The annual WinterKids App membership is now available. Families who purchase a membership and download the app will have access to offers on lift tickets, equipment rentals, gear, special family days, and much more at over 80 recreational areas and retailers across Maine. New offers are added to the app regularly throughout the winter, and in the off-season.

This is the fourth year of the WinterKids App, which replaced the Passport paper booklet. Users can register up to five family members for $40. The app is available for all kids 17 and younger. Offers vary within the app, and new offers are available regularly.

“The WinterKids App membership is an incredible opportunity for Maine families to get outside and be active together this winter,” says WinterKids Executive Director Julie Mulkern.

There are three steps to gaining access to these wintertime deals. First, interested families can view a list of App partner areas and purchase their membership online at winterkids.org/winterkids-app. Next, they can create family profiles for their account, which can include up to four children and/or other family members. Last, they can download the app onto a mobile device.

WinterKids is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to help children develop healthy lifelong habits through education and fun, outdoor winter activity. This year, WinterKids will reach 26,000 Maine and New Hampshire children through our family programs, school programs, and community events. WinterKids’ Major Community Sponsor is L.L.Bean. WinterKids’ Supporting Sponsors are Agren, CMP, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, WEX, and WMTW Channel 8 and The CW.  Learn more at WinterKids.org.

Woolwich welcomed the Yuletide season with caroling and hosting old Saint Nick at its annual tree lighting ceremony Sunday afternoon. Due to the pandemic this year’s event was held outside rather than indoors at the historic Nequasset Meetinghouse. Guests were encouraged to bring canned goods for Bath Area Food Bank, and many did.

The weather was clear but on the chilly side when the event started at 5. Collette Coombs of the Special Events Committee was working the refreshment table in the front entrance of the meetinghouse. The table was loaded with yummy baked goods, and there was hot chocolate and cider, too.

“Last year, because of the pandemic we weren’t able to hold our annual Yule Sing for the first time in something like 27 years. Todd McPhee, a former selectman and I started the tradition as a way for the community to gather during the holidays,” she said. The event is also a way to collect donations for the food bank. Several boxes were brimming with canned goods.

The Montsweagers, a folk band made-up of mostly Woolwich residents, warmed the atmosphere with holiday music. “It’s a little chilly but we’ve got a pretty good turnout tonight. It’s just nice to see people gathering again and having fun,” said Tammy Given, another member of the Special Events Committee.

Former selectman Lloyd Coombs was bundled up sporting a red stocking hat and thoroughly enjoying himself. Coombs told Wiscasset Newspaper he was looking forward to spending a quiet Christmas at home with wife Collette. “I wish everyone a very merry Christmas,” he said.

Sue Ellen Whittaker. there with her son, hopes 2022 will be a better year for everyone. “My Christmas wish is that more people will both remember, and honor the true meaning of the holiday season. It’s not just about receiving, it’s about giving too.” Selectman Jason Shaw said his Christmas wish is for people to be kinder to one another in the coming year. “I hope people all over the country can learn to put their differences aside and start working together and make things better.”

As for Santa, his Christmas wish was for everyone, everywhere to stay healthy and safe during the holiday season, and throughout the coming year.  

Wiscasset ushered in the Christmas season with Saturday night’s tree lighting on the town common. Close to 200 area residents braved the cold to sing carols and watch the tree light up. Wiscasset Parks and Recreation provided hot cocoa and treats, outside this year due to the pandemic. Recreation Programmer Chelsea Taylor said she’d made about 100 gingerbread people and in total there were over 200 cookies and candy canes to give out. They were a hit and by the end of the night, there weren’t many treats left.

Luminaries lighted the way up the town common to the steps of First Congregational Church where, as he has for over 30 years, Dr. Jeff Grosser served as emcee. He helped lead the crowd in not one but two countdowns to the lighting of the tree when the tree needed a little more encouragement after the first one.

More than 20 students from Wiscasset School Department performed Christmas favorites as well as some new tunes, led by music director Carole Drury. Santa also made an appearance, helping to lead several songs with the students and greeting children after the lighting.

The large multi-colored lighted tree now joins the many smaller trees all along route 1 lighted up throughout the holiday season.

Wiscasset Middle High School is preparing to return its boys’ and girls’ basketball teams to Mountain Valley Conference competition but whether the season goes forward depends on which direction the COVID pandemic goes. The Wolverines canceled a planned scrimmage with Temple Christian returning to remote learning just before the Thanksgiving break. They’re scheduled to scrimmage with Richmond Tuesday, Dec. 7.  As of press time, the Wolverine boys will open their MVC season Friday night at Dirigo High School in Dixfield, while the girls begin their season the following afternoon, Dec. 11 in Jay at Spruce Mountain High School.

Bob Applebee, WMHS assistant athletic director, has returned to coach the Wolverine girls. Applebee served as assistant coach for five years, three under Ben Clark, and two with Tom Philbrick who coached the team in 2018 and 2019. The pandemic resulted in the Wolverines cancelling their 2020-21 season. Colleen Hendricks, a WMHS alumnus and graduate of University of Maine at Machias is assisting Applebee courtside this season.

Applebee has 10 girls on his roster – four seniors, two sophomores and four freshmen. He hadn’t named his team captains yet but expected to soon. “We’re working on fundamentals; pick and roll, a screen away type offense, man to man defense, press breakers and inbound plays,” he said. “We’re trying to get the girls to have a feel for the game on offense, finding the open spots in the defense and trying to exploit them.”

Applebee was asked to share his three wishes for the team this season. He said first and foremost he hopes his players stay healthy and have fun; second, that his players continue to improve; and lastly, that the Wolverines can pick up a win or two. “If we accomplish the first two, I’ll consider it a successful season. We are definitely in a rebuilding mode. Losing last year to COVID didn't help,” added the coach.

Applebee’s coaching career began here in 1980 and spans two generations. He’s coached at every level, the Recreation league including the traveling team, for the junior high and the high school. “What keeps me doing this are the relationships I build with the players and their parents,” he said. The pandemic has made coaching a lot more challenging, he added, because games and practices can be postponed at a moment's notice, or cancelled.

“We’ll be wearing masks for all activities this season – during practice, games, youth clinics we’re involved in and also during bus rides. Nobody likes to play sports wearing masks but the girls understand, and they comply with all the special rules. At any moment we could lose a player due to close contact quarantine, or a positive test.”

The first home game for the Wolverine girls is Tuesday, Dec. 14 when they’ll host Oak Hill. Game updates are posted on the WMHS website.

Rick Larrabee will coach the Wolverine boys. During the 2018-2019 season, Larrabee coached Monmouth girls’ varsity basketball, guiding the Lady Mustangs to a 14-4 finish. The team finished sixth 6 in class C South and won a preliminary tournament game against Carrabec before losing the quarterfinal game to North Yarmouth Academy.

“I live in Augusta and work at New England Rent to Own in Chelsea. I graduated from Erskine Academy in 2003 and from the University of Presque Isle in 2009. I have a degree in secondary education with a concentration in social studies,” he told Wiscasset Newspaper. Larrabee said he applied for Wolverine coach after seeing it advertised online. “Having previously coached in the MVC, I was familiar with WMHS’s program and I reached out to Warren Cossette, WMHS athletic director.

“From the very beginning Warren and I were on the same page with the understanding that the program was in need of a major rebuild and that work had to also be done with the community youth basketball program. We were both of the understanding that this was not going to be an easy turnaround but would require a building process of maybe four-plus years,” continued Larrabee.

“I was interested in the challenge of having the chance to build my own program from the ground up. Having the ability to build the team culture and have everyone be on the same page is very important to every sports program and I thought it was a good chance for everyone here at WMHS to get a fresh start.

“Mainly, we’re concentrating on building fundamentals. I break everything down and teach the basics so the players know what they need to be working on in order to slowly improve,” he said. “My overall goal for the season is for steady improvement. I love our team's work ethic and love of the game. We have a good mix of upperclassmen and youth, so I expect the foundation of this year to be set with strong implications of what the culture will be like in the years to come.

“Since Wiscasset didn't field any basketball teams last year, my guys are excited to get out on the court to play other teams. All my guys understand that the road ahead of them will be difficult and that there is a lot of learning that needs to be done. Knowing that though, they enter every practice ready to go and eager to get better every day. Right now, this season is not about wins and losses, but we will play to be competitive every game and I am hopeful that we will be able to grab a few wins throughout the season,” Larrabee said.

Larrabee has 15 players to work with: Dillon Leeman and Dawson Bush, both seniors, and Cory Ricker, a junior, are the captains. The other upperclassmen are Nate Schutte, Johnny Spies and Lars Buhlmann, a foreign exchange student from Germany; all are juniors. Two underclassmen to watch are freshmen D’Vantae Raymond and Jevar Garricks.

“The thing I love the most about coaching is seeing the players develop over time. Remembering where they started skill-wise during the first week of practice, and looking at where they have improved to by the end of the season is always a great experience to be a part of. As a coach, I am also a big advocate for teaching life lessons. When teachable moments arise I believe that as coaches and teachers it is important that we address them and help the student-athletes as they progress through their high school playing careers. Winning and losing is a big part of life, but a win/loss record isn't as important as learning how to become a good person, and being involved in that process as the players grow and learn is a pretty special thing for most coaches.” added Larrabee.

Midcoast Conservancy will host its tenth annual Biathlon at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson on Sunday, Feb. 20. All ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate! Biathlon is an Olympic sport that combines cross country skiing and target shooting. This year, the race will include a fat bike option as well, where racers ride rather than ski. There will also be a category for snowshoe racers.

Midcoast Conservancy’s event is a twist on the classic, using paintball rifles. All rifles are provided by Midcoast Conservancy, and each racer will receive safety training on how to use the rifle. Races will begin about 9 a.m. and continue into the early afternoon. All day long there will be bonfires and spectators are encouraged. Biathlon fans should consider volunteering if they are not planning to race; the race volunteer crew can always use extra hands!

Race categories are based on self-selected skill levels upon pre-race check in, and there is a special category for youth racers. Gear will be available to rent for any racers needing skis, snowshoes or a bike. Registration fees are $20 for adults, $10 for kids and students. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited and prices go up $5 per participant on Feb. 13. Register at https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events-list/biathlon; Day-of registrations as space allows.

For more information, go to www.midcoastconservancy.org or call (207) 389-5150.

The varsity boys basketball game at Wiscasset scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 18 will now start at 11 a.m. due to a forecast of snow in the afternoon, said Allan Crocker, Boothbay Region High School athletic director via email on Tuesday evening.

The Boothbay Region Seahawks easily defeated the Wiscasset Wolverines, 86-12, in Wiscasset on Saturday, Dec. 18.

“The whole team contributed to our success and we are focusing on continuing to get better and are just happy to be back playing again,” said Seahawk coach Dan Hallinan.

We started our Adult Basketball League here at Wiscasset Community Center this past Sunday, Dec. 19. There will be three games each Sunday evening beginning at 4:45. Here are the results for our first week, with the scoring breakdown for the top three of each team:

4:45 game: Cantrell's Seafood: 91 (Brandon Lancaster, 37; Randy Moody, 18; and Michael Connors, 16); Red's Eats: 89 (Cody Tozier, 36; Matt Rines, 35; and Brendan Emmons, 9).

6 p.m. game: First National Bank: 113 (Bryan James 43; Julian Aponte, 21; and Jacob Leonard, 14); Wiscasset Parks & Recreation: 81 (Shane Hutchings, 28; Kyle Moore, 18; and Damian Little and Conlon Ranta, 10).

7:15 game: Ames True Value: 91 (Brandon Goud, 23; Roy Arsenault, 23; and Ethan James, 19); Water Street Kitchen: 85 (Cody Roberts 22; Matt Craig 18; and Sean Chubbuck and Matt Hinkley, 12).

I just can’t seem to resist a story trail and Boothbay Region Land Trust’s one-mile, family reading trail is just the right length – when it’s 20F!

This read is about a cardinals couple “Red and Lulu” who love each other and their life in an evergreen tree that belongs to a family of humans. Red and Lulu particularly like it when the family decorates their tree for Christmas, and even better when they and the neighbors gather around it and sing. The cardinals love the melody of  “O Christmas Tree” and some years they sang along.

Book bonus: It inspires a family (or singleton) to sing while making their way to the next page! I found myself still humming the tune when I got back to the parking lot.

There are some exciting twists to Red and Lulu’s story involving the evergreen tree, travel and separation, but not to worry, it is a Christmas story, after all.

One thing I love about the story trails, in addition to reading the books out loud, in winter are the sounds around me: The sounds of tree branches moving in a light wind, the crunching of snow under your boots, the water flowing in the stream under the first bridge …

If you have yak traxx or other ice walking apparatus to attach to your boots do wear them, although there aren’t a lot of places where ice is an issue so, if you don’t have any, don’t let that prevent you from making the trip!

There was one very wet and muddy area when I went on Dec. 23. It was where the trail winds along Townsend Gut. Maybe around page 7, but there was enough room on the right side to walk up onto solid ground and get around it.

Written and illustrated by Matt Tavares, “Red and Lulu” will remain up through Jan. 2, making it a perfect outing during school vacation. And, who knows? We could get some snow during that time and if we do, bring your sleds or saucers. But, it’d be best not to pull a Clark Griswald (remember Chevy Chase in “Christmas Vacation”) and spray some kind of lubricant on the bottom; you’ll get plenty of speed on the cleared hillside at Oak Point Farm that ends in a large field overlooking the Gut.

Leashed canine members of the family are always welcome on the trail. Don’t forget waste bags, and if your dog loves a good sing-a-long too, there will be some interesting harmonies floating on the air while you’re there!

The Farm is at 60 Samoset Road in Boothbay Harbor. For more BRLT info, including the next story trail book, visit www.bbrlt.org or call 633-4818.

The Boothbay Region High School and Wiscasset Middle High School combined indoor track teams returned to practices at Boothbay Region YMCA over winter break Dec. 27. The Seahawks went on hiatus the week of Dec. 20 when BRHS went into remote learning due to COVID-19 cases, general high rate of absences and a bus driver shortage.

Now, the teams are gearing up for their first meet of the season at University of Southern Maine’s indoor invitational Dec. 30. Coach Nick Scott welcomed athletes back to the Y’s track in an email detailing precautions for practice and competition. Masks must be worn by everyone while indoors whether in BRHS facilities or indoors off campus and while competing or engaged in physical activity.

USM is requiring proof of vaccination or proof of a recent negative test if unvaccinated, said Scott. He also said Seahawks-Wolverines coaches will have to verify athletes’ information beforehand to complete paperwork for the event. USM also requires masking at all times including athletes during competition. “This is important and our team will not be able to compete if we don't adhere to these protocols.”

Marissa Davidson, Emily Gosselin, Danielle Warren, Zoe Curtis, Caden Royal, Dylan Plumber, Sebastian Warren-Burdin, Edward Carpenter, Payton Blagdon, Bryan Gagnon, Henry Putnam, Austin Trask, Nate Benoit and Kayden Ames will each be competing in one to three events. The teams will also field 4x200 relay teams.

The Seahawks-Wolverines will return to USM Jan. 6. Meet hosts and coaches are seeking parents and siblings to volunteer at the event. Said Scott, “Please reach out to one of the coaches to express interest. The meet begins at 5:30 p.m. and a likely departure time from BRHS will be roughly 3 p.m.”

There are still a few spots left in the six-session winter Youth Cross-country Ski Clinic that Midcoast Conservancy is offering beginning Saturday, Jan. 8, and running through Feb. 12, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson.

The clinic, for kids ages 5-14, is the perfect setting for skiers of different levels to gain skills and confidence while enjoying HVNC’s trails. Instructors use creative, non-competitive methods to get the skiers out on the trails having fun each week.

To register, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events-list/youth-cross-country-ski-clinic.

What does it really mean to have a "healthy forest?” What would a forest look like during and after some tree cutting?

Anyone looking for answers to those questions and more is invited to come to Hidden Valley Nature Center Saturday, Jan. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to learn how forest stewardship can benefit wildlife and recreation.

Led by forester Barrie Brusila of Mid Maine Forestry and Tim Libby, forest manager for Midcoast Conservancy, the walk and talk destination will be the current crop tree release project in the Nature Center's forest, where small scale forest management techniques will be discussed while viewing Midcoast Conservancy's active management.

All ages are welcome, and there is no charge. Rain date is Jan. 23. To register, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events-list/winter-woods-walk or call (207) 389-5150.

Midcoast Conservancy will offer a full moon hike (or snowshoe, if there is snow on the ground) at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson on Monday, Jan. 17 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Hikers can enjoy a crisp evening illuminated by the glow of the Full Wolf Moon — named after the howling of hungry wolves lamenting the scarcity of food in midwinter — and discover a new way of being in the woods. At night, sounds become more pronounced; the group will listen for owls and the rustling of nighttime foragers along the trail.

Participants should meet at the gate at HVNC at 4:15 p.m.; hikers should dress warmly, wear shoes with good grips and bring a hiking stick if desired, along with a snack, drink and flashlight or headlamp. The hike guide will lead the group to shore of Little Dyer Pond to watch the moon rise over the water. The hike will be about 40 minutes each way, and of moderate ease. Snowshoes are available by reservation, or participants can bring their own, in the event of snow. For more information or to register, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events-list/full-moon-hike-1-17-22 or call (207) 389-5150.

Beginning Saturday, Jan. 8, all are invited to come try out Nordic skiing, fat tire biking and snowshoeing at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson. With gear in sizes for all members of the family, these affordable rentals are a great way to explore new sports without having to invest in the equipment right away.

Explore 25 miles of trails at Hidden Valley Nature Center, including groomed classic trails and untouched backcountry ones. Terrain varies from broad flat logging roads to more challenging and hilly trails; everyone can find a trail that suits their ability and staff are on hand to recommend routes.

Rentals are available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through March, or until the snow disappears. Gear will also be available daily during the Presidents Week vacation, Feb. 21 through 25. No rentals on Sunday, Feb. 20 due to the winter Biathlon at HVNC.

Members enjoy discounted rates; new members receive a free rental, then the 50% discount on future rentals. To learn more, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/newsfeed/2022-winter-gear-rentals-at-hidden-valley-nature-center.

Boothbay Harbor Country Club makes Golfweek’s Best 2022 list of the Top Resort Courses in the U.S. – making it into the top 100!

After a rigorous review of several criteria by Golfweek’s expert rating panel, the top resort courses in the U.S. were selected with BHCC coming in at 92 (top 100) on their national “best of” list.

About this recognition for the golf course, owner Paul Coulombe said, “For BHCC to make it onto Golfweek’s Best prestigious list of the top resort courses in the US is truly an honor. Our team has worked diligently over the last several years – meticulously improving the course, creating challenging holes that take advantage of our natural surroundings and beautiful vistas. It has been a labor of love and we’re delighted to receive this recognition by Golfweek Magazine.”

Jason Lusk, creative director at Golfweek, said, “Any course that ranks inside Golfweek’s Best top 100 resort courses is worthy of further inspection and almost certain to provide a great round of golf. There are no sure things in life, but a day on any of these courses comes close.”

To view the full list, visit: https://golfweek.usatoday.com/lists/golfweeks-best-2022-top-200-resort-golf-courses/

AUGUSTA — Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Amanda Beal and the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) announced an 8% increase in final attendance for Maine State Parks in 2021 compared to the previous all-time attendance record in 2020.

In 2021, Maine State Parks welcomed more than 3.3 million visitors, compared to 3 million in 2020. In addition, three of the last four years have reported record-breaking visitation across Maine's 12 State Park campgrounds and 48 State Parks and Historic Sites collectively, according to DACF, in a news release..

By November 2021, Maine State Parks had already surpassed the 2020 record. Beginning with a tremendous turnout for annual First Day Hikes and regular visitation for winter park use, including hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, record-breaking camping and day-use visitation continued straight through summer and fall.

"It is great to see more people than ever enjoying our trails, campgrounds, beaches, and ponds,” said Commissioner Beal,

Beal greatly enjoys hiking in Maine's State Parks, having first summited Bradbury Mountain at age 5, according to the release.

“Our beautiful State Parks are go-to destinations for Maine residents and visitors as they look to find accessible and welcoming outdoor recreation opportunities," she said, “On pace with increased park visitation are the number of compliments for our State Park staff, which is well-deserved as they have worked diligently over the course of this busy year to ensure an enjoyable experience for visitors!"

"Many of us have realized that the safest, healthiest, and most enjoyable place to be in the pandemic is outside," said BPL Director Andy Cutko. "In 2021 we welcomed back many out-of-staters who didn’t visit Maine in 2020, and we saw continued strong visitation from Mainers of all ages. I’m proud to say my family contributed to the camping numbers for multiple State Parks, and I'm thankful to our staff and volunteer campground hosts for running our operations so smoothly."

In 2021, best practices and key learning from 2020 ensured BPL staff were prepared to protect the health of coworkers and park visitors. Covid-19 sparked park amenity curtailments and temporary closures during the 2020 season. BPL continues to adapt its plans as new health advisories are issued.

Camper Alert: Maine State Park camping reservations open February 1, 2022.

The Boothbay Region High School Seahawks and Wiscasset High School Wolverines hosted their first Mountain Valley Conference indoor track and field meet Jan. 6. The combined teams faced Mountain Valley High School, Winthrop High School, and Madison High School at the University of Southern Maine Gorham campus.

The boys placed first in points beating MVHS by nearly 60 points and the girls tied for second with Winthrop. Seahawks Coach Nick Scott said the standout performances were hard to identify as all athletes placed well and earned a spot on the “Boothcasset” top performance lists.

“Austin Trask had an impressive night all around, but most importantly he qualified provisionally for states in the 55m dash … Kayden Ames once again threw far in the shot put while Dylan Plummer, in his first high school track meet, had several solid performances … Also competing in her first high school track meet, Savannah Compare scored in all four of her events. Abbie Clark won the 800m run … (and) Marissa Davison threw an all time PR in the shot put.”

Trask and Bryan Gagnon joined fellow Wolverines Henry Putnam and Payton Blagdon on the top 10 55m dash times – Trask’s 7.28 first place and Gagnon’s 7.65 third made for the second and fourth best times in the event with Trask one millisecond behind recent alumnus Gerald Gagne. Putnam’s and Blagdon’s performances at the teams’ first meet earned them fifh and ninth in the category.

Trask, Gagnon and Putnam took second, third and fourth in the 200m dash in 26.11, 26.37 and 27.92. Their times put them at second, fourth and eighth in the event’s top 10 list, milliseconds behind recent alumni stars Will Perkins, Graham Harris and Jordan Pait. Blagdon and fellow Wolverine Nate Benoit took first and second in the 55m hurdles in 10.24 and 11.43 putting them at second and third in the record books. Seahawk Ryan Clark took first in the one-mile run in 5:29.2 making his the sixth-best time in Boothcasset history.

Plummer, Benoit and Rodion Mayne took second, third and fourth in the long jump with 14’10”, 12’11” and 11’9”, earning them fourth, fifth and seventh in the record books. Plummer and Benoit also took first and second in the triple jump with 31’8” and 26’6”. Plummer tied alumnus Jeremy Blackman’s 2006-2007 record for second on the top 10 list with Benoit earning the third spot.

Ames, Plummer and Trask took first, second and third in shot put with 42’7”, 29’11” and 28’10” throws. They earned third, seventh and eighth in the top 10 list. Blagdon, Putnam, Trask and Gagnon’s 4x200m relay team took first in 1:48.82 beating out the Quinn Ranta, Nathan Chatterton, Pait and Harris 2019-2020 team by less than a second.

Compare and Wolverine Danielle Warren took third and fourth in the 55m dash in 9.34 and 9.6, Compare just breaching the top 10 which has remained untouched for 15 years. Seahawks Abbie Clark and Grace Campbell took first and second in the 800m run in 3:04.55 and 3:05.88 making them sixth and seventh in the top 10. Davison took fourth in shot put with a 20’10” throw, the fifth-best just two inches shy of alumna Terri House’s 1998-1999 outing. Warren, Clark, Campbell and Compare took second in the 4x200m relay in 2:28.29 making theirs the third-best team in Boothcasset history.

Said Scott, “Hopefully we can look back at the event years from now and point to it as the moment when an indoor MVC track league was born.”

Many people find they are less likely to get as much exercise during the long, cold winter in Midcoast Maine.

As a way to encourage people to be active and perhaps discover some new places to explore in Lincoln County, LincolnHealth, 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! Lincoln County, Boothbay Region Land Trust, Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, and Midcoast Conservancy are collaborating to offer the 19th annual Winter Physical Activity Challenge, “Moving Across the MidCoast.”

The Winter Physical Activity Challenge is a seven-week event open to local businesses, organizations, schools and individuals. Participants are challenged to be physically active for at least 30 minutes, four times a week, or an equivalent amount of time in order to reach the symbolic goal of hiking around Lincoln County.

Once registered, participants receive a colorful Challenge Map highlighting local trails and winter events, accompanied by fun facts about each location, event, or program. Also included are trail locations, length, and level of difficulty.

Participants choose how and when they want to be active throughout the week, and record their progress on the tracking map. Any time spent doing a physical activity, whether indoors or outdoors, counts toward the goal. Participants do not have to walk or hike the specific trails on the map.

The challenge, which started Monday, Jan. 10, will run to Feb. 25. People may participate as individuals or form a team with friends, family, or coworkers.

This program is free of charge and all are welcome to participate. Registration is required and can be done online at bit.ly/moving-across-the-midcoast. The deadline to register is Friday, Jan. 14.

For more information, email LCHWOWCouncil@lchcare.org or call LincolnHealth Education at 207-563-4540.

The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis – its worst blood shortage in more than a decade. Dangerously low blood supply levels are posing a concerning risk to patient care and forcing doctors to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available.

Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments, and donors of all blood types – especially type O − are urged to make an appointment now to give in the weeks ahead.

In recent weeks, the Red Cross had less than a one-day supply of critical blood types and has had to limit blood product distributions to hospitals. At times, as much as one-quarter of hospital blood needs are not being met.

The Red Cross continues to confront relentless challenges due to COVID-19, including about a 10% overall decline in the number of people donating blood as well as ongoing blood drive cancellations and staffing limitations. Additionally, the pandemic has contributed to a 62% drop in blood drives at schools and colleges.

“Winter weather across the country and the recent surge of COVID-19 cases are compounding the already-dire situation facing the blood supply,” said Dr. Baia Lasky, medical director for the Red Cross. “Please, if you are eligible, make an appointment to give blood or platelets in the days and weeks ahead to ensure no patient is forced to wait for critical care.”

Over the next six weeks, about 45% of donation appointments remain unfilled in the Northern New England Red Cross Region. Make an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

To donate blood, bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Those 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

The Red Cross and the NFL are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge people to give blood or platelets and help tackle the national blood shortage. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will be entered for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to donate will also be entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card. Terms apply; visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for more information.

The Red Cross also needs volunteers to support critical blood collections across the country. Blood drive volunteers play an important role by greeting, registering, answering questions and providing information to blood donors throughout the donation process. Blood transportation specialists – another volunteer opportunity − provide a critical link between blood donors and blood recipients by delivering blood to hospitals in communities across the country. To volunteer to support Red Cross blood collections, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and  other precautions including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

Salt Bay Farm, 110 Belvedere Road, Damariscotta, is a favorite local destination for sledding. The big hill behind the parking lot offers a long, fast descent to those with a taste for speed, while the gentle hill just behind the farmhouse is just right for a milder ride.

On Saturdays through the winter, when there’s enough snow and the weather cooperates, Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust is hosting pop-up sledding parties at Salt Bay Farm from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Volunteers will have a campfire going and will be serving hot cocoa and marshmallows for toasting. There will also be sleds and snowshoes available to borrow.

All are welcome, and the sledding parties are free. Coastal Rivers will make the call about whether or not to go ahead with the sledding party on the Friday before and will post updates on its website and Facebook page. For more information, go to coastalrivers.org/events-programs/pop-up-sledding-parties

Salt Bay Farm is open to the public for sledding, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at any time, dawn to dusk, on an “at your own risk” basis. Coastal Rivers is a non-profit, member-supported, nationally accredited land trust caring for the lands and waters of the Damariscotta-Pemaquid Region by conserving special places, protecting water quality, creating trails and public access, and deepening connections to nature through education programs.

Winter in the woods can be a really great time for getting to know trees.  Many, of course, have lost their leaves - but that can make it even easier to focus on some of their even more visible features, from the shape of twigs to the shape of the tree, not to mention the bark, the buds, and more.  Join Maine Master Naturalist Susan Cottle for a walk to check out trees in the woods at Hidden Valley Nature Center on Sunday, Jan. 23 at 1 pm.  

This is a free event open to all ages, but group size is limited to 12 and registration is required. Participants are encouraged to register early to reserve a spot. For more information and to register, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events-list/appreciating-trees-in-winter.

Midcoast Conservancy is a vibrant regional land trust that works to protect vital lands and waters on a scale that matters and to inspire wonder and action on behalf of all species and the Earth. The organization works throughout the Sheepscot River, Medomak River, and Damariscotta Lake watersheds. Midcoast Conservancy manages over 13,000 acres in 55 preserves and 95 miles of trails, including Hidden Valley, a preserve with cabin and outdoor recreation equipment rentals and a low-impact forestry program. Community members can get involved in the organization’s work as volunteers with water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, fish passage projects, forestry and oyster farming or outdoor recreation and education. For more information, go to www.midcoastconservancy.org or call (207) 389-5150.

Midcoast Conservancy will offer two adult ski clinics this winter at Hidden Valley Nature Center on Sundays, Feb. 6 and 13 from 9 a.m. to noon. Veteran ski coaches will help boost students’ confidence and skill on skis. Cross-country skiing is a great way to enjoy Maine winters, and this clinic is designed to get participants skiing with confidence for the rest of the winter.

Throughout the session, coaches will cover the basics of safe skiing, from technique to trail etiquette. By the end of the morning confidence levels will be boosted and skiers will feel prepared to practice on their own all winter. Coaches will do their best to ensure that the pace of the day meets everyone’s needs and abilities.

The clinic costs $30 for Midcoast Conservancy members and $40 for non-members. Ski rentals are available at Hidden Valley for $15. Anyone signing up as a new member will enjoy the member rate and free rental gear for the day. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events.

For more information, visit www.midcoastconservancy.org or call (207) 389-5150.

Ice fishing for rainbow smelt has been a winter staple for generations of Mainers. The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) is excited to welcome Dr. Danielle Frechette, a biologist at the Maine Department of Marine Resources, to speak about the colorful lives of rainbow smelt on Thursday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. The virtual evening lecture will provide insights into the biology, ecology, behavior, and natural history of these fascinating fish. Participants are welcomed and encouraged to ask questions during the Q&A portion of the lecture.

During the colder months, smelt congregate in schools near their spring spawning tributaries and clusters of fishing shacks often dot the ice above them. Along with drawing folks out to brave the winter cold, these small silvery fish play an important role in Maine’s estuaries and food webs. They are one of the few important species of sea-run fish that migrate between fresh and salt water.

Registration is free and required in order to receive the Zoom link for the presentation. The Zoom link will be sent out to registrants before the event. For more information and to sign-up, visit KELT’s website at www.kennebecestuary.org/upcoming-events or call (207) 442-8400.

Dr. Danielle Frechette completed her PhD studies at the Eau Terre Environnement Centre, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique in July 2019. Her current research focuses on salmon ecology and migration, conservation translocation, and population dynamics. She is also a principal investigator in the Gulf of Maine Research Institute’s Smelt Spawning project, which hopes to answer the question: where are anadromous smelt spawning in Maine? The presentation will highlight opportunities for people to get involved as volunteer citizen scientists in this study.

Winter in the woods can be a really great time for getting to know trees. Many, of course, have lost their leaves — but that can make it even easier to focus on some of their even more visible features, from the shape of twigs to the shape of the tree, not to mention the bark, the buds, and more.  

Join Maine Master Naturalist Susan Cottle for a walk to check out trees in the woods at Hidden Valley Nature Center on Sunday, Jan. 30 at 1 p.m. 

This is a free event open to all ages, but group size is limited to 12 and registration is required. Participants are encouraged to register early to reserve a spot. For more information and to register, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events-list/appreciating-trees-in-winter.

For more information, go to www.midcoastconservancy.org or call (207) 389-5150.

The Seahawks-Wolverines combined indoor track teams traveled to University of Southern Maine in Gorham for their second Mountain Valley Conference meet Jan. 20. The boys team competed alone and the girls faced Madison Memorial and Winthrop High schools.

For the girls, Savannah Compare and Danielle Warren took third and fourth in the 55m dash in 9.08 and 9.54; Compare, Warren and Emily Gosselin took third, fifth and sixth in the 200m dash in 33.43, 36.3 and 39.67; Abbie Clark and Grace Campbell took first and second in the 800m run in 2:56 and 3:02.67; Gosselin took first by default in the 55m hurdles in 15.89; Warren, Marissa Davison and Campbell took third through fifth in the long jump with 7’6”, 6’5” and 6’5”; and Davison took first in shot put with 22’3.5”. The 4x200m relay team – Warren, Clark, Campbell and Compare – took first in 2:23.24.

For the boys, Austin Trask, Bryan Gagnon, Henry Putnam, Nate Benoit, Caden Royal and Edward Carpenter placed first through sixth in the 55m dash in 7.33, 7.72, 7.74, 8.16, 9.07 and 10.59; Gagnon, Trask and Putnam took first through third in the 200m dash in 25.99, 26.17 and 27.8; Benoit and Rodion Mayne took first and second in the 400m dash in 1:12.47 and 1:13.24; Ryan Clark and Benoit took first by default in the one-mile run and 55m hurdles respectively in 5:24.07 and 11.28; Trask and Mayne took first and second in the long jump with 16’11” and 13’6”; Royal, Putnam, Mayne and Carpenter took first through fourth in shot put with 25’10”, 24’7.5”, 22’10” and 17’7”. The 4x200m relay team – Trask, Ryan Clark, Putnam and Gagnon – took first by default in 1:52.84.

Several Seahawks and Wolverines posted personal bests and ascended the Boothcasset All-Time Top 10 list. For the boys, Putnam went from from sixth to fifth best in the 55m dash and Gagnon jumped two spots to second in the 200m dash. Putnam also shaved a tenth of a second off his personal best in the 200m dash. Benoit and Mayne joined the 400m dash top 10 at ninth and 10th and Ryan Clark moved from seventh to fourth in the one-mile run. In his indoor long jump debut, Trask took first place on the top 10 and Mayne and Benoit claimed seventh and eighth. For the girls, Compare placed on the 55m dash and 200m dash top 10 lists at ninth for both events. Abbie Clark and Campbell claimed fifth and seventh for the 800m run and Gosselin fourth for the 55m hurdles. Davison outperformed her shot put best-throw by five inches remaining fourth on the top 10 list.

The girls and boys 4x200m relay teams took third and fourth on the top 10 list.

People are traveling hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of miles to the Boothbay region to see one of the world’s rarest birds. National Geographic reports there are about 4,000 Steller’s sea eagles in the world. The bird has an eight-foot wingspan and weighs about 20 pounds. The bird is typically found in Siberia, but also has regular sightings in Japan, China and Korea.

In 2020, the bird was sighted in Alaska before traveling to Texas and to Canada where it was seen in Quebec and Nova Scottia. In mid-December, the Steller’s sea eagle made its way to Massachusetts. The rare bird was seen in Georgetown’s “Five Islands” village on Jan. 2 before making its way to the Boothbay Harbor region. And once the eagle landed in the region, eager bird enthusiasts followed. 

Ken Beckley, 65, and wife Michelle Beckley, 62, of upstate New York traveled from the Empire State’s Saratoga region to see the rare bird. Once they saw reports of a confirmed Steller’s sea eagle sighting, they decided to make the five-hour car ride to Boothbay Harbor. “We’re birders and we both knew we had to make the trip,” Ken said. “We’ve been following the bird on Cornell University’s e-Bird website which tracks rare and unique bird sightings.”

On Jan. 24, the Beckleys saw and photographed the eagle on Samoset Road. Even though they accomplished their goal, the couple is sticking around for a few more days. They were found on the Southport bridge Jan. 24, photographing other rare birds. “We haven’t been to Boothbay in the winter so we are sticking around looking for other birds like the cormorant,” he said. 

A Coloradan took a different approach after photographing the Steller’s sea eagle. Flagship Inn manager Julie Bryer reports the Coloradan had a one-day stay. “He flew to Boston, rented a car to drive here. He found the bird, and left,” she said.

For Bryer and the Flagship Inn staff, January has been an atypical month. Whereas in the past, January and February are among the slowest months for bookings, this year has seen 10-14 bookings per day. Guests from New York, Texas, Colorado, New York, Vermont, Indiana, Connecticut and Pennsylvania are all staying in the inn to see the eagle. 

“We hope he never leaves,” Bryer said. “The bird left for a couple days to Bristol, but now is back. A couple of guests were so glad to hear this they extended their stay for three more days.”

Local restaurants are also enjoying a sharp rise in business. Once the eagle was sighted in the region, Brady’s Pub owner Jenn Mitchell began receiving phone calls from bird enthusiasts from all over the country. Mitchell reported the eagle spent a lot of time in the cove eating ducks. She understands it is staying on Burnt Island. “What really blows my mind is so many people from all over the country are coming here,” she said. “It left for a couple days and returned Sunday and did a flyover over the cove.”

Mitchell has tracked the bird’s movement on “Maine Bird Alert” after bird enthusiasts told her about the website. Mitchell has enjoyed serving an unexpected crowd of winter patrons, but she is also amazed at how many guests arrived mid-winter. Mitchell has spoken to a Buffalo, New York high school teacher, and others from Arkansas, Seattle and Oklahoma.  “This is so cool. My mother saw (about) 50 people on the Southport bridge in the morning looking for the bird. And now, there is (about) 200 at the (former) Ship Ahoy property looking for it.”

One visitor may not have been lucky enough to see the bird. French national Olivier Langrand, 63, is a conservationist. He lives in Reston, Virginia and works for the French-sponsored Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund. He tracks rare species as part of his work. Once he learned the eagle was in Maine, Langrand made plans to visit the region. 

He arrived Jan. 17 and, as of Jan. 21, hadn’t seen the bird. “I’m planning to leave Jan. 23 so I hope I see it before leaving,” he said. Langrand started tracking the bird after reports surfaced of an Alaskan sighting in 2020. He wanted to track it to Canada, but COVID-19 restricted him from crossing the border. “I have birded since I was 4. One of the things about birding is you’re not always guaranteed seeing what you look for.”

Mitchell reports birders tell her the Steller’s sea eagle is likely lost and may not leave anytime soon.“This is the only time it has returned to a place. They think it may remain here for a while and make it a home,” she said.

“Winter is going to be a season of flip-flop conditions with notable polar coaster swings in temperatures!” So saith this year’s Farmer’s Almanac website. It was the “polar coaster” bit that got my attention.

Break out the sleds, saucers, snowshoes, skis ... and Yak Traxx (or some such gripping devices) on the bottoms of winter boots would be in order, too. And bundle up for that polar weather!

Now, there are a lot of ice-skating fans among us. Given this, they know where to go to get their skate on. But in case you don’t or are looking for somewhere new, I’ve got suggestions! First off, make sure the ice is safe to dance and spin and glide on. In speaking with Christine Selman at Boothbay Region Land Trust, the Facebook group Maine and NH Skating and Ice Report was named a good resource. It is a private group, but all you have to do is ask to join! I got in … just saying ...

Ice skating: Tibbett’s Pond (thank you Peter Panagore for the fun mini-video the other day) in East Boothbay; Boothbay Harbor: Appalachee Pond/east side of Harbor (no parking at the pond, need to park at Lobster Cove Road and walk to the pond); Langaanes Pond at BRLT’s Oak Point Farm; Pat’s Pond, Little and Big Bennett ponds; and West Harbor Pond.

Off peninsula: Pemaquid Lake (first cove on the right from the boat ramp); Hosmer Pond at Camden Snowbowl; and Goddard’s Pond in Bath. For indoor skating, there’s Watson Arena on the Bowdoin College campus in Brunswick; Midcoast Recreation Center in Rockport; and Howard Sports Dome in Topsham; Camden National Bank Ice Vault in Hallowell.

Tubing: Seacoast Fun Park in Windham, Sugarloaf, Black Mountain of Rumford.

Snowshoeing: BRLT properties: Oak Point Farm, Zak Preserve, Cross River Preserve, Ocean Point, Singing Meadow/Edgecomb (also great for cross country skiing), Penny Lake, Gregory Preserve, Lobster Cove Meadow; Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson.

Sledding … back when my girls were young – late 80s to mid 90s, the golf course was the place to sled. But that all changed a good decade or so ago. After double checking, sledding at Boothbay Region Elementary School – after school and weekends only – is still cool. Also, BRLT’s Oak Hill Farm has a fine hill near the farmhouse for sledding. 

Oh! And Christine, you remember Christine, over to BRLT? She says the Land Trust is trying to coordinate some pop-up skating/sledding events when conditions and schedules permit. So, stay tuned on that score.

Land Trust preserves that are plowed in winter are: Oak Point Farm, Singing Meadows, Ocean Point Preserve, Penny Lake, Gregory Trail, Zak Preserve, and Lobster Cove Meadow. Ovens’ Mouth is as well, but this is best used for walking-hiking rather than for some of the winter sports listed above!

Back at the homesteads, nothing beats building a snowman – or whole gosh darn family to greet passersby; rolling and stashing snowballs is a great idea for those impromptu snowball fights or snow tag. Fort building is quicker than igloo construction – or is it?

If you live near a wooded area, take a walk. Being in nature during the winter is totally Zen. And here’s a fun family idea before you set out: Start drawing a map, pack some pencils, a cell phone, water and extra gloves in a backpack, and then add to the map as you go along. You’re sure to be inserting animal tracks, or where a crow or raven flew overhead, draw in fallen trees – anything you wish. My granddaughter and I have done this and it is a blast.

Photo opp: Pretend you’re in a snow globe. Go to different places in your yard and strike a pose near your house, or a fence. Imagine being shaken to make the snow fall.

Find a pristine section of newly fallen snow in your yard and make snow ice cream (gathering the snow is a family effort!). You need eight to 12 cups of fresh, white, new snow; a 10-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk; and 1 tsp vanilla. Mix together in a large bowl – quickly, and then place in a container that can go in the freezer – if there’s any left over, or if you want to freeze it first.

And, later, after you’re back inside and dry, make some hot chocolate, pop some corn and slide a DVD movie in – all winter-themed, of course! How about these suggestions: Anything Harry Potter; “Happy Feet I and II” (nothing like penguins to make you smile); “Snow Day,” “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe;” “Edward Scissorhands” “Ice Age,” “Frozen I and II,” “Balto,” “Anastasia” and “Mr. Popper’s Penguins.”

Curl up under the blankets, sit in front of the fireplace, woodstove, and yes, even that electric fireplace, too … and enjoy one another’s company – and the warmth will feel pretty darn good, too!

Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust naturalist Sarah Gladu will lead a hike at Bearce Allen and NORGAL Preserves in Bristol from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Feb. 11.

Bearce Allen Preserve and the adjacent NORGAL preserve offer two peaceful loop trails through the woods. With its mixed forest types, it is a good spot to look for signs of wildlife. This will be a gentle walk with frequent stops for nature observations.

This program is free of charge, thanks to member support. Registration is required at coastalrivers.org/events.

Coastal Rivers is a non-profit, member-supported, nationally accredited land trust caring for the lands and waters of the Damariscotta-Pemaquid Region by conserving special places, protecting water quality, creating trails and public access, and deepening connections to nature through education programs. For more information, email info@coastalrivers.org or visit coastalrivers.org.

Boothbay Region High School Athletic Director Allan Crocker has announced that tonight’s (Jan. 27) home game against Wiscasset has been postponed and will be made up either Feb. 9 or 10, depending on availability of officials.

The Midcoast Umpire Association of Maine (MUA) will be providing training for interested new members, or individuals looking to learn more about the game of baseball or softball.

The association assists with providing professional, quality officiating to local baseball and softball teams, grades 7 to 12, as well as to local youth amateur leagues, including Babe Ruth Baseball and Little League Baseball and Softball.

The MUA has served baseball and softball teams in Knox, Lincoln and Waldo counties since 1956. 

All interested individuals are encouraged to apply. Training and education are provided by veteran umpires using hands-on, online, visual and written study resources. New member separate sessions for baseball and softball training will begin March 8 for softball and March 9 for baseball. In person training will be held at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Thomaston.

Anyone interested in this challenging and rewarding opportunity are encouraged to register at midcoastumpires.com under the “Join Us” section, or by contacting Chris Barstow at crbarstow@gmail.com.

Preservation at Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum in Alna looks like this in winter: On a January Tuesday morning, a week and a half before the first Steam & Sleighs date, our volunteer track crew drove in through freezing rain to open the railroad from Sheepscot to Top of Mountain. The prior night’s three inches of snow wasn’t much bother; however, a month's worth of freeze/thaw cycles left several road crossings with four inches-plus of solid ice and frozen mud on top of the rail.

Another 18 inches of snow was going to be hard enough to deal with alone; and these frozen crossings needed to go this week. The crew, led by Roadmaster Steve Lennox, had Tuesday and Wednesday to get this done, so they braved the freezing rain to salt, wait, then chip and shovel out these frozen crossings. Next Tuesday and Wednesday, the crew would be back on the line with a major plowing effort.

The 18-inch snowstorm came as a blizzard. With drifts up to three feet, our hearty crew tackled it again the Tuesday after the blizzard. The prior week's ice-clearing efforts at the crossings paid off; however, there were still the main line, a dozen switches and three yards to clear. This was dovetailed with two steam locomotive tests, moving freight cars and switching the passenger cars into the correct order. A friendly minor derailment capstoned the experience at the end of Wednesday. Herculean effort doesn't begin to describe it. What did we get for it? A sleet and ice storm the day before our event.

With absolute commitment to that Saturday’s Steam & Sleighs, another crew went out Saturday morning fighting iced crossings, stiff sleet accumulation and frozen switches, finishing just as the first passenger train departed Sheepscot Station.

Thank you snow-clearing track crew: Steve Lennox, Brian Whitney, Chuck Billings, JB Smith, Steve Piwowarski, Scott Higgins, Mike Fox, Jason Lamontagne, Steve Leet, Ed Lecuyer, Ben Richards, Paul Richard, Dan Malkowski, Joe Fox, Dave and Conner Kelly, Greg Nazarow, James Patten, Pete and Cody Stevens, Eric Snyder, Joshua Zukerman and Tom Leckey. A sincere apology to any missed. These were the snow-clearing sign-ins in our volunteer log.

We committed to SeaLyon and the public to run Steam & Sleighs. We’re committed to our mission of preserving and operating the WW&F Railway. This is what that commitment looks like. This is preservation at its finest.

The Boothbay Region Seahawks won easily at home over the Wiscasset Wolverines, 68-19, in the regular season finale for both teams on Thursday, Feb. 10.

Boothbay improved to 6-8 on the season and is in 13th place in Class C South. Wiscasset finished the season at 0-11.

Boothbay’s Round of 16 match-up is to be announced.

Boothbay Region High School Athletic Director Allan Crocker has announced the post-season tournament games for the boys and girls basketball teams.

The boys, 5-13 and in 15th place, will host a play-in game for the Round of 16 on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 1 p.m. against 18th seeded Wiscasset, 0-15.

The girls, 6-8 and in 13th place, will be playing their Round of 16 playoff game at #4 Winthrop, 12-3, on Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. Fans are allowed to attend provided they order a ticket at https://whs.winthropschools.org/extracurriculars/tickets

Tickets will not be sold at the door.

The Boothbay Region Seahawks boys varsity basketball team advanced to the Class C South Round of 16 tournament by winning easily at home over Wiscasset, 92-27, in a tournament play-in game on Saturday, Feb. 12.

Boothbay had five players score in double figures. Lucas Hardwick had 14, Connor Wenners 13, Kayden Ames and Sam Page each with 12 and Ryan Amaral with 10.

Nate Shutte led Wiscasset with 13, followed by Jevar Garricks with nine.

Boothbay (6-13) will next play at second-seeded Old Orchard Beach (11-6) with date and time to be announced.

106.9 FRANK FM (WBQX, Islesboro) will be broadcasting High School Tournament basketball beginning tonight, Tuesday, Feb. 15 and continuing through the upcoming week in Portland and Augusta.

We will be focused on the following teams: Oceanside, Medomak Valley, Camden Hills, Lincoln Academy, Boothbay, Islesboro, North Haven and Vinalhaven.

Due to the large number of games on Saturday, Feb. 19, the games involving Vinalhaven/North Haven Girls winner and the Vinalhaven Boys vs Greenville have been moved to WBYA (105.5 The Wolf)

Round of 16

Tuesday Feb. 15

Leavitt at Oceanside Boys – 5:40 p.m.-Pre-Game

Wednesday, Feb. 16 

Mountain Valley at Medomak Valley Girls – 6:10 p.m. Pre-Game

Quarterfinals (For many schools it will require a round of 16 win)

Friday, Feb. 18

Oceanside Boys vs Yarmouth/Lincoln Academy Winner – 5:10 p.m.

Medomak Boys vs Lisbon/Oak Hill Winner – 6:50 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 19

Lincoln Academy Girls vs Spruce Mountain/Leavitt Winner – 8:40 a.m.

Oceanside Girls vs Medomak Valley/Mountain Valley Winner – 10:10 a.m.

Vinalhaven/North Haven Girls Winner vs Valley – 10:10 a.m. (105.5 The WOLF, WBYA)

Vinalhaven Boys vs Greenville – 11:40 a.m. (105.5 The WOLF, WBYA))

Camden Hills Boys vs Cony – 7:10 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 21

Islesboro Boys vs Pine Tree Academy – 11:40 a.m.

North Haven Boys (With a Round of 16 Win) – 1:10 p.m.

Boothbay Boys (With a Round of 16 Win) – 5:10 p.m.

Semifinals (Must win quarterfinals to advance)

Tuesday, Feb. 22

Oceanside or Medomak Girls and/or Lincoln Academy – 12:40 p.m.

Oceanside or Lincoln Academy Boys – 5:40 p.m.

Medomak Boys – 7:30 p.m.

Boothbay Girls Quarterfinals Game in Augusta – 6:40 p.m.  (With a Round of 16 win)

Wednesday, Feb. 23

Islesboro Boys – 9:40 a.m.

Vinalhaven Boys – 11:10 a.m.

Camden Boys – 8:10 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 24

Vinalhaven or North Haven Girls – 11:10 a.m.

Boothbay Girls – 3:10 p.m.

Boothbay Boys – 6:40 p.m.

Regional Championship Game (Must win semi-finals to advance)

Friday, Feb. 25

Oceanside, Medomak or Lincoln Academy Girls – 1:40 p.m.

Oceanside or Medomak Boys – 3:30 p.m.

Camden Boys – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 26

Vinalhaven or North Haven Girls – 12:40 p.m.

Islesboro, Vinalhaven or North Haven Boys – 2:30 p.m.

Boothbay Girls – 5:40 p.m.

Boothbay Boys – 7:30 p.m.

State Championship Games (Must win regional championship to advance)

Friday, March 4 - in Bangor

Oceanside, Medomak or Lincoln Academy Girls – 6:40 p.m.

Oceanside, Medomak Valley and /or Mount View Boys – 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 5 - in Portland

Camden Boys – 2:45 p.m.

Saturday, March 5 - in Augusta

Vinalhaven or North Haven Girls – 12:40 p.m.

Islesboro, Vinalhaven or North Haven Boys – 2:30 p.m.

Boothbay Girls – 5:40 p.m.

Boothbay Boys – 7:30 p.m.

The fifth annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival on Tour, presented by Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, is showing in Damariscotta on Monday, March 7. This year’s program features a curated selection of the festival’s “Best of Fest” 2022 films. The event is sponsored locally in part by Newcastle Publick House and Rising Tide Co-op.

There are two options for participating in the film festival this year: in person at Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta or virtually from home. Both viewings begin at 7 p.m. A snow date is scheduled for the same time on Tuesday, March 8.

Tickets are $10, $5 for kids 16 and under, and free for Coastal Rivers members. Tickets may be reserved online at  www.coastalrivers.org/events.

Considered one of the nation’s premier environmental and adventure film festivals, Wild & Scenic brings together stellar filmmaking, beautiful cinematography and first-rate storytelling to inform and inspire.

“Durga: Forging a New Trail” tells the story of a young woman from Nepal who dared to challenge local custom by rejecting an arranged marriage and leaving her small farming village to seek an education and become a trekking guide. Her message to girls and women is simple: “You can do any work you want, so have courage and push for more.”

“Vet in the Wild” is narrated by Tonecas Paulo, a veterinarian for the wild animals of Gorongosa National Park in central Mozambique. The park is recovering from a 17-year war, during which 95% of the park’s large animals were wiped out. While herbivore populations have rebounded, the park is still working to build up its large predator populations. Paulo’s passion for his work is inspiring, as is his enthusiasm for sharing it with the youth of Mozambique.

The film festival is a natural extension of Coastal Rivers’ work to inspire people to act on behalf of the environment. Coastal Rivers is a non-profit, member-supported, nationally accredited land trust caring for the lands and waters of the Damariscotta-Pemaquid Region by conserving special places, protecting water quality, creating trails and public access, and deepening connections to nature through education programs. For more information, email info@coastalrivers.org or visit coastalrivers.org.

Midcoast Conservancy will offer a full moon hike (or snowshoe, if there is snow on the ground) at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson on Friday, March 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. Hikers can enjoy a crisp evening illuminated by the glow of the Full Worm Moon, traditionally thought to be named after the earthworms of warming spring soil. Others have posited that this Moon actually refers to a different sort of “worm”—larvae—which emerge from the bark of trees and other winter hideouts around this time. Hikers will discover a new way of being in the woods. At night, sounds become more pronounced; the group will listen for owls and the rustling of nighttime foragers along the trail.

Participants should meet at the gate at HVNC at 6:45 p.m.; hikers should dress warmly, wear shoes with good grips and bring a hiking stick if desired, along with a snack, drink and flashlight or headlamp. The hike guide will lead the group to shore of Little Dyer Pond to watch the moon rise over the water. The hike will be about 40 minutes each way, and of moderate ease. Snowshoes are available by reservation, or participants can bring their own, in the event of snow. For more information or to register, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events-list/full-moon-hike-3-18-22 or call (207) 389-5150.

Woolwich is seeking bids for more improvements to Nequasset Park that include making its swimming area more Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) friendly. The park which includes a picnic area and boat launch is behind the municipal building and provides access to Nequasset Lake. Its entrance is on George Wright Road. The bid opening is scheduled for 10 a.m. March 9 at the town office.

Selectman Allison Hepler said the town plans to use a grant and local monies. She said the town received just shy of $15,000 from the Submerged Lands program from Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands. “This was a grant we received last year. We recently asked for and were granted an extension for its use to December of this year,” she explained in an email to Wiscasset Newspaper.

The bid request states the work can begin on or after Sept. 6 and is to be completed by Oct. 15. Complete packages are available from Pine Tree Engineering at 53 Front St., Bath. The project includes installation of a paved walkway and extending pre-cast concrete steps further into the water to improve ADA access to the swimming area.

According to Hepler, the project also includes the installation of a concrete abutment similar to the one at the boat ramp. “This will eventually be used to hold floats, which we don’t yet have,” she wrote. Hepler added, the floats likely won’t be covered by the grant due to cost increases for the materials. “We hadn’t planned on installing the floats this season anyway.”

Hepler said in cooperation with the Nequasset Park Committee, the board has been making the park improvements over the last few years as funding has become available. The improvements started in 2018, focusing on the parking area. A paved ADA sidewalk leading to the swimming area was added, along with ADA parking spaces closer. New picnic tables were added, too, along with improvements to the outdoor bathroom.

At their last meeting, selectmen agreed to place a plaque at the park in memory of Joan Jordan. For many years, Jordan and Sue Ellen Whittaker co-chaired the committee. Other members are Natasha Burns, Linda Potts-Crawford and Barbara Richards.

The park will celebrate its 27th anniversary this year. Jack Shaw & Sons of Woolwich built the park in 1995.

Silky terrier Bodhi, corgi-Jack Russell Raji and their fellow rescue, hound-cross Shantih, had on sweaters Feb. 24 as they sat for treats and rolled around during the Straus family’s midday walk through Wiscasset village. Temperatures were in the 20s, about 40F colder than on Feb. 23. And the Feb. 24 forecast called for several inches of snow to cover the bare earth the dogs and their people were walking on the Wiscasset Public Library grounds where Wiscasset Newspaper met them.

“Global warming exists,” said Franche Straus, newly moved from Westchester, New York to the Lee Street home that served for years as Highnote Bed & Breakfast.

The week’s weather roller coaster was “crazy,” husband Bill Straus said, smiling in the sun. He held Raji’s leash as the dog sat awaiting a treat from Franche, Bodhi’s leash in her other hand. 

“What a bunch of good dogs, having a party,” observed the couple’s son Sebastian Gillen, with Shantih.

Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust naturalist Sarah Gladu will lead a hike at Keyes Woods Preserve in Bristol from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 12.

Coastal Rivers’ newest trail winds through Keyes Woods Preserve in Bristol. This beautiful wooded property extends east to the Pemaquid River from Poor Farm Road, with over 1900 feet of shoreline and a free-flowing tributary stream. The outflow of this stream, at a quiet bend in the river, is a hotspot for waterfowl viewing. Crisscrossed with historical stone walls, the preserve offers a number of interesting features including old stone foundations and glacial erratics. Wildlife such as deer, porcupine, and ruffed grouse are abundant.

This program is free of charge, thanks to member support. Registration is required at coastalrivers.org/events.

The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) welcomes the public to explore Weber-Kelly Preserve in Georgetown for owls on Saturday, March 19 at 7 p.m. Led by the light of the moon and nature enthusiasts Jane Harrison and Leigh Ann Fish, participants of all ages will listen to different owl calls, explore what makes a good owl home, and learn fun facts about these nighttime birds of prey. This is a free event.

Maine is home to eleven owl species, who spend all or part of the year in the state. These nocturnal predators can live in a variety of habitats from dense woodlands, to marshes, to urban environments like golf courses or airports. Harrison and Fish will share recordings of various owl calls as they lead prowlers on a walk through the preserve. Meeting at dusk will optimize chances of seeing or hearing owls as wintertime is their mating season. Owls will be listening for possible mates and more eager to respond to calls, even if they come from a recording.

Prowlers should wear footwear with excellent tread and/or bring micro-spikes for traction on potentially icy trails. Packing a headlamp and dressing to spend 1-1 ½ hours outdoors is strongly encouraged. Please sign up at www.kennebecestuary.org/upcoming-events or call 207-442-8400. To get to Weber-Kelly Preserve, take Route 127 south from Route 1. Go 8 miles to Bay Point Road, turn right. Preserve parking area and kiosk is located two miles south on the left.

It’s almost here! Maple Sunday Weekend, that is, and it’s March 26 and 27 with Sunday, the 27th designated Maine Maple Sunday (thanks to Senators Angus King and Susan Collins). At participating farms across the state, and there are more than you might think, festivities begin at either 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. and run until 4 p.m.

Most of the sugarhouses offer maple syrup samples, and demonstrations on how pure Maine maple syrup is made. Some farms offer games, activities, treats, sugarbush tours, music and more. Sounds pretty sweet, no?

As long as my granddaughter, on the young Lady Seahawks traveling B-ball team, isn’t playing tourney games that weekend, I plan on visiting a few – maybe bring the whole family … we’ll see.

I have always wanted to extract the sweet goodness from the trees … I do hope the trees are prepared for the insertion of those spigots. I think I will plan on bringing an offering for the tree – and maybe some Reiki – don’t laugh; they are alive, you know.

But back to the festivities that weekend …

Wiscasset way, there’s The Marcoux Family Farm LLC at 179 Gibbs Road. This farm is a 100% Service-Connected Disabled Veteran Owned farm producing wood-fired maple syrup. And right in time with Maple Weekend, Mad Boom Maple Brown Ale will be released, made with maple syrup from Marcoux Farm and Bacon Farm. Check it out. The sugar shack will be open for visits and Q&A.

Albion: Wilson Family Maple Syrup – Paul and Sherry Wilson, 652 Bentan Road, Albion. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Facemasks and hand sanitizing required. Maple sugar demos. Maple products include cotton candy, maple cream, taffy, coated peanuts and popcorn.

Newcastle: Stop in and say hi to Justin and Jill Wood at their Sweetwoods Farm, 144 Lynch Road. Justin says there will be hot maple syrup over ice cream and other sweet treats; the Woods will show the entire process from start to finish – and they tap just over 2,200 trees! There are also woods tours and usually Boothbay Craft Brewery is on hand talking about the beer, Sweet Woods (made for the farm) and others they’ve brewed with maple syrup from Sweet Woods Farm. There will also be a booth set up for people who just want to stop by to buy some items of maple goodness. Masks are optional.

Dresden: Goranson’s Farm, Jan Goranson and Robert Johanson, 250 River Road. All-day events, with live music, maple sundaes, sleigh rides (weather permitting), hot drinks, popcorn, homemade baked treats, farm animals, sugarhouse tours and more.

If you are driving home from a sporting event – perhaps the girls traveling team I mentioned earlier with games in Topsham this weekend (who also won all four of its games during the tournament in Waterville last weekend) or you just happen to be south of the Boothbay Region and Wiscasset …

The Red Door Sugar Shack is celebrating Maine Maple Sunday this weekend. Andrew Thibeault, 24 Shellenbarger Road, March 21 and 22, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sweets include maple fudge, cotton candy, hard and soft candy and maple cream. Visit with the goats, ducks and chickens, too!

There’s nothing like real maple syrup on pancakes and waffles … and you may or may not be surprised by how many people opt for commercial syrup and other maple products. Yes, it is a matter of economy for the most part … but, maybe it’s time to splurge – and spend time with the family on Maine farms – some of which will let you explore their wooded land. Family-nature-maple confections equals fun! But you might want to bring that portable toothbrush and paste (LOL) along, too.

The subject of syrup always brings a smile to my face … and an image of Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup bottle … When my oldest daughter, Kassia, was oh, 3 or 4 years old (it does get harder to remember, doesn’t it?) we were visiting my parents in Connecticut. Mom put the pancakes on the table and Mrs. B. Kassia just sat there looking at the bottle. I asked her if there was something wrong. “Why isn’t she talking,” my girl asked. “She does it on TV …” My mom and I exchanged glances. At our house we used Log Cabin. I should have seen this coming! Hiding our smiles I said, “I’ve heard that Mrs. Butterworth is a bit shy.” Kassia made a face, looked at the bottle, sighed and, if I recall correctly, gave Mrs. B an extra hard squeeze to get that syrup out … and then never looked at “her” again!

That Cadbury eggs commercial with the rabbit making like a chicken raised some young eyebrows in our house, too … but that’s next month!

For a complete list of participating maple farms in our gorgeous state, visit https://mainemapleproducers.com and visit the Facebook pages of the farms listed above!

On the anniversary of the 60th year celebrating Windjammers Days and maritime history, we pay homage to our founder, Captain Marion Dash for her contribution as a female role model in our maritime community. It is her legacy that has inspired the Friends of Windjammer Days to celebrate the women who are working on the waterfront today who in turn inspire young girls and future maritime generations to come.

Most people know her as the oldest lobster fisher in the state and some say - the world. Born in 1920 and raised in Rockland, Maine, Virginia grew up lobstering with her father and brother. She learned how to pilot a boat when she was just a spunky seven-year-old girl.

At 101, Ginny (as she is called by her friends) and her son Max go out three days a week in season. They gear up the boat, put on their bibs, and motor out to the fishing grounds. Max hauls the traps while Virginia measures and bands the keepers. Virginia Oliver has more energy than most half her age. Max describes her, "She's going all the time, she never stops. Always been that way. It makes me tired sometimes just thinking about it.

Mrs. Oliver was a stay at home mom raising four children until Max turned nine. She then went to work at a Rockland Printing Plant for 19 years until one day she had had enough. Virginia tells the story of that day when her husband, Bill, came home from lobstering and saw her hanging laundry. "He asked me, 'I thought you went to work?' I told him, 'I did. I just quit. I'm going with you.' And so I did." Thus began the next chapter of her life back out on the water. After Bill died at age 90, Virginia carried on lobstering with her son Max.

Through foul weather, angry seas and pea soup fog, nothing deters this "Lobster Lady" as she is affectionately known around town. "Sometimes I've gotten wet to the gills, but I never get seasick. I like doing it, I like being along the water and so I'm going to keep on doing it just as long as I can."

Max, the youngest of her four children (who range in age from 78 to 83) says admirably "She's worked hard her whole life. She's a great mom."

For as much as Virginia loves the salt and sea, it appears the salt and sea have been good to her in return. If you catch one of the many video interviews made about her recently, you will see it in the way she glows when she speaks about being on the water, and you will hear it in her wonderfully infectious laugh, "I always wear my earrings to haul." she says as she grins. "I always wear my lipstick and things just like I was going up street somewhere."

At home in rubber boots, work gloves, earrings and lipstick on a rocking boat in the ocean, Virginia Oliver's fierce independence and seafarer elegance will not only inspire you but will also warm your heart.

Midcoast Conservancy in Edgecomb announces two new staff members.

Melissa Cote

Sheepscot River Watershed Manager

Originally from Massachusetts, Melissa has always found a second home in Maine where her grandfather grew up. It’s where she fell in love with the ocean, especially the water-to-land interface, and wrote her college admissions essay about her childhood experiences exploring the Rachel Carson salt pond preserve in Bristol. After obtaining her Master of Science degree in oceanography from the University of Connecticut, she worked for two environmental nonprofits where she found her true passion in conservation work. Melissa jumped at the opportunity to make Maine her forever home in January 2020 when she moved to the Midcoast region to work for the Department of Marine Resources where she monitored water quality for the Bureau of Public Health. Melissa is thrilled to join Midcoast Conservancy as the Sheepscot River Watershed Manager to help protect and restore the lands and waters that both her and her grandfather love so much.

Melissa says, "I’m passionate about conserving, restoring, and celebrating unique lands and waters through scientific research, on-the-ground implementation of monitoring and restoration projects, and community engagement. I believe outreach and education are some of the strongest tools we have for protecting natural areas and that it’s important to find a balance between maintaining ecological integrity, recreational access, and economic vitality. I’m excited to join Midcoast Conservancy in a time where climate resiliency actions are essential; I’m ready to get to work!"

Anne Read

Land Protection Specialist

Anne Read is our new Land Protection Specialist from southern Maine, currently residing in Portland. She studied Community Development and Planning at Clark University and was involved in land protection projects in Worcester MA while receiving her Master’s of Arts in 2017. She has experience in land and water conservation efforts through non-profit work in Western North Carolina and Massachusetts, and is excited to be back in Maine to continue this type of work with Midcoast Conservancy.

“What drew me to Midcoast Conservancy was the way that they approach conservation, with an intention to fully represent and include the members of this community, as well as diversifying the way that we can all become active stewards of our lands”

“I can already see how tight-knit this community is, and I’m looking forward to meeting landowners and connecting over our hopes for the future of Maine’s lands”

“Midcoast has the capability to create local change and protect an impressive amount of land, and it’s very exciting to be a part of the 30x30 initiative and help create that reality.”

Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust naturalist Sarah Gladu will lead a slow spring saunter at Pemaquid Pond Preserve in Bremen from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 15.

The wooded trail is mostly flat, and culminates at a lovely lookout on Pemaquid Pond where it may be possible to see loons and other waterfowl. On the way, Gladu will point out migratory birds and spring wildflowers.

This program is part of an ongoing guided hike series. These guided hikes are free of charge, thanks to member support. Registration is required at coastalrivers.org/events.

Former basketball star at the University of Maine and Mount View High School and 2015 Maine Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Emily Ellis will be holding a Zoom press conference at noon on Friday, March 25 to talk about the Hall’s project to collect, preserve and share basketball experiences of Maine girls and women.

The Hall is inviting females of all ages to share their stories and memories — from playing 6-on-6 to coaching USA Basketball, and from officiating middle school games to reporting on college contests. We believe the stories, individually and collectively, will be enlightening and inspiring. And we’re excited to kick off the project during Women's History Month and in 2022, the 50th anniversary of Title IX.

Ellis, a real estate developer and member of the MBHoF board of directors, also played professionally in Finland and Austria. She will share some of her experiences and answer questions during the press conference. Ellis was 10 years old in 1972 when Title IX was enacted.

A questionnaire for current and former players, coaches, officials, reporters, and others connected to the sport is on the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame website.

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75741986154?pwd=rI_vF54jJMWr8j1TUcpMBGSOzX0zSW.1

Meeting ID: 757 4198 6154
Passcode: qY8t2W

Slips at the recreational pier and showers at the harbor master’s office are possible if Wiscasset seeks a grant and is willing to chip in, the waterfront committee told selectmen and the budget committee March 22. A preliminary report from the waterfront committee recommends seeking a Maine Department of Transportation small harbor improvement program grant; the report estimates the project would take a one-time, $174,250 local match and $10,000 a year in labor to collect fees on and maintain the new features.

Budget committee member Tom Joyce predicted they would “at a minimum” take two full-time workers. “I don’t think you could do it without that,” based on his experience at marinas, he said. When the dock is open, the town needs to help anyone unfamiliar with the pump-out, and field radio calls seeking slips, Joyce said.

Most slips would be long-term, not transient, rentals, so town labor would be low, waterfront committee member David Gagnon said. “There’s nothing else for anybody else to do ... It’s (the renter’s) slip.”

The harbor master would run the transient slips, like he does now for tie-ups, waterfront committee member Dick Forrest added. And the possible transient ones might be rented long-term instead, he said.

“So we’re not trying to attract visitors to town (with this),” budget committee member William Maloney asked.

“We think it will attract people,” Waterfront Committee Chair Susan Robson said.

“But you’re saying ... it’s mostly for locals,” he said.

“That’s our thinking; however, I think it’s going to depend on what the final decisions are, and the season, even,” she said. If the slips rent well, the town could add more spaces, Gagnon said. Selectman Kim Andersson said the proposed growth is conservative, which is smart, she said. “Let it develop organically.”

Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission worked with the waterfront committee on the report. LCRPC’s Emily Rabbe said the plan was to serve the town’s recreational boaters; and, at least at first, she does not expect a lot of people to travel 12 miles from open water to come here, she said.

Rabbe said the preliminary report’s aim was to ask to seek the grant and consider setting aside the local match. “So not every operational decision has been made. This is more of just a theoretical understanding of what could potentially happen.”

Robson concurred in email responses to questions from Wiscasset Newspaper March 27. “This report ... should not be viewed as a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis. It is a necessary stepping stone for funding, required by grantors. As we move ahead, more will evolve. Very exciting,” she added.

Based on Midcoast marinas’ fees, a state directive for reasonable fees and the recreational pier’s distance to open water, the preliminary report estimated possible yearly revenue from the project at about $30,753 to $33,507.

The town’s possible grant match was part of $1,898,500 in possible capital reserve spending selectmen and the budget committee reviewed March 22 to consider taking to voters in June, including $235,000 for an ambulance and $170,000 in roof work and paving at Wiscasset Community Center.

Simmons told the panels, if the school department budget is flat, Wiscasset for 2022-23 would need about $9.5 million in property taxes, $385,000 more than last year. But he expected enough of a fund balance for him to be comfortable with the board tapping enough to keep the tax rate flat.

In a March 28 email response to questions, Simmons said: “At the end of last year we added about $600,000 to the fund balance so we have a fund balance of about $1.3 million, unaudited so this could change. This is much improved over the $131,826 we had at the end of FY ’19. It is not where we should be but I would be comfortable in using any budget surplus from this year to offset a tax increase. I would be leery of taking additional funds beyond that.”

Simmons also said budget numbers are changing since his March 22 statement. “It was correct at the time but I have made some changes, like shifting some full-time positions around and at the request of the selectboard added money for an economic development position.”

Talks were set to resume March 29.

For nearly a million and a half dollars, including a possible grant of up to half a million, a project on and near Wiscasset’s White’s Island could restore access to it with footbridges estimated to together cost about $348,200 and linked by an estimated $50,000 railroad crossing, all disabled-accessible; and for about $613,300 have trails, a picnic area, canoe and kayak portage, a pavilion for small gatherings and entertainment such as a two-piece band; signage on the island’s history; and a nautically themed playground with a ship to climb on and swing from, selectmen and the budget committee heard March 29 from Parks and Recreation Director Duane Goud and landscape architect Peter Wells.

“Adults can also (climb onto the ship),” Wells said. “I’ll be there, for sure.” He said he hopes the island will become a jewel, another part of the village for pedestrians to explore. In a phone interview March 30, the Wiscasset resident said he has donated about $24,000 in services and will continue to donate services, except for bid plans and specifications if he is involved in that work.

Wells told the panels, the playground would have a rubber surface, not wood chips he said would float away in a flood. The island, about an acre at low tide, would still have fishing and a beach, he said. Counting a mud flat, the island is about five acres, he said. 

Sidewalks on Fore Street are proposed; and paving the gravel parking lot at the end of Pleasant Street and raising the lot about a foot. It is poorly graded and drained, it floods and the rip rap is failing, Wells said.

A handout estimated the sidewalks and parking at $422,500, bringing the project’s total cost to $1,434,000 including the possible Land and Water Conservation Fund grant of up to $500,000. Midcoast Conservancy has been contacted about possibly helping the town seek other grants, Wells said.

Selectman Terry Heller called the proposal “a beautiful plan, exactly where we want to go.”

Some panelists raised cost concerns. The town’s potential million dollar share is more than it can afford right now, and some of the work like the playground could wait a year or two, Selectman Pam Dunning said. “I’m all for getting people back out to White’s Island, but I’d rather see the roads paved,” she said.

The project could be done in phases, Goud said. With its deteriorating bridges, White’s Island, once home to a boatyard, is an eyesore, Goud said. “Reestablishing the island as a destination and a historical park I think is important.” Work there has been talked about for about 20 years, and will cost more the longer the town waits, he said. “If we don’t start somewhere, we’ll never start.”

Selectman Kim Andersson said two phases, starting with replacing the dilapidated bridges, would be fine. “Love it,” she said, looking toward the design on display. “Thank you so much. Really great work.”

Before the town can apply for the LWCF grant, voters would need to commit to the match, Goud said. In-kind items such as disposal costs and other services can count toward it, according to the presentation, and the handout that read in part: “The 2008 Comprehensive Plan recognized the island as a key recreation/natural resource, and the town rec department and conservation commission agree: It’s the perfect spot for walking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, nature watching, and history lessons.”

Budget committee member Kim Dolce suggested starting with kayak racks on shore and the island, then seeing what the interest is. As for the proposed bridges, Dolce said expecting wooden ones in the water to be low maintenance is naive.

Asked about that in the phone interview, Wells said wood could be pressure treated and a wood-plastic composite might be used that lasts for decades.

Town Manager Dennis Simmons said he got a call opposing the paved parking lot.

The project would need OK’s from environmental agencies and Maine Department of Transportation, according to Wells and Goud.

Selectmen’s Chair Sarah Whitfield wanted no vote that night because the board had just gotten the proposal. Selectmen voiced support for putting a question on the June town meeting warrant. The size of an LWCF grant and local match to propose were not set. Selectmen plan to talk again April 5.

Midcoast Conservancy will host a full moon paddle at its Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson on Sunday, May 15, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Participants can enjoy the silvery glow of the “flower” moon from canoes provided by the nature center as they glide along Little Dyer Pond after a beautiful mile-and-a half hike into the woods. On the 16th, there will be a total lunar eclipse of this moon!

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

Space is limited by the number of boats available, and pre-registration is required. More information and registration is available online at https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events-list/full-moon-paddle-5-15-22. Meet at the gate no later than 7:30; bring flashlights or headlamps for the hike back to the parking lot.

Note that HVNC’s canoes are available to rent anytime between dawn and dusk. Just leave a $10 per boat donation at the Gatehouse and hit the water to explore Little Dyer Pond.

The Boothbay Region High School Seahawks and Wiscasset Middle High School Wolverines will once again combine for a “Boothcasset” track team this spring. Coaches Nick Scott and Josiah Winchenbach reunite to lead 24 boys and 15 girls through an eight-meet season.

Throwers and jumpers start the season at Lisbon April 15 and Boothcasset will face all Mountain Valley Conference competition: Carrabec, Hall-Dale, Buckfield, Dirigo, Lisbon, Madison, Mount Abram, Mountain Valley, Oak Hill, Spruce Mountain, Telstar and Winthrop high schools and Monmouth Academy.

The first full meet will be April 19 at home on the WHMS fields against Monmouth, Winthrop and Hall-Dale. Boothcasset will host the second meet of the season April 26, facing Lisbon, Monmouth and Winthrop and then the team will travel for the following three meets May 3 at Hall-Dale, May 10 at Lisbon and May 14 for an open invitational in Waterville.

Boothcasset will hold its final home meet May 17, hosting Monmouth and Winthrop. On May 20, the team will travel to Cony High School for the Capital City Classic and last meet before postseason competition. The MVC Championship will be held May 26 in Lisbon and the Class C State Championship in Lewiston June 4.

Boys roster

Seahawks: Kayden Ames, Thomas Babineau, Eddie Carpenter, Ryan Clark, Quincy Coombs, Finnegan Gaffney, Adam Hobson, Austin Orne, Zach Rollins and Caden Royal.

Wolverines: Nate Benoit, Payton Blagdon, Chance Blagdon, Cecil Clifford, Garrett Cossette, Bryan Gagnon, Bradley Nichols, Tristan Pepe, Henry Putnam, Connor Robertson, Nat Shutte, Johnny Spies and Austin Trask.

Richmond High School freshman Marshall Wall will join the team.

Girls roster

Seahawks: Grace Campbell, Zoe Curtis, Marissa Davison, Emerson Harris, Grace Giles, Anna Gosselin, Emily Gosselin, Maddie Orchard and Ava Schlosser.

Wolverines: Linnea Andersson, Emily Gilliam, Alivia Orr, Julia Truesdell and Sadie Yeaton.

Josie Harrington of Chop Point will rejoin the Wolverines.