Midcoast Maine has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, but within the beauty are hazards that can quickly ruin your day on the water. Geography, tides and weather can combine to make even the most experienced mariner opt to stay ashore. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 2-5, located in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, offers an introduction to navigation course that can help recreational boaters cruise the area. The basics of coastal navigation are covered using the chart of the Boothbay area. What we cover applies to all National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) navigation charts.

“Navigating Midcoast Maine” is a five evening, 10-hour course offered via Zoom that will introduce you to the basics of navigation and trip planning while taking you to the far corners of the local “Cape Small to Pemaquid” #13293 chart. Our experienced instructors have hundreds of hours cruising the waters covered in this course as recreational boaters and on the water conducting Coast Guard Auxiliary patrols. They are certified CG Auxiliary Small Boat Coxswains and Boat Crew members as well as local residents.

Topics include basic navigation using both traditional paper charts and various electronic chart formats, understanding navigational aids, and buoy systems.

Problem sets will help you understand the building blocks of course planning including exercises on tides; time, speed, distance; and course layout and labeling.

Dates and time: it will be held five Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 8:30 beginning Oct. 4 and ending Nov. 1. Cost: $30.

To take the course you need either a printed chart or access to an electronic chart of the Boothbay Harbor area.

Paper Chart Option: We recommend charts printed on quality paper so you can draw (and erase) course lines using a pencil and add information easily. The NOAA chart of the area is The Three Rivers Chart (#13293). Marinas, boat supply outlets, and many bookstores sell the cart. If you are in the Boothbay region and want a NOAA paper chart, we have them available at a cost of $28. Along with a paper chart you should have two navigational tools. One is a divider (compass) cost: $10. The other is a roller plotter or parallel rule cost $20. We also have them.

Electronic Chart Option: There are several chartplotter applications that can be used for coastal navigation, as well as GPS chartplotters. Each has its own set of menus to access various charting functions. You should have some basic familiarity your program’s menus in order to follow along in class and to complete the exercises.

Registration: Contact David Eastwood @ 207-633-4748 (cell: 865-603-5106) or davidbeastwood@gmail.com.

Registrations must be received by Monday, Sept. 30 in order for materials to be sent to participants or to be picked up in Boothbay Harbor. Late registration is possible if you can make arrangements to pick up the reference materials in Boothbay Harbor. Cost: $30.

The Boothbay Region High School Class C championship football teams of 2001 and 2002 will be inducted into the Midcoast Sports Hall of Fame at the organization’s annual banquet on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 5 p.m. at the Rockland Elks Lodge, 210 Rankin St., Rockland. The meal will be served at 6 p.m. and the program will begin at 7.

Former BRHS athlete Jaelyn Crocker and current BRHS athlete Kayden Ames are also being honored for being among the 10 finalists for the 2022 Student Athlete of the Year Award. And Laurie Smith, a 1986 graduate of Wiscasset High School, will be one of the eight individuals being inducted into the HOF.

Tickets for the event are $30 each For ticket information, email Dave Ames at damesref@tidewater.net, Bob Paskal at jpaskal1@roadrunner.com, or Tom Mellor at ttmellor@gmail.com or call 691-2770. Payment must be made before Oct. 3.

Besides the BRHS teams, a third team will be honored; the 1970 Medomak Valley High School baseball team which won the state title.

Individual inductees, in addition to Smith, will include Matt Breen of Rockland, Marty Carey of Rockland, Nick DePatsy of Medomak, Richard Harden of Rockland, Kyle O’Bryan of Lincoln Academy, Randy Shrout of Rockland, and Gary Spinney of Camden. Harden and Shrout will be enshrined posthumous.

The physical hall of fame is housed in the Dow Discount Furniture building in Waldoboro.

The Midcoast Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization formed in the spring of 2003 and became incorporated in 2005. Its mission includes publicly recognizing outstanding athletes from all eras of sports history in Midcoast Maine for their achievements and contributions to athletics whether it be as an athlete, coach or contributor.

For more information, visit the website midcoastsportshalloffame.org

The term “Turkey Shoot” might conjure up visions of hunters roaming the woods hunting for these wily birds. Then you see a sign promoting a Turkey Shoot being held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the next several weeks. You might wonder: How many turkeys can possibly be up in those woods?

It turns out that there are more than a few turkeys roaming the wooded property that makes up the Boothbay Region Fish and Game Associations’ enclave. Rest assured -- none of these wild birds are being shot, at the very least not during a Turkey Shoot.

Turkey Shoots can vary in format from region to region, but all involve some sort of target shooting using shotguns, rifles, and sometimes handguns. The contests can require blind luck or honed marksmanship, meaning there’s something for every level of shooter to enjoy.

The BRF&GA’s 2022 Turkey Shoots are being held starting the first Sunday in October (Oct. 2) and each Sunday through the first Sunday in November (Nov. 6) from 10 to 2 on the club property located at 447 Dover Road, Boothbay.

The following contests are held each Sunday, and the winners will win a variety of frozen food prizes, including turkeys:

Card Shoot: A shotgun event where participants shoot at a 3” x 5” target from a distance of 50 feet. Whether you’re a grizzled marksman or a first time shooter you have an equal chance of winning this contest. The shooter with the pellet closest to the “X” in the middle of the target wins the prize.

Mechanical Target: Shooters use .22 rimfire rifles at a distance of 25 yards to take 5 shots at a reactive target of metal “spoons”. The shooter with the most “plinks” wins.

Skeet Shoot: A shotgun event. Clay pigeons are launched from a mechanical throwing device, and the object is to shoot both clays before they land. This shoot often takes multiple rounds to determine a winner, making for a great spectator event.

100-Yard Shoots: These events consist of two types of shooting – a bench rest shoot and an offhand (standing) shoot, both at a distance of 100 yards, This event is reserved for larger caliber rifles generally used for hunting. The object is simply to have the most accurate shot in the bullseye.

All events are open to the public and all ages are welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Hearing and eye protection are required. Food and refreshments will be served for nominal prices. Entry fees per event will be determined on the day of the competition, but will also be nominal given the cost of food prizes and ammunition costs which are provided for some of the events. Come on up to the club and join in, or just enjoy a juicy burger and watch!

Central Lincoln County YMCA in Damariscotta has won the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) of New England's 2022 National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) Chapter of the Year award.

“Our annual awards are given to individuals and organizations who go out of their way to promote and develop the growth of tennis in New England, and the CLC Y offers tennis to players of all ages, mostly for free, and is extremely involved in the community,” said James Maimonis of the U.S. Tennis Association of New England in a press release.

The USTA’s 2022 annual award winners, five in total, will be honored at a ceremony at Tennis Weekend on Nov. 5 in Framingham, Massachusetts.

Winners were nominated by the New England tennis community and then voted on by the USTA New England Awards Committee.

The Central Lincoln County (CLC) YMCA offers tennis programming for both youth and adults. From free red ball lessons twice a week to free Saturday Stay-and-Play for families to receive nutritional guidance, homework help and tennis, the CLC Y goes above and beyond to serve its community. The organization recently provided backpacks with racquets, balls, and art supplies to 300 students and offered free lessons at recess with a Y pro at their school. The CLC Y works with many of the nearby elementary schools and hopes to expand to all soon. They partner with the local food bank, farms, Tennis Without Borders and NOMI Maine. They also offer therapeutic art as part of all NJTL programming. The CLC Y was named USTA New England’s 2018 Community Tennis Association of the year, and they continue to show why they are a staple in the Maine community.

For more information on the USTA New England Annual Awards, visit New England/Awards (usta.com)

The Boothbay Harbor Seahawks and Wiscasset Wolverines combined cross country teams rocked their home competition Sept. 16. The “Seawolves” bested guest teams from Dirigo, Richmond, Hall-Dale and Telstar Regional high schools with the boys taking first over Richmond by 10 points; the girls, first over Dirigo by 12 points.

Coach Nick Scott said the boys were down two of their top six athletes, so winning the meet was a fantastic outcome. “They were really super solid. Just comparing times from a year ago, the guys ran a lot faster. The girls are just so much more on top of their running so far this season with their focus and determination (and) they’re just lopping minutes off their times from a year ago. That's really encouraging.”

Bryan Gagnon took a close second place, three seconds behind Richmond’s Benjamin Fornier, with 18:54.8. Gagnon took nearly two minutes off his time from the 2021 home race and ran a lifetime personal record. Gryffin Kristan took third with 19:40.3 and Ryan Clark, Austin Trask and Rodi Mayne were close behind in fifth through seventh in 20:01.5, 20:20.7 and 21:12.1. Nearly all returning athletes broke records in some form: Kristan took 13 seconds and Clark 30 seconds off last year’s home meet results and Mayne ran a lifetime personal record.

Cleyton Splaine took 11th in 23:10.3 about two seconds away from a personal record. Ross Gaffney took 16th in 30:55.7; Sawyer Blake, 17th, 30:57.5; and Chase Mansfield, 23rd, 36:55.3.

Laura Chapman took first for the girls in 23:04.2, which was more than 1:40 better than her first place time at last year’s home meet. Richmond’s Breonna DuFresne drove a wedge between the third place finish of Maddie Orchard and the fifth place finish of Julia Truesdell who were separated by just over three seconds, in 24:06.5 and 24:09.7, and who took three minutes and two and a half minutes off their 2021 home meet times.

Emily Gilliam took sixth in 24:58.5 and also took three minutes off her home course time. Sarah Harris ran her 5k race debut, taking 15th in 31:18 and Maddie Andreason took 19th in her second ever 5k in 33:36.9.

Volunteer turnout was also over the top with football players and other students showing up for meet setup and timing, said Scott. “A huge thank you to all of the parents who organized and brought food for the runners this evening … It was awesome there were a lot of student volunteers today. There were a bunch of football guys and it was really cool to see them come out and support the team. Then there were some students from school who came down to volunteer which is, again fantastic to see the school spirit.”

Scott said the meet brought out about half of the Mountain Valley Conference which will join the rest at the Sept. 23 mid-season meet at University of Maine at Augusta.

Said Scott, “It is a prime opportunity to get a glimpse of where we are as a team versus our conference competition.”

Midcoast Conservancy is delighted to have Morganne Price and Anna Blank join the staff this month. Both bring a wealth of experience, talent and passion to the organization.

Morganne Price grew up in Waldoboro exploring the woods in her backyard. She moved to the Pacific Northwest for a brief time to work for the Forest Service and also as a fisheries observer in Alaska, collecting data on commercial fishing vessels.

Price joins Midcoast Conservancy as the Medomak River Watershed Manager; in that role, she will help coordinate water and land conservation work in the Medomak watershed and beyond.

She is thrilled to be back in the Midcoast and is looking forward to using her community ties combined with her experiences from away to benefit her hometown watershed. Price says, “I am excited to be working for Midcoast Conservancy as they are an organization that sees the value in both a working waterfront and a healthy ecosystem and community.”

As its new Administrative Manager, Anna Blank supports Midcoast Conservancy to design and maintain efficient office systems and policies, manage office files and records, hire and on-board new employees, and maintain accurate accounts. Before joining Midcoast Conservancy full time, Blank served as a Development Intern this spring. 

Blank comes to Midcoast Conservancy with a background in agriculture and environmental policy. Passionate about good food and healthy communities, she came to Midcoast Maine in 2017 to work on an organic vegetable farm. After five years of farming, and recently completing a BS in Environmental Policy, she sees joining Midcoast Conservancy as the start of an exciting new chapter. Blank says, "The opportunity to work for an organization whose mission I whole-heartedly believe in and feel deeply connected to is very exciting! The lands and waters of Midcoast Maine are my home. I connect with the forests, fields and rivers every single day, and want to be an active participant in the efforts to protect them. I look forward to growing and learning with the team at Midcoast Conservancy."

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

Though the 2022 Windjammer Days were over months ago, expect one final blast of wind in your sails come early next month. Spanish Tall Ship Nao Trinidad will port in Boothbay Harbor sometime between Oct. 6 and 12. The ship returns to the East Coast from its Great Lakes summer circuit which began in Lake Superior at Two Harbors, Minnesota.

Nao Trinidad’s voyage also included Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan before moving on to Midland, Ontario across Lake Huron. She stopped off in Detroit, Sandusky, Ohio; Cleveland; and Erie, Pennsylvania while crossing Lake Erie and then Rochester, New York while crossing Lake Ontario. Stops up through the St. Lawrence Seaway and around Nova Scotia included Brockville, Ontario; Rimouski, Quebec; and Gaspé, Quebec. The ship is en route to or at port in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the last stop before Boothbay Harbor.

The ship’s captain contacted Mark Gimbel to set up dockage for a few days before moving on to Portland. Said Gimbel, “While the ship is in town they will run public deck tours. Stay tuned for more details and exact location of the vessel.”

According to Nao Trinidad’s website, the ship is a 200-ton, 95’ long replica of Ferdinand Magellan’s Armada del Maluco with the original four masts, five sails and five decks. The ship was commissioned by Fundación Nao Victoria in 2019, 500 years after the original was built. Nao’s Great Lakes circuit coincided with the 500th anniversary of the original’s sinking in Indonesia.

Fundación Nao Victoria, a nonprofit based in Seville, Spain, builds replicas of the country’s historical Galleon ships. Other ships include Nao Victoria, El Galeón and Nao Santa Maria and all have sailed the world to promote their histories. The Nao Santa Maria has ported in Boothbay Harbor twice in recent years.

“The vessels are a powerful, unique and very attractive marketing and educational platform that have been used successfully to support great world events during the last decade,” says the ship’s website. “Our vessels have taken part in national and international expositions and events with great media exposure and publicity (serving) as a powerful platform to disseminate and exhibit contents (and) functioning as a great reach beacon (with) unique, innovative elements and a strong appeal both sailing and in-port.”

After the ship stops in Portland, it will move on to Plymouth, Massachusetts; Bristol, Rhode Island; Greenport, New York; Wilmington, North Carolina; and St. Augustine, Florida before ending its voyage in San Juan, Puerto Rico before winter sets in.

The Garden Club of Wiscasset will hold its next program at 1 p.m. Oct. 6 in Fellowship Hall of First Congregational Church, 28 High St., Wiscasset. A brief business meeting is held at 12:30 p.m.

Refreshments follow the program which is free and open to the public.

It may be hard to believe but the 2022 race season is already coming to a close at Wiscasset Speedway. The Group #1 divisions kicked off this season’s sendoff as they crowned their newest champions on Saturday night. 

The action-packed program kicked off with a 25-lap feature from the Sweatt’s Concrete Thunder 4 Minis. Ricky Austin took early command of the race but two consecutive cautions on laps 5 and 7 brought the field back together and pulled multi-time champion Zach Audet back into the picture. Audet had made his way into the top 3 by the halfway point of the race but was hungry for more, making his way to the leaders door on lap 13 before promptly taking over the top spot. Audet took off from there, extending his lead to a full straightaway by lap 20. He continued to lead the charge, picking up his sixth win of the 2022 season in the division. Bruce Hall, Jr. and Jeff Farrington rounded out the top 3. Wiscasset Speedway’s July driver of the month Shane Webber finished outside of the top 3 but was still able to maintain the point lead and pick up the championship in the division. 

Kevin Douglass secured the championship in the Norm’s Used Cars Pro Stocks two weeks ago but still continued his dominance on Saturday as he won the heat race and led every lap of the feature. Douglass celebrated his six wins in Victory Lane with his friends and family while Josh St. Clair and Logan Melcher (runner-up in the points) rounded out the top 3.

Andy Kaherl took off with the early lead in the 25-lap Brackett’s Market 4-Cylinder Pro feature as rookie Reed Reno trailed closely behind. There was a two car breakaway for the first half of the race but Sylas Ripley closed the gap on lap 18, breaking the top 3 before moving onto Reed Reno for the runner-up spot. The two drivers made contact on lap 22, resulting in Reno taking a spin in turn 1. This led to a late-race caution and brought the field back together one final time. Sylas Ripley cleared Andy Kaherl for the top spot on the final lap and pulled away as Daniel Harding made his way to Andy Kaherl’s door, challenging for second. Once Ripley secured the win, it was a dogfight for the runner-up spot between Kaherl and Harding. Harding crossed the finish line with a .003 second advantage over Andy Kaherl, securing a second place finish but more importantly, scoring the division championship.

At just twelve years old, Daniel Harding has cemented his rightful spot as Wiscasset Speedway’s youngest division champion in track history. He has a bright future ahead of him as he plans on competing in both the Late Model and Pro Stock divisions in 2023, growing and learning along the way.

The night concluded with the non-points $1,500 to win Super Street 100 featuring the Market 27 Super Streets. Matt Beers won heat race #2 and continued to impress in the feature, pulling away with the early lead over 2022 division champion Brett Osmond. Osmond laid back for the first 10 laps of the race before pulling the trigger on lap 11, pulling to Matt Beers’ door to challenge for the top spot. After a few bold crossover moves, Osmond took over the lead on lap 15. Brett Osmond continued to lead the charge as Kenny Harrison began to ascend through the field, breaking the top 3 on lap 35. Harrison continued his momentum for the next handful of laps, stealing the runner-up spot away from Matt Beers on lap 51. A mid-race pile-up brought the field back together on lap 56 but Brett Osmond held strong, pulling away from Kenny Harrison. 

The leaders began to navigate heavy lap traffic with just five laps to go but Brett Osmond held his focus, fending off Kenny Harrison for the win. Bubba Pelton rounded out the top 3 and also took home an extra $100 in winnings thanks to Sue and Dan Walker, who gifted the prize money to the highest finisher (after technical inspection) in the race who also competed in last year’s 100-lap Beech Ridge/Wiscasset Super Street races. 

Brett Osmond ended the 2022 season on a high note, following in his Dad James’ footsteps as he picked up the division championship, Rookie of the year honors and the biggest win of the season in the Super Streets. This definitely gives Osmond momentum going into the 2023 season, where he also plans on competing in the Late Model division. 

The Group #1 division champions were crowned this week and it’s now time for the Group #2 drivers to shine as they wrap up their season on Championship night this coming Saturday, October 1st. The program will feature the Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Models, 88.5FM Modifieds, Kennebec Equipment Rentals and of course the Portland Glass Strictly Streets, whose night will be highlighted by the $500 to win Amsoil Dominator Strictly Shootout. 

As always, grandstand admission is just $5 for adults and free for kids 6 and under. Grandstands open at 2 p.m. and the green flag flies at 3. Come enjoy the program and help Wiscasset Speedway end out the 2022 points season on a high note!

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

The migratory eastern monarch butterflies are en route to Mexico this time of year, but there aren’t as many making the journey to their winter home and mating place. According to World Wildlife Fund, over the past 30 years, the monarch population has fallen by a whopping 80%!

Herbicides are one reason: They kill milkweed, the only food for those large orange, black and white beauties. WWF also cited climate change, stating “… during the summers between 2004 and 2018 both the milkweed supply and the butterflies’ life cycle was affected.”

A 2018 National Geographic article noted increased carbon monoxide levels could be making milkweed too toxic for the monarchs and the higher temperatures could make it necessary for them to fly even further north to lay their eggs, making the current 3,000-mile journey to their winter home in the oyamel trees of Mexico even more arduous. 

According to monarchjointventure.com, monarchs arrive in Mexico close to Day of the Dead observances on Nov. 1 and 2; the monarchs are still believed to be the souls of the ancestors and are the same color as cempazuchitl, or “flower of the dead.” 

This year, the migratory eastern monarch was classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), one of the organizations in the global fight to save species from extinction.

According to ecosystemgardening.com, to try to increase the number of monarchs, you can plant milkweed in the garden; it will multiply. And do not use herbicides or pesticides. Just ask Julie Roberts at Coastal Maine Popcorn Co. In 2019, Roberts planted four milkweed plants in her garden that is now about an 8’ x 8’ area; and no pesticides are ever used at Julie and Paul Roberts’ home. She invested in two butterfly habitats, 2-1/2 feet x 2 feet wide that she kept outside her front porch. A roof helps protect the habitats and the precious babies to come. 

“I noticed the decrease in the number of monarchs around and my mom had started raising them a few years before I did,” she said. “And, years ago when Sally (Bullard) and I were neighbors she had monarchs growing wild ... and I may or may not have taken a few of them. I also may have had to steal milkweed leaves from her.”

Roberts noted that in 2020 she had no caterpillars at all and in 2021, just a couple.

In Farmingdale, Julie’s friend and former neighbor, Sally Bullard of A Maine Wedding, was equally concerned over how few monarchs were about. Bullard has been raising monarchs for the past three years.

“The first year there were a lot of caterpillars and they all turned into butterflies. The last few years have been very sparse,” Bullard said. “I think I found only a dozen last year. They’d get to 1-1/2” long and then disappear … turkeys and birds ate them maybe?”

This year, the two women decided to hold a friendly competition to see who could raise the most monarchs.

“I had no idea what to expect. A typical day was have your coffee and go out to the milkweed patch,” Roberts said. “This year I got up to 12-16 in one morning. It was just like Christmas!”

Bullard also invested in a large butterfly habitat and kept in her enclosed porch. “I’d take the leaves with the baby caterpillars on them from the garden and inside the habitat making sure to clean up their poop (it looks like a small rabbit’s). At one point I found 30 caterpillars over two to three weeks,” Bullard said, still elated at the memory. “I’d cut the leaves with the babies off the plant, bring it inside and then go out and cut more leaves off to feed them.”

Roberts would cut about a 2’ milkweed stalk and place it in a large bucket of water. “Each morning I’d check for wilted stalks, clean out the bucket,” she said. “You have to replenish the leaves every day.”

Both observed that at around 2-1/2” the caterpillars would crawl off the milkweed leaves and explore the sides of the habitat. They made their way to the ceiling to hang in the “j” position to form their chrysalis. The caterpillars attach themselves to the top of a tree branch in the habitat or to the wood framing at the top of the habitats by silk made from a spinneret on the bottom of their head.

“They would start contracting to slough off their caterpillar skin. Once the squirming stopped, the chrysalis was set,” said Bullard.

Once encased in their bright green chrysalis, 12 gold dots would appear around the top of each one, known as the diadem, as it hardened. Those gold shapes are cells that act as oxygen ports; the gold look is due to how the light reflects off them. 

“About 10 days later the chrysalis begins to darken, and the day before birth you can actually see its wings – and birth happens in an instant!” said Bullard. “Once free from the chrysalis they hang upside down to dry their wings and as they dry the butterfly’s wings become bigger ...”

Once the butterflies began fluttering around, Bullard would offer one of her fingers for the monarch to alight onto travel to one of the flowers in her garden.

So, how did the monarch mamas do? Bullard raised 54 monarchs, mostly male; six were born in two days. Roberts raised 42 and most were female. How could they tell? Explained Bullard, “Male monarchs have a small black spot on the top of their hindwing,”

“It’s so exciting to see Mother Nature take her course,” said Bullard. “When they were fluttering around in the habitat it was time for them to go outside. I’d say ‘OK little buddy let’s put you on a flower,’” she said laughing. “It’s a simple pleasure that fills me with joy and hope.”

Bullard said Roberts went above and beyond with the care and feeding of her caterpillars. For example, Roberts recalled one caterpillar who was having a hard time trying to free itself from its skin. “I went in with two tweezers and gently held it while slowly pulling it off. I’ve also had to move a couple chrysalises and re-attach them with dental floss.”

“You talk about rebirth and transformation!” said Roberts. “It gives you hope to see a butterfly sailing off into the blue sky …”

Moose Crossing has a few varieties of milkweed every year. It’s where Roberts bought her plants. Pollination Station in Alna has milkweed seeds for $3 and has information about planting and monarchs. And The Caterpillar Lab at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is a resource.

Don't miss this weekend at Boothbay Railway Village! Over 50 amazing vendors featuring art, handmades and vintage! Plus all of the newest fall inventory at Iron Horse Antiques + General Store .

And arrive hungry because our food vendors will have delicious homemade fall food, such as; chowders, chilis, mac n cheese, pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, jumbo pretzels, hot dogs, and burgers on the grill! For dessert, we will have homemade ice cream sandwiches, pies, and so much more. And to wash it all down -warm cider (and for the adults, Hot Toddy's to warm the insides.

PLUS this full lineup of amazing entertainment on the stage all weekend! Check it out: Saturday, Oct. 8: 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.- line dancing with Karmon Karp; 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. - violinist Steve Karp; noon: Sky Blue Canoe; 3:30 p.m. - Y Arts! Sunday, Oct. 9: 10 a.m. - Double Entendre; noon - Oyster Creek Fiddlers; 1:15 p.m. - Hallowell Band.

Boothbay Railway Village is at 586 Wiscasset Road/Route 27, Boothbay. For more information, visit https://railwayvillage.org.

The Boothbay Region and Wiscasset high schools’ “Seawolves” cross country athletes posted big personal records Oct. 1 at the annual Festival of Champions (FOC) in Belfast. The boys team, short two of their top five runners, placed 31st out of 59 scoring teams, earning third best Class C team in Maine. The girls placed 47th out of 55 scoring teams with just five athletes in the race.

“Wow, what a day at the Festival of Champions!” said Coach Nick Scott. “So many of our athletes were able to run their fastest race not only of the season but also their entire career.”

Bryan Gagnon edged Gryffin Kristan for first Seawolf past the finish line. They came in 103rd and 107th in 18:06.45 and 18:07.35. Gagnon carved off 48 seconds and Kristan 26 seconds from their personal bests and posted 2:30 and 1:30 better than last year’s FOC outing. Payton Blagdon and Austin Trask took 239th and 249th in 19:19.83 and 19:24.35. Blagdon ran a record 25 seconds better and Trask 26 seconds.

Rodi Mayne broke the 20-minute barrier for the first time, taking 306th in 19:54.35. Cleyton Splaine took 448th in 21:26.05 besting his personal record by nearly 1:50. Ross and Finnegan Gaffney took 647th and 650th in 26:30.24 and 26:58.85. Ross took 4:50 off his personal best and Finnegan turned in a good performance for a first race, said Scott. Sawyer Blake took 651st in 27:01.94 taking nearly four minutes off his record.

For the girls, Julia Truesdell took 200th and Emily Gilliam 213th in 23:15.74 and 23:31.94. Both ran two minutes faster than last year’s FOC with Truesdell shaving 12 seconds off her personal best and Gilliam several seconds. Maddie Orchard ran close behind Gilliam taking 230th in 23:39.91 and taking 2:10 off her personal best. Ruth Burchstead placed well in her first race and Maddie Andreasen had a solid performance. They came in 493rd and 503rd respectively in 31:19.39 and 32:33.79.

“It is hard to believe, but this week marks the end of the regular season and we've got a fair amount going on,” said Scott.

The last regular meet is Oct. 7 at Beaver Park in Lisbon.

When Wiscasset Speedway needs someone taken to a hospital, that can tie up a Wiscasset ambulance about four hours and cost the town $800 for any mutual aid, Emergency Medical Services Director Erin Bean told selectmen Oct. 4.

In the meeting at the town office and on Zoom and YouTube, Bean raised the issue in a public hearing on Vanessa and Richard Jordan’s yearly special amusement permit renewal for the speedway at 274 West Alna Road. Vanessa Jordan said she had no idea the town is paying for mutual aid now. “We are very open to conversations about how to make this work.”

Officials said due to staffing crunches, Wiscasset EMS and other ambulance services have started charging one another for mutual aid ambulance calls.

According to the Jordans’ application, the speedway’s insurer requires emergency medical technicians on-site for racing. Area ambulance services are called “to provide further evaluation, care and/or transport when needed,” it states. Bean said Wiscasset has to take those patients to Maine Medical Center in Portland.

She said the need to respond to Wiscasset Speedway has gone from a couple times a season to seven times recently. “It’s become a pretty big onus on us.” 

“I think it’s great that we have this (speedway) in our town, and it’s wonderful. However, I think they need to figure out a different situation ...”

For two reasons, there is not “a straight-up, easy solution,” Town Manager Dennis Simmons said: If the track hired an ambulance, when it leaves with a patient, Wiscasset would still get called or racing would halt until the track ambulance returns; and the speedway is part of the town, so the town has to, and wants to, serve it, he said.

“The cost part of it I think is ... a discussion that we need to have with them, because I don’t feel we should have to pay $800 for (another ambulance service) to come over here,” Simmons told the board. “I think Erin’s concerns are valid ... I don’t think this should be a reason to hold up their license, but I think this is a serious discussion that does really need to be had.”

Selectmen agreed 5-0 to renew the permit.

In a phone interview Oct. 5, Vanessa Jordan said about the number of ambulance calls Bean cited, “it has just been an odd year, in my opinion.” Jordan noted Beech Ridge Speedway’s closing meant more race car teams this season at Wiscasset Speedway and others. She said some races had more cars and some drivers had less experience, or less experience at the track known as Maine’s fastest. And with the town now paying for mutual aid, “I understand the concerns.” As always, the speedway will work with the town, Jordan said.

Also Oct. 4, Simmons said in nearly 20 years working in emergency medical services, he has seen countless strokes, but never in a 12-year-old. It is not unheard of but it is very rare, and it happened to Wiscasset Elementary School teacher Samantha Crawford’s daughter Angelina, Simmons said. He announced the recent Dancing on the Dock event the town and Water Street Kitchen & Bar organized raised $1,220 for the family. Katie Ruzyckij accepted the donation on Crawford’s behalf. Principal Kathleen Pastore said in an email response Oct. 5, Ruzyckij, a WES secretary, is one of Crawford’s closest friends on the school staff.

The board accepted with regret Katharine Martin-Savage’s resignation from the budget committee due to health concerns. And Selectmen’s Chair Sarah Whitfield read aloud the police department’s thank you letter for the town’s recent employee appreciation dinner. Selectman Terry Heller called for it to continue annually, and said Whitfield cooks a mean burger. “I don’t know about that,” Whitfield responded.

“I don’t think that’s what I said that night,” Simmons said, spurring group laughter that continued as the comments did.

“It’s not,” Whitfield concurred.

“We did have an ambulance standing by,” Selectman William “Bill” Maloney said, then smiled. 

“No good deed –,” Whitfield said. 

Saturday’s schedule at Wiscasset Speedway was jam-packed with exciting racing action as the track hosted their 2022 Group #2 season finale and the tenth annual Amsoil Dominator Strictly Shootout.

The Strictly Shootout, founded by Dave Brannon, is the biggest Strictly Street race of the season at Wiscasset Speedway. The winner’s purse is traditionally $500, but it was doubled to $1,000 this year. Numerous contingency prizes (leader at halfway, hard charger, worst draw, heat race bonuses, etc.) and lap money ($10 for each lap led) also gave competitors the opportunity to double their prize money. The race attracted some of the best drivers across New England including Oxford regulars Jordan Russell, Kyle Hewins. Richard Spaulding and more. 

The racing action kicked off with a 25-lap feature from the Kennebec Equipment Rental Outlaw  Minis. Travis Poulliot took off with the early lead but multi-time champion Jimmy Childs was quickly navigating through the field, breaking the top 3 by lap 3. Childs continued his pursuit to the front in the coming laps, clearing Jason Kimball for the runner-up spot on lap 7. Point leader Kyle Willette was following in his footsteps, breaking the top 3 on lap 12. A mid-race caution on lap 13 brought the field back together and Childs took off from there, clearing Poulliot for the top spot as Kyle Willette followed in succession. Childs held strong, closing out the 2022 points season with another win in the Outlaw Minis. Willette followed, clinching his first career championship in the division. Willette is also the first driver not named Childs or Zach Audet to win the Outlaw Mini championship since 2016. Poulliot rounded out the top 3.

The Amsoil Dominator Strictly Shootout followed with out-of-car driver introductions and an exciting top twelve redraw. Although Mac Hannan Jr. was the initial pole sitter of the race following qualifying, he drew third in the redraw while Calab Emerson-Mains drew pole. Brian Caswell elected to take the “Back to the Front” challenge, sacrificing his top starting spot for the opportunity to pick up a $500 bonus if he were to win the race.

Keith Drost and Calab Emerson-Mains went head-to-head for the early lead in the 50-lap feature but two early cautions stalled the racing action and led to damage to many heavy hitters’ cars including Kurt Hewins, Kyle Hewins, Travis Lovejoy, Richard Spaulding and more. Drost pulled ahead on the restart as Mac Hannan Jr. and Josh St. Clair filled in behind him, resulting in a 3-car breakaway by lap 15. St. Clair pedaled down on lap 25, clearing Hannan Jr. for the runner-up spot before challenging Drost for the lead.

A mid-race caution on lap 26 brought the field together once more. Drost held strong, pulling away on the restart. The lead pack began approaching lap traffic with ten laps to go, eventually reaching them on lap 45. St. Clair made a bold move with just one lap to go, taking Drost and a lap car 3-wide as he challenged for the top spot. Drost maintained his edge as St. Clair lost momentum in the last turn, sailing into his first career (and second career Strictly Street win ever) Strictly Shootout win. Hannan Jr., St. Clair, Hewins and Russell rounded out the top five. Between lap money, heat race winnings, race earnings and other contingency prizes, Drost took home a total of $1,730 in overall winnings. 

Adam Chadbourne dominated the 30-lap 88.5FM Modified feature as he led the charge early, pulling away from red-hot competitor Ryan Ripley after an early-race caution. Chadbourne and Ripley distanced themselves from the competition quickly, resulting in a 2-car breakaway at the front of the field. Chadbourne further distanced himself from Ripley in the closing laps of the feature, securing his fifth win of the season in addition to another division championship. Scott Trask followed, rounding out the top 3. 

The Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Models rounded out the night with a final 40-lap feature race. Jonathon Emerson took off with the early lead in the feature but collided with Scottie Hall on lap 10, resulting in Emerson taking a spin in turn 3. A handful of cautions followed and resulted in damage to numerous race cars, including those of Josh St. Clair, Jett Decker, Dave Farrington Jr. and Mark Lucas. A false start led to the front 2 rows being swapped for the restart. This put Frank Moulton into the lead but Will Collins was on the move, clearing DC Alexander for the runner-up spot on lap 18. Collins quickly moved onto Moulton, overtaking the top spot on lap 20. Collins took off from there, closing out the 2022 season with his fourth consecutive win in the division and second in points to St. Clair, who finished back in eighth. St. Clair is once again a multi-time champion in 2022, taking home the championship title in the Late Models and the Street Stocks.

You can celebrate St. Clair and all of Wiscasset Speedway’s 2022 champions this Saturday, Oct. 8 at Fall Fury. The annual season-ending event features all weekly divisions in addition to the T&L Automotive Roadrunners and the Wicked Good Vintage Hobby class, who will be sending off the 2022 season with non-points 15-30 lap (20-30 minute timed) races. As always, grandstand admission is just $5 for adults and free for kids 6 and under. Grandstands open at 11 a.m. and the green flag flies at noon! 

Full Shootout race results & report: STRICTLY SHOOTOUT – Wiscasset Speedway

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

Wiscasset Speedway is located on West Alna Road in Wiscasset.

The weather was crisp and clear Saturday morning when people began gathering on the lawn of Wiscasset’s municipal building to build their scarecrows for the kickoff of this year’s Scarecrowfest. Local businesses and families can participate in the contest by building scarecrows to be judged and awarded prizes next Saturday during the festival.

Among the first to arrive were Leslie Hunter, her husband Loren and Mary Beth Brandt representing Chewonki Foundation’s outdoor education, elementary and middle school. They entered two scarecrows, one created by adults, the other by the first and second graders.

Previously held on the common, Scarecrowfest is back at the municipal building, which Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce said will allow for inclement weather. The hope is the building and tents will provide cover for the activities if it rains.

The Chamber’s Pat Cloutier is excited about some changes to this year’s festival. She explained there will be vendors, something the festival has not had in the past. She is also grateful to have sponsors this year. The money they have provided will help offset the cost of the festival.

Returning this year will be Maine Obsolete Auto League with a display of vintage cars along with the Chili/Chowder/Pumpkin Dessert Challenge, face painting, stories, games and scarecrow-building for the children. There also will be a movie starting at sunset. 

Wiscasset’s Parks and Recreation, working with the Chamber to produce the event, created a scavenger hunt to start Monday, Oct. 10. Find out more at wiscassetme.myrec.com

Wiscasset Police Chief Larry Hesseltine is looking forward to building scarecrows with the kids on Saturday, Oct. 15. Most of the scarecrows will stay up for display on the lawn of the municipal building, so take a look, and don’t miss the fun-filled day of the festival Oct. 15.

The scarecrows returned to the lawn of Wiscasset’s municipal building Saturday at the annual Scarecrowfest, co-sponsored this year by Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce and the Parks and Recreation Department.

“It’s not our biggest event but it is something we look forward to every year,” said Parks and Recreation Director Duane Goud. “It’s an event for families with small children to enjoy and this morning the weather is just perfect to be outdoors.”

Kristy Lincoln, After School Adventure director at Wiscasset Community Center, said Scarecrowfest is one of her favorite events. She was manning the face painting table and skillfully providing 7-year-old Kenzie MacLaren with cat whiskers. “It’s just a lot of fun,” Lincoln said. Not far away, her daughter Brooke Lincoln was swaying to the beat of “Monster Mash” while drawing colorful designs and scary faces on mini pumpkins. She wasn’t sure but thought she’d attended every Scarecrowfest. This year’s scarecrows will be on display until Halloween.

Carol Bradford of Wiscasset arrived with a scarecrow. It was sitting on a stool, to set alongside one of the craft tables. She said autumn is her favorite time of year because it means the holiday season will soon be here. “I was born on Christmas Day,” she said posing for a picture alongside her scarecrow.

New this year, a vintage car show was put on by members of Maine Obsolete Auto League. Wiscasset Fire Chief Rob Bickford provided live music and there was a chili, chowder challenge and pumpkin dessert contest.

Boothbay and Wiscasset “Seawolves” cross country teams dominated at the Mountain Valley Conference Class C championship Oct. 15. The girls team took the championship for the second time in Seahawks history, the first being in 2015, and the first time for the Wolverines. The girls scored 12 points ahead of Winthrop and Dirigo high schools which tied for second place. The boys team fell 14 points short of first place, claimed by Winthrop, but came out 21 points ahead of third place Richmond High School.

“Congratulations to all for a strong performance (and) a special congratulations to the girls team for winning the MVC title,” said Coach Nick Scott. “It was a well-deserved, albeit hard fought victory. A victory that was truly attributed to an all around team effort.”

Bryan Gagnon placed on the All Conference First Team and Laura Chapman, Julia Truesdell, Emily Gilliam, Maddie Orchard, Payton Blagdon and Gryffin Kristan all placed on the Second Team. Rody Mayne, Ryan Clark and Austin Trask received honorable mentions.

Chapman, Truesdell, Gilliam and Orchard ran as a group placing eighth, ninth, 10th and 12th staying ahead of runner-up Dirigo’s second runner. Their times were 24:08.5, 24:28.1, 25:34.1 and 26:04.4. Sarah Harris, Maddie Andreasen and Ruth Burchstead helped seal the Seawolves’ win staying ahead of Dirigo’s fifth runner.

Gagnon led the Seawolves, placing seventh in 19:45. Blagdon, Kristan, Mayne, Clark and Trask also ran as a pack taking 13th, 14th, 17th, 18th and 19th in 20:27.9, 20:31.2, 20:47.9, 20:59.7 and 21:01.2. Cleyton Splaine placed 25th in 22:04.3; Finn Gaffney, 52nd, 28:19.6; Sawyer Blake, 55th, 28:47.1; Ross Gaffney, 59th, 30:14; and Chase Mansfield, 65th, 33:20.5. Mansfield broke his personal record by over 2:30.

The Seawolves’ next post-season meet is the Southern Maine Class C Regional Championship Oct. 22. Only seven athletes will be able to compete at the meet which serves as qualifier for the following week’s state championship and only the top half of teams at Regionals can qualify for states.

Hearty Roots is busy getting “kids off the grid and into their hearts.” Won’t you join us? This fall, Hearty Roots will resume its Outing Club for young adventurers. Each week, Outing Club participants meet at a local trail in small groups to bike, hike, practice outdoor skills and—in true Hearty Roots style—reflect on their experiences in their journals. These immersive programs help clubbers connect with themselves, their peers and the natural beauty of our wild world.

And because Hearty Roots knows self-esteem building and reflection can sometimes be hard to do in a group, we offer Taproot Adventures, a one-on-one experience for kiddos challenged by emotional regulation and deepened friendships. This stepping stone program is designed to prepare participants for positive inclusion in Outing Club and beyond. Kids can work on social-emotional skill development and mindfulness activities while adventuring outdoors for nature-based learning. Taproots Adventures begin soon so give us a shout!

Want more? We’ve got it! Join Hearty Rooters for one of our monthly pop-up camps to explore your inner grit and our local lands. Our first fall pop-up is planned for Nov. 11. Fun, friends and fall colors … it’s all waiting for you! And be on the lookout for details about our Damariscotta-based Outing Club for kids. We’ve launched this Leave No Trace-themed Outing Club for 5th and 6th graders at Edgecomb Eddy and are ready to expand.

We can’t wait to hike beside you on your journey. Head on over to heartyroots.org or email Haley at haley@heartyroots.org for more information.
 
 

A fundraising effort is underway to buy a soccer scoreboard for Wiscasset Middle High School, replacing one bought in the early 1990s that Athletic Director Cameron Bishop said no longer works. The scoreboard is behind the track on the school’s upper athletic field.

“My goal in replacing the scoreboard is to help boost morale among our student athletes and also generate excitement within the school and community as a whole,” said Bishop.

Bishop told Wiscasset Newspaper, when the scoreboard was activated shortly before school reopened many of its lightbulbs failed to illuminate even after the bulbs were replaced. Due to its age, replacement parts were no longer available, leaving no other option but to buy a new scoreboard. Since then, Bishop has contacted several manufacturers. The lowest estimate he’s received was $15,600 for a basic LED scoreboard and sold by Daktronics of Brookings, South Dakota. The price, he added, is for the purchase only, not the installation.

“We purchased a small portable scoreboard to use as a substitute. It served its purpose, but it’s very small making it difficult for spectators to see from across the field.”

The school’s Boosters Club has offered to help raise funds for the new scoreboard. The group reopened the Snack Shack selling concessions during the soccer season, recently held a cornhole tournament in the school’s gym, and plans to return to selling concessions during high school and junior high basketball games. 

“Our Banner Sponsorship is a big fundraiser for us,” Club President Charlie Bassett stated via email. “Many businesses in town have generously donated to purchase a banner and donate to have it displayed on the upper and lower athletic fields. After the initial purchase, these businesses make a yearly donation to have their banner displayed for the upcoming year.”

Bassett said in past years the Boosters have bought uniforms and warmup suits for the teams, sweatshirts for athletes, new track and field equipment and EZ Up tents for outdoor events. The group has also bought items for the school’s Drama Club, flowers for Senior Night and provides two scholarships for college-bound graduates.

“I think what’s great about the Wiscasset Boosters is it’s all inclusive. We support not only the athletic teams but also many other groups or clubs within the school. We want to do anything we can to make the students’ middle/high school years as memorable as possible,” added Bassett. “We’re always eager to find new members to join the Boosters. The more volunteers we have, the more we can support our students and their activities.”

The Boosters will host a fundraising bake sale for the scoreboard on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ames True Value, Route 1, Wiscasset.

Bishop said donations towards the scoreboard purchase and installation will be gratefully accepted. He can be reached at WMHS at 882-7722, or at cbishop@wiscassetschools.org

The Boothbay/Wiscasset Seawolves boys cross-country team took second at the Southern Regional Class C meet in Cumberland on Saturday, Oct. 22 and will compete in the State meet on Saturday, Oct. 29, also in Cumberland at the Twin Brook course.

Leading the way for the Seawolves was Bryan Gagnon with an 11th place finish. Ryan Clark (16th), Payton Blagdon (19th), Rodi Mayne (25th), Gryffin Kristan (26th), and Austin Trask (21:05) rounded out the team scoring. Winthrop won the competition 12 points ahead of Boothbay/Wiscasset. Thirteen boys teams competed in the event and the top seven will compete on Saturday.

“We are so proud of the way the boys were able to handle a couple of setbacks and still come through with a solid race,” said coach Nick Scott in his latest meet report.

The girls' team put forth a valiant effort but came up a bit short in their bid to qualify for the state meet for the first time since 2015. Julia Truesdell led the team with a 17th place finish and Emily Gilliam closely followed in 24th. 

“Even though the team didn't earn a bid to states, with top 30 finishes both Julia and Emily earned a spot in the race on Saturday,” said Scott.

Maddie Orchard (34th), Sarah Harris (61st), and Ruth Burchstead (66th) also ran strong races. Boothbay/Wiscasset placed sixth in the event.

The Boothbay/Wiscasset boys cross country team finished fourth in the Class C State meet on Saturday, Oct. 29 held in Cumberland.

The top five teams were George Stevens (61 points), Winthrop (88), Sumner (120), Boothbay/Wiscasset (132) and Limestone/MSSM (144). Rounding out the top 12 were Bucksport (178), Waynflete (186), Richmond (191) Old Orchard Beach (199), Maine Coast Waldorf (218), Orono (220) and Lisbon (228).

Bryan Gagnon finished first for Boothbay/Wiscasset in 18:21.41 in 9th place. Overall top finisher was William Hileman of Bucksport in a time of 16:45.21.

Other Boothbay/Wiscasset runners were Ryan Clark (19.24.64), Gryffin Krisan (19:30.28), Payton Blagdon (20:18.59), Rodi Mayne (20:48.82), Austin Trask (20:57.38) and Cleyton Splaine (22:15.16).

The Mountain Valley Conference coaches have voted and the following local high school students were named 2022 fall sports all stars.

Field hockey

Sydney Blake was named a second team all star and an academic all star.

Savannah Compare was named an academic all star.

Boys cross country

Bryan Gagnon was named a first team all star.

Payton Blagdon and Gryffin Kristan were named second team all stars. Kristan was also named an academic all star.

Rodi Mayne, Austin Trask and Ryan Clark were honorable mention all stars. Clark was also named an academic all star.

Girls cross country

Laura Chapman, Julia Truesdell, Emily Gilliam and Maddie Orchard were named second team all stars.

Getting out for a little exercise can be a gratifying way to kick off the Thanksgiving holiday, especially when it benefits a good cause. The fifth annual Foodbank Farm 5K at Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust’s Salt Bay Farm in Damariscotta offers an opportunity to do that this Thanksgiving Day. Starting at 9 a.m. on Nov. 24, this is an informal, volunteer-organized event to benefit Twin Villages Foodbank Farm (TVFF).

The 5K trail run and 1-mile walk/fun run are open to runners and walkers of all ages. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome.

The 5K course is on broad mown trails with gentle hills, making two loops around the fields at Coastal Rivers’ scenic Salt Bay Farm on Belvedere Road in Damariscotta. The race will not be officially timed, but there will be someone at the finish line to let participants know their finish time. Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers.

Registration is required and may be done online at coastalrivers.org/events or at twinvillagesfarm.org/foodbank-farm-5k. There is no fee to participate, though monetary donations to TVFF are encouraged and can be made online during registration.

TVFF’s mission is to grow and distribute healthy food for those who need it most in Lincoln County. TVFF serves pantries in Newcastle/Damariscotta, Jefferson, Boothbay, Wiscasset, Waldoboro, Whitefield, and New Harbor, as well as several local youth food programs.

TVFF operates in close partnership with Coastal Rivers. Coastal Rivers donates use of its prime farmland at Salt Bay Farm and provides administrative, fundraising and communications support.

Boothbay Register graphic designer and photographer Steve Edwards shot these gorgeous photos during Gardens Aglow press night at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. After two years as a driving event due to COVID,  Gardens Aglow returns to its original walking format Nov. 19 through Dec. 31 – plus select dates.

It’s a new design with plenty of woodland creatures, flowers, mushrooms and trees in brilliant LED color – 750,000 lights! For tickets and more information, visit https://bit.ly/3XhVHCb

CMBG is at 105 Botanical Gardens Drive in Boothbay.

Winter is coming! In order to help get kids and families outside having fun in the snow, Midcoast Conservancy is providing affordable cross country ski equipment to local kids ages kindergarten through eighth grade. Families can lease high quality skis, boots, and poles through Midcoast Conservancy for the entire winter. Each child will get sized for the gear and then take it home for the season so they can ski on great equipment wherever, whenever they want.

The first fit session is Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon; a second will be held Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 3 to 5 p.m. Both will be at the CLC YMCA in Damariscotta. A final lease day will be held on Jan. 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Edgecomb Eddy School but inventory will be very low by then so families are encouraged to come to the earlier sessions for the best selection of sizes.

The child who will use the skis must be present. The ski lease package is $70 per participant. Any questions about the ski lease program can be directed to Andy, andyb@midcoastconservancy.org; details are online at midcoastconservancy.org/events.

In addition, Midcoast Conservancy will hold the annual Youth XC-Ski Clinic for kids ages 5-12 for six weeks, from Jan. 7 to Feb. 11, 9:30-11 a.m. at Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson. The clinic is the perfect setting for skiers of different levels to gain confidence and enjoy HVNC’s trails. Instructors use fun, non-competitive methods to get the skiers out on the trails having a great time each week.

For more information or to register, go to midcoastconservancy.org/events. Call (207) 389-5150 with any questions, and think snow!

Wiscasset All Sports Boosters Club, in cooperation with Wiscasset Middle High School’s athletic department, is pleased to announce the purchase approval of a new scoreboard for the upper soccer, track and field complex at WMHS. The purchase is made possible through Wiscasset Ford’s generous sponsorship.

John Sawyer and Chris Sawyer of Wiscasset Ford shared with our Boosters Club their commitment to pursue an active role of investing in the community. When they heard about the need for a new scoreboard, they thought it would be a great idea to donate the full purchase price in support of our student athletes.

The scoreboard project is a coordinated effort between Boosters Club volunteers, Wiscasset Ford, WMHS athletics and Neokraft Signs of Lewiston. The effort began in October with a request from Athletic Director Cameron Bishop to the Boosters Club for support with fundraising for a scoreboard to replace the failing one. Bishop worked with Neokraft for designs and estimates. Boosters Chairman Charles Bassett supported the idea as a means of building the sports programs and boosting the morale of student athletes who put their hearts into representing our school. Boosters parent volunteer Colleen Gilliam opened the conversation with Wiscasset Ford by reaching out to Colleen Bennett, Wiscasset Ford office manager, with a request for sponsorship. Bennett was supportive of the initial proposal and instrumental in moving the idea forward to John and Chris Sawyer, who felt the project fit with their vision of community involvement.  

The new scoreboard is a 13-foot by 18-foot, illuminated system with hand controls for remote management. The total cost estimate is $29,883.63 – an incredible investment in our student athletes, our school and our community. The school hopes to have the scoreboard installed and ready for the 2023 soccer season.  

Many thanks to Wiscasset Ford the Wiscasset All Sports Boosters Club and WMHS thletics.  

The Wiscasset Middle High School winter sports teams will begin competition this week. Attached are the schedules for the high school boys and girls basketball and swim teams.

On Thursday, Dec. 15 from 3 to 4 p.m., Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust is hosting a family program all about fire building and campfire safety at Coastal Rivers Salt Bay Farm.

Naturalist Angela DesVeaux will provide a brief overview of three main types of fires and what they are most useful for. Participants will build and light their own fires, and prepare an easy campfire recipe to enjoy along with hot cocoa.

The family program is designed for ages 6-11, though all ages are welcome. There is no cost to participate. Registration is required at coastalrivers.org/events.

106.9 FRANK FM, WBQX based in Rockland will broadcast local high school basketball for a 13th straight year beginning Friday, Dec. 9 when the defending state champion Oceanside girls travel to Waldoboro to take on Medomak Valley .

Veteran broadcaster Don Shields will again lead the coverage and will be joined by Terry Spear and Chris Seavey for the 32-game regular season schedule that includes calling games from Oceanside, Medomak Valley, Camden Hills, Lincoln Academy, and Boothbay Region.

106.9 FRANK FM is also planning on broadcasting selected games involving these same schools during the high school basketball tournaments this upcoming February. And every game will be streamed on their website 1069FRANK.com

Michael Czarnecki, vice president of Programming for Binnie Media is pleased that 106.9 FRANK FM is continuing the tradition of being the home of high school basketball in Midcoast Maine.

“People are passionate about high school basketball and the response to our coverage from fans and sponsors has been outstanding,” he said. “And we also know that more people will be tuned again this year as many schools are limiting the number of fans that can attend games.”

Shields, who is also the voice of the University of Maine women’s basketball team, has been the voice of Midcoast Maine High School sports since 1985, during which time he has called more than 1,750 high school games. Spear has been covering basketball for more than two decades in the Midcoast, Biddeford and Bath-Brunswick markets. Seavey, a former Rockland District High School standout, has more nearly two decades of on-air experience.

The complete schedule of broadcasts

Friday, Dec. 9 – Oceanside at Medomak Valley Girls – 6:45 p.m. Pre-Game

Saturday, Dec. 10 – Medomak Valley at Oceanside Boys – 7:15 p.m. Pre-Game

Tuesday, Dec. 13 – Lincoln Academy at Oceanside Boys – 6:15 p.m. Pre-Game

Friday, Dec. 16 – Mount View at Medomak Valley Boys – 6:45 p.m. Pre-Game

Saturday, Dec.17 – Lisbon at Boothbay Boys – 2:15 p.m. Pre-Game

Tuesday, Dec. 20 – Camden Hills at Medomak Valley Doubleheader, Girls 5:15 p.m. Pre-Game, Boys follow

Thursday, Dec. 22 – Belfast at Oceanside Boys – 6:15 p.m. Pre-Game

Tuesday, Dec. 27 – Winslow at Oceanside Girls – 6:15 p.m. Pre-Game

Tuesday, Jan. 3 – Camden Hills at Oceanside Doubleheader, Girls 4:45 p.m. Pre-Game, Boys follow

Thursday Jan. 5 – Medomak Valley at Lincoln Academy Boys – 6:15 p.m. Pre-Game

Saturday, Jan. 7 – Oceanside at Lincoln Academy Boys – 12:15 p.m. Pre-Game; Lincoln Academy at Oceanside Girls – 6:15 p.m. Pre-Game

Monday, Jan. 9 – Mt. Abram at Boothbay Boys – 6:15 p.m. Pre-Game

Tuesday, Jan. 10 – Mount View at Medomak Valley Girls – 6:15 p.m. Pre-Game

Thursday, Jan. 12 – Wiscasset at Boothbay Girls – 6:15 p.m. Pre-Game

Friday, Jan. 13 – MCI at Medomak Valley Boys – 6:15 p.m. Pre-Game

Monday, Jan. 16 – Telstar at Boothbay Girls – 12:45 p.m. Pre-Game

Friday, Jan. 20 – Medomak Valley at Oceanside Girls – 6:15 p.m. Pre-Game

Saturday, Jan. 21 – Oceanside at Medomak Valley Boys – 5:45 p.m. Pre-Game

Tuesday, Jan. 24 – Medomak Valley at Camden Hills Doubleheader, Boys 4:45 p.m. Pre-Game, Girls follow

Thursday, Jan. 26 – Hall Dale at Boothbay Boys – 6:15 p.m. Pre-Game

Friday, Jan. 27 – Oceanside at Camden Hills Doubleheader, Boys 4:45 p.m. Pre-Game, Girls follow

Tuesday, Jan. 31 – Lincoln Academy at Medomak Valley Boys – 6:45 p.m. Pre-Game

Friday, Feb. 3 – Maranacook at Oceanside Boys – 6:15 p.m. Pre-Game

Tuesday, Feb. 7 – Lincoln Academy at Camden Hills Doubleheader, Boys 4:45 p.m. Pre-Game, Girls follow

Wednesday, Feb. 8 – Richmond at Boothbay Boys – 6:45 p.m. Pre-Game

Thursday, Feb. 9 – Mount View at Oceanside Boys – 6:15 p.m. Pre-Game

Tuesday, Feb. 14 and Wednesday, Feb. 15 – First Round Playoff Games

Friday, Feb. 17 – Saturday, Feb. 25 – Tournament Games in Portland and Augusta

Friday, March 3 and Saturday, March 4 – State Championship Games

The Maine’s First Ship vessel, the Virginia, sailed from Bath to Wiscasset Monday, arriving at the town dock in early afternoon, participants said. 

Selectmen on Sept. 6 agreed to rent out a float at the recreational pier for the vessel to winter in Wiscasset. The ship is a reconstruction of a 1600s ship, according to Wiscasset Newspaper files. 

Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust naturalist Sarah Gladu will lead a hike at Keyes Woods Preserve in Bristol from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 7. 

This is the second of Coastal Rivers’ “Winter Wanders” series of guided hikes this winter. During these gentle walks, participants will learn some of the surprising things that take place under a protective layer of snow, practice identifying plants in winter, search for snow buntings and other winter migratory birds, search for animal tracks and signs, and enjoy the company of fellow nature enthusiasts.

Keyes Woods is a beautiful wooded property in Bristol extending east to the Pemaquid River from Poor Farm Road, with over 1900 feet of shoreline and a free-flowing tributary stream. The outflow of this stream, at a quiet bend in the river, is a hotspot for waterfowl viewing. Crisscrossed with historical stone walls, the preserve offers a number of interesting features including old stone foundations and glacial erratics. Wildlife such as deer, porcupine, and ruffed grouse are abundant. This program is free of charge, thanks to member support. Registration is required at coastalrivers.org/events. 

The next “Winter Wander” will be a guided hike at Glidden Point Preserve in Newcastle on Feb. 11.

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

On Thursday, Jan. 12 from 3 to 4 p.m., Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust will host a family program about shelter building and skills for staying warm in cold weather at Coastal Rivers Salt Bay Farm.

In this fun, hands-on class, naturalist Angela DesVeaux will talk about what is important in a successful shelter and introduce participants to several types of traditional structures. Everyone will have the chance to build their own shelter using natural materials. DesVeaux will also share some cold weather skills such as how to “dress like an onion” to stay warm in winter.

The family program is designed for ages 6-11, though all ages are welcome. There is no cost to participate. Registration is required at coastalrivers.org/events

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

The Maine Association of Sea Kayak Guides and Instructors (MASKGI) has been working with the Boothbay Region YMCA to provide a chance for anyone who wishes to work on their paddling skills during  the off-season. This is a great opportunity for those new to paddling who would like to practice essential self-rescue and assisted-rescue skills, others who want to work on bracing  and more experienced paddlers who wish to develop the muscle memory for bombproof Eskimo rolls in a safe indoor pool setting. Although formal instruction will not be provided, the mix of people with different skill levels will allow for the sharing of tips and techniques. 

More details on the Boothbay open pool sessions will be sent to those who sign up. In addition, anyone wishing more  information, may contact Matt Lutkus at mattlutkus@hotmail.com. 

Midcoast Conservancy’s annual Youth XC-Ski Clinic for kids ages 5-12 for six weeks, from Jan. 7 to Feb. 11, 9:30-11 a.m. at Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson. The clinic is the perfect setting for skiers of different levels to gain confidence and enjoy HVNC’s trails. Instructors use fun, non-competitive methods to get the skiers out on the trails having a great time each week.

The cost is $70 for Midcoast Conservancy members and $80 for non-members. For more information or to register, go to midcoastconservancy.org/events. Call (207) 389-5150 with any questions.

Remember the scene in “The Wizard of Oz” when the Cowardly Lion, awakened by falling snow in a poppy field, says, “Unusual weather we’re having, ain’t it?” Well, it’s January – in Maine – and we’ve all been saying the same thing about the weather – including the month of December, because there isn’t much by way of falling snow … Certainly no accumulations of note. Which would make for unhappy skiing fans were it not for the snowmaking ability of ski resorts. Hitting the slopes and catching some air is difficult to do without the magical white stuff.

Five of Maine’s most popular ski areas – Sugarloaf/Carrabassett Valley, Saddleback/Rangeley, Sunday River/Newry, Pleasant Mountain (formerlyShawnee Peak)/Bridgton, and Camden Snow Bowl/Camden – have been busy making snow, when it’s been cold enough, to make up for Old Man Winter.

Not a downhill skiier? I hear ya. But cross country skiing and/or snowshoeing are made for us. Bring your own, or rent them! At Sugarloaf, over to the Outdoor Center, gorgeous scenery lines trails made for those who prefer an outdoor experience that’s slower-paced, more meditative if you will, than traveling down mountainsides at high speeds. (Insert shiver here.)

Saddleback has Rangeley Lakes Trails Center with a 55-kilometer groomed trail system, and ungroomed trails (what most of us are used to around these parts) specifically for the snowshoers!

Over in Sunday River’s neck of the woods, The Outdoor Center (under new ownership, no longer part of Sunday River) offers three areas – two in Bethel and one in Newry and they are all within eight miles of one another. Snowshoers can take part in guided moonlight hikes and marshmallow roasts!

Pleasant Mountain doesn’t offer snowshoe or cross-country opportunities, but there are several places out Bridgton way to check out like Pondicherry Park or Bald Peak and Sue’s Way or Five Fields Farm.

Just an hour north of us in Camden, Camden Hills State Park has super snowshoe and cross-country opportunities; Hosmer Brook and Ragged Mountain are snowshoe-only spots.

And Midcoast Conservancy’s Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson offers lovely wooded trails.

Don’t you love how different sports have their own slang? Ski slang is quite entertaining: Female snowboarders are sometimes called “Betty;” speeding (on the reckless side) straight down a slope (yikes!) is called “bombing;” rocks poking out of the snow that could trip up skiers and snowboarders are called “chocolate chips;” on the grim side – “death cookies” refers to the frozen debris left by snowmaking and trail groom machines; someone who crashes into a tree (god and goddess help them) is said to “eat wood;” while someone passionate about powder days and large snowfalls is said to “love big dumps.”

Now, a “Jerry” is a person who knows zilch about skiing or snowboarding. That was me one day back in ’95 or ’96 when a friend, an avid “planker,” brought me to Sugarloaf for a brief getaway. I would have been happy to just stay in reading and sipping hot chocolate in front of the fireplace at the Grand Summit Hotel, or been up for snowshoeing instead, but no, I agreed despite my being acrophobic. I mean, what was the worst that could happen? And, wouldn’t it be great to have a sport we could share?

Anyway, we approached a small group of new skiers gathered around a ski instructor. My companion tells him that I was an experienced skier who just hadn’t skied for a long time. My jaw dropped, it felt like it touched the frozen tundra at my feet. Then, he set out to do some skiiing and I, the only adult I believe – it’s been quite a long time, and the children set out making “pizza slices” with our skis.

Afterward we were to tackle the little hills on the bunny slopes. OMG. The little kids are having no problems. I, on the other hand, kept losing my balance and falling … The jig was up. And so was my desire to learn to ski … Did I mention I have acrophobia (fear of heights) – and a really bad case it is. You’ll never catch me on a ferris wheel (no matter what friends tell you, for some reason they just cannot resist rocking from the top of the wheel).

Still at one point I remember being on a chairlift and freezing (from fear, not cold), unable to jump down onto the snow. Of course, eventually you have to, right? I was terrified. I could see myself becoming a screaming starfish – the term for someone flailing and cartwheeling down a hill while screaming. I had to get off the chairlift as the end of the line was approaching and I couldn’t see how I could stay on it and just go back to where I got on. So I disembarked ungracefully, and did tumble around a bit. Everything from that point is kind of a blur … Good times … insert eye roll here.

Whether you prefer skis, snowboards, snowshoes, or just a good pair of winter hiking boots, let your winter games begin!

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

As a way to encourage people to be active and perhaps discover some new places to explore, LincolnHealth, 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! Lincoln County, and Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust are collaborating to offer the 20th annual Winter Physical Activity Challenge, “Mushing Across Maine.”

The Winter Physical Activity Challenge is a 7-week event open to local businesses, organizations, schools and individuals. Participants are challenged to be physically active for at least 30 minutes, four times a week, or an equivalent amount of time in order to reach the symbolic goal of traveling across the state of Maine. 

Once registered, participants will receive a Challenge Map highlighting winter events and travel destinations across the state of Maine, accompanied by fun facts.

Participants choose how and when they want to be active throughout the week, and record their progress on the tracking map. Any time spent doing a physical activity, whether indoors or outdoors, counts toward the goal. To make it easier for people to participate, both the Central Lincoln County (CLC) YMCA and the Boothbay Region YMCA are making their indoor tracks available to participants at certain times of day during the challenge. 

The challenge will run from Jan. 16 to March 5. People may participate as individuals or can work together with teams.

This program is free of charge and all are welcome to participate. Registration is required and can be done online at bit.ly/mushing-2023. The deadline to register is Friday, Jan. 20.

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

In a schedule change, the Boothbay Region High School boys varsity basketball team will host the Wiscasset Middle High School Wolverines on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 5 p.m. The original schedule had the Seahawks traveling to Wiscasset.

The BRHS girls varsity will play Wiscasset at 6:30 p.m. following the boys’ game at Porter Memorial Gymnasium.

The Boothbay Region Seahawks improved to 5-4 on the season with a home win over the winless Wiscasset Wolverines, 69-20, on Wednesday, Jan. 11.

Gryffin Kristan led all scorers with 23 points. He and Finn Harkins (nine points) each contributed three three-pointers for the Seahawks. Connor Wenners pitched in with 14 points while Dylan Plummer added nine and Drew Meader eight.

Spencer Pinkham and Dylan Akers each scored seven points for Wiscasset.

The Boothbay Region Seahawks girls basketball team improved to 2-8 on the season with a 54-15 win over the visiting Wiscasset Wolverines Wednesday, Jan. 11. The Wolverines dropped to 0-8 with the loss.

Magen Burge led Boothbay with 14 points, followed by Anna Gosselin with 13. Kathryn Hibbard pitched in with six points and four players, Bailey Lewis, Sophie White, Maddie Orchard and Tatum French, each scored four points. Abby Orchard had three points and Meg Sledge had two.

Wiscasset was led by Laila Dicus with seven points. Ash Widbiller and Qiana Hyman had three points each and Jordan Velez-Saylor had two.

The North American beaver is a keystone species, an animal that supports an entire biological community. This often-misunderstood mammal is also the topic of Ben Goldfarb’s award-winning 2018 book “Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter.”

In an online program hosted by Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust at 4 p.m. on Jan. 25, Goldfarb, an environmental journalist, will discuss the history of this world-changing species and reveal how our modern conception of a healthy ecosystem is flawed, distorted by the fur trade that once eliminated millions of beavers from North America’s waterways. He will share how beavers can help fight drought, flooding, wildfire, and climate change, and explore how people can coexist with this challenging but vital rodent. 

According to Goldfarb, a growing coalition of “Beaver Believers”— including scientists, ranchers, and passionate citizens — recognizes that ecosystems with beavers are far healthier than those without them. From the Nevada deserts to the Scottish highlands, people are hard at work restoring these industrious rodents to their former haunts. 

Ben Goldfarb’s book “Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter” is the winner of the 2019 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. Goldfarb’s work has appeared in publications including the Atlantic, Science, the New York Times, and the Washington Post. His next book, Crossings, on the science of road ecology, will be published by W.W. Norton & Company in 2023. 

This program is free of charge, thanks to member support. Registration is required at coastalrivers.org/events. A link will be sent to participants after registration.

The Virginia the Popham Colony built in 1607, with Maine wood and the iron, ropes and sails the colonists brought over from England, was pretty much a UPS truck, created, like the colony, to make money, Rob Stevens explained. The Woolwich shipwright and fellow volunteers are working at Wiscasset’s waterfront this winter on a recreated Virginia. Stevens said this one, a project of Maine’s First Ship (MFS) in Bath, is 95% done, and has a different mission: Taking classes of schoolchildren out on it.

This Virginia is about 20% bigger, to be able to take a class out and meet Coast Guard rules on square footage per passenger, he said. And it has a motor so the ship, for which 20-foot oars are being built, can stay on schedule regardless of the wind and current.

After the colonists returned to England with furs and sassafras leaves on the 1607 Virginia, that vessel, built at the mouth of the Kennebec River, was sold to Jamestown Company and some of the same colonists sailed it to Jamestown, Stevens said. A written reference to “the boat built in the northern colony” proves the vessel made it there, he said. “After that, we lose track of it.” What happened to it finally, and when, are unknown, he said.

Stevens and fellow white-bearded and other volunteers showed Wiscasset Newspaper around MFS’s Virginia Jan. 18. Earlier in the Bath-based project, a sign noted people could “come see men in white beards,” Brunswick’s Paul Cunningham said. Topsham’s Jim Amundsen, another with a white beard, used to volunteer for tall ship Delaware. He got involved with the Virginia more than three years ago, after wife Linda saw an article stating a couple of fallen trees at Bowdoin College were being donated to the project; he stopped by MFS and talked to volunteer Orman Hines. “I signed up, put two hours in that day, and was there ever since.”

Another Brunswick Paul, Paul King, was still living in Connecticut when he helped restore the HMS Rose he said went on to be in the film “Master and Commander,” starring Russell Crowe. On the Virginia, King has enjoyed “working with these guys and accomplishing something,” he said.

Sitting on board with a stein of Irish breakfast tea in hand Jan. 18 after having one of the cinnamon sugar doughnuts Fred Gosbee brought from Dot’s Bakery in Round Pond, bos’n and board vice president Jeremy Blaiklock of Arrowsic recalled he had not expected to be in charge of anything when he got involved with the Virginia. Smiling, he said about people taking on duties with the project: “Sometimes that happens.”

Gosbee, a musician and Bristol resident, has a shorter drive to the Virginia while it is in Wiscasset. He made parts of the ship including the masts, the knight heads he topped with likenesses of Stevens and others, and the wooden part of the rudder.

The Virginia is wintering here – and maybe will every winter, Stevens hopes – to avoid having big sheets of ice slam into it on the Kennebec; and the Sheepscot’s saltwater prevents wood rot; the Kennebec is somewhat freshwater, he said.  

Stevens said the vessel may appear at this year’s Windjammer Days, probably as a dockside attraction only as the Virginia still needs its Coast Guard certificate of inspection, he explained. The ship, now under a plastic cover, still needs its sails added and some other work done.

Stevens, husband of State Rep. Allison Hepler, D – Woolwich, was also shipwright on the Providence that wintered here a few years ago during its construction he said was not an MFS project, but had some of the same people working on it, besides him. The Providence is now based in Alexandria, Virginia, he said. What is the appeal of these projects? He said if he builds a yacht, he makes one family happy; if he builds something like those two ships, “I get to share it with hundreds and hundreds of people.” Some of them, he can see, are never going to forget it.

Fred Bowers liked what he was seeing of it Jan. 18. The Alna man who built schooner Sycamore is a longtime donor to the Virginia project. He explained it meshes with his interest in history, particularly Maine seafaring history. “And it’s a good group of people.”

If interested in volunteering to help with the Virginia – no skills “whatsoever” required, Stevens said, stop by on a Monday or Wednesday or go to mfship.org. “We wouldn’t want them showing us up and making us look bad, by showing up with skills.”

Midcoast Conservancy will offer a full moon hike (or snowshoe, if there is snow on the ground) at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson on Sunday, Feb. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. Hikers can enjoy a crisp evening illuminated by the glow of the Snow Moon, so named for February's typically cold, snowy weather in North America – and discover a new way of being in the woods. At night, sounds become more pronounced; the group will listen for owls and the rustling of nighttime foragers along the trail.

Participants should meet at the Welcome Center at HVNC at 4:45 p.m.; hikers should dress warmly, wear shoes with good grips and bring a hiking stick if desired, along with a snack, drink and flashlight or headlamp. Grippers or snowshoes will be available to borrow; hikers requiring them should arrive at 4:30. The hike guide will lead the group to shore of Little Dyer Pond to watch the moon rise over the water. The hike will be about 40 minutes each way and of moderate ease.

For more information or to register, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events-list/full-moon-hike-2-5-23 or call (207) 389-5150.

Cowbells, cocoa and camaraderie are in store for anyone who joins Midcoast Conservancy as part of its tenth annual Biathlon at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson on Saturday, March 4. All ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate and cheering squads are encouraged! Biathlon is an Olympic sport that combines cross country skiing and target shooting. This year, the race will include a fat bike option as well, where racers ride rather than ski. There will also be a category for snowshoe racers.

Midcoast Conservancy’s event is a twist on the classic, using paintball rifles. All rifles are provided by Midcoast Conservancy, and each racer will receive safety training on how to use the rifle. Races will begin about 9 am and continue into the early afternoon. All day long there will be bonfires and access to the warming hut at the Barn.

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

The Merry Barn is pleased to welcome campers to a three-day February Vacation Adventure, Tuesday, Feb. 21-Thursday, Feb. 23. The camp is designed for kids ages 8-14, interested in combining their outdoor exploration with curiosity and creativity!

Join Stephanie McSherry and Liz Giles-Brown to hone your sense of direction as you navigate with an orienteering map and tackle orienteering challenges. Explore the woods on snowshoes and discover traces of creatures roaming during the night. Research and create Maine animal trading cards, pen an outdoor adventure story, or imagine a Maine-themed poem in the style of Lynn Plourde’s “At One in a Place Called Maine.”

We’ll learn more about Wilson Bentley and how his fascination with snowflakes took him on an incredible artistic journey. We’ll conduct winter science experiments and create snowflake masterpieces of our own. There’s always time set aside to explore, read, and check out books from the Merry Barn’s library. 

Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aftercare is available until 5 p.m. Financial assistance is available.

Visit www.merrybarn.com for registration information or email stephaniemcsherry@merrybarn.com.

Space is still available in the four remaining sea kayak pool sessions at the Boothbay Region YMCA. The Maine Association of Sea Kayak Guides and Instructors (MASKGI) has been working with the YMCA to provide this chance for anyone who wishes to work on their paddling skills during  the off-season. This is a great opportunity for those new to paddling who would like to practice essential self-rescue and assisted-rescue skills, others who want to work on bracing  and more experienced paddlers who wish to develop the muscle memory for bombproof Eskimo rolls in a safe indoor pool setting. Although formal instruction will not be provided, the mix of people with different skill levels will allow for the sharing of tips and techniques. 

More details on the Boothbay open pool sessions will be sent to those who sign up. In addition, anyone wishing more  information, may contact Matt Lutkus at mattlutkus@hotmail.com. 

On Saturdays through the winter, when conditions allow, Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust is hosting pop-up sledding parties at Salt Bay Farm, 110 Belvedere Road, Damariscotta from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. During these events, volunteers keep a warm campfire burning and serve tea and hot cocoa, along with marshmallows for toasting. Sleds and snowshoes are available to borrow. New this year, the hot cocoa and sleds are sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank.

All are welcome, and the events are free to the public. Coastal Rivers checks weather conditions weekly and posts updates about the sledding parties on their website and on their Facebook page. For more information go to coastalrivers.org/events-programs/pop-up-sledding-parties.

Salt Bay Farm is open to the public for sledding, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing at any time, dawn to dusk, on an “at your own risk” basis.

For more information, email info@coastalrivers.org or visit coastalrivers.org.

Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust naturalist Sarah Gladu is leading two hikes at Plummer Point Preserve in South Bristol on Saturday, Feb. 11. While registration for the morning program is full, there is still room in the afternoon walk taking place from 1 to 3 p.m.

The Plummer Point excursions are part of Coastal Rivers’ “Winter Wanders” series of guided hikes this winter. During these leisurely walks, participants will learn some of the surprising things that take place under a protective layer of snow, practice identifying plants in winter, search for snow buntings and other winter migratory birds, look for animal tracks and signs, and enjoy the company of fellow nature enthusiasts.

The 85-acre Plummer Point Preserve features winding trails through coastal spruce forest, with over a mile of shoreline and spectacular views of the Damariscotta River estuary.

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

Mid Coast Maine has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, but that beauty can hide hazards that can quickly ruin your day on the water. A rocky and unforgiving coastline, strong tides, and rapidly changing weather can conspire to make even the most experienced mariner opt to stay ashore.

U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 2-5, based at Coast Guard Station Boothbay Harbor, is offering a course that will make you a smarter and safer boater.

“Suddenly in Command” addresses issues that may arise if you encounter situations on the water that require a working knowledge of Emergency Communications, Basic Navigation, Boat Handling, and Anchoring, as well as an overview of the items that are legally required to be aboard your boat.

Registration/information: The course offered through Zoom so summer as well as year-round residents can take the course. It will be held on Feb. 20 and 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 each night.

Contact David Eastwood at 207-633-4748 or davidbeastwood@gmail.com to register or to get more information.