Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT) is pleased to launch its new “Wayfarer Program” this year. Similar to a docent program with continuing education and social events, the program will ask volunteers to sign up for four training sessions in late April and May. Wayfarers must then commit to volunteering two hours a week (8 hours a month) from Memorial Day until Labor Day on BRLT’s most popular preserves. Wayfarers’ responsibilities will include:

-Being general “helpers” on the preserves

-Making themselves available to answer questions

-Sharing stories about the preserves

-Identifying birds, animals and plant life

-Wearing identifying vests

Orientation will begin Tuesday, April 23 at 5 p.m., followed by a field trip Saturday, May 4 at 9 a.m. The training will be back inside Tuesday, May 7 at 5 p.m., followed by the final spring session Saturday, May 18 at 9 a.m.

At the sessions, experts will provide information about the birds, animals and plant life found on our preserves. One session will also involve visits to BRLT’s most popular preserves, so Wayfarers will be able to answer basic questions about each one.

Training will continue once a month throughout the summer, and we hope to host a flotilla of boats to visit Damariscove Island for one of the summer training sessions. For more information or to sign up, please email BRLT at wayfarer@bbrlt.org or call BRLT at 207-633-4818 no later than April 15.

The Boothbay Region YMCA Dolphin Swimmers competed March 23 and 24 at the YMCA New England Championship Meet at Springfield College in Springfield, Mass., and came away with some impressive results.

The relay team of Chris Hamblett, Ben Pearce, Jaimie Lebrecque and Rowan Kristan shattered a 16-year-old Boothbay Region YMCA record in the relay. The team swam the relay in a crisp 2:17.44, which eclicpsed the 2:25.55 mark set by the 1997 team of D. Boyd, M. Higgins, A. Dickens and D. Murray.

But, the 9- and 10-year-old Dolphin team wasn't finished.

Kristan swam in the 50-backstroke and was the second-place heat winner and took 22nd place out of a field of 45 swimmers with a time of 37.78 seconds, which marked a .58-second improvement. Kristan had the top time in the 50-freestyle heat and finished the final race in 20th place out of 44 with a time of 31.89 seconds, which represented an improvement of .38 seconds.

Ella Yentsch swam the 50-freestyle and was 19th out of 59 swimmers with a time of 31.74 seconds. Yentsch also competed in the 100-freestyle where she was 14th out of 30 swimmer with a time of 1:10.36, which was an improvement of .43 seconds.

The relay team of Zoe and Callan Eason, Maren Whitney finished with a time of 2:46.74.

Spring is the perfect time to tune-up your steps on the dance floor with the Ballroom Dance – Spring Tune-Up class being offered by Central Lincoln County Adult Education. It is a fun way to have a night out, put a spring in your step, and get some exercise to boot.

The class begins Wednesday, April 24 and runs through May 15, at the Great Salt Bay School in Damariscotta, from 7-8:30 pm.

This is a follow-up class for returning students but is also for anyone who knows the basic ballroom steps. Also if you, a friend or family member are planning a summer wedding, this course will have you dancing with style at the reception.

The instructor, Megan Dinsmore is a retired elementary school teacher who has been dancing and teaching dance for several years. She is known for her patient yet energetic teaching style. Register on or before April 19 to get the early bird course price of $25; after April 19 it is $30 per person.

To register for this class or for more information call Central Lincoln County Adult Education at 207-563-2811, email clcae@aos93.org, visit our website at clc.maineadulted.org, or stop by the office in the Pine Grove Plaza (at the intersection of Route 1 and Business Route 1 in Damariscotta).

The Boothbay Region YMCA will host a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for youth and adults this weekend.

Youth play begins on Friday, April 12 at 5 p.m. Girls and boys in grades 3 through 12 are invited to put together four-person teams for this event.  The cost is $60 per team, $15 per person. Participants register as a team ($60) at the YMCA front desk. Each participant will receive a T-shirt and first place trophies will be awarded, along with second and third place medals for each division.  Divisions are as follows:

9-10 grade girls and boys play on Friday, April 12, 5 p.m.

11-12 grade girls and boys play Friday, April 12, 5:30 p.m.

3-4 grade girls and boys play Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m.

5-6 grade boys and girls play Saturday, April 13, 9:30 a.m.

7-8 grade boys and girls play Saturday, April 13, noon

Adult play begins on Saturday, April 13 through Sunday, April 14 in the YMCA gymnasium.  Divisions are as follows:

18- to 29-year-old Male Division and an 18- to 29-year-old Female Division

30- to 39-year-old Male Division and a 30- to 39-year-old Female Division

40 and older Male Division and a 40 and older Female Division

Price per team of 4 players is $60 (includes a T-shirt) and registration takes place for the team at the Y front desk.

Contact Ed Crocker at 207-633-2855 or ecrocker@brymca.org for more information/.

If your child loves being outdoors, having fun, participating in hands-on activities, and playing with other kids, then Chewonki is the place to be for a week off from school.  Chewonki will be hosting April vacation camp from April 15-19.

Activities may include climbing on our indoor ropes course, building solar cookers, live animal presentations, and exploring nature in springtime on Chewonki’s farm and campus. Participants may sign up for one or more days. All programs are taught by experienced teachers and naturalists at Chewonki’s Center for Environmental Education in Wiscasset. Early drop-off/late pick-up is available upon request. Please call or email us to verify space availability.

Enrollment is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Chewonki offers similar programs during winter vacation week in February. Visit www.chewonki.org to register. For more information, contact Andrew Bezon at abezon@chewonki.org or 207-882-7323.

While visiting my eldest daughter in Pittsburgh, Pa., I noted a Boothbay Register article, March 28, 2013, submitted by the Lincoln Theater with a photo of Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams, taken during the 1940s era. We are now at the beginning of another baseball season which brought back personal memories of baseball when I was a teenager.

Williams was about six years my senior; I never met him. A favorite pastime for me and a couple of friends was to go to Fenway Park on Sunday afternoon, particularly if there was a double header.

We bought bleacher seats for 50 cents. Our favorite location was directly behind the Red Sox bullpen. The pitching staff included two relievers whose names I remember from 70 years ago, Mike Ryba and Mace Brown. I was 17 or 18 years old and the relief pitchers were not a heck of a lot older than I was.

Mike Ryba was chasing a good-looking red headed, high school classmate of ours; so it was our duty to heckle him when he was within earshot. We really got Mike rattled at times. One such incident occurred when Manager Joe Cronin (or was it Jimmy Fox?) called on him in a bases loaded situation.

Our loud advice to Mike as he headed for the mound was to clear the bases. He went to work and sure enough, served up a grand slam pitch which won the game for the enemy. It was a long time before we let him forget it.

The military draft was in effect in the early 1940s and Ted Williams was drafted. Because he was the sole support of his mother, it was reversed. Later, shortly after Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Navy Air V5 program. I enlisted in the same program but I went through the training procedure two or three months behind Ted.

When I arrived at pre-flight school, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, there was a marker on the campus where a ball hit by Ted landed during a game, maybe 600 feet from home plate, a record never equaled. He was selected to train as a fighter pilot, and at Pensacola, his record of hits on a sleeve target during practice had never been equaled either.

Ted was accepted as a marine aviator and finished his World War II career without being engaged in enemy action. My career paralleled his in that respect. I earned my Navy Wings and was commissioned in early March of 1945. VE Day followed closely and Japan was done in August. Williams probably graduated in January of 1945. He was recalled during the Korean conflict and came close to punching his ticket in a plane crash while he was converting from propellers to jets.

Fenway Park is an intimate ballpark and the fans in left field stands frequently engaged with Williams during lulls in the game. Teenage delinquents were OK with harassing the bullpen in the bleachers but such behavior was out of bounds in more expensive seats.

During a double header we checked along the first and third baseline seats and if we saw three unoccupied, we would sneak into the stands for an excellent viewing of game number 2. Radio was king and it had the advantage of exercising the imagination. Public transportation was 10 cents each way and one of my buddies had access to a 1932 Chevy, with gasoline at no more than 25 cents a gallon.

Upon reflection, the era just before Pearl Harbor was exciting, but 2013 is better … I think.

Another breezy, cool day did not stop racers and fans alike from heading to the Wiscasset Speedway this past Saturday. This was “Group Two” division racing and included: Strictly Streets, Mini Trucks, Outlaw Mini’s, Late Model Sportsman, and the flex race of the week was a 10-lap backwards race.

Starting the action was the Strictly Streets feature. Brian Robbins of Montville lined up at the pole position for the 20-lap race. Robbins took the early lead in the event and maintained a solid advantage, but faltered during the last two laps. This allowed Guy Childs Sr. of Turner an opportunity to sweep away with the lead and take it to victory lane for the win. Corey Morgan of Lewiston and Tasha Dyer of Arrowsic battled it out for second and third, respectively.

Chad Binette of Arundel had the first place starting position in the Mini Trucks feature after winning the heat. He had an early lead, but Kristopher Knox of Sanford, was hot on his heels, racing for first. With two laps remaining, Knox sneaked inside and passed Binette coming out of turn 4, snatching the lead. After an unsuccessful attempt to recapture the lead, Binette placed second with Knox taking the win in this 15-lap race. Rounding out the top three was Opie Allard of Harpswell.

The flex race of the week was a 10-lap backwards race. Wiscasset’s Kevin Sherman and Brian Chadwick, fought for the win the entire race. Sherman zipped about the track, wove through lap traffic, and even bumped Chadwick out of the way to put him a lap down. Sherman took first, and Chadwick second, coming in third was Randy Henderson.

Next on the roster was a 20-lap Outlaw Mini’s feature. George Fortin of Greene won the heat race, putting him in the pole position. He was formerly Rookie of the Year at Oxford Plains Speedway. Fortin and Matt Moore of Mechanic Falls fought for first, but Fortin held on to the point. A caution at lap seven after spinouts on the track by brothers Greg Cummings of Augusta and Ozzie Cummings of Vassalboro, caused the only race restart. With the race back underway, Moore made an attempt to pass Fortin, but was hung out to dry. Jimmy Childs of Leeds saw a chance, and slid into second. Fortin held the lead the rest of the way, placing first. Second went to Childs, with third going to Moore.

T.J. Watson of Cundy’s Harbor led the action onto the track for the 45-lap Late Model Sportsman class main event. Watson led the race for the first 10 laps, closely tailed by Doug Coombs of Livermore and Mike Orr of Wiscasset.

In lap ten, Watson and Coombs bumped together on the backstretch, sending Coombs spinning to the top of the banking into turn three. This would bring up the first caution of the race. After Watson dropped back in the field following the restart, Orr took the lead, with Tyler Robbins of Montville close behind. They were chased by Shane Lane of Kingfield.

Coombs, having dropped to the back of the pack for the restart, wove through traffic, passed Lane, and took third. Then, in a tight race for second, Coombs overtook Robbins and secured the spot. Robbins experienced exhaust issues forcing the second caution, bringing him to the back of the pack after a pit stop.

Coombs took the lead with seven laps to go followed by Orr, Lane and Watson. The four hugged together, and in a close race, they sped to the finish. Zipping down the track, Watson came from fourth to second in the last two laps. The winner was Coombs, with Watson in second, Orr in third, and Lane in fourth.

Wiscasset Speedway resumes racing action April 20 with its “Group 1” lineup of divisions: Prostock, Superstock, New England 4-cylinder Prostocks, Thunder 4’s, and the flex race of the week will be Wicked Good Vintage Racer’s. Pit gates open at 8 a.m. Grandstand gates open at 11 a.m. Racing begins at 1 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and children ages seven and older. Kids six and under get in free. For more information, head to the Wiscasset Speedway website at www.wiscassetspeedway.com/.

Official finish

Strictly Street (20 laps) – 1. #5 Guy Childs Sr., Turner; 2. #78 Corey Morgan, Lewiston; 3. #32 Tasha Dyer, Arrowsic; 4. #51 Bryan Robbins, Montville; 5. #17 Mike Bradstreet, Bowdoin; 6. #39 Jerry Freve, Buckfield; 7. #13 Chuck Gray-Wiscasset; 8. #06 Zac Poland, Woolwich; 9. #1 Josh Toothaker, Greene; 10. #56 Thomas Smith, Boothbay

Mini Trucks (15 laps) – 1. #88 Kristopher Knox, Sanford; 2. #96 Chad Binette, Arundel; 3. #68 Opie Allard, Harpswell; 4. #28 Kevin Oliver, na; 5. #17 Ryan Hayes, Jefferson

Backwards Race Flex Race Feature (10 laps) – 1. #99 Kevin Sherman-Wiscasset; 2.n#5x Ryan Chadwick, Wiscasset; 3. #3 Randy Henderson, West Paris; 4. #1 Adam Chadbourn, Woolwich

Outlaw Mini (20 laps) – 1. #9 George Fortin, Greene; 2. #10 Jimmy Childs, Leeds; 3. #14 Matt Moore, Mechanic Falls; 4. #8 Calvin Rose, Turner; 5. #12 Darrell Moore, Oxford; 6. #2 Greg Cummings, Augusta; 7. #44 Ozzie Cummings, Vassalboro

Late Model Sportsman (45 laps) – 1. #27 Doug Coombs, Livermore; 2. #04 TJ Watson, Cundy’s Harbor; 3. #03 Mike Orr, Wiscasset; 4. #3 Shane Lane, Kingfield; 5. #34 Tyler Robbins, Montville; 6. #28 Steve Minott, Windham; 7. #00 Alex Waltz-Walpole

Two experts on trees will be at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens on National Arbor Day, Friday, April 26, to demonstrate tried-and-true techniques for tree-planting success and teach participants how they can achieve success in their own landscapes. The program, which begins at 1 p.m. in the Bosarge Family Education Center, will also include a guided walk to see the various trees at the Gardens and learn about how and where they were planted.

This workshop is free for CMBG members and $15 for non-members. The first 25 people to register will take home a small paper-birch seedling to plant in their own landscape.  

Instructors are Tim Lindsay of Bartlett Tree Experts, president of the Maine Arborist Association, which is co-sponsoring the workshop, and Kyle Rosenberg, also of the Association. Assisting during the walk will be the Gardens’ Director of Horticulture, Rodney Eason. Questions will be encouraged throughout the program and walk. Much of what Lindsay will teach the group is based on extensive ongoing research conducted in Bartlett’s North Carolina research lab and on his own years of experience.

The tree-planting workshop meshes perfectly with the Gardens’ theme for the year: Trees, Timbers and Traditions. To register, call 207-633-4333, ext. 101; visit www.mainegardens.org; or stop by the membership office in the Visitor Center, off Barters Island Road in Boothbay.

Boothbay Region Adult is offering two U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary boating courses in early May taught by certified instructors.

Navigating Midcoast Maine on May 6, 8, 13 and 15 is a four-session introductory course about navigating using a nautical chart of the Boothbay area. Learn about true and magnetic headings, lines of position, chart symbols, piloting, latitude and longitude, and dead reckoning. A Three Rivers chart and a copy of navigation principles are included. Bring a parallel ruler and divider or purchase one from instructors. The time is 6:30-8:30 p.m., and the fee is $75.

Suddenly in Command on May 7 and 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m., is a two-session class where you’ll learn about boating problems and emergencies, and what to do if they occur. Topics include things to know before you go and while underway. The fee is $40.

If you have questions or need more information, please email boothbayae@gwi.net or call 207-633-3224. Please register by Friday, May 3. Visit www.boothbayae.org to print a registration form.Enclose payment and mail or drop off your registration in the main office at Boothbay Region High School.

On April 20 and 21, the Central Lincoln County YMCA gymnastics team, under the direction of coach Janice Cormier-Hay and Betsey Lee, took their team to compete against the nine other YMCA gymnastics teams in Maine and came home with medals and trophies in hand.

Highlights of the meet include Elizabeth Rethman, who took an impressive first place all around for her level 4 age group. On seven events, CLC gymnasts were named individual event state champions, Team Level 5 gymnasts consisting of Maddy Bradbury, Reed Gulden and Maddy Russ came in an impressive fourth overall in the state against teams 2 and 3 times their size.

For Level 6, Age 9-11: Emma Hall took the vaulting champion title with her personal best score of 9.1, came in 2nd on bars with an 8.375, 8th on beam with an 8.325, and 3rd on floor with an 8.775, placing 3rd all around.

Level 6, Age 12-13: Katie Colomb came in 7th on vault with an 8.05, came in 2nd on bars with a 7.925, 6th on beam with an 8.0, and 9th on floor with a 6.75, placing 7th all around.

For Level 5, Age 10: Madison Bradbury came in 8th on vault with a personal best score of 8.075, 7th on bars with a 7.45, 8th on beam with an 8.0, and came in 9th on floor with an 8.2 placing 10th all around.

For Level 5, Age 9: Maddy Russ won the state vaulting title with a 9.0, placed 9th on bars with an 8.0, 3rd on beam with a 9.175, and took the state championship title for floor placing 1st with a 9.45 placing 3rd all around for level 5, 9-year-olds. Reed Gulden came in 4th on vault with an 8.55, 3rd on bars with an 8.675, 8th on beam with an 8.4, 3rd on floor with a 9.0, placing 6th overall for level 5, 9-year-olds.

At Level 4, Age 7: Elizabeth Rethman, the team's youngest competitor, had the meet of her life by coming in 4th on vault with an 8.45, became the bar champion with an 8.9, the beam champion with a 9.0 and placed third on the floor with an 8.425, making her the level 4, 7-year-olds champion of the state of Maine.

Level 4, 8A: Dakota Gregory placed 5th on vault with an 8.95, 6th on bars with an 8.825, 2nd on beam with a 9.075, 5th on floor with an 8.85, placing an impressive 3rd all around. Skyler Houghton came in 10th on vault with an 8.45, 11th on bars with a 6.2, 9th on beam with a 7.55, 12th on floor with a 7.2, placing 12th all around.

At Level 4, Age 8B: Erica Johnson became the vaulting champion with a 9.35, came in 3rd on the bars with an 8.85, 2nd on the beam with an 8.95 and became the floor champion with a 9.025, placing an impressive 2nd all around.

Alexa Coffin, came in 8th on vault with an 8.3, 7th on bars with a 7.0, 4th on beam with an 8.4, 8th on floor with a 7.825, placing 8th all around. Elizabeth Swan came in 9th on vault with an 8.275, 8th on bars with a 6.75, 9th on beam 6.75, 10th on floor with a 6.65 placing 10th all around. Madalyn Mercer came in 11th all around with an 8.075, 9th on bars with a 6.3, 11th on beam with a 6.0, 11th on floor with a 6.45, placing 11th all around.

At Level 4, Age 9A: Chloe Achorn, came in 4th on vault with an 8.8, 7th on bars with an 8.25, 5th on beam with an 8.425, 5th on floor with an 8.825, placing 5th all around for level 4, 9-year-olds. Sadie Yentsch came in 8th on vault with an 8.175, 6th on bars with an 8.375, 9th on beam with an 8.0, 6th on floor with an 8.525 placing 8th all around. Emily Mahoney came in 5th on vault with an 8.725, 11th on bars with a 6.5, 11th on beam with a 6.1, 10th on floor with a 7.125, placing 11th all around.

Level 4 Age 9B: Ava Carmolli came in 8th on vault with an 8.45, 9th on bars with a 7.65, 6th on beam with an 8.45, 8th on floor with an 8.475, placing 9th all around.

After the gymnastics competition season, consisting of nine meets culminating with the Maine state meet, six team members have received qualifying scores earning them a place to compete in the Northeast Regional Meet where gymnasts from seven states from New York to Maine will compete. The meet will be held May 4 and 5 at the Kents Hill School in Readfield. All the best of luck to the CLC Gymnasts for a big season finish.

The Midcoast United Soccer club hosted four home games and took home three wins and a tie on April 28. At 10 a.m., Midcoast’s U9 and U12 team kicked off the spring season with intensity, then at 11:30, the U9 and U10 teams took to the pitch.

Here is what 12-year-old Simon Spear had to say about the U12 game against Seacoast Black Bears from Bangor:

“The game began with our team putting some amazing pressure on the Black Bear team. About 10 minutes into the game I drew a foul and put the ball into the top left corner. About 20 minutes later midfielder Will Shaffer scored on a set up from Ella Spear making the score 2-0 Midcoast. Luckily our defense (Ben Jacobs, Ethan Carmolli, Ella Spear, Patrick Gudroe and Aidan Manahan) was in great form. Some fine distribution from goalkeeper Timmy Chappelle helped us keep the pressure forward for most of the game. Ten minutes into the second half Seacoast Black Bears scored on a penalty kick making the game 2 to 1 Midcoast. With five minutes left, striker Markus Russell scored the final goal ending our first home game, 3-1.

“I think having Peter Oestergaard on the sideline is a great addition for our team; not only is he working with us in practice, but helping us translate to game situations. We are extremely lucky to have a coach of his caliber working with our club.”

Midcoast United is also please to announce that we will once again run a summer soccer camp. This year the camp will run the weeks of July 22-26 and July 29-August 2. For more info, go to our website www.midcoastunited.com or call Pam at 207-776-9496.

The Midcoast United Soccer club kicked off its spring season with intensity at Clifford Playground on April 28, hosting four games on their home turf. By the end of the day, Midcoast walked away with three wins and a tie.

Midcoast’s U9 team did double duty in the season opener, facing both Central Maine United and the Gray-New Gloucester Patriots. Midcoast tied Central Maine 2-2 and defeated the Patriots 4-2.

Midcoast U10 defeated Western Maine United, 2-1.

In U12 play, Midcoast United defeated the Bangor Seacoast Blackbears, 3-1.  After ten minutes of play, Simon Spear capitalized on a penalty to score first for Midcoast. Midcoast midfielder Will Shaffer scored next, with an assist by Ella Spear, to make the score 2-0.

With a strong defense (Ben Jacobs, Ethan Carmolli, Ella Spear, Patrick Gudroe and Aidan Manahan) and good ball distribution by goalkeeper Timmy Chappelle, Midcoast was able to keep pressure on the Blackbears’ goal for most of the game.

In the second half, the Blackbears scored their sole goal on a penalty kick. With five minutes left, striker Markus Russell scored the final goal, giving Midcoast a 3-1 win.  

Simon Spear said, “I think having Peter Oestergaard on the sideline is a great addition for our team, not only is he working with us in practice but he is helping us translate to game situations.”

On Sunday, May 5, Midcoast’s U12 and U9 teams picked up wins and the U10 team lost a hard fought match in away matches.

Midcoast’s U12 team picked up its second win of the season against the Portland Phoenix in Westbrook.  As in their first game, Midcoast midfielder Spear scored the first goal, followed by another by Shaffer to give Midcoast a 2-0 lead. Near the end of the first half, Markus Russell scored on a breakaway to put Midcoast up 3-0 and Shaffer scored again in the second half to increase Midcoast’s lead to 4-0.

Goalkeeper Chappelle and the Midcoast defensive line were able to keep the opposition from scoring until the final moments of play. Mixing it up, with goalkeeper Chappell moved to striker and a new defensive line, allowed the Phoenix to break through and end the game 4-1 Midcoast.

Midcoast's U10 team had an amazing start in their game against Merrymeeting on May 5.  Sam Sinibaldi scored Midcoast’s first goal and Jake Fowler soon followed suit, giving Midcoast a 2-0 lead. Tony Marino, new goalkeeper, did a great job in the net.  

However, without substitutes, Midcoast was unable to hold its lead in the second half, falling to Merrymeeting, 3-2.

Midcoast’s U9 team traveled to Gray-New Gloucester on May 5 to take on the Patriots. The Patriots started things off with a goal halfway through the first half, but Midcoast’s Jack Duncan quickly retaliated to tie the score.

The Patriots fought through the tough defense of Gavin Loupe and Eric Drappeau to score another goal, followed up by a third. Duncan put another ball into the net for Midcoast, bringing the halftime score to 3 to 2, in favor of the Patriots.

Aidan Foley made some strong saves in the net for Midcoast during the first half and Andrew Gudroe defended the net during the second half.

Duncan put in his third goal of the day with the help of some great teamwork by Connor Vashon and Maddox Tilas, to tie the game at the start of the second half.

Tough work and good passing by both Kayla and Garrett Cossette helped to set up two more goals by Duncan. The Patriots came back late in the game to put another in the net, but it was not enough. Midcoast took the match, 5 to 4.

All Midcoast teams will be playing this weekend. The U12 team plays at home Sunday May 12 at the Clifford playground at 10 a.m.

For more information on the Midcoast United Soccer club visit our website at: www.midcoastunited.com/.

Olympic Gold Medal winner Tommie Smith will join Olympic teammate Dick Fosbury on the staff of the Dick Fosbury Track Camp to be held at Bowdoin College this summer. Smith won the 200 meter dash in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City with a world record of 19.83. Fosbury won the 1968 Olympic high jump with a revolutionary technique that is now known as the Fosbury Flop.

Smith will help coach sprinters for an afternoon, and will also give a motivational presentation on track & field. While a student at San Jose State University Smith tied or broke a total of 13 world records. No one before or since has ever held as many world records simultaneously.

“We're lucky to have Tommie joining us to coach sprinters at the camp,” said Dick Fosbury, who is returning to Maine for his 22nd year of coaching summer camp high jumpers in Maine. “This is an incredible opportunity for sprinters and track & field fans in New England. Tommie is an outstanding coach, educator and role model for athletes in all track & field events.”

The camp will be conducted on June 23-27. More information can be found on the camp website at slovenskicamps.com/.

A group of Boothbay Region Land Trust volunteers went on their first learning excursion to the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray.

The volunteer wayfarers learned about Maine's native wildlife such as fishers, foxes and hawks, so they will be more equipped to share their knowledge with land trust preserve visitors this summer. Keep a lookout for these informative folks when you hike the Boothbay Region Land Trust trails the next several months.

For more information about BRLT or the Wayfarer Program, contact the BRLT office at brlt@bbrlt.org or 207-633-4818.

A model railroad exhibit depicting Maine railroading in the 1950s through the 1960s will once again be open at the Boothbay Railway Village this year.

Constructed in a replica of a Maine Central freight house, the layout features a cement plant and quarry operation, a Maine fishing village, a narrow-gauge branch line, a locomotive service area and extensive railroad yard operations.

The layout consists of a main line with a double track loop that is over 200 feet long. When finished, the layout will have more than 600 feet of track and over 80 turnouts, or track switches.

Trains are controlled by a digital command control system that allows operators to run many trains independently. This is an impressive layout whose on-going construction has already been years in the making.

Visitors can see the layout in operation once the Railway Village opens for the season Memorial Day Weekend. The Railway Village is located on Route 27 in Boothbay and the model railroad exhibit is at the rear of the property near the Antique Auto Museum.

Experienced model railroaders are welcome to volunteer their time and talents to help construct, maintain and operate the layout. The model railroad layout is an around the wall design with a central peninsula 20 feet wide by 46 feet long. Opportunities exist for all aspects of model railroad construction and maintenance.

The volunteers raise all funds for the exhibit through volunteer dues, donations and the annual raffle. Model railroad equipment donations are also sought. These are sold at train shows to benefit the exhibit.

More information can be found at www.railwayvillage.org/model_railroad, by calling Ron Spinney at 207-633-3108 or via email rspinney@northeast-security.com/.

On May 4 and 5, the Central Lincoln County YMCA gymnastics team, under the direction of coach Janice Cormier-Hay, took nine qualifying gymnasts to compete at the Northeast Regional Gymnastics Championships in their own back yard.

Top qualifying YMCA Gymnasts from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Maine and New Hampshire competed in the four events: vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise at Kents Hill School in Kents Hill.

According to Coach Cormier-Hay, “I’m so proud of these girls. This is a huge meet with over 500 gymnasts in attendance. They competed against the top athletes from New York to Maine with 39 teams from six states and they did it with grace and skill.”

CLC had three girls climb the podium to receive their trophies in the All Arounds (trophies went to the top six gymnasts in each age group): Emma Hall of Damariscotta, placed second all around out of 27 girls at Level 6 becoming beam champion with a first place finish; Maddy Russ of Damariscotta placed second all around out of 13 girls at Level 5 becoming beam champion with a first place finish and Elizabeth Rethman of Newcastle placed third all around out of 10 gymnasts for Level 4 with a personal best all around score.

Level 6 Age 12: Katie Colomb came in 20th on vault with an 8.0, 15th on bars with a 7.2, 7th on beam with a personal best score of 8.5, 19th on floor with a 7.025, placing 21st all around.

Level 6, Age 11: Emma Hall came in 7th on vault with a 9.0, 3rd on bars with a personal best score of 9.15, 1st on beam with a 9.0, 5th on floor with an 8.675 and placed 2nd all around with a personal best score of 35.825 in Northeast Region.

Level 5, Age 10A: Maddy Bradbury had a 7.75 on vault placing 17th, 7.4 on bars placing 14th, 8.05 (season high) on beam placing 19th, 7.75 on floor placing 22nd all around.

Level 5, Age 9B: Maddy Russ came in 7th on vault with an 8.5, 3rd on bars with a 9.1, 1st on beam with a 9.275, 3rd on floor with a 9.175, placing 1st all around with a 36.05 in the Northeast Region. Reed Gulden came in 9th on vault with an 8.4, 4th on bars with an 8.775, 4th on beam with a 9.075, 9th on floor with an 8.3, placing 7th all around with a 34.55 in the Northeast Region.  

Level 4, Age 9C: Chloe Achorn came in 7th on vault with an 8.95, 17th on bars with an 8.2, 6th on beam with a 9.125, 10th on floor with a 9.125 (personal best), placing 1st all around in Northeast Region with a personal best all around score of 35.4.

Level 4, Age 8A: Erica Johnson came in 4th on vault with a 9.25, 18th on bars with a 7.85, 8th on beam with an 8.9, 8th on floor with an 8.75, placing 10th all around in Northeast Region. Dakota Gregory came in 15th on vault with an 8.575, 15th on bars with an 8.15, 14th on beam with an 8.5, 13th on floor with an 8.575, placing 8th all around with a 33.80.  

Level 4, Age 7: In her first Regionals meet, Elizabeth Rethman had an 8.75 placing 3rd on vault, 2nd on bars with a 9.2 (personal best), 8.8 on beam placing 5th, and 6th on floor with an 8.8 (personal best) with a personal best score of 35.55 all around in the Northeast Region.

This meet concludes the competitive season for the team. They will be hosting a Gymnastics Exhibition on Wednesday, June 19 where the community is invited to come to the YMCA and see some fun and exciting routines performed by all the team members.

Midcoast United’s soccer teams continued to impress on May 19 at home and away. In their first three weeks of play, Midcoast teams were undefeated.

At Clifford Park, Midcoast United U12 fans were treated to their first nail-biter of the season, when Midcoast dueled a scrappy Central Maine United team to a 2-2 tie.

In the first half, Midcoast missed an opportunity to score on a penalty kick that hit the post. Midcoast’s offense maintained good control of the field, while excellent defense led by Ella Spear, Ethan Carmolli, Ben Jacobs and goalkeeper Tim Chappelle kept the Central Maine team at bay.

The last seven minutes of the half were all Midcoast with a nice goal shot by newcomer Steve Reny that was stopped by the keeper, followed at the 26th minute by a beautiful goal by Ella Spear off a corner kick from Simon Spear to put the score at 1-0.

Midcoast kept the pressure on and the shots coming. Aidan Manahan successfully negotiated a free-for-all in front of the Central Maine net by adroitly knocking the ball in to put Midcoast ahead 2-0 at the half.

Steve Reny took over Midcoast goalkeeping duties for the second half. Central Maine scored their first goal on a breakaway early in the half but failed at a second breakaway attempt against Reny.

With the score 2-1, Central Maine kept up the offensive pressure and finally managed to tie up the match 2-2 in the final minutes of the game. Both teams fought hard to the finish, but neither side could come up with a good shot. The match ended in a 3-3 draw.

The Midcoast’s U10 team picked up their third win of the season at home against Augusta’s Dirigo Soccer Club, 4-1. Their record for the season is 3-0-0.

At Freeport, the Midcoast U9 team battled a solid Freeport team in a game that ended in a 2-2 tie.

Midcoast’s Jack Duncan was first to score about halfway through the first half. Midcoast goalkeeper Aidan Foley made incredible saves during the remainder of the half, repelling Freeport’s shots.

Seconds into the second half, Freeport was able to put the ball into the back of the net, tying the score 1-1. Freeport scored again to go up 2-1 and maintained the advantage for most of the second half.

With minutes to go in the game, Duncan scored on an assist by Maddox Tilas to tie the game, 2-2. This brings the Midcoast United U9 team to a 2-0-2 record on the season. U9 plays again on Sunday, June 2 at Yarmouth.

The Freeport Rotary Club's Close to the Coast 5k and 10k race will be held on Saturday, June 22 at 9 a.m. with all events held rain or shine. The course is run on quiet roads and forest trails along the ocean in beautiful Winslow Park, Freeport.

All race proceeds support the Freeport Rotary Club Educational Scholarship Program. For the past 18 years, the Freeport Rotary Club has given over $90,000 in scholarships raised from this race and an additional $60,000 from other fundraising activities.

This year the Rotary is offering a free post-race barbeque to all racers and their children.

Registration for the race is $20 with guaranteed T-shirt through June 13, 2013. Through race day, registration is still $20 but T-shirts are available only while supplies last. Advance registration is available at www.freeport-rotary.org. Day of the race registration is from 7:15 to 8:45 a.m.

For more race information contact Dr. Jim Hendricks at drjah@fihc.comcastbiz.net or 207-865-1183.

Sea-Vu Farm in Boothbay debuted its first season under new management at the FEA Black Diamond Jubilee on June 1 and 2 at Skowhegan Fairgrounds.  

Katie Yereance and Amy Reny brought five horse and rider teams to compete at this inaugural show. Despite the oppressive heat, over 90 F all three days, team Sea-Vu brought their A game, with many top place finishes in several divisions.

Sea-Vu’s strong showing began with three entries in Youth Activity Showmanship Saturday morning. Ella Spear and CBMF Ruby; Hali Goodwin and CBMF Off the Charts; and Annielyn MacKusick and Sea-Vu Undeniable took second, third and fourth place, respectively.

Sea-Vu introduced two brand new show team members: Sydney Blake, who swept the Lead Line division with all blue ribbons aboard CBMF Ruby; and cowboy Griffin Yereance, who rode Sea-Vu Cock-a-doodle-doo to a second in Lead Line Pleasure and a third in Equitation. Both did an amazing job in their very first show.

Annielyn MacKusick had multiple great rides on Sea-Vu Undeniable and was rewarded with blue in both Morgan Hunter Pleasure and Morgan Jr. Exhibitor Pleasure. She also secured two second place finishes in Jr. Exhibitor Hack Horse or Pony and Youth Activity Pleasure Horse.

Hali Goodwin, with CBMF Off the Charts, and Ella Spear, with CBMF Ruby, brought Champion and Reserve Champion, respectively, in both Walk Trot Pleasure and Equitation 11-18 divisions. They delighted the crowd with their two joint victory passes dubbed “Sea-Vu Special” by Ricky Drew.

FEA put on a wonderful and fun show, with many great prizes, brave exhibitors who donned beautiful elaborate costumes despite the heat, and the highlight of Saturday evening was the very exciting ladies black diamond necklace class. We hope to see this show grow and be very successful in the future.

Sea-Vu will be heading next to Vermont Morgan, which hopefully will be cooler, but just as successful as this first show of the season.

“You don’t have to be Italian or like spaghetti to love bocce ball,” said Skip Taylor, as he announced plans to form a bocce ball club and league at Winters Gone Farm in Wiscasset.

This is a game that almost anyone can play and enjoy, said Taylor. The history of bocce is as interesting as the game is enjoyable.

Throwing balls toward a target is the oldest game known to mankind. As early as 5000 B.C. the Egyptians played a form of bocce with polished rocks but the early Romans were the first to play a game resembling what we know as bocce today.

The game enjoyed rapid growth throughout Europe, being the sport of nobility and peasants alike. However, the future of bocce was not bright in Europe because the popularity of the game was said to interfere with the security of the state because it took too much time away from archery practice and other military exercises.

According to legend, Sir Francis Drake refused to set out to defend the English against the Spanish Armada until he finished a game.

The sport first came to America around 1750 in the English version where the balls were thrown on close cropped grass which some say is the origin of modern lawns.

One early American playing field was Bowling Green at the southern tip of Manhattan and George Washington built a court at Mount Vernon in the 1780s.

Thanks to the many Italian immigrants at the turn of the century, Bocce has come to flourish in the United States. During its beginnings in the U.S. there were as many versions of the game as there were towns the immigrants had come from. Bringing some order to the game is the Collegium Cosmicum ad Buxeas, which is the preeminent bocce organization headquartered in Rome, Italy.

It should be noted that the oral traditions of bocce are just as much an important part of the game. Throw out a pallino and become part of the long heritage of the game that include great thinkers such as Galileo and da Vinci, to rulers Augustus and Queen Elizabeth, to the noble Sir Francis Drake and America’s own George Washington.

Enjoy the world’s oldest sport, a sport known to revive the body and mind, and next to soccer, the most popular game in the world.

In forming the Winters Gone Bocce Club our goal is to provide an enjoyable and relaxing social experience while respecting the traditional aspects of the game.

We invite all area adults to join. We will meet on Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and play on a traditional grass surface. League play will include singles, doubles, mixed doubles and 4 person teams. There is no cost to join.

Initial membership is limited and on a first come basis. Here is your chance to revive your body and mind while having a ball. A bocce ball of course.

For more information call Winters Gone Farm at 207-882-9191 or stop at the farm located at 245 Alna Road (Route 218) in Wiscasset. We are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily but closed on Monday.

The Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club is pleased to announce that it will offer two high level clinics as prologues to two major sailing events this summer.

Sally Lloyd, junior sailing director, and Past Commodore Andy Holmes, chairman of the junior program committee, are excited to offer world class clinics in “Opti” sailboats on July 29, 30 and 31

and in “420” sailboats on July 13 and 14.

The “Opti” clinics will be led by “Pepi” Bettini, who is the past European Opti champion and head coach of the Long Island Sailing Association. He will be joined by Pablo “Panic” Panichelli, who is father of the dominant South American racing dynasty. Justine O’Connor, U.S. National Opti team coach will round out the all-star staff.

O’Connor will head the instructor team for the “420” clinic and she will be assisted by Connor Harding, who is past Opti top ranked racer and present 4.7 Laser national champion, and Ian MacDiarmid, nationally ranked U.S. team racer and Orange Bowl champion. Ian won the Maine State Opti championships two years ago representing his home club, BHYC.

Harding and MacDiarmid will also assist with the Opti Clinics and both the Junior Olympics and the Maine State Opti Championships which will be hosted this year by BHYC.

For additional information, contact BHYC at 207-882-5525.

The Wiscasset Babe Ruth baseball team continued its undefeated season by winning a doubleheader on Sunday, June 16 against Union Farm Equipment and Georges Valley. In the first game, Wiscasset and Union Farm, both with records of 3-0, squared off in a game that resulted in 8-6 win for Wiscasset.

Tyler Bailey pitched five innings giving up only two hits and striking out five. Tyler Flavin pitched two innings in relief to hold off Union Farm. Offensively for Wiscasset, Flavin and Grant Hefler had two hits apiece and Daren Wood and Bailey had one hit each.

The second game against Georges Valley turned into a pitcher’s dual between Wood of Wiscasset and Anthony Moore of Georges Valley.

In seven innings, Wood gave up one run, two hits and struck out 13. Moore gave up one run, five hits and struck out four. Flavin had three hits while Wood and Conlon Ranta each had a single for Wiscasset.

The difference in the game was Flavin’s bottom of the seventh inning base stealing performance in which he stole second and third and scored on a passed ball to tie the game. Bailey came in to pitch in relief in the eighth and retired three straight Georges Valley batters. Wood scored the winning run in the bottom of the eighth.

Wiscasset travels to Waldoboro on June 20 for a 5:30 p.m. game at the Waldoboro Recreation Field.

Wiscasset Middle School’s spring sports award winners include, from left, kneeling: Grace Webber, Coaches Award Track; Sarah Foley, Most Improved Track; back: Leah Potter, Most Improved Softball; Gabby Chapman, Coaches Award Track; Conlon Ranta, Coaches Award Baseball; Calli Myers, Coaches Award Softball; Kobe Carrier, Most Improved Track; Stephanie Jones, Coaches Award Softball; Kevin Lynch, Coaches Award Track; Grant Hefler, Coaches Award Baseball; and Colin Viele, Coaches Award Track. 

The Wiscasset Public Library Children’s Room held its last Story Time for the season last week in conjunction with the first event of the Summer Reading Program.

Pre-schoolers, primary school and middle school students attended and participated in the planting of annuals in the Monarch Butterfly Way Station Garden. Young hands were helped by older ones, resulting in added color in the garden for the winged beauties to enjoy.

Before the planting, two new books were shared, “Ball” by Mary Sullivan and “Step Gently Out” by Helen Frost and Rick Lieder. The “Ball” can be described from a quote on the book jacket, “One word says it all: Ball!” A dog spends his day in pursuit of someone to play with him and his ball.

“Step Gently Out” was a perfect book to share in anticipation for venturing into the garden. The up close photos by Rick Lieder display the beauty of the insects that we often see in a garden but not always appreciate their beauty. This book is a Maine Chickadee Award nominated book.

The Summer Reading program has begun and we are pleased that 96 young readers have currently registered to participate. Wiscasset Primary School Librarian begins her summer stay as Children’s Librarian this week.

Story Time will resume in September.

The BHYC Racing Committee would like to invite all area sailors to participate in the Classic Boat Race and the Commodores Cup. These races are organized to be fun and include a wide range of sailboats and competitors from the “I don’t know anything about racing” group to the experienced racer.

BHYC expects to provide both beginning and advanced racing sailors with a great experience in 2013. Meet fellow sailors and get involved on the water.

Both racing series are open to all comers and take place in the outer harbor, using government marks.

The Commodores Cup is a three race series, June 30, July 20 and August 17. Race in one or all three races. There will be multiple divisions based on PHRF handicap plus a separate division for BHOD boats.

The Classic Race is open to traditional full keel or heavy cruising vessels 25 years and older. The races will be held on July 19 and August 23 and will include a pursuit start and – spinnakers are not allowed.

Pre-registration is required and can be done via the website at www.bhyc.net/racing, then click on “register online.” The “Notice of Race” and “Sailing Instructions” for each race are also available online or at the yacht club. You must preregister.

In addition the club offers open racing every Thursday at 1630 in the inner harbor and every Saturday at 1300 in the outer harbor. All races utilize a PHRF handicap or one design format. You can sign up thru the website.

Need crew? Contact us and we will arrange crew.

For further registration information, contact Geoff McCuskey, adult sailing and racing director, at adultsailing@bhyc.net or 207-633-5750 ext. 102

Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club is located at 156 Western Ave., West Boothbay Harbor.

Sailing coach Gray Ferris will be heading up the Boothbay Sea and Science Center's new keelboat sailing programs for area pre-teens and teens. Ferris was the former Sailing Director of the BHYC Junior Opti and 420 Programs.

Ferris began sailing 12 years ago as a participant in the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club’s Junior Sailing Program, where he achieved top 10 finishes in the Junior Olympic and Maine State Opti events.

He also raced 420s both in New England in the Washington, D.C. area as a member of the University of New Hampshire Sailing Team, and is a certified US Sailing Level 2 Coach.

It is the mission of BSSC to make access to sailing and other waterfront activities accessible for all area youth, regardless of income. Need-based scholarships may be available; families can request a financial aid application to see if they qualify.

Donations are being accepted by the Boothbay Sea and Science Center to help defray the cost for youngsters who have an interest in learning to sail, but whose families may not have the means.

Teen sailing

The BSSC will offer keelboat sailing programs for teens and adults this summer aboard a 23-foot Sonar, a fun and safe day sailer that can seat up to 8. The program is suitable for experienced centerboard sailors aged 10 and up who are ready to move up to fixed-keel, as well as to beginners who would feel more comfortable in a larger, yet easy-to-learn vessel.

Participants will learn basic safety and seamanship, husbandry, terminology, winds, sail trim and helming, VHF radio operation and team work, and “green” seamanship and stewardship practices. Over time, students will perfect boat handling skills as well increase their knowledge of weather observation and forecasting, understanding tides and currents, piloting and navigation and rules of the road.

They will build understanding of the hydrodynamics and aerodynamics that make a sail boat perform optimally, and be introduced to spinnakers and racing. They will also participate in coaching and teaching, thereby developing their leadership abilities.

For enrollment information, visit www.boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org.

The Sonar is an ideal boat for beginning sailors and racers, and with minor adaptations it may be used by disabled sailors. As the fleet is expanded, the BSSC plans to offer programs specifically designed for “Wounded Warriors” and the differently-abled.

Youth sailing

The BSSC will also offer an introduction to sailing program for youngsters aged 5-7 years. This “Mizzen” Program, named after the smallest of sails, is designed to introduce very young students to the maritime environment and to develop their confidence around boats while they learn respect for the sea.

A variety of fun learning activities will teach basic safety, parts of the boat, sailing terminology and basic principles, communication, and team work.  Students will feel comfortable being in a variety of boats including row boats, small sailboats, and large sailing vessels. This will serve as a valuable prerequisite or preparatory class to other learn-to-sail programs in the area.

BSSC is presently considering two centerboard vessel types for the Mizzen Program: The Optimist or “Opti” and the Turnabout.

Private Lessons and Crewed Charters may be available Saturday and Sunday, or midweek when schedules and resources permit. Advanced reservations are required, so please call 207-350-5357 or email  info@boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org to inquire about availability and cost.

A local donor has offered to help fund the building of the fleet, so the hunt for available equipment is presently underway. Anyone who knows of the availability of Sonars, Optis, or Turnabouts in the Northeast is encouraged to contact BSSC Board Member and Co-Founder Pauline Dion at info@boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org.

The colorful design of a giant pumpkin taking over Damariscotta by Walpole artist Susan Bartlett Rice has been selected to decorate this year’s Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta T-shirt. Her personal style translated so well to Pumpkinfest and the sense of community that is essential to the monumental task of planning and executing this festival each year.

A huge thank-you goes out to all the artists who participated in this year's contest. The judges really had a difficult task choosing one design from among so many terrific entries. There is still plenty of opportunity for artists to be involved in this year's Pumpkinfest, as all of the giant pumpkins in the area need to be turned into works of art during Pumpkinfest. If you are interested in lending your talents, please contact Cynthia Weiss at: cynthia@kingeiderspub.com.

Rice is best known for her colorful oil paintings of everyday life. Her paintings reflect the contrasts, challenges and comforts of living year-round on the Maine coast. Rice's modern work illustrates a time almost gone by. She colorfully represents long-standing traditions in contemporary times, through her paintings of local architecture, the working waterfront, family farming and the Maine woods. Her work has been exhibited and collected nationally.

Rice's working studio in Walpole is seasonally open to the public. In addition to painting, she enjoys growing her own giant pumpkins and participating in Pumpkinfest each year as a pumpkin artist.

For more information about Rice's artwork and studio, please visit www.susanbartlettrice.com.

The 2013 Pumpkinfest T-shirts will be available beginning August 15, at a cost of $20, at the following Damariscotta retailers and sponsors: Supplies Unlimited, 47 School Street @ Main Street (Business Highway 1); Pinkham's Plantation, 431 Biscay Road; Rising Tide Community Market, 323 Main Street; and Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy, 469 Main Street.

T-shirts will also be available through merchandise@damariscottapumpkinfest.com. Official Pumpkinfest merchandise will be available downtown and at the remote event venues during the festival.

Pumpkinfest & Regatta is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to promote education to citizens of all ages regarding the specific agricultural science required to grow giant pumpkins, and to provide local nonprofits with opportunities for dissemination of information on their activities and fundraising.

For more information, visit www.damariscottapumpkinfest.com or follow us at www.facebook.com/damariscottapumpkinfest.com, or twitter, www.twitter.com/squashbuckler.

Come down to Two Salty Dogs in Boothbay Harbor on Friday, July 5 to wish one of our salty dogs, Auggie, a happy second birthday. Kids, adults and dogs are all invited.

Everyone must sing “Happy Birthday” off-key so that Coal, another one of the salty dogs, howls. Gifts to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter to be given in lieu of presents, as Auggie is fat enough, and he loves helping out dogs who need a home. Any dog who wears a funny hat gets a special treat.

Party will start at 1 p.m. sharp at Two Salty Dogs, 22 McKown Street in Boothbay Harbor. There will be a dog cake for dog guests and refreshments for kids and adults. For more information, call 207-633-PETS (7387).

Does Daisy the pig like to read? You can find out on Saturday, July 13 at the ninth annual Books in Boothbay: Maine’s Summer Book Fair. The fair is being held at the Boothbay Railway Village from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Gates open at noon. Over 40 Maine authors are attending including nine children’s and young adult authors. An “Authors & Artists” reception begins at 3:45 p.m. and is open to the public.

Daisy may not be able to read, but she and her friend Farmer Minor will be part of the fun at Books in Boothbay. Daisy saunters in at 2 p.m. with Farmer Minor to meet the children. Kids and adults they escort will love the fair, meeting authors, romping with Daisy and riding on the authentic narrow gauge steam train.

Children’s authors attending include: Kate Clark, Sandra Dutton, Tammy Meserve and Katie Quirk. Young Adult authors feature Ellen Booraem, Lisa Jahn-Clough, Jennifer Gooch Hummer, Paul Molyneaux and Maria Padian.

Molyneaux and his son Asher will read from “A Child’s Walk in the Wilderness: An 8-Year-Old Boy and His Father Take on the Appalachian Trail.”

It is a heartening journey, filled with adventure, dangers and surprises of joy. Hear how they handled flooded trails, snowy weather, bear country, steep climbs, temper tantrums and getting lost; illustrated with young Asher’s journal drawings.

Barbara Damrosch, Linda Greenlaw and Martha White are among the 31 authors attending the fair who write primarily for adults.

Books in Boothbay is co-sponsored by the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library and the Boothbay Railway Village Museum. Contributing sponsors are Sherman’s Book & Stationery Stores, John Edwards Jewelery & Designs, McSeagull’s Restaurant and The Villa.

Admission is free to both the fair and the Railway Village grounds from noon until closing. Free parking. Boothbay Railway Village is offering train rides to fair participants for only $5.

For more information, go to www.booksinboothbay.blogspot.com or call the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library at 207-633-3112.

A study by the University of Maine’s School of Economics included 500 hours of fieldwork and surveys of both visitors to the Boothbay region and local residents. It showed 63,832 visits to the trust’s preserves and hiking trails between April and November 2012. This translates into 13,081 unique users.

“We saw a lot of cars with out-of-state license plates, from all over the Northeast,” said Todd Gabe, professor of economics at the University of Maine. “The visitors we spoke with really loved the trails.”

A survey of trail users conducted by the researchers suggests that those who are visitors to the region spend an average of $73.77 per day and seasonal residents of the Boothbay region spend an average of $57.94 per day.

The researchers calculated that the annual economic impact from visitors to BRLT preserves was $3.9 million in revenue, generating 39 full-time and part-time jobs and $1.1 million in related labor income. The study was funded by a private grant to the land trust.

“To put the BRLT use figures into perspective,” Gabe said, “based on state park visitation numbers from a 2006 study, BRLT preserves have significantly more visitors than about three-quarters of Maine’s state parks.”

A high percentage of visitors, when asked why they came to the area, cited outdoor recreation as a draw to the Boothbay region. “That was more popular than restaurants and shopping,” the professor said.

“We believe this study is a significant resource of data that helps show what a great resource the trails are to the area not only to visitors but also to our local community,” said Nicholas Ullo, Executive Director of Boothbay Region Land Trust.

Other survey findings include:

• 94 percent of Boothbay region residents who responded felt it was important to protect open space for animal habitats.

• 93 percent of residents felt access to the waterfront was important.

• 91 percent of residents felt it was important to protect open space for the enjoyment of future generations.
The university received a 42 percent response rate to its survey for preserve visitors. “That’s a really high response rate for this type of survey,” Gabe said, “and the response to the resident survey was even stronger (50 percent).”

After taking top honors in 2012 for the 10th running of the annual Shipyard Cup regatta, hometown favorite Schehrezade will be returning to defend the Cup. One of the finest superyacht sailing vessels in the world, the 154-foot Scheherezade was built by Hodgdon Yachts in East Boothbay and launched in 2003.

Designed by local and world renowned designer Bruce King with an Andrew Winch Designs (London) interior, Scheherazade is an exquisite example of Hodgdon’s legendary craftsmanship.

For 11 of the past 12 years, Hodgdon Yachts has hosted the superyacht regatta Shipyard Cup. One of only 11 such regattas in the world, and one of only two annual events in the United States, the Shipyard Cup hosts a small but impressive collection of magnificent sailing yachts. “There are very few locales in the world where such a spectacle can be witnessed, and we are honored to bring such a great event to the Boothbay Region,” said Tim Hodgdon, fifth generation owner and CEO of Hodgdon Yachts.

The race is held in the “Corinthian Tradition” celebrating the “true spirit” of yachting which seeks to maintain a “high standard of sportsmanlike conduct” and is technically open to entrants 70 ft and above. Most years the fleet ranges from 90 feet to over 150 feet. The Cup is run under the International Superyacht Rule www.internationalsuperyachtrule.com.

The rule dictates a pursuit style start where each vessel is handicapped through a sophisticated analysis based on design characteristics, performance factors and expected race time conditions.

The first yacht over the starting line is technically the slowest, with the last start being the fastest and the last to try to chase down the fleet. The finish can be exciting as the aim of the weighted starts is to have everyone finish at the same time. Last year on day 2, three of the vessels finished within one meter of each other.

“We are very pleased with the interest thus far with six boats committed and “nine other significant entries have expressed strong interest pending charter guest or owner last minute schedule changes,” said event chairman and Hodgdon Yachts Director of Sales and Marketing Ed Roberts. “We expect to host well over 250 owners, captains, crew and guests” Roberts went on to say.

Among the entries thus far is another very notable “Grand Dame,” Marie, the 180-foot Classic Ketch built by Vitters Shipyard in Holland for a well-known local seasonal resident. Marie has earned many accolades including for the yacht’s interior which boats a baby grand piano. Complete details of entrants, information for spectators and public events being added to the Shipyard Cup event will be posted on the website as they become available. www.shipyardcup.com

Although the social events are not open to the public, spectators are welcomed and encouraged to watch the race but are cautioned to stay clear of the area of the start and finish which will be marked with private vessels flying a red Shipyard Cup flag.

Further details on watching the event can be found in the SYC Notice To Mariners on the Shipyard Cup website www.shipyardcup.com. The starting area will be organized approximately at 11 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with an anticipated start time between noon and 1 p.m.

The Shipyard Cup is a member of the Superyacht Racing Association a prestigious collection of yacht designers, shipbuilders, project managers, captains, owners and regatta organizers.

Midcoast United Soccer Club is joining with Seacoast United Maine to offer four sessions of soccer summer camp at the Harold B. Clifford Park in Boothbay this year.  

Soccers players ages 7-14 can choose from three camps. The first camp session runs daily from July 22-25 from 1 to 4 p.m. Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered the week of July 29-August 1 from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. A "mini mariners" session for kids ages 4-6 will also be offered July 29-August 1 from 9 to 10 a.m.

The fee for each full session is $90 and the mini-mariners’ fee is $50. Please contact Pam Wiley, Midcoast United Club Administrator (pwiley@roadrunner.com) for information on scholarships.

Each session will begin with a fun "camp warm-up" that gets everyone loose and gives everyone lots of touches on the ball.  Players will then be split up into age-appropriate groups and matched up with a coach for the week.

Group play will focus on fun games and exercises that promote confidence with the ball. Each session will end with scrimmage play that may differ from day to day but encourages every player to be involved as much as possible. All campers will receive a Nike soccer ball and Nike T-shirt.

If you're an experienced player or are just starting out, please join us for a fun learning experience. To register, please visit our website www.midcoastunited.com and go to the Announcements page for the 2013 Soccer Summer Camp announcement.

Summer with The Theater Project means theater camps for kids.

The first Young People's Theater Camp production of the summer is “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing,” onstage July 19, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. with a Sunday, July 21 matinee at 2 p.m.

Based on the perennial favorite by Judy Blume, and adapted for the stage by Bruce Mason, “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” is a humorous look at family life and the troubles that can only be caused by a younger sibling.

Fourth grader Peter Hatcher's impossible little brother Fudge just might ruin his life ... if Peter doesn't manage to do it himself first.

The actors, ages 9 through 12, met at the beginning of July to start class and rehearsal. Some actors are returning to the camp and some are new to The Theater Project, but all have had a great time learning and playing.

“We spend a lot of time on fun theater exercises that help the actors understand their characters and the situations they find themselves in," said teacher and director Sean McGuire, himself a Theater Project alum.

This performance is produced by special arrangement with Plays for Young Audiences, a partnership of Seattle Children's Theatre and Children's Theatre Company, Minneapolis, Minn.

All tickets are pay-what-you-want, with a suggested price of $6, and are available at www.theaterproject.com, or by calling 207-729-8584.

The Theater Project is located at 14 School Street in Brunswick.

Over the past 33 years, Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT) supporters, volunteers and staff have worked with land owners to create a network of preserves (22 in number now) offering over 30 miles of hiking trails.

These preserves are scattered throughout the region from Damariscove Island five miles offshore to Singing Meadows in Edgecomb.

The trails meander by ponds, wetlands, and through fields, forests and along the shore. Birders, naturalists, tourists, residents and dog owners visit them 64,000 times a year. And they are free.

The land trust is now reaching out to the community, the region’s residents and visitors, to make a donation and/or pledge to the Stewardship Campaign to sustain the many miles of hiking trails, waterfront access, and year-round environmental education.

These community resources are funded solely through voluntary donations and grants. Grants funding a significant portion of public access and environmental education begin to run out at year’s end. BRLT is raising sustaining dollars to fill this emerging gap.

Over half of the $3 million endowment fund goal has been raised and the land trust is asking the public to help meet a $500,000 challenge gift by year’s end. All campaign costs are underwritten so 100 percent of all gifts go straight to BRLT’s endowment fund. Also, all public gifts received by December 31, 2013 will be matched.

Ever since the land trust was founded in 1980, the organization agreed that providing “appropriate” access on conserved lands for the public was important and necessary. By allowing people to walk the conserved lands, they will see first-hand the beauty, ecological diversity and importance of keeping open space in the region.

An economic impact study conducted by University of Maine last year concurred. Over 90 percent of the region’s residents feel it is important to keep open space available for future generations, for wildlife habitat and for waterfront access.

The BRLT asks each resident and visitor to consider the value of its hiking trails, waterfront access and year-round education. The preserves and education program have no gate, ticket or required membership.

The land trust needs the community’s help to sustain these resources for years to come.

For more information or to make a gift or pledge, visit www.bbrlt.org, call the land trust at 207-633-4818, or stop by the land trust at 137 Townsend Avenue. BRLT’s website offers many options for pledges, including weekly, monthly, and bi-annually.

Campaign information is also available at preserve kiosks and at its business supporters’ locations throughout the community including J. Edward Knight, Topside Inn, Washburn & Doughty, First Federal, Soule, Soule and Logan, Spruce Point Inn, Knickerbocker Group, Bath Savings, Two Salty Dogs and Red Cup Coffeehouse.

Rupert Neily will be holding two more “Rupert's Rambles” this summer. All are invited to join him on these walks. 

On Saturday, July 20, the Boothbay Region YMCA bus heads to Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson, a secluded 1000-acre preserve of trails and ponds. 

On Saturday, August 17, there will be a trip to Swan Island in the Kennebec River. Located between Dresden and Richmond, Swan Island was once a town unto itself, and today it shimmers with history and scenic 19th century landscape.

Each of these trips requires payment of a modest fee and preregistration at Y’s front desk (207-633-2855). The cost for each trip includes payment for the bus ride and any entry fee. Y bus trips are open to all, members and non-members.

Neily does regular morning (10 a.m.) walks out of Linekin Bay Resort during the summer and all are cordially invited to come along. Generally these include all the likely possibilities from East Boothbay to Boothbay Harbor and everything in between. Call (207-350-5830) if you wish to join Neily on his daily walk.

Healthy Kids' ninth annual Strawberry Shortcake Shuffle, Walk and Fun Run on July 13 was a huge success with over 275 participants braving the heat. The race, sponsored by Renys and Kieve/Wavus, began and finished at Great Salt Bay School at 8:45 a.m. with the first runner crossing the finish line in just under 20 minutes.

The Fun Run began at 9:20 a.m. with the following winners: 6 & under/Girls: 1st place, Ellery Herrick; 2nd place (tie), Eloise Crissman and Maise Crissman; Boys: 1st place, Porter Brewer; 2nd place, Max Simonson; 7-11 Girls: 1st place, Alaina/Wavus; 2nd place, Jessie/Wavus; Boys: 1st place, A.J. Michalski; 2nd place, Sam Hale; 11 & up/Girls: 1st place, Isabelle/Wavus; 2nd place, Lisa/Wavus; Boys: 1st place, James McCall; 2nd place, Cal Agren.

The race ended with home made strawberry shortcake for all and a prize ceremony emceed by Don Carrigan of WCSH6 news. Healthy Kids is the child abuse prevention agency serving Lincoln County and all proceeds from this event will go directly to programs. Healthy Kids receives no state or federal funding and appreciates the generosity of its sponsors, participants and volunteers.

Boothbay Region YMCA Summer Camps, week of July 22: Critter Camp for 3-4-year-olds, Scamper Camp for children entering Kindergarten in the fall, Camp Knickerbocker Day Camp, Y ARTS Music Theatre Camp Session 3, Half Day Wilderness Exploration with BRLT’s Tracey Hall, and Mountain Hiking in Maine Adventure Camp.

Free tennis lessons through Y’s Quick Start 10 & Under Tennis Program on Wednesdays. Quick Start is taught by Larry Rioux, tennis director at the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club. This program is designed for youth 10 years or age or under (12 years and under if a first time player). Quick Start keeps the “fun” in tennis while improving stroke production all the while increasing participation because the child is actually playing tennis. Documentation supports that youth who start out in Quick Start programs are more likely to stay with the sport. Register at the Y front desk for the whole summer or per Wednesday.

Now collecting items for the YMCA’s annual summer Silent Auction, Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27. Contact Rose Rivera at the Y, rrivera@brymca.org if you have items to donate. We will pick up or you can deliver. The Y will provide a tax deductible form for your taxes. Furniture, dishware, holiday decorations, artwork, boats, exercise equipment and more. The 2012 Silent Auction raised more than $10,000 to support Y Youth Programs. Featured items for 2013: A 2002 Subaru Legacy with only 52,500 miles valued at $4,800.

The 20th annual 2013 Southport Rowgatta will be on Saturday, August 10; 8:30 a.m. start at Newagen Landing. Calling all kayakers, paddle boarders, canoers and surf boarders to journey around Southport Island in a 12 mile nautical paddle. The $35 preregistration fee is payable at the YMCA; $40 day of registration at Newagen Landing. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit Y Aquatic Programs.

YMCA’s Special Event of 2013: Once Upon a Time with the Time Pilots. Thursday, September 5. 1 p.m, Golf Tournament; 6-9 p.m. catered event with the Time Pilots, Maine’s hottest band.

Linda Winterburg wasn't planning on entering her pug Phoebe in any of the dog contests at Summerfest on the Wiscasset town common July 27.

She wasn't planning on dressing Phoebe up for their walk in the dog parade, either.

But Winterburg felt inspired after she and the dog were mentioned in a Wiscasset Newspaper story about Summerfest: Phoebe turned out for the parade in a patriotic outfit, and went on to not only compete in the contests, but snag a win in one of the hairiest of competitions: the hot dog race.

The canines carried the hot dogs in their mouths, with the object of crossing the finish with as much of the hot dog in tact as possible.

Phoebe managed to carry hers the whole way without taking a bite. She tied for first with Pippa, one of Damariscotta residents Janet and Rick Fooshee's Westies.

Phoebe took her time eating the hot dog in the grass after the race.

But she was still on a roll. Winterburg's dog went on to take first for cutest and third in tail-wagging.

Erin Bailey's lab-mix Bear may have been having the best time, however. The contestant from Westport Island finished as top dog in the “happiest” category and second in tail-wagging.

Summerfest got a sunny, mild day for its thirtieth installment. The First Congregational Church puts it on annually to raise money for community organizations.

Rain on the day before the event forced a change from the traditional Friday setup. Church members and a crew from Two Bridges Regional Jail assembled everything Saturday morning, in the two hours before the event opened, Summerfest Committee Chairman Nancy Roby said.

“It was just remarkable how everybody pulled together,” Roby said.

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

Beige sailing yachts dominated the waterfront once again this week, as the 14th Biennial Maine Island Packet Rendezvous, hosted by Mary and Norm Pierce of Pierce Yacht Company, convened at Captain Fish’s Waterfront Inn.

Twenty-five Island Packet yachts and their owners from all over the East Coast sailed into the harbor to participate in seminars on cruising the Maine Coast, boat maintenance and operation, modern communication at sea, and a very special presentation by Bill Bolin, of Island Packet Yachts, Largo, Florida, on the new international and CE standards of stability for sailing yachts.

The three-day event included a buffet breakfast and evening banquet at the Boothbay Harbor Inn and concluded with a Sunday morning breakfast at the Dockside Grill at Captain Fish’s Waterfront Inn.

A good time was had by all, with many staying on for shopping and tours of the region.

The Maine State Opti Junior racing championships will be held in the waters of Boothbay Harbor on August 1 and 2. This annual Regatta is hosted by the winning yacht club from the previous year. This is the second consecutive year that Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club has hosted the race, as it was won two years ago by Ian MacDiarmid and last year by Jax van der Veen.

Racing will be held both inside Tumbler island and in the waters between Spruce Point and Southport Island on both days. Over 85 boats are expected to participate.

The event is sponsored by the BHYC Junior Program and is directed by Bob and Nancy McCann for BHYC.

45 members and their families gathered to start their adventure on Friday evening, July 12, at Sprucewold Lodge. Hosted by P/C Sandy and Karen Young, we enjoyed cocktails and appetizers while getting last minute instructions from our 2013 F/C George Hamilton.

Saturday morning we made our way to Port Clyde, hosted by P/C Joe and Brenda Blake. We enjoyed a group gathering and dinner at the Dip Net Restaurant. On Sunday we left for Seal Bay, Vinalhaven. This was a day of fun in the sun with dinghy races, dessert bake-off contest, and ending the evening with the lite show of boats. On Monday we hauled anchor and headed to an old favorite, Frenchboro. Hosts Bob and Paula Wheeler planned a great evening of fun at Lunts Dockside with a lobster bake; need I say this is always a grand time and this year was no exception.

As we made our way along the coast of Maine, our next stop was Southwest Harbor and Dysarts Great Harbor Marina. This was the setting for a progressive dinner hosted by Bill and Anne George. Friends “new and old” enjoyed traveling from boat to boat for a delicious dining experience. In the morning we again enjoyed a pancake breakfast on the upper dock, hosted by Chet and Carol Clarridge. Filled to the “gills,” we were off to Swan Island to relax and regroup. Hosted by Francis and Patricia Bisson, we endured the winds and rain that day, but we stilled enjoyed our “grill night” plans with great friends. While at Swans Island we were hosted to the “brunch of all brunches” on Thursday morning by the ladies of Swans Island; this was another day when lunch was not needed.

Thursday we headed to Castine and Eatons Boat Yard. A little R & R was enjoyed in the afternoon to get ready for a great evening. Hosting the Buccaneers Costume Ball was Jim and Betty Hunton and F/C George and Theresa Hamilton. We feasted on appetizers and desserts, while enjoying dancing and music by Jim Hunton, our host. A great time was had by all DEYC members and a few new friends from the marina. On Friday morning, another spectacular day, we were off to Belfast Harbor. A quiet day of shopping and sight seeing in this lovely Maine Town is always enjoyable. The evening brought us to gather at the Weathervane Restaurant for a great meal. Honors and awards were given to various winners and for various near misses during the week's events. Our final stop as a group was The Landings in Rockland, hosted by P/C Sandy and Karen Young. Rockland was a captain's choice, dining with friends at several local restaurants. In the morning there were lots of good-byes and thank yous for another wonderful cruise by our 2013 Fleet Captain George and Theresa Hamilton of the DEYC “Fun” Club.

In 2003, the community and Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT) came together to raise money to build a dock and float at Indiantown Island. This new boat access location was a reflection of the land trust’s philosophy - that providing public access only strengthens connections with and affection for the land. And it certainly matched this region’s love of water. In addition to Indiantown Island, Damariscove Island and Roberts Wharf at Porter Preserve provide boat and working waterfront facilities with piers, docks, floats and moorings. Boaters can also access Ovens Mouth, Spectacle Island, and Zak Preserve. Boaters enjoy this access and these facilities for free.

In 2005, the land trust acquired Damariscove Island and soon thereafter, the Roberts property, next to Porter Preserve. Both sites were critical working waterfront sites for local fishermen especially given the shrinking shoreline accessible in the state. The land trust’s ownership ensures this access forever. Soon after acquiring the properties, BRLT improved facilities at both sites. In addition to the boating public, they now serve 13 fishing families.

The land trust is now reaching out to the community, the region’s residents and visitors, to make a donation and/or pledge to the Stewardship Campaign to sustain its boat access, working waterfront, hiking trails, and education program. Over half of the $3 million endowment goal is in hand, and the land trust is asking the public to help meet a $500,000 goal by year’s end. All campaign costs are underwritten so 100 percent of all gifts go straight to BRLT’s endowment fund. Also, all public gifts received by December 31, 2013 will be matched.

For more information or to make a gift or pledge, visit www.bbrlt.org, call the land trust at (207) 633-4818, or stop by the land trust office at 137 Townsend Avenue.

Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association (SVCA) and the Sheepscot Wellspring Land Alliance (SWLA) are co-hosting a day hike up Hogback Mountain in Montville on the edge of the Sheepscot Watershed, August 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is a limit of 25 participants and registration is required by August 15. Please contact the SVCA at svca@sheepscot.org or 207-586-5616 to register.

This rewarding hike culminates on the summit (1,115 feet) with views often all the way to Penobscot Bay. The five-mile round-trip hike can be moderately strenuous at times. Participants should wear appropriate hiking footwear and bring water and a snack or lunch. The trails are part of a 28-mile network jointly managed by SWLA and the Georges River Land Trust. The hike will be led by Buck O’Herin from SWLA.

The Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association is a member organization advocating shared stewardship of Maine’s 58-mile Sheepscot River since 1969. Today, more than 3,633 acres and 15 miles of riverfront are protected. The SVCA’s ongoing monitoring of water quality helps ensure the watershed’s ecosystems stay healthy, including its Atlantic salmon habitat.

SVCA’s mapping services, technical support and educational programs encourage prudent land use so the resources people value today are conserved forever. Visit us online at www.sheepscot.org or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sheepscot.The Sheepscot Wellspring Land Alliance is a nonprofit land trust working to conserve land and water ecosystems in the upper Sheepscot River watershed. Established in 1991, SWLA maintains 16 miles of publicly accessible trails, protects over 1,350 acres of land, and sponsors educational talks and hikes throughout the year. For more information, visit SWLA’s website (www.swlamaine.org), find us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/swlamaine), or call SWLA’s office in Liberty: 207-589-3230.

The Maine Principals' Association (MPA) is one of 28 members of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) that has joined the NFHS Network, the new all‐digital network devoted to coverage of high school sports and performing arts through the Internet at www.NFHSnetwork.com.

The NFHS, in association with PlayOn! Sports (PlayOn), announced the official launch of the NFHS Network on August 1. With coverage of boys and girls sports and activities initially in at least 28 states during the 2013‐14 school year, the NFHS Network becomes the largest aggregated destination for coverage of high school sports in the country. Through a subscription‐based digital service available at www.NFHSnetwork.com, more students, parents and fans will be able to watch high school sports than ever before.

In addition to the MPA, NFHS member associations in the following states have finalized agreements and will be a part of the NFHS Network as the 2013‐14 season begins: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. In addition, member associations in a number of other states are close to completing agreements and are expected to join the NFHS Network soon.

“We believe this is one of the greatest opportunities in the 94‐year history of the NFHS as we are able to take advantage of new technology and showcase high school sports and performing arts on a national scale,” said Bob Gardner, NFHS executive director. “We are excited to provide viewership opportunities for fans of high school sports that have never existed before. The NFHS Network will help showcase our primary mission of expanding participation and opportunities for involvement in education‐based interscholastic sports and performing arts activities.”

“This is an outstanding opportunity for our postseason competition in athletics and activities to receive expanded coverage,” said Dick Durost, MPA executive director. “We are particularly pleased about the opportunity for friends and relatives in other states and around the world to follow their alma mater or a specific student performer who is a family member.”

Postseason games in all sports sponsored by the MPA will be available online on the Network, except for select championship events for which the MPA has existing television contracts with other media partners. Viewing opportunities for NFHS Network events will be posted in the coming months at www.NFHSnetwork.com.

The NFHS Network will build on the past success of PlayOn’s high‐quality coverage of high school sports at the state level. PlayOn currently streams nearly 30,000 events per school year and has worked with 32 state associations and sections in 26 states.

“Teaming up with the NFHS is a natural progression to build a truly national high school sports platform while honoring the local communities that support them,” said David Rudolph, PlayOn! Sports chief executive officer. “Our mission is to serve the current and future generations of student‐athletes, support and encourage their participation and make their performances accessible to their friends, family and fans on every media platform they use.”

The NFHS Network is a joint venture between the NFHS and PlayOn! Sports and will be governed and overseen by a combination of NFHS and PlayOn executives.

The Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association will be hosting a 5k Fun Run and Race as part of their Sheepscot Valley Family Festival on September 8. The “Salmon Run” course passes through and around beautiful Sheepscot Village, with the start and finish at the Harriet Bird Community Center in Newcastle, across from the SVCA office. The measured route follows quiet roads in the village, except for a brief connector on Route 218, with the first part of the race including a substantial hill climb.

The race starts at 9 a.m. with check-in and registration at 8 a.m. Racers can view the route and register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/Newcastle/SVCA5KRaceandFunRun Participants who register before August 23 will be guaranteed a Salmon Run T-shirt. The registration fee is $20 which helps to cover the cost of the T-shirt and goes towards drinks and snacks. Numerous race categories can be found on the website. Ribbons will be given for top times for men and women in each age class.

Free races for kids up to age 10 will begin at 10 a.m. The “Smolt Run” and “Fry Run” will take place at the Harriet Bird Center ball field where the majority of festival events will take place during the day. The top times for boys and girls will be given specially made ribbons and all will be given prizes for participation. Registration will happen just prior to the races.

All this running will kick off a day of other fun activities for people of all ages at the free festival. Community groups from throughout the watershed are participating in the festival to provide food and activities. Some groups will be raising money for their organizations; for example, the Sheepscott Community Church will sell baked goods and desserts to benefit the steeple repair on the nearby historic church. The Alna Fire Department will be selling barbeque and Wiscasset Yacht Club is offering lobster rolls.

Some of the fun activities include fly tying demonstrations, the Darling Marine Center salt water touch tank, Chewonki Foundation Birds of Prey program, a Mid-Coast Audubon table with birding activities, forestry activities with Hidden Valley Nature Center, face painting by the local Girl Scout Troop, meet the Morris Farm animals and local 4-H club, local farm tables, and much more.

For more information about the race and the festival, please email svca@sheepscot.org, or call the office at 207-586-5616. SVCA is looking for volunteers to help with the races and activities throughout the day, so give a call if you’d like to help out! For more information about SVCA visit us online at www.sheepscot.org or like us on Facebook www.facebook/sheepscot.

The 9th Annual Boothbay Region Fish & Game Association Saltwater Fishing Tournament was held August 10 and 11. The good weather drew an enthusiastic crowd of 35 adults and more than 50 kids.

The winning fish in the Adult Striper Division, a 24.5-incher, was taken by Kevin Stevens, who received a check for $200. Nick Stevens caught a 23.5-incher, good for second place and a check for $100. Joe Minshew took third with a bass measuring 22 and 15/16 inches and walked off with a $50 check. No fish were entered this year in the Adult Bluefish Division.

The Junior Mackerel Division was hotly contested, with dozens of fish entered. Ryan Stevens caught the winning mackerel, winning a $50 cash prize. Tommy Gray caught the second largest and took home $25 and Cameron Stevens placed third place, good for $10. Dan Dennison and Sidney Meader came in fourth and fifth, respectively, and also received $10 cash prizes.

The Junior Pollock Division was won by Matthew Sullivan, who took home $50 cash. Jacob Moulaison had the second-place fish, good for $25, and Abby Little entered the third place pollock and won $10. Cameron Stevens and Courtney Meader came in fourth and fifth, also good for $10 cash each.

Doug Roberts of Oak Street Outdoors contributed two $15 gift certificates, a Shimano reel, a spinning rod and reel combo and a fillet board. The Boothbay Lobster Wharf donated a $25 gift certificate, Rusty Court of the Casey Ann donated five pounds of lobsters, and the Boothbay Railway Museum donated a year’s membership and a novelty tin fishing sign. Harold Bishop Agency sent a check for $25, Frank Luke of Paul Luke Ship Yard donated $100, Paul Demers donated $50, Dick Spofford donated $20, and Stephen Rubicam Photography and Shark Six Charters donated a bicycle, won by Danny Gray.

Tournament organizers want to extend special thanks to Todd and Kim Simmons of the Boothbay Lobster Wharf for hosting the weigh-ins on both Saturday and Sunday. Thanks also to Grover's Hardware, Oak Street Provisions and The Boothbay Region YMCA for displaying the stunt bike the week before the tournament.

Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Fish & Game Association’s Life Skills Scholarship Fund as well as other Association programs.

The Boothbay Region Y Dolphin swim team season begins with a stroke clinic September 23 to October 4, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 4-5:30 p.m., and season practices begin the week of October 7.

Head Coach Nancy MacKinnon MacKinnon brings to the team a lifetime of swimming experience, enthusiasm and her love of swimming. ssistant Coach Earl Brewer returns with his positive spirit, motivation and swimming expertise. Assistant Coach Sarah Currier is a certified swim instructor, a current lifeguard at the Y and is excited to join the Dolphins this season. She has also been a swim team mom for five years.

Join the Pemaquid Paddlers on September 3 as we visit Muscongus Bay. Long before the Mayflower, English explorers were sailing this bay which takes its name from the Native American word for “fishing place.” We will paddle towards Waldoboro. Put-in is off of Dutch Neck Road. Take Route 32 to Dutch Neck Road, travel 2.8 miles. Look for a weathered wooden sign, about 6 feet off the ground on the left which reads “Boat Landing.” Turn left and go 0.2 miles to the parking area.

All trips will leave the put-in point at 9 a.m. and will last two to three hours. The trips are easy to moderate in difficulty. Participants must provide their own canoe or kayak and wear a life jacket. All trips are free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine. For more information, contact John Will at 207-677-6380 or email at pemaquidpaddlers@aol.com . You can also visit our website at http://pemaquidpaddlers.blogspot.com to find out more details about each trip.

The Hidden Valley Nature Center community recently hosted another annual Volunteer Appreciation cookout. HVNC would never be possible without a great core of committed and talented volunteers. This year, the Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Doreen Conboy of Alna. Congratulations, Doreen.

Doreen has been a consistent, and amazingly talented volunteer since HVNC’s inception. She and her husband, Joe Barth, hand made each of the trail signs. In case you didn’t know, there’s nearly thirty miles of trails. That’s a lot of signs! Doreen is also responsible for the two videos on HVNC’s website. The video on the homepage is a wonderful overview of HVNC’s activities and there is also an exciting video of our half-marathon trail race. If you haven’t seen the videos, be sure to visit www.hvnc.org.

HVNC has a vibrant volunteer community. Volunteer opportunities are endless. You can lead a walk, help mow and maintain trails, help organize an event, or help staff one of our events. We are particularly excited about volunteers who bring their expertise and interests with them. Do you have professional services, or experience that you could lend to HVNC, have an idea for a workshop or event? If you’re interested in volunteering, email andy@hvnc.org and let him know.

Mark your calendar for Sunday, Oct. 27 for our annual Race Thru the Woods. We’ll need time keepers, check point staff, registration help, trail crews and more. There will be warm fires, food and drink available, and, as always, a great group of people. 

The Boothbay Region Land Trust offered free environmental education throughout the summer at Camp Knickerbocker through its partnership with the Boothbay Region YMCA.

The land trust is actively raising money to sustain its education program as part of its Stewardship Campaign. For more information about the campaign and upcoming educational events, call 207-633-4818 or visit bbrlt.org.