The Midcoast United U13 soccer team’s fall season is off to a promising start after a match against a team in Winslow on August 25. They played under U13 rules for the first time on a full-size field with full-size goals and 11 players per side.

The team enthusiastically welcomed three new players from Bristol this season, all of whom made contributions in the game: Isaac Craig, Lucas Kelsey and Sullivan Fink.

Midcoast’s teamwork was a big ragged at the start of the first 35-minute half, but the players sorted out their positions and began working together to build several nice drives down the field.  Offensive play by Simon Spear, Markus Russell, Will Shaffer, Bayly Gaughan and Sullivan Fink improved as the match wore on. Avery Stewart in goal had several nice saves.  Will, Simon, and Markus attempted numerous goal shots that either hit the post, were stopped by the Winslow goalkeeper, or went wide of the net.

The second half was notable for the improved Midcoast teamwork. They dominated control of the game throughout. Simon, Markus and Sullivan continued making goal shots with Markus driving one in at the 44thminute mark on a nice breakaway. Lucas Kelsey, a newcomer to goalkeeping, made some nice saves to keep a clean sheet for Midcoast. The game was marked by very good defensive play by Ella Spear, Ethan Carmolli, Isaac Craig, and Ben Jacobs.  They kept the Winslow players safely away from their goal and Midcoast came away with a 1-0 win.

The U11 team met a tough opponent in Yarmouth in the afternoon. Ryan Russell and Grady Shur shared the goal tending duties, but Yarmouth was able to come away with two quick scores early in the first half. Midcoast worked well in passing and communication on the field, and though the team held Yarmouth to no goals in the second half, U11 came away with a loss. Other contributing team members were Kaleb Ames, Jake Fowler, Sam Sinibaldi, Wyatt Pinkham, Henry Pinkham, Sheamus Mann, Isabel Manahan, Natalie Farrell and Duncan Steele-Maley.

The U10 team traveled to Gray-New Gloucester to take on the Patriots. Andrew Gudroe started in goal and made some great saves in the first half. Maddox Tilas started the scoring for Midcoast with a goal in the first minute. Jack Duncan followed with another. Though the Patriots answered with a goal, Midcoast's Benjamin Sawyer and Casey Duncan added a goal each, and Drew Meader put two balls in the back of the net, bringing the half-time score to 6-1.

The second half saw two goalie changes, with Will Farrell and Casey Duncan minding the net and working hard to maintain the lead. The Patriots scored one more time, followed by goals from Midcoast's J. Duncan and Patrick McKenney. Quick passing and a strong defense by Quinn Prentice, Marley LeBel and Ellory Stewart supported the Midcoast win, 8-2.

With a weekend off for Labor Day, the next games are scheduled home games for all three teams on September 8. 

Currently, the Midcoast United Soccer Club has members and players from Phippsburg, Georgetown, Wiscasset, Dresden, Newcastle, Nobleboro, Damariscotta and the Boothbay area. 

If you would like more information on how to become a part of the Midcoast Soccer Club Community (through players or sponsors) please visit our website at www.midcoastunited.com or email Pam Wiley at pwiley@roadrunner.com/.

Once again Pauline Dion pulled off the most incredible event and the community was overwhelmingly supportive! On August 15, the Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT) hosted the Taste for Place cocktail party and dinners for its major summer event and raised over $18,000!

The Boothbay Harbor Shipyard was gracious enough to allow us to use their magnificently rustic facility. The following generous restaurants participated by donating their time and the most amazing hors d'oeuvres for the evening: Andrews Harborside, Boothbay Harbor Country Club, Boothbay Harbor Restaurant Group (McSeagulls, Mine Oyster & Boathouse Bistro), Pier 1 Pizza, Ports of Italy, Red Cup Coffee House, The Rocktide Inn, The Thistle Inn, and Tugboat Inn. There really is not enough that can be said for what local restaurants do in this community for all of the area nonprofits, including BRLT. We are so grateful for their consistent support.

The tremendous sponsors for the event included: Knickerbocker Group, Hodgdon Shipbuilding, Maine Home & Design and Maine magazines, Pine State Trading Co., A.G.A. Correa & Son, HM Payson, Gleason Fine Art, and Atlantic Motorcar.

For some of the party guests, the evening then moved on to an exclusive dinner at three private homes. Our utmost appreciation goes out to the homeowners, including Mr. & Mrs. Coulombe and Mr. & Mrs. Horgan, for their generosity and hospitality in hosting the dinners. We are also most thankful to the chefs and owners of the restaurants who participated in this event during the height of their busy season! The beautifully presented and delicious meals were provided by Executive Chef Raymond Franklin of Solo Bistro (Bath), Chef Lara De Pietro of Squire Tarbox Inn (Westport Island) and Executive Chef Liz Evans of East Boothbay General Store.

And finally, a warm thank you goes out to all of the volunteers that participated in this event. It is amazing how much folks will do to help! Special appreciation goes to Pauline Dion who, once again, did a fantastic job of pulling everything together to create the most spectacular evening. The staff and board of Boothbay Region Land Trust are immensely grateful for the support of this wonderful, altruistic community.

Did you ever think you might like to become a high school basketball official? Do you love the game and like to exercise at the same time? Well, this is your opportunity.

Seven weekly classes to prepare you for the November 4 exam will be starting Tuesday, Sept. 17. Remember — it is the best seat in the house.

For more information regarding time and cost, call Dave Parkhurst at 207-633-2222 (daytime) or 207-633-5133 evenings after 6 p.m.

The Down East Yacht Club held a great family cookout on August 3 at the home of Commodore Matt and Charlinda Carlson. Eighty-plus members and family were in attendance. There was great food, live music and fun games for old and young alike.

On August 8, the DEYC began its Mini Cruise for 2013. Commodore Matt Carlson and wife Charlinda headed up the event. The first stop was Ocean Point Marina hosted by P/C Sandy and Karen Young. Members enjoyed a tour of Bigelow Lab and a cookout. The next stop on the schedule was Harbor Island, but because of weather, P/C Bob and Paula Wheeler hosted another great night at Ocean Point Marina.

On August 10, we cruised over to Greenland Cove hosted by Alan and Joyce Ivester. Due to medical issues, Alan was unable to join us, but his amazing wife and their son drove up from Massachusetts to host us at their home. DEYC thanks them for going beyond the call of duty.

The “ Woody Wagon” was enjoyed by all thanks to V/C Skip and Jane Williams. To end the cruise we proceeded to Round Pond on Sunday where a cocktail party and lobster bake was enjoyed by 40-plus members at Muscongus Bay Lobster, hosted by P/C George and Linda Masters. That was a great ending to a great weekend on the water in Maine.

On August 3, the Annual Meeting of the DEYC was held at the Tugboat Inn. Officers and committee chairs gave their reports for the 2012-2013 season. In looking back on the year, many great memories were stirred up and as reports were given for another year, we are in good standing financially and managed to have great fun along the way. Thank you gifts were exchanged by the outgoing officers for a great job done and a new slate of officers were appointed.

Matt Carlson got the much loved P/C hat, as Skip Williams took over as Commodore, Dave Quest as V/C, George Hamilton as R/C and our new fleet captain for next year will be Jim Hunton and his wife Betty. We all look forward to these new officers enjoying their new duties and thank them all for giving of their time and energy, and a big thank you to outgoing commodore Matt and Charlinda Carlson for a fantastic job done.

We have limited membership openings at this time. If you love boating and having fun on land and at sea, go to our website, downeastyachtclub.com, and see the fun we have and learn how to join.

Throughout autumn 2013, Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) will offer a suite of forestry-related classes and workshops for landowners, resource professionals, families, and just about anyone who is interested.

HVNC will showcase its own innovative forestry practices, as well as partner with the Maine Forest Service, Mid-Maine Forestry, Maine Organic Gardener’s and Farmers Assoc., and others to provide visitors with a broad picture of modern sustainable forestry.

The series of events will start on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at HVNC with “Explore the Depth and Breadth of Sustainable Forestry,” co-sponsored by the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Students will be introduced to the process and practices of ensuring successful forest management that increase the health of Maine’s forests.

HVNC will host another Timber Frame Construction workshop Thursday, Sept. 26 through Sunday Sept. 29. Eight students will work with building professionals to build, start to finish, a 12 by 16-foot sugar house out of white pine beams harvested as part of HVNC’s forest improvements. This workshop is co-sponsored with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.

On October 5, 8 a.m. to noon, and October 6, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., HVNC will offer Chainsaw Safety, Level 1. Students will work with qualified instructors to become comfortable with basic chainsaw operations, maintenance and safety. Students will develop introductory skills in limbing, bucking, and felling trees in the safest manner. Students with no experience are encouraged to enroll. This course is also designed for casual chainsaw users not familiar with modern tree-felling operations.

The annual Women and Their Woods workshop will be Thursday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Women landowners and forest managers will work with forestry professionals and other landowners to develop their knowledge of how to be successful woodland stewards. The day will feature extensive indoor and outdoor lessons, and will cover a range of topics from stewardship planning to timber harvests.

Mark your calendars now for all these great events. Be sure to visit www.hvnc.org for more information about all these workshops, as well as more information about all of our non-forestry workshops. HVNC is a community supported, nonprofit education center offering learning opportunities related to sustainable forestry and local ecology. HVNC also features over 25 miles of multi-use trails for non-motorized recreation. Registration, course details, and more are all available online, or call 207-200-8840 with questions.

Week of September 9: All YMCA programs for youth through seniors begin for the seven-week program session. Over 50 classes, programs and trips to register for.

September 20, 7-10 p.m.: First Y Teen Dance of the fall 2013 season for grades 6-8.

September 23 through October 4: Y Dolphin swim team swim clinic, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 4-5:30 p.m. Free with swim team registration.

September 26: Y Active Older Adult trip to Monhegan Island, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Register by noon on September 25. $25 per person.

October 8: Swim team season officially begins.

On September 17, the Pemaquid Paddlers will paddle up the Sheepscot River under the Route 1 bridge and continue up past the railroad bridge.

The Sheepscot River put-in is the Wiscasset Town Landing at the end of Water Street.

All trips will leave the put-in point at 9 a.m. and will last two to three hours.

The trips are easy to moderate in difficulty.

Participants must provide their own canoe or kayak and wear a life jacket. All trips are free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine.

For more information, contact John Will at 207-677-6380 or pemaquidpaddlers@aol.com. You can also visit our website at pemaquidpaddlers.blogspot.com to find more details about each trip.

The Boothbay Railway Village will be conducting a two-day course October 19 and 20 on the operation and theory of the coal-fired steam locomotive.

Included in this fascinating educational experience will be the opportunity to participate in “hands-on” training with the museum's vintage locomotives under the supervision of qualified museum staff.

How does the boiling of water get converted into the train moving along the track? What is that chug sound? What are the steam forces that need to be respected and monitored closely by the train operator? These questions and more will be answered by attending this course.

The course will be, not only for those with no or little knowledge of the operation of steam engines, but also for those with some knowledge and a desire to enhance their understanding of steam locomotives.

The course will cost $150, $100 for museum members, which includes the cost of the textbook “Practical Locomotive Operating.”

The first session on Saturday will explore the theory and understanding of boiler and locomotive operations, then the second session on Sunday students will experience actual locomotive operation (you must be 18 years old or older).

This is a unique and exciting opportunity for those interested in getting an experience of steam engines and steam railroading. All interested and enthusiastic people are encouraged to attend this fun and informative two-day course. Course enrollment is limited but must meet a minimum enrollment to proceed.

For more information, call the Boothbay Railway Village at 207-633-4727 or visit www.railwayvillage.org. The Boothbay Railway Village is located at 586 Wiscasset Road, Route 27, Boothbay.

On Tuesday morning, Sept. 24, the Pemaquid Paddlers will mingle with the loons and other wildlife on Clary Lake, a great pond of almost 680 acres straddling Whitefield and Jefferson.

The Clary Lake put-in is from Newcastle; take Route 215 north for 14.3 miles, shortly after passing Route 126 you will see the state public put-in site on your left. We will paddle to the old mill at the far end of the lake.

All trips will leave the put-in point at 9 a.m. and will last two to three hours. The trips are easy to moderate in difficulty.

Participants must provide their own canoe or kayak and wear a life jacket. All trips are free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine.

For more information, contact John Will at 207-677-6380 or email at pemaquidpaddlers@aol.com. You can also visit our website at pemaquidpaddlers.blogspot.com to find out more details about each trip.

Monday Night Men’s Basketball is back, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free for Y members; $5 for non-members.

Thursday Adult Sports Night at the Y, 6:30 to 8 p.m. A different game each week; volleyball, floor hockey, Ultimate Frisbee, dodgeball, etc. Free for Y members; $5 for non-members.

Bring a friend to the Y for free (two weeks) Monday, Sept. 23 through Saturday, Oct. 5. Take classes. Swim. Walk or run on the track. Work out in the cardio and weight rooms. Play basketball. All yours for free. Take out a membership during this time, the $40 activation fee will be waived and your name will be entered into a raffle to win awesome prizes including a free annual membership.

In partnership with the CLC YMCA and their tennis pros, Lisa Gilbride, Larry Rioux, Cinda Gurney Holbach and Chantalle Lavertu, we are pleased to offer a youth and adult tennis program to engage the entire family. Come meet the pros Monday, Sept. 23, 3 to 4:30 p.m. for a Kids’ Tennis Party and Tuesday, Sept. 24 for an Adult Meet, Greet and Play. Find out more at www.boothbayregionymca.org.

The 2013-2014 Dolphin swim team kicks off its season with a Stroke Clinic, free for swim team registrants, or $50 for a Y Family Member, or $65 for a Y Member, September 23 through October 4, Monday, Wednesday or Friday, 4-5:30 p.m. The season begins practicing October 8 and continues through March 2014. Must be a Y Member to participate. Learn more at www.boothbayregionymca.org or stop by the front desk.

September 20: The first Y Youth Center dance of the 2013-2014 school year, 7 to 10 p.m. at the YMCA. Join DJs Jonne Trees and Calvin Crocker who will take your music requests.

Y Active Older Adult Trip to Monhegan Island, Thursday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cruise with us aboard the Balmy Days to Monhegan Island. Pack a lunch, good hiking shoes, a wind breaker or fleece and plenty of water. Enjoy the spectacular views while we hike along the coastline.

Those who don’t want to hike can spend a leisurely time exploring the various shops and lighthouse museum. Bus transportation to the boat at Pier 8 will be provided to and from the Y beginning at 9 a.m. Register and pay at the Y front desk by noon, September 25. The fee is $25 per person.

Midcoast United’s U-13 soccer team played a team from Cumberland at Clifford Park in Boothbay on Sunday, Sept. 15 and tried out a new formation. Midcoast’s defense held off the opposing team throughout most of the game.

Highlights of the offensive effort were drives that culminated in goals by Stevie Reny (1), Simon Spear (1), Will Shaffer (2), Tim Chappelle (1), Markus Russell (2), Sullivan Fink (1), and an unfortunate own goal by Cumberland.

Our U-11 team traveled to Lewiston/Auburn to take on a strong team from that region. With strong play back and forth across the pitch, in the end the Lewiston/Auburn team took the win, 2-0.

Back at our home field in Boothbay, our U-10 team hosted Yarmouth. Again, an evenly matched team, with strong skills being shown by both teams. Kayden Ames minded the goal for the first half and made some awesome saves in net.

Andrew Gudroe went into the net for the second half and did not let one ball get by him. Halfway through the second half of the match, a perfectly set ball by Jack Duncan led to the only goal of the game from Maddox Tilas. With the win, Midcoast United's U-10 improved to 2-1.

Next week our U-13 team travels to take on a team from Western Maine United, while our U-11 group hosts Western Maine United in Boothbay at 10 a.m. Sunday. Our U10 team will travel to meet up with Merrymeeting Soccer Club in Topsham.

Currently, the Midcoast United Soccer Club has members and players from Phippsburg, Georgetown, Edgecomb, Wiscasset, Dresden, Newcastle, Nobleboro, Damariscotta and the Boothbay area.

If you would like more information on how to become a player or sponsor of the Midcoast Soccer Club Community, please visit our website at www.midcoastunited.com or email Pam Wiley at pwiley@roadrunner.com

On October 1 the Pemaquid Paddlers will be on the lookout for seals, harbor porpoises, eagles and ospreys as they tour the Saint George River in Thomaston.

The put-in site: At the traffic light in Thomaston, turn right on Knox Road, if you are coming from the south and if you are coming from the north turn left at the light.

Go 0.5 miles, when you reach the Lymon-Morse shipyard (do not go in to the shipyard) angle to the right on the paved road for about 25 yards. You will soon see the state put-in on your left. Bring a picnic lunch for after the paddle.

All trips will leave the put-in point at 9 a.m. and will last 2-3 hours. The trips are easy to moderate in difficulty. Participants must provide their own canoe or kayak and wear a life jacket. All trips are free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine.

For more information, call John Will at 207-677-6380 or email pemaquidpaddlers@aol.com.

You can also visit pemaquidpaddlers.blogspot.com to find out more details about each trip.

The Boothbay Region YMCA opens on Sundays beginning Sunday, Oct. 20 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Monday Night Men’s Basketball, 5:30-7:30 p.m., is back. Free for Y members; $5 for nonmembers.

Thursday Adult Sports Night at the Y, 6:30-8 p.m. A different game each week: volleyball, floor hockey, Ultimate Frisbee, dodgeball, etc. Free for Y members; $5 for nonmembers.

Bring a friend to the Y for free through Saturday, Oct. 5. Take classes, swim, walk or run on the track, work out in the cardio and weight rooms, play basketball; All yours for free. Take out a membership during this time and the $40 activation fee will be waived and your name will be entered into a raffle to win awesome prizes, including a free annual membership.

In partnership with the CLC YMCA and their tennis pros, Lisa Gilbride, Larry Rioux, Cinda Gurney Holbach and Chantalle Lavertu, we are pleased to offer a youth and adult tennis program to engage the entire family. Tennis programs begin the week of October 7. Register today! Find out more at www.boothbayregionymca.org.

The 2013-2014 Dolphin swim team kicks off its season with a stroke clinic. Free for swim team registrants; Y family member, $50, or Y member, $65, through October 4, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 4-5:30 p.m. The team begins practicing October 8 and the season ends in March 2014. Must be a Y member to participate. Learn more at www.boothbayregionymca.org or stop by the front desk.

The Y-Arts' $10,000 Lottery is in full swing. Purchase a $100 ticket from a Y-Arts participant or at the Y front desk.

Come join the Hidden Valley Nature Center Mountain Biking Club for kids ages 9-12 at HVNC in Jefferson. The club will meet for six Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m., October 6 through November 10. Kids will have the opportunity to explore more than 20 miles of trails at HVNC, see the turning of autumn in the woods, develop riding skills, safety awareness and perform some trail maintenance.

No mountain biking experience is necessary, though a mountain bike and helmet are. Please let us know if you’d like to come but would like help finding a bike to borrow. The fee for the session is $55 per child. Scholarships are available. Participants must register in advance; to register or for questions please contact Kristin Stone at kmohrstone@yahoo.com.

HVNC is open year round and every day to the public for many kinds of non-motorized recreation including mountain biking. Visitors are encouraged to explore more than 20 miles of trail, and a mile of shoreline on Little Dyer Pond via cross country skis, snowshoes, by hiking or running, or by biking. You can explore the secluded Great Pond by renting one of our canoes for just $10 per day ($5 for members).

Don’t miss our annual Race Thru the Woods trail race coming up October 27. This year runners can choose between a half marathon, and a 5.5 mile race. You can find more information, a course map, and register by visiting hvnctrailrace.blogspot.com. The trail race is proudly sponsored by Liberty Graphics, Ames Supply, Wiscasset Ford and Key Bank.

For more information visit www.hvnc.org, call 207-200-8840, or email codey@hvnc.org.

On October 16, 2012, a 4.5 magnitude earthquake shook up the State of Maine. The quake was centered in northern York County. It was felt across Maine and as far south and west as New Jersey and central New York State.

A year and a day later, on October 17, 2013, communities, businesses, schools and families are invited to join The Great NorthEast Shakeout, a multi-state earthquake drill spanning nine states in the northeast United States.

The Great NorthEast Shakeout is a regional opportunity to practice how to stay safe during big earthquakes. The ShakeOut will also encourage families, communities, schools and organizations to review and update emergency preparedness plans and supplies and secure facilities to prevent damage and injuries.

Prepare to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” at 10:17 a.m. on October 17, 2013 as millions of people all over the world participate in this emergency preparedness drill. (Or you can hold a drill any time within two weeks of October 17.)

Last year, more than 19.4 million people were registered in ShakeOut drills world-wide. This year, Mainers can join a growing number of states and countries in learning about earthquake readiness and safety for their communities, schools, workplaces and families.

For ideas on how to participate and prepare, visit www.shakeout.org.

Learn more about earthquakes in Maine:

• The Maine Geological Survey: Yes We DO Have Earthquakes in Maine!
• MainePrepares: Earthquake Preparedness

In spreading the word about The Great NorthEast ShakeOut Maine Emergency Management Agency is partnering with the Northeast States Emergency Consortium and FEMA Region One.

Kyle Ames led the Boothbay Region Wildcats boys’ cross country team to victory with a first-place finish at Great Salt Bay on Thursday, Sept. 26.

Boothbay Region Elementary School won with 26 points, followed by Camden-Rockport Middle School, 35 points, and Great Salt Bay, 72 points.

The meet was held at the Damariscotta River Association property and the course was 2.4 miles.

Coming in third overall was Blake Erhard of Boothbay. Also scoring for Boothbay were Rowan Kristan (sixth), Alex Eason (seventh) and Jay Hasch (ninth).

Other BRES runners included Will LaBrecque, Will Berry, Will Perkins, Tim Chapelle, Bayly Carrasco, Graham Bryer, Brett Hallowell, Colin Campbell, Eli Gudroe, Sam Burnham, Ellison Boord, Mitchell Partner and Sam Goodwin.

For the BRES girls, Faith Blethen came in second overall behind Augusta Stockman of Camden by 25 seconds. Helen Hamblett (fourth), Olivia Paolillo (fifth), Ellie Hilscher (12th) and Lincoln Hamblett (17th) all scored for Boothbay, which finished behind Camden, 25-34.

Also competing for Boothbay were Loren Genrich, Ella Yentsch, Ashley Ames and Addie Stone.

BRES will have a home meet on Thursday, Oct. 3.

At Boothbay Region Land Trust’s (BRLT) Annual Meeting in early September, Professor Todd Gabe of the University of Maine presented his findings from an economic impact study on the land trust’s 33 miles of hiking trails.

One attendee asked an interesting question, “How many of the hikers are hiking with their dog?” Gabe said while they didn’t tabulate it, anecdotally he figured close to 100 percent.

That’s right, canines throughout the region love the land trust trails. So BRLT is calling all canines to ask their owners to support the Stewardship Campaign’s public challenge to sustain the trails, boat access, working waterfront and environmental education provided by the land trust.

All of these community resources are available free of charge and only exist because of voluntary donations.

As of mid-September, over 200 households have generously supported BRLT’s Stewardship Campaign and the land trust is over halfway toward meeting its $500,000 public challenge by year’s end. All campaign expenses have been underwritten and all community challenge gifts and pledges received by December 31 will be matched.

To make a donation in honor or memory of your dog(s), please call BRLT at 207-633-4818; visit Skye at the office at 137 Townsend Avenue across from the Seagate Motel; go to www.bbrlt.org and make a donation to the campaign on behalf of your dog; or mail a check payable to BRLT with your dog’s name and favorite preserve to P.O. Box 183, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.

The land trust encourages dog owners to email photos of their donor dogs to brlt@bbrlt.org. The land trust will be featuring donor dogs on its website, on its Facebook page, and in the Boothbay Register. Donor dogs will also be included in a campaign thank you ad at year’s end.

BRLT welcomes dog owners to upload photos and stories of their dogs enjoying (and modeling good behavior) on the trails on its Facebook page.

The Boothbay Region Special Olympic soccer team traveled to Bangor to compete in the Central Maine soccer tournament at Husson University on October 2.

“It was perfect weather and a day of continued successes,” said Boothbay Coach Toby LeConte. “I couldn't have been prouder.”

The Boothbay skill runners and two teams kept winning and winning.

In game one, the adults, Ronda LeConte, Donny Dunning, Matt Farnham, Brenda LeConte and Joey Ranco, along with three high school swing players, Adam Jackimovicz, Thomas Wilcox and Danny Miller, won their first game, 9-1.

Dunning won the first ball tackle of the game. Brenda LeConte was the high scorer with five goals, Wilcox scored three and Ranco had one.

In game two, the students played a strong game against Oceanside and won, 5-0. Chloe Desjardin played sweeper. Matthew Hyson, in the sweep position, delivered a pass to Jackimovicz, who scored the first goal for the students. Wilcox scored four goals to lead Boothbay.

Game three was the adults playing again and they won, 4-0. Ronda LeConte played well at the sweeper position. Ranco scored two goals and Jackimovicz and Wilcox scored the other goals.

In game four, Kasey Grover and Amber Hyson were helpful in moving the ball into scoring position while Valerie Giles played a tight sweeping position. Jackimovicz scored two goals and Wilcox added one goal in Boothbay's 3-2 win. Danny Miller was the goalie and Deshawn Averill played the toughest two games of career. “He's a bulldozer,” Coach LeConte said.

The fifth game was a loss for Boothbay, 3-0 to Penobscot. Chris Oster of Penobscot proved his dominance once again. Dunning and Matt Farnham worked hard in the second half to clear the ball and protect the goal but three shots got by Miller.

In game 6, Boothbay won, 3-1, with goals by Brenda LeConte, Ranco and Wilcox.

Because of its loss to Penobscot, Boothbay had to play out of the losers' bracket. In game seven, Boothbay played Penobscot again. Ronda LeConte played sweeper and Farnham moved to the front line to help Jackimovicz and Ranco. Despite the adjustments, Penobscot won, 4-0, and eliminated Boothbay.

Boothbay students returned home with individual gold medals and the adult/swing player team won the silver medal.

John Rankin brought home a fourth place award for his skill work. Grace Giles brought home a bronze medal for her precise skill work. Bobby Edwards won a gold medal for skills and Samuel Macy, on loan from Mrs. Mellor's class, brought home a bronze medal.

Eagle Scout Dimitry Pepper from Whitefield helped the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association (SVCA) prepare the new red trail on the Stetster Preserve in Jefferson, which officially opens on October 19.

Working on his Eagle Scout project, Pepper planned placement, gathered materials and organized helpers to construct bridges across two seasonal streams along the new trail.

SVCA sincerely thanks Pepper, his father and brother, the adult scout volunteers and the young scouts of Jefferson Troop 216 for their hard work. The bridges provide safe passage for hikers while protecting stream banks. We hope everyone has a chance to check out their fine work by taking a walk on the new trail.

The grand opening of the new Red Trail takes place Saturday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. Gather at the kiosk on Egypt Road at 9:45 a.m. for cider and snacks before departing for the Red Trail at 10. After a short ribbon cutting ceremony near the pond where the new trail departs, hikers will follow the Red Trail through a mixed forest of maples, beech, oaks and pines. The new trail extends the existing Blue Trail to complete a 1.8 mile loop through the eastern portion of this beautiful Preserve, meandering south from the pond and then along the high ridge on the property.

The SVCA trails crew is always looking for more volunteers to join the fun of clearing, maintaining and planning trails. It is a wonderful excuse to be outside, meet new people, learn new skills and natural history, and get a “green workout.”

If interested in helping with trails or any other work, please contact Lynne Flaccus at SVCA, 207-586-5616 or lynne@sheepscot.org.

Visit the SVCA online at www.sheepscot.org or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sheepscot.

Rolling fields of salty mist yielded to a brilliant blue sky as Henry Heyburn readied a dozen Mainers for a one-hour, low impact hike around Eaton Farm Preserve last week.

“Here’s a classic saltwater farm,” Heyburn said of the sleepy, sloping Wiscasset lot, formerly owned by Maine Yankee.

The property is embraced by the Hockomock Bay. Fearless outcroppings into the bay along the trail present fantastic views for photography, bird watching, seal-spying and at times, swimming and sailing by the campers at neighboring Chewonki Neck.

Heyburn, assistant director at Chewonki’s Boys Camp, leads by example. His wife and family sometimes vacation with their daughters on a Casco Bay island without electricity or running water. "Pure joy," he said. The sailor, mountaineer and established educator moved here 27 years ago from Louisville, Ky., where he was a middle school teacher.

Heyburn also worked as an instructor at Telluride Mountaineering School and Colorado Outward Bound. Now, he serves on the board of the Natural Resources Council of Maine.

Here, he became Bowdoin College’s head Nordic ski coach for five years, was employed at Hyde School in Bath, and also at L.L.Bean doing product development. As he enters his fifth year with Chewonki, he noted, “I like designing things, and so the trail development portion of this job is of great interest to me.”

Chop! He punctuated the fact with his handsaw upon a fallen trail branch as the troupe watched.

Chewonki, which yielded more than 20,000 pounds of vegetables last year, is much more than an environmental education center.

Maine Yankee sold them this land with the agreement that a public trail would be built (which it was) by the Maine Conservation Corp and affiliates. Chewonki maintains it.

Many locals nurture Chewonki’s vision for the noble trail expansion, leading to greater connectivity to Wiscasset, and even becoming the “the longest coastal hiking trail outside of Acadia National Park.” Most (but not all) abutting landowners are currently in agreement.

“I love the chance to work here, primarily because my efforts dovetail what I value,” Heyburn said. “At Chewonki, we want to create appreciation for nature and I’m happy to be a lifelong learner part of this community. Regarding the ambitious trail plans, he pointed out that “things change though so one never knows.”

With each step upon it, the soft, enduring trail seems to recall those steps a century ago, of the boys whose founder set up the first boys camp there in 1915.

For more information, visit www.chewonki.org; or better yet, visit Chewonki.

Exercise and fitness are essential for your everyday health. Time and responsibilities to family and work sometimes make it very difficult to work that fitness class in at a specific time. We have recognized that and are now offering a new approach to our fitness classes at the Wiscasset Community Center. Starting in October, we are introducing "Flex Fit Training Classes" to our schedule. Now you will be able to attend fitness training classes with a flexible start time!

Our morning land-based fitness offerings will start at 5 a.m. for the early risers, offer two different class leaders, and end at 6:30 a.m. You will be able to "jump into" the classes
on 15-minute intervals, allowing you to choose your start time in the morning.

Our evening Flex Fit Training Classes will begin at 6:30 p.m. and run until 8 p.m. They will run along with our popular Zumba class offerings that run on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and our Wednesday night "Step It Up" class. You will be able to choose your start time and jump into this fitness class on 15-minute intervals as well.

With these fitness class offerings we are excited to introduce two new instructors to our staff, although many will already recognize them.

Kristina Phillips McIntire, who instructs with the Weight Loss Challenge program that runs here will be running the new morning program. She has a fantastic kickboxing workout and is we" versed in interval type training. She is an avid triathlon participant and is very excited to help others achieve their fitness goals.

Cedric Maguire, aka Cedric the Trainer, has been working with many in our fitness and strength room on their own fitness goals as a personal trainer. He recently attended instructor training sessions at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado. He has had great success in passing along his passion for fitness to high school teens who are looking to "get serious" about fitness. Anyone will enjoy Cedric's fitness classes, which will incorporate stretching, resistance and bodyweight exercise along with stretching and flexibility.

Flex Fit Training classes are available on the WCC Fitness Pass. The more visits you purchase the better the pricing! For more information call the Wiscasset Community
Center at 207-882-8230, or come try a class!

The standings were officially posted on Monday and Midcoast United’s U-13 girls and boys team was in the #1 spot in its bracket.

They go into playoff action in the next couple of weeks, taking on teams from all over the state.

The U-13 team has players from Edgecomb, Bristol and the Boothbay peninsula working hard every week.

On October 5, Midcoast United U13 tied Western Maine United U13, 1-1, in Farmington in a make-up match that had been rained out the previous weekend. Midcoast’s sole goal was launched into the net by Simon Spear. The defense held up well throughout the game, with the exception of a lofty goal shot in the second half by the opposing team to tie it up.

On October 6, all three of Midcoast United's teams hosted home games at the Wiscasset High School lower fields.  

Midcoast United U13 vs. Massabesic U13

Midcoast’s U13 lost 2-1 to a determined and skilled Massabesic team from Waterboro. Midcoast’s defense did an outstanding job holding Massabesic to only two goals. Will Shaffer scored Midcoast’s goal on a play that began with a great pass by Jack Buthy. Midcoast thus ended its fine season with 4 wins, 1 loss, and 1 tie. Now it's on to Soccer Maine playoffs, schedule to be determined.

Midcoast United U11 vs. Gray-New Gloucester

The U11 team defeated Gray-New Gloucester, 2-1. Sam Sinabaldi scored the first goal of the game, while Sheamus Mann provided an assist on Jack Duncan's goal. The U11 team will be playing in a three-game tournament in Augusta at the end of the month.

Midcoast U10 vs. Falmouth

Falmouth defeated the U10 team, 5-4. Midcoast's Maddox Tilas scored first within the first minute of the game. Falmouth answered with five goals before Jack Duncan scored on a breakaway shot, and getting an assist on a clean goal by Tilas. Teamwork was the word of the day when Drew Meader assisted on Tilas' third goal. The U10 team travels to Waterville October 20 for a three-game tournament.

Please visit our website at www.midcoastunited.com or call Pam Wiley at 207-776-9496 for more information on Midcoast's winter training opportunities, the spring 2014 season, or information on sponsoring the club.

The Rocky Coast Riders, a group of local equine enthusiasts, held a Murder Mystery Benefit Ride on September 21.

The mystery ride had groups riding throughout the trail system behind Seven Gables Farm and looping through Oven's Mouth West land preserve. Riders tried to find hidden clues which pieced together the murderer, the scene, and the murder weapon.

The ride raised almost $400 and the proceeds went to the Double B Equine Rescue located in Industry.

Please join the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Assocaition (SVCA) for the grand opening of the new Red Trail at the Stester Preserve in Jefferson on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m.  Gather at the kiosk on Egypt Road (1.25 miles from Route 215 or 2.5 miles from Route 194) at 9:45 a.m. for cider and snacks before departing for the Red Trail at 10 a.m.

After a short ribbon cutting ceremony near the pond where the new trail departs, hikers will follow the Red Trail through a mixed forest of maples, beech, oaks and pines. The hike will take approximately 1½ hours and is easy to moderate.

The new Red Trail extends the existing Blue Trail to complete a 1.8 mile loop through the eastern portion of this beautiful preserve, meandering south from the pond and then along the high ridge on the property.  

The longer trail gives hikers a chance to stretch their legs and see some hidden parts of the preserve passing through open oak and pine forests on the ridge, along low wet areas, and past lichen and moss covered bedrock outcrops.  The rocky outcrops provide an open feel to the trail with blueberries and huckleberries in the understory and a diversity of wildlife habitats.

In addition to the new trail, SVCA is also excited to introduce 15 interpretive stops along the Blue Trail loop. The mile long Blue Trail includes stops to learn about forest regeneration, wetlands, wildlife habitats, plant identification and more. Visitors can download the preserve map and interpretive guide at the SVCA website, www.sheepscot.org/stetser-preserve-jefferson or pick up a guide at the Preserve kiosk. Return the guide to the kiosk to be used by others, or hang on to it and consider making a donation to SVCA that will help establish future preserve trails. 

The Red Trail and interpretive stations on the Blue Trail are made possible with grant funding from The Fields Pond Foundation, Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust, Davis Conservation Foundation and Hancock Lumber of Damariscotta who offered discounted lumber. SVCA’s amazing volunteer trail crew put in many hours laying out the trail, clearing and blazing, and establishing the interpretive posts.

Special thanks go to Dimitry Pepper from Whitefield, and Jefferson Scout Troop 216 for building  bridges across two seasonal streams along the Red Trail that provide safe passage for hikers while protecting stream banks. We hope everyone has a chance to check out their fine work by taking a walk on the new trail!  The Stetser Preserve is maintained with generous funding from The First through SVCA’s Adopt-A-Preserve Program.

For more information, call 207-586-5616, visit us online at www.sheepscot.org or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sheepscot.

Little Beaver was lonely and began to cry. Then, from across the pond he heard someone else crying. This began his adventure to discover new friends and Echo.

The picture book, “Little Beaver and the Echo” by Maine author Amy McDonald, was presented at a special Story Time by a special guest reader Samantha Davison at the Wiscasset Public Library last Thursday.

Davison is a graduate of Wiscasset High School and had prepared the story and the props during an early childhood course she had taken in school.

Her presentation included the 3-foot birch bark canoe and paddles she had made. As she read the story she had the children play the role of Echo.

As each new friend character was introduced in the story, a child placed the puppet of that critter in the canoe.  The presentation was enjoyed by all and she received a splendid round of applause when she finished.

Why do birds fly south each winter and why do bats fly at night? The answers to these questions can be found in the Muskogee or Creek Indian Nation legend, “The Great Ball Game,” retold by Joseph Bruchac, which was featured during the regular Story Time on Wednesday. 

In this version, an argument evolves over who is better, the Birds with wings or the Animals with teeth. To settle the dispute, a game similar to lacrosse is played.

The winner is declared to be the better and gets to assign a penalty to the losing team. A bat wants to be on a team but he has both wings and teeth. Bird or animal?

Story Time is each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in the Children’s Room. All are welcomed.

Don’t miss Lincoln County Triad’s annual Senior Appreciation Day & Information Fair. It will take place this coming Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Boothbay Region Elementary School, on Route 27 in Boothbay Harbor. Admission is free. The popular local band, the Holy Mackerels, will keep things swinging. There will be delicious food, lots of great door prizes and much, much more. Come and bring a friend.

There will be over 30 exhibition tables with information on a variety of important issues for senior citizens, issues ranging from health services to crime prevention. Presenters will be on hand to answer questions. Keynote speaker (Postal Inspector Michael Desrosiers) will talk on the subject of postal fraud. Free File of Life packets and 911 cell phones and adapters will be available to anyone who would like them.

Attendees will be able to choose from a number of health-related activities. Lincoln County Healthcare will be holding a flu clinic. Boothbay Region Ambulance will check blood pressure, and Wal-Mart will provide vision screenings. Kno-Wal-Lin will demonstrate their Telehealth Unit. And massage therapist Rick Gilde will be offering massages to anyone in need of a relaxing break.

The annual Senior Appreciation Day & Information Fair is hosted by the Lincoln County TRIAD – an organization composed of seniors, community services, and law enforcement dedicated to helping seniors stay safe. TRIAD encourages all interested seniors come and take advantage of the valuable information available at this event, see old friends, make new ones, and have some fun!

For more information about TRIAD or Senior Appreciation Day, contact Lincoln County TRIAD Chairperson Debbie Mullen at 207-633-7874 or nanaspl@gwi.net. If you have any questions regarding fraud or abuse, please call your local police department or Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 207-882-7332.

The last time the Wiscasset High School girls varsity soccer team lost, the United States' government hadn't shut down, national parks were still open and the New York Yankees were still in the playoff hunt.

In other words, it's been a while.

Wiscasset (9-2-1) has not lost since September 13 and continued its winning ways with victories over Mt. Abram on October 10 and October 14 in Spruce Mountain. Wiscasset knocked off Mt. Abram with by a score of 2-0 and Spruce Mountain by a 1-0 margin.

The pair of wins, which boosts Wiscasset's win streak to seven, also firmly plants the Wolverines into third place in Class C's Western Conference ahead of the playoffs.

Wiscasset will try to continue its winning ways at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 against Telstar in the regular season finale at home.

On October 12, local author A.J. Campbell was inducted into the Fly Fishing Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is located at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum in Roscoe, New York, an international organization dedicated to the history, preservation and advancement of fly fishing.

Campbell is the author of “Classic & Antique Fly Fishing Tackle,” an extensive history of the sport published in 1997. Through the years, the book went into a second printing and became a classic itself, appreciated by the world fly fishing community.

Readers and fans include anglers in Canada, Britain, Italy, and Japan. With the induction, Campbell has joined the ranks of such notables as Hiram Leonard, Theodore Gordon and Lee and Joan Wulff.

Registration for fall II programs is happening now online and at the Y. The seven-week Fall II program session begins Monday, Nov. 4.

New session of tennis programs by the month begins on Monday, Nov. 4. Register today.

Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m. weekly, Cardio Tennis. A fantastic workout and you need not know how to play tennis to participate in the class.

Saturday, Oct. 26, 7-10 p.m., 6-8 grade dance. Come in your Halloween best if you’d like and enter the costume contest. $5 at the door.

Monday, Oct. 28, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Breast Cancer Tennis Tournament and Potluck. $10 per person donation.

Thursday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. American Red Cross blood drive in the YMCA gym.

Friday, Nov. 8, 22 and Dec. 6 , 7-10 p.m. 6-8 grade dance

Friday, Nov. 8, 7-8 p.m., while your kids are at the dance come to the Y courts for some tennis and socializing and then head out to dinner after. A night out for you!

Saturday, Nov. 9, Enjoy dinner at the Thistle Inn and 30 percent of your bill will support Y-Arts youth going to Atlanta!

Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m. (girls) and 11 a.m. (boys) Y League Basketball Clinic.

Members of the Healthy Kids Playgroup visited the Gregory Wing on October 23. Eight children wore their Halloween costumes. Those present were Tracey Hall and her daughter, Jessie Ullo; Jamie Smith and her two daughters, Zuriel and Moriah and son Elijah; Magen Chryplewicz and her two sons, Dylan and Austin.

The playgroup is a program of Healthy Kids, a family support agency based in Damariscotta. The group always welcomes newcomers to their weekly meetings on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Meeting locations include the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church and other locations.

For more information, call Margot Stiassni, 207-882-7593, or the Healthy Kids office, 207-563-1818. Courtesy of Healthy Kids

Dormant is a word in every gardener’s vocabulary, but there never seems to be a truly dormant period at the Gardens. Not only do planning, ordering, and other activities go on all winter, but there are also fascinating programs to help get everyone who loves gardens and gardening get through the colder months. Festive events will add some fun to the season ahead.

Of course, winter is not yet here, and the beautiful and whimsical harvest displays continue at the Gardens. The pumpkin give-away will also continue while supplies last. Just stop by to take home a bright reminder of autumn glory.

New: Fireside Book Club

Once the garden is put to bed, there’s time for reading about (what else?) gardens and gardeners. Director of Education Melissa Cullina has chosen four diverse books that blend the botanical and the literary and will appeal to plant and nature enthusiasts. At 3 p.m. on one Tuesday each month, beginning November 19, participants in the new Fireside Book Club will gather around the fireplace in the Visitor Center to discuss the book selection and enjoy tea and treats.  

The book for November 19 is “The Brother Gardeners” by Andrea Wulf. According to Cullina, the author brings to life the science and adventure of 18th century plant collecting through the story of six men who created the modern garden and changed the horticultural world in the process. This garden revolution began in 1733, when colonial farmer John Bartram of Philadelphia shipped two boxes of precious American plants and seeds to Peter Collinson in London.

These men formed the nucleus of a botany movement, which included famous Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus; Philip Miller, bestselling author of “The Gardeners Dictionary;” and Joseph Banks and David Solander, two botanist explorers who scoured the globe for plant life aboard Captain Cook’s Endeavor.

As they cultivated exotic blooms from around the world, they helped make Britain an epicenter of horticultural and botanical expertise. “The Brother Gardeners” paints a vivid portrait of an emerging world of knowledge and gardening as we know it today.

The price to join the Fireside Book Club and enjoy all four sessions is $10 for members and $12 for nonmembers. Boothbay Region Land Trust and local garden club members may register at the member fee.

Preregistration is required, and participants are asked to read the books to be discussed before coming to the sessions. To learn about the other three books and to register, visit www.mainegardens.org, or call 207-633-4333, ext. 101.

Solo Bistro Chef’s dinner

More than half the spaces are already filled for the Kitchen Garden Series Dinner to be prepared on Sunday, Nov. 17, by noted chef Ray Franklyn of Bath’s Solo Bistro. Prices, which include wine and gratuities, are $75 for members and $90 for nonmembers. For reservations, call 207-633-4333, ext. 101.

Storytime fun continues

The Gardens’ own “Miss Rumphius,” volunteer Pat Jeremiah, will present Storytime at 10 a.m. every Monday in the Education Center. She’ll spread out a big, colorful quilt for youngsters to sit on while she reads. There’s time for conversation, floor puzzles, and even pretend gardening, too.

Free admission and lots to do

Admission to the Gardens is free for all visitors from November 1 through April 15. Upcoming special events include the Frozen Turkey Hunt on November 23 and the Christmas Market on December 14.

On December 7, horticulturist and floral arranger Diane Walden will present two different levels of Festive Holiday Greens classes, traditional and advanced. And membership staff members, who will have displays at the Bath and Damariscotta Early Bird Sales on Saturday, Nov. 2, would love to say hi and talk about the many benefits of being a Gardens member.

After 110 minutes of brutal, physical soccer in the freezing cold, two things became clear:

The Wiscasset High School girls varsity soccer team was every bit the equal to the defending champion Waynflete and a normal goal was most likely not going to bounce in.

In the end, it took 10 penalty kicks for a winner to emerge and after the dust had settled it was Waynflete that had secured the 4-3 victory to end Wiscasset's season Tuesday.

On a night filled with dramatic moments it was all too fitting to have the game and one season end on the last penalty kick of the evening as temperatures slid below freezing.

The teams battled each other in a hard-fought game, in which Wiscasset's momentum was occasionally stifled by penalties and the solid play of goalie Juliana Harwood.

But, the Wolverines would not be outdone; Kayla Gordon played a game for the ages in goal for Wiscasset. She submitted several highlight reel-worthy stops on corner kicks through the 110 minutes, and snuffed out nearly every Waynflete attack that came her way.

Wiscasset actually mounted an early attack and spent the first minutes of the game hammering Waynflete on its own end, but the Flyers were able to find their footing and strike back.

October 25, 1-0

The first-ever online Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper Staff Pro Football Challenge enters the second half of the NFL season. Each week, staff members Ben “The Incredible Bulk” Bulkeley, Kevin “The Hammer” Burnham, Nicole “The Lion” Lyons, Katrina “The Ninja” Clark, Mike “Big Scar” Scarborough, Mike “The Iron Horse” Marr and Gary “Mad Stork” Dow “try” to pick the winners of each NFL game by Wednesday evening (each week there is a Thursday game). The winner (best winning percentage) at the end of the regular season will be treated to a prize (we haven’t come up with one yet). We will post each players record from the following week.

Week 8 standings: Ben 11-2; Katrina 10-3; Gary 9-4; Kevin 9-4; Mike M. 9-4; Mike S. 9-4; Nicole 7-6

Overall: Ben 74-46; Kevin 73-47; Mike M. 72-48; Mike S. 70-50; Nicole 69-51; Katrina 66-54; Gary 63-59

Week 8 Comments: Ben takes over the standings with another outstanding week. Katrina is catching up with Nicole with a great week. The Dallas choke hurt a few of us. Glad the World Series was on so we didn't have to watch the Monday Night snoozer between Seattle and St. Louis.

Week 9 Prognosis: Another week of 13 picks .... Getting a bit easier, but on any given week (Ahem, Philadelphia, losing to the Giants at home; you should be ashamed of yourselves!) Is there a lock this week? Maybe Seattle over Tampa Bay? Toss-up? Perhaps Philadelphia at Oakland; the Eagles are far from what they were in week 1 and it is questionable whether Oakland can beat both Pennsylvania teams in consecutive weeks, although Philadelphia has never won in Oakland.

Week 9 picks

Cincinnati at Miami: Cincinnati: Kevin, Nicole, Gary, Katrina, Mike M., Mike S., Ben; Miami:

Baltimore at Cleveland: Baltimore: Kevin, Nicole, Katrina, Mike M., Mike S., Ben; Cleveland: Gary

Atlanta at Carolina: Atlanta: Carolina: Kevin, Nicole, Gary, Katrina, Mike M., Mike S., Ben

Kansas City at Buffalo: Kansas City: Kevin, Katrina, Mike M., Mike S., Ben; Buffalo: Nicole, Gary

Minnesota at Dallas: Minnesota: Dallas: Kevin, Nicole, Gary, Katrina, Mike M., Mike S., Ben

New Orleans at NY Jets: New Orleans: Kevin, Nicole, Gary, Katrina, Mike M., Mike S., Ben; NY Jets:

San Diego at Washington: San Diego: Kevin, Katrina, Mike M., Mike S., Ben; Washington: Nicole, Gary

Tennessee at St. Louis: Tennessee: Kevin, Katrina, Mike S., Ben; St. Louis: Nicole, Gary, Mike M.

Philadelphia at Oakland: Philadelphia: Nicole; Oakland: Kevin, Gary, Katrina, Mike M., Mike S., Ben

Tampa Bay at Seattle: Tampa Bay: Nicole; Seattle: Kevin, Gary, Katrina, Mike M., Mike S., Ben

Pittsburgh at New England: Pittsburgh: New England: Kevin, Nicole, Gary, Katrina, Mike M., Mike S., Ben

Indianapolis at Houston: Indianapolis: Kevin, Nicole, Gary, Katrina, Mike M., Mike S., Ben; Houston:

Chicago at Green Bay: Chicago: Nicole, Ben; Green Bay: Kevin, Gary, Katrina, Mike M., Mike S.

The players

Ben “The Incredible Bulk” Bulkeley used to play football. He used to weigh over 200 pounds, but he wanted to play wide receiver, so he slimmed down drinking Slim Fast and cutting down on his Devil Dog consumption.

Kevin “The Hammer” Burnham played football locally and was on the 1973 Class D championship team, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this season. He played linebacker and running back and suffered a few concussions during his playing days ... which may explain a lot.

Nicole “The Lion” Lyons watches football ... sometimes.

Katrina “The Ninja” Clark likes to make her picks by blindfolding herself and throwing darts at the chart in her backyard. Once in a while she even hits it. More often she hits the squirrels.

Mike "Big Scar" Scarborough last played organized football in junior high. He played both ways as a lineman, offensive and defensive tackle. Big Scar was a "speed lineman," who loved nothing better than running down a QB in the backfield.

Gary "Mad Stork" Dow played defensive end for the 1972 Class A state runner-up Edward Little "Red Eddies" of Auburn. He alleges he was selected "All-State" but since this was before the creation of the Internet, there is no way to confirm it. He went to play for the University of Maine from 1973-1976 as a defensive end and outside linebacker. He states he won Eastern Collegiate Athletic Association (ECAC) Player of the Week honors against Bucknell University in the fall of 1975, but again, there is no way to confirm this claim either.

Mike “The Iron Horse” Marr made a name for himself in junior high and intramural sports with his aggressive and undisciplined playing technique, often going for the biggest guy on the field and stiff arming. When in a clutch position on the field, he drew attention by using modern dance techniques, something nobody wanted to see. To this day, he still can't watch “Flashdance” without tapping his feet.

The Wiscasset High School boys varsity soccer team was unable to overcome a powerful Maranacook attack and fell, 6-0, October 30.

The loss bounced Wiscasset from the Western Class C playoffs, while Maranacook, the number two seed, will go on to play against North Yarmouth Academy.

Although the season is over for the Wolverines, it was a successful one. Coming off a 7-6-1 campaign in 2012, Wiscasset managed another eight wins against just four losses and two ties in 2013.

Wiscasset also managed to upend division-mate Carrabec, 1-0, in the opening round of the Western Class C playoffs.

The team will have the bulk of its firepower returning for 2014, as well. Sophomore JD Souza led the team with 19 goals and 10 assists, while freshman Russell Marr added four goals and eight assists.

Goalie Dylan McMahon recorded 80 saves while Brycson Grover and Mason Whitaker each notched five assists apiece.

As for Maranacook, the Black Bears will face powerhouse North Yarmouth Academy, which mustered a 14-0 record and third-place ranking, Thursday, Nov. 1.

On Sunday, Oct. 27, over 100 racers gathered at the start line for either a 5.5-mile race, or a 13.1-mile half-marathon. Spread all across HVNC’s 1,000 acres of forest more than 30 volunteers guided and encouraged racers along their path. A cool, overcast morning gave way to clear skies by the time runners came striding across the finish line.

The first two years of the Race Through the Woods participants braved poor weather. Four inches of snow fell the first year, and 2012 featured rain and slick conditions. This year the racers, volunteers, and spectators all enjoyed a much-deserved, beautiful autumn day. Dry trails made for fast racing.

The top male runner, Jason Bigonia of Walpole, finished the half marathon in 1:31:33, followed closely by 16-year-old Gavin Felch of Union at 1:32:36. The first place female in the half-marathon, Kendra Emery of Farmington, finished in 1:49:31. Holly Whitney of Wiscasset followed Emery with a time of 1:54:08. Congratulations to all the racers!

Ian Parlin of Trail Monster Running noted, “What makes this race unique is that it is all about having fun and enjoying the outdoors. We have some racers who are out to beat records, but we have more who are here because it’s a great way to spend time outside with friends and challenge themselves.”

The next outdoors sport event at HVNC will be our winter biathlon on January 26. Details coming soon. Visit www.hvnc.org for upcoming winter events.

The annual Race Through the Woods is supported by Trail Monster Running, Ames Supply, Wiscasset Ford, Liberty Graphics and Lamey-Wellehan Shoes. This is a great community event, and wouldn’t be possible without so many supporters and volunteers.

Hidden Valley Nature Center, located in Jefferson, is a community based nonprofit organization with nearly 1000 acres of diverse habitat dedicated to providing nature based educational and non-motorized recreational opportunities to the community throughout the year. For more information on HVNC, visit hvnc.org, call 207-200-8840, or email codey@hvnc.org.

Although no snow has fallen, it is already time to think about winter.

Winter sports, that is.

The Wiscasset Wolverines swimming and basketball teams have released team schedules.

The action will begin with scrimmages for both basketball teams: both JV teams will have tournaments November 23 with the boys traveling to Gardiner and the girls hosting at 4:30 p.m. at home.

The annual alumni game will be Saturday, Nov. 30 with the girls tipping off at 5 p.m. and the boys starting at 7:30 p.m.

The regular season kicks off at 7 p.m. on December 6 at home against Carrabec for the girls varsity basketball team and 7 p.m. on December 7 at home against Carrabec for the boys squad.

The swim team will start its season off at home as well with a 5:30 p.m., December 6 match-up with Cony at the Wiscasset Recreation Center.

Below are the full schedules for each team:

Boys varsity basketball

(Time, date, place, opponent)

7 p.m. December 7 Home Carrabec

7 p.m. December 10 Away Hall-Dale

5:30 p.m. December 11 Away Madison

7 p.m. December 17 Home Oak Hill

7 p.m. December 19 Away St. Dom's

5:30 p.m. December 20 Home Winthrop

5:30 p.m. December 30 Away Mt. Valley

7 p.m. January 3 Away Boothbay

7 p.m. January 6 Home Dirigo

7 p.m. January 8 Away Lisbon

7 p.m. January 10 Home Monmouth

7 p.m. January 13 Away Mt. Abram

7 p.m. January 15 Home Spruce Mountain

7 p.m. January 17 Away Telstar

7 p.m. January 23 Away Monmouth

7 p.m. January 28 Home Lisbon

7 p.m. January 31 Home Boothbay

7 p.m. February 4 Home Hall-Dale

Girls varsity basketball

(Time, date, place, opponent)

7 p.m. December 6 Home Carrabec

7 p.m. December 9 Away Hall-Dale

7 p.m. December 11 Away Madison

7 p.m. December 16 Home Oak Hill

7 p.m. December 20 Home Winthrop

5:30 p.m. December 19 Away St. Dom's

2:30 p.m. December 30 Away Mt. Valley

7 p.m. January 2 Away Boothbay

7 p.m. January 7 Home Dirigo

7 p.m. January 9 Away Lisbon

7 p.m. January 11 Home Monmouth

5:30 p.m. January 13 Away Mt. Abram

7 p.m. January 16 Home Spruce Mountain

5:30 p.m. January 17 Away Telstar

7 p.m. January 24 Away Monmouth

7 p.m. January 27 Home Lisbon

7 p.m. January 30 Home Boothbay

Boys and girls varsity swimming

Time Date Place Opponent

5:30 p.m. Dec. 6 Home Cony

7 p.m. Dec. 10 Away Lewiston

7 p.m. Dec. 20 Away Edward Little

5:30 p.m. January 17 Home Gardiner

5:30 p.m. January 24 Home Brunswick

7 p.m. January 28 Away St. Dom's

5 p.m. January 31 Home Camden

TBA February 7 Away Regionals in Bath

TBA TBA Away State meet at University of Maine in Orono

This winter Hidden Valley Nature Center will be once again be filled with outdoor and cross-country ski enthusiasts as they explore and enjoy 30 miles of trails, criss-crossing 1,000 acres of forest and lake shore. Thanks to generous support from community organizations more families will be able to enjoy HVNC on skis.

On December 4 at 5 p.m. at Lincoln Academy in room 101, families can bring their kids to get sized for a set of skis, poles, boots and a ski bag. The Healthy Hometowns Program (a program of the Maine Winter Sports Center) will lease individuals all the equipment they need to enjoy a place like HVNC for just $65 for the whole season. HVNC volunteers will be on hand to make sure everyone gets set up with the equipment that will serve them best. HVNC will only be able to get families set up on this one evening, so be sure to mark your calendars.

You’ll also want to make sure that you mark your calendar for our annual Kids XC-Ski Clinic beginning Saturday, Jan. 4, and continuing each Saturday morning for five additional weeks. Ages 4-15 are welcome. Prices, registration, and more details are available at www.hvnc.org/xc-ski-clinic. Registration opens on December 1. Damariscotta Bank and Trust proudly supports this year’s clinic.

Hidden Valley Nature Center is a nonprofit education and recreation center offering premier nature-based education, and opportunities for non-motorized recreation. For more information visit www.hvnc.org, or contact us at info@hvnc.org, 207-200-8840.

During the past week, coaches came together to honor Wiscasset High School's 2013 fall athletes. Golf awards will be presented later in the week.

Girls soccer

The Wiscasset High School girls varsity soccer team enjoyed another successful year under Coach Duane Goud as it amassed 11 wins and defeated Lisbon in the Western Class C playoffs. The Wolverines season was ended by the returning champion Waynflete Flyers, however.

For the 2013 season seniors Briana Goud and Sarah Hanley brought home some hardware; the pair was selected as the coach's award co-winners and both were the Wolverines' representatives on the 2013 Western Class C all conference first team.

Goud and Hanley were also named to the all-academic team along with teammate Michaela Trudeau. Hannah Foye was selected to the Western Class C all conference second team and Kasey Cromwell and Miranda McIntire were honorable mention.

Colleen Hendricks picked up the most improved award and Rachel Berry won the sportsmanship award.

Boys soccer

The Wolverines again made a splash. Under Head Coach Todd Souza, Wiscasset High School went 8-4-2 and won its opening playoff game against Carrabec. The team would be knocked out of the Class C playoffs by Maranacook.

The coaches award went to Alex Webber, Ethan James took home most improved honors, Jennings Souza was the sportsmanship winner and Logan Grover won the Wolverine award and was named to the all-academic team.

Jennings Souza also claimed a spot on the Western Class C all-conference first team, while Brycson Grover made the second team and Mason Whitaker and Kevin Lynch were both honorable mentions.

Cross country

The “Running Wolverines” boasted a number of individual achievements in 2013.

David Pearson was named to the all-conference team and claimed the MVP award from Coach Warren Cossette. Noah Jones was the most improved runner and the coaches award went to Andrew Walton and all-conference selection Ridge Barnes. David Marcus was named to the all-academic team.

On the girls side, Amanda Marcus was named to the all-conference team and as the MVP. Kennedy Orr took home most improved honors and all-conference selection Gabrielle Ericson-Wenners was given the sportsmanship award.

Dogs are very important to us here at the land trust. And there is nothing better than hitting a land trust trail and letting your best furry friend run through the forest and swim in the river as if there are no cares in the world!

But we must remember that the land trust trails are for everyone; young children, senior citizens, birders, dog owners, non-dog owners, as well as wildlife and sensitive vegetation.

We do not have a leash policy for BRLT properties, but we do ask that dog owners have their pets under their control at all times. This means dogs should not be running unsupervised or approaching other dogs and people. Even the best of dogs can become aggressive toward a dog or person it does not know. And some hikers become very frightened when approached by a strange dog.

We receive complaints of unruly pups every year, and it is very important to Boothbay Region Land Trust that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the land trust trails.

Please help us keep the trails a safe and pleasant experience for everyone by leasing your dog when another hiker approaches. And please remember to clean up after your pet. We greatly appreciate everyone’s understanding and continued support in these matters. If you have any question about BRLT preserves, please contact the office at 207-633-4818 or brlt@bbrlt.org.

The Wiscasset High School boys varsity golf team supplemented a successful regular season with an equally successful offseason.

Five Wolverines golfers were named to all-conference teams, and several of those players were honored further during the annual sports award night.

Chandler Longfellow received awards from Coach Tim Flanagan and the conference. Longfellow was picked as the 2013 most valuable player and made it to the Western Class C all-conference's first team.

Daren Wood was named to the all-conference second team and picked up the coaches award along the way. Grant Hefler joined Wood on the second team.

Matthew Craig was picked as the most improved Wolverine golfer and he was also picked to be a Western Class C all-conference team honorable mention. Thomas Anderson was also an honorable mention and given the sportsmanship award for 2013.

If it's November and there's snow on the ground it can only mean one of several things: turkeys are nervous and basketball season is upon the Midcoast.

The Wiscasset High School Wolverines boys and girls basketball teams will start their seasons Tuesday, Nov. 26, with a pair of scrimmages against Maine Central Institute.

The boys junior varsity team will start things off for Wiscasset at 3 p.m. at home. The varsity team tips off at 4:30 p.m., also at home.

The girls team will be on the road against MCI. The junior varsity plays at 5 p.m. while the varsity team plays at 6:30 p.m.

That won't be the only basketball, however; Saturday, Nov. 30 will feature boys boys and girls alumni games. The girls alumni game will be at 5 p.m. Saturday while the boys play at 6:30 p.m.

We hope that by now you are well aware of Boothbay Region Land Trust’s (BRLT) Stewardship Campaign: an effort to raise sustaining dollars for the land trust’s hiking trails, waterfront access, and environmental education. We thank the 264 households who have stepped up and donated generously, contributing $1.9 million toward the $3 million goal.

We have $100,000 to raise before year’s end to meet our public challenge. All challenge gifts will be matched through December 31. A private grant underwriting the campaign expenses means 100 percent of each gift goes straight to BRLT’s endowment fund.

BRLT does not have a mandatory membership, gate or required ticket to hike the preserves, tie up at a mooring or participate in its environmental education program.

Because of this, the land trust has fewer income sources to depend upon so it must rely entirely on the generosity of its residents and visitors; and whenever possible, granting agencies, to fund allof its hiking trails, waterfront access and education programs. A consistent income stream, such as endowment, matches BRLT’s long-term responsibilities and obligations.

So how can you help? Gifts can be made as a one-time donation, spread out over multiple years, or through automatic debits. If you have not made a tax-deductible donation yet, please consider doing so before year’s end. To do so, please pick up a campaign brochure at preserve kiosk, visit the land trust at 137 Townsend Avenue, call 207-633-4818 or visit www.bbrlt.org.

With basketball back in season, Wolverines fans won't have to travel far to catch a Wiscasset game.

Both Wiscasset High School basketball teams will open the regular season at home, with the girls squad kicking things off at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 against Carrabec. The boys will play at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, also against the Carrabec Cobras.

But before either team starts its quest towards Western Class C supremacy, the Wolverines will have early scrimmages.

The boys will host Richmond High School at 4 and 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, while the girls teams will travel to Bath to play Morse at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., also on Tuesday.

It won’t be just the basketball teams starting their seasons; the swim team will dive into season action this week as well.

The swim team will host Cony at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 at the community center in the first meet of the season.

Wiscasset Speedway's options are opening up for next year.

Plans still call for a focus on Saturday racing, but a permit Wiscasset selectmen agreed to December 3 will let the track have other uses and be open Fridays and Sundays.

Selectman Pam Dunning opposed the added days, saying the change would leave neighbors no quiet weekend time to enjoy their yards.

Even on Old Bath Road where she lives, she can sometimes hear the racing, she said.

The track would not be open three days straight, said co-owner Vanessa Jordan. The expanded weekend time will just give the business a chance to consider requests for other events on those days, like a truck pull, she said.

Other than Dunning, no one at Tuesday night’s hearing directly opposed the change.

However, Frank Costa, who lives nearly a mile from the track, urged selectmen and the speedway to bear in mind its impact on the neighborhood.

Costa told selectmen he appreciates the owners' vision for the track; but, this year, the first season since it reopened, he endured hours of noise and burned fuel smells on race days, he said.

“It's just unbelievable ... I couldn't be outside with my family,” Costa said.

He suggested barriers be installed around the track, or other steps be taken, to limit the impact.

Jordan, who owns the speedway with husband Richard Jordan, said the business has worked extremely hard to address neighbors' concerns.

Abuttor Ray Soule came to the speedway's defense.

“They are so well-organized, it's pathetic. They know what they're doing,” Soule said. He has experienced none of the problems Costa described.

“I would be appalled not to see them be able to do what they're asking.”

Selectmen passed the speedway's request 3-1, with Dunning opposed.

Possible new events at the track include a circus, monster truck shows, motor cross, horse events and concerts, according to the Jordans' request.

They're not talking about a concert like 2010's Oxxfest that drew controversy under a prior owner, however; Jordan said in an interview November 29, she and her husband want no part of anything along those lines.

“That's not the direction we want to go in,” she said. “Everything we do is focused on family; otherwise, we don't do it.”

The concert idea would involve a fiddlers' group or something similar, that picnicking families could enjoy, Jordan said.

The track on West Alna Road could become a year-round outdoor venue, the Jordans state in their permit request.

Oxxfest spurred a lawsuit by a couple living next to the track.

A Lincoln County Superior Court justice later barred prior owner Doug White's company from holding any music festivals or concerts that would need special amusement permits.

In a 2012 interview, the neighbors' lawyers said they were unsure if that court order would apply to new owners.

Concerts did not come up as a concern during Tuesday's hearing.

The cost to come watch the races in 2014 will hold at this year's price of $5 a person, ages 6 and under free, to keep it affordable for families, Jordan said November 29.

It didn't take long for the Wiscasset High School boys varsity basketball team to jump out to a lead against Carrabec.

And once they had a lead, they weren't ready to give it up.

The Wolverines never trailed and led wire-to-wire in a 75-53 romp over Carrabec December 7 at home.

The season-opening victory featured three Wolverines players net 13 points to take care of a Western Class C rival.

Leading the way for Wiscasset was Chandler Longfellow, whose inside-outside game was on full display Saturday. The senior scored 13 points to tie with Jennings Souza and Matt Craig for the lead.

Dale Peaslee was able to outrun the Cobras for 10 points of his own, while fellow big man Cainin Griffin netted six points.

Although Wiscasset never trailed, the Cobras were able to keep the game withing striking distance in the first half. After the Wolverines jumped out to an 11-2 lead, the Cobras came back at the end of the first half to make it an 18 to 13 game.

In the second quarter Wiscasset was able to mix in some man-to-man coverage and create turnovers en route to a 32-24 half time lead.

In the second half the team's offense began clicking, with Griffin and Longfellow able to create a spark.

The Maine Games is now seeking applications for their 2014 National Anthem Audition.

We are offering all Maine singers the opportunity to audition before a panel of judges including past winners, for the chance to be chosen as the Maine Games National Anthem Vocalist, and represent our organization around the state and region with their vocal talents and patriotism at events throughout the year. The audition will be held the Kora Shrine Temple in Lewiston on April 19 at 3 p.m.

This amazing opportunity includes the chance to sing at Hadlock Field in Portland prior to a Seadogs home game, at the Maine Shrine Circus, the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic and many other events.

Our online application is very simple to submit. All we require is your contact information and your thoughtful, heartfelt answer to one question: What does the Star Spangled Banner mean to you?

Based on the responses to our essay question, we'll select 20-25 singers to audition live for this amazing opportunity.

This opportunity is open to singers age 10 and up, who are Maine residents.

We require a nominal $5 registration fee (non-refundable) with your application. Those singers invited to audition will receive one free admission ($5 value) to the audition for a family member or friend.

To register, visit www.planetreg.com/2014anthemaudition.

Although they put a late charge into it, the Wiscasset High School girls varsity basketball team was unable to beat the Carrabec Cobras in its December 6 season opener.

Wiscasset was unable to muster much early-game offense, and Carrabec jumped out to a 13 to 4 lead after one quarter. Wiscasset was able to match Carrabec basket-for-basket in the second quarter to bring the halftime tally to 23 to 14.

But Carrabec was able to withstand the Wolverines' second-half barrage and escape Wiscasset with a 55-42 win.

Senior Briana Goud led the way with 15 points for Wiscasset while Alecia Faulkingham netted 10.

For Carrabec, Emma Pluntke scored 11 points, while Hannah Atwood and Mickayla Willette both scored 10.

Wiscasset (0-1) was scheduled to travel to Hall-Dale Monday, Dec. 9 but the wintry weather caused the game to be postponed until 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at Hall-Dale. Wiscasset's next home game is a 7 p.m. (5:30 p.m. for junior varsity) romp on Monday, Dec. 16 against Oak Hill.

Although they were able to go toe-to-toe for most of the game, in the end it was the Oak Hill Raiders who were able to deliver the knockout punch Monday, Dec. 16 against the Wiscasset High School girls varsity basketball team.

Oak Hill was able to pull out a 68-44 win in Wiscasset, but the game was closer than the final score insists.

The Raiders (3-2) and Wolverines (0-4) swapped leads throughout the first quarter as neither team was able to go up by more than three points in the opening frame. At halftime, Oak Hill was able to pad its lead to 29-21.

By the end of the third quarter Oak Hill, behind Sadie Goulet's 15 points and the continued use of the trap and press defenses, was able to take a 43-29 lead. The fourth quarter produced much of the same as Wiscasset was unable to punch through a stout Oak Hill defense.

For the Wolverines, the scoring came from junior Kayla Gordon, who netted 15 points, and senior Briana Goud, who had eight points.

Sweet result for Hall-Dale

In the Saturday, Dec. 14 match-up between Wiscasset and Hall-Dale, it was Hall-Dale's Dani Sweet who soured the day for Wiscasset.

Sweet poured in 16 points as Hall-Dale won, 40 to 24.

Three players scored five points for Wiscasset including Goud, Kasey Cromwell and Tylan Onorato, who also have five steals. Miranda McIntire added nine rebounds in the loss.

Madison trips up Wolverines

For a second consecutive game, the Wiscasset High School girls varsity basketball team featured an aggressive defense that was able to stop its opponent in spots.

Unfortunately, the results were also unchanged for the second consecutive game.

The Wolverines (0-2) were unable to muster enough offense on December 11 and fell, 46-28, to the Madison Bulldogs (2-1) in Madison.

The Wolverines were led by Onorato, who netted seven points, including her first three-pointer of the young season.

Goud again had a solid game for Wiscasset, as she netted six points. Gordon also added six points while classmate Hanna Foye added four points.

For Madison, it was Bronte Elias leading the way with 13 points. Alex Jarvais and Kirsten Wood each had seven points for the Bulldogs.

It was again a close game in the early frames, as Madison held only a 9-8 advantage at the end of the first quarter. Wiscasset would almost match baskets again in the second quarter and went into the second half with only a 22-19 disadvantage.

In the second half, the Bulldogs were able to out pace the Wolverines, who managed only nine points to Madison's 24.

Chewonki’s announced December 18 that it would be partnering with Grain Surfboards of York to launch a new 3 1/2 week Surfboard Building Expedition. The program will be offered for the first time this summer at Chewonki’s base in Wiscasset, with the surfing portion of the expedition to take place on the sandy beaches of Nova Scotia. The trip is open to beginner and intermediate surfers and woodworkers.

The coed adventure provides the opportunity for 16- to 18-year-olds to build their own wooden surfboards and then embark on a week-long surfing trip in the warm, inviting waters of Nova Scotia. The inaugural trip will run from July 20 to August 11, 2014. Enrollment is open now and will continue until the eight spots are filled.

“We are proud and excited to partner with Grain,” said Chewonki Summer Wilderness Programs Director Ryan Linehan. “They are known for their expertise in building wooden surfboards, and Chewonki is excited to provide great surfing leaders. This program builds on our long tradition of wooden boatbuilding and travel with teenagers in the Gulf of Maine.”

Linehan noted that the boards will be created using hand tools and methods that stem from traditional boatbuilding practices. During the building process participant excursions will be made to the local beaches near Chewonki to practice surfing. Visits will also be made to the Grain workshop in York to see their operation and meet their amazing staff.

Once the surfboards are ready, participants will embark on an expedition to the beautiful beaches of Nova Scotia. While there, they will learn surf technique, surf etiquette, and how to assess conditions for a lifetime of surfing adventure. At the end of the expedition, participants will take their surfboards home with them to keep forever.

“Grain is proud to begin a partnership with Chewonki to bring new and exciting programs to an already renowned suite of teen programs,” said Andrew Gardiner of Grain. “This partnership is the first of its kind for us and provides for young people to be challenged as designers, builders and adventurers.

“The freedom of surfing combined with the empowerment of building your own board will enhance every student's life, while enriching their teamwork, outdoor and woodworking skills.”

To learn more, visit www.chewonki.org/trips/trip_boardbuilding_expedition.asp.