On May 18, the Central Lincoln County (CLC) YMCA afterschool kids were thrilled to be part of the reopening of the community playground, located to the right of the newly renovated Y.

The playground had been closed for the winter, but the reopening was delayed while construction and renovation was going on, for the safety of the community. Prior to reopening, some updates to the playground also took place, including a new slide and fence repair.

The kids hardly wanted to take a break from playing but did spare some time for a mason jar herb planting project and to eat a healthy snack of shredded beet, turnip and carrot wraps from FARMS at the Y. The kids planted thyme, basil, cilantro, parsley and oregano to be used in future cooking classes!

As CEO Meagan Hamblett stated, “Youth development, healthy living, social responsibility - all three universal YMCA focus areas depicted through our Y after school program. Living our mission and our cause!”

While the playground is now open, there continues to be exterior groundwork, paving and clean up still taking place, so please take caution when visiting as there may be construction vehicles or equipment in the area. #youthdevelopment #healthykids

The CLC YMCA is a key collaborative leader improving the quality of life for all by being the champion for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

For information about any of the Y's programs and events, visit clcymca.org.

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Join professional educator and wildflower enthusiast Susan Taylor for a wildflower walk at Hidden Valley Nature Center Friday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to noon. This walk is geared toward people who are just beginning to explore the vast world of wildflowers and those who are simply curious about what they might see blooming on their next hike. The walk will bring participants to the upland area of the Crossbill Trail and the wetlands of HVNC’s kettlehole bog, and will hopefully showcase an array of blossoms.

Participants should meet at the Gatehouse – the small building just 300 feet from the parking area along the main entrance trail. Please wear sturdy shoes for hiking, bring protection for sun and bugs, and pack water.

A few wildflower guide books and a few hand lenses will be on hand for you to use. If you have a magnifying glass or hand lens, you are encouraged to bring it!

Formerly the director of an adult education program, Susan has offered a lot of Wildflower and Nature classes and has been an active participant in many of them.  A long-time lover of the natural world and admirer of spring wildflowers, this is the first class she has led and she is delighted to be able to share her knowledge with others.

Go to www.midcoastconservancy.org/events/wildflower-hike to register. Contact: 207-389-150 for more information.

BOOTHBAY— If it’s rain, clouds or sunshine this weekend, it doesn’t matter. Mainers will be able to get into Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay for free this Saturday through Monday, May 26-28, the only time this perk is offered during the year.

“We know that it is sometimes hard to be a tourist in your own state, so we wanted to give everyone the opportunity to explore the great resource that we have here in Boothbay,” said Marketing Director Kris Folsom. “We sometimes take for granted what we have and don’t always take time to enjoy the places that people from all over the world come here for. We offer Maine Days to remind people to come in for free and experience the gardens before the busy season hits.”

A little history: The botanical gardens started as a grassroots project with a number of Midcoast founders putting their homes up for collateral in order to buy 128 acres and tidal shore in Boothbay. They spent 16 years to plan, plant and and build upon the pristine land in 1996.

They opened Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens to the public in 1997 and in the following years, they’ve managed to acquire more tidal shoreland, bringing the total number of acres currently to 295.

Folsom said that children and teens often the ones motivating their parents to come on Maine Days, rather than the other way around. “Actually, a lot of kids introduce the gardens to their parents,” she said. “We have a lot of school groups that come through all year. Then, the kids come home and share with their parents how much they enjoyed it and want to take their parents back to see it on Maine Days.”

Folsom said there are a number of new highlights that visitors will enjoy this season. “We have a brand new Visitor’s Center this year and from there, a new bridge has been built to get to gardens. We are still in the process of creating the gardens around the Visitor’s Center, but they will be our largest garden to date.”

Something new that will enchant everyone this year: a new indoor butterfly garden. “We are in the process of putting up the butterfly house to open June 1 and while it won’t be open yet for Maine Days, people will be able to get a sneak peek and look from the windows inside,” said Folsom. “We are just starting to have all stages of butterflies and witnessed butterflies laying eggs within the house this week.”

Memorial Day Weekend is historically the kick off to summer.

“Right now the temperatures are looking great for this weekend,” she said. “We’re not sure if it will rain; but we’re Mainers. We get our raincoat and boots on and we know how to spend time outside.”

“People get tons of inspiration for their own gardens walking through here,” she said. “ And the plants are beginning to fill in with the hardscape. You’ll also see how water features can be integrated into the garden. One of the most frequent comments I hear is ‘I would have never thought to put those two colors together.’”

This weekend, Folsom said the tulips, hyacinth and Iris are at peak bloom, but visitors can also expect to see narcissus/daffodils, magnolia, rhododendron, and Azalea in peak bloom, among others.

To check out in real time what flowers and plants will be at their peak when you visit, check out their blog: florafind.mainegardens.org/ecmweb/FindFlowersMobile1.html

For more information about the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens visit: mainegardens.org

To gain free entry, visitor's must produce a valid Maine driver’s licenses or ID.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com

The Wolverines pounded out a dozen hits upending Dirigo 21-10 at Dixfield May 21 in Mountain Valley Conference softball action. The win was Wiscasset Middle High School’s third of the season, but a 13-0 loss to Monmouth May 23 dimmed hopes of a post-season berth.

The latest MPA Heal standings have WMHS ranked ninth in the Class D South standings with just one game remaining. Only the top seven teams qualify for the tournament. Valley High School with a record of 5-5 is ranked eighth, and Temple at 4-8 is number seven. Greenville is ranked number one with a record of 12-1.

At Dixfield, WMHS Coach Gordon Campbell saw his charges rally from a 9-2 deficit by scoring 11 runs in the fifth inning. The Wolverines added eight more runs in the final two innings, six in the sixth and two in the seventh, ending the slugfest.

Sydnie Thayer and Lindsey Gordon led the Wolverine battery. Thayer singled, doubled and tripled and scored three runs. Gordon had three hits and scored three times. Kelsey Jones had two hits and scored three runs and Maeve Blodgett walked and scored three times. August Moore pitched the whole game and picked up the win. She had one strikeout.

“It was good to see our girls come back and win after falling behind,” Coach Campbell said afterward.   

Mustangs too much

The Wolverines left nine runners on base in a 13-0 loss to visiting Monmouth May 23 at Wiscasset. The Mustangs scored five runs in the first inning, four of them unearned, when they sent 11 batters to the plate. Abby Flanagan had an RBI single to left.

The Wolverines’ first hit came in the second inning. Farrah Casey singled but was left stranded on third. Wiscasset threatened again in the home half of the third inning. With one out, singles by Leah Potter to left and Maeve Blodgett up the middle put runners on first and second. Kelsey Jones then walked to load the bases but Mustang Mariah Herr struck out the next batter, ending the inning.

Monmouth scored one run in the second inning, one in the third and another in the fourth, opening up an 8-0 lead. Abby Ferlano tripled and scored when Denna Bauar grounded out.

The Wolverines loaded the bases in the fourth. Makayla Bailey reached on a ball-on-balls, Clara Mugnai was hit by the pitcher and Potter singled but the Mustang defense held.

Emily Chase doubled in her third hit of the game and later scored in the fifth to put the Mustangs up 9-0. Herr then drove her home with a double. Monmouth added two more runs in the sixth and seventh innings.

Casey led off with a single in the sixth for the Wolverines, stole second and third but was tagged out when she attempted to steal home. 

Sydney Thayer started the game and August Moore worked in relief for Wiscasset and had two strikeouts.

Herr picked up the win for Monmouth. Abby Flanagan had two RBI with a single and triple for the Mustangs.

The Wolverines will host Carrabec in the season finale Tuesday, May 29 at 4 p.m.

Wiscasset Middle High School had some outstanding individual performances at the Mountain Valley Conference Championship meet hosted by Lisbon Thursday afternoon, May 24.

Grace Webber won the high jump clearing 5-2; Mountain Valley’s Lauren Stearling cleared 5-0 and placed second.

Grace also ran the third leg of the 4x100-meter relay race the Wolverines won. The other three relay team members were Grace's younger sister Gwen Webber, Vanessa Dunn and Ayanna Stover. Together they bested a field of 10 other teams and posted a winning time of 52.94. Spruce Mountain was second at 53.40 and Winthrop third, in 53.48.

Wiscasset’s Ayanna Stover and Mountain Valley’s Lauren Sterling ran neck-and-neck in the 100-meter hurdles. Sterling won the race finishing in 15.9 seconds, Stover was second in 16.54 and Monmouth Academy’s Emily Grandahl third, 17.19.

Stover was also second in the triple jump, 32-3.25; Hannah St. Pierre won the event, 32-9.5. St. Pierre also won the long jump, 15-10.5; Stover placed fifth with a leap just under 14-8.

Matt Chapman is the MVC’s new hurdles champion. He won both 110 and 300-meter hurdles. Chapman finished the 110 hurdles in 16.17 seconds with Mountain Valley’s Cameron Payne crossing the finish line a close second, 17.24. Chapman’s winning time in the 300 hurdles was 43.16 with Dirigo’s Cam Kidder following on his heels in second place, 43.96.

Among the most exciting races of the day was the 200-meter dash. Grace Webber ran side by side with Winthrop’s Jill Schmelzer down the straight away. Schmelzer crossed the finish line first, barely, in 26.92 seconds. Webber was two tenths of a second behind her with a time of 26.94 and Emma Houle from Lisbon was third, 28.58.

Vanessa Dunn came in third in the 300-meter hurdles running close on the heels of Monmouth’s Libby Clement and Grandahl who finished one and two in the event. Clement’s winning time was 50.48, Grandahl’s 52.11 while Dunn’s time was 52.76.

Max Sampson placed second behind Mountain Valley’s Chris Glover in the triple jump. Their jumps measured 41-6 and 40-8, respectively.

Sampson came in fourth in the long jump, 19-10. Hall-Dale’s Matt Albert won the event edging out Madison’s Darin Libby by three-quarters of an inch with a winning jump just under 20-3.

WMHS’s boys 4x100 relay team of Chapman, Max Sampson, Sam Strozier and Cedrick Loyola placed fifth with a time of 48.77. Mt. Abram’s team won the event with Mountain Valley second followed by Spruce Mountain and Lisbon.

Wiscasset’s 4x400 relay team of Strozier, Josh Gabriele, Josh Jones and Chapman placed seventh,in 4:06.43. Monmouth was first, followed by Boothbay Region, then Lisbon.

All in all it was a good day for Coach Josiah Winchenbach and the Wolverines. The team will begin training for the State C meet to be hosted by Massabesic High on Saturday, June 2.

Class D WMHS finished fifth in the girls’ meet with 53 points, one point behind Winthrop. Monmouth captured the MVC title, Lisbon was second and Spruce Mountain third.

Lisbon won the boys MVC title, Hall-Dale was second and Monmouth third. WMHS placed eighth overall among 13 high schools.

Coach Winchenbach said Matt Chapman broke his own 110-meter hurdle school record and Grace Webber broke the ladies 200-meter WMHS record.

Wiscasset’s Busline League track and field teams had strong showings and some personal bests in the league’s championship meet May 24 in Belfast.

Connor Robertson, Payton Blagdon, Danny Lackie and Vernon Smith placed third in the boys 4x400 relay in 4:44.53, their fastest of the season, Coach Jake McCarthy said. Robertson also took second in the 1600m run and Smith took third in the 55m hurdles. 

Tate Whitmore was unable to compete due to injury but joined teammates at the event.

On the girls team, Linnea Andersson, Emily Gilliam and Makenzie Neumann all had personal bests, Andersson with a 5:26.85 finish in the 800m race walk, Gilliam with a time of 7:10.10 in the 1600m run, and Neumann, finishing the 1600m run in 6:59.15.

There are convincing wins, and then there's what Ben Ashline did Sunday afternoon at Wiscasset Speedway. On a cloudy cool day, in front of a packed house at Maine's fastest track, on its biggest stage, Ashline turned in on of the most dominating performances in recent memory. The veteran Fairfield racer, who turns wrenches for Distance Racing for a living, dominated the competition on with way to winning the 2018 Coastal 200 and pocketing a $5,000 winner's check for his efforts. Motivated by a runner-up finish in the marquee event just a year earlier, Ashline led 198 of 200 laps on the way to the win in what he called "a bucket list race" in victory lane.

Dave Farrington Jr. of Jay, the 2015 winner of the Coastal 200 was the only other driver to have a taste of the lead. Ashline who was at the top of the speed charts in all four practice sessions started the race from the pole position and set a blistering early pace, putting half the 26-car field a lap down by the quarter mark on lap 50. Shane Clark of Winterport tried to keep pace, not letting the leader get away by more than a couple seconds. Cautions for minor spins scattered throughout the race gave Clark and others a shot at Ashline. But each time, it took just a couple laps for him to shake off the challenge and pull away. Many drivers chose to pit early for tires and adjustments to try to get themselves back into contention. It did little to help. Just past the halfway point of the race, Farrington was able to chase down Ashline in lap traffic and pass him on lap 115. Just a lap later there was a caution for a minor spin, sending all remaining lead lap cars except Farrington to the pits for fresh tires. Ashline returned to the track to reline in fourth for the restart. Just a lap later, he was back in the lead by the time they finished lap 117. From there he built up another big lead and used it to patiently pick his way through lap traffic and putting more and more lead lap cars in his wake.

As the checkered flag flew, the 4th place car of Andrew McLaughlin, the 2017 Coastal 200 champ, was just two car lengths in front of him, leaving just four cars on the lead lap. While positions 2 thru 26 changed many times throughout the 200-lap marathon, the lead position was never in doubt.

In victory lane, Ashline fought back tears of happiness and heartbreak, having won the race and revealing the news that his grandmother had passed away that morning. "I sat right up there in those stands when I was a kid, watching some big names win this race," said Ashline. "This one was on my bucket list." Farrington was the last lead lap car to pit for tires. He kept his car in the top five for much of the race and brought it home in second. Clark finished third, making it a podium sweep for Jeff Taylor's Distance Racing stable. McLaughlin was the last car on the lead lap in 4th. Reigning Prostock champ Darren Ripley of Thomaston finished fifth.

Other winners on Sunday afternoon's show included Jimmy Childs of Leeds in the caution free 25-lap feature for the Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw Minis. It was his first victory of the season. Childs was joined in victory lane by Zach Audet and Brent Roy. The 30-lap feature for the K&A Property Services Modifieds went to Adam Chadbourne of Woolwich. It was his 3rd straight win to start 2018 season. At press time the victory remains unofficial pending a mandatory engine inspection that comes after three wins. Defending champ Allen Moeller of Dresden and Ryan Chadwick of Wiscasset took second and third respectively. The Norm’s Used Cars Strictly Streets turned in an exciting caution free 25-lap race. Jonathan Emerson of Sabattus outraced his dad Zach Emerson to pick up the win. Brad Erskine of Solon took third for his first podium finish.

Wiscasset Speedway returns to action Saturday evening with the return of Ames True Value NEMA Night. The popular winged asphalt sprint cars will make an assault on the track record once again. The show will start with an on-track meet and greet with all the NEMA teams. They will be joined by Wiscasset's regular Group 1 divisions; ServPro of Biddeford Saco Prostocks, Maxwell's Market Super Streets, Cahill Tire 4-Cylinder Pros, and Thunder 4 Minis. Informatiomn is available on the website www.wiscassetspeedway.com 

Speedway results for May 27, 2018

COASTAL 200 LATE MODEL SPORTSMAN

K&A PROPERTY SERVICES MODIFIEDS (30 LAPS) - * Finish is unofficial pending engine inspection 

KENNEBEC EQUIPMENT RENTAL OUTLAW MINI (25 LAPS)

NORM’S USED CARS STRICTLY STREETS (25 LAPS)

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Run the Lobster Roll 5K on Saturday, July 28 as an individual or team. It's still $20 for a fabulous scenic race - race day will be $25.

There are prizes for overall winners, team challenge and age category winners. Directly after the race is the kids’ fun run.

Join us for an amazing day and support our local Community on Track group in our continuing effort to bring an athletic facility to Boothbay Harbor.

For more information or to register online, visit lobsterroll5k.weebly.com.

The race takes place at Boothbay Region High School - registration opens at 6:30 a.m.

Cameron Crocker drove in seven runs with a home run and two doubles, and pitched three scoreless innings working in relief as Boothbay Region outlasted Wiscasset Middle High school 17-7.

Tuesday afternoon’s game hosted by Wiscasset was the final Mountain Valley Conference baseball game for both teams this season.

Crocker’s inside the park home run accounted for two of the Seahawks’ three first inning runs. Will Labreque singled and drove in the other run scored by Jay Hasch who reached on an error.

In the home half of the inning, Ronald Drake homered to make it a 3-1 ballgame. Drake’s inside the park home run came with two outs, the ball carrying deep to left centerfield.

Wiscasset starting pitcher Josh Duanlan held the visitors scoreless in the second, as did Seahawk starter Hunter Crocker.

Boothbay’s battery then scored four more runs in the third, with Cam Crocker again delivering the big blow, a two-run double. Another run scored Jacob Wilson, circling the bases when his flyball got behind the right fielder. With two away, Will Labreque then scored from third on a pass ball.

Kasey Mills singled with one away in the Wiscasset third. Crocker fanned the next two batters leaving him stranded on second base.

Boothbay plated two more runs in the fourth. Wiscasset added one, with Drake tripling and scoring on an overthrow making it a 9-2 ballgame.

With Haiden Dunning pitching in relief, the Seahawks added another run in the fifth inning.

The Wolverines then erupted for five runs. C.J. Robert led of off with a single up the middle. Crocker then hit Matt Eckert, and Ryan Potter delivered an RBI single. Drake singled loading the bases and Hodson tripled and later scored on a wild pitch.

Cam Crocker was then brought in to relieve and got the final two outs. He finished with eight strikeouts over two and two thirds innings. His younger brother Hunter had 10 Ks and picked up the win.

Boothbay nicked Wiscasset for seven more runs in the final inning, Crocker drove in two of those with his second double.

Dualan the losing pitcher finished with five strikeouts in five innings, Dunning had seven Ks striking out the side twice. 

Wiscasset turned the game’s only double play which came in the second. Hodson gloved Hunter Crocker’s line drive to deep center field and threw the ball to Mills, the second baseman who tagged out Colby Babcockheouldbi

It was the final game for seniors Andrew Hendrickson and Drake who will remember the game for having hit that home run . The Wolverines finished the season at 0-16, while the Seahawks were 3-13.

Women Mind the Water celebrates two of Maine’s indispensable resources – women and water – with its digital stories project. Women Mind the Water (WMW) Digital Stories Project offers women and girls a place to share personal stories about their experiences with water.

Whether it’s a story about swimming in the ocean for the first time, getting caught in a thunderstorm, a childhood recipe for making snowball sundaes, or something else, Women Mind the Water wants to hear about it. Why? Because life in Maine is inextricably entwined with water and because women have long been stewards of this most precious of the state’s natural resources. Their stories offer an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the importance of water.

Women Mind the Water invites women and girls to create their digital story using a cell phone. Stories should be no longer than three minutes in length. Submission guidelines and examples are available on FB at wmw digital stories project or by contacting wmwdigitalstoriesproject@gmail.com. Stories will be published in a specially-designated place on the Maine Memory Network, a project of the Maine Historical Society.

Women Mind the Water Digital Stories Project is a Maine-based, not-for-profit arts and humanities project. The project was conceived and is directed by Pam Ferris-Olson, Ph.D. who has extensive experience with storytelling, water, and women’s leadership.

To get a push from the outgoing tide, the Sheepscot River Race on Saturday, June 30, will start at 3 p.m. at the Sherman Lake Rest Area on Route 1 in Newcastle. All paddlers are invited to participate – from from youth to seasoned, recreational and competitive, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. It’s a day for enjoying the river and participating in, or watching, this fast-paced race.

Registration starts at noon in Newcastle and stays open until just before the race begins. The six-mile course finishes at the recreational pier in Wiscasset village. According to race organizer Scott Shea, “This is one of the most scenic race courses with four miles of moving water meandering through beautiful protected marshes and riverbanks.” The last two miles are in the open waters of Wiscasset harbor where winds and waves present new challenges to racers within sight of the finish line.

The first Sheepscot River Race was held 29 years ago as part of the Wiscasset Recreation Department’s summer programming. It’s now a qualifying race for the Maine Canoe and Kayak Racing Organization (MaCKRO). It’s their rules, says Shea, which guide the race. Participation in the race has changed over time, too. Originally, only a few competitive racers took part, but now it’s a professional race that also includes recreational paddlers. The most competitive racers finish in about 42 minutes, Shea explained, while the more casual participants finish in about two hours. At the end of the race, awards and prizes from Seaspray Kayaking and local Wiscasset businesses are given out along with watermelon, applause, and a lot of camaraderie.

The Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce is coordinating race day activities on the recreational pier, located on Water Street, which will include music by the Marshall Nelson Trio beginning at 1 p.m., a fired-up grill hosted by the Wiscasset Yacht Club, seafood specialties offered by Sarah’s Café, and an Open Mic concert featuring local bands and performers from about 5 to 8 p.m. 

The registration fee to participate in the race is $15 in advance or $20 on the day of the race; the fee for youth under 17 is $5. For more information and registration application, visit www.seaspraykayaking.com. With advance notice, Seaspray Kayaking will provide kayaks and equipment to youth and $10 rentals for adults who wish to participate. The public is invited to watch the race from the recreational pier and enjoy the entertainment at no charge.

The race and pier activities are organized by Seaspray Kayaking in Brunswick, Maine, and the Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce. Chamber member sponsors include Carriage House Gardens, Casey’s Wood Products, Chesterfield Associates, Commonwealth Financial Group, Cunningham Security Systems, First Federal Savings, Freedom Fellowship Church, Greg’s Used Cars, Grover Auto & Tire, H.T. Winters Co., Marine Parts Express, Sarah’s Café, Servpro of Bath Brunswick, Sheepscot River Marine Service, Soule, Soule & Logan, and Wiscasset Self Storage. For more information about the race, contact Scott Shea at info@seaspraykaying.com or 207-751-3450.

There’s nothing like exploring the physical artifacts of another era to bring us closer to our past. There’s also a real excitement that comes with unearthing artifacts that have not seen the light of day for hundreds of years.

For students considering a career in archaeology, or anyone who has ever been interested in archaeology, Damariscotta River Association (DRA) is offering three week-long sessions of Archaeological Field School this July. The field school provides a unique opportunity to learn basic field methodology skills while working side by side with professional archaeologist Tim Dinsmore.

Three six-day sessions running from Sunday through Friday will take place between July 8 and July 27. The minimum age to attend is 14. Past field school sessions have included a wide range of age and experience, from high school age students to retirees, from first-timers to seasoned excavators and up-and-coming archaeologists.

This year’s excavation is of at the Hatch Homestead site (1769-1803), part of the 18th-century Barstow-Bryant shipbuilding complex. The area of focus is believed to have been Hatch’s blacksmith shop and has been virtually untouched for two centuries.

The Hatch site, located atop the riverbank on the Damariscotta River and overlooking what would have been the shipyard, has remained untouched since last occupied in 1803. As such, it represents a time capsule for which to study the early maritime history of the Damariscotta region.

Archaeological priorities at the Hatch site include determining the layout and orientation of the homestead as well as locating blacksmithing activities including Hatch's blacksmith shop.

For more information or to register, call 207-563-1393, email dra@damariscottariver.org, or visit http://www.damariscottariver.org/events-programs/archaeology-field-school/.

Blistered Fingers Bluegrass Festival is celebrating its 50th festival at the Litchfield Fairgrounds (30 Plains Rd., Litchfield), June 13-18 with onsite camping beginning Sunday, June 10 when the gates open at 8 a.m.

The festival location has that ‘Welcome Home’ Country atmosphere. Everyone who attends loves the camping grounds.  The festival grounds have a big stage (built in 2010); indoor bathroom facilities, four free hot showers and numerous water hookups throughout the grounds, and electrical hookups.

There will be several types of vendors located on the grounds.

We have the Blistered Fingers Kids Academy. Blistered Fingers has a free, relaxed, informative three-day music program for children for ages 6-18. The focus is how to play, sing and perform bluegrass music. Students can bring their own instruments and will commit to the three day program. The kids all get a free T-Shirt and perform a couple of songs as a group on main stage. 

“We also have a lot of ‘field picking’ throughout the festival.” said Sandy Cormier, co-promoter of the festival with her husband, Greg Cormier.

Who’s playing? On the stage? Check it out: The Baker Family (MO) - Wednesday, Thursday; Back Woods Road (ME) - Wednesday, Friday; The Misty Mountaineers (ME) - Thursday, Friday; Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (IN) -  Thursday; Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass  (PA) - Friday; David Parmley & The Cardinal Tradition (TN) - Friday; Tony & Heather Mabe (SC) - Friday. Performing on Saturday, June 16:  Blue Highway (TN); Little Roy & Lizzy Long (GA);  The Dave Adkins Band (KY);  Zink & Company (MA); and the host band, Blistered Fingers (ME). Sunday morning’s the Bluegrass Gospel Sing & Jam (MA).

Weekend tickets for each festival (second one is Aug. 22-26) will cover four days of great music and camping from Wednesday to Saturday and Sunday Morning Gospel Sing Along and Jam.

Tickets available at the gate. For pricing, directions and other information, visit  www.BlisteredFingers.com or contact Sandy Cormier at blist-f@blisteredfingers.com, or 207-873-6539.

Hard work and a lot of practice paid off for junior Matt Chapman who returned to Wiscasset Middle High School a state champion following Saturday’s State C meet hosted by Massabesic High School in Waterboro.

On May 24, Chapman became the reigning Mountain Valley Conference hurdling champion when he won both 110 and 300-meter hurdling events at Lisbon. At the state meet, he shaved two tenths of a second from his MVC time in the 110 hurdles, finishing the race in 16.15 seconds. Traip High School’s Seth Simonds finished in second place, 16.69, while Sacopee’s Conner Meggison came in third, 17.10.

Later in the afternoon, Chapman ran second in the 300-meter hurdle race finishing a close second behind Traip’s Jacob Gagner. Gagner’s winning time was 42.15 seconds; Chapman crossed the finish line at 43.08 with Orono’s Tony Manev placing third in 43.30. At the MVC meet, Chapman ran the 300 hurdles in 43.16.

Chapman ran ninth, in 24.88, in the 200-meter dash. Greenville’s Ben Baldwin’s winning time was 23.68.

Team points went to the top seven finishers, 10 points for first place, 8 for second, 6 for third, 4 for fourth, three for fifth, 2 for sixth and 1 point for seventh place. Chapman picked up 18 of the Wolverines’ 30-point total.

Max Sampson placed third in the long jump, 20-8.5; Mountain Valley’s Chris Glover was second, 20-11. Mattanawcook’s Cayden Spencer-Thompson’' winning jump measured 23-01.75.  WMHS’s Cedrick Loyola placed 17th in the long jump, 18-7.

Spencer-Thompson also won the triple jump event with a leap of 46-05; Max Matson of George Stevens Academy placed second, 42-4.5, Sampson was third, 41-7. Josh Gabriele was eight, 39-5, Cedrick Loyola came in 12th  37-7 and Sam Strozier was 19th, 35-01.

Junior Josh Gabriele placed 14th in the high jump, clearing 5-4. Hall-Dale’s Ash Abbott’s winning height was 6-4. Sophomore Cedrick Loyola came in tied for 20th, clearing 5-2.

Senior Ayanna Stover capped off a fine track season capturing second place in 100-meter hurdles recording a time of 16.51 seconds among 19 competitors. Mountain Valley’s Lauren Sterling’s winning time was 16.35. Mya Sirois of Monmouth Academy was in the hunt as well but settled for third with a time of 16.81.

Stover and Sterling ran neck-and-neck in the 100-meter hurdles at the MVC championship meet at Lisbon; Sterling won the race finishing in 15.9 seconds, Stover  finished second and posted a time of 16.54.

The WMHS girls’ 4x100 relay team of Gwen Webber, Stover, Vanessa Dunn and Grace Webber placed fourth, 52.11. Wells won the race, 51.31, Central High was second, 51.77 and Orono third, 52.01.

Grace Webber finished fifth in the high jump, clearing 4-10. Fort Kent’s Lucy Pelletier’s winning jump was 5-0.

Senior Vanessa Dunn placed sixth in the 300-meter hurdles, 51.19. Orono’s Isabel Henderson’s winning time was 48.67.

Freshman Gwen Webber ran 19th in the 100-meter dash, 14.33.

Overall, Wolverine Coach Josiah Winchenbach saw his boys team finish tied for eighth place with Sacopee Valley each totaling 30 team points. Caribou won the meet with 57 points. Thirty-two high schools competed and 19 events were scored.

Maranacook won the girls’ meet with 103 points. WMHS finished 12th with 17 points. Thity high schools competed, with 19 events scored.

What happens when you put the fastest asphalt sprint cars in the world on Maine's fastest track? You get a whole new level of speed. Track speed records were up for grabs once again as the lightning-fast NEMA Midgets & NEMA Lites converged on Wiscasset Speedway Saturday night for Ames True Value NEMA Night. Turning laps around the 3/8 mile track with speeds topping 100 mph, the NEMA Midgets put on a show for the packed house.

John Zych of Mendon, Massachusetts has quickly turned Wiscasset Speedway into one of his favorite tracks. Starting mid-pack in the 30-lap spotlight feature, it took just one lap for the former champ to rocket around the competition and into the lead. A mid-race restart against top rival Randy Cabral gave him his only true test in the race, but just a lap later he was back in charge and ran away with his third straight win at Wiscasset Speedway.

"We've been very fortunate at Wiscasset and have some success," said Zych, "I love this place." Cabral, who picked up a win at Wiscasset back in 2015, grabbed runner-up honors. Jim Chambers finished 3rd. While track records remained intact this time, the NEMA drivers got within just a few 10ths of a second, turning laps just over 13 seconds.

In the 25-lap support feature for the NEMA Lites, Jim Chambers returned to victory lane to claim the winner's trophy, he was joined by Zych and Jim Cataldo, however, post-race inspection and subsequent protest have left the results unofficial. NEMA returns to Wiscasset again in September.

In regular weekly Group 1 action, Albion's Spencer Sweatt started 13th in the 25-lap Thunder 4 feature and passed the field on his way to his 2nd win of the season. Previous race winner Travis Poulliot of South China and Caleb Emerson-Mains of Richmond finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.

The Maxwell's Market Super Streets saw a change atop the point standings as defending champ and point leader Josh Bailey sat out the 25-lap feature. Former champ Mark Lucas passed leader Zac Poland on the final turn to grab the checkers. Poland, who lead the first 24-3/4 circuits around the track would settle for 2nd, matching his personal best. Mike Hodgkins of Jefferson would claim the division point lead with his 3rd place efforts.

The 40-lap feature for the ServPro of Biddeford Saco Prostocks would see a shakeup following post-race inspection. Kevin Douglass appeared to have taken the win, his first in five years, however, a penalty for a shock infraction dropped him 10 positions in the final tally. The rest of the field would be bumped up a spot giving the win to Brian Whitney of Etna. Jamie Wright of Woolwich, last year's Rookie of the Year picked up a personal best 2nd place finish. Jeremy Whorff of Bath took home 3rd.

The final race of the night was a 25-lap contest for the Cahill tire 4-Cylinder Pros. Once again it was the Hayden Norris show. The 2nd generation racer from West Gardiner remained undefeated, taking his 4th win of the season. Jeff Prindall of Lisbon and Larry Melcher of Jay filled the rest of the top 3.

Wiscasset Speedway returns to action Saturday, June 9 with Group 2, including Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Models, K&A Property Services Modifieds, Norms Used Cars Strictly Streets and Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw Minis. Also, the Amsoil Nelcar Legends will make their 2nd appearance of the year with their 30-lap National Qualifier race. Pit gates will open at 2 p.m., Grandstands at 4 p.m. and racing action begins at 6 p.m.. For information, results, photos, season schedule and more, go to the track website at www.wiscassetspeedway.com 

June 2 results

Summer camp registration is open, and scholarship dollars are still available — but the extended deadline of Wednesday, June 13 is fast approaching. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and all families are encouraged to apply for a scholarship for any of the Y’s camps.

Camp Knickerbocker on beautiful Knickerbocker Lake in Boothbay provides children ages 3 to 14 with safe and exciting opportunities to explore, learn, create and discover the world around them, all under the guidance of caring, enthusiastic, and trained leaders and role models.

Thanks to the “Send a Kid to Camp” fund drive at the Boothbay Region YMCA and the annual “Stackhouse Event” at the CLC YMCA, both Y’s are able to offer camp scholarships. Save the date for this year’s Stackhouse Event: July 3 at 5 Ledgewood Lane in Bristol. In addition to the much-anticipated hot dog eating contest, the event includes music, silent auction, face painting, kids’ pie eating contest, paintball shootout and more. You don’t want to miss it!

Payment plans and financial aid are also available in addition to camp scholarships. The Y believes that all children in our community, regardless of income, deserve the opportunity to experience summer camp.

Download the 2018 Summer Camp Guide at your Y’s website, or for more information on camp programs, contact the Boothbay Region YMCA (www.boothbayregionymca.org or 633-2855) or the Central Lincoln County YMCA (www.clcymca.org or 563-9622).

Ever notice that “free” isn’t always free? There’s “free” as in, “buy three tires get the fourth one free,” or, “Free… just pay shipping and handling.” And then there’s “really free” as in, “it’s all yours, no obligation, no purchase necessary, no hidden fees and there are no strings attached.”

Vessel Safety Checks (VSC’s) performed by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are not only really free, they may actually save you money and may even save your life.

It’s the time of year when recreational boaters, including kayakers and paddle boarders, are getting ready to head out, solo or with the family, for a summer on some of the most beautiful and challenging waters in America. Before leaving the dock, it’s a smart plan to make sure everything required for safety and legal compliance is onboard and in good shape. A VSC by the C.G. Auxiliary checks all the safety equipment required by state and federal laws as well as the easy to overlook items like registration or documentation paperwork.

The results of the VSC are confidential, only the boat owner will receive a list of items that require attention, repair or replacement. The items covered in the VSC are the same items that will be checked by the Coast Guard or state marine enforcement agencies if you’re stopped or boarded. Having everything on board, operational and in good condition may save you money by avoiding a fine for issues like expired flares, inoperative navigation lights or not enough life jackets for all on board.

Plus, finding out before an emergency that a vital piece of safety gear is missing or inoperative could save your life. Fortunately, there’s a really free way to avoid finding yourself in those circumstances. VSCs take only a few minutes and may pay big dividends in terms of safety and peace of mind.

CG Auxiliary Flotilla 25 in Boothbay Harbor has VSC events scheduled in June and early July at marinas throughout the area. If you can’t make it to one of the scheduled events, you can make an appointment for a VSC. Visit www.cgaux.org, click: “I Want a VSC” and follow the simple instructions.

The 2018 Flotilla 25 VSC schedule:

New Meadows - June 16

Carousel Marina - June 17

Brown`s Marina - June 17

Kennebec Tavern - June 17

Foggy Bottom - June 23

Robinhood Marina - June 23

Tugboat Marina - June 24

Ocean Point Marina - June 30

Hodgdon Yacht Services - July 8

Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club - Upon request - Points of contact will be posted at the club

Exams will be performed from 0900-1200 unless otherwise posted

That’s right, lobster boat racing fans and racers. The 33rd season begins right here in Boothbay Harbor  at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 16 with the Charles Begin Memorial races.

Categories include gas classes based on length and cubic inches, diesel classes based on horsepower and length, a wooden boat race, gas and diesel free-for-alls, and four races just for Boothbay region boats.

The race course runs in front of Tumbler Island toward the finish line at the Maine State Aquarium. 

The absolute best viewing is on the water, preferably in a boat. Other spots on land are on Atlantic Avenue, on the east side, at Brown’s Wharf, Cod’s Head and Lobster Dock. Spectators can also catch the beginning action pretty well at the Maine State Aquarium on McKown Point Road in West Boothbay Harbor.

Thirty-four boats raced in the season opener last year. The finale, which determines the fastest working lobster boat in the race, was won last year by Cameron Crawford in Wild Wild West (at 56 mph). This isn’t a total surprise. Crawford has taken first place in this category for three years. Crawford got strong competition from Tom Clemons in Motivation (at 55.5 mph). Mark Davis placed third in Whiskey Girl. No doubt Crawford will return to retain his reign in first place. This will be a don’t miss finale! 

A welcome party for all the racers will be held at Boothbay Lobster Wharf, 97 Atlantic Ave. Friday, June 15, with music by Tim Sprague and the Murky Water Band from 6 to 9 p.m. Commemorative T-shirts ($20) and sweatshirts ($30) will be available at this fun event. On the day of the races, get your T’s and sweatshirts at a table at Brown’s Wharf, just a little ways up Atlantic Avenue. Just look for the very tall statue of a lobsterman!

“This year has been great thus far, and the weather looks fantastic,” said organizer Ashlee Lowery. “This year for the fastest boat we have a very special prize of tickets to see country artist Alan Jackson.”

Prizes for each race are awarded: First place $150; second place $100 ; third place $50. Race winners can also choose another prize of the same value donated by the sponsors.

For the rest of the 2018 dates, visit the Fans of Maine Lobster Boat Racing Facebook page.

Veterans from around Maine and beyond took part in the third annual veterans’ cruise on Sunday, June 10.

Seven lobstermen volunteered their boats and time to provide a tour from the Tugboat Inn and encircling Southport Island. The Pink Lady and  Nellie G II took on additional passengers for the almost two-hour excursion.

Attendees had refreshments before boarding and a cookout with hamburgers and hot dogs on their return, according to organizer Phil Chapman.

Veterans from all branches of the service and ranging to age 93 attended. Special consideration was made for several disabled veterans.

Among attendees was veteran Claire B. Starnes of Sanbornville, New Hampshire. She served in the Army Signal Corps as a photographer during the Vietnam War and later spent 17 years tracking down other women who served in Vietnam and compiling their stories in the book, “Women Vietnam Veterans, Our Untold Stories.”

Chapman said 65 veterans attended this year’s cruise event.

Contributions

Chapman wished to acknowledge the individuals and organizations who contributed to the successful event. Veteran biographer Sarah Sherman McGrail was the event’s guest of honor and was presented with a plaque from the military community.

Special thanks to Bonnie Stover and the Tugboat Inn for hosting the breakfast and barbecue and Debbie and Daren Graves for registering all of the veterans.

Boat captains: Larry Knapp (Lady Esther), Nick Hawke (Illusion), Andy Hawke (Lelia), Clive Farrin (Sea Swallow), Rusty Court (Casey Anne), Maynard Brewer (Sherm Jake), Ryan Casey (Heather Lee), John Fish (Pink Lady), George McEvoy (Nellie G II).

Sponsors: Ames Supply, Bayview Lodge, Boothbay Harbor Country Club, Charlie’s Motor Mall, Deckz, First Federal Savings & Loan, First National Bank, Freedom Auto, Giles Rubbish, Hammond Lumber, Harold Bishop Agency, Hawke Motors, J. Edward Knight Insurance, Janson’s Clothing, Jordan Construction, Lions Club, Legion Post #36, Rotary Club, Shore Hills Campground, Washburn & Doughty Shipyard and Bath Saving Institution.

Gift donations: E.M. Wood, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Robinson’s Wharf, Ports of Italy, Red’s Eats, Mine Oyster, Grover’s Hardware and East Boothbay General Store.

Cooking crew: Nick Upham, Stephanie Hawke, Jack Brennan, Paul and Louise Cowan and John Ryan.

Baked good: Circle K, Red Cup and Blue Moon Cafe contributed muffins and T & D Variety provided doughnuts.

Additional thanks to Steve Rubicam for photographing the event, Art Mayers for covering the event for the Boothbay Register, Leisha MacDougall and Harbor Tech Solutions, and the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library for copies made for the cruise.

The Boothbay Region YMCA, in partnership with the Central Lincoln County (CLC) YMCA, and offering an expanded summer camp experience to give kids and teens an adventurous, active and healthy summer.

Boothbay Region specialty camps for youth include Lego Camp for ages 6-12, June 18-22 and July 30-August 4; Boating Camp for ages 10 and up, July 16-20; STEM Camp: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math for ages 8-12, July 16-20 and August 13-17; Swim Camp for various ages, July 23-27; and Archery/Riflery Camp for ages 8-12, July 17-21. Camps are held at Camp Knickerbocker, 157 Barters Island Road, Boothbay.

CLC YMCA specialty camps for youth ages 8-12 feature Metal Detecting Beach Camp, Jun 25-29 and July 30-August 3; FARMS at the Y Cooking Camp July 16-20, June 25-29, August 6-10 and August 20-24; Geocaching, August 6-10. For ages 6-12: Arts & Crafts Camp, July 23-27 and Lego Camp, July 9-13. Camps are held at the Y, 525 Main Street, Damariscotta.

Download the 2018 Summer Camp Guide at your Y’s website or call for more information: clcymca.org, 563-9633 or boothbayregionymca.org, 633-2855.

For information about any of the Y's events, visit clcymca.org.

Free entry for all Maine residents to state parks and historic sites. All vehicles bearing Maine license plates will be allowed free entry from 9 a.m. until closing.

Please note: The open admission does not apply to Acadia National Park, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Baxter State Park, Peacock Beach, Scarborough Beach State Park, Swan Island, the Maine Wildlife Park, the Penobscot River Corridor, or the Penobscot Narrows Observatory in Prospect.

It does include all others: Androscoggin Riverlands, Aroostook, Birch Point, Bradbury Mountain, Camden Hills, Cobscook Bay, Colburn House, Colonial Pemaquid, Crescent Beach, Damariscotta Lake, Eagle Island, Ferry Beach, Fort Edgecomb, Fort Kent, Fort Knox, Fort McClary, Fort Point, Fort Popham, Fort Pownall, Fort O'Brien, Grafton Notch, Holbrook Island, Lamoine, Lake St George, Lily Bay, Moose Point, Mount Blue, Owls Head Light, Peaks-Kenny, Popham Beach, Quoddy Head, Range Pond, Rangeley Lake, Reid, Roque Bluffs, Two Lights, Sebago Lake, Shackford Head, Swan Lake, Vaughan Woods, Warren Island, Wolfe's Neck Woods, and Fort Knox State Historic Site.

No rain date will be available.

For more information, visit www.parksandlands.com.

The Norm’s Used Cars Strictly Street division at Wiscasset Speedway has already turned out some of the best full-field, side by side racing of the season at Maine's fastest oval. Races regularly are coming down to the wire among a who's who of the state's best Street Stock drivers. Fans got their money's worth once again Saturday night, June 9 during the 25-lap feature, and nobody has caught their attention quite like Johnathon Emerson. The 3rd generation racer from Sabattus started dead last in the 16-car field and raced his way through traffic, passing leader Kurt Hewins on the outside with two laps to go. He grabbed the win by a mere 0.05 seconds for his 3rd straight checkered flag, taking the division's point lead in the process. Hewins started from the pole position and held the lead throughout by no more than a car length. He would settle for the runner-up trophy. Multi-time champ Maurice Young rolled into victory lane in 3rd, however, post-race pit conduct would wipe that finish off the board, handing the 3rd place finish to Poland's Dave Whittier. Former champ Kyle Hewins of Leeds and Brad Erskine of Solon filled out the top 5. In typical Strictly Street fashion, the top 5 cars were separated by less than a second at the finish line. Just one caution slowed the race

In other action, Bloomfield, Connecticut driver Noah Korner led wire to wire in the 30-lap US Legends / INEX National Qualifier, hosted by the Amsoil Nelcar Legend Series. The 18 -car field pitted many of the top legend drivers in the region vying for a spot in the Nationals in Las Vegas. Korner won the race, taking top honors in the Pro division. Casey Call of Pembroke, New Hampshire was the runner-up in the race and was the top Semi-Pro qualifier. Former Nelcar champ Kevin took the final spot in victory lane. Other division qualifiers included Bob Weymouth of Topsham finishing 6th as the best of the Grand Masters division, and Trent Goodrow of Carver, Massachusetts finishing 10th and topping the Young Lions division.

The K&A Property Services Modifieds may have had just six cars in the 30-lap feature, but they turned out one of the most exciting races of the night. Nick Reno took an early lead and paced the field on the way to an emotional victory, his first of the season. While Reno took the win, the fans attention was fixed on a great side by side battle between Adam Chadbourne and former champ Mark Lucas. The two waged a great battle through the entire race, with Chadbourne finally coming out of it to secure 2nd place. Lucas, driving a car owned by fellow mod competitor Tom Young, finished 3rd.

The Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw Minis 25-lap feature was decided on the first lap as point leader Zach Audet charged from 8th to the lead in by the time they returned to the front stretch. From there he cruised to his 2nd win of 2018. He was chased across the line by Scott Trask of Richmond and Rob Greenleaf of West Bath.

The final race of the night was a 40-lap match for the Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Model Sportsman class. Several early cautions thinned out the 22-car field. Once they settled down and got in a long green flag stretch, Winterport's Shane Clark jumped up to take the lead and went on to pick up his first win of the season. Ryan St. Clair of Liberty charged up from his 10th starting spot to finish 2nd. He was followed by Frank Moulton of Clinton who started from the pole position. Prostock champion Daren Ripley was the hard charger, going from 19th to finish 4th. Andrew McLaughlin of Harrington filled the top 5

Wiscasset Speedway returns to action on Saturday, June 16 with Group 1 in action. The show will be highlighted by a 75-lap main event for the Maxwell's Market Super Streets. ServPro of Biddeford Saco Prostocks, Cahill Tire 4-cylinder Pros, and Thunder 4 Minis will also be in action. Racing action will start at 6 p.m. As always, grandstand admission is just $5 with kids 6 & under free. Pit admission is $20. For information go to the Wiscasset Speedway website at www.wiscassetspeedway.com 

 Officials results from June 9 races

Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District (KLSWCD) is joining the Maine Forest Service to co-sponsor a series of field tours to highlight woodland stewardship and conservation practices of private landowners.

These free tours will be led by Midcoast District Forester Morten Moesswilde and are open to landowners, loggers, foresters and others interested in the stewardship of small woodlands. On Thursday, June 21, from 3-5 p.m., join KLSWCD for the June tour at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson, which is managed sustainably and has a Sustainable Forestry Demo Area comparing three harvesting methods: horse logging, cut to length, and small-scale equipment harvesting.

More info at www.knox-lincoln.org/woodland-stewardship-tours.

There’s something very exciting about the sound of engines revving up and the sight of a wake being kicked up and the scent of salt in the air … add lobstermen and you’ve got yourself the makings for a great time!

While watching our local and visiting lobster boats in race mode, I have often found myself daydreaming about those days spent wave-hopping … Riding through the wake stirred up by one of the large, commercial boats … the exhilaration that overtakes you as you speed over to the wake … the fleeting moment when you’re lifted up in the air – and then the landing!

Showered with that delicious salt spray … sigh. Big sigh.

Oh! So, remember “Smokey and The Bandit,” the first one? When Burt and Sally have jumped the Mulberry Bridge in that boss Trans Am? Sally is experiencing both the exhilaration of the action – and the fact that they’re both still alive – anyway, she’s all excited and says “We did it, we did it! I want to jump something else! I want to jump a house!” That’s kind of how I’d feel wave-hopping … go as fast as you can and … wheeeehaaaaa … then on to the next!

Thrilling is what it is! Was. You know how it is; as the decades roll on, it’s probably not advisable to give yourself over to that particular form of complete abandon …

Waking from my reverie, I have to say that watching lobster boat racing is exciting stuff – whether you’re watching it from land – McKown Point Road, West Boothbay Harbor at the Maine State Aquarium, Brown’s Wharf deck – or on the water – at a safe distance from the race course!

There are usually 35-40 boats entered in the first races of the season and back several years, the races in Boothbay Harbor could draw 50 or more! I understand the Stonington races have drawn almost 100 boats!

But, no matter how many boats there are, it’s an exciting, traditional event like no other. A lot of folks still follow the circuit – attending and/or participating in all of the races each season.

Races begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 16. Oh, and from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 15, there’s dancing, dining and such at Boothbay Lobster Wharf.

The second race will be Sunday, June 17 in Rockland. For more on the 2018 Lobster Boat Races, visit www.facebook.com/Fans-of-Maine-Lobster-Boat-Racing

Check out this clip, shot in 2012 by John Edward at https://youtu.be/sYLJVpngQdY and “Jumping Mulberry Bridge”at https://youtu.be/OYlBy85zxdo

Damariscotta River Association (DRA) has openings in a few sessions of Camp Mummichog, a nature-adventure day camp located at DRA’s Great Salt Bay Farm on Belvedere Road in Damariscotta.

Nature’s Engineers, for kids ages 9 to 12, will take place July 9 to 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Campers will explore the natural world and make inventions inspired by nature. Local mechanic and teacher Danny Hupp will guide campers in building machines, including bottle rockets and hydraulic arms. A kayak excursion in Great Salt Bay with Midcoast Kayak will round out the week. Tuition is $220 for the week or $195 for DRA members.

A Canoe Trip on the Damariscotta is for campers age 12 to 15, runs from July 9 to 13, with overnight camping on July 10 through 12. New this year, this adventure involves canoeing from Damariscotta Lake to the islands of Johns Bay at the mouth of the Damariscotta. The first day, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will be spent preparing for the trip and working on paddling skills at DRA’s Great Salt Bay Farm. Campers will set off on day two, exploring the watershed, keeping nature journals, learning outdoor cooking, and tenting overnight in campsites along the way. Parents will pick up their campers in South Bristol on Friday.

Participants in the canoe trip must be competent swimmers. The trip will be led by Registered Maine Guide and DRA Education Director Sarah Gladu. All gear is provided, though campers are encouraged to bring their own sleeping bags and pads if they have them. Space is limited. Tuition is $475 for the week or $425 for DRA members.

River Beats, for ages 9 to 14, is a two-week session running Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 23 to Aug. 3. During this session, nature exploration provides inspiration for campers to compose original music with Will Healy, an educator affiliated with the New York Philharmonic Young Composers Program. No prior music experience is necessary. Active games and nature discovery are balanced with quiet music composition time. Campers will kayak Great Salt Bay and visit Monhegan Island for a day.

The River Beats program results in astonishing original musical compositions by children, which will be performed by professional musicians at a free community concert at DRA’s Darrows Barn on Friday, Aug. 3. Tuition is $440 for two weeks or $390 for DRA members.

Ocean Adventures, for campers age 9 to 12, runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 6 to 10. This camp session is the result of a partnership with the University of Maine Darling Marine Center and the Franklin and Marshall College. Campers will visit the Darling Marine Center to meet a scientist and learn about squid and squid propulsion.

Over the course of the week, Ocean Adventure campers will conduct experiments, explore the Damariscotta River estuary aboard the River Tripper, watch seals in Great Salt Bay, dissect a squid, and play nature-inspired games. Tuition is $220 for the week or $195 for DRA members.

DRA camp sessions feature nature discovery in many forms, for example spending time with naturalists, learning hands-on outdoor living skills, taking field trips to islands for exploration, and playing nature-focused games. Scholarships are available for all camp sessions.

Find more information or register online at damariscottariver.org/events-programs/camp-mummichog

Master craftsman Christopher Augustus likes to take on new challenges.  So, when he received a request to design and carve an award that would be unique to Wiscasset’s Sheepscot River Race, he said yes. 

“It was an unusual invitation,” said Augustus, which he couldn’t turn down.  Augustus, who makes full-sized wooden sea kayaks, says he liked the idea of making something much smaller for an award. The award, he says, “is not a kayak, not a canoe, but an abstraction of a small boat.”

On Saturday, June 30, The Sheepscot River Race will begin at 3 p.m. at the Sherman Rest Area in Newcastle and finish at Wiscasset’s recreational pier.  The fastest competitors will complete the race in about 45 minutes and recreational racers could take up to two hours to finish.  At the end of the race, long-time race organizer, Scott Shea, will present the first place finisher in each category with one of Augustus’ miniature hulls.  “We wanted to give something to our winners,” said Shea, “that would be special and represent this specific race.”

The award, as crafted by Augustus, can be worn around the neck.  It will be sleek and streamlined, and expertly finished.  Although simple in appearance, it will be the result of a long career in crafting objects and experimenting with materials. Years ago, Augustus’ first foray into craftsmanship was designing and creating prostheses. Next came cuisine and developing the skills of an accomplished chef. Then, working with wood to design and build sea kayaks and small boats. Today, Augustus, who is based in Seal Cove, uses his refined woodworking skills to create meticulous reproductions of classic antique fish lures.

The lures are reproductions of early 1900s to 1950s antique, patented fish lures. This was the golden age for wood lures in the United States, Augustus explains. “After the 1950s, plastics dominated the market. So that 50-year period is the heyday of the wood fish lure.”  Each lure he creates has a distinct name, a history, and a back-story that's noteworthy, he says, to a fisherman or lure collector.

For the non-collector, Augustus collects scraps of choice woods from a guitar-maker friend;  “beautiful woods to work with like bloodwood, maple, ash, black walnut, and cherry,” and fashions small, abstracted fish for display or for wearing which he refers to as “the exotics.”  “It was seeing these charming little wooden fish,” says race volunteer Lucia Droby, “that inspired me to approach Chris for the river race award.”

To see Augustus’ Heirloom Lures collection, visit his website at www.heirloomlures.com. To meet the artist and see his work in person, attend the Nickels-Sortwell House craft show in Wiscasset Village on Thursday, July 26, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.. He’ll be there!

The Sheepscot River Race and pier activities are organized by Seaspray Kayaking in Brunswick, Maine, and the Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce.  Chamber member sponsors include Carriage House Gardens, Casey’s Wood Products, Chesterfield Associates, Commonwealth Financial Group, Cunningham Security Systems, First Federal Savings, Freedom Fellowship Church, Grover Auto & Tire, H.T. Winters Co., Marine Parts Express, Sarah’s Café, Servpro of Bath Brunswick, Sheepscot River Marine Service, Soule, Soule & Logan, and Wiscasset Self Storage.  For more information about the race, contact Scott Shea at info@seaspraykaying.com or 207-751-3450.

It was a hot Saturday evening in Wiscasset and Group 1 was on the schedule, which included a special 75-lap main event for the Maxwell's Market Super Streets. It didn’t take long for fans and fellow competitors to see that the only thing hotter than the weather was driver Mike Hodgkins. The veteran from Jefferson put on a clinic with a convincing victory in their biggest race of the season. In the race, presented by Ward & Sons Construction, 16 of the 17 drivers in attendance answered to bell for the main event. Hodgkins took advantage of his pole position and patiently worked the lap traffic for the seemingly easy win. The race was slowed by just two mid-race cautions. Former champ Jason Oakes was the only other driver credited with leading a lap, besting Hodgkins by inches on the lap after one of those restarts. All drivers struggled with slick track conditions fighting extremely loose cars and fading traction.

Reigning division champ Josh Bailey started alongside Hodgkins on the front row. He would drop as far back as 4th at one point but raced his way back to a runner-up finish. Oakland's Sean Johnson got by Oakes in the closing laps to finish 3rd.

In other action, Dave Farrington of Jay started 7th in the 15 car field for the 40- lap feature for the ServPro of Biddeford Saco Prostocks. He chased down polesitter Charlie Colby and took the lead just before the halfway marker. From there he withstood a handful of late-race restarts to grab his 2nd win of the season. He was joined in victory lane by Jeremy Whorff and Kevin Douglass. Cameron Campbell of New Gloucester took home his first career win in the Thunder 4 Minis. Opening day winner Michael Golding took home runner-up honors followed by Zach Audet of Skowhegan. In the Cahill Tire 4-cylinder Pros Dominic Curit of Saco made history, picking up his first career win and becoming the track's youngest ever feature winner at just 11 years old. He took advantage of a late race restart after Hayden Norris and Max Rowe tangled racing for the lead. Curit was joined in victory lane by Connor Wenners of Edgecomb (who had previously held the age record) and veteran Craig Dunn of Strong.

Wiscasset Speedway returns to action Saturday, June 23 with Group 2 returning to the 3/8 mile oval. The flex race will be a special exhibition race for the kids GoKart racers. Also, the track will feature the return of the Woodside One Wheelers unicycle performance team from Woodside Elementary School of Topsham. The C&D Laundry Kids Club will also be holding a fundraiser and supply drive to benefit the Lincoln County Animal Shelter. Fans are encouraged to bring pet food, supplies, toys, cleaning supplies and more. Plus cash donations will be accepted as well. For full event schedule and more information on the fundraiser, go to the track website at www.wiscassetspeedway.com. 

MAXWELL’S MARKET SUPER STREETS (75 laps)

PRESENTED BY WARD & SONS CONSTRUCTION

CAHILL TIRE 4-CYLINDER PROS (25 laps)

THUNDER 4 MINI (25 laps)

SERVPRO OF BIDDEFORD SACO PROSTOCKS (40 laps)

The 14th annual Healthy Kids Shortcake Shuffle 5K and 3K Fitness Walk will take place at the Great Salt Bay Community School in Damariscotta on July 7. Once again, the age categories for the 5K have been expanded to include children ages 5-10, 12-14 and 15-19.

All participants will receive a custom visor and as always, homemade strawberry shortcake will be served and prizes awarded! The race is professionally timed. All proceeds go to the Healthy Kids child abuse prevention programs.

To pre-register, visit www.healthykidsmaine.com. For more information, call 563-1818.

The Boothbay Region YMCA will hold the 38th annual Rocky Coast Road Race beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 30 at the YMCA on Townsend Avenue. This event will take place in partnership with Windjammer Days.

All proceeds from the race support Livestrong at the YMCA, a 12-week free program for cancer survivors and their families. Focused on small-group training and relationship building, Livestrong works to provide specialized training for those who are living with, through, or beyond cancer to strengthen their spirt, mind, and body. To learn more about Livestrong or to begin the registration process for the fall session, please call the Y at 633-2855.

Registration for the race is $30 per participant. There are three event options this year: 10K run, 5K run and a 5K walk. Participants can register at the Y with a paper registration. The race is made possible through our event sponsors: Knickerbocker Group, First National Bank, J. Edward Knight Insurance and Dead River Company.

Volunteers are also needed. Community members of all ages and abilities are welcome to volunteer for a variety of positions.

For more information on registering, volunteering, or sponsoring the event, contact Lisa McIntosh at the YMCA: 633-2855 or lmcintosh@brymca.org

With its black and white plumage and yellow nape, the male bobolink is a handsome bird easily identified from a distance. Celebrated for its bubbling song, punctuated with sharp metallic notes, the bobolink is a summertime resident of tallgrass, mixed prairie, hayfields and meadows across the northern United States and southern Canada.

To learn about grassland birds such as the bobolink and take a walk through a beautiful bobolink habitat that is now being managed for nesting grassland birds, join Damariscotta River Association (DRA), the Agricultural Allies program and Avian Haven for a free Nesting Grassland Bird Walk on July 6 from 8 to 9:30 a.m.

The walk will take place rain or shine at DRA Round Top Farm, located at 3 Round Top Lane in Damariscotta. Parking for the event is next to Darrows Barn, accessed by following the driveway loop to the left of the farmhouse, which is under construction.

To register, call 207-563-1393 by July 4. The program is free of charge.

Bobolinks are remarkable migrants, arriving here to breed each spring all the way from their winter homes in Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. They travel about 12,500 miles round-trip every year, in one of the longest migrations of any songbird. In fact, throughout its lifetime, a single Bobolink may travel the equivalent of 4 or 5 times around the circumference of the earth.  

Loss of grassland habitat is a major factor in the steep population decline of grassland birds throughout the northeast such as bobolinks, eastern meadowlarks, and savanna sparrows. Additionally, today’s standard field mowing practices often result in total nest failure of these birds. Consequently, the State of the Birds Report, released by the US Secretary of the Interior, placed bobolinks on the 2014 Watchlist of birds most in need of conservation help.

Conservation mowing practices preserve nesting sites and reduce grassland bird mortality.  Laura Suomi-Lecker, Project Manager of the grassland bird Agricultural Allies program for Somerset County Soil and Water Conservation District, as well as education and outreach coordinator for Avian Haven Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center in Freedom, will talk about the needs and issues facing grassland birds and best management practices to help them, whether you live on a suburban lot, or have acres out in the country, or manage a farm.  

DRA Lands and Stewardship Director Jesse Ferreira will also talk briefly about DRA’s new habitat management practices.

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

The Lincoln County Rifle Club (LCRC) will host its ninth annual Open House for women on June 30 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Club’s facilities at 431 Maine Street in Damariscotta. Planned by the LCRC Ladies Group, the event will feature informative talks on gun safety and personal protection, demonstrations throughout the day by experts in the field of shooting, and an opportunity for interested women to try several shooting sports in a safe and welcoming environment.

Live fire exercises will include handguns, rifles and shotguns. For those women who wish to shoot, safety presentations will be given and eye and ear protection will be provided. All instructors are experienced in firearm and range safety.

Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the Club’s grounds and facilities, including indoor, outdoor and personal protection ranges, and talk with members about the Club’s many activities and benefits of membership. Vendors will be on-site to provide attendees with an opportunity to learn about a variety of products and services. Several food trucks, including Joe Lane Lobsterman (Damariscotta) and Lot Dogs (Boothbay) will be on hand during the event.

Ladies Day will have door prizes awarded throughout the day, and is free and open to interested women of all skill levels. Women under the age of 16 may come and participate, but must be accompanied by an adult family member for the day.

Participants will come away from the event with a basic knowledge of how to handle a firearm safely, differences in various types of firearms, and an introduction to the LCRC and the many events and opportunities it has to offer. A limited number of gun locks will be available at no charge to participants.

Founded in 1933, the Lincoln County Rifle Club is a private, all volunteer organization dedicated to the safe enjoyment of shooting sports and the safe handling of guns used for personal or home protection. For more information about the Club, its activities, or membership, and to get updates on Ladies Day events, please visit www.lincolncountyrifleclub.com.

Windjammer Days as well as the 4th of July means the skies will be filled with fireworks again. The displays can be dazzling and can make for a wonderful subject to photograph. Here is what you will need to make your best shot of fireworks.

For equipment you’ll want a tripod to keep your camera steady, a shutter release cable and, of course, your camera with a fully charged battery and a formatted memory card. A flashlight can be useful to see camera settings since you will be in the dark.

Some cameras have a Fireworks scene mode that is worth trying – but if you really want to get the best results try these tips:

You need to set your camera for a long exposure – Bulb mode is preferred where the shutter can be held open to collect the light for as long as you push the shutter release button. If your camera does not have Bulb mode, set it to manual mode and dial in a shutter time of about 4 to 10 seconds.

Next you’ll need to set the aperture so you capture the right amount of light. We do not need a big lens aperture or lower number f/stop – in fact, depending on how far away you are to the fireworks, you will want to start around f/11 and adjust slightly more or less as needed.

Because you are shooting a source of light, a high sensitivity or ISO is not needed - setting the ISO to 200 or even a little lower will do well to capture those bright bursts.

And for the white balance – the operative word in Fireworks is “fire” so choose a setting that is low in color temperature – Incandescent or Tungsten mode will give you that royal blue sky and let you capture all the beautiful colors that you see with fireworks.

Manual focusing your camera will be your best bet as most auto focus systems get confused at night and you’ll end up missing the shot as your camera may refuse to take the picture. If your lens has Image Stabilization or Vibration Resistance, you will want to disable it since your camera will already be on a stable tripod. And shooting in Camera RAW mode is always recommended so you can later make exposure adjustments as needed.

When you see the firework shoot into the sky, click open the shutter and leave it open until the display ends a few seconds later. It takes a little experimentation to get the timing right to capture the bursts. For the Grand Finale, you will want to stop down the aperture more as there will be a lot of light - try taking pictures in different intervals to capture the myriad of light in the sky.

Have fun, be safe and here’s hoping that you make your “Best Shot of Fireworks” this summer!

Mike Leonard worked professionally in television for 36+ years and is now immersed entirely in photography offering photography instruction, cruises and services including Photoshop classes for the public and corporate clients. Mike is again hosting the Windjammer Days Photography cruise on the Balmy Days on June 27 and will be hosting a Sunrise Lighthouse cruise in the area in September. His website to see more is www.phototourismbymike.com

This article was first published in June 2018

After several attempts to dry the track and get the show in, Wiscasset Speedway made the decision to cancel Saturday night’s race program. Cool temperasures mixed in with intermittent showers and a rapidly closing window of opportunity forced track management to pull the plug on the program at 7 p.m. It was the track's first full rainout of the season and just the fifth in five years. No word yet on if any of the races will be made up.

Wiscasset Speedway returns to action Saturday, June 30 at 5 p.m. with Group 1 Fan Appreciation Day. Driver autographs will begin at 5 p.m. following practice. Kids bike races will follow in three divisions and racing action will commence shortly after 6 p.m.  As part of Fan Appreciation Night, the track will also be welcoming the stars of the Discovery & DIY Channels hit show "Maine Cabin Masters.”

The crew will be signing autographs for the fans and participating in the night's race festivities. The spotlight race for the Group 1 program will be a 50-lap main event for the Serv Pro of Biddeford Saco Prostocks. For more, visit www.wiscassetspeedway.com

The 2018 Windjammers Days began Sunday with the traditional remembrance of those who died at sea. The Blessing of the Fleet followed.

The ceremony at the Fishermen’s Memorial marked the 35th meeting to commemorate the lost seamen including the reading of the names by clergymen John O’Donnell and Richard Rego.

Smith Climo sang the Navy Hymn and led those present in singing “Amazing Grace."

Following the service and the Coast Guard Honor Guard's laying of a floral wreath, the clergy and audience descended to the wharf to bless the parade of fishing boats.

Fr. Dominic Azagbor led the blessing.

Among the attendees were Dean And Sandra Flye of Albion. Flye is near retirement from driving a milk truck in central Maine. He and his wife often visit the Boothbay region and have taken many harbor cruises.

Jim and Diane Joyce live in southeast Pennsylvania. They worked until retirement for Verizon in New York City where he spent most of his years wiring a single office building. They have deep family roots and friends in the Boothbay area.

The Midcoast Sports Hall of Fame will be sponsoring 1860s’ vintage baseball games between Dirigo and the Sunrise Club of Brunswick on Sunday, July 8, at 1 p.m. The games will be played on Dow’s Discount Field at 299 Atlantic Highway, Route 1, Waldoboro. There will be a Challenger Division game between the doubleheader. The Exhibit Hall will be open, and we will be passing the hat for donations. There will be a concession stand available, and spectators should bring their own seating. No smoking or alcohol will be allowed on the premises.

For more information contact Jake Newcomb at jake.newcomb@gmail.com or Tom Mellor at 691-2770 or email ttmellor@gmail.com

Space is still available for many of the Boothbay Region and Central Lincoln County (CLC) YMCA’s summer camps.

Boothbay Region camps for youth, held at Camp Knickerbocker, include: Lego Camp for ages 6-12, July 30-Aug. 4; Boating Camp for ages 10 and up, July 16-20; STEM Camp: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math for ages 8-12, July 16-20 and Aug. 13-17; Swim Camp for various ages, July 23-27; and Archery/Riflery Camp for ages 8-12, July 17-21. Sports camps offered include Football Camp for ages 8-12, July 9-13; Soccer Camp, grades 1-8, July 23-27; Basketball Camp for grades 5-8, July 30-Aug. 3; and Tennis Camp for ages 7-14, Aug. 13-16.

CLC YMCA camps for youth ages 8-12 feature Metal Detecting Beach Camp, July 30-Aug. 3; FARMS at the Y Cooking Camp July 16-20, Aug. 6-10 and Aug. 20-24; Geocaching, Aug. 6-10. For ages 6-12: Arts & Crafts Camp, July 23-27 and Lego Camp, July 9-13. Sports camps offered include Tennis Camp for ages 7-14, July 9-12; Girls’ gymnastics for grades 1-6, July 9-13; Baseball Camp for grades 3-8, July 16-20; Softball camp for grades 3-12, July 23-27; Golf Camp at Wawenock for ages 8-14, July 12-27 or Aug. 13-17; CLC Y Football Camp for grades 1-8, July 30-Aug. 3 (Free camp when registering for league by July 20); Soccer camp for grades Pre K-8, Aug. 6-10; and Preseason Soccer Fitness Conditioning for grades 5-8, Aug. 6-17.

In addition, Camp Knickerbocker features weekly camps throughout the summer: day camp for ages 6-12, Leaders-in-Training, Counselors-in-Training, various Adventure Camps, Y-ARTS camps, and our ever-popular Sailing Camp at Round Pond.

For details and availability, download the 2018 Summer Camp Guide at your Y’s website or call for more information: clcymca.org ~ 563-9633 or boothbayregionymca.org ~ 633-2855.

The Boothbay Region YMCA held its 38th annual Rocky Coast Road Race on Saturday, June 30.

In spite of hot and humid conditions, over 200 runners and walkers participated in either the 5k, 10k or 5k walk, according to race coordinator Lisa McIntosh.

“It was a real great turnout,” said McIntosh.

Race proceeds benefit the Livestrong program for cancer survivors.

First place finisher in the 5k race was Mark Manfredi with a time of 18.43. Stephanie Doyon of Boston finished first among the women with a time of 22.09.

John Klaus, 9, of New Harbor was first in his age division in 24.01.

Fred Nehring, 63, of Boothbay was first in his age group. He finished in 25.55.

John Biersteker of Cambridge, Massachusetts finished first in the 10k race in 39.29. This was the third time Bierstetner had run the YMCA race. He has run in the Boston Marathon, he said. His partner Julie McNamara came in fourth. Elizabeth Bartosiewicz won the women’s division 10k in 40.08

Race sponsors were : Knickerbocker Group, First National Bank, J. Edward Knight Insurance and Dead River Company.

Randy Easter was the official timer. 

An enthusiastic crowd gathered on the footbridge and in the adjacent parking lot to cheer on the Tug of War Across the Harbor teams June 30, the final day of the 56th Annual Windjammer Days Festival in Boothbay Harbor. Emcee Doug Gimbel kept things lively with his quick wit and engaging humor. Co-emcee Darrell Gudroe exchanged banter with Gimbel and covered the east side pulls.

The Clear Stream Construction crew won every pull - their first against Marden Builders was a beaut, the longest pull of the event. And then there was an unexpected turn of events in their final pull versus Marden Builders on the east side. Clear Stream Construction had 12 people, Marden had, according to one spectator on the east side, 20 people. Say what?!

No one knew what was happening when event coordinator Chris Gleason suddenly jumped in to pull with the Clear Stream team - and jumped back out just as quickly and sounded the horn. After hearing what Gleason had observed, Gimbel pronounced Clear Stream the winners. But, hey, these are the shenanigans that add a bit of drama, and all in good fun!

A third team was pulled together from among the spectators. Members hailed from Mississippi, Texas, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Florida and Auburn. Their team name: The Winners. Their expectation: high. Their performance: awesome.

Congratulations Chris Bertin and the crew of Clear Stream Construction! The team is the fourth to win the event. Bertin’s company joins Knickerbocker Group (2015), Marden Home Builders (2016), and Valley Beverage/Budweiser (2017) on the ginormous trophy!

The Chocolate Church Arts Center presents the Summer Waterfront Concert Series in the waterfront park on Commercial Street in Bath.  Each Saturday in July and August concerts are free, open to the public and begin at 6 p.m. 

Loyal race fans gathered on a hot Saturday evening for Group 1 Fan Appreciation Night at Wiscasset Speedway. Drivers treated them to a prerace meet & greet autograph session on the track. Then the kids got to take their turn with bike races for kids from 3 to 12 years old. Trophies and smiles were plentiful. Fans were also treated to a visit from the Maine Cabin Masters. The stars of the DIY Network and Discovery Channel show signed autographs for fans and participated in some of the day's activities.

On the schedule was also action in all 4 weekly Group 1 divisions. The spotlight race was a 50 lapper for the ServPro of Biddeford Saco Prostocks. Other than the usual spoils of victory, the race offered the winner a provisional starting spot in the $10,000 to win SLM / Prostock Nationals at Seekonk Speedway on July 18th. Point leader Nick Hinkley didn't take long to lay his claim to the prize. He started 6th, but took just 5 laps to charge along the outside lane and grab the lead. From there he survived several mid-race restarts and challenges from a handful of drivers Daren Ripley, Kevin Douglass and Nick Reno on his way to the victory. It was his division high 3rd checkered flag of the season. As of press time, the victory remains unofficial pending engine inspection, which is mandatory following a driver's 3rd win. Ripley took the runner-up honors followed by Douglass. Joe Decker of Chesterville started deep in the starting field and finished 4th. Pole sitter Cody Tribbett of Richmond faded early in the race but rebounded to finish 5th.

On Tuesday, July 2, U.S. Coast Guard Station Boothbay Harbor caught a glimpse of a creature in the water about eight miles out to sea. The crew of the 47-foot lifeboat was out on a case when they slowed the engines, saw movement in the water, and began filming. It was almost undoubtedly a shark and crew members estimated the length at about 20 feet.

“I told the (crew) they could put the video up on Facebook, but they said “great white” so I made them change it to ‘a shark.’” said Chief Adam Smart.

Smart said the measurement was not official one. There were 10 crew members aboard and those who responded used the length of the boat as a base for their approximation, but there was almost no question it was a shark. Smart said, that much, everyone could agree on and the video speaks for itself especially when the dorsal fin comes into frame. The species of shark was just speculation. However, the estimation of 20 feet is near a great white’s maximum size of 21 feet.

“It’s a pretty cool video,” said Smart. “At the end of the day, it’s one of those rare moments when you catch an even rarer glimpse of the wildlife.”

For those of you who’ve been practicing your rock-skipping skills for the annual contest, we have been advised by Orne's Candy Store in Boothbay Harbor, the contest originally scheduled for Saturday, July 7 will not be held. 

Registration is now open for the 14th running of the Westport Island Shore Run, "Maine’s Best Little 10K Road Race."

This year, the USATF-sanctioned race is back to being held in August. The 14th Annual Westport Island Shore Run 10K Road Race and Fun Walk will take place on Sunday, Aug. 19 beginning at 9 a.m. (The Fun Walk will start at 8:30 a.m.). This exciting race on bridge-accessible Westport Island takes place on a USATF-certified beautiful course that winds through scenic pine and fir tree forests and over two bridges spanning inlets to Heal Cove and Montsweag Bay. The race benefits the Westport Island Volunteer Fire Department, whose members direct traffic and provide logistical support at the race. Over the past 13 years, the race has generated almost $18,000 in proceeds for the firefighters.

Last year, the 1st place female winner of the race was Leslie Couper of Falmouth, Maine; the 1st place male winner was Garret Bonney of Boston, Massachusetts.

Our 2017 race sponsors included: Wayfair; Maine Yankee; Sheepscot River Marine Service; Bath Savings Bank; Ames True Value Supply; Sharon Drake Real Estate; Newcastle Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge; Norm's Used Cars; and the Hampton Inn of Bath. 

Jim McCorkle of 5K Sports Management will be computer timing the race again this year for the 14th time. Water stations, distance markers, post-race refreshments and award medals will be provided.

For more information and to register online, go to: www.westportisland.org. 

Maine's fastest track rolled out a full card of action for a packed house on Saturday evening. With the season turning to the 2nd half, some division points battles tightened up while others became a bit more clear. Fans were treated to action in the Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Model Sportsman, Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw Minis, the Norms Used Cars Strictly Streets, the K&A Property Services Modifieds, plus there was an always entertaining 100 lap Enduro. The night finished up with a fireworks display to celebrate the end of the Independence Day holiday week.

In the 35-lap spotlight feature for the Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw Minis, former champ Jimmy Childs took the lead on lap 2 and ran unchallenged to his 2nd win of the season. Rob Greenleaf of West Bath, a 4-time champ himself, chased Childs across the line to claim the 2nd place trophy. Brent Roy of Vassalboro finished third by just a couple car lengths. Richmond's Scott Trask and defending champ Jake Hendsbeee of Whitefield filled out the top five. In other action, Late Model point leader Andrew McLaughlin of Harrington secured a tighter grip atop the division with his 2nd victory of the year.

The 40-lap feature went caution free for the first 35 laps, but two late race cautions changed things up and brought other contenders into the picture. 4-time champ Chris Thorne made it close at the line, taking advantage of the late cautions to finish 2nd by just a car length. Montville's Tyler Robbins turned in his best performance of the season finishing 3rd. Rookie Logan Melcher led 25 laps but faded to finish 4th, followed by Brandon Fowler of Rome. In the 25 lap contest for the Norms Used Cars Strictly Streets it looked like Solon's Brad Erskine was well on his way to his first career win, building up nearly a full straightaway lead. However, a caution with 2 laps to go changed things up. Brothers Kurt and Kyle Hewins, both former division champions, charged around Erskine and raced each other to the checkers. Kurt would take the win, his first of the season, beating his younger brother by a scant 0.181 second. Erskine would settle for 3rd. Jeff Alley of Machias and point leader Jonathan Emerson filled out the top 5.

In the K&A Property Services Modifieds 30-lap feature, West Bath's Nick Reno picked up his 2nd win of the season. Mike Brown of Hope took the runner-up trophy in his debut effort. Reigning champ Allen Moeller of Dresden finished 3rd. The final race of the night was a 100 lap enduro in which 42 competitors lined up for a dash to the checkers. Keith Russell of Durham, a crew member for the Emerson Strictly Street team, took the win.

Wiscasset Speedway returns to action Saturday, July 14 with action in Group 1. This will include races in the ServPro of Biddeford Saco Prostocks; Cahill Tire 4-cylinder Pros; Maxwell's Market Super Streets, and Thunder 4 Minis. Plus the Amsoil Nelcar Legends will be back in action. Pit gates will open at 2:00 pm, Grandstand gate at 4:00 pm, and racing action will start at 6:00 pm. As always, grandstand admission is just $5 with kids 6&under free. The pit admission is $20 for all. For information, go to the website www.wiscassetspeedway.com. 

Official results from July 7 races

The Pemaquid Watershed Association (PWA) presents the work of Newcastle painter Midge Coleman Monday, July 16 through Friday, Aug. 10: ‘”Celebrating the Land Around Us.”

The paintings, in both acrylic and oil, celebrate the wonderful land trust preserves in the mid-coast area which represent dedicated stewardship and many volunteer efforts to offer quiet and unique places to explore Maine in all its pristine glory. The land trusts’ offerings are varied and are a delight for painters, hikers and photographers to experience the diverse offerings, just off the beaten path and around the corner.

Coleman’s work has been shown in galleries, corporate and museum settings and in juried shows along the east coast.  This is the second show for Coleman at PWA and she is delighted to return with her new work celebrating the land trusts of both PWA and other trusts in the area.

The opening reception is at the PWA office/gallery on Friday, July 20 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.  The show can be viewed weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by visiting PWA’s office/gallery at 584 Main Street in Damariscotta, which is across from Young’uns.  Coleman is donating 35 percent of proceeds from sales of the art work to support PWA’s mission driven work. 

Since 1966, the Pemaquid Watershed Association has been a member-and-volunteer supported non-profit land trust. Its mission is to conserve the natural resources of the Pemaquid peninsula region through land and water stewardship and education so that these wonderful places are protected for future generations.

For more info on the artist, visit www.midgecolemanfineart.com. For more information on PWA or the show, call 563-2196 or go to pemaquidwatershed.org.

Damariscotta Lake will be the site of the first “Love The Lake” Regatta, hosted by Midcoast Conservancy and Maine Farmland Trust, Saturday, Aug. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shores of Rolling Acres, MFT’s Joseph A. Fiore Art Center in Jefferson, will be the site of the event, which will feature “people powered” watercraft, namely kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards.

Participants are welcome to bring their own boats, or use one of the Midcoast Conservancy fleet of paddle boats and boards. As part of its Outdoor Adventure & Learning Program, Midcoast Conservancy has dozens of canoes, kayaks and paddleboards that are trailered to sites across the Midcoast area, bringing opportunities for outdoor recreation to anyone interested in exploring the waters and trails in their own community.

The day will consist of a series of fun-first races for all ages and abilities; safety protocols will be reviewed and PFDs will be available to anyone needing one. After the paddling has concluded, everyone is invited to bring a picnic lunch to eat while getting to know other participants. Midcoast Conservancy will provide drinks and dessert for everyone.

To register, go to www.midcoastconservancy.org. Look for the event under “events” there. OR, call 207-389-5150.

Wiscasset’s boys summer soccer team has reached the midpoint of its short season. The 16 or so players will make up Wiscasset Middle High School’s varsity team in September.

The team took to the field Thursday evening, July 12 for its third game, hosting Mt. Blue who won the 80-minute contest 3-0 with a Wiscasset player helping round out their team.

The visitors had only eight players. Wiscasset’s Matt Chapman displayed some good sportsmanship by volunteering to play for the visitors who filled in their lineup with their coaches. Chapman played a really good game for Mt. Blue in the backfield.

Wiscasset’s two previous games ended a 5-3 loss to Gardiner and a 1-0 win over Waterville with Chapman scoring the goal.

Five to six players from Boothbay Region High School are playing on the Wiscasset team this summer. They may join the Wolverines' soccer program this fall and would be a welcome addition to the program. The final decision rests with the Wiscasset and Boothbay school boards.

At the start of the game veteran referee Mike Stailing said the SPA has made two changes to the soccer rules for the upcoming season. As he explained it, on the kickoff, the player on the offensive team is now allowed to be on the defensive side of the playing field which should prove interesting.

Another change, he said, is the home team is now required to wear its dark jerseys, the opposite of what’s required now.

Wiscasset’s summer team has some familiar faces. The Gabriel brothers are back, Caleb as goalkeeper and Josh in the midfield. Caleb recorded six saves in the Mt. Blue game, two in the third 20-minute period. Josh made some nice passes setting up several scoring opportunities.

Other familiar faces included Josh Jones, Matt Smith, Chris Loyola, Matt Eckert and Brian Foye.

Mt. Blue’s first goal came at 15:39 of the first quarter. Sam McFarlan crossed a pass to Jackson Joyce who scored.

With two minutes left until the half, the visitors were whistled for an infraction in the backfield resulting in a direct kick just outside the penalty area. Boothbay’s Simon Spear had a nice shot sending the ball through the wall set by the Mt. Blue players but the goalie was there for the stop.

Mt. Blue’s second goal, unassisted, came from Eli Yeaton with 9:30 left in the game. In the final minutes, Mick Gurney rang a shot off the cross bar before the visitors scored again.

Wiscasset’s Gwen Webber and Boothbay’s Reagan Cola got in some playing time.

Filling in for Wolverine Varsity Coach Chris Cossette was assistant coach Devin Grover. “We’re improving. Our biggest challenge is making good consistent passes. That will come once the guys get use to playing together as a team.”

Wolverine fans will have at least one more opportunity to see Wiscasset’s summer soccer team when they host Monmouth on Thursday, July 19. The opening kickoff is set for 6 p.m. on the lower WMHS soccer field.

Register online for the Lobster Roll 5K in Boothbay Harbor before Wednesday, July 25 to secure the pre-race day price of $20 at lobsterroll5k.weebly.com, or, register the night before during the race packet pick up at the high school lower parking lot from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

The race is Saturday, July 28 at 8 a.m. (5K) and 9 a.m. (kids run) with on-site registration open at 6:30 a.m. Prizes are awarded for the team challenge, overall winners and age group winners.

Please help us celebrate and thank our honoree, Larry Brown, for his dedication to this community!

If you wish to make a donation to the community track and are unable to join us for the race, please drop off or mail donations to: Community On Track, c/o Superintendent of Schools, 51 Emery Lane, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.