The Wolverines girls’ soccer team opened its 2016 season Saturday at the annual round-robin tournament hosted by Richmond High School.

Ten high schools took part, including Hall-Dale, Oceanside, Madison, Winthrop, Winslow I and II, Lincoln Academy and Gardiner. All of the games were just 25 minutes long with no stoppage of play.

After losing their first three games, the Wolverines ended the afternoon on a high note by shutting out Oceanside High School (formerly Georges Valley) 1-0. Grace Webber netted the winning goal. Lilly Souza started as goalie for Wiscasset but Lindsey Gordon took over midway through the game after Souza was injured on a play.

Wiscasset Middle High School’s first game was against one of its oldest rivals, the Richmond Bobcats. Before Wiscasset left for the Mountain Valley Conference, the two competed against one another in the former Mid-Maine Conference.

The two teams were pretty evenly matched on both sides of the field. The game remained scoreless until the 18-minute mark when a Richmond player broke through Wiscasset’s defense and scored.

After a 30-minute break, WMHS took the field again against Gardiner, losing 2-0. The Tigers dominated but the game featured a nice defensive play by sweeper Stephanie Jones, who chased down Gardiner’s striker and broke up a shot. Gordon also made some nice saves in the net.

Jones and her teammate Cyra Fait, a freshman, were each awarded a commemorative T-shirt as tournament standouts. Fait played all four games at midfield.

Wiscasset lost 1-0 to both Madison and Winslow in its other games. The tournament doesn’t have a champion but instead gives a sportsmanship award at its conclusion. This year’s award went to Winthrop.

Afterward, Wolverine Coach Duane Goud said he was pretty pleased by what he saw from his team, his young players in particular. WMHS has 10 freshmen on a roster of 20 to 23. “We moved players around from one position to another to see how they’d do and overall I think we held our own,” he said.

Todd Souza, Wiscasset’s director of parks and recreation, and Chris Cossette, WMHS boys varsity soccer coach, were on hand for Saturday’s tournament to lend their support. Souza said he hopes to assist Goud throughout the season.

New at this year’s tournament was a soccer ball-juggling contest. Wiscasset freshman Cara Viele was the winner with 145 touches. She had twice the number as the second place finisher.

Goud said this year’s team features four seniors: Jones, Keara Hunter, Jeanna Bickford and Brooke Carleton. Carleton was unable to make Saturday’s tourney. Jones and Hunter will anchor the backfield.

On Tuesday, Aug. 23, Wiscasset will play a scrimmage in Waldoboro against Medomak Valley High School. The girls game starts at 5, while the boys play at 3:30. The girls host Richmond for a scrimmage game 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 30, which also happen to be the first day of the new school year.

Kurt Hewins of the 55H from Leeds continued his winning streak and solid sportsmanship at Wiscasset Speedway Saturday night, Aug. 20 for Fan Appreciation Night, presented by IGA Food Stores supporting the Dream Ride for Special Olympics. Traveling from cities all over the state, dedicated fans, packing grand stands each week, are the secret ingredient that makes Wiscasset Speedway Maine’s biggest, fastest track year after year.

Starting 3-wide, the Strictly Streets 35-lap spotlight kicked off strong with Kenny Harrison of the #84, who had no trouble taking and holding the lead. Behind Harrison, heavy hitters refused to back down and the competition remained fierce, even after Kimberly Knight in the #00 pulled ahead in lap nine, closely followed by Kurt Hewins in the #55H.

Harrison appeared to have the race locked up until mechanical issues in lap fifteen left Knight and Hewins free to spar over first. Despite some friendly nudges from his position in second, Hewins could not seem to best Knight’s speed through the corners. By lap twenty-one, Hewins had taken a different approach by working the outer lane until he took the lead in lap twenty-four.

Under pressure with only seven laps to go, Bryan Robbins of the #8 tried to squeeze out Maurice Young of the #03 from the inside but ended up spinning into the infield himself. The subsequent caution lost Hewins his hard-earned breathing room. Ultimately taking second place, Young remained less than half a second behind Hewins throughout the final laps, who won his fourth race for the year.  An obvious fan-favorite, Knight earned her third trip to victory lane and received third place to a roar of applause.

Other races included a 30-lap NAPA Modifieds feature, where July’s Driver of the Month, Mark Lucas of the #5, had some competition for what ended up being his fifth feature win of the season. Driving the #04, Allan Moeller kept Lucas in his sights from a mere car length behind for the better part of the race and took second place while Nick Reno of the #7 placed third.

Sponsored by Kennebec Equipment Rental, the Outlaw Minis raced a dramatic 25-lap feature, where fans were kept on the edge of their seats between cautions and jostling traffic. Sitting second in the points, Shawn Kimball of the #20 thrived under the curveballs, winning for the third time this season. Following behind his friend by two-tenths of a second, Justin Trombley of the #34 placed second, while Bryan Lancaster in the #81 took third.

Finally, in the 35-lap Late Model Sportsman feature race, Tyler Robbins in the #34 gave fans what they were looking for, as he and Dave St. Clair in the #14 battled for first. Close behind, Nick Hinkley in the #15 fought from the outer lane in lap fifteen. While Hinckley overtook Robbins, St. Clair worked to clear himself from the pack and took a short-lived lead. Hinckley claimed the first position one lap later, as he showcased the fastest car on the track at almost 85 miles per hour. St. Clair remained close, despite lap traffic blocking him in his pursuit of Hinckley. With eighteen drivers still in the game, things continued to heat up after the race’s first two cautions dropped within one lap of each other, which gave many drivers a much-needed regroup. With three laps to go, Hinckley continued to hold an impressive lead after both restarts but was forced to rejoin the pack again when a multi-car upset in turn one left several drivers stranded. After the night’s final caution, the sight of the white flag caused a feeding frenzy mid-pack that spun cars out across the track’s width, top to bottom. Under a rare double-flag finish, St. Clair nabbed a narrow victory while both caution and checkered flags waved. Hinckley accepted a hard-earned second, while Chris Thorne of the #17 took third.

Get a group together and head down to the track next Saturday, Aug. 27, when the night will kick off with Go-Kart racing, followed by Group One Divisions, including ServPro of Biddeford/Saco Prostocks, Super Streets, Thunder Mini 4s and New England 4 Cyl. Pros. Grandstand gates open to fans at 4:00pm and the green flag kicks off the day at 6:00pm. Individual admission is $5 – less than the cost of a movie ticket! Bring the whole family – grandstand fees waived for kids under 6. For the 2016 Race Schedule and more, visit www.wiscassetspeedway.com.

Official Finish Results: Saturday, Aug. 20

Strictly Streets

1.       #55H, Kurt Hewins - Leeds

2.       #03, Maurice Young - Chelsea

3.       #00, Kimberly Knight – Chesterville

4.       #8, Bryan Robbins – Montville

5.       #67, Michael Haynes - Livermore

6.       #4, DJ Moody – Marshfield

7.       #89, Faith Cleaves –  Freeport

8.       #84, Kenny Harrison – Durham

9.       #05, Brett Osmond – Wiscasset

10.   #85, Chanler Harrison – Freeport

11.   #42, Dylan Varney - Windham

​Modifieds

1.       #5, Mark Lucas - Harpswell

2.       #04, Allan Moeller - Dresden

3.       #7, Nick Reno - West Bath

4.       #85, Jairet Harrison – Freeport

5.       #1, Adam Chadbourne – Wiscasset

6.       #33, Ron Bryant – Livermore Falls

7.       #00, Todd Ladd – Farmington

8.       #27, Shane Kaherl – Jay

9.       #15, Joseph Williams – Woolwich

10.   #8, Richard Jordan - Kingfield

DNS - #21, Kenny Harrison, Durham

DNS - #61, Shawn Austin - Norridgewok

Outlaw Minis

1.       #20, Shawn Kimball - Augusta

2.       #34, Justin Trombley - Winterport

3.       #81, Bryan Lancaster – Skowhegan

4.       #41, Shane Smith – Augusta

5.       #5, Jimmy Childs – Leeds

6.       #19ME, Zach Audet – Oakland

7.       #83, Brady Romano – Livermore Falls

8.       #26, Brent Roy – Vassalboro

9.       #27, Jake Hendsbee – Whitefield

10.   #13, Cody Tribbet – Richmond

11.   #03, Ryan Shea - Richmond

DNS - #33, Steve Howard - Thomaston

Late Model Sportsman

1.       #14, Dave St. Clair - Liberty

2.       #15, Nick Hinckley - Wiscasset

3.       #17, Chris Thorne – Sidney

4.       #00, Alex Waltz – Walpole

5.       #21, Shane Clark – Winterport

6.       #25, Will Collins – Waldoboro

7.       #33, Josh St. Clair – Liberty

8.       #34, Tyler Robbins -  Montville

9.       #26, Andrew McLaughlin – Harrington

10.   #38, Dan Trask – Chelsea

11.   #7x, Dan Smart -  Buxton

12.   #3, Richard Jordan – Kingfield

13.   #7, Jay Bailey – Wiscasset

14.   #11, Cody Verrill – Richmond

15.   #66, Bryan Robbins – Montville

16.   #28, Steve Minott – Windham

17.   #4, Ben Erskine – Farmington

18.   #47, Brandon Bailey – Woolwich

19.   #30, Ryan St. Clair – Liberty

20.   #97, Cory Poulin – Augusta

21.   #8, Luke Romanoski - Strong

DNS - #1, Steve Chicoine - Portland

As a player at Farmington State College in the mid-1960s, Irving James (I.J.) Pinkham was mentored by his coach Len MacPhee who stressed “playing the game with dignity and the right way.”

It seemed both men displayed plenty of dignity and success over their coaching careers as they were both inducted as members of the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame’s third class during an Aug. 21 ceremony in Bangor.

Over 700 people attended the sold-out event held at the Cross Insurance Center’s Ball Room to honor Pinkham, MacPhee and 21 other individuals, five “Legends of the Game” who contributed to Maine basketball’s growth, and two high school teams: the 1995 Cony girls and the 1947 Patten boys.

The Maine Basketball Hall of Fame has inducted 74 individual members in its three-year existence. Despite his 603 varsity coaching wins, one state championship and five regional titles, Pinkham was surprised at being inducted, and especially, in one of the Hall’s earliest classes.

“It’s an honor and I’m humbled,” he said after Sunday’s ceremony. “But it came as a surprise. I really didn’t think my accomplishments were that big a deal, and certainly thought if it happened, it might be a while.”

Pinkham began coaching in his second year as a Buckfield High School teacher in 1970. He spent five years coaching the Bucks before moving in 1976 to Boothbay Region High School. His teams are known for playing a fast-tempo style and being perennial tourney contenders. Pinkham’s players are also known for being respectful of their opponents, referees and teammates.

Pinkham’s coaching style is modeled after MacPhee, who amassed 322 collegiate victories at the Farmington school in 31 seasons. Pinkham credits MacPhee and his numerous talented players in Boothbay and Buckfield over the past 46 years for his coaching success.

“What is really nice is my college coach Len MacPhee is the same induction class. He is a big part of the reason I got into coaching,” he said. “My induction is also a reflection of all the wonderful players I’ve had over the years, and strong support I’ve gotten from the school administration and community.”

Pinkham’s love of basketball began as a child. He began playing the game as a youth in Millbridge in Washington County. As a youngster, Pinkham loved the game so much his father removed one of the house’s rafters so his son and friends could play basketball inside.

Pinkham played four years for Milbridge High School. Pinkham doesn’t recall how many points he scored in his high school days, but his game-high was 53 against Jonesboro. Pinkham never played in the Class S tournament in Bangor. His team lost to either Jonesport or Beals each year.

After high school, he headed for Farmington State Teacher’s College which later became the University of Maine at Farmington. He chose education as a profession based on the positive influence by a high school teacher. Jack Sumner’s father was also a teacher who made a favorable impression in Down East education circles. The high school in Sullivan is named Sumner Memorial in Jack Sumner’s father’s honor.

In 1965, Pinkham enrolled at Farmington State College and played four basketball seasons. Pinkham’s teammates included two others who made significant contributions as Maine basketball coaches. Dick Meader, a 2015 Maine Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, coached college basketball for 40 seasons. He was a five-time coach of the year, and co-founder of the Pine Tree Basketball Clinic in Waterville. Another teammate, Chandler Woodcock, coached the Mount Blue High School girls team to two Class A State championships. Woodcock is currently the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife commissioner and was the Republican Party’s candidate for governor in 2010. 

During his college days, neither Pinkham nor Woodcock saw a lot of playing time. But both learned the game from MacPhee’s tutelage.

“He had a low-key style. He never yelled, shouted or used profanity. I liked his approach and it is a huge influence on the way I coach,” Pinkham said.

Woodcock described Pinkham as a “coach” even while the two “rode the pine” at Farmington.

“I.J. played quite a bit more than I did, but we mostly watched together and you could tell then he was the ultimate team player,” Woodcock said. “He was always talking about how this player would work better in this slot, or this player combination would work better. He really had a terrific mind for the game at an early age.”

Each of the Class of 2016 inductees had a presenter who spoke about the recipient’s accomplishments. Pinkham chose his son, Tim, who played on the Boothbay Region’s 2001 State Championship team.

Tim Pinkham described what it was like when he and his brother, Tim, played basketball for the man everybody in town calls “Coach.” The younger Pinkham also described his father’s “old school” approach to the game. The son used the example of the coach wanting his players to be clean shaven and dressed appropriately on game day.

“He carried a razor in his med kit for players who hadn’t shaved on game day. Coach also required his players to wear a shirt and tie on game day,” Tim Pinkham said.

The son also talked about how important it was for his father’s teams to leave a good impression on the court. Tim Pinkham said his father was as proud of the several sportsmanship awards won by his teams as he was for the numerous times his teams made the tournament.

He also said a staple of his father’s teams was playing the game, the right way.

“He expects his players to show respect for the refs, opponents, and each other. You’re representing the school and community, which was evident by the many times his teams walked into the Augusta Civic Center and received standing ovations from the Boothbay fans,” Tim Pinkham said.

Tim Pinkham also shared what it was like being the coach’s son. During the previous football season, he had unknowingly injured his arm which hampered his shooting ability during basketball season. During a game, the coach said: “Don’t pass it to Tim, he’s only a defensive player.”

The son also recalled after a tough practice, the coach quickly reverted into becoming a dad when they arrived home.

“When things didn’t go well in practice, the tough coach came out. When he got home, he’d say, ‘Tough practice, and I can yell at you differently than the other kids,’” Tim Pinkham recalled.

Coach Pinkham, 69, has spent 45 years coaching varsity high school basketball and he has no plans to stop. He retired from teaching last year, but “Coach” still has passion for the game.

“I still love the game so I’m going to keep going. I’m definitely coaching next year, and hopefully for as long as I can,” he said.

This summer, he coached his grandson River Pinkham during the Boothbay Region YMCA grade 3-8 basketball camp. Tim Pinkham says there are two more grandkids waiting to play basketball and he hopes they will be part of the next generation of Boothbay players coached by his dad.

On Aug. 16, the Impossible Dream sailed into Boothbay Harbor again, just short of a year after its first trip here last year.

The boat left Florida in June and headed up the east coast, and owner Deborah Mellen and her best friend, a yellow lab named Winter, joined Captain Will Rey and First Mate Evan Duffy, and a couple other passengers, in Baltimore in late June. She and the crew stopped in New York, Newport, Rhode Island, Martha's Vineyard, Boston and Kennebunk before tying up at Hodgdon Marina.

A universally designed, ocean-going 60-foot catamaran with an 85-foot mast, Impossible Dream is used to help make dreams come true for people with disabilities. The universally accessible sailboat was the idea of paraplegic Mike Browne, who had a dream of sailing a boat that was fully operational to anyone in a wheelchair.

Mellen, a wheelchair user due to spinal cord injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Italy, has made the Impossible Dream and its life altering adventures her life's work. Her partner in the venture, Harry Horgan, also a wheelchair user, is co-founder and president of Miami-based Shake-a-Leg, an organization started to help him and others with mobility disabilities maximize their independence through sailing.

During her stay in Boston, Mellen worked with recently disabled people at Spaulding Hospital. There she met Kristin Johnston, an occupational therapist who had been working with Bob Gregoire, a paraplegic and the chief of police in Augusta. Gregoire and his wife Cathy had spent 10 weeks at the rehab center after a motorcycle accident in 2014 caused an upper spinal cord injury that left him unable to move any part of his body.

On Aug.16, Mellen and her crew took Gregoire and his wife, and Johnston, for a sail.

Before heading out, Gregoire spoke about his accident, and said he was feeling lucky. He had started walking. “My first diagnosis was that I was a quadriplegic. I was on a respirator, and they didn't know if I'd be able to breathe on my own.” After six weeks at Spaulding, he could only move his right thumb.

The day after Christmas last year, he was trying to squeeze his thigh muscle, and it moved. “There was no jumping for joy, but I cried,” he said.

“I've been very fortunate. We started in a pool, and slowly I was able to stand up. From there we went to a lift with a harness. I was just like a baby. I had to learn to walk again.”

The first time he walked without a harness was in March, and now he can walk a couple hundred feet at a time.

Occupational therapists, like Johnston, work with patients with disabilities from the waist up. Physical therapists focus on the waist down. Gregoire attributes a lot of his “luck” to Johnston, with help from a physical therapist. “We've been working with Kristin since January, 2015,” he said. “She filled in one day for another therapist, and at the end of the day I told Cathy we were switching therapists.”

“There's always hope,” Gregoire said.

In an email, Gregoire spoke of his experience on the Impossible Dream. “I really enjoyed the sail. It was very relaxing and the views were beautiful.  I also enjoyed the opportunity to speak with other handicapped individuals about their challenges and accomplishments.”

A brother of a close friend of Mellen's in Miami, Mike Beauregard from Southport, went for the sail with his daughter, Ella, and her friend and fellow sailor, Hamilton Barclay of Boothbay. Recently both had competed and won their division in the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club Regatta.

Also along on the sail was Phil Oliver, a quadriplegic, who came down from Washington County and arrived just in the nick of time. The Impossible Dream had given up on him and headed out when they heard a loud blast from a car horn. They turned around and picked him up, to his relief. He had, after all, just made a five-hour drive to experience his first sail on a boat that was fully equipped to be manned by someone in a wheelchair.

Read about the Impossible Dream and her first trip to Boothbay Harbor last year in the Sept. 3, 2015 edition of the Boothbay Register.

Fern identification is fun and easy! Unlike flowering plants -- with leaves, buds, and flowers to remember at different times of year -- ferns look pretty much the same all season long, so there is just one set of characteristics to learn.

On Tuesday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to noon at Midcoast Conservancy’s Hidden Valley Nature Center, Egypt Road, Jefferson, join instructor Hildy Ellis, who will demonstrate how to identify ferns using the random access Guide to Common Ferns of New England, which will be provided to all participants. In addition to identification tips, the talk and walking tour will cover fascinating fern natural history, reproduction, and ecology. This is an outdoor program; please wear sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and bring a hand lens or magnifying glass.

Ellis is district coordinator for Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District. She has a BS in horticulture from the University of Maine, where she conducted graduate research on ornamental invasive plants. As an undergrad, Ellis studied tree fern ecology on the island of Dominica.

To register, go to http://www.midcoastconservancy.org/discover-world-ferns/ or call 389-5150.

On Sept. 10, The Morris Farm Trust of Wiscasset will hold its 17th annual Tour de Farms, a cycling and car tour through the scenic farmland of Maine’s Midcoast with stops at working farms along the way. The event will comprise a full, fun and exciting day for farmers and riders.

This year’s Tour de Farms offers three new, beautiful rides: 56 and 42 miles, as well as an 18-mile family ride through the towns of Wiscasset, Dresden and Whitefield. Riders will visit some of Maine’s most unique and beautiful farms; learn where their food comes from; and better understand the effort that goes into producing it. They’ll also be able to purchase fresh goods to take home. Volunteers will courier cyclists’ purchases back to the Morris Farm. Participating farms include Goranson’s, a certified organic farm; Maine Medicinals, a certified organic processor of standardized nutraceuticals; Uncas Farm and Sheepscot General Store; Hamilton Farm and Barred Owl Creamery; and Wandering Root Farm, among others.

The event is intended for experienced and novice cyclists, as well as local food lovers. Non-cyclists are invited to drive a route developed for vans and cars.

After the ride, participants will return to the Morris Farm for a barbecue featuring local foods and entertainment provided by the musical group, Well-Seasoned.

The Midcoast Tour de Farms is sponsored annually by The Morris Farm Trust. Located in Wiscasset, the Trust is both a working farm and an educational resource for the communities of Midcoast Maine. A non-profit, educational membership organization, the Morris Farm Trust promotes the values of sustainable agriculture and stewardship of the earth through education, demonstration and community involvement.

Additional partners for this year’s event include ReVision Energy, Wiscasset Ford, Reny’s, Chesterfield Associates, Inc., Norm’s Used Cars, and Carl M.P. Larrabee Agency.

To register, or to learn more about the 2016 Tour de Farms, visit www.morrisfarm.org/tourdefarms2016, and follow Tour de Farms Midcoast Maine on Facebook for updates. Those who register by Aug. 27 will receive a reduced price. The rain date for the 2016 Tour de Farms will be Sunday, Sept. 11.

The Wolverines got a pair of goals from Russell Marr and Grant Hefler in a 5-1 soccer win against visiting Telstar Regional High School during a scrimmage game Thursday evening, Aug. 25, at Wiscasset Middle High School.

Wiscasset lit up the scoreboard just two minutes into the game after Marr’s shot from the 18-yard line ricocheted off the post and into the net. The Wolverines continued to dominate the first half of play but didn’t score again until the 17:23 mark. This time it was Nate Woodman who found the net, putting the host ahead 2-0.

Telstar had a chance to get on the scoreboard with 9:33 left until halftime after a Wolverine defender was whistled for a handball. Because the infraction was inside the penalty area, Telstar was awarded a penalty kick. Zack Stone’s shot was well struck but right at WMHS goalie Sam Strozier, who dropped to the ground and caught the ball.

With the clock winding down, a scramble in front of the Telstar goal led to a WMHS corner kick. The ensuing kick found Ethan James in the goal mouth but his headball went over the net. Wiscasset finished the first half with a 10 to 3 shot edge.

Shortly after the second half began, James rang a shot off the goal post. A few minutes later, he found Hefler open. Hefler fired and scored.

Marr then put WMHS up 4-0 with his second goal netting a headball past the diving goalie with 22:35 left. Conlon Ranta set up the score by lofting a nice pass to his teammate.

Telstar’s Avery Griffin ended the shutout with  8:14 left. Helfler then finished the visitors off with his second goal with 4:45 left to play.

Because it was only a scrimmage, an official scorebook wasn’t kept. Wiscasset clearly outshot Telstar 11-3 in the first half. The second half the shot ratio was about even at seven a piece.

Strozier finished with about eight saves including the penalty kick.

Afterwards, Wolverines Coach Chris Cossette said he saw a lot of improvement in his team. “We’d played a lot better tonight than in our first scrimmage at Medomak Valley on Tuesday. Sam looked a lot more comfortable in the net and the defense played a lot better in front of him.”

Cossette said his roster was a little thin against Telstar because several of his players were unable to make the game. “It gave me an opportunity to move players around in the second half and see how they’d look playing in different positions. Overall I think we did pretty well.”

Wiscasset will host Richmond 6 p.m., Monday, Aug. 29 in their final scrimmage game. They’ll open the regular season Sept. 6 against Carrabec.

Alna has a new silver medal in town, but it’s not from Rio de Janiero. This one’s from Yarmouth, where Alna First Selectman David Abbott captured it in the Maine Senior Games.

The retired Bath Iron Works designer felt good about the second place finish in the archery competition. Held at Lakeside Archery, the event was part of the annual Senior Games the Southern Maine Agency on Aging puts on. He’d done well in the Senior Games before, taking silver, bronze and last year a fourth place ribbon. This time, he was four points off gold.

“I shot the way I should and if I do that, that’s all I care. I don’t care if I win or lose,” Abbott said.

He had the edge of youth this year. He turned 70, which bumped him up to the men’s 70- to 74-year-old group among those who competed with a compound bow with a release. Entrants shoot at Olympic-style, circular targets, he said.

However, he joined the age group along with a past national champion archer Abbott said he always loses to. They’re only about a month apart, Abbott said. “I can’t get away from him,” he said, smiling.

This year’s silver, as some of his past finishes, qualifies Abbott for nationals, but he doesn’t go to them, he said. “I don’t aspire to anything big. I just like shooting with the people I know.”

Earlier this summer, he took fourth in a state archery championship in Skowhegan. In that one, entrants shot at life-sized foam animal targets. He was the event’s defending champion; Abbott recently told his fellow selectmen he was about to shoot when a yellow jacket came near his ear, and he flinched.

Abbott also bow-hunts. Raised in Wiscasset, he was about 10 when his father gave him a lemonwood longbow. “I’ve had a bow ever since.”

Abbott and wife Linda have lived at their home on West Alna Road since they got married 49 years ago. He’s served several terms as selectman off and on, with his total service on the board now nearing the 20-year mark, he said.

Wiscasset Middle High School renewed an old rivalry when the Wolverines boys hosted Richmond High School in the final preseason soccer game Monday evening. A good-sized crowd was on hand for the game won by the Bobcats 3-0.

The Wolverines started with a gusty, fall-like breeze at their backs, but it was the visitors who dominated the first 40 minutes of play. At the 30:13 mark, Cody Tribbett netted what turned out to be the only goal the visitors needed.

Wiscasset responded to the score by driving deep into Richmond territory. After a Bobcat defender lost possession of the ball out-of-bounds, Ethan James’s throw-in from the sideline carried 30 yards to the goal mouth but Josh Jones’s shot was caught by Bobcat keeper Isaac Cappen.

Two minutes later, it was Richmond’s turn. A Bobcat player broke free in the Wolverine backfield and rung a shot off the goal post. Later Wiscasset’s Max Sampson had a nice shot but Cappen was once again there for the save.

With 8:07 left before the half, Justin Vachon put the Bobcats ahead 2-0 when he headed a cross pass into the corner of the net. Wiscasset goalie Sam Strozier had no chance to make the save.

Richmond had another scoring opportunity with 3:40 left after WMHS was whistled for an infraction (charging) just outside the penalty area. The Richmond player fired low to the post but Strozier made a nice save and cleared the ball down field.

No official scorebook was kept, but the Bobcats clearly outshot the Wolverines in the first half.

With the wind advantage, Richmond controlled the tempo in the opening minutes of the second half. Zach Small made it a 3-0 game at 26:26 with an unassisted score.

At the 19:00 mark, a Bobcat player broke free, carrying the ball down the middle of the field with Kevin Lynch in pursuit. The shot that followed was high, hitting the cross bar and bouncing out of bounds.

With a little over five minutes left to play, Wiscasset’s Brandon Goud booted a pass from the right side off the crossbar and into the net. Unfortunately, the score was whistled off by the referee for an off-sides violation.

Max Sampson then fired a nice shot but Cappen was there again for the save.  In the final minute, Wiscasset got two more shots off. Nate Woodman missed from inside the 18-yard line and Russell Marr followed with a nice shot the goalie batted wide of the net.

Cappen, who had played so well in the Bobcat net, suffered a shoulder injury in the closing minutes and had to leave the game.

Following the game, Wolverines Coach Chris Cossette said his younger players got a lot of valuable game experience.

“We didn’t have all of our guys here tonight which meant we had to move players around into positions they weren’t used to playing,” he said.

WMHS opens the Mountain Valley Conference season with a home game against Carrabec Sept. 6. The game will be played under the lights beginning at 7 p.m. On Sept. 10, the Wolverines will host Hall-Dale at 6 p.m.

Hundreds of motorists pass the Marsh River Bog Preserve every day but few stop to explore this interesting 54-acre property maintained by the Damariscotta River Association.

The preserve, not to be confused with the nearby Marsh River Preserve, is located about two miles north of the Sherman Marsh rest stop and picnic area, 5.7 miles from Red’s Eats in Wiscasset.

A small wooden sign marks the preserve entrance that’s more easily reached if you drive past it, turnaround and approach it from the highway’s southbound lane.

Be sure to park your vehicle in the small parking area. Don’t block the gate, which serves as an entrance to a private drive. A painted map of the property is tacked to a tree. You can also download a map and guidelines for enjoying the preserve by logging on to www.damariscottariver.org. There’s no informational kiosk or sign-in book.

Two trails lead from the parking area. The one on the right offers a short walk that stops at the marsh, the preserve’s main feature. The marsh surrounds a small pond identified on the map as a “Dwarf Spruce Bog.”

The marshy area is bordered on one side by Route 1 and woods on the other. It covers a good deal of the property. Dozens of white water lilies were in bloom during our visit.

Returning to the parking area we started up the main trail, blazed in blue that carries you around the property. It rises up a small hill through mixed hardwood and pine trees.

Two smaller paths, both blazed white, branch off — looping around to the main trail. The junctions are marked with white, wooden arrows tacked to trees.

The paths were overgrown with ferns along several stretches, indicating they haven’t gotten a lot of use. One side trail leads to the upper end of the marsh where there’s a wooded bench to sit and enjoy the view.

On the way back, we surprised a spruce partridge. The larger white loop carries you west to a glade where the power lines cut through the preserve’s upper corner. The same path runs back to the marsh alongside a tumbling stone fence that once served as a boundary line.

During two separate visits to the preserve, we encountered no annoying mosquitoes, deer flies or ticks. I read recently that the state’s tick population has fallen victim to this summer’s extreme dry weather. The woods remain very dry and the fire danger high.

The Damariscotta River Association is a nonprofit conservation land trust formed in 1973. Its office is located at 110 Belvedere Road,  Damariscotta. DRA purchased the Marsh River Bog in 2004. The preserve is open year-round. The trail system is suitable for all ages and about a mile in length.

DRA works throughout the Damariscotta River region in the towns of Damariscotta, Newcastle, Edgecomb, Nobleboro, Bristol, South Bristol, Boothbay and Bremen.

Go back in time to the days of the poodle skirt, leather jacket and dancing to the music on “American Bandstand.” Join the celebration at the Pemaquid Watershed Association’s 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance on Saturday, Oct. 1 at The 1812 Farm, 1297 Bristol Road (Route 130), Bristol, at 6 p.m.

A cash bar will be available and a sumptuous buffet dinner will be offered by The 1812 Farm. Music will be presented by “Mr. Motown,” aka DJ Bruce Martin, and his partner Wendy. They specialize in rock 'n roll music of the '50s, '60s and '70s so you can Jitterbug, Twist and Stroll to Elvis, the Stones and Chubby Checker as well as dance those nostalgic “slow dances” to the Supremes, Everly Brothers and Marvin Gay.

Admission is $40 per person. There is limited seating, so make your reservations by calling PWA at 563-2196 or dropping by our new office at 584 Main St., Damariscotta, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Midcoast Conservancy is holding a workshop on Identification Skill for Foraging Wild Mushrooms on Sunday, Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Maine is a land of diverse and plentiful forests, fields, lakes and streams. Anyone exploring the state after a period of rain in the summer or fall is confronted with a delightful abundance of wild mushrooms in an array of colors, shapes and habitats. If you have always wanted to learn which mushrooms can be used for food or for health benefits, this is an opportunity to gain a foundation of information and resources to help you move forward. 

Join noted Maine mushroom expert and author Greg Marley for a day of learning about mushrooms and how to identify them.  We will look at the major groups of mushrooms and the information needed to tell an edible chanterelle from a deadly amanita, as well as information of their ecology and occurrence. The day will combine indoor learning with outdoor collecting. Come prepared for a walk in the woods. Participants are invited to bring fresh mushrooms from home to add to the collections.

Cost of the course is $60 for Midcoast Conservancy members, $70 for non-members. To register, visit midcoastconservancy.org/events, or call 389-5150.

Midcoast Conservancy will host a full moon paddle at its Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson on Friday, Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Participants can enjoy the silvery glow from canoes provided by the nature center as they glide along Little Dyer Pond after a beautiful mile-and-a half hike into the woods. Longtime member Chuck Dinsmore will lead the paddle.

Little Dyer Pond is a true Great Pond with no public boat launch and almost no shoreline development. HVNC will provide the canoes, paddles, and life jackets. All ages are welcome! Participants should be comfortable in a canoe on flat water, able to steer a canoe, and able to walk three miles on moderate trails.

Space is limited by the number of boats available, and pre-registration is required. More information and registration is available online at midcoastconservancy.org/events.  Meet at the gate at 6:30; bring flashlights or headlamps for the hike back to the parking lot.

It’s good to note that HVNC’s canoes are available to rent anytime. Just leave a $10 per boat donation at the Gatehouse and get out there and explore Little Dyer Pond.

For more information: midcoastconservancy.org or call (207) 389-5150.

Angie Perkins scored three goals to lead the Boothbay Seahawks to a 5-4 win over Wiscasset in Mountain Valley Conference soccer action at Clifford Field in Boothbay Friday afternoon.

After winning the toss, the Seahawks chose to keep the ball, leaving the Wolverines to defend the goal facing the sun but with the wind at their backs. Twenty seconds later, Perkins carried the ball past three defenders and scored, hammering the ball into the corner of the net.

Maeve Blodgett tied the game, putting Wiscasset Middle High School on the scoreboard. The Wolverines then got a huge break five minutes later when the Seahawks were whistled for an infraction following a collision inside the penalty area. Gabby Chapman netted the ensuing penalty kick, the ball sailing into the right hand corner past Seahawk goalie Jackie McLoon.

With just a few minutes left on the clock until the half, Perkins struck again with her second unassisted goal, tying the score 2-2.

“Everybody’s here to help each other. Communicate and keep your comments positive,” Wolverines Coach Duane Goud told his players at halftime.

“We’ve got to be a little quicker on our passes,” Seahawks Coach Ben Powell said to his team.

Wiscasset’s Grace Webber broke free on the right wing at the 34:00 mark of the second half, fired, but McLoon was there for the save. Later, Boothbay’s Summer Chamberlin carried the ball inside the Wiscasset penalty area but fullback Stephanie Jones raced up from behind and cleared the ball away with a slide tackle.

Boothbay striker Hannah Cola finally broke the deadlock when she shook off two Wiscasset defenders and scored again to put the hosts ahead 3-2.

The Wolverines then got another huge break. Following a tussle in front of the Boothbay net, the Seahawks were whistled for another infraction inside the penalty area. Once again, Chapman hammered home the penalty kick­ — game tied.

With 25 minutes left to play, Chapman nearly put the Wolverines ahead; her direct kick from outside the 18-yard line was on the mark, but McLoon moved quickly to her right and caught the ball. Webber then made a nice cross pass in front of the net but the Seahawks defense again cleared the ball away.

Boothbay’s Reagan Cola then carried the ball deep into Wiscasset territory but her shot was deflected and caught by Wolverine keeper Lindsey Gordon, who punted the ball deep down field.

With 10 minutes left, Hannah Cola slipped by two defenders. Gordon charged, but too late. Cola’s shot found the net, putting Boothbay up 4-3. Thirty seconds later, Wiscasset was whistled for an infraction outside the 18. Some confusion followed and before the Wolverines could set up a defensive formation, Perkins had hammered the ball into the net.

The Wolverines fought on. With just over a minute left, Chapman scored her third goal of the game, another direct kick, when the Seahawks were whistled for yet another infraction, just outside the 18-yard line. With the final seconds ticking off, Wiscasset kept the pressure on but Boothbay prevailed.

Afterward, Powell called it a great win. “Five goals, you can’t complain about that,” he said.

“We had our opportunities and we took the game right to the closing minute,” Goud said. Shannon James and Cyra Fait played well off the bench, he added.

Wiscasset finished with a 20-17 shot edge. McLoon finished with 17 saves, Gordon had 14.

A half marathon and 5k runs completed the trifecta of seasonal races on Sunday, Sept. 3. The event was coordinated by the Boothbay Region YMCA as part of Wellness Week, a component of Harbor Fest. Proceeds benefited the fight against diabetes.

Eighty-four runners completed the half marathon in spite of confusion over the course, which led some runners to take a wrong turn near the start.

“We will make it good for them,” said YMCA race coordinator Andy Hamblett, who said it was up to the runners to preview the race map.

Overall top finishers were David Whitt (1:26:37), followed by John Copeland (1:41:44) and Danny Huang (1:41:49). Top woman’s finisher was Amy Galse of Long Island, New York at 1:57:28.

Alan Surette was the overall winner of the 5k race with a time of 19:59. Top woman’s time was clocked by Sidney McCarren of Wiscasset, 22:26. Overall, 122 runners in eight categories took part in the race. Late-arriving race medals for all participants will be mailed, according to Hamblett.

Wellness exhibits including yoga and massage were available to runners and the public at the high school football field. Further wellness events will be held throughout the week, according to event coordinator Lori Reynolds.

Dry conditions have kept tick populations subdued over much of the state but the midcoast, including Lincoln County, continues to see high rates of Lyme disease and record levels of anaplasmosis, according to the Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Lincoln County had 32 cases of Lyme through Aug. 18, or 94 cases per 100,000 people, according to the Maine CDC, the highest rate of any county in Maine. Over that same period, the county saw a record 46 cases of anaplasmosis, a relatively new tickborne disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms.

For residents of coastal counties like Lincoln and Knox, the bottom line is that while dry weather has kept the tick population under stress in most of the state, Lyme and other tickborne illnesses remain a threat, especially in areas along the immediate coast that have escaped the worst of the drought.

Charles Lubelczyk, a Vector Ecologist at the Maine Medical Center Research Institute, said very few ticks were found in some inland areas - some of which were experiencing the driest conditions- during summer tick surveys. Closer to the coast the tick population has been much higher. 
Because more ticks mean more tick borne disease, the highest levels of Lyme and other tick borne diseases are in the coastal counties of Knox, Waldo and Hancock, according to Maine CDC statistics.

As of Aug. 18, 424 cases of Lyme disease had been reported statewide, according to the Maine CDC. All numbers reported by the Maine CDC are preliminary. Because there is a lag between infection and when the disease is actually reported, numbers will rise significantly by the end of the year.

The incidence of Lyme disease has climbed dramatically over the past 10 years in Maine, hitting a record of 1408 cases in 2014. According to national statistics, Maine also had the highest rate of Lyme disease nationwide that year, the last year for which national statistics are available.

In addition to Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and babesiosis, two potentially serious tickborne diseases that are also spread by the deer tick, or black-legged tick, have increased dramatically in Maine.
As of Aug. 18, the state has already seen 56 cases of babesiosis and 225 cases of anaplasmosis, more than the state has seen in any previous year. For all of 2015, there were 191 cases of anaplasmosis and 55 cases of babesiosis in Maine.

Symptoms of babesiosis include extreme fatigue, aches, chills, sweating and dark urine. Anaplasmosis symptoms include fever, headaches, malaise, nausea and body aches. Both illnesses can be severe and even life threatening, especially for elderly people or people with compromised immune systems.
Lyme disease is usually diagnosed through the presence of a target, or bulls-eye rash more than two inches in diameter. Other symptoms of Lyme disease include flu-like symptoms, a stiff neck, chills, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, and joint pain.

Lubelczyk said it was not clear why anaplasmosis and babesiosis have increased so dramatically, but he said it could be the result of relatively high populations of the small mammals that the ticks use as hosts. He said it is also possible that more people are being diagnosed because providers are becoming more familiar with the diseases.

One tick borne illness that has not appeared in Maine so far is Powassan disease, caused by a virus that can result in inflammation of the brain, causing long lasting neurological symptoms or death. But most people who are infected will experience few, if any, symptoms.

One reason the Powassan virus is a greater concern to physicians and biologists, is that it can be transmitted much more quickly – sometimes in less than an hour. A tick has to be attached for at least 24 hours before Lyme and other tick-borne diseases are transmitted. Another reason for concern is that there is no treatment for the virus.

While Powassan is fairly rare in humans, the virus is found ticks in many parts of the state. Lubelczyk is currently doing a survey of ticks to better understand where the virus is present in the state.
Precautions against tickborne diseases (Source U.S. Centers for Disease Control):

• Ticks live in moist or humid environments in woody or grassy areas. When hiking, walk in the center of trails, and when possible and wear long pants and sleeves.
•  Permethrin kills ticks. Use it on clothes, boots and camping gear. Use a repellent with DEET on skin.
• After you come in from outdoors, check your skin and clothing for ticks and remove any them. Washing clothes may not kill ticks, but your dryer’s high heat cycle will.
• Shower soon after coming indoors and check skin everywhere for ticks.
• For more information: http://www.cdc.gov/features/stopticks/.

After a sold out Lighthouse Legends and Lore Cruise earlier this summer, the Maine Maritime Museum and Red Cloak Haunted History Tours are offering three more cruises before the season ends.

A portion of the proceeds from Lighthouse Legends and Lore cruises will go to benefit the restoration campaign at the historic Burnt Island lighthouse in Boothbay Harbor.

The first scheduled cruise departs from the Maine Maritime Museum at 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16 aboard the museum excursion vessel Merrymeeting. The other cruises are scheduled for Friday, Sept. 30 and Friday, Oct. 7.

Passengers aboard the Lighthouse Legends and Lore Cruises will see up to seven lighthouses, depending on weather and sea conditions. Those destinations could include Doubling Point Light, Hendricks Head Light, Seguin Island Light, Ram Island Light and The Cuckolds. The visit to Burnt Island will include landing on the island for an up-close look at the keeper’s house and other facilities, including the majestic Burnt Island Light tower.

Guests will learn the stories behind these iconic beacons; about the lives of some of the keepers and their families - daily routines, traditions and hardships, as well as the legends and lore surrounding them.

The tours will be guided by Sally Lobkowicz, the mysterious Lady in the Red Cloak from Red Cloak Haunted History Tours.

Following the old Horace Greeley axiom, “Go west, young man,” Edgecomb native Mike Finnegan has taken it further by going north, south, and east across the high seas of the world. Finnegan, 31, is the captain of the Zoom, Zoom, Zoom, a 161-foot super yacht currently anchored in Newport, Rhode Island. The boat falls under the category of luxury class charter and rents for a cool $185,000 a week. Finnegan has been partnered with the Zoom, Zoom Zoom owner for almost nine years and spends the majority of the year — save a month — piloting a crew of 10 and any number of well-heeled passengers anywhere from the Caribbean to Alaska. His love of the water was informed while working as a sternman for Southport’s Mike Thibault and charter fishing with Boothbay Harbor-based Charger as a youth.

“My dream stemmed from growing up around the water in Boothbay Harbor,” he said. “That’s kind of where it all began.”

After graduating from Wiscasset High School in 2003, Finnegan enrolled in the Maine Maritime Academy before embarking on a variety of commercial job assignments. 

“I then found the yachting industry and the rest is kind of history,” said Finnegan via a satellite phone.

At the tender age of 23, he was the pilot of a 122-foot vessel and earned himself a reputation in an exclusive world where word of mouth is paramount. Through an agent, Finnegan was introduced to his current employer and the two have developed a close working relationship.

“These are toys so to speak,” he said. “It’s like any piece of recreational equipment and the relationship between captain and owner has to be the right match. It’s being able to accomplish the owner’s expectations and jumping into another season without much notice.”

The owner (Finnegan declined to provide the name citing confidentiality agreements) will use the boat sparingly throughout the year and make the yacht available for charter cruises when not in use. Built in 2005 by Louisiana-based Trinity Yachts, Zoom, Zoom, Zoom is one of the fastest of its kind, capable of 23 knots with a cruising speed of 14 knots. The interior layout sleeps up to 10 guests in five rooms and includes a master suite, two staterooms, one double cabin and one twin cabin. In addition, Zoom, Zoom, Zoom has a gym, air conditioning, on board WiFi, deck jacuzzi, two Waverunner jet skis, many wet bars, water skis and a 40' Seahunter towable tender fully outfitted for fishing. The ship was docked at Hodgdon Marina in Boothbay in July and drew a steady stream of onlookers awed by its size and scope. 

Over the years, Finnegan has had his share of wealthy and famous passengers, but wouldn’t divulge any names, a variation on the saying loose lips, sink ships that could be detrimental to further business. 

“I kind of know who’s aboard by the amount of security involved,” he said. “It’s a lot of high-end individuals; our utmost concern is the safety and privacy of our guests.”

Currently Finnegan has a full-time, international crew of 10 including the first mate, deck hand, chief engineer, second engineer, and three stewardesses. With so much time at sea, how does one maintain a personal life? For Finnegan the answer was simple: Marry someone who is literally on board with the lifestyle. His wife, Patricia, was a fellow crew member when they first met six years ago. Though getting back to Maine to see parents Judy and Mike Finnegan Sr. is hard, he maintains local roots with a home in East Boothbay.

“I can count on all fingers and toes the number of times I’ve slept there on an annual basis,” he said. “I get back there whenever possible.”

Though the sacrifices are many, he wouldn’t trade his experience for anything else as the chance to see the world is an opportunity he understands is rare. He loves his job and doesn’t anticipate stopping anytime soon. 

“It becomes your life and at the end of the day is work,” he said. “It’s definitely not for everybody but if it works for you, you can cover a lot of ground and see places you never would. A great gig.”

Taking about 30 inches off one end of the Head Tide Dam’s spillway would avoid taking some ledge off the Sheepscot River shoreline, a consultant said Tuesday night about one of the latest models to replace an abutment and try to improve fish passage. Another model would replace the same abutment, leave the 30-inch seam that connects it to the spillway, but lose some ledge, senior water resources engineer Michael Burke of Interfluve told an Alna committee.

The town owns the concrete dam that once powered a mill. Earlier this year, selectmen formed the new, smaller committee in place of one that worked several months with the Atlantic Salmon Federation and Interfluve. The new panel’s charge from selectmen is to explore a possible project in the area of the abutment on the Head Tide Road side of the dam.

Selectmen have said they would support no project that violates a covenant that came with the dam, calling for it to never be destroyed. Before forming the second committee, the board got a lawyer’s opinion stating that any changes that leave the dam substantially in place and functioning as a dam would not seem to break the covenant.

According to ASF Vice President of U.S. Programs Andy Goode, the spillway is about 93 feet long, including the seam. Losing the seam and connecting the new abutment’s vertical wall directly to the rest of the spillway makes more sense structurally than having that new wall next to the seam, Burke said. It would also look better, participants said about losing the seam. Burke said it has not been determined yet which model would do more for fish passage.

He and Goode told the committee they weren’t looking for decisions yet on what to propose for a project, only feedback to help Interfluve further develop the models. Everyone who commented favored losing the seam and keeping the ledge intact. Doing otherwise would seem foolish, committee member Gerry Flanagan said.

However, Flanagan wondered if the seam’s removal would pose an issue with the covenant. Participants suggested keeping both options open and Goode said he’ll get a legal opinion on the covenant question.

For more than 10 minutes after the meeting’s scheduled start time, attendees waited in the town office parking lot for the building to be unlocked. But no one with a key came; attendees also used their electronic devices to try to reach a town official, or a fire official to see if the meeting could happen in the fire station across the road.

Cathy Johnson, a member of the prior dam committee, offered the use of her home for the meeting. Attendees walked across Route 218, through a field and onto Golden Ridge Road to Johnson’s 1812 home.

Interfluve is doing its Alna work under an ASF contract that also encompasses plans to remove a dam in Whitefield. Voters in that town agreed to the dam’s removal. Goode has said any project at Head Tide Dam would cost Alna nothing.

Near the close of Tuesday’s meeting, Goode said: “I think we’re headed in the right direction here, in terms of having something that could possibly work.”

A new abutment’s vertical wall would be concrete like the dam, Goode and Burke said. Concrete, wood or another material could be considered for the platform, they said.

The Wolverines boys varsity soccer team dropped its Mountain Valley Conference season opener 3-0 to visiting Carrabec on Tuesday night. A large crowd was on hand for the game played under the lights at Wiscasset Middle High School.

After out-shooting the Cobras 6-1 in the first half, Jared Daigle netted the first of his two goals about a third of the way into the second half.

Dustin Crawford put the game away with 15:21 left to play. Crawford’s goal came on a head ball on a Carrabec corner kick. To make matters worse, Wiscasset goalie Sam Strozier injured his hand on the play.

Strozier was able to finish the game but could be sidelined, Wolverine Coach Chris Cossette said. “He’s being evaluated so we’ll have to wait and see what his status is,” Cossette said.

Earlier in the game, Wiscasset’s starting center/midfielder Aidan Carlson was sidelined after colliding head-to-head with a Carrabec player. Carlson had to temporarily exit the field but returned to action in the second half.

“It just wasn’t one of our better nights,” Cossette continued. “Most of our shots were on net but easily handled by their goalie. I think we actually out-shot them and had possession of the ball about 60 percent of the time.”

In spite of the result, the Wolverines coach said he saw a lot of positive things from his charges.

“Both Sam and Alex Strozier played well for us. Russell Marr and Aiden did a nice job, too,” he said. “Our team’s finesse on the one touch pass isn’t there yet but we’re getting there.”

The coach was also pleased with senior Grant Hefler, a first year soccer player. “He’s been playing up front and continues to improve every time he takes the field.”

Nate Woodman, who the coach swung from the front line to the backfield, put in a solid night of work as well. “He’s a player that can compete anywhere on the field,” added Cossette.

Strozier finished with four saves. Seth Padelford saved 10 for Carrabec. 

Wiscasset has two back-to-back home games at Hall-Dale Saturday, Sept. 10 and Lisbon Monday night, Sept. 12. Both games start at 6 p.m.

Sen. Chris Johnson, D-Somerville, is encouraging Maine residents and visitors to participate in the state’s annual Open Lighthouse Day on Saturday, Sept. 10.

Open Lighthouse Day sees lighthouses throughout the state opened to the public for visits, free of charge, however, should transport by boat be necessary the boat company will charge a fee.

The event, now in its eighth year, is sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, the Maine Office of Tourism and the American Lighthouse Foundation.

“Lighthouses are more than just a beacon for mariners,” said Sen. Johnson. “They are symbolic of our state’s nautical heritage, and an icon of Maine's brand. As the senator for several coastal communities with lighthouses, this day may also bring additional visitors to local businesses.”

The daylong event draws up to 18,000 visitors annually. All participating lighthouses will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

According to Maine Tourism, Maine has more coastal lighthouses than any other state and is often referred to as "The Lighthouse State." Beginning in 1791, lighthouses were built to help navigate mariners through dangerous waters and Maine's many small islands, ledges and shoals. By the turn of the 20th century, at least 70 lighthouses guarded Maine's coast, deepest rivers and even one lake. Today, 64 of these lighthouses still stand.

Go to www.visitmaine.com for itineraries, packages and participating lighthouses. For comprehensive information, visit www.lighthousefoundation.org/openlighthouseday.htm.

Aidan Carlson scored what proved to be the game-winning goal for Wiscasset Middle High School in a 4-3 thriller over visiting Hall-Dale Friday, Sept. 9.

Carlson’s unassisted goal with just over 13 minutes left in regulation put the Wolverines up 4-2. With 1:56 left to play, Tyler Nadeau then scored for the Bulldogs.

“It was a very fast-paced soccer game,” Wolverine Coach Chris Cossette commented afterward. “There was a lot of emotion but both teams exhibited a lot of sportsmanship.”

Russell Marr’s unassisted goal put the hosts on the scoreboard nine minutes into the contest.  Grant Hefler, Marr assisting, made it a 2-0 game at the 16:27 mark. Seven minutes later, Marr found the net again with another unassisted goal, giving Wiscasset a 3-0 lead. Jett Boyer ended the shutout after he hammered home a direct kick with 1:42 left until halftime. Hall-Dale’s Eli Smith then scored in the first minute of the second half and suddenly it was a 3-2 ballgame. The momentum shifted back and forth until Carlson scored at the 27:21 mark, putting the Wolverines up 4-2. Goalie Conlon Ranta, starting his second game in the net for the Wolverines, finished with nine saves.

Ranta took over as goalkeeper after Sam Strozier suffered what proved to be a broken hand in the team’s loss to Carrabec in the season opener on Sept. 6.

Coach Cossette said Strozier is continuing to play at midfield on the outside, and in the backfield. “Our backfield played exceptionally well against Hall-Dale,” Cossette continued, adding that sophomores Matt Smith and Josh Gabriele put in some quality minutes off the bench.

Hall-Dale keeper Josh Whitcomb recorded 10 saves.

WMHS 10, Dirigo 0

Marr netted three goals for the Wolverines in a 10-nil romp over Dirigo at Dixfield Sept 8. Five minutes into the game, Marr scored what proved to be the only goal WMHS needed. Ethan James picked up an assist on the play.

Hefler with Max Sampson assisting put WMHS up 2-0 with 20 minutes left in the first half.  Sampson then scored again a few minutes later. Brandon Goud scored at the 33:29 mark of the second half. At 26:04, Marr rebounded and netted his own shot off the crossbar, putting Wiscasset up 5-0. Goud, with Hefler assisting, scored again at 25:43. Hefler then joined the scoring parade, rebounding his shot off the post at 19:24. Marr’s hat trick came with just over 20 minutes left to play. Other scorers included Carlson as well as Calab Gabriele. Ranta was credited with three saves in recording a shutout in his first start.

Boothbay Charities Classic is proud to announce its 26th annual event on Sept. 23 and 24. This event has been a success over the years, last year bringing in $40,000 to benefit Special Olympics Maine.

The success of this event is largely contingent on the wonderful community here in the Boothbay region, and the continued support and sponsorship from its members and local businesses. If you were a sponsor over the years and wish to continue to support, it is not to late to get involved! There are many levels of sponsorship and every bit counts. This is a great way to get your business recognized and advertised with all funds going to an amazing cause.

There are still openings for hole and tee sponsors, as well as cart sponsors, starting at $50 for the sponsorship. Quantities are limited - all are on a first come first serve basis.

There are still opportunities to volunteer for the event day to chauffeur a celebrity across the beautiful 18 hole course at the Boothbay Harbor Country Club. If you would like to volunteer your time on Saturday, Sept. 24, please contact us!

If you would like to be a sponsor, volunteer or make a donation you can contact Brenda Blackman at 207-380-7770 or send to P.O. Box 207 Boothbay Maine 04537.

All questions can be emailed to info@boothbaycharitiesclassic.com. You can make a difference in the lives of the athletes! 

These are the Unofficial Top Five Results from races held on Sunday, Sept. 11 at Wiscasset Speedway: 

Thunder 4 Minis: 20-Lap Feature Race: 1.  #26, Michael Golding – Pownal;  2. #1, Jeff Davis – Woolwich; 3. #48, Michael Harrison - Durham; 4.    #04, Curtis Anderson - Richmond; 5. #41, Logan Melcher – Fayette.

NEMA Lites: 25-Lap Spotlight Race: 1. #57, PJ Stergios - Newmarket, NH; 2. #51, Danny Cugini - Marshfield, MA; 3. #12, Jim Chambers - Atkinson, NH; 4. #38, Ryan Locke - Raymond, NH; 5. #35, Randy Cabral - Kingston, MA.

Super Streets: 25-Lap Feature: 1. #85, Kenny Harrison - Pownal; 2. #5, Mark Lucas - Harpswell; 3. #2, Josh Bailey - Wiscasset; 4. #11, Jason Oakes - Boothbay; 5. #38, Cody Buzzell - Madison.

ServPro of Biddeford/Saco Prostocks 40-Lap Feature: 1. #01, Andy Saunders - Ellsworth; 2. #15X, Scott Chubbuck - Bowdoin;  3. #1, Mike Moody - Topsham; 4. #01x, Joe Decker - Chesterville; 5. #12, Thomas True - Woolwich.

NEMA Midgets: 25-Lap Feature: 1. #74, Todd Bertrand - Danielson, CT; 2. #9, John Zych – Mendon, MA;  3. #47, Randy Cabral - Plymouth, MA; 4. #7, Alan Chambers - Atkinson, NH; 5. #15A, Avery Stoehr - Lakeville, MA.

New England 4 Cyl Pros: 25-Lap Feature: 1. #24, Jeff Prindall - Lisbon; 2. #98, Kamren Knowles – West Gardiner; 3. #4, Connor Wenners - Edgecomb; 4. #84, Jamie Wright - Woolwich; 5. #48, RJ Pinkham - Hallowell.

The Wolverines girls’ soccer team will be looking for its fourth win in a row when it hosts the Madison Bulldogs at 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

This week’s game with Lisbon has been postponed to 3:30,  Monday, Sept. 19 at Lisbon. This is also the midpoint of the Mountain Valley Conference soccer season.

Over the last week, the Wolverines have defeated Carrabec 3-2, Dirigo 6-2 and Hall-Dale 3-2.

 Cobras caged

On Sept. 6, Gabby Chapman had two goals vs. the visiting Carrabec Cobras. Both goals came in the second half of play.

Lauren Chestnut put the Cobras up 1-0, scoring the only goal of the first half. Chapman tied the game in the opening minutes of the second half but Makayla Vieneire’s goal regained the lead for Carrabec.

With the clock winding down to 16:07, Chapman, with freshman Cyra Fiat assisting, found the net again. With less then three minutes left in regulation, Grace Webber booted in Brooke Carleton’s pass, giving WMHS the win.

Lindsey Gordon and Lily Souza split the goal keeping duties for WMHS. Gordon started and gave up both goals, recording five saves. Souza saved two.

Wolverine Coach Duane Goud said Steph Jones and Natalie Corson played well in the backfield.

Chapman nets 4 goals

At Dixfield Sept. 8, Chapman scored four times in a 6-2 romp over Dirigo.

The Wolverines were ahead 3-nil at halftime, scoring three times in five minutes. Chapman netted the team’s first two goals, her second coming on a direct kick. Then Wiscasset scored again with 6:14 left.

Chapman scored two more goals at 33:35 and 26:57 of the second half. With 12:30 left in regulation, Webber booted in the game winner.

B. Greia scored both of Dirigo’s goals.

Wolverine keeper Gordon turned away six Dirigo shots.

Wolverines outlast Hall-Dale

Wiscasset returned from Farmingdale Sept. 10 with a 3-2 winner over Hall-Dale.

The Bulldogs struck first in this hard-fought game, scoring just four minutes into the contest, with Sabrina Freeman netting the first goal. Addie Davis was credited with an assist.

Webber then tied the game, with Sarah Foley assisting, with 18:32 left until the half. At the 9:34 mark, Webber scored again, this one unassisted, putting the Wolverines up 2-1, which was where the score stood at halftime.

Hall-Dale’s Addie Davis tied the game at 31:04 of the second half, setting the stage for a dramatic game-winning goal by Chapman with 23:09 left to play.

Gordon had a stellar game in the net, recording 10 saves. Maggie Gross saved five for the Bulldogs.

Coach Goud said he’d hoped to be undefeated at this point in the season. Wiscasset lost a heart-breaker at Boothbay during the MVC season opener. The two teams will meet again Oct. 6 at WMHS.

For kids who know how to ride a bike but want to take their skills a little further, come explore new places with the Mountain Bike Youth Camp at Midcoast Conservancy’s Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson. This Outdoor Sport Institute Youth Camp promises to be a whole lot of fun while learning all about turning, climbing, descending, and some basic bike maintenance in a mountain biking environment. The camp will run after school on Friday, Sept. 30 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The camp itinerary will include: mountain bike anatomy, fit and fundamentals; mountain biking body position; trail riding and trail stewardship; shifting and cadence in different terrain; and maneuvering over, through, and around obstacles. Participants need to know how to ride a bike prior to attending camp. This mountain bike program is focused on improving on the participants riding skills in a mountain biking environment. Mountain bikes and helmets from OSI will be available for participants to use.

Participants should come dressed to ride bikes and play outside. They should bring a full water bottle, snack, sunscreen, and an extra warm layer, such as a rain jacket or fleece. Please wear close-toed shoes that fit properly and can potentially get dirty.

OSI camps are led by world-class outdoor sport coaches who are skilled teachers, guides, and facilitators, and are passionate about sharing outdoor sport with others.

Cost of $60 per participant includes coaching, equipment, and a t-shirt. For more information, or to register, go to http://www.mainewsc.org/, or call 207-492-1444

Time to get next year’s firewood ready for seasoning! Midcoast Conservancy will offer a Chainsaw Safety class Oct. 29 and 30 at Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC). This class is part of HVNC’s ongoing commitment to excellent forest-related training. Chainsaws can be amazingly effective, and efficient tools when used properly. This hands-on class is aimed at providing participants with enough knowledge and practice to make operating a chainsaw safe, effective, and rewarding.

Day one of the class is a half-day session. Students will be introduced to safety clothing and equipment, basic saw mechanics and maintenance, and will spend time becoming familiar with basic chainsaw uses like bucking logs. Day two will be a full day of hands-on learning. Students will continue to gain comfort with basic operations and safe practices. In addition, students will learn about and practice safe tree felling practices.

By the end of the class students will have the knowledge to be able to properly maintain their saws, use them safely to buck firewood, fell trees, perform trail work, and more.

Whether you cut your own firewood, volunteer at a local land trust, operate a farm, or perform landscaping this could be a great class for you! Participants do not need a chainsaw to participate. HVNC will provide all the equipment, or will evaluate yours for safety. The cost is $130 for Midcoast Conservancy and MOFGA members, and $150 for non-members. Some scholarships are available. Write to news@midcoastconservancy.org for more details. For more information about this class visit the events page at midcoastconservancy.org.

HVNC’s 2016 chainsaw safety classes are sponsored by MOFGA and Jonsered chainsaws.

More information available online at midcoastconservancy.org, news@midcoastconservancy.org, or by calling 207-389-5150.

Midcoast Conservancy will host the sixth annual Race through the Woods trail race on Sunday, Oct. 2 at Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson. Are you inspired by the tranquility of running on rustic trails deep in the Maine woods? Do you enjoy the challenge of highly varied terrain, where slippery roots or loose rocks demand your concentration and sharpen your focus? Then you should register for a beautiful fall “Race through the Woods.” Explore the exciting mix of single and double-track trails over rolling terrain in this challenging racecourse.

Racers will have two course options to choose from: a 13-mile half-marathon or a 5.5-mile race. Both courses present their own challenges, but they both navigate through deep forests and beautiful trails. Last year over 100 total racers competed. For more race details and a link to registration information go to midcoastconservancy.org/events. Races start at 9 a.m.

This race is open to beginners, novices, and experienced trail runners alike. If you’ve never been in a trail race this is a great, fun event to start with. The atmosphere is not competitive, and there is a great spirit of camaraderie. After the race everyone is encouraged to stick around and enjoy a bonfire, hot cider or a beer from one of the local breweries. Local food vendors will be on site all day.

Kids 9 years and under can participate in a fun obstacle race starting at about 10:30 a.m. (after the other races have taken off). The race will be only somewhat competitive; the goal is really just to have fun. Each racer will receive a ribbon and an official HVNC patch! Register online using the link above, and registration for kids’ race is free. The course will feature small hurdles, jumps, and mazes. After the official race, kids are welcome to enjoy the course at their own pace.

Each racer in the half marathon and the 5.5 miler will receive a Race Through the Woods T-shirt with registration. Additional prizes will be given to first place finishers (men and women) in age categories. Prizes will include local food and goods donated by businesses and volunteers. There will also be gift certificates from running stores.

Midcoast Conservancy’s HVNC is 1,000 acres of diverse habitat, including a secluded great pond, knit together by more than 25 miles of trails. HVNC is open to the public 365 days a year, dawn to dusk. For more information about Midcoast Conservancy’s events, visit midcoastconservancy.org, write to news@midcoastconservancy.org, or call 207-389-5150.

Three different players scored as visiting Madison shut out the Wolverines, 3-0, in Mountain Valley Conference girls’ soccer action Thursday afternoon, Sept. 15.

After battling through a scoreless first half, striker Jill Holden found the net five minutes into the second half. The score stayed 1-0 until the 14:21 mark when Madeline Wood booted in a penalty kick. Seventy-four seconds later, Sidney LeBlanc netted the third goal for the Bulldogs.

Madison entered the game ranked number two in the MVC standings with a record of 4-1; Wiscasset, at 3-1, was ranked fourth. Monmouth Academy which is undefeated at 5-0 is at the top of the standings. The Wolverines play Monmouth away at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

Picking up the action with 20 minutes left in the first half, Wiscasset’s Grace Webber found Gabby Chapman open in front of the net but a Madison defender broke up the play and cleared the ball down field.

At 16:40, Holden crossed a pass to LeBlanc. who was open in front of the net. LeBlanc fired but Wiscasset’s Maeve Blodgett got a piece of the ball and goal keeper Lindsey Gordon scooped it up and cleared the ball down field.

Wiscasset was whistled for a handball with 7:55 left until the half but Wood’s shot went over the crossbar.

Soon after, Webber carried the ball down the right wing but her shot was wide right.

The Bulldogs held a 12-2 shot edge at halftime. Webber had both Wolverine shots on goal. Holden and Wood had four shots apiece for Madison.

Wiscasset had an opportunity to get on the scoreboard at the 26:10 mark of the second half. Vanessa Dunn centered the ball to Brooke Carleton but Carleton’s shot was broken up. Moments later, Carleton passed off to Chapman but Madison’s keeper Lauren Hay charged and broke up the play.

With 20 minutes to go, Lilly Souza dribbled through three Madison players but Hay was once again there for the stop.

Wiscasset had two more chances to score late in the game. Cara Viele made a nice cross-field pass downfield to Webber but the drive into Madison territory stalled when the Wolverines lost possession of the ball out-of-bounds.

With the clock winding down to two minutes to play, the Wolverines got a corner kick. Chapman chipped the ball to the goalmouth and there was a scramble in front of the net but a Madison player headed the ball away.

Gordon finished with a dozen stops; Hay turned away five Wiscasset shots. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for the Wolverines, whose record is now 3-2.

Local author Greg Latimer will join the Lighthouse Legends and Lore Cruise scheduled for Friday, Sept. 30; hosted by Maine Maritime Museum and conducted by Red Cloak Haunted History Tours. A portion of the proceeds from Lighthouse Legends and Lore cruises will go to benefit the restoration campaign at the historic Burnt Island Lighthouse.

Latimer is the author of two books featuring area haunts, "Ghosts of the Boothbay Region" and "Haunted Damariscotta." The books include chapters on a number of lighthouses included in the tour, in particular the Burnt Island Lighthouse in Boothbay Harbor, where tour guests will land and explore the island.

Latimer will be available to sign books for guests who already have them, and books will be available for sale during the cruise. Latimer will also be happy to discuss his research on the books, and paranormal subjects in general, during the approximately 3-hour cruise.

Passengers aboard the cruises will see up to seven lighthouses, depending on weather and sea conditions. Those destinations could include Doubling Point Light, Hendricks Head Light, Seguin Island Light, Ram Island Light and The Cuckolds. The visit to Burnt Island will include landing on the island for an up-close look at the keeper’s house and other facilities, including the majestic Burnt Island Light tower.

Guests will learn the stories behind these iconic beacons; and about the lives of some of the keepers and their families - daily routines, traditions and hardships, as well as the legends and lore surrounding them. The tours will be guided by Sally Lobkowicz, the mysterious Lady in the Red Cloak from Red Cloak Haunted History Tours.

Participants will return to shore with a new and very personal understanding of the lighthouses, and the people who manned them. Stories will be told of the lives saved by these humble keepers while enduring personal privation and their own physical limits as they offered those who went to the sea in ships a hopeful light toward home.

The Lighthouse Legends and Lore Cruises have been popular, with previous cruises either sold out or near capacity. The upcoming Lighthouse Legends and Lore Cruise departs from the Maine Maritime Museum at 3 p.m. on Friday, September 30 aboard the museum excursion vessel Merrymeeting.  Cruise prices are: Members $55; nonmembers $65; children 6 to 12 $34; under 6 $5. (Price includes museum admission.) Guests are welcome to bring aboard food and non-alcoholic beverages. A cash bar, with light snacks, is available onboard.

Space is limited, so advance reservations are required for these exclusive tours.

Reservations for the September 30 cruise are available through Maine Maritime Museum, at http://www.mainemaritimemuseum.org/events/lighthouse-legends-and-lore-cruise-september-30/ or by calling 207-443-1316.

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

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The inaugural International Maritime Film Festival is pleased to announce the weekend schedule for the upcoming festival. Tickets are currently on sale at maritimefilmfestival.com. The festival will take place Sept. 30 through Oct. 2 at the Alamo Theatre 85 Main Street, Bucksport. The opening reception will be held on Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. in the theater lobby.

Friday, Sept. 30: “Into The Gyre,” runner up in the feature film category at 5:30 p.m. “Into the Gyre” documents a groundbreaking expedition to study the location, extent, and effect of plastic pollution in the North Atlantic Gyre. Thirty-four volunteer researchers, scientists, and sailors participated in this five-week-long journey in a 135-foot tall ship to the Sargasso Sea, east of Bermuda. 44 minutes. A Q&A with the director, Scott Elliot at 6:15 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 1

9 a.m. followed by “Raw Faith” at 9:30 a.m. In this incredibly rich story of one family's relationship with a mission, a ship, and each other, we meet the McKaysand their ship, RawFaith - the 88-foot home-built galleon they construct on the shores of the Pleasant River in Down East Maine. The construction project begins as a family-focused endeavor, but it ultimately tests the family’s unity and challenges their individual and collective notions of commitment and obligations to themselves and each other. 1 hr 37 minutes. Q&A with director Gregory Roscoe at 11:15 a.m.

11:45 a.m. “The Long Haul” - Grand Prize winner in short film category. The film follows one woman as she heads to sea in a fishing boat. In the eerie night or under the still-bright sun, it's not always clear where or when this is. It appears as a dream removed from the particulars of the woman's circumstances and so in her melancholy narration she might not just be describing her own life alone, but also ours. 10 minutes

 “The Weekend Sailor” screens at 1:30. This film is the grand prize winner of the feature film category. In 1973, the United Kingdom organized the first head to head sailing race around the world, inviting expert crews from Europe and other countries against each other. The Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race, which today is called the Volvo Ocean Race, took the sport to its limits. The British Royal Navy purchased six yachts to train 800 men and chose the best four 10-man crews for each of the four legs of the race. An inexperienced Mexican man, Ramon Carlin, also signed up; he was in his fifties, and had a crew that included his wife, son, family, and friends. Although he was a weekend sailor, and although he became the laughing stock of the race and faced racism from the British press, he beat every competing nation. 1 hour, 14 minutes.

At 3 p.m., it's “Looking For a Hero.” The producer of this film states, “My father always said he wasn't a hero. But a newspaper article tucked away in a family album told a different story. I set out to uncover the details of a rescue he was involved in almost 60 years ago. Who did he rescue? Where are they now?” This short documentary brings some of the details to light in an attempt to find the true story surrounding the rescuers and the teenage crew that was almost taken away too soon on an August day in 1958. 20 minutes Q&A follows at 3:30 p.m. with director Russ Lane.

At 4:15 p.m.: “In Our Wake” - From lobster pots and four-masted schooners to whitewater canoeing and seine fishing, step back in time to 1901 and travel through the decades as we explore Maine’s nautical past. Through home movies, travelogues, silents, and talkies we look at Maine’s boats, fresh waters, harbors, and people. These moving-image clips are focused on Maine’s history and multi-dimensional relationship with the waters in and around the State—a relationship ranging from working boa tbuilders and lobstermen to tourists water skiing on our lakes, and yachtsmen racing off the coast of Mount Desert Island. 1 hour, 10 minutes

The Spotlight Series Selection plays at 5:45 p.m.“The Restorer's Journey,” is a cinematic portrait of the man who took on a monumental task to change the course of wooden boat history. Jon Wilson’s passion for preserving wooden boats has inspired generations of boat builders, boat owners, and boat dreamers. When he launched the first issue of WoodenBoat magazine in 1974, he had no idea how the effect would ripple out into the hearts and minds of hundreds of thousands of readers on every continent. Self-taught and self-made—guided by mentors who “appeared” just as he needed them—Jon Wilson will leave an indelible mark on the boating world and beyond. Q&A with Jon Wilson at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 2

“Vixen's Voyage,” the runner up in short film category, screens at 9 a.m. Eleven years ago, Bruce and Tiffany Halabisky decided to abandon the conventional life and set sail around the world in a small wooden boat. They had two children along the way. “Vixen's Voyage” is a glimpse into their life at sea, and of the places they visited. 14 minutes

The Spotlight Series Selection, “Vanishing Sail,” 9:30 a.m. There is a small group of islands in the Lesser Antilles where the traditions of boatbuilding were once crucial to the survival of local communities skimming a living from the sea. Alwyn Enoe is one of the last boatbuilders practicing a trade passed down the generations from Scottish settlers who arrived in Carriacou in the 18th century. Approaching his 70s and with no more orders coming in, he decided to build one last sailing sloops in his area, with the hope that his sons would continue the trade. The film follows Alwyn’s progress and despair over three years—from hauling trees out of the forest to a final traditional launching ceremony on the bayside. 1 hour 28 minutes

The Audience Favorite vote and festival wrap up begins at 11 a.m.

For complete descriptions of the films, visit http://maritimefilmfestival.com.

Ethan James’s goal in the second five-minute overtime gave Wiscasset Middle High School a 3-2 Mountain Valley Conference soccer win over Telstar in Bethel Sept. 15.

The winning goal came on a corner kick after almost two hours of play. It was James’s second goal of the game.

The Wolverines took the lead 1-0 when Brandon Goud (Max Sampson assisting) scored at 29:54 of the opening half. The Rebels then tied the game at 12:48 on H. Chartier’s unassisted goal.

At 19:45 of the second half, James broke the tie when he rebounded a missed shot and scored. Telstar’s A. Griffin then tied the game 2-2 with 6:36 left in regulation. The two teams were scoreless in the first overtime.

Wolverine goalie Conlon Ranta picked up four saves. Telstar’s B. Luddun saved 11, including a penalty kick from Russell Marr at the 11:50 mark of the first half.

The win lifted the Wolverines’ MVC record to 3-2.

WMHS Coach Chris Cossette said afterwards his team was without starter Kevin Lynch in the backfield. Lynch injured his foot during the recent 1-0 loss to Lisbon High School. The coach hopes Lynch will rejoin the team for either the Thursday, Sept. 22 game at Mountain Valley High School or for the Saturday, Sept. 24 home game with Monmouth Academy.

“Aidan Carlson and Ethan James both played very well for us at Telstar,” said Cossette. “Brandon Goud, who had just returned to the team after having been sick, got a big goal for the team in the early part of the game.”

It’s hard to believe, but Wiscasset is approaching the midpoint of the MVC soccer season. Saturday’s 6 p.m. game with the Monmouth Academy Mustangs will be under the lights. The Mustangs are currently ranked number one in the MVC standings with a record of 6-0. Hall-Dale is second at 4-1. WMHS is ranked fifth.

On Friday, Sept. 23, the Boothbay Charities Classic is proud to host the 26th annual Lobster Bake and Live Sports Auction. This event will kick off the events of the weekend starting at 4 p.m. with the opening of the Silent Auction “under the big top” at the Boothbay Railway Village.

All are welcome to come to the event under the big top for good food, the chance to meet some of sports great players/celebrities, and the opportunity to bring home some one of a kind sports memorabilia.

The Live Auction will begin at 6 p.m. and will be open to the public. Items this year include, but are not limited to: a Magic Johnson autographed Lakers jersey, a Ted Hendricks autographed Raiders jersey, Yoan Moncada autographed baseball, Andrew Benintendi autographed baseball, Seth Wescott autographed snowboard and package, NHL Rangers vs. Bruins hockey tickets, Portland Pirates' last season, full team autographed jersey; Joe Namath autographed mini helmet, 50th Super Bowl autographed mini helmet, Yogi Berra autographed baseball, Larry Bird autographed basketball, and so much more!

Tickets for the lobster bake are available in advance or at the door for $50. Questions? Contact Brenda Blackman at 207-380-7770, or email info@boothbaycharitiesclassic.com.

There's a new game in town.

Actually there are a couple.

The Sheepscot Harbour Village Resort & Spa, which already offers enough amenities to occupy you for a couple days, a week, or however long you choose to stay in one of its many rooms or cottages that line the waterfront in Wiscasset Harbor, has added two new “games” to its vacation package.

Owner Tony Casella wants to make sure you don't get bored while you're there, so he has installed a virtual golf venue that will knock your socks off — even if you're not an expert golfer.

The Virtual Golf game is in a room in the little mall across Eddy Road on Route 1. The room houses a large screen, covering a whole wall, and a virtual “green” to play golf on — hitting a real ball on a real golf tee as hard as you're able. There's matting behind the screen to absorb the impact.

For $35 an hour, players can choose a real golf course from among the best in the world.

Casella said it's great for pro golfers to practice their swings and for novices to learn how to swing.

“It's just like being on a regular golf course,” he said. “It has everything people are looking for in virtual golf — and training software that a lot of the pros use to become better golfers.”

There's a large computer screen in the room to get set up. You can choose to play a game or just practice, and at what degree of expertise.

It will be a great way for golfers and wannabe golfers to while away hours during a snowy winter, when the golf courses are closed and people want to practice their driving.

Casella said a few golf pros have played, and they loved it. “Mike Hines was here. He plays at the course in Boothbay. He had a fantastic time — it was just like he was on the golf course. He didn't want to leave.”

It's also a good place for pros to give lessons. The karate teacher in the space next door used to teach golf in Florida, Casella said. “He was here all day teaching two of his karate students how to play golf.”

Snacks, beer, wine and soft drinks will be made available to players.

And in a smaller room off to the side there's another golf game — the Golden Tee 2016 Golf live arcade — a high def pay-to-play video golf game. According to Casella, it's the most popular arcade golf game in the country. “It's for people who know how to play,” he said. “It's one of the most challenging golf games in the world.”

For $4 a game, players can connect and compete with others around the world, or with friends in the same room. You can play simply for fun or enter a contest to win $60,000. There are 50 18-hole courses to choose from.

Casella's plan is to make his resort all-inclusive — a “destination location.”

“When I added Waters Edge Banquet Center it changed the whole area,” he said. “In season I do three weddings a week, bringing in 450 people weekly who have never been here. I want them to have something to do when they come to this destination resort.”

The virtual golf and arcade are located at 25C US Route 1 in Edgecomb. Call 1-800-437-5503 or 207-882-4200.

The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) has built two new footbridges at the Bonyun Preserve on Westport Island.

The work was completed during the week of Sept. 12 by volunteers from the island’s conservation commission and students from Bowdoin College. The students were participating in Bowdoin’s “Common Good Day” initiative, during which members of the college volunteer their efforts for local projects. The participants in the initiative can be students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of Bowdoin, according to the description on the college’s website.

One of the two new bridges has a 20-foot span across a stream and links a newly acquired section of the preserve to the original section. The new 6.7-acre parcel, acquired in July 2016, is the former Barbara Delario property. With grant funding assistance from a local foundation, the land trust acquired the property for $70,000. With the addition of the new parcel, the preserve will total almost 75 acres.

According to information provided by Dennis Dunbar, president of KELT, the new parcel protects 1140 feet of Mill Cove and an existing popular trail from Junction Road onto the preserve.

The other new bridge is 15 feet long and crosses a Mill Cove Trail stream.

The original property was acquired as a donation in 2002 from Bill and Gene Bonyun.

The full Harvest Moon has come and gone, and the autumnal equinox has arrived, meaning shorter, cooler days that are ideal for early morning or midday hiking.

Just over the Boothbay line on Route 27 is the Zak Preserve offering 2.5 miles of trails to enjoy. At just over 200 acres, it’s the largest preserve owned and maintained by the Boothbay Region Land Trust. It stretches from Route 27 to River Road in East Edgecomb. A portion of it borders a small tidal stream called Wildcat Creek.

Coming from Route 1, the preserve entrance is marked with a sign on the lefthand side of the road. A kiosk by the parking area includes rules for enjoying the preserve, which is open year-round, dawn to dusk. There were plenty of maps available during our visit but no logbook for visitors to sign. Dogs need to be leashed. 

There are two main trails; the shorter “white” loop runs alongside the creek. It leads to the longer “yellow” trail that’s 1.5-miles in length. Both are well-packed and easy to follow. The creek is fed by the Back River located on the opposite side of Route 27. 

We started down the white trail. Along the way, we saw bunches of blooming wild blue asters along the creek and patches here and there of ripe red partridge berries. Several side paths lead to the creek. Another opens to a large meadow of marsh grass that in a few weeks will turn from green to golden yellow as the autumn progresses.

The white trail leads into and becomes the yellow trail running northeast. It carries you into the woods over mostly level terrain. One stretch lies beneath a canopy of hemlock and pine trees well-shaded even at midday.  It thins out again after you cross a small footbridge.

The trail eventually forks, the main path looping back to the parking area. The other leads across the town line into Edgecomb into the eastern half of the preserve, although a sign posted on a tree states that this section is no longer maintained. We didn’t venture down it.

Heading back, the path widens to what was once a tote road snaking through patches of cinnamon fern. A tumbling rock wall on the eastern side marks a former boundary line.

Along the way were a series of small gullies running downhill. They appeared symmetrical like a skidder had left them during a logging operation from long ago. They seemed to have widened into rivulets over the years, although the woods are very dry this summer. Stretches of the trail are hard-packed from the drought­ — like walking on cement.

The path ends at a meadow filled with golden rod and milkweed where dozens of dragonflies were buzzing about. Sometimes called the "Devil's darning needles," dragonflies are harmless and eat troublesome insects like midges and mosquitoes.

The preserve is part of the Damariscotta River-Link that includes nearby preserves in Edgecomb and Newcastle. The preserve became a part of the BRLT after Michael and Roxanne Zak donated significant funds towards the purchase of 149 acres here in 2003. The Zaks later donated 52 acres or their own property. For more information about it and other BRLT preserves, visit www.brlt.org.

Just a reminder that hunting season resumes in Maine statewide on Oct. 1.  Before starting out on a hike, it’s always a good idea to see whether the land preserve you want to explore permits or prohibits hunting.

“Phenomenal job,” Coach Chris Cossette told his Wolverines after Saturday night’s soccer game. Wiscasset Middle High School shut out previously undefeated Monmouth Academy, 1-0.

The Wolverines’ win comes at the midpoint of the Mountain Valley Conference season and keeps WMHS in the hunt for a postseason spot with seven more games left to play.

Not too many folks held too much hope for Wiscasset against the number one-ranked Mustangs who rolled into town boasting a 6-0 record. The Wolverines entered the game at 3-3 following a disappointing loss at Mountain Valley Thursday afternoon, Sept. 22.

Coach Cossette had his team fired up to play from the opening kickoff of Saturday’s game.

The only goal came less than six minutes into the second half when striker Russell Marr hammered home a penalty kick at 34:28. The infraction resulted after a collision in front of the Mustang net.

Both teams had been trading blows around the ball and away from it throughout the first 40 minutes of play. With 2:45 left until halftime, the referees stopped the game and issued the first of three yellow cards for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Mustangs finished with two yellow cards while Wiscasset had one late in the game. The first card wasn’t for excessive roughness but when a Monmouth player questioned a referee’s call.

The Wolverines’ first scoring opportunity came on a long throw-in from Ethan James. A scramble followed in front of the net until Mustang keeper Brad Neal grabbed the ball and drop-kicked it down field.

Monmouth’s Shane Kenniston followed with a shot low to the post but Wolverine goalie Conlon Ranta went low for the stop and punted the ball back to midfield. The action continued back and forth with neither team able to gain an advantage. Both teams squandered direct kick opportunities early on.

Avery Pomerleau, the Mustangs’ striker, then broke free inside the 18-yard line bringing Ranta charging out of the net and smothering the shot. Pomerleau broke free a second time but fullback Kevin Lynch ran him down, sending the ball out-of-bounds. In the closing minutes before halftime, James once again centered a thrown-in inside the goalmouth but Wiscasset was unable to gain control of the ball before it was cleared away by Neal. The Mustangs held a 3-2 shot edge at halftime.

Marr’s direct kick at the start of the second half was on the mark but deflected wide of the net. Monmouth then failed to convert back-to-back corner kicks at the 35:20 mark. After Wiscasset regained possession, the Mustangs were whistled for the infraction inside the penalty area, setting the stage for Marr’s dramatic score.

After the goal, the Wolverines clearly dominated the next 15 minutes of play. Max Sampson nearly put Wiscasset up 2-0 after he carried the ball past three Mustang defenders. Neal charged and somehow blocked the shot but left the Mustang net wide open. Unfortunately, the ball rolled out-of-bounds before the Wolverines could get another shot off.

With 29:24 left to play, Monmouth was whistled for its second yellow card. The Wolverines then failed to convert a corner kick, Neal catching Marr’s head-ball shot. A shot from Wiscasset’s Grant Hefler was well struck but once again turned away by the Monmouth defense. Another shot by Brandon Goud from the wing was high and wide of the Monmouth net.

With 5:25 left in regulation, the game was stopped again when the referee gave a yellow card to Wiscasset. Before resuming play, the referees issued a warning to both teams.

With the clock winding down, the Mustangs lost a chance to send the game into overtime after Ranta was forced out of the net. The shot that followed was just over the crossbar.

Alex Strozier, Nate Woodman and Matt Champman were standouts for Wiscasset but the night belonged to Ranta. His booming punts and sure-handed saves late in the game made the difference.

The next opportunity to see the Wolverines at home will be Thursday, Sept. 29 under the lights against the Oak Hill Raiders. The opening tap is scheduled for 6 p.m.  

The Wiscasset Yacht Club will hold its season's end celebration on Saturday, Oct. 22 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the WYC club house. Those attending are asked to RSVP by Friday, Sept. 30 to Laura at laura@sealit.net

Music will be provided by the Katie Matzell Trio and hors d'oeurves will be provided. Bring your own beverage.

Cost is $30 per person, to be paid at the door.

When Duane Goud, Wiscasset High School Class of 1989, takes the soccer field for the 2016 Homecoming alumni game, he hopes a good-sized crowd will be there to cheer him and the other players on.

The alumni game was added to homecoming festivities just last year, but he and others would like it to become part of homecoming tradition, for people who still live in town or return to visit, to get together and have fun, Goud said Monday.

“Old fan, new fans, come out and have a good time,” he said in encouraging attendance for the Oct. 7 game.

Students at Wiscasset Middle High School will be able to dress differently for school during homecoming week, starting with Pajama Day on Monday, Oct. 3, then Twins Day on Tuesday, Oct. 4; Patriotic Day on Wednesday, Oct. 5; and School Spirit Day on Thursday, Oct. 6. Thursday will also feature a spirit assembly for students, according to information the school provided. There’s no school Friday, Oct. 7, due to a teachers’ workshop, one of the homecoming week’s organizers, WMHS technology coordinator Deb Pooler, said Tuesday, Sept. 27.

The alumni game starts at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, Wiscasset School Department’s districtwide athletic director-assistant principal Mandy Lewis said. For students in grades nine through 12, a dance in the gym follows at 8 p.m., Pooler said.

Students will decorate the bleachers for the Saturday, Oct. 8 varsity soccer games against Winthrop. At 4:55 p.m., Corey Campbell and Vanessa Dunn are scheduled to perform the National Anthem. The boys’ game starts at 5 p.m.; the girls’ game, at 7 p.m.  The Snack Shack will be open for the games. Wiscasset Parks and Recreation is hosting a bonfire at 9 p.m., the flyer states.

Pooler, who serves as student council advisor for the high school grades, wrote in a series of text replies to the Wiscasset Newspaper on Monday, “Homecoming is especially important as we continue to transition into a two-building school system with new administration and staff.

“We want to continue to let our students know that we are focused on them and their academic experience. Having a school event like homecoming brings the students and staff together in a unique way. The alumni soccer game brings the community together, as well,” Pooler added.

Saturday’s race was all about suspense and surprises, and not just because the Enduros were in town. First, all four regular division races were won by drivers earning their first win of the season. Second, all four division champions secured their titles with a top three victory lane finish. Even with the 2016 season winding down, it’s not shocking that the grand stands at Wiscasset Speedway remain full week after week: like a box of chocolates, you never know what you might get.

Zac Poland of the #06 wasted no time driving the Super Streets 35-Lap Spotlight Race into high gear, as he took the lead before the first lap was over. Sean Johnson of the #9 moved up to take the lead in lap four, while behind a side-by-side battle waged for the third and sixth positions. Cody Buzzell of the #38 freed himself from the back half of the pack in lap seven, while the current division points leader, Mark Lucas of the #5, moved with signature stealth into fourth. As he lost the green-flag-momentum, Poland fell behind Lucas and was sandwiched momentarily between the two division leaders – Lucas at his front bumper and Josh Bailey of the #2 at his rear bumper. Bailey was focused on Lucas, who stood between him and the division championship, and had acknowledged during practice that Lucas is “a hard man to beat!”

The halfway mark came and with it, an impression lead by Johnson, who maintained comfortable margins between himself and the rest of the top five. In an unexpected twist, Bailey spun into the infield during lap 25, which set off a chain reaction shuffle to the top three. Jason Oakes overtook Johnson in lap 32 and ultimately held the lead through the checkered flag for the win and a career best finish. Also to earn their first trip to victory lane was Johnson in second, with third place going to the unofficial division champion, Lucas.

The New England 4-Cyl Pros fan out 3-wide to start their 25-lap feature race. Jamie Wright of the #84 snatched an early lead, as he worked to earn his first win before the season’s end. Despite Wright’s full-straightaway-lead, current points leader and unofficial division champion, Kamran Knowles of the #98, had twenty-five laps to close the ever-shrinking gap from his seat in second. Jeff Prindall of the #24 held third at the halfway point without much competition from behind, as the top three drivers spaced widely throughout the front of the field.

David Greenleaf of the #58 and Devan Robinson of the #20 tangoed through traffic at the start of the Thunder 4 Minis’ 20-lap feature race, which left Robinson upside down at the top of turn two. Several laps later, Tristan Shea of the #03 sat in the lead, while Spencer Sweatt of the #84 worked to dominate from behind. Sweatt took a short-lived lead in lap eight, only to have it taken back by Shea mere moments later. Michael Harrison, the unofficial division champion, held solid in third position until the two course leaders spun at the top of turn three. When the dust settled, Logan Melcher of the #41 stood in first, with Harrison in second and Curtis Anderson of the #04 in third. Shea was third to cross the finish line in what would have been a career best finish but, in his excitement, made the rookie mistake of forgetting to immediately go to post-race inspection. This error is common and unfortunately, resulted in Shea’s disqualification.

The 40-lap ServPro of Biddeford/Saco Prostocks got a rough start when the #91jr of Mike Orr and #12 of Thomas True spun coming out of turn four. To the delight of fans, Orr elected to employ the-always-encouraged-but-rarely-utilized gentleman’s rule, which sent him to the back of the pack. Back in the action, the tension raged in a side-by-side battle for first between Bobby Nadeau of the #35 and Charlie Colby of the #72, as both pushed closer to 90 mph. Colby got out in front but Nadeau refused to go out that easy. Behind them, Brandon Sprague of the #23 and Nick Hinckley of the #15 kept each other on their toes for third, while the current division points leader, Andy Saunders of the #01 rounded out the top five. With eight laps to go, David Farrington of the 23X passed Nadeau for second only to be slowed by a brief caution when Nate Tribbett of the #13 spun to the infield on the back stretch. Following the green flag, Saunders and Farrington battled behind Colby for second, both of them dangerously close to the bumper of #72. Farrington continued to go high with one lap to go, passing Colby for first place at the last possible moment. Finishing second, Colby ended up drifting simultaneously and ended up in the infield after getting caught on Saunders, who finished third.

Up to race last were the Enduros, but they were definitely not least. Fans had remained steadfast in their seats, ready for the automobile anarchy that is guaranteed when this division takes the field. With suspended procedures for cautions, the feature events raced by these makeshift machines offer continuous action from turn to turn, lap after lap. Saturday night was no exception. To try and keep track of everything that happened during this 40-minute race would result in serious whiplash, with cars continuously 4-wide, flying across infield corners and darting to avoid countless close calls. Afterall, Enduro is not just a name of coincidence. Whether or not in the top three, these flexible competitors achieve a partial victory through simple survival. From an initial line up of over forty, three of these survivors achieved glory in victory lane, including Zac Emerson of the #71 in first place, Caleb Emerson of the #23E in second and Michael Snyder of the #55X in third.

Gear up and head over to Wiscasset Speedway next Saturday, October 1^st for the Top Gun Strictly Shootout featuring the Strictly Streets division, starting at 5:00pm, sponsored by McKeage’s Top Gun Contractors. Other drivers from Group 2’s divisions will complete that night include the Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Model Sportsmen, Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw Minis and NAPA Modifieds. Kids 6 and under enter for free and admission for everyone else is only $5 – less than the cost of a sandwich! For more information, visit www.wiscassetspeedway.com.

Official Finish Results

Super Streets: 35-Lap Spotlight Race

1.            #11, Jason Oakes - Boothbay

2.            #9, Sean Johnson - Oakland

3.            #5, Mark Lucas - Harpswell

4.            #06, Zac Poland - Wiscasset

5.            #27, Barry Poulin – Benton

6.            #38, Cody Buzzell – Madison

7.            #20, Jay Bailey – Wiscasset

8.            #68, Chad Munro – North Waterboro

9.            #2, Josh Bailey – Wiscasset

New England 4 Cyl Pros: 25-Lap Feature

1.          #84, Jamie Wright - Woolwich

2.          #98, Kamren Knowles – West Gardiner

3.          #24, Jeff Prindall - Lisbon

4.          #55, John Shorey - Alna

5.          #4, Connor Wenners – Edgecomb

6.          #9x, Brooke Knowles – West Gardiner

7.          #42, Mike Kibbin – Lisbon

8.          #7, Spencer Vaughn – Canton

9.          #70, Taylor Lane - Philips

Thunder 4 Minis: 20-Lap Feature Race

1.            #41, Logan Melcher – Fayette

2.            #48, Michael Harrison - Durham

3.            #04, Curtis Anderson - Richmond

4.            #26, Michael Golding – Pownal

5.            #27, Jonathan Golding – Pownal

6.            #44, David Cook – Jay

7.            #1, Jeff Davis – Woolwich

8.            #11, Kyle Dorey – Bowdoinham

9.            #21, Shawn Berry – Livermore Falls

10.        #84, Spencer Sweatt – Albion

11.        #31, Leandre Martin – Richmond

12.        #58, David Greenleaf, Jr – Brunswick

13.        #20, Devan Robinson – Warren

14.        #30, Keith Rankin – Pittston

       DQ.    #03, Tristan Shea – Richmond

ServPro of Biddeford/Saco Prostocks: 40-Lap Feature

1.            #23X, David Farrington - Jay

2.            #72, Charlie Colby - Newcastle

3.            #01, Andy Saunders - Ellsworth

4.            #35, Bobby Nadeau - Hollis

5.            #15, Nick Hinckley – Wiscasset

6.            #1, Mike Moody – Topsham

7.            #23, Brandon Sprague – Edgecomb

8.            #12, Thomas True – Wiscasset

9.            #99, Ajay Picard – Palmyra

10.        #13, Nate Tribbett – Richmond

11.        #01x, Joe Decker – Chesterville

12.        #05, James Osmond - Wiscasset

Enduro: 100-Lap Feature

1.         #71, Zac Emerson

2.         #23E, Caleb Emerson

3.         #55X, Michael Snyder

4.         #69, Randy Edgecomb

5.         #547, Dan Delano

6.         #45, John Rines

7.         #11, Kyle Enman

8.         #23, Brandon Sprague

9.         #17M, Nick Morton

10.     #99, Jeffrey Moore

11.     #69, Randy Edgecomb

12.     #28, Josh Allen

13.     #30, Keith Rankin

14.     #77, Vernon Hodgkin

15.     #50, Jonathan Spear

16.     #1, Jeff Davis

17.     #23, Joey Daigle

18.     #24x Roy Glidden

19.     #8, Ron Whitcome

20.     #10, Stillman Joyce

21.     #03x, Jake Allen

22.     #81, Dilan Withers

23.     #2, Jacob Smart

24.     #87, Jeff Read

25.     #98, Ron Poore

26.     #77x Wesley Witham

27.     #21, Cody Redding

28.     #04, Russell Collins

29.     #288, Douglas Ham

30.     #115, Alex Hinkley

31.     #39, Randy Henderson

32.     #27, Ron Gonyon

33.     #9, Wayne Ripley

34.     #007, Destiny McKenzie

35.     #24, Andrew Glynn

36.     #5, Raymond Brawn

37.     #21, Justin Spear

38.     #69ME, Sawyer Alby

39.     #451, John Byrd

40.     #42x, Frank Brown

41.     #42, Ernest Morton

42.     #99x, Ryan Medina

43.     #71ME, Griffen Laney

As the national baseball season draws to a close, Pejepscot Historical Society (PHS) once again invites the public to enjoy an afternoon of old-time baseball between two Maine vintage clubs. This year, the Dirigo Vintage Base Ball Club plays the newly-reformed Sunrise Club of Brunswick at Crimmins Field, on Baribeau Drive in Brunswick, on Saturday, Oct. 15, at 1:30 p.m.

Access to the field begins at 1 p.m. and entrance is by suggested donation, to benefit PHS. Snacks, bottled water, and other PHS products will be available for purchase, and collection items will be on display. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets and picnics. Following the official game, the teams will invite interested audience members onto the field to play.

“Bring the whole family and friends and come out and cheer on a team and even try your hand at playing by the 19th century rules,” says Larissa Vigue Picard, PHS’s executive director. “This is our version of the Fall Classic — and it truly is a classic, as the Pejepscot region can point to its 1860 game as one of the earliest on record anywhere.”

The reference is to the Oct. 10, 1860, contest between the original Sunrise Club and a Bowdoin College team, played at the Topsham Fairgrounds. The Sunrise Club won the game by a score of 46-42 — unheard of by modern standards. Last year, PHS hosted a game between Dirigo and a town team at Bowdoin for the 155th anniversary.

Some mid-19th century rules and equipment can seem odd to a contemporary fan. Players don’t wear gloves but catch the ball with bare hands, and if a ball is hit fair it stays fair — even if it goes foul before first or third base. The “rules and customs” are listed on the Dirigo Club’s website at dirigobaseball.org.

The bat from the Bowdoin versus Brunswick 1860 game is possibly the second oldest documented baseball bat in the United States, according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and was made the very day of the game. It is in the collections of Pejepscot Historical Society. The new Sunrise Club had a reproduction made, which will be used in this year’s game, and the original will be on display, along with other memorabilia.

In the event of light rain, the game will go forward. Heavier rain or thunderstorms would necessitate cancellation. If there is any question about the weather, PHS’s voicemail message at (207) 729-6606 will be altered by 11 a.m. on game day to indicate whether the game will go forward.

For information on other PHS programs, visit www.pejepscothistorical.org/events and follow PHS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@pejepscoths).

The Boothbay Region Fish & Game Association will continue its long-standing tradition of conducting "Old-Fashioned Fall Turkey Shoots" starting Oct. 2 and will then run each Sunday through Nov. 6.

Held at the club rifle range at 447 Dover Rd. in Boothbay from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., events will include .22 rifle at a mechanical target, clay pigeon (skeet), 100-yard bench rest and offhand hunting rifle, and a shotgun "card shoot." The popular card shoot, won by whoever gets a shotgun pellet closest to the "x" on an index card at 50 feet, is an all-luck event that can as easily be won by a novice as an expert.

Entry fee is $2 per shooting event, or two for $3. Prizes include a variety of frozen turkeys, chickens, hams, pork roasts and more. Businesses and individuals who would like to donate prizes are encouraged to contact Barry Gibson at 633-5929.

Coffee, hot dogs, hamburgers, and cold drinks will be available at the club cook shack for nominal charges. These fun shoots, which help provide funding for the Association, are open to the public and shooters of all ages and skills are cordially invited to participate. For more information on the club visit www.brfga.com.

Kayla Gordon of Wiscasset, goalkeeper for the Husson College (Waterville) women's soccer team, was named Defensive Player of the Week last week in the North Atlantic Conference.

Gordon, a sophomore, recorded an impressive 1-0 shutout win against the defending NAC champions, Colby-Sawyer, as she made an extraordinary 17 saves in the NAC opener. The keeper then recorded eight saves, while allowing four goals, in a tough loss to a strong Bowdoin team. Gordon made 25 saves on the week and posted a .862 save percentage.

Wiscasset’s waterfront has the Route One visibility and the foot traffic Maine Kayak is looking for, representatives for the New Harbor-based business told the Wiscasset Waterfront Committee Sept. 29. The business wants to apply as a 2017 vendor with a shack at the Main Street Pier and a kayak rack down Water Street, owner Alvah Maloney and office assistant Kelly Maloney said.

The couple are registered Maine sea kayak guides and the business does guided trips, in addition to the ones customers would take on their own when the business is open daily from July through Labor Day, they told the committee. They agreed with committee member Frank Sprague that the Wiscasset waterfront is a beautiful place for kayaking, but they said the Route One location was also a key draw for them.

“We’re really looking for the opportunity to increase our exposure to folks who are spending time in Wiscasset, and ones who are traveling through to further reaches,” Kelly Maloney said.

“We have to work really hard to get the word out because we’re so far off the beaten path. That’s why this is a very exciting opportunity for us,” her husband added.

Committee members explained they don’t start fielding 2017 applications until February, but that the early start in the business’ planning with the town was helpful. Following the couple’s slide presentation, some members voiced early support for the proposal and the prospect of kayak rentals.

“I think it’s a great idea. This whole area is really prime for it,” Sprague said.

“I love it,” fellow member Margo Rafter Strong said.

Maine Kayak does strong business online and has about 10 employees, Kelly Maloney said after meeting with the committee. With the addition of the Wiscasset location, the New Harbor shop will continue to be the business’ base, she said.

The Maloneys discussed possible locations for a shack at the Main Street Pier and explained that customers would receive safety and other instructions and have a changing room to gear up for their kayaking trips. Then the customers would walk along Water Street with break-apart oars to get to the kayak rack, which would probably have about four tandem kayaks and six single ones on it; the rack would be locked overnight, the couple said.

They asked the committee about parking downtown and about the state’s plan to remove on-street parking on Main Street from Middle to Water streets. Plans call for a net gain of more than 50 parking spaces downtown, Town Planner Ben Averill said. The Maloneys requested some of the parking be for more than two hours, since the kayakers’ outings may be two to four or even six hours. Besides, two-hour parking is not long enough for anyone to see Wiscasset, Kelly Maloney offered.

The couple said they want to work with the committee, selectmen and town officials to get sign and other permits and open in July 2017. Alvah Maloney said they were very open to feedback on the plans.

Also Sept. 29, the committee voted to recommend selectmen approve the band Y Wouldn’t U to play on the waterfront. Dates discussed included Oct. 8, 16 and 22. The performances would be weather-dependent, Damien Pinkham of Dresden said. Sprague warned it has turned cold but the bugs are gone. Pinkham and Plan Ahead Entertainment’s Laurie Dupaw, who said she promotes the band, had proposed playing from 5 to 8 p.m. but agreed to the committee’s recommendation of 3 to 6 p.m.

Pinkham said the band wanted to start this year and return to play on the waterfront in 2017. “Hopefully, this will set us up for next year,” he said. Dupaw said the band performs classic rock and roll and original music, but no rap, she added.

The committee meets next at 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at the municipal building. Averill said he will be inviting vendors to discuss what worked and didn’t work this year. That should help with planning for next year, Chairman Susan Robson said.

Averill also told committee members they may be hearing soon from a Wiscasset artist considering doing an art installation that would include a sculpture tying in with the schooners Hesper and Luther Little that used to sit in the harbor. Visitors still ask about them, Harbor Master Preston Dunning said.

The Wolverines remain in the hunt for a playoff spot following a 4-1 win over visiting Oak Hill Thursday night, Sept.30 under the lights at Wiscasset Middle High School.

Four different Wolverines scored as WMHS outshot the Raiders 20-4.

Just six minutes into the game, Max Sampson put the hosts on the scoreboard, with Russell Marr picking up an assist. Kevin James set the goal with a long throw-in from the sideline on the Oak Hill end of the field. Brandon Goud passed to Marr who scored at 10:27. Once again it was James who setup the play with a long throw-in. With two minutes left until halftime, Goud’s corner kick put the Wolverines ahead 3-0.

The Wolverines continued dominating possession of the ball into the second half but didn’t score again until late in the game. This time Marr found Grant Hefler open for a goal with 6:58 left in regulation. The Raiders’ J. Cafeta scored in the closing minutes, spoiling WMHS goalie Conlon Ranta’s bid for a shutout. Ranta finished the game with seven saves. The Raiders’ keeper saved a dozen.

The win was an important one, Wolverine Coach Chris Cossette said afterwards. “It evened out our record at 4-4 and moved us up to third place in the Mountain Valley Conference standings.” Monmouth Academy with a record of 7-1-1 and Hall-Dale at 6-1-1 are in first and second place, respectively. The Wolverines defeated both those teams in the first half of the season.

Wiscasset has five games remaining in the regular season. “We’ll take it one game at a time and see where we end up,” added Cossette. “We have to continue focusing on the small things like making good passes, communication and teamwork if we expect to be in the post season.”

The Wolverines begin October with back-to-back games against Winthrop High School, which is 1-6. WMHS was scheduled to play the Ramblers away on Tuesday, Oct. 4 and then return for the annual Homecoming game, Saturday, Oct. 8 under the lights. The tentative kickoff for the Homecoming game is 7 p.m. It follows the girls’ game.

On Oct. 11, WMHS will hit the road again to face Carrabec. WMHS hosts Dirigo, Oct. 13 and finishes the regular season at Lisbon Oct. 14.

Roadrunners win 2-0

Wiscasset’s game at Mt. Abram Sept. 26 is one the team would just as soon forget. The Wolverines were the victims of a 2-0 shutout. The Roadrunners goals came at 11:21 of the first half and with 5:23 left in regulation. The scorers were T. Hill and J. Jordan.

The Wolverines outshot their hosts by a two-to-one margin but in soccer that means very little unless the ball goes into the net. “One of their goals came on a fastbreak, the other on a direct kick,” Coach Cossette said.

West Alna Road travelers have a new treat this Halloween season, a yard aglow with orange and other festive-colored lights highlighting an elaborate display. The Kellett family spent Saturday afternoon putting it together, mostly of decorations a Bristol woman gave them.

The woman used to decorate for her grandchildren, now grown, Amanda Kellett, an administrator at Wiscasset Family Medicine, said. Now, Kellett, husband Michael and sons, Eben, 12, and Jack, 15 months, are enjoying them and she hopes passers-by will, too. She said Jack likes the decorations and others inside the home, where his high chair is positioned to face them, she added. Saturday evening, he had on a skeleton shirt his grandmother got him.

In front of the house are two inflatable decorations taller than any of the Kelletts, including Michael, a shipfitter at Bath Iron Works. One is a smiling black cat with lit eyes; the other, a smiling witch sitting on a jack-o-lantern. The tip of the cat’s tail and the tip of the witch’s hat each reach higher than the start of the roof. A smaller balloon decoration near the center of the yard is a play on the flamingo lawn ornament — two black flamingos with pink, lit eyes.

Eben, a seventh grader at Gardiner Regional Middle School, said his favorite items in the display are the graves with a skeleton and casket and cross markers wrapped in orange lights. A black, Gothic fence with spiders runs part way around the graves.

A “Scream”-like mask is nestled in some corn husks, near a small, black-blanket-costumed figure wearing high-top sneakers. In front of it are four glowing, smiling ghosts.

Halloween is one of Amanda Kellett’s favorite times of year. She sees it as the start of the holiday season. “And it’s just got a unique sort of feel. It’s so fun, and festive.”

They missed decorating one Halloween because they moved into the home in November, and another Halloween when she was pregnant with Jack. But this year they decided to go big, with the help of the items the Bristol woman gave them. She also gave them Christmas decorations.

“I think it’s great,” Michael Kellett said about the Halloween decorations all around him in the yard. “I can’t wait ‘til Christmas!”

If the extent of your knowledge about ticks is that you should tuck your pants cuffs into your socks when hiking, come to Midcoast Conservancy on Monday, Oct. 17 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., when Charles Lubelcyzk will present a tick prevention outreach seminar. “The talk will be geared toward environmental aspects of tick-borne diseases, with a focus on what to look out for and what people can do, around homes, as the fall tick season is now coming up.”

Lubelcyzk, who has a master’s in public health, works at the Maine Medical Center Research Institute in Scarborough, and has expertise in ecology, entomology and parasitology. He is part of a research team whose goal is to investigate the spread of disease-carrying ticks and mosquitoes in Maine and the disease agents they carry. The team also develops new strategies for tick control, and based on this work, informs the public about the risk and how to prevent it.

To register for the talk, go to midcoastconservancy.org/events. For more information, or with questions, call (207) 389-5150 or go to midcoastconservancy.org. Midcoast Conservancy is located at 36 Water Street in Wiscasset.

Midcoast Conservancy is delighted to announce the addition of Hannah Chamberlain to its staff as its new land steward. Chamberlain brings a range of experience to the position; most recently, she has worked at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, where she built and maintained trails and coordinated volunteers. In addition, she was a thru-hiker on the AT in 2015.

After graduating from UMass-Amherst with a Bachelor of Science in environmental science, she completed a year of AmeriCorps service as the land stewardship coordinator for a small land trust in northwestern Massachusetts. As land steward, Chamberlain will work to manage and promote the lands that Midcoast Conservancy protects, while also helping to identify new conservation projects.

”Midcoast Conservancy shares my belief that human and natural communities complement and empower each other, and that conservation efforts can help to make them both stronger. I am so excited to become part of the work that Midcoast Conservancy does, and to have the opportunity help people become engaged and inspired by nature,” Chamberlain said.

When not out monitoring conserved lands, or working with volunteers, she can be reached at Hannah@midcoastconservancy. Contact her with any questions around land stewardship or to volunteer as an easement monitor. For more information, go to midcoastconservancy.org or call (207) 389-5150.​

Across the country, the major discussion on every news station and talk show is the upcoming presidential election. With a little over a month until Americans will head to the polls, the mudslinging and campaigning is in full swing everywhere – everywhere, that is, except Wiscasset Speedway. With several division championships still up for grabs, drivers were as competitive as a presidential race Oct. 1, without all the talking. Sounds like a win-win.

The NAPA Modifieds 30-lap feature began with sparks as Allan Moeller of the #04 and Nick Reno of the #7 were caught up in traffic along the back straightaway. Reno connected with the wall and the track was left under caution one lap in while the track crew removed his car. When the drivers moved finally into lap two, Adam Chadbourne of the #1 had snatched a commanding lead, followed by Moeller and Mark Lucas of the #5. By lap 23, Moeller was close enough to Chadbourne to keep the latter warm with his engine, but the leader continued to use his speed on the straightaway to keep the advantage. Chadbourne achieved his first career win in this division and Moeller took second. By placing third, Lucas claimed his second straight Modifieds Championship.

Sponsored by Kennebec Equipment Rental, the Outlaw Mini 25-lap feature race was set to be a contentious battle to the finish, with the division championship spot up for grabs. Zach Audet of the #19me flew in front of the pack until Mike Bolduc of the #84 caught the tires in turn four for the race’s first caution in lap six. Back on the green flag, Shawn Kimball of the #20 took a small lead over Audet, leaving the two points leaders battling to secure the championship. Ultimately, Kimball won the race but Audet claimed the championship with his second place finish. Shane Smith of the #41 came in third for his first appearance in victory lane this season.

Seven cars ended up against the wall between turns one and two before the completion of the first lap of the Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Model Sportsman 35-lap feature race. That caution was quickly followed by a second on the restart when several cars ended up in the infield from a bumpy line up. Third time was the charm with the competitive pack continuing to go 3-wide throughout the first five laps. With several potential drivers still able to grab the Late Model championship, the race proved to be as competitive as ever. Dan Smart of the #7x held a solid lead through the first few cautions until it was taken by Chris Thorne of the #17 in lap five. The pack slowed for a brief caution when Tyler Robbins of the #34 lost control and careened down pit road.

By lap ten, Thorne had cleared some distance between himself and the St. Clair clan who barreled toward him from behind – Josh of the #33 in second and Ryan of the #30 in third. By lap 15, Andrew McLaughlin of the #26 had worked his way into third. In lap 31, a red flag stopped the track completely when a tangle with Smart spun Dave St. Clair of the #33 before turn three, where his grandson, Josh, t-boned his driver’s side door. Back in the action for the final five laps, Thorne is able to continue his lead over the finish line for first place and his fourth career Late Model Sportsman championship at Wiscasset. McLaughin took home second and Nick Hinckley of the #15 third. Thanks to a mood swing from Mother Nature, the rain that had been predicted for late Saturday night arrived an hour ahead of schedule. For the safety of drivers, the Top Gun Strictly Shootout has been rescheduled for this coming Saturday.

Whether you have attended one race or all of them, make sure you get the family together and head over to Wiscasset Speedway to wrap up the 2016 season next Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Fall Fury. Starting at noon, all eight divisions will race, as well the Wicked Good Vintage Racers, followed by a cookout and awards ceremony for race teams and track staff. As always, a full day of fast and furious entertainment is only $5! For more information, visit www.wiscassetspeedway.com.

Official Finish Results: Saturday, Oct. 1

Modifieds: 30-Lap Feature Race

Sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts

1.       #1, Adam Chadbourne – Wiscasset

2.       #04, Allan Moeller - Dresden

3.       #5, Mark Lucas - Harpswell

4.       #15, Joseph Williams – Woolwich

5.       #27, Shane Kaherl – Jay

6.       #33, Ron Bryant – Livermore Falls

7.       #8, Richard Jordan - Kingfield

8.       #00, Todd Ladd – Farmington

9.       #39, Ryan Chadwick - Wiscasset

10.    #7, Nick Reno - West Bath

DNS. #19, Ben Tinker – New Gloucester

Outlaw Minis: 25-Lap Feature Race

Sponsored by Kennebec Equipment Rental

1.       #20, Shawn Kimball - Augusta

2.       #19ME, Zach Audet – Skowhegan

3.       #41, Shane Smith – Augusta

4.       #26, Brent Roy – Vassalboro

5.       #18, Tim Collins - Farmington

6.       #83, Brady Romano – Livermore Falls

7.      #13, Cody Tribbett – Richmond

8.       #27, Jake Hendsbee – Whitefield

9.       #84, Mike Bolduc – Liberty

10.   #1, Kevin Douglas – Sidney

11.   #5, Jimmy Childs – Leeds

Late Model Sportsman: 35-Lap Feature Race

Sponsored by Wood Pellet Warehouse

1.            #17, Chris Thorne – Sidney

2.            #26, Andrew McLaughlin – Harrington

3.            #15, Nick Hinckley - Wiscasset

4.            #21, Shane Clark – Winterport

5.            #30, Ryan St. Clair – Liberty

6.            #18, Andy Saunders – Ellsworth

7.            #25, Will Collins – Waldoboro

8.            #34, Tyler Robbins -  Montville

9.            #4, Ben Erskine – Farmington

10.        #20, Wayne Parriett, Jr – Steuben

11.        #7x, Dan Smart -  Buxton

12.        #38, Dan Trask – Chelsea

13.        #11, Cody Verrill – Richmond

14.        #00, Alex Waltz – Walpole

15.        #1, Steve Chicoine - Portland

16.        #3, Richard Jordan – Kingfield

17.        #7, Jay Bailey – Wiscasset

18.        #33, Josh St. Clair – Liberty

19.        #14, Dave St. Clair - Liberty

20.        #36, Gerald Frost – Seal Harbor

21.        #8, Luke Romanoski – Strong