The Lincoln Babe Ruth baseball team defeated Lisbon 6-1 in Boothbay Friday, July 8.

Adam Harkins, head coach, said, “I’m really proud of these kids, they put together an amazing game. Two rundowns and one of them was a double play. That in itself is amazing. These boys have come so far and play so well together.”

Aidan Sanborn, Owen Cotta and Finn Harkins provided a strong pitching performance by limiting Lisbon to only one run over seven innings. Maddux Cusumano, Aidric Canada and Sammy Markowitz provided timely hitting to outpace Lisbon.

The Lincoln Babe Ruth Team composed of players from Boothbay, Wiscasset and Alna area. The Lincoln Babe Ruth Team is a successful collaboration between Wiscasset Parks & Recreation, Boothbay Region High School and Wiscasset Middle High School.

Harkins said, “It’s just fun to turn them loose and watch them play. It’s great to see the younger boys getting into the mix with the older kids. They are so supportive of each other and seem to be having a good time doing it.”

The other coaches for Lincoln Babe Ruth team are Steve Markowitz, Jason Putnam and John Splaine who manage 14 players.

The Modified Racing Series made its return to Wiscasset Speedway on Saturday, July 9 for an action-packed 75-lap main event. The touring series, founded in 2004, runs a limited seven race schedule and features some of the most talented Modified drivers in the Northeast. The drivers in Saturday’s lineup included Andy Shaw, Matt Swanson, Donnie Lashua and Derek Robie, among others.

The Modified Racing Series joined the weekly Group #2 divisions at Wiscasset, which included the Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw Minis, Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Models, 88.5FM Modifieds and the Portland Glass Strictly Streets. The program was sponsored by Whited Equipment Company, who had equipment on display at the track entrance and representatives joining the fun in Victory Lane following the races. 

The night kicked off with a 25-lap feature for the Outlaw Minis. Division rivals, Zach Audet and Jimmy Childs, both started mid-pack and tangled on lap 2, resulting in Childs retiring to the pits and Audet being forced to restart at the tail end of the field due to his involvement in the caution. Audet began to quickly maneuver through the field following the incident, eventually taking over the lead on lap 13. Audet avoided some late-race carnage to pick up yet another win in the division. Travis Poulliot and Tyler Dinsmore followed, rounding out the podium.

Frank Moulton took off with the early lead in the 40-lap Late Model feature. “Boss Hogg” Dave St. Clair was on a mission mid-race, overtaking Frank Moulton for the top spot on lap 20 as Will Collins followed. A caution on lap 28 brought the field back together and Will Collins powered to the lead as Dave St. Clair faltered, falling back to fifth. A late-race caution on lap 38 brought opportunity for Josh St. Clair, who restarted in second after starting the race outside of the top 20. Josh St. Clair remained deadlocked with Will Collins until the final lap, where St. Clair pulled ahead with the advantage in turn 1 and never looked back. St. Clair sailed into the victory, which was his 3rd consecutive win in the division and tenth of the season overall among all divisions. Will Collins and Matt Bourgoine followed, rounding out the top 3. 

Following post-race technical inspection, Will Collins was penalized due to a weight violation and ultimately scored a last place finish. The official top 3 ruling following tech was Josh St. Clair, Matt Bourgoine and Chris Thorne.

The weekly Modifieds took to the track next for their 30-lap feature. Wayne Whitten held the early advantage over a hard-charging Ryan Ripley. A caution on lap 12 brought the field back together and it was ruled that both drivers on the front row had jumped the restart. This resulted in the top 2 rows being swapped and division rookie, Brandon Williams, taking over the lead. Williams began to pull away from Ryan Ripley in the second half of the race. He was met with ultimate heartbreak with just 3 laps to go as he came to a slow in turn 3 and limped to the pits after breaking a left ball joint. Ryan Ripley took off from there, picking up his fourth win of the season in the division as Jeff Burgess and Adam Chadbourne rounded out the podium.

The Strictly Streets rounded out the weekly portion of the program with a 25-lap feature race. Chaz Briggs pulled away with the early advantage over Ashton Burgess, but Josh St. Clair was rapidly making his way through the field. St. Clair took over the lead on lap 10 and maintained his advantage after a mid-race caution on lap 13, securing his second win of the night and his 11th of the season overall. Kurt Hewins and Chaz Briggs (first podium finish at Wiscasset) rounded out the top 3.

The night concluded with the 75-lap main event for the Modified Racing Series. All eyes were on Derek Robie and Matt Swanson, who had both won their heat races earlier in the evening. Matt Swanson took off like a rocket from the beginning, pulling away from both Jacob Perry and Kevin Iannarelli. Iannarelli, who ran in the top 3 all day, was met with an unfortunate fate on lap 66 as he took a spin in turn 4. This resulted in a late-race caution with less than ten laps to go. Matt Swanson buckled down on the restart, maintaining his advantage over the competition. He was able to capitalize on his dominating performance, securing the victory. Ryan Doucette and Jacob Perry followed, rounding out the podium.

The Modified Racing Series surely brought the fun (and speed!) to Wiscasset Speedway on Saturday night. The fun continues as we roll into another Group #1 program on Saturday, July 16th. The night will feature the Norm’s Used Cars Pro Stocks, Market 27 Super Streets, Sweatt’s Concrete Thunder 4 Minis, Brackett’s Market 4-Cylinder Pros and the second T&L Automotive Enduro of the season! Grandstands open at 4:00 pm and racing will commence at 5:00 pm. As always, admission is just $5 for adults and free for kids 6 & under.

To learn more about the Modified Racing Series, please visit http://www.themodifiedracingseries.com. 

For official results and more track information, please visit http://www.wiscassetspeedway.com.

Wiscasset Speedway is located on West Alna Road in Wiscasset.

Summerfest’s dog parade on Wiscasset Common is Saturday, July 23. Dogs of all sizes, colors and breeds are welcome. The parade, set for 11 a.m., is part of the annual fair First Congregational Church of Wiscasset holds on the fourth Saturday of July to raise funds for local outreach programs. Fair hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Summerfest began as an annual event sponsored by the Ladies Organ Society, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. The Society members continue to sew, knit and crochet items for sale at their table.  

Other attractions of the fair are the silent auction, this year featuring an L.L. Bean kayak and pottery from Edgecomb Potters, the jewelry table with a range of prices to suit any pocketbook, the bake sale, treasures, books and a giant yard sale. And hot dogs and hamburgers will be available at the On-Common Café.

The Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club hopes to see you on July 23 and 24 for the 48^th running of the combined Shipyard Cup Classics Challenge/Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club annual Regatta! The enthusiastic response to the 2021 first annual event from racers, sponsors, and spectators’ points to an even more exciting experience this summer.

One of the many interesting vessels you will see is 92-year-old Blackbird, a proud survivor of the 17 famous Alden 309 schooners.

Blackbird was built by the Goudy & Stevens yard in 1930, for the price of $10,000, commissioned and delivered “on or before July 4” (according to the terms of contract with Alden) in Marion, Massachusetts, for Myron Arms. Myron “Mike” Arms, grandson of the original owner, came to visit her in 2010 and relayed some of the family history. Charles Arms, son of Myron Arms, still remembers the day of her arrival with the Alden provided Captain Mr. Jesse Brewer in full uniform and the cabin boy Edgar (“Egge”) dressed in his sailors’ cap and middy. They stayed on board for the summer. Blackbird was christened by Mrs. Arms on the mooring just of Barden’s Boatyard, with a bottle of bootleg whiskey provided by Mr. Barden, the local bootlegger. The time of the vessel’s building coincided with the Great Depression and the Prohibition in the United States. Consequently, her liquor cabinet was fashioned as a hidden door in the head of the centerboard trunk.

Myron Arms was not a sailor but purchased the schooner in the hopes of teaching his children to become yachtsman, in which he succeeded. Both his son Charles and later his grandson Mike Arms became avid sailors and have sailed extensively from the North Atlantic to the Mediterranean. The Arms family owned a steel mill in Youngstown, Ohio and as the Great Depression worsened in 1930 and 1931, orders at the mill ceased, and the family was forced to sell their newly acquired schooner the following year. Her Carl Alberg designed rig and crew accommodations were highlighted in the Sparkman Steven’s listing in 1931, although the photograph was that of a sister ship. As the decline of economic activity continued, Blackbird’s ownership changed quickly; and after having been sold to Arthur Verseay of Haverhill, Massachusetts, in 1931 for $10,000, she was sold for an undisclosed amount to Hubert Toppin, the commodore of the Essex Yacht Club (EYC) in Connecticut in 1935. Blackbird was Toppin’s pride and joy, sailing her to first place in EYC’s 1937 regatta.

Surviving the 1938 Great Hurricane of New England

In September of 1938, still under Toppin’s care and ownership, she rode the 140-mph fury of the Great Hurricane of New England secured to the yacht club pier. As the tale goes, only one vessel remained floating at Essex when the hurricane had passed. That vessel was an Alden on charter, whose skipper remained on board all night shifting anchors. A photograph of the devastation, taken by the skipper of that vessel the next morning and handed down by H. Littlejohn, shows only Blackbird’s masts above the flood waters, flying a tattered burgee, over the tangled wreckage of two other yachts which were thrown clear onto the club lawn.

Commodore Toppin had his schooner re-floated and repaired. Surprisingly, the damage was limited and only required replacement of a small section of the shear strake, and adjoining covering board, bulwark, and cap rail. Her lines retain a slight lift in her shear along the port side at the location of the main chain plates where she was battered against the piling at Essex. Several of Blackbird’s original Egyptian cotton sails, bearing Toppin’s name are still aboard and are still used, weather permitting. Toppin went on to sail his schooner another 12 years in Long Island Sound until 1950, when the boat was sold to Charles Phinney of Manchester by the Sea, Massachusetts.

Many owners and always the same dedicated care

Since then, she has changed owners six times, being purchased by Joshua Spaulding in 1960, Stephen Parsons in 1963, and Charles Hamblett of Kittery, Maine in 1965 purchased her for $13,500 where she was a well-known landmark at Kittery Point. Larry Wheeler purchased her in 1983 for $44,000 and removed the centerboard. Wheeler sold the boat to Collin Eggleton in 1989 for $42,000 and she was finally purchased by her present owners, Sandy, and Peter Thompson in 1993 for $32,000. They recovered the old centerboard from a barn in Cumberland, Maine, in 1997 to use as a pattern for a new one, relegating the old one to a life as a garden ornament.

Over the years, the repairs on Blackbird included replacement of the stem (late 1960s) and center fastening of a majority of planks. In the early 1970s, Charles Hamblett replaced her centerboard and somewhere along the line the trunk was re-supported by cutting out the bottom corners of the floor timbers, sliding in rebar, and casting concrete around the base of the trunk and keel timber. While some may frown on such a repair, it did the trick for many years and provided a lot of longitudinal strength to the vessel. During his ownership he corresponded with Mike Arms who sought an opportunity to re-purchase the boat for his family. In the early 1980s, Larry Wheeler removed the board and plugged the trunk. In the late 1980s, Collin Eggleton removed the iron ballast keel, re-bolted the trunk area floor timbers through the keel timber, and reinstalled the ballast keel with galvanized steel keel bolts. Blackbird, to that point, had not spent a winter out of the water since at least the early 1960s.

Blackbird is known, and not surprisingly so, to a number of people up and down the New England Coast, and always enjoyed her annual romp with Sandy at the helm down the Maine coast to visit her former owner’s Charles and Eve Hamblett of Deer Isle, Maine. In 1995, Blackbird had the distinct pleasure of having Frank Eaton Jr. aboard at the Bucks Harbor Yacht Club; whose father once owned the sister-ship 309L, Nordlys, in the 1940s. Over the past years, Blackbird has introduced the current owners to many of her friends and acquaintances, which has been one of the great pleasures received in exchange for care given in the maintenance and restoration of this wonderful old cruising schooner.

Blackbird under Sandy and Peter Thompson’s committed ownership

In her 92nd year, Blackbird is a humble testimony to quality of the design, workmanship, and materials of her period. With good sensible care by many owners, she still retains all her original planking (except her garboards), her original rig, blocks, compass, chronometer, lamps, interior and most importantly her name. Since the schooner was in an exceptionally good shape for her age when Sandy and Peter Thompson purchased her, they got married on her and continued sailing her out of Freeport, Maine, for eight years, until they decided to haul her out for a substantial restoration at the end of 2001.

The philosophy of this work has been to rebuild the vessel as closely as possible to her original construction at Goudy & Stevens. This will allow the next restoration to preserve in all facets, the originality of 309Q. Thus, under her owner’s dedicated ownership, Blackbird has had replaced her horn timber, sternpost, keel, refastening and refurbishment of her iron ballast, centerboard trunk and centerboard, frames, and floor timbers, and has remaining to complete her deck, and coach roof canvas. In every sense of the word, she has been fortunate enough to remain, faithfully in originality and appearance, one of the ruggedly built, 43-foot Alden cruising schooners.

Excerpt from the book, “Great American Schooner Yachts” by Rudolf Arp, Schiffer Press, 2012.

“I know there’s going to be faster runners than me but I’m excited for the experience of just going,” said Wiscasset Middle High School student Bryan Gagnon about his forthcoming trip to the USATF Junior Olympic Nationals in Sacramento, California. 

From July 25 through the 31, Gagnon and David Winchenbach of Jefferson, a student of Lincoln Academy in Newcastle, will be competing against high school athletes from across the country. Both are members of Wiscasset Parks & Recreation’s summer track program coached by Josiah Winchenbach, David’s father. During the school year, Winchenbach coaches the combined Boothbay Region/WMHS boys’ and girls’ track teams.

Both young men qualified for the national meet after competing at the USATF Region 1 Junior Olympic track and field championship hosted by Bowdoin College in Brunswick July 8-10. The meet was held on the Jack Magee/Joan Benoit Samuelson Track.

Gagnon who will be a senior come September ran the 400-meter dash in 54.48 seconds, a personal best and placing him sixth overall. “My previous fastest time in the 400 was 56.06. I ran that at the USATF qualifying meet in June that was hosted by the Maranacook Community School in Readfield,” said Gagnon.

Winchenbach had an amazing day on the Bowdoin campus. He qualified for four events at the USATF nationals placing first in the long jump, second in both the 110-meter hurdles and javelin, and third in the triple-jump.

Gagnon told Wiscasset Newspaper he started competing in track and field as a seventh grader. “My English teacher Jake McCarthy was coaching the middle school team and encouraged me to try it. Mr. (Warren) Cossette, our athletic director, thought it was a good idea, too. He told me if I worked hard, I’d eventually be pretty good at it. The first races I ran were the 100 and 200-meter. When I got to high school I began concentrating on the 400, although I sometimes run the 800 too,” he said.  

The USATF Region 1 Junior Olympics is made up of six associations in New England, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York. Wiscasset Parks and Rec sponsored Gagnon, Winchenbach and their coach. The top eight finishers in each event qualified for the National USATF Championship on the West Coast. The meet will include hundreds of high school athletes and take place at Fred Anderson Field at Hornet Stadium, a 21,195-seat venue on the campus of California State University.

A native son of Wiscasset, Gagnon resides with his grandparents Debbie and David Gagnon who are thrilled Bryan is making the trip. “They’ve supported me since I first started running. They’ve been to almost every meet I’ve taken part in,” said Gagnon. This past Friday Bryan competed in another USATF meet hosted by Cony High School in Augusta. “I ran a 55.3 in the 400, not my best time but Coach Winchenbach had advised me not to overdo it because I’ve got the Nationals to think about,” he said.

Gagnon’s athletic achievement didn’t go unnoticed. He was recognized by the Wiscasset School Committee at its July 12 meeting attended by WMHS Principal Chuck Lomonte and Interim Superintendent of Schools Robert “Bob” England.

Gagnon is really looking forward to his trip to the Golden State. “I never thought when I started running track that I’d ever get the opportunity to run in California. It’s exciting.” He admits he’s not looking forward to getting up at 3 a.m. to get to the airport for his flight. He said he’s glad he took Cossette’s and McCarthy’s advice and went out for track, and he’s thankful too he had Josiah Winchenbach as a coach and mentor. “It’s been a really great experience,” he said. He’s also excited about to returning to school in September. He plans to run on the combined Boothbay Region/Wiscasset cross-county team. “I’ve been running up to five miles a day to get myself ready.”

The Lincoln Babe Ruth baseball team defeated Bath on Wednesday, July 13 and Thursday, July 14 in Bath.

In the first 5-3 win,  Adam Harkins, the Lincoln head coach said, “The boys put together a great game tonight, great in the field and at the plate. Big night for our pitchers striking out 16 between our starter Liam Thomas “LT” Jacobs with 10 and a strong closer from Aiden Sanborn with six. The game was scoreless until the fourth, getting out trouble in two innings with bases loaded. Our bats were hot forcing Bath to make plays, which they really did a nice job.”

In the second 5-4 victory, Finn Harkins threw 77 pitches in a complete game over 7 innings. Aidric Canada, Aidan Sanborn, Maddux Cusumano, LT Jacobs and Owen Cotta made crucial defensive plays to close out the game. 

Patrick Sanborn, Lincoln coach said, “The team this year shows a lot of maturity. They are more confident in their  skills and have a great camaraderie. Those things help them play strong  through the challenging parts of some close games lately.”

The Lincoln baseball team is 4-2 in the competitive summer league composed of players from Boothbay, Wiscasset and Alna.

On Saturday, July 16, approximately 500 people came out to Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm for its Field & Forest Family Fun Day, a day full of family activities and celebration, the highlight of which was the grand opening of the land trust’s new natural playground. The Field & Forest Family Fun Day was a free, community-wide event with a focus on bringing families and those with young children out to the preserve to enjoy a beautiful summer day and introduce them to the preserve’s newest feature. Activities included a bounce house, a variety of nature education stations, and food prepared by the Boothbay Region High School seniors in support of Project Graduation.

Early in the day, the land trust held a branch cutting ceremony to officially open the Natural Playground. Kids gathered round a pair of clippers to help Executive Director, Nick Ullo, cut the branch and officially open the playground. The children then eagerly descended on new playground—swinging in the nest swing, climbing across the gnarled tree-trunk balance beam, hopping from tree stump to tree stump, and cooking up pinecone muffins in the mud kitchen. The Natural Playground at Oak Point Farm, a play space designed by Bill Joyce of Carson Douglas Landscape Architecture and built by John Copeland of Kennebec Trail Company, was funded through the generous support of the Leland Family. This newest feature is the culmination of the BRLT’s vision for Oak Point Farm—a preserve designed to draw in people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors and the beauty of our region. The natural playground at Oak Point Farm serves as an entry point for engaging kids in nature and the outdoors, bringing recreational benefits to families, school groups, and others with young children visiting the preserve.

Following the branch cutting, festivities included live music on the deck provided by Phil Brooks and Darlene Bailey in the morning, and band F Block Combo in the afternoon. Visitors were invited to complete a scavenger hunt that brought them around the pond loop, a universal access trail encircling Laanganes Pond, where participants learned about the natural habitats and wildlife on the preserve. Those who completed the scavenger hunt received a free raffle ticket to win a wide range of prizes donated by 27 local businesses, with a total value a of over $1,600.

As noontime approached, many made their way to the main field overlooking Hodgdon Cove where members of the Boothbay Region High School senior class were on hand grilling hot dogs and serving up lunch. Food was donated by Shaws in Wiscasset and all proceeds raised will benefit Project Graduation, which helps cover the cost of graduation for the BRHS class of 2023. While picnicking in the field, young children lined up for their turn in the bounce house, or simply enjoyed a variety of field games set up around the tent.

There were many engaging stations set up across the preserve to interest young and old alike including sun-prints, bubbles, soapstone sculpting provided by the Maine Stone Workers Guild, watershed model demonstrations provided by Boothbay Region Clean Drinking Water Initiative, pond study, a story trail, and plenty of opportunity for recreation and play on a perfect summer day.

This event would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship of Cap’n Fish’s Cruises, the support of many local businesses who provided raffle prizes, Shaws in Wiscasset for donating food, the Tindal family who sponsored the bounce house, and the many volunteers and partner organizations who came out to help support the event. BRLT is also especially grateful to John Copeland for his incredible dedication in constructing the natural playground.

For those who did not make it out on Saturday, the natural playground can be enjoyed every day at Oak Point Farm between the hours of dawn and dusk.

With the big dogs of NASCAR in town, a handful of tracks in New England took this past weekend off from racing festivities. Wiscasset Speedway capitalized on the opportunity and kept the train rolling with an action-packed Group #1 program featuring the Sweatt’s Concrete Thunder 4 Minis, Norm’s Used Cars Pro Stocks, Brackett’s Market 4-Cylinder Pros, Market 27 Super Streets and even the T&L Automotive Enduro Series for the second enduro of the season.

Nearly 100 competitors filled the pit area on Saturday in hopes to land a spot on the podium. It may have been warm outside, but Possibilities Nutrition kept it cool as they served ice cold beverages on the grandstand side and sponsored the night’s racing program.

The night kicked off with a 25 lap feature from the Thunder 4 Minis. Ricky Austin held the early lead over Derek Cook, but Zach Audet was hard-charging through the field. Audet, who also won one of the two heat races earlier in the evening, took over the top spot on lap 10. The leaders began to navigate lap traffic in the closing laps of the feature but Zach Audet maintained his advantage, picking up his second Thunder 4 Mini win of the season. Shane Webber and Derek Cook rounded out the top 3.

Logan Melcher scored the qualifying heat win in the Pro Stocks, but it was Kelly Moore who took the early lead in the 40-lap Pro Stock feature. Kelly Moore, who is 63 years old, was not only the oldest but the most decorated driver in the Pro Stock field on Saturday. He has become a racing legend in not only Maine but New England as well. The former Busch North driver has a long and successful career spanning over three decades and is a 2021 inductee into the New England Auto Racing Hall of fame and a soon-to-be 2022 inductee into the Maine Motorsports Hall of Fame.

Kelly Moore took off like a rocket from the get-go and held strong after a mid-race caution on lap 18 brought the field back together. He held off Nick Hinkley and a hard-charging Kevin Douglass in the closing laps of the feature, picking up his (surprisingly) first career win at Wiscasset Speedway. The last time Kelly Moore was on the podium at the speedway was back in 1994 when he scored a second place finish. Moore was emotional pulling into Victory Lane following the race and took a moment to gather himself before he emerged from his car, greeting a joyous crowd of cheering fans. Moore got choked up in his Victory Lane speech and celebrated with his family, friends and track owner, Richard Jordan. It’s not very often that you witness a driver like Kelly Moore scoring a career “first” this late into their career, but the fans got to experience it firsthand on Saturday.

The 4-Cylinder Pros followed the Pro Stocks with a 25 lap feature race. Sylas Ripley powered to the early lead but Josh Hall was on his toes, overtaking the lead after an early-race caution for contact between Callahan Cox and Andy Kaherl. Hall took the lead and ran with it, extending his lead to a full straightaway with just 5 laps to go. He held strong through the finish, picking up his fourth win on the season in the division. Josh now ties Ryan Ripley for the most wins in a single division this season. Daniel Harding and Sylas Ripley rounded out the top 3, but Daniel Harding was penalized 3 positions in post-race tech due to a carburetor violation. This moved Sylas Ripley up to second and Callahan Cox into the official top 3.

Jason Oakes took off with the early lead over PJ Merrill in the 30-lap Super Street feature. Heavy hitters Brett Osmond and Bubba Pelton tangled early, collecting Nick Morton and James Goodman in their aftermath. Pelton struggled to find his groove throughout the remainder of the feature and was later caught up in another on-track incident that ultimately retired him from the race, but Brett Osmond fought his way back into the top five as the laps began to wind down.

Point leader Matt Beers ran in the top 5 all day but was met with an unfortunate fate on the final lap of the feature as he collided with Colby Peacock. This turned Beers’ sideways, sending him straight into the turn 1 wall. Beers was able to walk away from the carnage, but was left with a heavily battered race car. 

The race was deemed official following the incident and ended under red flag conditions. Per Wiscasset rules, the official finishing order was determined by the drivers’ positions at the conclusion of the last completed green flag lap, minus the drivers that were involved in the caution. Jason Oakes was awarded the win, which is his first win in 3 years in the division. PJ Merrill and Brett Osmond rounded out the podium.

The night concluded with the T&L Automotive Enduro race. 37 drivers joined the fun for an exciting 100-lap feature. Jeff Read was the only driver who successfully completed all 100 laps and ultimately won the feature.

Kelly Moore is undoubtedly a racing legend in his own right, but more legends will be coming out of the woodwork as Wiscasset Speedway introduces their 2022 Hall of Fame class and invites former track champions to join the fun on Saturday, July 23rd for Birthday Night. The night will commemorate Wiscasset Speedway’s 53rd birthday and will feature a full Group #2 racing program with the addition of a fireworks display at the end of the evening.

Please join the fun and celebrate with us! Grandstands open at 4 p.m. and racing will commence at 5. As always, grandstand admission is just $5 for adults and free for kids 6 & under. 

For more track information, please visit http://www.wiscassetspeedway.com. Wiscasset Speedway is located on West Alna Road in Wiscasset, ME.

Registration is open for Midcoast Conservancy’s 11th Annual Race Through the Woods trail race, sponsored by First National Bank, Lamey-Wellehan and Trail Monster Running, on Saturday, Sept. 24, at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson.

Racers will have two course options to choose from: a 13.1-mile half-marathon or a 5.5-mile race.  This single-loop course brings runners over steep hills, through the woods, past beautiful ponds and has about 1,000 feet elevation with lots of technical single-track. 

All proceeds from the race are directly donated to Midcoast Conservancy to support their mission of protecting vital lands and waters on a scale that matters and to inspire wonder and action on behalf of all species and the earth. “Hidden Valley Nature Center offers so many ways for people to engage with the natural world,” says Andy Bezon, Director of HVNC and Community Programs. “Running, biking, skiing and camping opportunities mean there is something for everyone there.”

Race fees are $35 for the half marathon, and $25 for the 5.5 miler. This race is currently capped at 125 entrants, with a waitlist. There will be no day of registration. Prizes will be given to overall men's and women's winners at the finish line; no age group prizes.

To ensure the safety of all volunteers, racers and spectators, there will be two start times: half-marathon racers will start at 9 a.m., and 5-milers will start at 10 a.m.

Attendees can purchase beer from Sheepscot Brewing and food during the event. A limited number of long-sleeve technical shirts will be available for purchase when checking in on race day. To learn more and to register, go to midcoastconservancy.org/events-list/race-through-the-woods.

Here’s something you don’t often see at least not on Langdon Road, Wiscasset. This bald eagle took a break from Wednesday's extreme heat to perch in a tree across from the reporter’s home and stayed for more than 20 minutes.

Bald eagles develop their characteristic white head and tail feathers from 4 to 6 years of age. The picture was taken with a Nikon equipped with a 700mm zoom lens.

First Congregational Church’s Summerfest, a Wiscasset tradition since 1983, returned to Wiscasset Common Saturday and what a wonderful morning it was weatherwise for this year’s event; warm but not so much that people could not come enjoy the live music, food and help support some good community causes.

“It’s my first Summerfest. It’s really a wonderful gathering,” said Pastor Amy Lignitz Harken, interim minister for the church. “I think it really goes beyond what people might expect to find at a church fair.” She assumed her duties in February. She lives with her husband Bruce Harken in Sabattus.

Among the morning highlights was Joel Pierce of Topsham, the church’s music director and organist, demonstrating his skills with a rope as a lasso artist. Pierce told Wiscasset Newspaper he learned a few cowboy rope tricks while he was living in Arizona. “Well, I used to be in a roping team that was actually part of the Tucson Boys Chorus.” Pierce became First Congregational’s music director in December 2021.

Deb Morgan, Joni Leigh and Gretchen Burleigh-Johnson, each wearing a straw hat, were in charge of the dog parade that included canines of all sizes. Each dog received a king-sized bone for taking part.

Sarah Whitfield helped man the food tent grilling hot dogs and hamburgers. Other helpers included Linda Winterberg, her daughter Mary and her husband Bill Barr, Jacki Lowell, Steve and Jan Whitfield, Pam Frenier, Nancy Roby and Roger and Beth Whitney of Alna. Also on hand was Dan Bigley who lives with wife Zoe in Freeport. The Bigleys are former Wiscasset residents and longtime members of the church.

Also taking part were Judith Sutter and several other members of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church on Hodge Street.

Proceeds of Saturday’s event benefit nonprofits including Church World Service, Cooper-DiPerri Scholarship, Feed Our Scholars, Habitat for Humanity, Healthy Kids, Lincoln County Dental Clinic, Mobius, New Hope for Women, St. Philip’s Food Pantry and Tedford Housing, according to the church’s website.

The Midcoast Sports Hall of Fame will recognize eight more inductees at the annual Induction Banquet. The Banquet will be held Saturday, Oct. 8 at the Rockland Elks Club. For ticket information contact Dave Ames at damesref@tidewater.net or call 789-5118.

This year’s inductees include:

Matt Breen

Matt was a 1997 graduate of Rockland High School where he lettered in soccer, football, basketball and baseball. He was a 1,000 point scorer for the Tigers basketball team, being named KVAC Player of the Year both his junior and senior year. He was also All KVAC Conference in baseball his junior year. Matt went on to Husson College where he had a stellar career in basketball, helping lead the Eagles to several MAC Championships, appearances in the National NAIA Tournament and personal accomplishments of being an NAIA Academic All American, NAIA National Scholar Athlete, Nelson Degrasse Award Winner and an All Conference selection. After graduation from Husson, Matt got into coaching basketball at his alma mater, Rockland/Oceanside High School. He has had a very successful coaching career, coaching both the Mariners boys and girls varsity teams. He has accumulated over 200 wins, including a Class B Eastern Maine runner-up, Class A North Champions and Class A runner-up in boys basketball and most recently the Girls Class B State Championship with an undefeated girls team, led by his 2nd team All State daughter Bailey.

Marty Carey

Marty attended Rockland District High School 1968-72. Marty began playing pool at the age of 12 in one of two pool halls in Rockland. By age 14 he was beating older players in rotation, Kelly Pool and bottle pool. He got into competitive pool and in the 90’s he was winning many of the top tournaments on the East Coast in the Miller World Series of Tavern Pool. After moving to California, Marty got interested in trick pool and billiards. He has won or had top place finishes in numerous tournaments throughout the country both individually and on a team. He has been ranked as high as #12 in the World and has been inducted into the New England Pool & Billiards Hall of Fame. Marty not resides in Waldoboro and has been the innovator of a trick shot que called the Marty Carey Jump Q.

Nick DePatsy

Nick was a 1982 graduate of Medomak Valley High School where he was a varsity letter winner on the boys basketball team, being named MVP his senior year. While attending the University of Maine at Farmington, Nick got into coaching sub varsity teams in area schools near Farmington. After graduation from college, Nick was a Division 3 college assistant for 2 years before becoming the head coach for the Madison High School boys’ varsity team. He served there for three years, averaging 13 wins per season. He then returned to the midcoast area, taking over the helm at Georges Valley HS, where his teams reached the regional tournament 8 years in a row, reaching the Western Maine Class C Final twice. He then coached Lincoln Academy for three years, helping the Eagles achieve tournament success. In 2007 – 2008 Nick returned to his alma mater, Medomak Valley as the head coach. In the 13 years at Medomak his teams have qualified for the tournament all 13 years, with 7 KVAC Championship appearances, 4 KVAC titles, played in 4 regional championships, winning 2 of them only to lose in the State Final games, once at the buzzer. Nick has 337 career wins with 12 State or Conference Coach of the Year Honors

Richard Harden (posthumous)

Richard grew up in the “Highlands” of Rockland, near the Rockland Golf Club where he was a caddy and started to learn the game of golf. He graduated from Rockland High School in 1937. As a left-hander it was not as easy to learn the game, since left-handed equipment was rare and expensive so he learned to play right handed. In 1937 Richard captained the undefeated Rockland Golf Team that won the Eastern Maine Championship and runner-up in the State Championship. He also won the 1937 Schoolboy Individual Championship and was runner-up in the 1937 Maine State Junior Championship. Richard went on to have a very successful golfing career locally, winning many local and regional tournaments. He was also a very active member of his community, serving as a Boy Scout Troop leader, member of the Rockland Kiwanis Club and serving as coach of the Kiwanis Little League Team. He also was a very avid skier and played on the Rockland Ice Hockey Team, where he was captain his senior year.

Kyle O’Bryan

Kyle was a 1989 graduate of Lincoln Academy where he won varsity letters for 3 years in soccer, basketball and baseball. In soccer he was the goal keeper , who had outstanding instincts in stopping shots, helping lead his team to a Class B State Championship in 1987, runner-up to the State Championship in 1988, while captaining the team in 1989. In basketball, Kyle was an outstanding defender while being one of the team’s top scorers. He was a 1,000 point scorer for the Eagles, who won the 1989 Class B State Championship. They were Class B runner-ups in the West in 1988. Kyle tied the single game record of 40 points in one game and scored 83 points in the 1989 Western B Tournament. He was a McDonald’s All Star in 1989 and captain of the 1989 team. In baseball, he also captained the team in 1989. Kyle went on to Bates College where he played on the varsity basketball team there.

Randy Shrout (posthumous)

Randy was a 1968 graduate of Rockland District High School where he was a three year letter winner on the varsity football, basketball and baseball teams. He was best known as a left-handed pitcher on the baseball team. Randy attended Bridgton Academy in 1969 after graduation from Rockland. He then attended the Univ. of Maine, Penn, Indiana State and UConn to receive his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sports medicine. Randy became the Head Athletic Trainer at Boston College, taking the program from a staff of 2 to more than 25. He traveled with the football team as the trainer in the days of Doug Flutie, also serving as the trainer for the BC basketball team. He was made an Assistant AD at Boston College and in 1997 he was inducted into the Boston College Varsity Athletic Club Hall of Fame. He is the only non-BC graduate to receive this honor.

Laurie Smith

Laurie was a 1986 graduate of Wiscasset High School where she was the first 1,000 point scorer in Wiscasset basketball history. She received Bangor Daily News Honorable Mention in 1986. She also played on the 1986 McDonald’s All Star Team. During her playing years, her teams were 53-19, with eight of those losses coming when she was out of the lineup due to an injury. Laurie went on to star at Franklin Pierce College, where she was a good scorer and a prolific rebounder. After graduation from college Laurie joined the Air Force and was a player on the 1989-90 US Air Force Women’s Team.

Gary Spinney

Gary grew up in Gray, Maine, graduating from Gray-New Gloucester HS in 1966. After getting an undergraduate degree from Univ. of Maine/Presque Isle and graduate degree from Univ. of Maine, Gary became a Physical Education teacher at Camden-Rockport elementary and middle schools, serving in that position for 41 years. He is a nationally recognized physical education teacher, receiving 6 national awards and 3 New England Awards. He has been recognized as the 1987 Maine Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year and the 1988 NASPE Eastern District Elementary Teacher of the Year and 1988 National Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. He is noted for his Jump Rope Teams that have won acclaim throughout the country. In 2013 Camden-Rockport Elementary was recognized as the Maine American Heart Association School of the Year, and in that same year, Spinney was awarded the New England American Heart Association Volunteer of the Year for his Jump Rope for Heart Program. Gary has also served as the Athletic Administrator at the middle school and has successfully coached numerous soccer and basketball teams there.

The nationwide heat wave wasn’t stopping Wiscasset Speedway on Saturday as they hosted an exciting night of Group #2 racing action. The night’s program included the Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Models, Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw Minis, 88.5FM Modifieds, T&L Automotive Roadrunners and the Portland Glass Strictly Streets.

The fun didn’t stop there as the night also served as the 53rd “Birthday” night for the speedway. Past and present track champions joined together in Victory Lane during intermission as part of a special presentation honoring the track’s history and the 2022 Hall of Fame inductees. The honorees have all helped shape Wiscasset Speedway into the track it is today, whether that be as a driver, promoter, sponsor, car builder, etc. This year’s inductees include Larry Emerson, Chuck Lachance, J.C. Marsh, Forest Peaslee, Ray Penfold, “Big” John Phippen and Norm Sherman. Neil Greenleaf, Neil Reny and Johnny Rice were also honored for their dedication and contributions to the sport during intermission as well. 

Five divisions of feature racing action followed the Hall of Fame presentation. Frank Moulton started the day off strong in the Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Model division, charging through the field to pick up the first heat win of the day. Moulton started on the front row for the feature and pulled away with the early lead over Dan Trask. He held a full straightaway lead by the halfway point of the race and even began approaching lap traffic. The race took a 360 on lap 36 as Chris Burgess and Dave Getchell tangled, resulting in a caution. Moulton maintained command of the lead through two restarts, but Will Collins was hot on his heels. Collins pulled to Moulton’s door on lap 41, overtaking the lead just two laps later. Another late caution on lap 46 brought the field back together and also brought Josh St. Clair into the picture after St. Clair charged his way through the field and into the top 3. Collins and St. Clair battled closely following the restart but Collins persevered, scoring his first feature victory of the 2022 season. Division rookie, Daniel Harding, rounded out the top 3.

Zach Audet was notably absent from the Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw Minis on Saturday, leaving 10 drivers battling it out for the win. Kyle Willette kicked off his day with a heat win in the division and quickly pulled away from Jimmy Childs in the 25-lap feature. Meanwhile, Childs retired from the race early due to a blown motor. Willette took off like a rocket from the get-go, extending his lead to a full straightaway by lap 10. He was untouchable in the closing laps of the race, ultimately picking up his first feature victory in the division. Travis Poulliot and Jason Kimball rounded out the podium. The race was also surprisingly the first race since October of 2019 that neither Zach Audet or Jimmy Childs finished in the top 3. 

Brandon Williams, a rookie in the 88.5FM Modifieds, was well on his way to his first Modified victory two weeks ago until a mechanical problem retired him from the race with just four laps to go. He was on the rebound on Saturday, picking up a heat victory before taking off with the early lead over Allen Moeller in the 30 lap feature. Williams held strong for 20 laps, extending his lead to over a second before he began to approach lap traffic. Two late race cautions on lap 25 and 27 brought 4-time race winner Ryan Ripley back into the picture with just three laps to go. Ryan Ripley made his way to Brandon Williams’ outside door on the final lap and it was a drag race to the finish from there for the two competitors. After his heartbreak finish 2 weeks ago, Brandon Williams was finally able to capitalize and pick up his first feature victory in the division. Margin of victory? .059 seconds. Matty Sanborn rounded out the top 3, picking up his first podium finish of the 2022 season.

Ken Turner took off with the early lead in the 15-lap T&L Automotive Roadrunners feature. Nicole Brown was on the move early, overtaking the top spot on lap 6. David Whitelaw, who almost lost it in turn 4 earlier in the race, moved into the top 2 on lap 8 and began reeling in Nicole Brown. Whitelaw was within two car lengths of Brown with two to go and the drivers made heavy contact in turn 1 on the final lap of the feature. Brown got bent out of shape, which propelled Whitelaw into the lead. He held strong through the finish, picking up another feature victory in the division. Ken Turner rounded out the top 3.

The Portland Glass Strictly Streets rounded out the night with a 25-lap feature. Brady Romano held onto the early lead over Keith Drost, but Kurt Hewins was quickly navigating through the field. Hewins overtook Jeremy Glazier for third before moving onto Keith Drost, who he cleared on lap 15. Alex Cromwell took a spin in front of the leaders on lap 19, resulting in a late-race caution. Kurt Hewins powered ahead through two restarts and held off Keith Drost to the finish line, securing the feature victory. Calab Emerson-Mains rounded out the top 3, scoring his first podium finish of the 2022 season.

The racing action continues next Saturday, July 30 at Wiscasset Speedway as the Group #1 divisions return in addition to the 350 SMAC Super Modifieds for the 45-lap Bentley Warren Classic! It’s going to be a can’t miss, action packed event! Grandstands open at 4:00 pm and racing will commence at 5:00 pm. As always, grandstand admission is just $5 for adults and free for kids 6 & under.

For official race results and more track information, please visit http://www.wiscassetspeedway.com. 

For more information on Wiscasset Speedway’s 2022 Hall of Fame class, please visit https://wiscassetspeedway.com/28408-2/.

Wiscasset Speedway is located on West Alna Road in Wiscasset.

Stormy weather on the Midcoast Monday night yielded these rainbow scenes Lauren Stinson captured in Wiscasset, including an apparent double rainbow. 

The 48th Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club (BHYC) Regatta and Shipyard Cup Classics Challenge fleets provided a breathtaking scene Saturday, July 23 as the over 60 classic and modern racing boats sailed under clear blue skies across Boothbay to their starting lines. With moderate breezes, Day One provided enjoyable racing conditions for the fleets and a remarkable sight for dozens of spectator boats also out on the water. Weather on Day Two, Sunday, July 24, was moderate at the start and built to a strong breeze in the 19-20 knot range with some higher gusts created challenging conditions for racers.

The BHYC Regatta has been run since 1974. This was the second season for The Shipyard Cup Classics Challenge which features classic yachts and pays homage to the immensely popular Shipyard Cup superyacht races that were sponsored by Hodgdon Yachts and a staple for both the sailing and local communities in Boothbay Harbor for over a decade. Hodgdon continues as a major sponsor along with Bristol Marine’s Boothbay Shipyard and The First Bank.

Classic racers competing in the Shipyard Cup Classics Challenge ranged in size from the historic 21-foot Boothbay Harbor One Designs to the Cache, an 80’Oyster modern yacht. The long list of yachts included several well-known older vessels like Gleam, a 12-meter trial horse for the America’s Cup built in 1937; Marilee, a NY40 designed by the legendary Nat Herreshoff and built in 1926; Eben and Dana Wilson’s Zephyr, a Sparkman and Stevens 1961, a Paul E. Luke built yacht and Doug Goldhirsch’s 1898 Cat Boat Grayling: and a number of other unique and beautiful vessels.

The BHYC Regatta included a large cadre of PHRF racers, a mainstay of the Regatta for years. This year’s fleet included six J80s, among them a boat owned by Geoff Emanuel of Portland who has attended every BHYC Regatta since the 1970s. “New boats to the regatta were plentiful this year so it was great to see all the new faces,” said event co-chair Bob Scribner who went on to say. “Based on a very successful event in 2021 the sailing community responded strongly to participate in the 2022 not-to miss regatta.”

Racing took place in starting circles, each featuring classic and modern racers. The larger, faster boats raced a navigator course outside Squirrel Island going out beyond Damariscove Island on Saturday. Smaller boats raced in the outer harbor inside Squirrel Island. With 12 Division Champion trophies and 5 perpetual trophies at stake, gauntlets were thrown down, skills were tested, and competition was fierce.

One of the most unique match races battles was between two Buzzards Bay 18s, Besherte owned by Josh Goldberg of New York City and Uncas owned by Jim Newton of Southport. They are modern rebuilds of the classic Herreshoff design and as far as the two skippers could discern, it was only the second time that two Buzzards Bay 18s had faced off in decades (the first being last year at this regatta). Besherte won the first place between the boats, and both owners were thrilled to have raced against their sister ship.

Skippers ranged in age from 14 to the late seventies with a large contingent of local youth sailors from BHYC and Southport Yacht Club.

Winner of the Shipyard Cup Classics Challenge was Blackwatch, an S&S Custom Yawl, skippered by Joe Robillard. Blackwatch also won the Vintage Classics division. The Apparition Trophy for overall PHRF/One Design winner went to Patrick Mailloux racing the J/92 Inflection Point and the Pea Pod Trophy was won by Polaris, skippered by Lauren Smith. Carol Sewall sailing her beloved BHOD, Sea Fever, won the Hardalee II Trophy. Nat Wilson presented Nathaniel S. Wilson Sailmaker Trophy to Gleam, owned and skippered by Andy Tyska. This is awarded to the yacht which demonstrates the preservation and continuation of classic yachting. “Andy has been extremely influential in helping raise the visibility of classic yachting as the owner of Gleam,” said Nat. Gleam, the 1937 built Americas Cup 12 meter is now based in Boothbay Harbor.

Skippers and crew alike sang high praises for the weekend pointing particularly to how professionally the races were run and how welcome both local and visiting yacht folks felt. Rob McAlpine, skipper of the Alden 48 Custom built yacht Restive, reflected “ I will be back and will convince others who could not make it this year to come to Boothbay Harbor in 2023.”

The weekend also featured a dock party at Bristol Marine’s Boothbay Harbor Shipyard after the first day of racing. Over 450 skippers, crew and guests mingled, enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while comparing notes about their boats, swapping stories about the day’s competition, watching the fantastic drone video and still shots taken during the day while “talking trash” about how well they planned to do on Day Two!

Another highlight of the weekend was the “Parade of Sail” held Sunday morning where 40 magnificent vessels from the fleets circled through the inner harbor giving the local community an up close and personal look. Herding the boats into a“chorus line” the volunteers did a great job providing a wonderful parade of modern and traditional yachts. The boats paraded through the harbor led by Grand Marshal Nat Wilson and his wife Rhonda aboard the beautifully restored 70’ Trumpy motor yacht, Bernadette, owned by John Kent Cooke who was accompanied by his wife Rita Bernadette Cooke. Audrey Hodgdon of Hodgdon Yachts was parade announcer introducing parade participants with tidbits about some of the yachts and details of a yacht’s history, with able help from her dad, Tim. Parade Co-chairs Andy and Alice Mutch had great weather and lots of volunteer help to organize the 2nd annual yacht parade.

Event Co-chair and Shipyard Cup Classics Challenge winner Ken Colburn commented “this event couldn’t have happened without strong support from local sponsors, the 63 local and visiting racing yachts, and the 60+ volunteers who worked long hours before and during the event.” He specifically thanked Admiral level sponsors Bristol Marine’s Shipyard at Boothbay Harbor, Hodgdon Yachts, and the First National Bank; Captain Level Sponsors Bangor Savings Bank, Boothbay Harbor Oceanside Resort, Charleston Harbor Tours, J. Edward Knight Insurance, Robinson’s Wharf. Southport General Store, Water Street Kitchen & Bar, Ed Brown’s Wharfside Gallery and Nathaniel S. Wilson Sailmakers along with the 39 other sponsors whose support made the event one to remember. He also thanked the Register for helping spread the word and Harbor Master for leading the parade through the harbor.

For a list of participating boats, pictures of the action, and a breakdown of division trophy and award winners, visit BoothbayRegatta.com. Beautiful drone footage of Day One was shot by videographer Jonne Trees, along with many photos of the participating yachts and can be viewed shortly on the website (www.BoothbayREgatta.com). You can also see more on Facebook BoothbayRegatta.

Maine summer camps. There are 125 of them according to MaineSummerCamps.org. You can scour the listings, but there is only one summer camp on an island in the ocean – Burnt Island, part of Southport Island. Burnt Island’s history of summer camps began in the early 2000s for Maine elementary school students.

Last month, summer camp resumed at Burnt Island Light, completely restored in 2021 and its 200th anniversary observed in November. And, it was free for the 35 summer day camp kids – all from the Boothbay Region Elementary School - who were ferried to and from the island aboard the Balmy Days Wednesday – Friday, July 6-8; 20-22 and 28-30.

First week campers: Audrey Robinson, Carson Cook, Cora Robinson, Harrison Clark, Kaylee Wayda, Polly Nadeau-Miller, Ryder Baker, Sophia Gatnar-Koplan, Cameron Mayotte, Azalea Averill, Landyn Rego, Jacob Verge. Meyer Phelps. William Lassen; second week: Olivia Hardwick, Blake Durgan, Mason Wenners, Brady Baldwin, Sam Cooper; Byran Hills, Isaac Meyers, John Cooper, James Barter, Eben Robinson. Missing from photo: Xavi Hall; Third week: Asher Whitt, Briar Johnson, Maddox Hutchinson, Finn Leeman, Catalia Curtis, Iliya Sanborn, Kaiden Cusumano, Rowan Barter, Savannah Alley, Meabh Hennessy.

Teacher/instructors were: Libby Zipperer - lead instructor and organizer - RSU 1 Bath: Emelia Petroski - AOS 98 Boothbay Harbor; Sarah Currier - Edgecomb Eddy School; and Jennifer Lassen, Boothbay Harbor.

These summer day camps were sponsored by Lighthouse Education & Nautical Studies (LENS) in thanks to a summer resident's desire to provide local youth with ultimate, learning experiences at the perfect outdoor school. The organization's founder, Elaine Jones, provided teacher training for the camp's instructors utilizing activities she had developed as the island's former keeper and education director.

What did they do in paradise? A lot … (and man was it hot!!) check it out: nature journaling to record their observations through drawing and prose; lobstering with Boothbay Harbor lobsterman Clive Farrin; make fish prints, learn about lobsters – how and why they must be measured, banding their claws, etc.; tidepooling and learning about the intertidal zone, gathering species with buckets and nets; compass hike treasure hunt at the beach area, island bingo; stories and lessons about lighthouses, including stories from former lighthouse keeper Steve McCullough and his wife Nancy; tour of Burnt Island Lighthouse and up to the tower; visit through house history museum walkway then down to the boathouse and oil house; more recording in nature journals.

They hunted for objects to make an “explorer’s necklace” on the beach while talking about beaches; collect other beach treasures for making Sailor’s Valentines; introduction to using a GPS and taking a walk; learning about “stonewall dragons” – why were stonewalls used?; treasure map making (heavy art paper is used and tea used for stain ing and “burnt” edging. Service project: scouting the island for trash and picking it up; squid dissection; mudflat dig using clam rakes and shovels to find … yep, clams!; reading navigational charts; fishing on the dock, beach combing. And .. clean up!

Before heading out to the mudflats after lunch break in the ed center (it was very, very hot), Zipperer demonstrated how one should, and should not, use a clam rake ... and down to the shoreline they went. John Cooper decided to make a moat after the water kept flooding the hole he was digging in search of clams, sandworms or bloodworms. As each child found a clam or worm they called out “Found one!” and then added it to their plastic container of water.

Zipperer and the other teacher volunteers went out in the water to look for baby lobsters. And find one she did, but the young crustacean whipped one of its claws in her direction and she begged off quickly! Zipperere did, however, bring back some sea weed that Byran wore as a hat … what a stylish sport! They also came up with a few decent-sized crabs for the containers. Afterward they talked about the sea creatures - and vegetation – before returning it all to the water. Then it was back to the education center for cold drinks and navigational chart reading.

Zipperer, a grade 5-6 teacher who spoke at the 200th anniversary event last August, has been bringing students from her school district to the island for many years. She emphasized how important it was for the local kids – Boothbay Region – to be on the island. “This is their island, in their own backyard. And not many of them have been here before.”

Byran Hills had been to Burnt Island before, lots of times. His sister Hannah portrayed one of the Muise sisters in the Burnt Island Living History Tour (begun way back in 2003), and his mom is Capt. Heather Hills (one of the “women of the working waterfront” honored during the 60th Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days Festival in late June); and Olivia Hardwick said she’d been to the island when she was little.

Zipperer noted the curriculum used for the camps was developed by Elaine Jones who aligned it with the state’s science and social studies standards for grades 4-6. The counselors/teachers had to choose from 100 activities for campers that would be done as teams.

“Burnt Island is really a science, history, and social studies summer camp,”Zipperer said. “And this year camp was free for the local kids who need to learn about their own island – and to take a break from technology. That’s why we used a compass and then a GPS device.”

In addition to the fun learning experience during the camps, students learn about respecting the environment and the importance of the island’s ecosystem. There’s a learning activity called Flotsam and Jetsam in which students learn how to track trash, then pick it up be it a lobster trap washed ashore, or styrofoam. They learn everyone who comes to the island is one of its stewards.

And as stewards, it’s always best to leave the island better than it was before they came. For instance, the first week’s group scraped the skiff down at the boathouse. It’s something different each time. It’s Burnt Island tradition.

Zipperer’s first trip to Burnt island was with her daughter’s fourth grade class at Turner Elementary in 2008. The following year, after taking the “Discovering Burnt Island” curriculum for teachers, Zipperer began bringing her 5th and 6th grade students. “I have kids who connect with me through Facebook after all these years who ask me if I still bring kids out to Burnt Island,” Zipperer said. “And I am – they’re mostly from Jay, Rumford and Turner. If I taught school here, I’d be bringing my kids out here every week!”

So just what were some of the favorite activities for the kids?  James said it was the GPS hike – a little easier than the compass hike while Logan liked using the compass; Byran liked the tidepools and playing with the crabs and shrimp; for Olivia it was finding shells and sea glass on the beach.

Brady enjoyed the nature journaling: “We picked a spot we liked on the island and then wrote 5 sentences about what we experienced so far on the island. I went right to the rocks on the shore so I could listen to the waves, too.”

For Byran it was the tidepools – playing with crab and shrimp;  Eben said it was finding a piece of sea glass - from a lighthouse. “I was just walking and when I looked down it was there,” he said.

The most unexpected response came from Isaac: “I’m not sure, but I think it’s the fact that I ate over 100 raspberries since I’ve been here. Like, I just picked them while I was walking.”

And life just doesn’t get better than that when you’re a kid at summer day camp … on an island.

For more information on Burnt Island’s summer day camps, and other programming, visit www.maine.gov/dmr/education/burnt-island/programs.html and www.keepersofburntislandlight.com.

The Lincoln Babe Ruth baseball is on a four game winning streak defeating Brunswick on Tuesday, July 26 in Wiscasset Athletic Field and Bath Thursday, July 28 in Kelley Field, Bath.

In the first 12-4 win against Brunswick, Steve Markowitz, the Lincoln coach said, “The boys played well tonight against Brunswick. It was a true team effort. Owen Cotta gave us the best pitching performance since I’ve known him, and the offense gave us an early lead. We never looked back. I’m really happy with the way that we’ve been playing.”

Lincoln’s three scoreless innings and four strikeouts ended the game early due to the fifth inning mercy rule. Finn Harkins, Henry Putnam and Sammy Markowitz opened a large lead with multiple hits early in the game.

John Splaine, Lincoln coach said, “Tonight’s win against Brunswick was a result of shutdown pitching in the first three innings. Execution of the fundamentals in the field and a few hot bats at the right time throughout the game. As well, maturity and awareness of game situations that only come from experience.”

In the second 7-2 victory against Bath, Aidan Sanborn, Owen Cotta and Cleyton Splaine got three critical hits to open a comfortable lead. Maddox Cusumano had six strong innings of pitching and Aidric Canada closed out the game.

The Lincoln baseball team is 6-2 and they will have a doubleheader on Friday, July 29 in Boothbay.

This past weekend, the 350 SMAC Tour made its return to Maine’s fastest track for the highly anticipated Bentley Warren Classic. The 350 SMAC Tour brings the thrill of Super Modifieds to tracks across New England and Wiscasset Speedway was the home of excitement on Saturday night with an action-packed program that included both the touring series and all weekly Group 1 divisions. The race, entitled the “Bentley Warren Classic,” was the sixth event of the season and paid homage to the almighty Maine and Super Modified racing legend, Bentley Warren. 

The racing action kicked off with a 25-lap feature from the Brackett’s Market 4-Cylinder Pro division. Andy Kaherl took off with the early lead in the feature and led the charge until lap 7, where he was overtaken by Sylas Ripley. Reed Reno, making his first start as a fourth generation driver at Wiscasset Speedway, took a spin on lap 20 in addition to Josh Hall. This resulted in a late-race caution. Sylas Ripley powered ahead on the restart, but chaos was erupting behind the leader as Ben Burgess made hard contact with Callahan Cox. The race ended under yellow-checkered conditions as Sylas Ripley took the checkered flag. Ben Burgess was penalized due to the late-race contact and Daniel Harding and Taylor Lane rounded out the official lap 3.

Following driver introductions, sixteen Super Modified drivers took to the track for their 45-lap main event. Kenny White took off with a hearty lead early, extending his lead to half a straightaway by lap 3. White began to approach lap traffic on lap 11 and while attempting to put Matt Merry a lap down, the two drivers made hard contact in turn 3. This resulted in a red flag and both drivers were lucky to walk away under their own power. The unfortunate incident catapulted Bobby Timmons into the top spot, who began pulling away from his competitors. 

A red flag for a 4-car pile-up on lap 14 brought the field back together, but Bobby Timmons was able to maintain his advantage on the restart. He extended his lead to a full straightaway by lap 25 and began to approach heavy lap traffic with ten laps to go. Timmons held strong through the finish, picking up his second 350 SMAC Tour victory of the season and his first career win at Wiscasset Speedway. Dave Helliwell and Ben Tinker rounded out the top 3. 

Bill Pinkham held the early command in the 30-lap Market 27 Super Streets feature. A pile-up at the tail end of the pack brought the field back together early, but Bill Pinkham held onto his lead following the restart. Bubba Pelton was also on the move early, overtaking Matt Beers for the runner-up spot on lap 7 before taking over the top spot on lap 10. Pelton held a full straightaway lead by lap 20, but began approaching heavy lap traffic in the closing laps of the feature. Pelton was able to maneuver through the pack, picking up his second feature victory of the season. Matt Beers and Bill Pinkham rounded out the podium.

Gunner Josselyn took off with the early lead in the 25-lap Sweatt’s Concrete Thunder 4 Mini feature. Zach Audet and Derek Cook tangled on lap 4, resulting in an early caution. Cook retired to the pits following the incident while Audet was forced to restart at the tail-end of the field. Zach Audet cut the field in half following the restart while Jeff Farrington powered to the lead over Gunner Josselyn. Zach Audet was still on the move and riding Jeff Farrington’s heels, quickly overtaking the top spot. Audet held off a hard-charging Shane Webber in the closing laps of the feature, scoring his third feature victory of the season in the division. Jeff Farrington rounded out the top 3.

The Norm’s Used Cars Pro Stocks rounded out the night with a final 40-lap feature. Logan Melcher took off with the early lead over Steve Chicoine, but Kevin Douglass was on the move early. Douglass began to blister through the field, taking over the runner-up spot on lap 9. He continued his pursuit in the coming laps, pulling to the lead over Logan Melcher on lap 12. Douglass extended his lead to a full straightaway by the halfway point of the race and never looked back, securing his fourth feature victory of the 2022 season. Logan Melcher and Kelly Moore followed, rounding out the top 3.

The 350 SMAC Tour was a wonderful addition to the racing program on Saturday, but the add-ons keep coming as the Wicked Good Vintage racers join the Group #2 program this coming Saturday, Aug. 6. Grandstands open at 4 p.m. and racing will commence at 5. As always, grandstand admission is just $5 for adults and free for kids 6 & under. Come join the fun at the fastest track in Maine!

For more information on the 350 SMAC tour, please visit https://350smac.com/.

For official race results and more track information, please visit http://www.wiscassetspeedway.com. 

Wiscasset Speedway is located on West Alna Road in Wiscasset.

After 18 years at Chewonki, including twelve years as president, Willard Morgan will be stepping down from his role at the end of August. Under Morgan’s leadership, Chewonki has continued its century-long tradition of nature-based education while expanding operations on and off the main campus located on Chewonki Neck in Wiscasset.

“The meaningful and joyful experience that is Chewonki for the many children and young people who join our programs throughout the year is due to Willard Morgan’s strategic vision and his leadership of an exceptional team of educators,” said Roseanne Saalfield, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Inspired by the best of Chewonki’s first century, Willard broadened the reach of our mission to include new constituencies.  We are deeply grateful to him as we wish him well on his road ahead.”

During his tenure, Morgan led Chewonki through a series of milestones and accomplishments, including:

• Earned full accreditation in 2008, and renewal in 2018, by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges as an Independent School with two divisions, Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki and Chewonki Elementary and Middle School. (Chewonki is also fully accredited by the American Camping Association).
• Commemorated Chewonki’s 100th Summer and Centennial Year in 2014 and 2015.
• Developed new programs to strengthen the educational mission, including Waypoint, a six-year mentorship program, offered in collaboration with RSU1 and the Rural Futures Fund, and Chewonki Elementary and Middle School, a place-based school for midcoast families in grades 1-8.
• Collaborated with other environmental learning centers in Maine, as ELLMS (Environmental Living and Learning for Maine Students), to fund and develop school partnerships across the state. Together the network has partially funded well over 12,000 student experiences, evaluated impacts, and pursued the goal of every middle school student in Maine having access to an immersive outdoor learning experience.
• Oversaw the creation of a Site Master Plan to guide thoughtful long-term development of the Wiscasset campus to support outdoor learning there and on expeditions throughout Maine and Canada.
• Led efforts to add workforce housing, both on Chewonki Neck and nearby in Wiscasset, to better attract and retain highly qualified educators.
• Facilitated the strategic thinking and project implementation to add a challenge course, expand the farm facilities, and build the first phase of an eastside campus on Chewonki Neck for a larger and more inclusive Camp Chewonki.
• Added considerable photovoltaic electricity production to campus and oversaw the development of a plan to decarbonize operations over the next decade.
• Stewarded coastal properties and North Woods outposts, such as Big Eddy Campground and Fourth Debsconeag Lake Camps, to support youth expeditions statewide.
• Doubled the annual operating budget and meaningfully increased compensation to better attract and retain excellent staff.
• Tripled the Chewonki Annual Fund and significantly increased the endowment funds to support operations.
• Led an effort to raise nearly $20 million over the past five years for program and staff development, growing Camp Chewonki and outdoor learning, climate and pandemic resilience, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellness initiatives.
• Strengthened a highly engaged and effective board of trustees.
• Promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives throughout Chewonki and participated in the Maine First Light Learning Community.
• Expanded and enhanced health and wellness services to better serve the physical and emotional needs of the constituent, faculty, and staff communities.
• Navigated the multitude of pandemic challenges, including a long-term phased reopening process after closing campus to in-person programs for six months in 2020.

“When I became president, I had the opportunity to stand on the shoulders of my predecessors, Don Hudson, and Tim Ellis, to create a forward-looking vision for Chewonki,” said Morgan. “Together, as staff and board, we have strengthened our identity, programs, and organization to be a vibrant school and camp that partners with educational institutions to extend our mission. We have accomplished a lot in the past 12 years and I have learned so much that I will apply in the future to advancing education, non-profits, and other important civic causes.”

Morgan continued, “In most years (outside the pandemic), nearly 2,500 participants have a program experience based on Chewonki Neck in Wiscasset, and over 20,000 join a Traveling Natural History Program around the state. Our tens of thousands of alumni are making their communities and the environment healthier, in part inspired by their time with Chewonki. I’m endlessly impressed by and proud of our staff and what they have accomplished. I look forward to seeing what is next for Chewonki and our partners.”

Chewonki has named Nancy Kennedy, currently senior vice resident, to the role of acting president beginning in late August. Since joining the Chewonki team in 2015, Nancy has taken on increasing responsibility and successfully led the growth and development of several programs and initiatives, including as the leader of Camp Chewonki and the departments of Human Resources and Organizational Development.

Nancy participates with the Maine Youth Camping Association, is a member of the American Camp Association, has served on the curriculum committee of the National Conference of the American Camping Association, and consulted with the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute as it developed a program for girls in Maine to raise their confidence and aspirations. Nancy serves as the chair of the Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce and is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. Nancy has served several Congregational Churches and was a professor at both Lynchburg College and Randolph-Macon Women’s College before returning to Maine in 2010, where she spent five years directing Wavus Camp for Girls.

Nancy Kennedy holds a bachelor of arts in women’s studies from the University of Maine, a master of divinity from Bangor Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in natural resources and environmental studies from the University of New Hampshire. Nancy currently lives in Newcastle with her husband, Joe, one dog, and a cat. Her son, Nicholas, is a ‘22 graduate of Bard College.

Later this fall the Chewonki board plans to launch a competitive search process to name its next permanent president. 

Morgan will be providing transition assistance for several months following his departure. He is looking forward to spending extra time with his family, exploring the great outdoors on personal expeditions, and pursuing new professional opportunities.

A front row seat to the world's first restored Atlantic Puffin colony awaits on Cap’n Fish’s Puffin Cruise. Take the 2.5-hour trip aboard the Pink Lady II to Eastern Egg Rock to see Maine’s iconic cuties. Narration by a naturalist from National Audubon’s Project Puffin provides the history of the puffins and the Eastern Egg Rock restoration directly from the people involved. 

“They are just the most charismatic birds,” said naturalist Arden Kelly. Kelly described the puffins’ beautiful behavioral patterns, such as pairs mating for life and co-raising one egg a year. As of 2017, there were at least 173 breeding pairs nesting on the island and that number is rising every year. 

While climate change has not affected the puffins too much, Kelly said the warming waters have introduced the butterfish to the Gulf of Maine. This is a problem for puffins, as butterfish are too wide for them to swallow. However, efforts to manage local fisheries to make sure there are more edible than inedible fish have been successful. 

“There's a lot of doom and gloom with our environment so, to have solid proof that our world is resilient, and these birds are resilient and ready to survive and thrive if we give them that support, gives people hope for the future, that we can make that difference if we do try,” she said.

Project Puffin was started by National Audubon Society in 1973 to try to restore historic puffin nesting islands in the Gulf of Maine. The puffin population had been diminished by hunting and displacement from herring and great black-backed gulls whose numbers increased due to local fishing practices and municipal waste. Prior to recolonization, puffins last nested on Eastern Egg Rock in 1885. 

Project Puffin pioneered the use of decoys and other techniques to draw the birds back and has since helped over 63 species in 17 countries via the methods developed on the island, according to Kelly. 

Puffins aren’t all that people will see on their trip. According to Capt. Tabor Young of Cap’n Fish’s, visitors may spot gannets, shearwaters, seals, porpoises, sunfish and even whales. Eastern Egg Rock also hosts other birds like the black guillemots and the Common, Arctic and endangered Roseate tern. The trip also passes three lighthouses (Ram, Burnt, and Pemaquid Point), various islands, coastlines and more.

“Puffins are quintessentially Maine,” said Young. “You have to take the journey and you have to find them for yourself. It's an experience you won't ever forget.”

The Puffin Cruises run rain or shine from mid-May to mid-August. Binoculars are recommended. Find more information at www.boothbayboattrips.com or call (207) 613-7339.

BRLT opened a new natural playground in a “branch cutting” ceremony July 16 at its Oak Point Farm headquarters. The playground was designed by Carson Douglas Landscape Architecture’s Bill Joyce, and built by Kennebec Trail Company’s John Copeland and funded by the Leland family.

We’ve heard it all before: “I’m too tired,” “I don’t want to walk,” etcetera. Parents who want to enjoy the Boothbay Region Land Trust trails out at Oak Point Farm, and might otherwise find themselves deterred from dragging kids along, now have a carrot to dangle as a treat at the end of a modest hike.

The creative play space offers countless climbing, hopping, balancing fixtures made out of natural materials, a nest swing, mud kitchen and a sand pit nestled in the bedrock of the landscape. Sculptor Dick Alden carved animal sculptures into the stone around the sand pit and slide, funded by Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens provided the mud kitchen.

Since its opening, BRLT staff said there has not been a moment of idleness on the playground – the area has had the constant sounds of imagination and feet running wild.

“The playground has seen visitors from dawn to dusk each day, even on hot and rainy days,” said BRLT Environmental Educator Tracey Hall. “In addition to the natural playground, there is also a story trail that allows hikers to read a family-friendly illustrated book while walking through the woods.”

Barbara Leland said she and husband Todd stopped by the site during the last days of construction and were awestruck by the features. Joyce was working on the last touches as his children enjoyed the landscape begging for more time when he was done for the day.

“It was clear right from that moment this was going to be a place loved by all children,” said Leland. “Its a gathering spot for families that inspires play and exploration away from screens, in all seasons, a place to discover the joy of being outdoors in Maine … We are thrilled to support BRLT.”

Hall said the planning started two years ago when BRLT purchased the Oak Point Farm property. The playground’s site popped out immediately when walking the property and with the help of Executive Director Nick Ullo, Hall said she was able to get full support from the BRLT board of trustees.

BRLT’s goal for the playground was not just to provide a space for kids’ enjoyment, but to serve as an introduction to its work and commitment in connecting people to conservation and education. Hall said parents have given a lot of positive feedback particularly on the use of natural materials and elements allowing open-ended play and the canopy’s shade which affords peeks of the pond.

“The natural playground has long been a dream of mine for several years after spending my career teaching children in the woods and seeing how important play was in connecting youth to nature,” she said. “We are still working on a few elements that we will be adding in the future, so we hope this will be a dynamic space over time.”

Full disclosure: Three of the children enjoying the playground in these photos are mine and my wife, Haley’s.

Calling all "person-powered" watercraft paddlers and rowers to the 29th annual Boothbay Region YMCA Rowgatta! The event, which encompasses approximately nine nautical miles is this Saturday, Aug. 13. We start at 9 a.m. from the Knickercane Landing on Barters Island Road to circumnavigate the island finishing back at Knickercane.

The event benefits the Boothbay Region’s Y Aquatics swim program, which, in partnership with our local elementary schools, includes the free learn to swim program for all 2nd grade students on the peninsula.

Registration and information is available at the Y Membership Desk and on the website at www.boothbayregionymca.org. Individuals or teams are welcome to register a dingy, rowboat, canoe, kayak, ocean shell, paddleboard or any other seaworthy craft. No sail or powerboats allowed. There is a $40 fee for each participant who registers by 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12, and a $45 fee per participant for those who register at the event, on Aug. 13.

Registration will take place at the Landing beginning at 8 a.m. for the 9 a.m. start.

Special thanks to our event sponsors, Knickerbocker Group, J Edward Night, First National Bank, Dead River Company and Tindal and Callahan. Kayaks can be rented, delivered right to the event and then picked up after the race, at a “special Rowgatta rate” from Tidal Transit (207-633-7140) in Boothbay Harbor. Also thanks to the many volunteers who are stationed at docks, on bridges and in powerboats around the course keeping everyone safe and on track.

For more information and to register, contact the YMCA at 207-633-2855 or go to www.boothbayregionymca.org.

After a four-decade hiatus, the Boothbay Harbor Tuna Challenge returns next month with a big, big cash prize. On Sept. 3, up to 60 contestants paying a $750 entry fee will convene at Carousel Marina for a captains’ meeting on the Sept. 4-8 event. 

Whoever lands the heaviest tuna will win $30,000. And there are other big cash prizes, as the challenge pays the five heaviest tuna catches. Second place pays $15,000; third, $7,500; fourth, $3,500; and fifth, $1,500. Carousel Marina’s new owners, the van deer Veens, are the impetus behind the tuna challenge’s return. On June 3, the van der Veen family bought Carousel Marina and Whale’s Tale pub, but the tuna challenge’s return began even before the business changed hands.

In January, Jax van der Veen, who manages Carousel Marina, began planning  a community event to fill the void created by Fishermen’s Festival’s loss. She researched popular coastal Maine events and discovered the defunct Boothbay Harbor Tuna Tournament. She consulted with her father, Mike van der Veen, about past challenges. This led her to contact fishermen Dan Williams and Mark Brewer. This collaboration led to an idea about creating a major tuna fishing event benefiting the Fishermen’s Memorial. “We wanted to give something back to the community as a business owner,” Jax van der Veen said. “Something that would breathe new life into the community and benefit the public.”

As a non-profit organization, a board of directors was installed. Boothbay Harbor Tuna Challenge directors include Williams, Brewer, Jax and Michael van der Veen, Evan Hepburn, Russell Marinari, Kipp Farrin, Nick Ripley, Michele Barter, Peter Ripley, Nick and Kristin Page, Nick and Andrew Morley, John Shostak, Troy Lewis and Tom Clark.

Organizers hope to make a big splash with the event’s return. The challenge has already filled over half the 60 slots with 42 entrants who have paid the entry fee. “We’re looking at doing something really big. This is the largest cash prize in Maine, and we expect contestants from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Maine,” Jax van der Veen said.

Fishermen are restricted to fishing in waters in Zone 1A which runs from the Massachusetts to the Canadian border. Hepburn expects the daily weigh-ins will generate a tremendous amount of excitement. He predicts some tuna will weight 800-900 pounds.“The idea is bringing fishing back to Boothbay Harbor. Fish weighed at the marina will draw crowds to town and generate revenue for many local businesses,” he said.

While the purse is a major draw,  competition is also a driving factor for entrants. Williams fished in Boothbay Harbor Tuna Challenges in the 1970s. He is excited about the tournament’s return and about competing against other skilled fishermen and giant tunas. “This is not just about the money. It’s about competition,” he said. “You don’t realize what it takes to catch a fish like this. It’s a magnificent fight.”

Brewer is also a tuna fisherman. He described catching a large tuna as an epic struggle. “I’ve hunted deer and moose, but there is nothing like catching a tuna,” he said. “It’s the toughest struggle I’ve ever come up against. The tuna gives one helluva fight. It’s truly man versus nature,” Brewer said. 

There is another tournament for younger fishermen. Mackerel Mania on Sept. 3 will have no entrance fee, but will provide prizes and every participant gets a T-shirt. The Boothbay Harbor Tuna Challenge has several local sponsors: Pat Farrin & Sons, Pinkham Gourmet Market, Harold W. Bishop Agency, Atlantic Edge Lobster and BACC Inc.

Jax van der Veen says more sponsors are welcome. 

Brewer said the tuna challenges’s return wouldn’t have happened without the van der Veens. “It’s all very exciting, and we have a good plan, but none of this would’ve happened without the van der Veens,” he said. 

On Sept. 9, there will be an end of the tournament banquet and lobster bake. The winner receives the $30,000 prize money and a trophy to keep for a year. The banquet is from 1 to 9 p.m. at Carousel Marina. The public is welcome. Tickets are $75 apiece. 

For more information, visit the website, boothbayharbortunachallenge.com

Each year on the second Saturday of August, the delicious smell of barbecued chicken fills the air in North Nobleboro, accompanied by great music, and family and friends from the community and beyond. This year, North Nobleboro Day will be held on Saturday, Aug. 13 at the community grounds on Upper East Pond Road in North Nobleboro.

This will be the 50th year that members of the North Nobleboro community have joined together to provide a fun-filled day for their neighbors while raising money for donations to benefit the local area. It is a highly anticipated tradition for many in the community and all are welcome to attend. .Cash or check only accepted for purchases - no credit or debit cards accepted.

Booths will open at 9 a.m. The country kitchen will be filled with homemade pies and doughnuts, delicious breads and cakes, baked beans, fudge and more. Hot dogs, fresh-picked corn on the cob, French fries; and Round Top ice cream will also be available along with various soft drinks.

Trash & Treasures will return to the community hall, and the selection is always plentiful and well priced. It’s a bargain hunter’s dream! As always, the craft table will have many beautiful handmade items and the silent auction table will have items up for bid such as handmade blankets, jewelry and art prints. Members are also excited to present a new 50th annual tee shirt for sale.

North Nobleboro Day would not be the same without Country Western singer Debbie Myers, who will be back for her 17th year. Her band “Redneck Rodeo” will be performing from 10 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Debbie was the Top Honors Recipient at the 2006 and 2007 Maine Academy of Country Music Awards as Best Female Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year. In past years, she has delighted audiences with tributes to Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, and Reba McIntyre. Don’t miss an opportunity to see what is always an outstanding musical event.

Nobleboro’s hard-working chicken pit crew will once again have their famous chicken barbecue ready at 11 a.m. and serve through the afternoon until sold out. Chicken dinners are half a chicken barbecued with a secret recipe, coleslaw, a dinner roll, chips, and a beverage. Bring your appetite for a mouthwatering feast.

Under the big tent, the live auction will commence at 1 p.m. People are busy cleaning out their attics and cottages to find those “oldies but goodies.” If you live in North Nobleboro and wish to donate an auction item, please don’t hesitate to call Pam Edwards at 918-637-7398 or Ronald Spear at 207-542-8623. The Community Hall will be open for donation drop off Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon; and Aug. 9-11 from 6-7 p.m. Items must be clean. No large appliances or workout equipment.

The North Nobleboro Community Association is proud to use proceeds from this day for donations to various organizations including Nobleboro Central School and local fire departments and for financial assistance to qualified Nobleboro students. Monies are also used for the upkeep of local cemeteries, the Community Hall, and the basketball courts.

North Nobleboro Day will take place from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Aug. 13, rain or shine, at the community grounds at the intersection of East Pond Rd. and the Upper East Pond Rd. approximately three miles from Rt. 1 in Nobleboro or three miles from Rt. 32 in Jefferson. There will be fun shopping opportunities, great food to eat, places to sit and rest and plenty of free parking For more information, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NorthNobleboroCommunityAssociation.

On Saturday, Aug. 20, 2-4 p.m., the last of three mountain bike clinics offered by Midcoast Conservancy at Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) will address “Progression”, a workshop for those looking to “level up” their mountain biking skills. It will cover how to corner properly, handling speed, how to make drops, and of course, wheelies! The guides will lead riders to the “Hidden Gems” at HVNC that will challenge their skills and help them progress.

To learn more about the clinic and register, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events-list/trail-preparedness-txpp9.

There are other biking opportunities at HVNC as well. Now through Sept. 3, weekend bike rentals at HVNC will be available 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Rates for adults are $25 for 2 hours and $35 for four hours. Kids’ bikes are $15/2 hours and $20/4 hours. Midcoast Conservancy members get a 50% discount. No reservations are required.

Wednesday group rides run from 5:30-6:30 p.m. through the end of August. No registration is required; participants can bring their own gear or rent at HVNC.

The second annual Boothbay Cornhole Classic will be held Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Boothbay Railway Village Museum, 586 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay.

The round robin event is a fundraiser for Special Olympics Maine (SOME) and organized by Wicked Cornhole and the Boothbay Charities Classic committee, which held a golf tournament and sports auction for the benefit of SOME for 30 years and raised over one million dollars.

Last year’s inaugural Cornhole Classic raised $15,000 for SOME.

All teams are guaranteed four games and entry fee is $50 per team.

There will be live and silent auctions, music, food and a cash bar.

Cash payouts for the winners: $500 for first place, $350 for second place and $150 for third place.

Registration is at 8:30 a.m. and bags fly at 10 a.m. Pre-registration can be done online at boothbaycharitiesclassic.com

Sponsorships opportunities abound. Visit www.boothbaycharitiesclassic.com/sponsorships.html

For more information, contact Rob Wheeler - rob@jedwardknight.com or Brenda Blackman - brenda.blackman@thefirst.com

The natural beauty of Monhegan Island awaits on Balmy Days’ Monhegan Cruise. Take the 1.5-hour trip aboard the Balmy Days II to experience the breathtaking scenery that has attracted artists and nature lovers from around the world. Visit for a day or stay overnight at one of the island’s accommodations. The optional half-hour “Trip Around the Island” tour also provides a view of the highest cliffs in Maine, as well as occasional whale and seal sightings on the Duck Rocks.

“I think it really should be on everybody's bucket list,” said Kelly Campbell of Balmy Day Cruises.

12 miles off coast, Monhegan is a year-round home to fewer than 65 residents, many of them fishing families, and has no cars or paved roads. Instead, the walkable island boasts 17 miles of hiking trails through natural wooded areas with spectacular cliff-side views of the Atlantic Ocean. Some trails have fairy houses for small visitors to enjoy. Bird-watchers will appreciate the variety of warblers, thrushes, vireos and flycatchers that migrate to the island every year. Trail maps are available in most shops. 

Monhegan has an inn, several art galleries, shops, a Lighthouse Museum and a shipwreck to explore. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the cafes or visit Monhegan Brewing Company for local fine craft ale. 

There’s an experience for everyone, no matter the age, Campbell said.“(Monhegan Island) is just so varied and it really can be as active or as inactive as you want it to be.”

Cruises are offered daily from early June to early October. “Trip Around the Island” is offered until mid-September; dates may vary. Find more information at www.balmydayscruises.com or call (207) 633-2284.

Hearty Roots is built upon the magic of meeting kids where they're at, and their July Sunbeam Camp was no exception for nine local kids. Designed as a summer opportunity for children with physical or neurological barriers, Sunbeam Camp offered a week of fun and adventure on Knickerbocker Lake, which allowed the campers access to the waterfront and the YMCA's Baldwin Center. This home base provided the structure for social-emotional learning, swimming, paddle boarding, and creative expression time for the campers. This inclusive, supportive camp provided an opportunity for kids to play in the woods, make new friends, and experience the simple pleasures found in summer camp that aren't typically available to kids with neurodivergence or limited mobility. In the Closing Circle, a reflective time of gratitude built into every Hearty Roots experience, participant Chloe Joneth, 14, said, “When I care for myself and my world, everything grows and blossoms. I love having Hearty Roots."

Hearty Roots is proud of their unique offerings and wants to expand the resources they offer kids and families in our community, particularly for local youth who may not benefit from a traditional summer camp model prevalent here on the Midcoast. “The unique space that our amazing and dedicated instructors created at Sunbeam truly offered campers the opportunity to show up as their whole selves, grow confidence to learn new skills, and thrive in a summer camp setting that historically isn’t offered in our community,” says Deputy Director and Instructor Jess Donohoe. “Witnessing Sunbeam campers paddle board for the first time, challenge themselves on the low ropes course, and find joy within themselves and within new connections reinforced how fundamental our program is. There’s no doubt that Sunbeam will continue as an integral part of our growing program offerings and I’m grateful to be a part of it!”

Sunbeam Camp allows kids to foster independence, acknowledge self-worth, dig deep into their grit and resilience and beam with smiles. As part of on-going fundraising and a forthcoming capital campaign, Hearty Roots aims to secure land in Midcoast Maine for a permanent home base, while developing deepened summer and year-round offerings for the local kids who need it most because every kid deserves a chance to “get off the grid and into their heart,” a mission taken seriously in all Hearty Roots programming.

While the temperature outside continues to cool down in Coastal Maine, the racing action continues to heat up at Wiscasset Speedway. The excitement continued on Saturday, Aug. 13 as the track hosted a full Group #1 racing program which included the Brackett’s Market 4-Cylinder Pros, Norm’s Used Car Pro Stocks, Sweatt’s Concrete Thunder 4 Minis and the Market 27 Super Streets.

The 4-Cylinder Pro division kicked off the program with a 30-lap spotlight feature. Seven drivers took to the track for the drop of the green flag but frontrunners Sylas Ripley and Callahan Cox were notably missing from the field. Ben Burgess took off with the early lead in the feature as Josh Hall and Daniel Harding filed in behind him. The three drivers quickly pulled away from the rest of the field, igniting their own battle for the lead in the closing half of the race. Josh Hall jumped to the top groove on lap 26, sacrificing the bottom groove to Daniel Harding as they continued to trail Ben Burgess at the top of the leaderboard. Ben Burgess maintained his edge through the finish, picking up his second feature victory of the season. Daniel Harding and Josh Hall were still door-to-door as they crossed the finish line. Josh Hall was initially declared the second place finisher but following a post-race transponder inspection, Daniel Harding was awarded with the spot.

Jamie Wright powered to the early lead in the 40-lap Pro Stock feature, but chaos quickly erupted as series’ standouts Kevin Douglass and Josh St. Clair made contact in turn 3. This resulted in an early caution and led to Josh St. Clair heading to the pits under yellow. Kevin Douglass remained on the track following the incident with sizable left front damage. Following the restart, Kelly Moore began to power his way through the field. He ignited a battle with Jamie Wright on lap 14, which lasted a handful of laps. The two drivers made contact on lap 18 - a move that sent both drivers through the turn 2 grass. This catapulted Nick Hinckley into the top spot where he immediately pulled ahead with a sizable lead. Miller Buzzell spun on the final lap in turn 3, ending the race under yellow-checkered conditions. Jamie Wright let off the gas following the spin, allowing Kevin Douglass and Kelly Moore around him to round out the podium as they raced to the line per Wiscasset track rules. The win is Nick Hinkley’s first of the season and gives him momentum to end out the season on a high note.

The Pro Stock feature also served as practice to many drivers for the upcoming Boss Hogg 150 on Sunday, Sept. 4. The track announced last night that the winner’s purse has doubled from $5,000 to $10,000 for the coveted race, making it that much more of a can’t miss event!

Bruce Hall Jr. held onto the early advantage in the 25-lap Thunder 4 Mini feature, but trouble was brewing for points leader Shane Webber, who was involved in a pile-up in the opening laps of the race. Webber pulled back onto the track for the drop of the green flag, but was in danger of going a lap down. After starting mid-pack, Zach Audet pulled to the lead on lap 9 as Jeff Farrington lingered closely behind. Audet distanced himself from Farrington in the closing laps of the race, pulling to a full straightaway lead with 10 laps to go. He maintained his advantage throughout the remainder of the race, picking up his third consecutive victory in the division. Jeff Farrington and Kyle Willette rounded out the top 3.

The Super Streets concluded the night with a final 30-lap feature. The initial start was called off by race control due to the front row of drivers jumping the start. Per Wiscasset rules, the front 2 rows were swapped for the restart. PJ Merrill powered to the lead on the restart as Jason Oakes followed closely behind. The leaders began to approach lap traffic with ten laps to go and Jason Oakes began to inch closer and closer to PJ Merrill’s back bumper. Bill Pinkham took a spin with 6 laps to go and PJ Merrill held his breath, but the field remained green as Pinkham was able to keep rolling. The leaders cleared lap traffic with 3 laps to go and Jason Oakes was still on PJ Merrill’s tail, ready to strike at any given second. Merrill was able to fend him off to the finish, picking up his first career Super Streets victory at Wiscasset Speedway. Brett Osmond rounded out the top 3. 

The points race continues to heat up for all Group #1 divisions at Wiscasset Speedway, but these drivers will get a break as the Group #2 divisions return to the track for a full night of racing action next Saturday. The program will include the return of the NEMA Lites for their 2nd outing at Wiscasset of the 2022 season. 

As always, grandstand admission is just $5 for adults and free for kids 6 and under. Grandstand doors open at 4 p.m. and racing kicks off at 5. We hope to see you there!

For official race results and more track information, please visit http://www.wiscassetspeedway.com. 

Wiscasset Speedway is located on West Alna Road in Wiscasset.

Varsity Boys Soccer

Preseason

Thursday, Aug. 25, home vs. Temple Academy, 5 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 27, round robin at Richmond High School. Depart: 8 a.m., start time 9 a.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 30, away vs. Richmond High School. Depart 3 p.m., start time 4 p.m.

Regular season

Friday, Sept. 2, away vs. Buckfield High School. Depart 1:20 p.m., start time 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 7, home vs. Carrabec High School, 3:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 9, away vs. Telstar High School. Depart: 12:35 p.m., start time 3:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 12, home vs. Hall-Dale High School, 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept.14, away vs. Lisbon High School. Depart: 1:55 p.m., start time 3:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept.16, home vs. Monmouth Academy, 3:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 19, away vs. Mountain Valley High School. Depart: 2:30 p.m., start time 5 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 22 home vs. Spruce Mountain/Dirigo High School, 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 27, away vs. Mt. Abram High School. Depart: 12:35 p.m., start time 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 29, away vs. Oak Hill High School. Depart: 1:45 p.m., start time : 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 1, home vs. Mountain Valley High School (Homecoming), 7 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 3, home vs. Winthrop High School, 3:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 7, home vs. Telstar High School, 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 11, away vs. Carrabec High School. Depart: 1:20 p.m., start time 3:30 p.m.

Varsity Girls Soccer 

Preseason

Thursday, Aug. 25, home vs. Temple Academy, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 30, away vs. Richmond High School. Depart: 3 p.m., start time 4 p.m.

Regular season 

Thursday, Sept. 1, away vs. Carrabec High School. Depart: 1:20 p.m., start time 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 6, home vs. Lisbon High School, 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 8, away vs. Monmouth/Winthrop High School, at Monmouth Academy. Depart: 1:50 p.m., start time 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 13, home vs. Mt. Abram High School, 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 15, away vs. Spruce Mountain/Dirigo High School, at Spruce Mountain High. Depart: 1:30 p.m., start time 3:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 19, home vs. Buckfield High School, 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 21, away vs. Hall-Dale High School. Depart: 2:20 p.m., start time 3:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 23, home vs. Madison Area High School, 3:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 26, away vs. Mountain Valley High School. Depart: 1 p.m., start time 3:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 30. – Bye
Saturday, Oct. 1, home vs. Oak Hill High School (Homecoming), 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 4, home vs. Carrabec High School, 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 6, away vs. Lisbon High School. Depart: 1:55 p.m., start time 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 12, home vs. Monmouth/Winthrop High School, 3:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 17, away vs. Buckfield High School. Depart: 1:20 p.m., start time 3:30 p.m.

Varsity Cross Country

Preseason

Saturday, Aug. 27, Panther 2-Miler @ Medomak Valley High School Depart: 7:00 a.m. Start: 9:00 a.m.

Regular season

Friday, Sept. 2, away at Brunswick High School. Depart: 1:40 p.m., start 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept.10, Quabacook Relays at McMann Field (Morse High School). Depart: 7:50 a.m., start: All day
Friday, Sept.16, home meet at Boothbay Regional High School. Depart: N/A, start 4:15 p.m.
Friday, Sept.23, MVC Mid-Season Race at Hall-Dale (University of Maine at Augusta Campus). Depart: 1:45 p.m., start: 4:15 p.m.
Saturday, Oct.1, Festival of Champions at Belfast Area High School. Depart: 7 a.m., start: All day
Friday, Oct.7, away at Beaver Park, Lisbon (Lisbon High School). Depart: 1:20 p.m., start: 4:15 p.m.
Saturday, Oct.15, MVC Championship at University of Maine at Augusta. Depart: 8:30 a.m. Start: 11 a.m.
Saturday, Oct.22, Southern Maine Class C Regionals at Twin Brook Recreation (Cumberland). Depart: 10:25 a.m. Boys start, 1:40 p.m.; girls start: 2:20 p.m.
Saturday, Oct.29, Maine Class C State Championships at Twin Brook Recreation (Cumberland). Depart: 10:25 a.m. Boys start: 1:40 p.m.; girls start: 2:20 p.m.

The Charles and Constance Schmid Land Preserve is one of Maine's midcoast jewels. Comprised of 766 acres, it is located in the center of Edgecomb for all to enjoy. The initial land was given to the town by the Schmids in 1979, and an additional 90 acres were added in 2002 with private and foundation funding. The preserve contains many impressive natural and anthropogenic features including streams, vernal pools, meadows, cellar holes, wells, and stone walls. It has several mica quarries and many stone walls and other stone constructs with interesting histories. The preserve serves as a valuable wildlife habitat for many mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and beneficial insects. It is one of the largest contiguous land parcels in the Midcoast making it one of the region's foremost wildlife corridors.

The Schmid Preserve has over eight miles of trails which are used for hiking, trail running, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing. It is managed by an Advisory Board whose members are appointed by the Selectboard of Edgecomb. The Selectboard serves as the trustees of the Schmid Preserve. Although the town provides a small budget each year for upkeep and management of the preserve, there are many long term needs and projects requiring more funds than the town can provide.

While the Schmid Advisory Committee and its volunteers are partnering with neighboring land trusts, the costs for maintenance far exceed the budgets of any partners involved. Invasive species control and mitigation is a crucial and massive undertaking. Erosion control from usage is another costly and ongoing project. The preserve's lovely fields need yearly mowing. Trails and bridges need upkeep.

In 2022, a comprehensive management plan for the preserve was conducted by Mid-Maine Forestry to identify its resources and needs. At the suggestion of the plan, an endowment was started to make sure that this amazing place remains accessible and well managed for everyone. The endowment principal is managed by the Maine Community Foundation. The interest it earns cannot be used for anything except the Schmid Preserve. The funds in the endowment are invested in perpetuity. The endowment, which is invested through the Maine Community Foundation, produces 4% annually. Currently, the endowment's $10,000 yields just $400 yearly (only interest may be spent).

The goal is to take the pressure off of the town of Edgecomb taxpayers by adding to the endowment so that larger, critical projects and maintenance requirements can be funded when needed. All work on the preserve is currently done by volunteers. This is a grassroots effort to raise only as much money as needed to keep the preserve in shape and accessible to the public for the future. The ultimate goal would be to have an endowment of about $200,000 which would give the preserve about $8,000 a year to work with or to save for larger future projects.

To contribute to the endowment for the Schmid Preserve, go to: www.mainecf.org, click on the blue GIVE NOW button and choose Charles and Constance Schmid Land Preserve Endowment Fund from the drop down menu. Or you may mail a check made out to Town of Edgecomb/Schmid Preserve and mailed to Town of Edgecomb, P.O. Box 139, Edgecomb, ME 04556.

After sheltering in Boothbay Harbor in the wind and rain, the 1939 Wiscasset-built schooner When and If  arrived in Wiscasset’s harbor to a cannon’s salute Thursday.

The sky was gray and other than several Schoonerfest volunteers and some town staff helping set up, attendees onshore were few. “Welcome home,” Selectman and Schoonerfest Co-Admiral Terry Heller called out as the vessel neared. Still on its way was a new participant this year, the Tyrone, organizers said. 

Parker, Colorado’s Jim and Diane Gregory enjoyed watching When and If come in. He was born in Lewiston, lived in Auburn and loves returning to Maine. The couple have enjoyed rides on area schooners Eastwind and Lazy Jack. This was the couple’s first Wiscasset Schoonerfest. “Oh, how beautiful,” she said at the sight of When and If.

When it reached the dock, Katy Petersen, who lives on the boat Idril, threw one of the ropes up to When and If crew member Luana Santana. Santana and some fellow crew members were new to Wiscasset, but there soon came a familiar bark for last year’s Schoonerfest goers: Leilani, crew member Sean Salzmann’s poodle, ran about the vessel, then, like last time, stood on her hind legs, put her front paws near the edge and looked outward as iPhones and other cameras were on her.

Salzmann was onboard for Schoonerfest again, this year with son Keegan, 12, and Keegan’s uncle – Sean’s brother Seth Salzmann, When and If’s owner and captain. 

Schoonerfest runs through Sunday. Activities include viewing a new, augmented reality image of Hesper and Luther Little; geocaching; a triathlon; face-painting, cornhole, music and more. Find the schedule at wiscassetschoonerfest.com

Thanks to selectmen’s OK Aug. 16 and an anonymous Wiscasset Schoonerfest donor, waterfront-goers can hold up their phones and see Hesper and Luther Little in the harbor where the two vessels succumbed years ago; and thanks to Maine’s First Ship (MFS), if selectmen approve, the Virginia, a reconstruction of a 1600s ship, will lay anchor in Wiscasset this winter.

Schoonerfest Co-Admiral Peter Wells plans to return to selectmen to pitch a permanent display for accessing the “augmented reality” image of Hesper and Luther Little, the schooners that became a landmark as they wasted away here. The temporary plaque with the instructions for viewing the image is near the recreational pier, in time for the second annual Schoonerfest. The event, which runs through Aug. 21, celebrates Wiscasset’s nautical and boatbuilding heritage.

“Oh, that is awesome. That is so cool,” Schoonerfest volunteer Jan Flowers said smiling Thursday afternoon when she saw Maine native Craig Winslow II’s image of the two famed ships. Is it all Wells hoped it would be? “It is,” he said. And it can still be tweaked, Wells added.

As for the Virginia, waterfront committee member Richard Forrest told selectmen Aug. 16 and Wiscasset Newspaper in a phone interview Aug. 17, the town stands to get $2,000 for the vessel’s stay. The committee and harbor master support it, Forrest said. He has volunteered on the MFS project about 15 years. MFS launched the Virginia in June and continues work on it, shipwright Rob Stevens said.

Forrest told Wiscasset Newspaper, the committee is delighted at the prospect of the vessel’s Wiscasset stay. This is a “very appropriate” spot as both a hurricane hole and an escape from the ice the Kennebec River gets, Forrest said.

The Kennebec gets big rafts of ice “and they really do some damage,” Stevens said. He said Wiscasset’s harbor does not freeze, “so it’s an ideal spot.” Stevens also worked on the sloop Providence that was in Wiscasset from September 2018 to June 2019. The Virginia will look pretty close in size but is a little smaller, he said. 

Recalling the Providence’s Wiscasset stay, Stevens’ wife, MFS board member, Woolwich selectman and State Rep. Allison Hepler, said the Virginia would be a beautiful sight from Donald E. Davey Bridge coming into Wiscasset from Edgecomb. She and Stevens said MFS is working with the Coast Guard in hopes of getting an OK for schoolchildren and other visitors to come aboard for a look.

The whole point of the Virginia is to share it with people, Stevens said.

The Virginia’s proposed mid-November to mid-April stay on a recreational pier float will be on the board’s next agenda, Town Manager Dennis Simmons said.

Also Aug. 16, Simmons opened paving bids of $138,245 from All States Construction in Richmond; $150,176, from Littlefield Paving & Plowing in Benton; and $207,600, from Pike Industries in Fairfield. And on the broadband plan that will look at options for technologies and partnerships, Hometown Fiber bid $29,986; Axiom, $21,000; and Mission Broadband, $60,990, Simmons said. In both cases, selectmen authorized him and the other responsible party to review the bids and award them to the lowest qualified bidder.

Selectmen nodded a BYOB permit for Elizabeth Ichton’s and Brad Woods’ wedding reception in the recreational area of the waterfront Sept. 10. The board plans to look at revising the policy on alcohol on town property. Selectman Dusty Jones said BYOB at events runs the chance someone will drink to their heart’s content. At Chair Sarah Whitfield’s request, Ichton will rope off the reception area from the water. In supporting documents for the meeting, town police, fire, ambulance, code and wastewater officials cited no issues with the event.

The Maine Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2022 induction ceremony will be held Sunday, Aug. 28, at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, home of the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame.

Fourteen inductees, seven legends, and one team comprise the star-studded class. Those being honored include an executive director of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a person who’s coached in 11 NCAA Tournaments, a U.S.A. Today State of Maine Player of the Year, a collegiate player who notched more than 1,800 points and 1,000 rebounds, and a coach with five state titles at one school — three with girls’ teams and two with boys’ squads.

Tony Hamlin, executive director of the MBHoF and a 2016 inductee, is the master of ceremonies. 

Doors open to the public at 10 a.m. There will be memorabilia from Class of 2022 inductees, as well as posters that highlight experiences of female players, coaches, and writers in Maine to mark the 50th anniversary of Title IX legislation.

A brunch buffet begins at 10:45 a.m. and the ceremony starts at noon. 

Inductees

Kim Condon Lane, a New England Basketball Hall of Fame and Presque Isle Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, was an Honorable Mention All-American at Colby College, where she scored 1,094 points. In 2001, the captain led the Mules to the ECAC Championship. At PIHS, the 1,000-point scorer was All-State, Miss Basketball, U.S.A. Today State of Maine Player of the Year, and Maine Gatorade Player of the Year. Condon led PI  to a state title and set a Class A record for most points in a state final, with 41. She joins her father, Steve in the MBHoF.

Lauree Gott, a two-time captain at the University of Maine, notched 1,387 points and 781 rebounds and was a 1987 Seaboard Conference First Team All-Conference selection. At Old Town High School, Gott was All-State First Team. As a coach, she led the 1988-89 Husson College women’s team to a 26-2 record, and WMAC and NAIA District V championships. Gott coached the Brewer High School girls’ squad and assisted at Northeastern University. She assists MBHoF member Kissy Walker at Husson.

Mark Karter’s 450 career coaching victories include a 65-game win streak. His Mountain Valley boys’ team captured a state championship in 1991. At Westbrook High School, Karter led the Blazers to Western Maine championships in ’94 and ’96. The 1978 graduate of Waterville High School played for Maine Basketball Hall of Fame coach Tom Maines. The multi-time conference coach of the year now guides the Gorham High School boys’ team.

Steve LeVasseur compiled 333 victories and won five state championships coaching at Schenck High School — three with girls’ teams and two with boys’ squads. The girls earned a 72-15 record over four seasons and won Class C state titles in 1987, 1988, and 1989. The boys won the Class C state championship in 1994 and the Class D state championship in 2010. LeVasseur also had an outstanding playing career. He was an All-State player at Schenck and scored 1,000 points at Husson College.

Rick McAvoy graduated in 1967 from Sherman High School, where he led the squad to an undefeated season and a state championship over Strong High School. McAvoy averaged more than 20 points and 15 rebounds a game as a senior. He was named All-Tourney and Honorable Mention All-State in ’67. At Fort Kent State College (now the University of Maine at Fort Kent), the 1,000-point scorer was a four-time All-Conference and All-Maine selection. 

Neile Joler Nelson earned Maine NCAA Woman of the Year honors at St. Joseph’s College and was a Scholar-Athlete All-American. She’s in the Monks Hall of Fame for soccer and basketball. Her career hoop totals: 814 points, 313 assists, and 143 steals. She also was inducted with the 1991-92 basketball team, which posted a 23-8 record and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament. At Fort Kent High School, Nelson was All-Tourney and a 1991 McDonald’s Senior All-Star. She’s the varsity girls’ assistant at Gorham High School, which won state titles in 2016 and 2017.

Crystal Pazdziorko Proulx was a first-year player on the 1975-76 University of Maine women’s basketball team, which was reinstated after Title IX. Proulx paced the Black Bears in scoring (198 points) and rebounding (180). In 1976-77, she again was the leading scorer, with 255 points. Pazdziorko, who captained the 1979 squad, is still the No. 10 all-time UMaine rebounder, with 709. She led Gardiner High School to the first-ever girls’ Class A state championship, scoring 102 points in four games. 

Jim Ray represented Cape Elizabeth High School as a player and coach for more than 30 years. As a coach for 28 seasons, his Capers won 367 games, including five regional championships, and a gold ball in 2015. He was an All-State player at Cape and a standout at the University of Southern Maine, where he was a captain his senior year, scored 1,141 points, dished out 624 assists, and was a conference all-star. The 1984 graduate was inducted into the USM Husky Hall of Fame in 1995.

Adrienne Shibles, the winningest coach in Bowdoin College women’s basketball history, recently completed her first season at Dartmouth College. Shibles guided the Polar Bears to a 281-65 record, two NESCAC championships, 11 NCAA Tournament appearances, and back-to-back NCAA Division III title game appearances. She has 400+ college coaching wins and was the 2019 WBCA Division III Coach of the Year. Shibles scored 1,000+ points at Bates College and played on Mount View’s 1987 Eastern Maine Class B runner-up team.

Sharon Siebert scored 1,882 points and grabbed 1,031 rebounds at Husson and was a four-time all-conference player and three-time All–American Honorable Mention. When inducted into Husson's Sports Hall of Fame, she was the Eagles’ all-time leader in points (1,882), scoring average (17.1), field goals made (698), free throws made (484), and rebounds (1,031). Her numerous honors include Conference Rookie of the Year and NAIA All-District selection. Siebert was an All-State and All-Tourney player at Deer Isle-Stonington, and led the Mariners to the 1987 state title. 

Ken Stone was a high-scoring machine for Deering High School and a First Team All-State selection in 1959. He played at Colby College for legendary coach Lee Williams. When Stone graduated in 1964, he was the Mules’ career scoring leader with 1,500 points in 74 games (20.3 point per game). He’s still ninth on the scoring leaderboard and his No. 15 has been retired. Stone played in the New England Basketball Hall of Fame game in 1964 and was invited to try out for the Olympic men’s basketball team. He’s in the New England Basketball Hall of Fame.

Jeff Sturgeon was a captain and an All-America East selection in 1984 at the University of Maine. During his career in Orono, he averaged 9 points and 4 assists a contest. At Old Town High School, Sturgeon was a First Team All-State selection in 1980. The lanky, crafty left-hander averaged nearly 22 points and 10 rebounds per contest and, as a senior, led Old Town to the state title game with South Portland. Sturgeon finished his career at Old Town with 1,058 points. He joins his father, Don and his uncle, Dick in the MBHoF.

Julie Treadwell was an all-conference player for the three-time MAIAW champion University of Maine women’s basketball team. The two-time captain is sixth all-time in career assists, with 387, and is tied for most assists in a game with Dor Saar, with 14. At Orono High School, where she was an inaugural inductee in its Athletic Hall of Fame, she scored 944 points and was All-State honorable mention. Treadwell, Maryland’s 2019 Athletic Director of the Year, earned 126 wins as girls’ basketball coach at Maine Central Institute and is in the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Lee Williams’ Colby College men’s basketball teams won 252 games from 1946 to 1965, and 10 Maine State Championships, including eight straight. Williams put Colby on par with the best college teams in the East, regardless of school size. He also was executive director of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, and a member of the Olympic Men’s Basketball Committee and the NIT Selection Committee. The Maine Sports Hall of Fame inductee died in 1997. 

Legends of the Game

Joni Averill had an impactful career as a sports reporter and columnist at the Bangor Daily News. She was a tireless advocate for equitable sports coverage for 16 years, including in her column “The Other Half.” Averill met and interviewed hundreds of girls and young women whose lives were changed as a result of Title IX. By sharing stories of their successes and challenges, Averill educated, connected, and inspired readers. 

Ron Cote was a First Team All-State selection at St. Louis High School in Biddeford. His quickness, ball handling wizardly, and shooting ability gave opponents fits. At St. Thomas More Academy, Cote started in the backcourt with Ernie DiGregorio of Providence fame. In 1969-70, he started on the undefeated freshman basketball team at the University of Maine. Cote has coached for 47 years and has won multiple coach of the year honors. He’s now an assistant at Biddeford High School. 

Dale Duff has been the voice of Eastern Maine basketball for nearly 50 years. The Houlton native began his career in high school at WHOU, where he works today. The Ricker College graduate covered sports at WLBZ-TV, WZON, and The Ticket, and has earned Maine Sportscaster of The Year honors multiple times and won numerous radio and TV awards. Duff  is an adjunct instructor at the New England School of Communications. His basketball coverage has benefited countless high school and college players and fans.

Mark Rosebush, a dentist in Montana, is one of the best players to come out of the greater Millinocket area. At Schenck High School, the All-State player led the Wolverines to the 1971 state championship. He was nearly unguardable due to his strength, quickness, and a deft shooting touch. At Princeton University, Rosebush played freshman basketball. 

Malaka “Tookie” Russell was a pioneer in Maine girls sports. The Pennsylvania native, who attended Bryn Mawr and played professional softball in Miami, moved to Pittsfield and coached two-plus generations of girls in field hockey, basketball and softball at Maine Central Institute. Russell guided the basketball team from 1959 to 1981 (for several years, Legend Harry “Pinky” True was her assistant). The former president of the Maine Women’s State Golf Association is in the MCI Athletic Hall of Fame and Maine Field Hockey Hall of Fame.

John Shaw’s Rumford High School teams of the mid-late 70s are considered some of the best to play in Maine. Shaw’s teams never had a losing season and his regular-season record was 127-37. The Panthers were seeded No. 1 in Western Maine Class A five straight seasons, were Western Maine champions four consecutive years, and were state champs in 1974, ’76 and ’77. Rumford won the 1976 New England Championship.  

Harry “Pinky” True excelled in basketball and baseball at Gorham High School, where he played on a state champion hoop squad. At Gorham State Teachers College (now the University of Southern Maine), he earned All-New England baseball honors in 1952 and captained the basketball team. True coached basketball for nearly 40 years at Porter High School, Gardiner High School, Fryeburg Academy, Maine Central Institute, and Skowhegan Area High School, positively impacting thousands of young people. The former headmaster at Fryeburg and MCI is in USM’s Husky Hall of Fame and Gorham High School’s Hall of Fame.

1975 East Grand High School Girls’ Team. This history-making team coached by Dennis Codrey won the first-ever girls’ Class D state title, 49-41 over Richmond. This was the first state tournament for girls in Maine and it came three years after Title IX was enacted. The Vikings went on to win three more titles — in 1979, 1982 and 1983 — in the next eight years. 

Wiscasset’s Jamie Beaton and Toronto’s John Mayberry have sung together much of their lives. “One of these days, we’ll get it right,” Beaton, formerly of Toronto said smiling. He said Wiscasset Schoonerfest was a “perfect opportunity” to team up again. So Friday night near the recreational pier, they were singing folk songs to event-goers.

On the pier, Pan Fried Steel was making music, too. Among the fans in folding chairs was Jessica Bailey. “I love it! They’re a fun group.” Joining Bailey in the early evening sun were family members Erin and Jeff Bailey.

Along the dock below, Schoonerfest organizers, donors, town officials and others attended a reception of refreshments and walks onto and down into the 1939 Wiscasset-built When and If. Another visiting schooner, Tyrone, was returning to the harbor after a charter outing.

“This is a perfect evening. There’s even that breeze,” Christine Hopf-Lovette observed on the dock.

Wiscasset Newspaper asked When and If crew member and last year’s captain, Sean Salzmann, how business has been for it so far this Schoonerfest. Thursday was on the slow side, probably because people didn’t realize the weather was fine for going out on the water; he added, the schooner could have had a sold-out weekend at its summer home port of Salem, Massachusetts, but the crew got such good treatment at last year’s Schoonerfest, he knew they should come back.

They were treated like royalty, Salzmann said smiling. Moments later, he was talking with locals while he held his poodle Leilani in his arms and she licked his face. 

Schoonerfest runs through Sunday. Visit wiscassetschoonerfest.com for the schedule of activities.

Woolwich hosted its second annual community picnic Saturday featuring grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, cold soft drinks, cotton candy, homemade ice cream, wonderful live music and all for free!

“We’ve had a great turnout today. It’s warm, but it’s not too hot because there’s a nice breeze,” Selectman Allen Greene told Wiscasset Newspaper. Greene and fellow board member Jason Shaw were manning the grill, while Selectman Allison Hepler and Greene’s wife Janice were behind the food table. “It’s wonderful that the Montsweagers could be here with us again this year to provide music for everyone to enjoy,” continued Greene. “We’re fortunate to live in a community where so many people are willing to volunteer their time to make events like this happen.”

Hepler was in full agreement. She said this was one of the events she looks forward to every summer. “We always enjoy seeing neighbors and especially seeing neighbors catching up with other neighbors. Many people stayed for a couple of hours to socialize with each other. It's also a completely volunteer-run event; from the bake sale to the ice cream, to the music, to the cotton candy, to the cooking and setting up. I think many of us also love the chance to give back to our community. We're lucky to live here,” she added.

Roger Baffer was back making cotton candy for kids of all ages. This year’s flavor was pink raspberry. Baffer has called Woolwich home since 1974. He can often be found sitting behind the camera recording select board and town meetings to be shown on cable TV. “I do this (making cotton candy) for fun,” he said. “Many years ago, when I was a boy the only place you could get cotton candy was at the circus. I liked it so much that I decided when I grew up I’d have my own cotton candy machine.” Baffer’s cotton candy is always a big hit. “The kids love it and so do I but I try to avoid eating it when I’m on a diet,” he said.

Leanne Schwarz was there with her two sons, Dominic and Caleb. “My husband and I feel lucky to live here in Woolwich. This is a wonderful summer event,” she said. Schwarz is a special education teacher at Woolwich Central School which is just down the road from the municipal building where the picnic was being held. Her boys liked the homemade ice cream best that was made by Gaius and Amy Hennin of Shelter Institute. There were two sure fired favorites to choose from – chocolate or vanilla.

When people finished eating, they could sit in the shade and talk under the tents, or take a guided tour inside Woolwich Historical Society’s 19th century farmhouse. Many guests left with freshly made cookies, pies and other baked goodies donated for the historical society’s bake sale. The select board hopes to make the picnic a yearly event.

This past Saturday, Aug. 20, the competition rolled on at Wiscasset Speedway as the track hosted their second NEMA Night of the 2022 season, featuring the NEMA Lites but also including all weekly Group #2 divisions. 

The night kicked off with a 25-lap feature from the Portland Glass Strictly Streets. Practice and the heat races took out two heavy hitters in the division: Chaz Briggs (wrecked in practice) and Kurt Hewins (wrecked in the heat). Both drivers unfortunately took a big hit in the point standings as they were unable to start the race.

Ashton Burgess held onto the early lead in the feature, but Josh St. Clair was quickly picking off the competition, breaking the top 3 by lap 12 after starting in the rear of the field. Mac Hannan Jr took brief control of the lead on lap 15 but Josh St. Clair was at his door the following lap. The two drivers made contact on lap 19, sending St. Clair for a slide through turn 4. St. Clair held strong, taking over the top spot. Josh St. Clair was able to further extend his hearty points lead and power to his fifth feature win in the division in 2022. Mac Hannan Jr. and Ashton Burgess (first podium in the division) rounded out the top 3.

Following out of car driver introductions, 13 drivers took to the track for the spotlight 60-lap NEMA Lite feature. Tiana Kibbe took early command of the race but was overtaken by both Joey Bailey and Kyle Valeri on lap 7. A spin on lap 23 brought the field back together but Joey Bailey maintained his advantage on the restart, pulling away with a hearty lead. Bailey extended his lead to a full straightway by lap 45 but second-place driver Kyle Valeri was quickly biting down that gap. The two leaders began to approach lap traffic in the closing laps, which allowed Bailey to distance himself from Valeri. He held strong through the finish, picking up his first NEMA Lite win of the 2022 season. Randy Cabral rounded out the top 3.

Jonathan Emerson took off with the early lead in the 40-lap Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Model feature. Trouble was brewing early for rookies Jett Decker and Brett Osmond, who tangled on lap 5. This led to a slew of cautions in the opening laps of the feature but Emerson maintained command of the race as the dust began to settle. Will Collins began to chop into Emerson’s lead, taking over the top spot on lap 15 as Dave Farrington, Jr. (started back in 20th place) followed. A late-race caution for a spin on lap 29 brought the field together one final time. Will Collins held steady on the restart as Daniel Harding and Josh St. Clair overtook Dave Farrington, Jr. for second and third. Will Collins powered into the victory while Daniel Harding held off the defending champion Josh St. Clair, picking up his second runner-up finish of the 2022 season in the division.

The 88.5FM Modifieds followed with a 30-lap feature. Scott Trask powered ahead with the early lead but the multi-time champion, Adam Chadbourne, was quickly powering through the field.  Chadbourne was on the move in the closing laps of the race, breaking the top 3 on lap 20. He quickly stole second away from Ryan Hayes, swiftly moving onto race leader Scott Trask. Chadbourne completed the pass with one lap remaining in the feature and held onto it, collecting his 67th career win at Wiscasset Speedway. Ryan Hayes rounded out the podium with his best finish of the 2022 season.

The Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw Mini feature was shortened to 15 laps with single-file restarts due to some unfortunate driving in the heat race. Bryan Robbins took off with the early lead in the feature as Jason Kimball followed. Jimmy Childs was at Jason Kimball’s door early, challenging for the runner-up spot as Kyle Willette rode his coattails. A caution on lap 10 for a spin brought the field back together but Bryan Robbins held steady, picking up his first feature victory of the 2022 season as Jason Kimball and Jimmy Childs rounded out the podium. 

The excitement continues this Saturday, Aug. 27 as all Group #1 divisions and the T&L Automotive Enduro Series return to Wiscasset Speedway. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the green flag flies at 5. As always, adult grandstand admission is just $5 with kids 6 & under free!

For official race results and more track information, please visit http://www.wiscassetspeedway.com.

For more information on NEMA, please visit http://www.nemaracing.com. 

Wiscasset Speedway is located on West Alna Road in Wiscasset, Maine.

There was beautiful weather for the running of the 17th Annual Westport Island Shore Run 10K Road Race on Sunday, Aug. 21. The 10K road race started at 9 a.m., and the 3.5-mile "Fun Walk" started at 8:30 a.m.    

This exciting 10K road race took place on a USATF-certified beautiful course that winds through scenic pine and fir tree forests and over two bridges spanning inlets to Heal Cove and Montsweag Bay. The race was sanctioned by USATF and benefited Westport Volunteer Fire Department, whose members directed traffic and provided logistical support for the participants. Over the past 16 years, the race has generated over $27,000 in proceeds for the firefighters.

Jim McCorkle of 5K Sports Management timed the race again this year for the 17th time! The participants had clear skies and cool temperatures, and all enjoyed the awards ceremony, raffle prize giveaway and post-race refreshments that took place just outside the Old Town Hall.

The top finishers were first place female, Emily Achter, Boston, Massachusetts; second, Laurie Nicholas, Gorham; and third, Caroline Northrup, Ocala, Florida. First place male was Daniel Bradford, Westport Island; second, Michael Rioux, Thomaston; and third, Mitch Dumas, Stratton. See attachment to this web article for full results. 

Short turnout has led to changes in the high school fall soccer season for Wiscasset: Varsity is out. Athletic Director Cameron Bishop said Aug. 24, “So right now the girls are going to play JV games, as many as I can schedule (and) the boys team right now, they’ve only had about five to six boys routinely showing up. So if more trickle in, I’ll try to schedule some seven on seven JV games. But in either case, the coaches are still going to offer practice and skill sessions throughout the week.”

The high school had not had the numbers for JV teams this year, so the move to JV does not impact anyone else’s playing time, Bishop explained. He expects the girls to play some Mountain Valley Conference opponents and maybe some outside the conference. 

Commenting on the numbers, he said, “That’s something as athletic director I’m going to try to work to improve upon in the years ahead.” Bishop added, the interest in playing middle school soccer has been greater than for high school soccer. “We’re going to try to keep them on board over the years, and make sure that next year we’re ready to go and be able to compete at the varsity level.”

Boothbay Region High School Seahawks and Wiscasset Middle High School Wolverines have joined forces once again for the Boothcasset cross country team. With the season beginning officially Sept. 2 in Brunswick, the “Seawolves” already got their feet wet in Waldoboro with the annual Panther Two-Miler Aug. 27. Coach Nick Scott said he has a roster of 20 athletes, 13 boys and seven girls, and the season is going to be exciting.

“Our biggest objectives are that we have to be healthy and focused,” said Scott. “If we can maintain those two things, we should be doing very well.”

Winthrop High School and Monmouth Academy, both Mountain Valley Conference teams, are strong this year, so conferences will be competitive, said Scott. State championships will also be competitive with Penobscot Valley Conference's George Stevens Academy at the top of Maine's Class C teams. Maine Coast Waldorf School is not doing well on paper, but historically puts a good team up every year, so they are sure to put up some competition, he said.

The Seawolves were shorthanded for the Panther Two-Miler and some athletes were running with colds, so the preseason event is not a good gauge of how the team is starting off, said Scott. Seniors Gryffin Kristan and Dominick Dow were missing which was a shame, he said.

“So, we were missing two of our top six, but Bryan Gagnon had a very good race. He was leaps and bounds ahead of where he was last year. And it was Peyton Blagdon's very first race ever in cross country. He's grown up playing soccer, but he's always been a really good track athlete and … is really going to give us a boost.”

Scott said losing three solid seniors last year – Ava Schlosser, Grace Campbell and Emerson Harris – will prove a challenge, but all returning athletes have shown a lot of improvement over the offseason.

“I think that could be really good for us. We'll see how things unfold as the season goes on. It should be a fun season.”

Results

Boys: Bryan Gagnon, 21st, 12:02.58; Payton Blagdon and Austin Trask, 26th and 27th, 12:35.02 and 12:39.22; Ryan Clark, 33rd, 12:53; and Ross Gaffney, 61st, 19:19.27.

Girls: Maddie Anderson, 16th, 14:56.64; Julia Truesdell, 19th, 15:16.61; Emma Markowitz, 47th, 19:28.7; and Maddie Orchard and Sarah Harris, 52nd and 53rd, 21:14.3 and 21:22.4.

Fun, interactive, energizing, lovely – those were some of the terms used to describe the Wiscasset Art Walk on Thursday, Aug. 25. “We enjoyed bringing smiles to the faces of each passerby and teaching some hip hop moves informally to the children and (occasionally) even the adults,” said Melanie Pagurko, principal dancer and owner of Dancemaineia, based in Waldoboro.

Dancemaineia made its first appearance at WAW in August 2021. While the dancing was fresh and lively then, this year, Pagurko and dancers Anna Stokes, Michaela LaCrosse and Willow Haplin barely paused their dynamic movements of hip hop, breakdancing, acrobatics, and instruction during the evening. “This year having the kiddos and the instruments nearby facilitated more interaction,” Pagurko explained. “It was great!” The kids were gathered around the Partners in Education tent where they had been making rattles and sun-catchers. They readily became enthusiastic dancers. Children also accompanied the dancers with rhythmic beats on a nearby box drum, a cajón, made during July’s WAW and a magnet for youthful exuberance.

Across the street, Liz Giles-Brown, from Learning on the Move in Boothbay Harbor, was showing wary adults the first steps in learning to juggle by holding bean bags in armpits. “I had a great time working with the Art Walk visitors,” said Giles-Brown. And from the look of concentration and the laughter from the newbie jugglers, the feeling was mutual.

The background sounds of drumbeats were coming from the raw log Amadinda and the cajón or box drums, handmade during the July WAW, that were positioned on the sidewalk for visitors to play. According to Wiscasset resident and cajón maker Rick Burns, “Some passersby immediately picked up the mallets and began to play the Amadinda while others needed a bit of coaxing.” The two box drums carried little signs that said, “PLAY ME.” “The intention has always been to create instruments that don’t require instruction for people to enjoy,” Burns explained. 

The audience for all this interactive play came from near and far. Giles-Brown said she talked with people from Farmington, and attendees visiting the area from California. Shopkeepers also noted the far range of home locales. Lois Kwantz, Butterstamp Workshop co-owner, met visitors from Bridgton, Waterville, Standish, and other Mainers from a distance away. The Wiscasset Art Walk, she said, gives her the opportunity to “show off the shop,” to people who don’t usually visit the area. Trifles’ Helen Robinson said she met new Wiscasset residents who were at WAW to experience the Village and meet their new neighbors. She noted the South Bristol visitors who were driving through Wiscasset, saw the tents, and stayed to enjoy the evening.

The local community was also well represented on the sidewalks with Chamber of Commerce members selling the Chamber cookbook and handing out sweet treats made from cookbook recipes. The Garden Club of Wiscasset sold out its fresh bouquets gathered from member gardens. GCW member Ann Light noted that the bouquets represented the “best of the blooms” after the heat and drought. Pollination Station returned with screech owl Meadow, a real crowd-pleaser.

The final Wiscasset Art Walk of the 2022 season will be on Thursday, Sept. 29, from 5 to 8 p.m. For more information about Wiscasset Art Walk, visit www.wiscassetartwalk.org<http://www.wiscassetartwalk.org> or email wiscassetartwalk@verizon.net<mailto:wiscassetartwalk@verizon.net>. Wiscasset Art Walk is a program of Wiscasset Creative Alliance.

After seven years and several million dollars of work at Boothbay Harbor Shipyard, the Ernestina-Morrissey dipped its keel into Harbor waters Aug. 29. The historic ship, set to launch in early afternoon, drew hundreds of onlookers to hop aboard, take pictures and speak to Bristol Marine workers before the access stairs were removed and the ship prepared to launch.

Bristol Marine President Andy Tyska said the ship has been a good project and is a pride of the staff who have worked on it. Having sat for seven years getting the work it needed in phases as more funds became available, the original contract for the hull and deck became more involved.

“We (also) finished off interior, systems and rigging,” said Tyska. “It'll be another month or two in the water as we finish her off.”

Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey Association (SEMA) President Julius Britto, Vice President Bob Hildreth and New Bedford, Massachusetts former mayor John Bullard spoke to the crowd about the historical significance of the 1894-built ship and its promising future at Massachusetts Maritime Academy as a teaching vessel.

Hildreth said the ship was on the start of its downward trajectory when he got involved 27 years ago and “by the time it reached bottom,” it was nearly hauled out of the water and turned into a museum. “I stood up in that meeting and just said ‘No, no, no, never.’ And I'm glad I did.”

The ship’s course was instead steered to repair and restoration, keeping it true to its renown as the “Phoenix of the Sea” for its tumultuous past of fires, sinkings and subsequent resurrections, said Hildreth.

Bullard praised the workmanship of Bristol Marine’s shipwrights and craftsmen and said he foresees a successful future in the ship’s use of training the next generations of maritime professionals coming out of Massachusetts Maritime Academy. “If the ship by chance gets another crack at the west coast of Greenland, she can hit any rocks she missed the first time. This ship is built to last … Thank you so much to all of the folks at Bristol Marine.”

With high tide still approaching, the Morrissey, propped on its launch platform, inched down the rails toward the harbor. Moving just a few feet into the water, the platform was pulled back up a few feet to inspect the rail; it was damaged. Frustrated with the unforeseen development, Bristol Marine workers announced the ship would not launch on that day..

The anticipation gave way to disappointment for both the crowd and Bristol Marine, but there were silver linings: The ship is in its greatest shape perhaps in over a century. And, even if just for a moment, Ernestina-Morrissey touched the waters, connected to the rest of the world and made its announcement that the phoenix has risen yet again.

Ernestina-Morrissey was rescheduled for launch the next day following repairs to the rails done overnight during low tide.

Pilot and Assistant Airport Manager Eugene Fairfield was visiting with Nick Knobil at Knobil’s hangar at Wiscasset Municipal Airport Sept. 1, when a 2021 Corvette pulled up. Marilyn Poliakoff, at the wheel, and husband Alex smiled and talked with the men and Wiscasset Newspaper on the bright morning with the windsocks moving.

What color should the car be called? “Flash silver,” Alex Poliakoff answered, still smiling. The couple have their 27th anniversary in October. Alex Poliakoff has been a flight instructor 55 years – now with Wiscasset-based Flighttime. He helped start it in 1998.

Inside the hangar, Knobil got back to work at a drill press. He was preparing to put an ornament, a fake air pump, on his Snoopy plane, the Sopwith Camel he built.

Also at the town-owned airport, pilot and Airport Advisory Committee Chair Steve Williams arrived with older brother Philip, visiting from Lucedale, Mississippi. Philip Williams serves with nearby Mobile, Alabama’s Civil Air Patrol.

Fairfield, of Westport Island, is a Bath Iron Works retiree, a black belt and owner of a 1963 Cessna 150 and a 1957, red, white and blue 172 he calls “Uncle Sam.”

The Boothbay Region and Wiscasset high schools’ cross country team had its debut race in Brunswick Sept. 2. The girls and boys teams were shorthanded, but Coach Nick Scott described the meet as a fantastic outing for the start to a promising season. The teams faced Brunswick, Morse, Camden Hills Regional and Medomak Valley Regional high schools.

“Wow, what a start to the regular season we had last night (with) several PRs achieved, some 5ks run for the first time, and lots of fast times.”

The four returning girls – Laura Chapman, Maddie Orchard, Emily Gilliam and Julia Truesdell – all ran lifetime personal records finishing 10th, 14th, 17th and 29th respectively in 22:29, 23:10, 23:27 and 25:07. Chapman took 10 seconds off her fastest time and was nearly six minutes faster than last year’s on the same course. Orchard beat her personal record by nearly two minutes, Truesdell by a minute and a half and Gilliam by nearly 40 seconds. Newcomer Maddie Andreason took 50th in 31:40, a good time for a first-ever 5k race, Scott said.

Though the boys did not blow away their personal records, three achieved sub-20-minute times – an important individual benchmark for a season’s first race. Dominick Dow led his team in 23th with Ryan Clark following close behind in 24th. Their times were 19:19 and 19:25. Payton Blagdon took 27th in his first-ever cross country race with a time of 19:44. Austin Trask, Cleyton Splaine and Ross Gaffney took 31st, 44th and 46th respectively in 20:06, 23:08 and 32:09.

“Ryan has improved considerably over the past year (beating) his finishing time of 21:39 from a year ago. Payton Blagdon broke the 20-minute barrier … a strong start to his high school racing career. Just narrowly missing a sub-20 performance was Austin Trask, who turned in a fine performance.”

The teams will compete next in the Quabacook relays at Morse High School Sept. 10.

It was a picture perfect warm and sunny day in early September when the 100-year-old schooner Ladona was rafted to the schooner Ernestina-Morrissey at Hodgdon Marina in Boothbay Harbor.

Ladona, an 82-foot, two-masted, gaff-rigged, topsail schooner, was built to be a private yacht at Hodgdon Boatyard in East Boothbay and launched on May 31, 1922. Owners Noah and Jane Barnes and Captain-designer J.R. Braugh decided to designate one of the 2022 season weeks in commemoration.

Formerly the Nathaniel Bowditch, Ladona was transformed between 2014 and 2016 in Thomaston at Lyman Morse Boatbuilding into an elegant, luxurious yacht that accommodates 16 passengers (eight fewer than before), designed by Braugh.

The Barneses, who also own the Stephen Taber – previously owned by Noah’s parents – envisioned spacious cabins, hot and cold running water, high end linens, and a brand new galley from which gourmet meals would be served. And, that is just what they have – including something you just don’t see on schooners: a dining table affixed to the deck of the ship. And the passengers love it. Braugh said they use it all the time – and there is a leaf that can be added to the table to seat all 16 passengers! Braugh explained how it was designed to make the table work as a deck fixture. Pointing to the raised areas on the deck below the bench seating, Braugh said. “Two abbreviated cabin trunks form two sections of the cupola, which form the light and ventilation for the cabin house and hallway. They also form a place for people’s feet while sitting at the table. Guests love it and really engage with each other.

“Structurally,” he continued, “that led to the creation of a deck house (to the left of the table), that is space and shelter for guests as well as being the backstop of the table structure and cabin trunks. All together, it’s a very unorthodox permanent addition to a deck for a windjammer or a sailboat.”

Decking is native Maine white pine, but the bench seats, table and leaf are made of an African mahogany called Sipo, from the Congo River basin. Braugh said it was just as hard, or harder, than mahogany. Sipo was also used for the galley counter and the table and bench seating there.

The passengers aboard Ladona were joined by special guests Jane Barnes invited to a celebratory cocktail party. The guests on Sept. 8 were Steve Lyons, director of Maine Office of Tourism; Terry Philbrick, former owner of the vessel (with late husband, Gib) when Ladona was the Bowditch; sailmaker Nat Wilson and Rhonda Friedman, Dana Wilson, representing Boothbay Region Historical Society; and Ian McKay, dockmaster at the Marina representing Hodgdon Yachts.

Gov. Janet Mills was invited to the centennial celebration, but was in Boston. Mills did, however, send a proclamation in her stead. Included among all the “Whereas’s” were these facts: Ladona was original owner Homer Loring’s private yacht designed by William Hand. Just one year after setting sail, Ladona won first place in her class in the 1923 Bermuda Cup. She was named after the U.S. Naval gunship Loring’s father served on during the Civil War; Ladona was also a submarine patrol ship during WWII; a fishing trawler in Connecticut renamed Jane Doré; a sail-training education ship as the Nathaniel Bowditch; and today the 82-foot beauty is a luxury multi-day or weeklong getaway for couples, families, singles … even small weddings!

And with gourmet Chef Anna Miller in the galley, the passengers will tell you the food will be outrageously good. Miller, who has spent 10 years on charter schooners, prepared lamb chops as the menu for the centennial, served after the multiple cheese, fruit and cracker nibbles; wine, always selected by Jane, was flowing – and conversations were, too!

Some of the passengers aboard Ladona were from Los Angeles, the Boston area, and upstate New York and were happy to share their rave reviews about the weeklong sail, including the beautiful settings, great food and the hot showers.

Susannah and Brooks Read of Concord, Massachusetts were loving their first schooner getaway and already had plans to return next year. “The gourmet food, the comraderie, and the crew make this an absolute treat,” Susannah said. “Each member of the crew has brought their own special skill sets, each one complementing the others. There’s a serenity, a calmness, and command Capt. J.R. possesses that puts you right at ease out on the water.”

Brooks found some of the crew members’ stories about their journeys around the world fascinating. “A couple of these guys are 21st century explorers, essentially. We’ve been learning about where we might go for more of our own adventures!”

For all the comfort their cabin afforded them, the Reads had been sleeping on the deck, in sleeping bags. “Yeah, we asked J.R. if we could do it and he said “Sure! Why not?” said Susannah. “Whatever you want – they are most accommodating.”

Hailing from Fredonia, New York, Jim and Marcia Merrins are big fans of the schooner sailing vacation and have been doing it for years. The Merrinses book back-to-back trips with the Barneses and have been since 2018 aboard the Taber and Ladona.

“The scenery is beautiful and the food is great,” said Marcia. “And the passengers change each time so that’s fun. The reality is it’s very relaxing for Jim and myself; you’re kind of away from everything. When you travel around, seeing places from the water you get a different perspective. Sometimes you don’t have cell phone service, can you imagine that? We are tempted by Ladona. We used to be more active on schooner trips, but now we like comfort and the relaxation and Ladona is just perfect.”

Brad and Raquel McClellan of Los Angeles, California read about Ladona in Travel & Leisure magazine and decided the experience sounded like a fun adventure. “The food, the food is great and the sights – islands and homes … and being able to travel by wind power you don’t feel like you’re making a huge carbon footprint,” said Brad. 

“This is amazing! Every day I love it more,” Raquel said. “The crew is wonderful and it’s a very interesting group. Everyone has a great story. We go paddle boarding or swim and then sail off somewhere!”

Steve Lyons and the Maine Office of Tourism promote windjammer sailing trips, but he believes more promotion is needed. “I’m not sure what a windjammer tour is has been marketed as well as it should be. I’m not sure people understand the depth of the experience,” Lyons said. “Going forward, we will be looking at how we can help fill these vessels, and others, that give you that true feeling of coastal Maine and the maritime history.”

Peggy Garland and husband Stephen Tucker, also Baystaters who’d sailed on the Taber, decided to check out the Ladona because they were looking for a touch more luxury. And for Stephen, the places Ladona drops anchor – the coves, Monhegan Island, the sunsets, and the moon rising – are what he likes most. Peggy grew up in Gloucester and has been on the water since girlhood. The sea is in her bones, she said, and then touched on a bit of what Lyons was talking about: “I think there’s something in our collective consciousness as humans – we understand there’s something about these boats that is essential to civilization and survival; we just feel it. There’s something we learn in this environment that we need for the future and ... it is so profoundly peaceful.”

Captain Robert Fifield docked his Wasabi at Carousel Marina at 10:45 p.m. Sept 8 with his behemoth 725-pound tuna catch. It was the last tuna entered into the 2022 Boothbay Harbor Tuna Challenge. It was also the largest. Fifield won the competition and $30,000 first prize. Fifield was one of 60 entrants who paid the $750 entry fee in the first local tuna tournament in nearly four decades. 

The top five catches received a cash prize. Joe Pinkham of Five Islands had the second largest catch. On Sept. 4, he arrived at Carousel Marina aboard his My 3 Blondes with a 712.5-pound tuna. He received $15,000. Sept. 8 was the tournament’s last day. Steve Morse of Harpswell caught the third heaviest catch of 669 pounds aboard his Reel Estates. He received a $7,500 prize. On Sept. 4, the fourth heaviest catch, 644.5 pounds, was recorded aboard the Ivy Jean. Fourth prize paid $3,000 to an unidentified boat captain. Brent Olsen of South Bristol caught his 641-pound tuna Sept. 8 aboard the True North. He placed fifth, and received a $1,500 prize. 

Carousel Marina’s Evan Hepburn reported Sept. 5 and Sept. 8 were the best fishing days due to poor weather on Sept. 6-7. After catches were weighed, captains sold them to fish buyers from Massachusetts and Rhode Island, according to Hepburn. The tournament concluded Sept. 9 with an awards presentation and lobster bake at Carousel Marina.

Planning for the tournament began in January for the benefit of the Fishermen’s Memorial.

This spring, the van der Veen family bought Carousel Marina and Whale’s Tale Pub. 

The tournament limited entrants to 60 and 44 tuna were landed.

“We’re very happy with the tournament and all the community support. We’re also looking forward to next year’s tournament,” Jax van der Veen said.

The railings at Head Tide Dam had broken cables again and selectmen Sept. 7 made a move they expect will serve for years, if more incidents occur. The board decided to tap the dam site’s maintenance account for up to $2,000 to buy enough parts for years of fixes. The parts have a long wait time and could get harder to get, First Selectman Ed Pentaleri explained.

Resident Tom Aldrich asked if a different design had been considered “rather than saddling future selectboards among others with having to source those parts once the ones you get are used.” And he wondered if the damage was due to climbing.

“That’s the suspicion,” Pentaleri said. The newly broken cables are low, he said. “I can just imagine a kid hopping up on that and jumping on the cable and popping those cables.” He said a design change was discussed, but he has not heard back from the person who was going to look into the concept. Something could still be considered, but getting the spare parts for the railings now will avoid having to continuously place orders and pay shipping, he said.

“To me it feels like a small amount of money for a lot of progress.”

Also Sept. 7, selectmen announced Deputy Town Clerk Lynette Eastman is interim town clerk as the search for the next clerk or a deputy clerk continues. And the board named Katy Papagiannis to the planning board.

Pentaleri encouraged families to offer their children’s creative works for possible inclusion in next March’s annual town report. “We may not be able to include all submissions but we really would like to have a diversity of contributions to choose from, that reflect the diversity of talents of Alna students of all ages.” Decisions will start in December, he said.

Wiscasset Speedway took the turn towards the home stretch of the 2022 season Saturday evening, Sept. 10 with Group 1 in action along with the second appearance of the season for the G.O.Motorsports NELCAR Legends. The regular weekly divisions on the card included Pro Stocks, Thunder 4 Minis, 4-Cylinder Pros, and Super Streets. For the Super Streets, it was their final points race of the season, with four drivers vying for the championship. By the time the final checkered flag flew, division titles were wrapped up in two divisions including a history-making run in the Super Streets.

The program began with a 25-lap feature for the Brackett's Market 4-Cylinder Pros. The class has showcased some of the best up-and-coming young talent at Wiscasset, and Saturday night was no exception. Saco's Andy Kaherl paced the field early until he was passed by outside pole sitter Ben Burgess. Burgess led the next 20 laps as pressure mounted from behind by Daniel Harding, Josh Hall, and Sylas Ripley. With the signal for 2 laps to go, Harding jumped to the outside to challenge Burgess for the win. The pair stormed out of turn 4 to the checkers dead even and Harding would edge out Burgess by 0.038 sec for the win. It was Harding's 3rd win of the season and expanded his point lead over Josh Hall heading into their points finale on Oct. 1. Burgess took home the runner-up trophy while Sylas Ripley finished 3rd. 

The G.O. Motorsports NELCAR Legends were the spotlight division for the program, complete with front stretch driver intros and a 25-lap feature. The race showcased a great battle between defending Nelcar champion Trevor Krause of Gorham against current point leader Devin Deshaies who came up from Rhode Island to try to add to his national INEX Semi-pro point lead as well. The pair started side-by-side on the front row for the feature. Deshaies was strong in the early going, but Krause was able to reel him in and take the lead near the midpoint of the race. He would pull away to a sizable half-straightaway lead until a caution came out with five laps to go. Deshaies grabbed the lead from Krause on the restart once again, Krause was able to chase him down to take the lead back just as the white flag flew. Deshaies responded with a textbook "bump and run" maneuver on the final lap to claim the victory. Krause would settle for second. Kyle Caissie of Marlboro, MA filled out the podium with an uncontested 3rd place run.

The Norm’s Used Cars Pro Stocks rolled into their 40-lap feature coming off last week's Boss Hogg 150 weekend. Point leader Kevin Douglass came in with a comfortable cushion in the standings but was forced to run a borrowed car thanks to a big wreck he suffered while leading the 150. His closest competition in the standings, Logan Melcher of Fayette held the early lead in Saturday's feature, gunning for his second career Pro Stock win. Just past the halfway point of the race thing took a major turn as Melcher first lost the lead to Josh St Clair on a restart, then lost control on the backstretch coming out of turn two, where he collected the car running to his inside driven by Nick Hinkley. The wreck also took Shane Clark and Joe Harriman out of contention. Josh St Clair resumed his lead over the final laps of the race and secured his third Pro Stock win of the season - his 14th win of the year over four different divisions. Jaime Wright of Woolwich backed up his runner-up finish in the BH150 with runner-up honors in this race. They were joined in victory lane by Scarborough's Garrett Hall who started 12th and raced his way to the third place finish. By following his strategy of laying back and staying out of trouble, Kevin Douglass quietly brought it home in sixth place, good enough to clinch the 2022 Pro Stock championship with one points race left to go.

The Sweatt's Concrete Thunder 4 Minis struggled to gain any momentum in the early going of their 25-lap feature, with four caution in the first 8 laps - including a pair of red flag stops for cars in the wall. With a single file restart and the threat of their race ending early on the next flag, the drivers settled down and finished the full complement of laps caution-free. The challenges of the race did not deter veteran David Cook of Jay from leading the race from start to finish for his 4th victory of the season. Zach Audet of Norridgewock took advantage of the early cautions and picked his way up through the field to claim second. Winslow's Kyle Willette, the Outlaw Mini points leader, followed Audet to victory lane to claim the 3rd place trophy.

The final race of the night had the most on the line as the Super Streets lined up for their final points race of the season. Rookie Brett Osmond of Wiscasset and last year's runner-up Matty Beers came in tied atop the standings with newcomer Richard "Bubba" Pelton lurking just 2 points behind after winning the most recent race. Canton's PJ Merrill was also within striking distance of the title but would need things to fall into place to make it happen. Just a year earlier, Brett's dad James Osmond went into the finale tied with Beers and went on to nab the crown. Thanks to his heat win, Brett Osmond would start the 30-lap feature in the 7th position in the 19-car field, while Beers & Pelton started 11th & 13th respectively. Both Osmond and Beers found success in the outside lane early as they marched toward the front. Osmond took the lead from Bill Pinkham just past lap 10 and pulled away while Beers worked to keep him in sight. The race was slowed by just one minor spin, leaving the championship contenders the opportunity to race it out for the title. Bubba Pelton struggled in the early going, patiently waiting for the field to spread out and open a lane. That opportunity came with five laps to go as he stormed up the outside and into the top 5. Brett Osmond withstood the late race challenge from Beers, Josh St Clair, and a hard-charging Pelton, and drove to the victory and the 2022 Super Street championship. In doing so, he became the first rookie since Brett Mank in 2003 to win the Super Street division. Also making history, the father & son duo of James and Brett managed to claim the same division title back to back in the same car - a feat never before accomplished. Matt Beers took home the second-place trophy and ends up as the division runner-up for the second consecutive year. 

Wiscasset Speedway returns to action on Saturday, September 17th with Group 2 Fan Appreciation Night, presented by Bozzutto's Inc and Mainely Motorsports. Fans will be treated to an on-track driver autograph session at 4 p.m., followed by kids' bike races at 4:45. The evening's program will also include a prize raffle fundraiser for Special Olympics. Pit gates will open at noon with grandstands opening at 2 for VIP season ticket holders and 3 for general admission. As always, admission is $5 for the grandstand side (kids 6&under free) and $20 for the pits. For more info, go to the track's website www.wiscassetspeedway.com Wiscasset Speedway is located on West Alna Road in Wiscasset.