.” The couple was married on Squirrel Island, where Cara's family has had a summer home since 1927.

Seawicks candles are made the old-fashioned way, all hand-poured in small batches. They only use 100-percent soy wax from American-grown soybeans. The fragrances are delicate — not the overly sweet or powerful aromas that so many scented candles are known for. The business’ website states: “Our scents are a direct reflection of life on the coast.”

The couple started making candles in a boathouse at their home in Edgecomb in 2011. They sold them from their shop in Damariscotta for three years; their candles are sold in 400 retail stores around the country, including L.L. Bean.

Candles can be ordered from their website, too.  “We weren't selling a lot through our website because people want to smell the candles before they buy them,” Michael said. “But people would come in to our Damariscotta store and take candles home, and then order more online. We saw a spike with our online business during the holiday season.”

Aside from the 32 different Seawicks candles, the company has added two more lines: The Weathered Sailor, and one for people more interested in things away from the coast. It's called Farm Fresh. “It's for stores that don't have a coastal vibe,” Michael said. “It has done very well.”

They have also added an all-natural bath soak collection and a citronella candle.

The Gaffneys spent a lot of the winter pouring candles and going to trade shows. On March 29, there was a large table covered with newly poured candles waiting to be cleaned up and labeled to ship to L.L. Bean.

There is still plenty to do before the doors of the new shop open, but it's already apparent that it's going to be a fun, welcoming place. The décor is exciting and upbeat. There's an eight-foot tuna sculpture hanging on one wall. It was with a charter sign on Martha's Vineyard in the 1960s and 1970s. Michael bought it and hauled it back to Maine in a pickup truck. “The tail was sticking out the back gate of the truck,” he said.

Along with the candles there will be some interesting, unusual gifts. “We want to keep it unique. We know what the other shops in town carry, and we want to have things they don’t have. We want our shop to reflect on our brand."

There hasn't been a lot of time to spend getting their new shop ready, with trade shows and making candles.

But the Gaffneys are having a good time with the interior decorating and set-up of their new shop. “It's brand new — we love it,” Michael said. “It's going to be a lot of fun here.”

The Gaffneys have also rented a space in the Jon Marsh Sign Co. building, on Route 27 in Boothbay, for production.

“We're really happy to be in the harbor,” Michael said. “It's a whole new vibe for us. We weren't able to do what we wanted to do with our brand at the last store because of the aesthetics. This place is aesthetically beautiful. I think it's going to lift our brand really well.”

The couple is looking for people to man (or woman) the Boothbay Harbor shop. Go to the Seawicks Candle Company website, www.seawicks.com or call 207-504-6212.

Come to the Open House on April 29 from 5 to 8. The shop will be open that weekend.

A Wiscasset man plans to run 31 miles to raise money and awareness for Parkinson's disease.

Hunter de Garmo, 36, began running seven years ago to fight drug and alcohol addiction. Now he runs distances of 50 miles at a time, as an ultra-marathoner. 

De Garmo has organized “Stride,” a Boothbay Harbor fundraiser for road racers of all levels, and anyone who can either walk, jog or run to raise money for Parkinson’s research.

Running and Parkinson's disease are two important factors in his life.

In 2004, de Garmo learned his mother, Barbara, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. The disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system. It affects movement and develops gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in one hand.

De Garmo began using running as therapy while living in Vermont. He started gradually by running for two minutes and walking for one. In  spring 2009, he ran his first 5k. As his running for recovery increased, so did the distances. Later that fall, he ran his first marathon.

In 2012, he ran his first ultra-marathon, which is either 50 kilometers or miles. His first one was 50 miles around Lake Cannadaigua in New York state. de Garmo has run three ultra-marathons. The other two were 31 miles. All of his ultra-marathons took between nine and 13 hours.

For de Garmo, running extreme distances was his way of beating addiction.

“It was the only thing that worked,” he said. “In recovery, running shows you what you’re capable of. Before running, the only time I pushed my body to the limit was with drugs and alcohol.”

He developed the idea for “Stride” during one of his long training sessions. He trains inside on the Boothbay Region YMCA indoor track. Besides listening occasionally to music, his runs are dominated by silence. His main focus is making sure his form is perfect for the best possible run.

“Around the track, you constantly see the sign walk, jog, run," he said. "I was thinking about a Parkinson’s fundraiser, but needed a name. That’s when it hit me, Stride.”

The fundraiser is open to everyone whether it’s jogging for a couple laps or showing up and cheering the runners on, said de Garmo. The event is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26.

De Garmo expects his 31-mile run that day will last nearly eight hours.

“I chose a distance that I could handle. The difference between 50K and five miles is huge. I can definitely finish 50K,” de Garmo said.

The Boothbay Region YMCA and de Garmo’s mother’s side of the family are among the fundraiser’s seven current sponsors. The Kohlasch family lives in New York state. They have made financial contributions to the fundraiser.

The BRYMCA has donated the use of the indoor track.

“They’ve been great. I’m here all the time training. So they were really receptive in providing the facility for this great cause,” de Garmo said.

Other sponsors include Hannaford Supermarket, Enchantments (de Garmo’s employer), Cottage Connections of Maine, Hammond Lumber and The Knickerbocker Group.

“There has been a lot of financial support. I haven’t counted it all, but it must be close to $10,000.”

A $10 registration fee is charged to all participants regardless of how far they run. All proceeds go to the Maine Parkinson Society.

De Garmo grew up in Newcastle and attended Lincoln Academy, but he never participated in athletics. These days running gives him a great sense of personal accomplishment. In the future, he hopes — for those afflicted with Parkinson’s — the fundraiser is a stride toward a cure.

Attention to all Babe Ruth players from Wiscasset and Boothbay: A decision has to be made by Friday, April 8 on whether or not the two towns will be able to field a team.

Please either text or email Coach Crocker at (207) 329-4558 or crockere2001@yahoo.com if you are interested in playing for the Wiscasset Bay team.

To be eligible you must be born prior to May 1, 2003 and on or after May 1, 2000. Wiscasset Bay plays in the Mid Coast Babe Ruth League for ages 13 to 15.

Midcoast Conservancy is delighted to have Brianna Smith on staff as the crew leader for its summer Youth Conservation Corps. She brings a wealth of experience and commitment to environmental issues to her work overseeing erosion mitigation projects on Damariscotta Lake.

Brianna is a native of Monmouth and a graduate of the University of Maine, Orono, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in marine science.

“After graduation,” she says, “I was determined to stay in Maine and face the environmental challenges in my own back yard.” She is currently pursuing a second degree in civil engineering at UMO, where she says, “I plan to combine my background in water science with engineering to protect Maine’s natural legacy through improved drainage infrastructure. With proper drainage of paved areas, stream-road crossings, and shorefront properties, water quality of our lakes and rivers can be protected. In addition, proper drainage can reduce the risk of floods and increase resiliency to environmental challenges like land development and climate change”.

Brianna’s background dovetails perfectly with the work of the Youth Conservation Corps “Buffer Brigade” of Midcoast Conservancy. The YCC crew spends the summer installing anti-erosion projects around the shores of Damariscotta Lake at the homes of residents who are committed to making their properties as lake-friendly as possible. Anyone interested in an evaluation of their property can contact Midcoast Conservancy’s Watershed Protection Specialist Garrison Beck at (207) 389-5157 or garrison@midcoastconservancy.org.

Brianna is looking forward to a productive summer on the lake, caring for the Midcoast watershed that is so vital to this area. She says, “River and lake water quality indicate the health of their surrounding watersheds. Further, all land is part of a watershed, from the wild forests to the sidewalks of downtown. Because land development changes how water moves through the watershed, it is important to consider the pollutants it may pick up and the increase in surface runoff, which could cause erosion or flooding. This is why proper drainage is a key component of best management practices, intended to protect watershed health and water quality. I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to improve drainage in the Damariscotta and Sheepscot watersheds this summer!”

On Tuesday, March 29, parents, students and the Wiscasset Parks and Recreation Department celebrated Muriel Corwin, gymnastics instructor and leader of the Flip, Fly and Tumble classes at the Wiscasset Community Center. For nearly 10 years she has lead children in classes that start at tumbling and coordination and finish with gymnastic routines on balance beams, parallel bars and floor routines.

Muriel’s passion for gymnastics started in Wiscasset as she advocated for a program at the WCC. She worked to secure the equipment needed for the program. She helped raise money for additional pieces of equipment as the years went on to enrich the classes. Her daughters, Mae and Emma, assisted in the teaching.

Morgan Dodge, her present assistant, Muriel’s students, and many of their parents and relatives rose in applause as they presented bouquets of roses and spring flowers to her. “She is a wonderful asset to our community and our programs” Bob MacDonald said. “She brings a smile everyday she is here and helps so many.”

The CLC YMCA in Damariscotta, in partnership with North Atlantic Gymnastics Academy, will offer a gymnastics camp this summer the week of August 1-5 from 9 a.m. to noon at the CLC YMCA. The fee for Y members is $100 and non-members is $150.

This camp is designed in such a way that girls with previous experience or those new to the sport will find success as well as expand their knowledge of strength and flexibility.

Campers will learn both fundamental and also advanced floor, balance beam, uneven bar and vault exercises as outlined by USA Gymnastics.

To register online for this camp please visit clcymca.org. Scholarship assistance is available. Applications for assistance can be downloaded from the website at clcyma.org and must be submitted by May 27, 2016.

Welcome to the Alewife Run and The Fish Ladder Restoration Festival in Damariscotta Mills! Whether you’re a fan of the alewife migration, a supporter of the Fish Ladder Restoration or just want to run alongside these amazing anadromous fish in a very scenic and special place, you’re going to enjoy this experience. We are planning our first 5K and 10K road race. Thank you to Lincoln Medical Partners and Becker Construction for sponsoring this event with additional support from Mexicali Blues.

Registration is $35 and includes an Atayne Race shirt with race packet. There will be “O’Fish-al” awards for the top three male and female finishers in the 5K and 10K races. We currently have gift certificates from Mexicali Blues for the first place finishers in each race. The proceeds from this race go to support the restoration and maintenance of Maine's oldest fish ladder and historically one of the largest and most productive alewife runs. For more information on this and for the registration link for the road race, visit www.damariscottamills.org The Events and Calendar tab have the link to race registration that includes the course and details for the event. Register early so you can reserve your shirt size preference.

For more info contact race coordinator Carlton Rauschenberg, (207) 333-7788, carlton@bigelow.org

Looking for an exciting, in-depth boating safety course? Central Lincoln County Adult Education is offering America's Boating Course beginning Tuesday, April 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The course will run for seven weeks and be held at Great Salt Bay School in Damariscotta.

This NASBLA certified course will provide students with the completion certificate needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification required in most states. In addition, many boat insurance companies offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete this course.

Not only will passing a boating safety course possibly provide a discount on boat insurance, it will also improve the water safety skills of participants. Boat safety courses are an excellent investment of time and money.

Course instruction will be provided by certified Wawenock Sail and Power Squadron instructors. Learn the basics of boating: rules of the road, navigational lights and buoys, use of compass for bearings, marine charts and introduction to piloting. Book and piloting tools are included. 

The course is $84 if you register by Tuesday, April 19, and $89 for all other registrations.

For more information call CLC Adult Education at 207-563-2811 or clcae@aos93.org.

Register online at http://clc.maineadulted.org, or fill out a registration form in the winter/spring 2015 CLC Adult Education brochure and mail with payment to: CLC Adult Education, 767 Main Street, 1-A Damariscotta, ME 04543.

When Gladney Mckay arrived as a participant in one of Hidden Valley Nature Center’s 4-day timber frame class last spring, she came with no experience but with a hope that one day soon she would have a timber frame cabin to put on the land she and her husband Bob own in Lubec.

Gladney spent four nights in one of HVNC’s cabins and participated in the intensive class. She found it so enjoyable and valuable that she convinced her husband to take the workshop starting April 28. And she was so impressed with the finished product that they have designed and purchased the frame that will be built in the upcoming workshop.

The timber frame courses offer a thorough introduction to most aspects of building a timber frame, and several short presentations on interesting related topics including a lesson on sustainable forestry and time spent with a saw mill operator in order to better understand why timber frame techniques are well suited to New England forests. One of the course sponsors is Hancock Lumber, a sixth-generation, family-owned Maine business that has been working with timberlands, sustainable forestry, logging contractors, and builders since its inception. Why partner with HVNC? Hancock’s Eric Dolloff offers his thoughts: “Programs like Hidden Valley’s timber framing workshop are critical in our state. Connecting students in our communities to viable trades and career paths in Maine is so valuable. With an aging population and labor shortages in our industry, students need more chances to connect to real-world skills and opportunities available here in the Pine Tree state. Hidden Valley is leading the way to promote and provide this kind of real-life experiential training for students. Hancock is a proud supporter of this program.”

For people like Gladney and Eric, the value in timber frame knowledge is not difficult to understand. When the sturdy frames are raised after four days of intensive education and manual labor, a powerful link between Maine’s past and future has been created.

There is still space in the April 28th course; for more information, go to www.hvnc.org or call Andy at 389 5156. HVNC is part of Midcoast Conservancy, midcoastconservancy.org.

Looking to get back out on some trails after a long winter? Perhaps you're a road runner who's always wanted to try trail running, but weren't sure of a good route?

Or maybe you're new to running and are just looking for a fun way to get fit and enjoy nature at the same time!

Runners of all levels are invited to join Hidden Valley Nature Center and Midcoast Conservancy at the second annual Spring Trail Running Training Series starting April 20 and running for six consecutive Wednesdays. Hosted at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson and sponsored by Trail Monster Running Club, you'll have the opportunity over the six-week session to run a scenic marked loop of either 3- or 6-mile trail.

Come anytime between 4:30 and 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and run the loop of your choosing — either by yourself or with a group. This is an informal training series designed to be self-competitive, where you will be timed and you can track your progress each week on the course. Volunteers will be on hand to provide bibs, timing, water, and lots of encouragement!

At the end of the series on May 25, we will host a potluck cookout and hand out prizes to all participants. It’s a great way to get in shape, discover the trails and facilities at HVNC and have some spring fun!

For more information and registration, visit www.hvnc.org/trailtraining. Runners are encouraged to sign up in advance for the entire series, but day-of registration will be possible. The cost for all six weeks ranges from $20-$35, and is free for kids under 13. Day of registration will be $8. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Child care will be available each week while parents run. Cost is $5 per child, per week. Dress appropriately for outdoor play and bring snacks- all ages welcome.

Part of Midcoast Conservancy, HVNC in Jefferson is a nonprofit education and recreation center hosting many diverse opportunities to explore the outdoors. HVNC is open to the public 365 days a year, dawn to dusk. For more information about Midcoast Conservancy or HVNC events visit midcoastconservancy.or, http://hvnc.org/events-and-workshops/, write to news@midcoastconservancy.org, or call 207-389-5150.

I'm a salt freak. I salt practically everything I eat. And pink is my favorite color. My salt of choice is, of course, pink Himalayan.

Though the pretty pink stuff claims lots of health benefits, due to its high mineral content, I like it for its color and beauty. And its saltiness.

Salt is one of the oldest known seasonings used for food. It is an essential nutrient, but too much may be detrimental to health. At around 40 percent sodium and 60 percent chloride, salt, if used in excess, can raise the risk of high blood pressure and hypertension.

I like to think a martini is healthy. The salty olive is tempered by the calming effect of the gin. Blood pressure remains stable.

All salt is either evaporated from brine, or mined. Table salt is often iodized to provide iodine to the diet, and anti-caking agents are added. Sea salt, as the name implies, is evaporated from the sea, and contains trace minerals.

The pink Himalayan salt, with hues ranging from off-white to a dark pink, is hand-mined from the Himalayan mountains. It's so pretty I almost hate to use it. But it's salt, so I do.

Most of the salt in our diets comes from processed and restaurant food. In my defense, I do most of my own cooking, using fresh ingredients. I don't use, or consume, much processed food. So most of my salt intake comes from the pinches, albeit more pinches than most would consider normal, that I sprinkle on at the table.

I don't use a shaker. My father used one only to shake salt into the palm of his hand, then take pinches from it to sprinkle on his food. (He taught me to make Manhattans too.) I have a pretty little salt bowl and I take pinches from it to salt my food. You may have gathered by now (if you've been reading my food columns) that my table setting is almost as important as the food. The chunky pink salt looks beautiful in the clear glass bowl with its pale purple glass cover.

Last weekend I picked up a bottle of rosé at Trader Joe's. Rosé is in now. It's not the sweet stuff you used to get before developing a mature taste for decent wine. I hadn't drunk pink wine since getting sick after drinking a bottle of Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill during a Frank Zappa concert at Windham College in Vermont in the 70s.

Last night I got the chilled bottle out of the fridge and dug out a nice pale pink wine glass (I have a huge selection of glasses that I've collected over the years, being a beautiful glass freak, too). I got the Roku set up for my next episode of “Nurse Jackie,” and set the table with a pink and white Marimekko table cloth, a pink steak knife (I have a set of six different pastel colors of steak knives), a pinky orange and white plate, and my favorite silver-plated antique fork. And of course the pink salt in the pretty dish, and the pink wine in the pink glass. (Believe it or not I was wearing a pink bathrobe too.)

I know you're dying to know what I cooked. I'll never skip over that part. It was a pork loin, roasted with olive oil, garlic and fresh coarsely ground pepper, mashed potatoes, and steamed broccoli, again with the requisite olive oil and garlic. And salt of course. On everything.

And the rosé. I'm not a wine snob by any stretch of the imagination. I'm cheap. I don't require expensive wines. If it tastes good and I get a little buzz, I'm happy. (But take note: I love getting a good bottle of wine as a gift). And I'll drink red wine with seafood and white wine with steak. But it did occur to me that there’s some disagreement as to whether pork is red meat or white. So the rosé was a good choice.

I didn't have dessert last night, but I like salt with some desserts. I used to eat saltines with ice cream. Sweet and savory – the perfect combination. And now there are ice creams, like salted caramel, with salt already in them.

Salt has long been used as a preservative for food, so I like to pretend it's a preservative for my body too.  Any excuse.

Salt has been disappearing from restaurant tables, mainly for health reasons. And salting food in many restaurants these days is considered an insult to the chef. Chefs take time to make their food taste good as is. And it usually does. But for me, salt just makes it better.

Sue Mello isn’t a salt freak, but she’s not a naysayer either. “It’s an interesting food item. Just the right amount can make all the difference.”

While some have suggested that everyone should reduce salt intake, others point out that there is no evidence that salt restriction is of any benefit to otherwise healthy individuals.

I’m an otherwise healthy individual.

Salt should be my middle name. I'd change it, but Suzi Salt sounds kind of flaky. And Margaret Salt McLellan would get on my case.

I’m not a chef. I lay no claim to being an authority on food or cooking. I’m a good cook, and a lover of good food. And I know how to spell and put a sentence together. This column is simply meant to be fun, and hopefully inspiring. So to anyone reading this whose hackles are raised because you know more about the subject of food than I, relax. I believe you.

For more stories about food and other things, type in ‘On eating and loving food’ at the top right of the Boothbay Register website page, in search box.

It’s often been said some of the area’s tallest trees could be found in the woods surrounding the historic Pownalborough Court House in Dresden.

True or not, there are some pretty enormous trees to be seen on the trails at the Pownalborough Court House. Some of the northern white pines and hemlocks we saw during our recent hike were real Goliaths.

The trail system is owned and maintained by the Lincoln County Historical Association. Ed Kavanagh, LCHA president, said that George Keyes of Waldoboro, an LCHA trustee, secured a grant through the Maine Bureau of Parks and Recreation to help construct the trail system, completed in 2011. The Maine Conservation Corps and volunteers provided labor for trail work including construction of several small bridges. Kavanagh added LCHA eventually hopes to make a portion of the trail system handicap-accessible.

The trails are on approximately 75 acres of forested land and offer about two miles of hiking. They are located behind and across from the historic courthouse off Route 128, or Cedar Grove Road. There are several ways to get there. The easiest is to follow Route 27 (Gardiner Road) north from Wiscasset to Dresden. A few miles after you cross the bridge spanning the Eastern River you’ll see the turn on the left for Route 128. It will take you past Dresden Elementary School. The road soon bears left and runs along the Kennebec River.

The Pownalborough Courthouse is at the end of Courthouse Road (on the right) about two miles from the school. Follow the driveway and sign to the parking area. A trail map is posted on a sign near the courthouse. There’s also a trail brochure but none were available during our visit.

The trail starts behind the Goodwin Cemetery. Going left takes you to Route 128, cross here and bear right. A short distance on the opposite side of the road you’ll see a wooden sign marking where the path continues into the woods. The trail, blazed green, runs eastward and shortly crosses a small bridge spanning a small stream. Where it forks, a beige-blazed trail, identified on our map as the “Hardwood Slope Trail,” begins. This path gradually carries you uphill and intersects with the “South Rim Trail” (blue-blazed). Along the way are a number of points of interest marked with numerals. These include a majestic Red Pine, less common than Maine’s Northern White Pine tree. Further along a Yellow Birch is marked, a tree of commercial use in hardwood flooring.

In a place called “Hemlock Grove” on the blue-blazed trail, there were a cluster of towering Eastern Hemlock trees. Here we saw a strange stump on a tree trunk that bore a striking resemblance to a man’s face. We dubbed it the “Old Man of Hemlock Grove.”

At its highest point the terrain rises about 100 feet, according to our topographical map. You won’t see any views of the surrounding area or the river because the trees have grown too dense.

On the “North Rim Revine Trail” (blazed red) we came across the “Venerable Hemlock” one of three huge trees growing in close proximity to one another. This trail eventually bumps into an old tote road that once ran through the woods to the Common Road. The red-blazed trail continues west and gradually downhill alongside a tumbling stone wall and carries you back to Route 128.  Along the way you’ll pass where it intersects twice with the Hardwood Sloop Trail on the left. At one juncture you’ll see a huge hardwood tree lying on its side looking something like a giant lobster.

Once back at the courthouse we walked the river path identified as the “Kennebec Court House Trail.” It’s a short walk through the pines overlooking the Kennebec River shoreline. It ends at a stone wall behind the courthouse. As we were headed back to the parking lot we were surprised by a shrill cry. Looking skyward, we laid eyes on a pair of mature bald eagles soaring overhead.

All of the paths here are well-blazed, hard-packed and dry most of the way. “A very enjoyable walk in the woods,” commented Steve Christiansen of Wiscasset who accompanied me on this hike. We spent two hours traversing the entire trail system that’s suitable for hikers of all ages.

It was Christiansen who commented on the size of the trees. The secluded ravine with the stream running through it is referred to as a “dell” and provides an excellent place for tree growth.

Following your hike, have a look at the historic 1761 Pownalborough Court House and the grounds surrounding it. The courthouse owned and maintained by LCHA is open for tours during the summer and early fall. For more information, visit www.lincolncountyhistory.org.

The LCHA Trails at the Pownalborough Court House are open from dawn to dusk. Dogs are permitted but need to be under control of their owners. Hunting is permitted in season. ATVs, mountain bikes and fires are prohibited.

In order for the newspaper to keep up with the spring sports teams, we are asking for help from coaches and/or parents. Sports scores and/or reports may be emailed to www.wiscassetnewspaper.com

We will do our best to get the scores/reports online as quickly as possible and in the newspaper on Thursday.

Maine Coast Gymnastics traveled to Waterville on April 2 to compete in the team’s first USA Gymnastics Maine State Championship. All seven team members had a successful meet with notable accomplishments from: Bronwen Coffin placing third all-around in the 9+ age division; Vivian Simmons placing third all-around in the age 7 division; and Madeline Burt-Weeks, Maine State Champion on floor in the age 6 division.

MCG placed third as a team out of the seven level 2 teams competing.

“I am pleased with our third place finish out of the seven competing teams and proud of the girls for the way they conducted themselves at our first state championship,” said Coach Janice Cormier-Hay.

Level 2, Age 9 & above: Bronwen Coffin, age 9 of Nobleboro, third place AA with a score of 8.575 on vault, 8.45 on bars, 8.975 on beam and 9.175 on floor.

Level 2, Age 8: Mira Hartmann of Edgecomb scored a 7.8 on vault, 7.3 on bars, a personal best of 8.4 on beam and 7.125 on floor. Grace Ward of Nobleboro scored a personal best of 7.8 on vault, a 6.55 on bars, 7.525 on beam and 7.0 on floor.

Level 2, Age 7: Vivian Simmons of Newcastle, third place AA with a score of 8.85 on vault, 7.95 on bars, 8.625 on beam and 8.8 on floor. Claire Ward of Nobleboro, scored a personal best of 8.2 on vault, 6.6 on bars, a personal best of 7.75 on beam and personal best of 7.9 on floor.

Level 2, Age 7: Rowan Coffin, of Nobleboro scored an 8.55 on vault, 7.8 on bars, 8.0 on beam and 8.325 on floor.

Level 2, Age 6: Maddie Burt-Weeks of Newcastle, Maine State floor champion, scored an 8.55 on vault, 7.15 on bars, 8.675 on beam and 8.75 on floor.

At the one-mile mark of Wiscasset Parks and Recreations’ FitCLASS Challenge Four-Miler Road Race & Walk on Saturday, Tracy Verney of Newcastle laid a rose for her father, Wallace Leeman. He died one year earlier, to the day. Before the race, Verney spray-painted an anchor where the flower would go in honor of the lifelong fisherman.

“Dad loved the outdoors. So I like to run outdoors,” she said.

Verney, 55, wore an anchor necklace in the race for the same reason. Her sister, Kelsey Leeman of Bath, also wore one. She turned out in support with her golden retriever rescue Cullen, curly from a fresh bath. The dog gave out face licks to attendees as Leeman awaited Verney’s arrival at the finish line at Wiscasset Community Center.

On the fourth mile, Verney laid a second rose, that one for their mother Carolyn Kelsey, who died four years ago.

“This just feels very much a day full of life, and honoring,” Leeman said at her sister’s side.

Also as planned, Verney sprinted to the finish. “And that’s for me,” she said, laughing, before the start of the race. Verney was among several of the event’s participants who had taken Wiscasset’s first, eight-week FITclass Challenge class that led up to the race.

The crowd outside the center cheered each finisher Saturday; 5K Sports Race Management provided the times.

Wiscasset Middle High School junior Brandon Goud, 16, was first across the line in 24:38, a personal best. “Definitely a first. It feels great,” he said.

Other finishers interviewed said they were feeling good, among them Westport Island’s Pat Smith. She finished 36th of 36 but finished it as she started it 72 minutes earlier at Wiscasset Middle High: with a ski pole in each hand and a smile. Get the scar on the knee, she told a reporter taking pictures.

Smith, 59, had knee surgery in December.

The day’s strong breeze cut both ways, according to participants. At times they were heading into it, which upped the challenge; at other times it was at their backs, being a help.

And the temperature was perfect, Smith’s husband Dick Tucker said. He, too, took the class and completed the race that looped from Route 27 to Foye and Dickinson Roads, Willow Lane, Churchill Street and Route 27 again. In an awards ceremony afterward, Tucker and the rest of the class received certificates of achievement.

Crooker Construction loaned the town orange traffic cones for the race course, Parks and Recreation staff said. Wiscasset All Sports Boosters raised money selling burgers, hot dogs and potato chips. Wiscasset police, fire and ambulance personnel all helped Saturday. Both town ambulances were on-site throughout the race. There were no injuries except for a paper cut Parks and Recreation Director Todd Souza got handing out certificates. The wind caused it, he said. The cut was bleeding, so he wouldn’t shake any more hands, he told attendees.

Instructing entrants before the start of the race, Souza noted that Willow Lane is very windy, so they should keep their heads up for any cars leaving driveways. He said a water stand and a medic would be stationed at the end of Dickinson Road; and Cedric Maguire, one of the class’ instructors, would be going back and forth on the course on a bicycle and could answer any questions. A ribbon of laughter started in the semi-circle. Yes, they could ask for a ride on the handlebars, Souza said.

The center will hold the class and the race again in the fall, Souza said. He told the first class he couldn’t be more proud. “From where we started eight weeks ago, it’s outstanding,” he said of the progress.

Alna’s Barbara Baston said the class had her feeling stronger. Verney said Maguire’s encouragement helped her. She improved from being able to run two miles to six by the class’ end.

“It really is an excellent class. The people just really enjoy each other and support each other,” Verney said.

Nancy Wyman, spring water bottle in hand after the race, said: “This is my year for turning sixty and for trying new things.” She was tired but felt good, she said.

Spice up your celebration of spring with an adventure by land and sea exploring the history and mystery of lighthouses in the Boothbay Harbor region on an exclusive tour with The Lady in The Red Cloak, hosted by MSAD 11 Adult Education.

A portion of the proceeds from the tour will go to benefit the restoration campaign at the historic Burnt Island lighthouse.

The tour departs Saturday, May 21 from Pier 8, Commercial Street, in Boothbay Harbor aboard the 47-foot vessel Novelty. The one-hour cruise through calm inshore waters will pause offshore near Ram Island Light, Cuckolds Lighthouse, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, Monhegan Light and Seguin Island Light (some locations are weather permitting).

Stories will be told about these iconic beacons and about the lives of some of the lighthouse keepers and their families. Their daily routines, traditions and hardships, as well as the legends and haunts. The voyage finishes with a dramatic turn as the group makes landfall on historic Burnt Island to explore the area around the working lighthouse, built in 1821. The group will have exclusive access to the island as your qualified guide, Sally Lobkowicz, a.k.a. the mysterious Lady in the Red Cloak of Red Cloak Haunted History Tours.

The Lady will lead the group back in time, exploring the island and learning about the historically restored facilities, including the keeper's residence and the lighthouse.

Participants will return to shore with a new and very personal understanding of the lighthouses, and the people who manned them.

Space is limited, so advance reservations are required for this exclusive tour. Reservations are available through MSAD 11 Adult Education, and can be made by calling 207-582-3774, by email through dbailey@msad11.org or through this web page link: https://msad11.coursestorm.com/course/maine-lighthouse-adventure.

For more information on Red Cloak Haunted History Tours, call 207-380-3806, email redcloaktours@gmail.com, or visit redcloakhauntedhistorytours.com.

The Wolverines varsity baseball team at Wiscasset Middle High School hosted the Shipbuilders of Morse High School for a Patriot’s Day preseason doubleheader Monday afternoon.

The first game of the twin bill featured plenty of offense from the Shipbuilders, who shut out the Wolverines, 6-0. Wiscasset had a good opportunity to end the shutout in its final at bat when Daren Wood led off the seventh inning with a double. He quickly advanced to third on a passed ball but was left stranded there.

After a 20-minute break for lunch (Wolverine Coach Gregg Wood grilled hot dogs for all the kids), the teams were back at it again for game two. In the first inning, the Shipbuilders scored an unearned run off Wiscasset starter Tyler Bailey on a passed ball. The play at home plate was close but the umpire ruled the runner had eluded the tag.

The Wolverines’ offense came alive in the home half of the first inning. Grant Hefler led off by singling to left and then stole second. He then moved along to third on a passed ball and eventually scored on a wild pitch, tying the game.

Brandon Sprague drove in a run with a double in the home half of the second to put the Wolverines ahead, 2-1. Wood then stroked a 2-2 pitch to left field, scoring Sprague. Tyler Bailey then joined the hit parade with a line drive base hit up the middle that moved Wood over to third. That brought Colon Ranta to the plate and “DQ,” as his teammates call him, delivered with a double, scoring Wood and capping a three-run second inning.

The Wolverines held onto the lead until the final inning when Morse rallied and tied the game at 4-4. Wood then led off the home seventh inning with a double and Tyler Bailey followed with a base hit, putting runners at the corners. The next two batters then struck out. That brought Bryson Grover to the plate. Grover ran up a 3-2 pitch count before slicing a game-winning base hit between the shortstop and third baseman, giving Wiscasset a 5-4 victory. Bailey finished as the winning pitcher.

“Nothing builds confidence better then winning a game like this,” Coach Wood told the Wiscasset Newspaper afterward. “I moved Bryson down in the batting order so maybe he’d see a few better pitches to swing at and it paid off in a big way for us today.”

The Wolverines will compete again this season in Class C of the Mountain Valley Conference. They’ll play a 16-game schedule. Devin Grover is assisting Coach Wood as bench coach. Following the season opener with Boothbay on Friday, the Wolverines will travel to Lisbon April 25, return home to host a pair of games against Oak Hill April 27 and St. Dom’s Academy April 29. All of the games will start at 4 p.m.

Midcoast Conservancy will offer two days of nature exploration, just in time for Earth Day. First, join us in Montville Thursday, April 21 from 7 to 8:30 p..m, where local ecologists and amphibian fanatics Larkspur Morton and Buck O’Herin will lead a family-friendly springtime exploration of a vernal pool and protected wetland and their amphibian residents. Bring a good flashlight/headlamp and wear footwear appropriate for wet areas, preferably tall rubber boots. If you have an empty white plastic container, bring that, too (we'll have some to share as well). Meet at the Bog Brook trailhead on Halldale Road in Montville (off of Route 220 on south Halldale, about a mile in). No registration required.

Spend Earth Day at Hidden Valley Nature Center on Friday, April 22, and tour one or two exciting spring destinations. At 10:30 a.m., we’ll venture out to the bog, a very special and fragile environment, via our 220-foot boardwalk.The magic of the bog should be evident with the pitcher plants showing their color, the sundews emerging and the vast array of life rebounding.

Meet at the HVNC gate on Egypt Road in Jefferson for a prompt 10:30 departure. The trails may be wet for the short (400 yard) walk to the bog so wear appropriate footwear.

At 12:30, we will visit several vernal pools which, though fleeting, provide valuable habitat for a number of amphibians as well as a host of other plants and animals. They provide the primary breeding habitat for four indicator species: wood frogs, spotted salamanders, blue-spotted salamanders, and fairy shrimp.

We’ll learn to identify the different egg masses and perhaps even get a chance to see frogs mating or salamanders in the pools. These seasonal forest pools occur in a shallow depression that typically fills during the spring or fall and may well be dry during the summer, hence the name “vernal” meaning “relating to spring”. These springtime gems typically are isolated and often go unnoticed.

Meet at the gate (or the nearby vernal pool) promptly at 12:30. The best footwear for vernal pool exploration is high rubber boots (to allow access to the pools), but Bean boots, Muck boots or hiking boots are adequate. A hiking stick, polarized glasses, and binoculars are helpful; bring water and sun protection.

Space on the boardwalk is limited, so please register at hvnc.org. Free to members of Midcoast Conservancy. Suggested donation is $5 for all others.

Baseball and softball

Friday, April 22: Home vs. Boothbay Region, 4 p.m.

Monday, April 25: At Lisbon, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 27: Home vs. Oak Hill, 4 p.m.

Friday, April 29: Home vs. St. Dom's, 4 p.m.

Monday, May 2: At Carrabec, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 4: Home vs. Telstar, 4 p.m.

Friday, May 6: At Dirigo, 4 p.m.

Monday, May 9: Home vs. Hall-Dale, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 11: At Mountain Valley, 4 p.m.

Friday, May 13: Home vs. Madison, 4 p.m.

Monday, May 16: At Mt. Abram, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 18: At Monmouth, 4 p.m.

Friday, May 20: Home vs. Winthrop, 4 p.m.

Monday, May 23: At Boothbay Region, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 25: Home vs. Lisbon, 4 p.m.

Friday, May 27: At Oak Hill, 4 p.m.

Boys and girls tennis

Monday, April 25: Boys home and girls at Winthrop, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 27: Boys home and girls at Boothbay Region, 4 p.m.

Friday, April 29: Boys at and girls home vs. Carrabec, 4 p.m.

Monday, May 2: Girls home vs. Oak Hill, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 4: Boys at and girls home vs. St. Dom's, 4 p.m.

Monday, May 9: Boys home and girls at Dirigo, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 11: Boys at and girls home vs. Madison, 4 p.m.

Friday, May 13: Boys home and girls at Lisbon, 4 p.m.

Monday, May 16: Boys home and girls at Hall-Dale, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 18: Boys home and girls at Mountain Valley, 4 p.m.

Friday, May 20: Boys at and girls home vs. Winthrop, 4 p.m.

Monday, May 23: Boys at and girls home vs. Boothbay Region, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 25: Boys at Lisbon, 4 p.m.

Boys and girls track and field

Tuesday, April 26: Home vs. Boothbay and Madison 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 3: At Hall-Dale vs. Boothbay, 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 10: Home vs. Boothbay, Winthrop and Mt. Abram, 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 17: Home vs. St. Dom's, Monmouth and Winthrop, 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 26: MVC Championships at Lisbon, 2 p.m.

Baseball and softball

Monday, April 25: Home vs. Medomak,3:45 p.m.

Wednesday, April 27: Softball only at Nobleboro, 3:45 p.m.

Saturday, April 30: Home doubleheader vs. Oceanside, 10 a.m.

Monday, May 2: At Bristol, 3:45 p.m.

Thursday, May 5: At St. George, 3:45 p.m.

Friday, May 6: Home (baseball only) vs. Camden, 3:45 p.m.

Friday, May 13: At Medomak, 3:45 p.m.

Saturday, May 14: At Great Salt Bay, 2:15 p.m.

Monday, May 16: Home vs. Bristol, 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday, May 18: Home (softball only) vs. Nobleboro, 3:45 p.m.

Monday, May 23: At Camden (baseball only), 3:45 p.m.

Tuesday, May 31: League quarterfinals, TBD

Thursday, June 2: League semifinals, TBD

Tuesday, June 7: Division finals, TBD

Thursday, June 9: Busline League Championship, TBD

Track and field

Wednesday, April 27: At Great Salt Bay vs. Jefferson and Medomak, 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday, May 4: At Camden vs. Great Salt Bay, Troy Howard, Jefferson and Isleboro, 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday, May 11: Home (w/Boothbay hosting) vs. Boothbay, Great Salt Bay, Oceanside and St. George, 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday, May 18: At Medomak vs. Troy Howard, GSB, Jefferson and Isleboro, 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday, May 25: Busline League Championship at Medomak, TBD

Obtaining a Maine Guide license allows one to lead day and overnight canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding on inland waters, backpacking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ATV trips. From May 20-23, Maine Sport Outfitters is offering a Guide Training designed for experienced and aspiring outdoor professionals who would like to further develop their outdoor skills and leadership abilities. Students will work to develop the essential skills required for pursuing a Maine Guide license.

Course topics will include map and compass use, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, Maine boating regulations, risk management, leadership, rescues and advanced strokes, and group safety.

This course includes meals and a tent-site at the Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson. Basic canoeing and wilderness camping skills are required to participate. Canoes and stand-up paddle boards will be supplied by Maine Sport Outfitters. The cost of the course is $495; there is an additional fee when applying to test at the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.

For more information or registration, please call 207-236-8797 or email Tim Barker.

Hidden Valley Nature Center, in Jefferson, is part of Midcoast Conservancy. For more information on HVNC or Midcoast Conservancy, go to midcoastconservany.org or call (207) 389-5150.

In Friday afternoon softball action, the Wiscasset girls varsity team beat Boothbay Region High School, 5-1.

Wiscasset’s softball schedule continues Monday, April 25 at Lisbon, beginning at 4 p.m., then Wednesday, April 27, at home versus Oak Hill, also at 4 p.m.

Coach Gregg Wood used three different pitchers as the Wolverines defeated visiting Boothbay Region High School, 7-2, in the Mountain Valley Conference opener Friday afternoon.

Daren Wood was the winning pitcher. The big right-hander started the game by striking out the first six Seahawk batters he faced. Boothbay’s Grant Giles finally ended the streak, leading off the third inning by drawing a base-on-balls. He later scored from third base on a passed ball.

Conlon Ranta came in to pitch the fourth and fifth innings for Wiscasset. He finished with a couple of strikeouts, allowing just one hit. Tyler Bailey finished the game on the mound for Wiscasset.

In the first inning, Grant Hefler hit a 3-2 pitch off Boothbay pitcher Hunter Arsenault into left field for a base hit. He moved on to second base and then third on passed balls and scored on Wood’s sacrifice fly to deep center field, nicely gloved by Seahawk Xavier Downing. Wiscasset eventually loaded the bases but Arsenault was able to pitch his way out of the jam to end the inning.

Wiscasset would add two more runs in the second. Brandon Sprague reached on an error and Hefler and Wood drew back-to-back walks to load the bases. Tyler Bailey then drew a base-on-balls, sending Sprague trotting home from third base. Ranta then drove in a run with a fielder’s choice to make it 3-0.

Wiscasset added two more runs in the fourth inning and another two in the fifth. Boothbay scored a second run also unearned in the sixth inning when Gabe Purin drew a walk off Bailey and scored.

Hefler had a productive day in the batting order’s lead-off spot, scoring three runs. Sprague and Ranta, who both doubled, had the game’s only extra base hits.

Coach Wood said afterward he was pretty excited about winning the season opener. “The pitching really came through for us today. All three of our guys that took the mound did a really good job.

“I wasn’t planning to pitch Tyler but he came and asked me if he could get some work in, so I put him on the mound to finish up for us,” added Wood.

“One thing I’m not happy about is leaving the bases loaded in the first and second innings. We must have left a dozen runners stranded on base today. That’s something we need to work on, getting the hits when we have the runners in scoring position.”

 Wiscasset travels to Lisbon to take on the Greyhounds Monday, April 25. Coach Wood said Bailey will be the starting pitcher for the Wolverines. WMHS will be home April 27 hosting the Oak Hill Raiders.

The Wolverines softball team kicked off its season with a 5-1 win over Boothbay Region High School at Wiscasset Middle High School under sunny skies Friday.

August Moore went the distance on the mound for Wolverine Coach Gordon Campbell. After the game the Wolverine players met on the pitcher’s mound and awarded Moore a game ball for earning her first Mountain Valley Conference win.

“August has a lot of potential; she’s only a sophomore but she’s worked really hard,” Coach Campbell said after the game. “Our girls were patient at the plate this afternoon and we were very aggressive on the base paths. This is a really great way for us to open the season.”

The Wolverines, up 5-1, had a golden opportunity to break the game wide open in the sixth inning. Corey Campbell led off by walking on four pitches. Leah Potter was then awarded first base after being hit by a pitch. That brought up Maeve Blodgett who had a good swing but got under the ball popping out to Seahawk shortstop Tori Morin. Morin very alertly stepped on second base to complete a double play. Boothbay pitcher Jo Shaw then struck out the next batter to end the inning.

Moore began the game’s final inning by striking out the lead-off batter. The next batter then popped out to shortstop Lindsey Gordon and Moore ended the game by striking out the next batter swinging on a 3-2 count.

Wiscasset scored one run in the first inning, two more in the third and two in the fifth. Boothbay Region’s only run came in the third inning.

Grace Webber scored two runs and Clara Mugnai added another for the Wolverines. Rogers scored Boothbay’s only run. One of the most exciting plays of the game was a play at the plate — Wiscasset’s Stephanie Jones sliding under the glove of Seahawk catcher Chyanne Rogers in the fifth inning.

Boothbay Coach Matt Brewer told his players afterward they had a good first outing. “There were a lot of positives today,” he said.

Here’s an interesting fact about this game; Coach Brewer graduated from Wiscasset High School, while Wolverine Coach Campbell is a graduate of Boothbay Region.

 WMHS will travel to Libson Monday afternoon April 25 before returning home to play Oak Hill April 27. Both games start at 4 p.m.

The Wilber Preserve in Phippsburg offers a short but highly enjoyable hike to the summit of Cox Head overlooking the Kennebec River and Atkins Bay.

From Route 1 in Bath take the exit for Route 209 and follow the road to Phippsburg. At Bisson’s Center Store make a left onto the Parker Head Road. This will take you by the Phippsburg Public Library and Congregational Church. A mile or so past the dike the road forks. Bear left. Not too far ahead you’ll see a street sign marking Cox Head Road on the left; it’s by the 1836 Old Stone Schoolhouse. Turn here and follow the gravel road to where it meets Green Point Road, which carries you to the preserve. A kiosk and parking area will be on the left.

Before starting your hike remember to sign the guest book. Several trail maps are available to borrow but aren’t necessary. The “Main Trail” to the right carries you to the top and is blazed in blue paint. It’s hard-packed and easy to follow. The other, shorter trail on the left is called the “Old Tree Loop” and is blazed in orange. It meanders through a wooded area in a circular loop of the lower elevations of Cox Hill.

The Main Trail runs northeast, rising high over the shore of the Kennebec River. The path is narrow along one stretch and fairly steep. The Phippsburg Land Trust, the non-profit organization that owns and maintains the preserve, recommends youngsters be closely supervised here to ensure their safety.

The path soon swings away from the shore in an “s” turn winding around a rocky overhang and continuing uphill. There are several more steep drop-offs before it flattens out.

The summit of Cox Hill was once the site of a timber and earthen fortification occupied by volunteers of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Later the local militia occupied the fort during the War of 1812. The fort’s outline can barely be traced today.

As we approached the summit we passed a small pond fed by a spring that perhaps once provided a source of freshwater. We noticed the pond was brimming with frog’s eggs. In a few weeks these will hatch into tiny pollywogs that will soon grow into frogs and leave the pond for dryer ground.

As we reached Cox Head summit, we came upon a dozen or so cedar waxwings perched in a tree. These birds have a soft brown color with a black mask and yellow-tipped tail and look somewhat like a female cardinal. They can sometimes be observed passing a berry from one bird to another in an interesting feeding ritual. They were content to remain perched where they were until we came within just a few feet of them.

The weather was ideal on the morning of our hike. Looking south we had a scenic view across the blue waters of Atkins Bay to Fort Popham, a state historical site and state park. Rising high behind Fort Popham a short distance to the right we could see Sabino Hill where the remains of still another fortification is located. This is Fort Baldwin, built for defense of the Kennebec River during World War I. It, too, is a state park featuring a hiking trail to the hill’s summit where the ruins of the fort can be explored.

Being a clear morning, we could easily see the lighthouse on Seguin Island and ocean surrounding it on the horizon. At the tip of Popham Beach we could also see the red roof of the former U.S. Coast Guard Station. East of Cox Head across the Kennebec River are Long Island and Gilbert Head, a part of Georgetown which itself is an island.

While you’re on the Cox Head summit, see if you can locate the three U.S. Geodetic Survey benchmarks. The bronze discs placed here in 1933 form a surveyor’s “Triangulation Station.”

This was our second visit to the Wilber Preserve, which was donated to the Phippsburg Land Trust in 2010 by the Rankin family. Our first visit last summer found us swatting mosquitoes from the time we left our car until we reached the hilltop. There was a stiff enough breeze blowing at the higher elevation for us to enjoy a picnic lunch. During that visit we surprised a small doe sunning herself in a clearing.

The Phippsburg Peninsula is just a 30-minute drive from Wiscasset. There are over 30 miles of hiking trails maintained by the Phippsburg Land Trust and other conservation groups including the Nature Conservancy and Maine Coast Heritage. To learn more, visit www.phippsburglandtrust.org.

When was the last time students just let their inhibitions melt away, flexed their imaginations, and did something just because it was really, really fun? Mt. View Middle School students did just that -- they gave up an entire Saturday to learn about sustainability science hosted by Unity College students.

On a very cool and windy Saturday in April, a group of 13 Unity College students and two faculty members welcomed 33 middle school students and two teachers from Mt. View Middle School. The Unity students were fulfilling their experiential placement requirement by presenting lessons to the Gear Up students about sustainability science. A goal of Gear Up is to “Make college a dream that becomes a reality.”

The day started at 10 a.m. with the entire group participating in ice breakers, getting their group assignments/schedule for the day and heading out. Jeannie followed Group I to the Heritage Barn for a lesson on sustainability and farm animals. This was the brain-child of Josh Pittendreigh who won the Education Award at the 2015 Unity College December Student Conference. His project involved the design of an interpretive and experiential curriculum for middle school students to come to Unity College to learn about the Animal Barn and the importance of heritage species. The curriculum focuses on learning about sustainable practices for animal agriculture. He and his co-teacher, Laura Parmenter, were able to “field test” his curriculum. Natural food became props for the assessment activity on sustainability and livestock. Nothing was wasted as the food was then given to the pigs that were so grateful!

Other activities/lessons centered-around orienteering, solar energy, a low ropes challenge course and a scavenger hunt. All activities took into account the special developmental needs of young adolescents. They are not simply older elementary students nor are they younger high school students, but the changes in their thinking and social-emotional behavior require a different approach to education. Project Gear Up and Unity students offered a mentor relationship with teachers through the creation of small communities of learners and a flexible interdisciplinary curriculum that encouraged personalized and active learning. Unity students learned about how to teach sustainability science in ways that fit the needs and skills of middle schoolers by taking all of these factors into account.

Working in pairs and small groups, MVMS students were encouraged to think cooperatively and group problem-solve. The focus on the happy and the healthy yielded two groups of students deeply dedicated to the academic studies of the day.

Unity’s Experiential Education operates on the premise that the mind best learns and understands facts when they are woven into a conceptual fabric of experiential lessons.

For more information about Unity College and their four summer camps, please visit the website: Unity.edu

Wiscasset Speedway opened the gates for the first show of the season last Saturday.  The stands were packed by show time, and fans enjoyed the spring weather while watching the action on Maine’s fastest oval track. On the schedule were the division one group of racers, which include: Super Streets, Thunder 4 Mini’s, ServPro of Biddeford Saco Prostock, and New England Four Cylinder Prostock's. Additionally, it was season opener for the Amsoil Nelcar Legends at Wiscasset, who made their first of nine appearances. 

Starting off the racing action was a 35-lap Spotlight Race featuring the New England Four Cylinder Prostock’s. Starting on the pole was heat winner, Connor Wenners of the #4.  Racing off the start was Wenners and the #98 of Kamren Knowles, 2015 season NEFCP champion. The #24 of Jeff Prindall quickly moved to third. In the mix was Ryan Hayes of the #38. 

Wenners, Knowles, Hayes, and Prindall set the pace for the race, leading the pack through lap nineteen. There was a caution during lap nineteen when Wenners was taken out of contention after being tagged by the #6 of Fred Ashmore on turn two. Dave Patten of the #12 moved up to fourth. 

Knowles, demonstrating why he was last season’s champion in NEFCP, made his move after another caution during lap twenty-six. Knowles sped to the head of the pack and stayed there.  Hayes, Prindall, and Dave Patten battled it out for top finishes.  Hayes and Dave Patten went head to head for second during the last two laps. Patten swept over the finish .03 seconds ahead of Hayes for second.  Knowles took the win.

The sound of the Super Streets roaring onto the tracks was like music to the fans packed on the grandstands. Smiles flitted across their faces as they clapped for their favorite drivers. Starting at the pole was the #02 of Jason Curtis, and to his right was Adam Chadbourne of the #1. When Ron Whitcomb, Wiscasset’s new flag man, waved the green over the track, the powerful cars sped down the straightaway into their 25-lap feature.

The #34 of David Vaughn was in third at the start. Vaughn was a new driver to Wiscasset, but he has had plenty of experience from other Maine tracks. Vaughn quickly challenged Curtis and Chadbourne. The trio roared ahead, providing a show for the fans who were riveted on the action on the track. It was unclear who would take the win until the final laps.  Vaughn gained a slight advantage, and took the lead. Chadbourne and Curtis fought to the finish, but Curtis edged ahead in the last lap. Chadbourne finished in third. Curtis claimed second. Taking the top honor was Vaughn in first.

The Amsoil Nelcar Legends were a crowd pleaser. These lightweight coupes and sedans reach speeds that exceed 75 miles per hour. Sounding like a swarm of powerful bees, the cars hit the track for a 25-lap feature. Starting on the pole was the #88X of Nicholas Naugle. Naugle’s car liked the fresh air, and Naugle stayed in the lead throughout the entire race. The #29 of Austin Teras was an early contender, but he got loose and struck the back wall. Teras then was hit by the #17 of Terry Kirk, which brought out a caution. On the restart, Matt Grant of the #84 moved to second, and the #129 of Trevor Sanborn went to third. 

The #19 of Kevin Girad Jr. quickly moved up through the pack. Girard was 2015 Amsoil Nelcar Legends Champ. During lap eight, Girard passed Sanborn in the inside of turn two and moved to second as Grant fell back. Another contender moving up from the back was previous Nelcar champion, Matt Bourgoine of the #54X. Bourgoine moved to fifth during lap eighteen. By lap twenty-one, Bourgoine had passed Sanborn for third. Bourgoine did not have enough time to catch the race leaders, and had to settle for third. Girard placed second.  Naugle, who had traveled from Nova Scotia to be here, took the win.

Wiscasset’s entry level class, the Thunder 4 Mini’s, put on a show in a 20-lap feature race. Starting on the pole was the # 2 of Shawn Hinkley. Beside him was the #19 of Travis Poulliot. Behind in third was Michael Harrison of the #48. During lap eight Poulliot spun Harrison, sending both to the back of the pack. The restart saw the #04 of Curtis Anderson move to second and Jeff Minchin of the #3 went to third.  

Starting in twelfth was the #4J of Joe Katula. Katula skillfully made his way through the pack, and passed Minchin for third on the inside during lap eleven. By lap fifteen, Katula was passing Anderson for second.  Anderson attempted to take back the position and moved to the outside. The #31 of Leandra Martin, the 2015 Thunder Four Mini champion, saw her chance and slid under Anderson, and took third. Katula tailed Hinkley, but Hinkley held him off for the remainder of the race. Hinkley took his first win at Wiscasset Speedway. Katula placed second. Rounding out the top three was Martin.

Capping of a great day of racing were the Prostock's. A 40-lap feature race was excitement from the start, with fourteen cars roaring to life as the green went down. The #01 of Andy Saunders led the pack off the start line. Saunders was 2015 Prostock champion. Sliding in behind Saunders in second was the #05 of James Osmond. In third was Mike Moody of the #1M. 

There was a caution during lap six. On the resulting restart, the #15 of Nick Hinkley got a good start, and passed Moody for third. Restarts were good for Hinkley, there was another caution during lap eleven, and Hinkley got under Osmond and completed a pass. The #19 of John Rideout followed Hinkley down the track, and passed Osmond for third.

Rideout fell to fourth during lap twenty-six when the #13 of Nate Tribbett bumped him out of the way and traveled up the inside lane for third place. Rideout was taken out of contention totally during lap thirty-three, when Moody bumped him coming out of turn one. Rideout spun and gathered up the #23 of Brandon Sprague, Wyatt Alexander of the #96, Osmond, Ajay Picard of the #99, and the #91 of Mike Orr.

When racing action resumed on the track, Hinkley raced head to head with Saunders, briefly taking the lead. Saunders was able to accelerate ahead and hold Hinkley off for the remainder of the race. Saunders took the win. Hinkley came in second. Finishing in third was Tribbett.

Wiscasset Speedway resumes racing action on April 30 with its group two line up of divisions: The Spotlighted Napa Modifieds, Late Model Sportsman, Strictly Streets, and Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw Mini’s. The Amsoil Nelcar Legends will be making a second appearance at Wiscasset Speedway in a 25-lap feature race. If you missed the racing action, or simply want to see it again, track videographer, Brandon Simmons, posts race footage on YouTube. It can be found by searching “Wiscasset Speedway.”

Pit gates open at 9 a.m., grandstand gates open at noon, and racing begins at 2 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and children aged 7 and older. Kids 6 and under are free. Pit admission is $20. Wiscasset Speedway is located on West Alna Road in Wiscasset. For more information, head to the Wiscasset Speedway website at www.wiscassetspeedway.com. The Wiscasset Speedway website is packed with information, including schedule of events, division rosters and rules, race results, and driver profiles.  Head on over to take a look.

Official results 

New England Four Cylinder Prostock (35 LAPS)

1.      #98 Kamren Knowles, West Gardiner

2.      #12 Dave Patten, Westbrook

3.      #38 Ryan Hayes, Jefferson

4.      #24 Jeff Prindall, Lisbon Falls

5.      #6 Fred Ashmore, Hancock

6.      #14 Bob Patten, Westbrook

7.      #55 John Shorey, Alna

8.      #54 Cam Corbine, Farmingdale

9.      #42 Mike Kibbin, South China

10.  #4 Conner Wenners, Edgecomb

11.  #5 Barry Morris, Livermore Falls

12.  #7 Spencer Vaughan, Canton

13.  #4L Lexi Roach, Brewer

14.  #9X Brooke Knowles, West Gardiner

15.  #70 Taylor Lane, Phillips

16.  #04 Riley Corbridge, Lovell

Super Street (25 LAPS)

1.      #34 David Vaughn, Naples

2.      #02 Jason Curtis, Hollis

3.      #1 Adam Chadbourne, Woolwich

4.      #5 Mark Lucas, Harpswell

5.      #32 Tasha Dyer, Arrowsic

6.      #13 David Doherty, Palmyra

7.      #06 Zac Poland, Woolwich

8.      #09 Ryan Ripley, Warren

9.      #2 Josh Bailey, Wiscasset

10.  #3 Bernie Dinsmore, South Hope

11.  #38 Cody Buzzell, Madison

12.  #27 Barry Poulin, Pittston

Nelcar Legends (25 LAPS)

1.      #88X Nicolas Naugle, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

2.      #19 Kevin Girard Jr., Old Orchard Beach

3.      #52X Matt Bourgoine, Newport

4.      #84 Matt Grant, Windham

5.      #129 Trevor Sanborn, Parsonsfield

6.      #92 Colby Meserve, Buxton

7.      #25 Brad Bellows, China

8.      #33 Alan Smith, Lincoln

9.      #47 Chris Burgess, Buckfield

10.  #8 Matt Chagnot, Derry, NH

11.  #10 Ed Getty, Gray

12.  #80 Dylan Varney, Windham

13.  #4NH Thomas Everson, Gilmanton, NH

14.  #18 Parker Varney, Windham

15.  #95J Jack Walker, Bow, NH

16.  #7 Jonathan King, Buxton

17.  #29 Austin Teras, Windham

18.  #17 Terry Kirk, Durham

Thunder Four Mini's

1.      #2 Shaun Hinkley, Oxford

2.      #4J Joe Katula, Lisbon

3.      #31 Leandra Martin, Richmond

4.      #04 Curtis Anderson, Richmond

5.      #3 Jeff Minchin Jr., Pittston

6.      #19 Travis Poulliot, Skowhegan

7.      #1 Jeff Davis, Woolwich

8.      #14 Randy Pimpare, Acton

9.      #66 James Grover, Wiscasset

10.  #11 Kyle Dorey, Bowdoinham

11.  #58 David Greenleaf, Brunswick

12.  #78 Shawn Berry, Livermore Falls

13.  #30 Keith Rankin, NA

14.  #48 Michael Harrison, Durham

15.  #26 Michael Golding, Pownal

Servpro Of Biddeford Saco Prostocks

1.      #01 Andy Saunders, Ellsworth

2.      #15 Nick Hinkley, Wiscasset

3.      #13 Nate Tribbett, Richmond

4.      #1M Mike Moody, Topsham

5.      #12 Thomas True, Wiscasset

6.      #29 Kevin Morse, Woolwich

7.      #05 James Osmond, Wiscasset

8.      #23 Brandon Sprague, Edgecomb

9.      #91 Mike Orr, Wiscasset

10.  #99 Ajay Picard, Palmyra

11.  #96 Wyatt Alexander, Ellsworth

12.  #28 Ken Beaslee, Richmond

13.  #72 Charlie Colby, Newcastle

14.  #19 John Rideout, Washington

Daren Wood pitched a complete game and had the only extra base hit, a double leading the Wolverines to a 4-3 victory over visiting Oak Hill in Mountain Valley Conference baseball action April 28.

The Wolverines scored all four of their runs in the third inning. After Wiscasset spotted the Raiders a 1-0 lead, Oak Hill’s pitcher went through a bit of a wild steak. He loaded the bases on walks and hit two batters leading to a pair of unearned runs. Conlon Ranta then laced a base hit to left field, driving in two more runs for Wiscasset  and making it a 4-1 ballgame.

In the fifth inning, Oak Hill’s lead off batter reached on a base on balls, but the next batter grounded out to second baseman Bryson Grover, who fired the ball to shortstop Tyler Bailey who was covering second to get the lead runner. The next batter slapped a ground ball, again to Grover, who threw to first baseman Brandon Sprague for the second out. The inning ended with a come-backer to the mound that Wood tossed over to first base.

Wood led off the home half of the fifth with a towering double over the left fielder’s head. Bailey then lined out to center, Ranta grounded out and Webber popped out to end the inning, standing Wood at second.

After setting Oak Hill down in order in the sixth inning, Wood returned to the mound to finish the game. He was facing the seventh, eight and ninth batters in the Raider batting order. After striking out the lead-off hitter, the next player reached on an error. Wood then fanned the next hitter for out number two. The Raiders, however, wouldn’t go quietly. A base hit, followed by a walk and another base hit and all of the sudden it was 4-3 ball game with runners on the corners.

Wood, who had been pitching out of the stretch, went back to a full windup and promptly struck out the next batter on three pitches.

The win lifts Coach Gregg Wood and the Woverines to a 2-1 record. The team hosts St. Dom’s Academy Friday. The opening pitch is set for 4 p.m.

The Wiscasset Community Center (W.C.C.) and the American Red Cross are conducting a certified lifeguard course beginning May 16. Upon completion of the course, participants receive certification from the American Red Cross in Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR/ AED for the Professional Rescuer and Health care providers.

The course schedule is Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays and Sunday. With the course completing Wednesday, May 25. Contact the W.C.C. for a complete course schedule and syllabus.

A course screening test will be held Tuesday, May 10 from 5 to 6 p.m. (or by appointment). Participants must meet the following requirements: 1) Pass a 400-yard swim test; 2) Swim 20 yards, retrieve a 10-pound diving brick from 8 feet of water and swim 20 yards with the brick; 3) Tread water for two minutes using only legs; 4) Be at least 15 years of age by May 25. Upon completion of test, participants will receive the course textbook on loan to take the course.

Costs of course: $125 for W.C.C. members and $150 for non-members (Fee includes all classroom instruction, pool time, rental or textbooks and equipment.).

The Wiscasset Waterfront Committee on April 28 welcomed new member David Gagnon. He has lived in Wiscasset all his life, and has spent much of it serving his town.

Gagnon has been a member of the Wiscasset Fire Department since 1977. He put in many years at the town highway department before moving to his present job, at the sewage treatment plant.

Asked why he wanted to be on the committee, Gagnon noted that while on the highway department he would maintain the public restrooms and other parts of the waterfront as part of his job, and he still cares about that area of town.

“I’ve just got a passion for the waterfront,” he said.

Wiscasset Harbor Master Preston Dunning once served with Gagnon on the fire department. Gagnon will make a good addition to the committee, Dunning said.

Ireland. France. Boston. Maine. Six fabulous vacation packages are up for grabs, in Heartwood’s third annual Vacation Property Raffle. Winning packages also include up to $1,000 cash, to be paid immediately following the raffle closing - sales end Friday, May 6 at 9 a.m.

Whether you prefer bed and breakfast pampering, the independence of a private cottage or apartment, or simple, rustic living in Chewonki’s lakeside wilderness cabins, there is something here for everyone.

The daily odds of winning for each of six properties are posted on Heartwood’s website, along with full information on each property, photos, links and more. A maximum of 200 tickets will be sold, for each property.

Winning tickets will be drawn on the evening of May 7 during an on-stage reception sponsored by First Advisors (open to all audience), following the final performance of “Our Town” in the Poe Theater. Winners will be notified by May 8 and need not be present to win.

Property availability varies by location; vacation times are to be scheduled by the winners, directly with the property owners. For complete raffle details, photos, descriptions and links to vacation properties, visit www.heartwoodtheater.org.

Start to finish, the entire process can be managed with a few clicks, tickets purchased online OR tickets may be purchased by downloading a printable registration form and mailing with check to Heartwood or hand delivering to Skidompha Library, during regular library hours.

The proceeds from the vacation raffle are used for Heartwood’s programming - student education and performances, main stage productions and original works.

For questions, email info@heartwoodtheater.org or phone 207-563-1373.

Wiscasset students could be playing football next fall with the Seahawks of Boothbay Region High School. In a 4-1 vote April 28, the Wiscasset School Committee favored the move.

The lone dissenter, Chairman Steve Smith, cited his concern for maintaining numbers in Wiscasset’s sports program.

Vice Chairman Eugene Stover asked if Wiscasset might lose soccer players to football. Probably very few, Wiscasset Middle High School athletic director and assistant principal Nate Stubbert said. Maybe ones who only play soccer because there is no football, but not the dedicated players, he said.

Opening Wiscasset’s sports ranks to BRHS players would change Wiscasset’s class for soccer, Stubbert said. “It just wouldn’t make sense.”

He projected five to seven Wiscasset students would sign up for football.

BRHS’ athletic director and dean of students Allan Crocker and BRHS football coach Bryan Dionne joined Stubbert in pitching the collaborative football team idea. They said it gives Wiscasset students a chance to play high school football and helps BRHS maintain Class D junior varsity and varsity teams as enrollments decline.

“I think this would be an opportunity for (Wiscasset students) to participate and add it to their high school experience,” Dionne said.

BRHS gets something else in the proposed deal: use of WMHS’s outdoor track twice a week in the spring, officials said.

According to the men’s presentation and papers Superintendent of Schools Heather Wilmot received, BRHS would provide transportation for Wiscasset students from the Wiscasset Fire Department to the practice field on days the Bath vocational bus is running. When it’s not available, Wiscasset students and families would need to arrange transportation. BRHS would pick up Wiscasset students at WMHS for all away games, officials said.

Students would follow their own school’s eligibility policy; BRHS would hire and evaluate coaches, officials said. One year in, both schools could decide whether to keep the collaborative team going. If so, there would be more decisions to make, including a team name and mascot and possibly new uniforms. The officials said they’re seeking a one-year waiver on the name and mascot. It’s up to the Maine Principals Association to approve that request and the application for the collaborative team, officials said.

Committee member Michael Dunn wondered how a small contingent from one school and a majority of a team from another would mesh.

Dionne described the Boothbay Region program as being like a family — not perfect, but when issues arise, they are addressed and corrected, he said.

Although WMHS does not have a football team, a couple of students have been playing for Lincoln County Football, Stubbert said. It’s a grades one through 12 program in the Maine Independent Football League and is not affiliated with the Maine Principals Association, Lincoln County Football’s head coach for grades nine through 12, Allen Tomasello, said in a phone interview.

In addition to its league games, Lincoln County Football has played scrimmage, or exhibition, games with Class D teams including Boothbay Region, Tomasello said.

“If Wiscasset players have an opportunity to play varsity football, I’m very supportive of that,” he said.

On June 12, as many as 30 youthful bicyclists will pedal into Boothbay Harbor promoting the cause of affordable housing.

Bike and Build combines bicycle touring with assistance to agencies such as Habitat for Humanity. The organization is an offshoot of the Yale University chapter of Habitat for Humanity. 

Since 2003, the independent nonprofit with its home base in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has offered a program that brings grants and hands-on assistance to local affordable housing projects as well as cross-country bike tours for youth between the ages of 18 and 26.

“We work with hundreds of agencies,” said Matt Hartman, director of outreach for the program.

In an 11-week, cross-nation tour, participants cycle from town to town interrupted with stays of a day or more to assist home construction and renovation projects.

The visitors to Boothbay Harbor are part of a shorter, three-week tour called “Coastal Drift.” Their route will begin in Bar Harbor and end in New York City.

“It is a nice snapshot,” said Hartman.

He said that participants are not expected to have extensive construction experience. The volunteers are given tasks that fit their skill levels.

“One quarter of the time we are building,” he said. The stay at construction sites is typically one day to one week.

Entry into the program requires an essay, a  medical examination and some fitness training. The cost is $2,250 for the drift tours and $4,500 for the cross-country expedition.

“Eighty-five percent goes to programming and grants,” said Hartman. Each cyclist is guaranteed lodging, food, and is provided with a touring bicycle. Services along the way are coordinated so that, “every rider will have a roof over their head.”  

In Boothbay Harbor the group will be staying overnight at the United Methodist Church.

Maggie Tourtillotte will coordinate efforts to welcome the cyclists. She is planning an afternoon cookout and breakfast snack for the visitors. The cyclists will sleep in the church basement. She has also talked with the YMCA to open its doors for an early shower before the cyclists hit the road Monday morning. 

Tourtilllotte said the church was impressed with last year’s visit.

”It was wonderful,” she said.

The next work site will be in Portland beginning on June 14. According to program information, Bike and Build has contributed more than $4.5 million to fund projects as of the 2013 project season. In 2015, Coastal Drift raised $69,996.

FMI: bikeandbuild.org/