Bristol Parks and Recreation’s fourth annual Pemaquid Beach Triathlon fundraiser will take place this year on Sunday, Aug. 25. The money raised is earmarked for the construction of a playground at Pemaquid Beach Park.

Race organizers Hannah McGhee of Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, triathlete and Bristol resident Carla McKay, and Lauren Ober of Central Lincoln County YMCA agree that the Pemaquid Beach Triathlon is much more than just a sporting event. “It’s really the community support that makes it special,” McGhee said. “It’s a fun event for volunteers as well as for the athletes, and people love being involved.”

Last year, about 85 volunteers helped with the event, checking athletes in, assisting swimmers by kayak, taking photos, pointing the way along the bike and run routes, serving up post-race snacks, and more. Neighbors who live along Pemaquid Trail, where the run portion of the triathlon takes place, set up two water stations along the route in 2023, played music, and cheered runners on.

Some volunteers support the race in unexpected ways. Bristol resident Susan Foster contributes each year by treating volunteers to a delicious breakfast by Mimi’s at the Beach. Pat Porter of Bristol Parks and Recreation organizes a group of local ham radio operators to help with race safety by covering parts of the bike route where cell service is not reliable.

The event also relies on sponsorship by area businesses. Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust provides organizational support. Bangor Savings Bank, Matthew Hanly and Greg Hardison, Pedego Electric Bikes Boothbay Harbor, and the Contented Sole have stepped up as “Mooring” level sponsors. “Lobster” level sponsors include the Central Lincoln County YMCA, the Ehrenfeld/McKay Family, LincolnHealth, and Sidecountry Sports.

Advertised as “Maine’s most beautiful triathlon,” the Pemaquid Beach Tri is a sprint triathlon, which is the shortest category in the sport. It includes a 400-yard ocean swim off of Pemaquid Beach, a 17.4-mile bike ride around the scenic Pemaquid peninsula, and a 3.1-mile out-and-back run along Pemaquid Trail, a quiet residential street with views of Johns Bay.

Participants may compete as individuals or create a relay team of two or three people. Registration is $100 for individuals and $120 for relay teams, and can be done online at runsignup.com/Race/ME/NewHarbor/PemaquidBeachSprintTriathlon.

Volunteers are still needed, on the beach, in the transition area, within the park, and along the bike and running routes. Volunteer registration is online at https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/ME/NewHarbor/PemaquidBeachSprintTriathlon.

Volunteers will be treated to a delicious breakfast, thanks to Susan Foster, and get a free event T-shirt.

If you have never experienced the grandeur of the Schmid Preserve, or if you want to learn about about the ways of homesteading and farming in early Maine, here is your opportunity! 

On Saturday, Sept. 7 the town of Edgecomb, as part of the year-long celebration of its 250th birthday, is offering a day of activities at the Schmid Preserve located at the end of Old County Road, Edgecomb.  

The Schmid Preserve consists of 766 acres donated by Charles and Constance Schmid to the town of Edgecomb in 1979. It provides public access to miles of trails, streams, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and historic sites. Numerous cellar holes, wells, mines, and stone walls provide glimpses into the lost settlement of Mount Hunger, a tight-knit community that was once large enough to have its own school and store.  

Sept. 7 activities 

• 10 a.m.-Noon and 1-3 p.m.

Master blacksmith and historian, Jeffrey Miller, will demonstrate his craft using a replica 18th century forge to create items that would have been used in the daily lives of early Edgecomb inhabitants. This demonstration will take place at the Schmid Preserve’s parking area located at the end of Old County Road, Edgecomb. 

• Noon

Becky Schaffner and Chris Tanguay, master stone mason, will give a guided tour of stone walls and historic sites on the Preserve. Becky will talk about some of the families who inhabited the area during the 18th - early 20th centuries, while Chris will provide insights into the construction of the stone walls and foundations. The tour will start at the Haggett Field, a short walk from the parking lot on Old County Road. 

So wear comfortable walking shoes, maybe pack a picnic lunch, and make your way to the majestic Schmid Preserve on Saturday, Sept. 7. Then, after visiting the Preserve, stop by nearby Blanchard’s Creamery where you might sample Mount Hunger Mudslide, a special flavor created by the Creamery in honor of the Mount Hunger community and the Schmid Preserve! 

Registration is still open for the 19th annual Westport Island Shore Run 10K Road Race that will take place Sunday, Aug. 18 on bridge-accessible Westport Island, Maine. "Maine's Best Little 10K Road Race" will start at 9 a.m; the 3.5 mile "Fun Walk" will start at 8:30 a.m.  The forecast for this exciting 10K road race is for fair skies and cool weather.  The USATF-certified race winds through scenic pine and fir tree forests and over two bridges spanning inlets to Heal Cove and Montsweag Bay.

The race benefits the Westport Island Volunteer Fire Department, whose members direct traffic and provide logistical and medical support at the race. Over the past 19 years, the race has raised over $33,000 for the Westport Island firefighters! The race will be computer timed by 5K Sports Management for the 19th straight year, and the race course will have water stations and distance markers.  The awards ceremony, raffle prize giveaway and post-race refreshments for the runners and walkers will take place just outside the Old Town Hall.  Race-day registration and the race packet pick up will be held at the Old Town Hall on the Main Road (Route 144) on Westport Island, just south of the Squire Tarbox Inn.  

Our sponsors this year so far: 

Platinum Level - Sheepscot River Marine Service; Maine Yankee; First Federal Savings Bank; First National Bank of Maine.

Gold Level - MGC Law.

Silver Level - Ames True Value Hardware; Bath Savings Bank.; R.E. Blood Boatworks; Sasanoa Brewing; Pamela's World Jewelers. 

Bronze Level - Crossroads Coffee Beans; FormLabs.

For more information, directions to the race course, and to register online, go to: www.westportisland.org.  Come join us for Maine's best little 10K road race!

On Thursday, Aug. 23, Hearty Roots (HR) hosted a gathering on its newly acquired Bremen property to honor the land, express gratitude and appreciation for their donors and supporters, and share the vision for uplifting youth through HR’s nature-based programming. The “First Fire” ceremony was HR’s take on a ribbon-cutting. HR asked guests to contribute one rock to the new fire pit, while Program Manager Josh Leatham demonstrated his fire-starting skills via bow drilling. Deputy Director Jess Donohoe gave ceremonial remarks to the approximately 50 attendees. Olive Pine, an adventure mentor in training, strummed guitar and sang.

“First Fire” was the final celebration of an evening that began with a land acknowledgment by Lauren Cucci, HR therapeutic adventure mentor. “All programs at HR are dedicated to reflection, respect for humans, and respect for the land. In such, and in the spirit of reconciliation, we recognize that we are in the unceded homeland of the Wabanaki Confederacy and acknowledge the Wabanaki people as the traditional custodians for the lands and waters where we work and play. They have cared for this area for tens of thousands of years, and we extend our gratitude to their elders past, present, and emerging.”

State House Rep., and mother of an HR camper, Lydia Crafts spoke of listening to her daughter describe her days at camp when she was asked to rank how much she mattered. Her daughter described it as the hardest thing she had ever done but in the end, the exercise revealed to her, her own importance to herself, her family, her community and the world at large.

Three-year HR veteran Jacqueline Ford recited a soulful poem she wrote for this year’s closing circle, a rite performed at the end of each camp week.

“We’re here today because of you,” spoke HR founder and Executive Director Haley Bezon. “This moment marks a significant and special milestone in the story of HR. A culminating moment in time to celebrate the characters of the first few chapters since our inception.” She continued, “I am an ordinary person, I had a simple solution for an unmet need eight years ago ... to serve our youngest population with a mission to bring back a play and nature-based childhood.”

On hand for the event were two of HR’s biggest contributors. Eleanor Kinney, who sold HR the 114-acre property on Biscay Pond in May said, “I have been conserving land for years, and looking for a way to share. Sharing this land to HR, sharing it with kids was a perfect match. I have always supported nature as the foundation of socio-emotional well-being.” A bench dedicated to her at the firepit has an inscription that reads, “Let nature be the light that shines on your beautiful spirit.”

Adam Burk of Peter Alfond Foundation, donors of a $250,000 match to HR’s capital campaign, said, “I’m super excited to see the support for HR, this community gathering tonight, and all of it coming together.”

“The fire marks an essential piece of this land and what can be grown from here. And each rock from the property has its own story here, just as each of you does,” said Donohoe. Attendees spoke of what HR means to them as they placed their rocks at the fire pit.

HR began in 2017 with the mission to guide youth off the grid and into their hearts. Development of the campus and program offerings continues.

The last weekend in August is widely known as the biggest race weekend of the summer in Maine. Even with the hustle and bustle going on at other local short tracks in the area, Wiscasset Speedway still drew in a hearty crowd for their Group 1 and Enduro program on Saturday, Aug. 24.

The night’s action kicked off with a 30-lap spotlight feature for the Brackett’s Market 4-Cylinder Pros. While Jacobee Thacker took off with the early advantage, defending champion Ben Burgess was quickly making his way through the field. Burgess got the upper hand following an early-race restart, catapulting to the lead. Division rookie, John Ricci, began to come to life at the midpoint of the race. He made his way to Burgess’ inside door on lap 15, challenging for the top spot. Ricci briefly took over, but lost the lead to Burgess following a late-race restart. While battling for position with just 3 laps to go, Ricci lost control and spun around, resulting in a caution. While Ben Burgess pulled away from Jaxson Moreside in the closing laps of the race for the victory, John Ricci made his way back through the field, completing the podium. 

Nick Morton held early command of the 30-lap feature for the Gosline Insurance Group Super Streets. Jason Oakes was also on the move early, clearing Andy Kaherl for second on lap 9 as July “Driver of the Month” Bubba Pelton followed in succession. A mid-race caution brought the field back together and Morton maintained command on the restart while Bubba Pelton maneuvered into the runner-up spot over Jason Oakes. While Morton pulled out to a full straightaway lead in the closing laps of the race, Bubba Pelton and Jason Oakes put on a good battle for second. Pelton finally cleared Oakes with two laps to go, securing the runner-up spot behind Nick Morton, who became the first two-time winner of the season in the highly competitive Super Streets.

Kyle Willette powered to the early lead in the 25-lap Thunder 4 Mini feature while a gaggle of cars behind him battled it out for the runner-up spot. Zach Audet won the battle for second and continued his pursuit in the coming laps, making his way to Kyle Willette’s door on lap 8. Spencer Sweatt joined shortly thereafter, making it a 3-way battle for the top spot. After battling it out for a handful of laps, Audet pulled ahead with the advantage on lap 15. He sailed into the victory while Kyle Willette and Spencer Sweatt rounded out the top 3.

Nick Calvert took off with a sizable early lead in the Norms Used Cars Pro Stocks’ 40-lap feature. Trouble was brewing early as Matt Beers backed into the turn 1 wall on lap 8, which resulted in a brief red flag. Nick Hinkley powered around Nick Calvert on the restart, taking over the top spot. Hinkley extended his lead to a full straightaway in the closing 10 laps of the race, which is where Dan McKeage, Jr. entered the fray. He made his way into the top 3 with just 8 laps to go and continued his pursuit as the laps wound down, overtaking Logan Melcher for the runner-up spot. Hinkley’s win was impactful because it tied him with Dan McKeage, Jr. for the points lead in the division. If the season were to end today, Hinkley would be crowned the division champion based off of wins. It’s going to be interesting seeing how the points battle evolves in the closing laps of the season for the division.

The night concluded with the second Enduro race of the season, which is a 100-lap battle of attrition for non-weekly drivers only. The rules of the race are simple: you cannot be a weekly driver at Wiscasset Speedway, cautions only stop the race when there is a major accident and if you exit the track, you will be eliminated from the competition. Kyle Dorey and Ben Audet were the only 2 drivers to complete all 100 laps, with Dorey beating Audet to the line for the win. Irving Doughty followed, rounding out the top 3. 

Team Wiscasset is now looking forward to their biggest racing spectacle of the season: the Boss Hogg 150! The action-packed 2-day event will begin on Saturday, with the Late Models, Modifieds, Roadrunners and N.E. Dwarf Cars hitting the asphalt. The green flag flies at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31.

The weekend will conclude with the $15,000 to win Boss Hogg 150 on Sunday, Sept. 1. The day’s program, which is presented by Thurlow’s Car & Truck Service, will include the Strictly Streets, NEMA Midgets and NEMA Lites in addition to the Pro Stocks. The racing action kicks off at 2 p.m. on Sunday and as always, adult admission is just $5!

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

With the coming of autumn, September typically brings some very comfortable hiking weather.  To make the most of that, consider joining the Midcoast Conservancy’s Wednesday Wander on Sept. 4 or Saturday Saunter on Sept. 14.  Both walks will be leisurely, start at 10 a.m., and have one if not two Maine Master Naturalists to lead the group and talk about what participants notice and wish to discuss.

On Sept. 4, the group will be ambling along the west side of the West Branch of the Sheepscot River at the Whitefield Salmon Preserve. This is a particularly lovely stretch of the river, with ample opportunity to be close to the water.  Maine Master Naturalists Susan Cottle and Mary Ellen Dennis will be ready to talk about the Sheepscot’s water quality and the ways that quality affects not only myriad plants and animals, but people as well. The group will be meeting at the parking area at the trailhead on the North Howe Road, which is reachable only from the north, from Routes 17 and 32. 

On Sept. 14 the hike will be at the Marsh River Preserve in Newcastle. Protecting 5,500 feet of frontage along the Marsh River, this site offers a mile of woodland trail with beautiful views of the river and salt water marsh. Such marshes are important systems for filtering water, controlling flooding, capturing carbon, and providing habitat for a variety of birds and other wildlife. What will the hikers see on an early autumn walk? Come join a Maine Master Naturalist for a leisurely walk to find out.  Meet at the trailhead, located in a cul-de-sac at the end of Eagle Point Road.  

All are welcome on these hikes and encouraged to wear good hiking shoes or boots. To learn more about the preserves themselves, check out www.midcoastconservancy.org. And stay tuned for the last wanders/saunters of the warm weather season in October—they’ll take participants to some beautiful hills and ledges with spectacular views.   

Anyone with questions about the hikes or about Midcoast Conservancy’s recreational programming can email landmcc@midcoastconservancy.org.  Hope to see you on the trails! 

What began as a passion for figure skating led an East Boothbay man all the way to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Elliot Schwartz, 57, began figure skating as an MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) student. He joined a skating club, and soon discovered he was “the world’s worst adult skater.” But what Schwartz lacked in talent was made up for in his passion for figure skating. Eventually that passion led him into the world of competitive figure skating judging. 

In 1999, he began as a figure skating official and data operator. For the past 10 years, he has judged figure skating competitions. He currently judges competitions ranging from “cute little kids” to the International Skating Union’s World Championships. He has judged events in the U.S., Europe and China. In March, he will be a judge at the world championships in Boston.  “What I do is provide technical assistance to see if the skater performed their jumps correctly by reviewing video replays and relaying the information for scoring,” he said. 

Judging is Schwartz’s hobby. His “day job” for the past four years has been in performance innovation for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic committees. During the Paris Olympics, he worked with U.S. teams involved in the acrobatic sports (gymnastics, diving and artistic swimming). The men’s gymnastics team won a medal for the first time since 2008. Schwartz worked with the team during the qualifying round and team final. Schwartz shared a special moment with them after the medal ceremony. “People were taking pictures, and Brody Malone put his bronze medal around my neck,” he said. 

Schwartz arrived in Paris on July 24, two days before the opening ceremony, and left Aug. 11, a day after the closing ceremony. His spouse Byron Cortez, 55, accompanied him to Paris and worked in the Team USA House as a volunteer.  The house hosts Team USA athletes, coaches, family members, friends and donors. Team USA House was in the historic Palais Brongniart, Paris’ former stock exchange commissioned in the early 19th century. 

As a volunteer, Cortez worked one of two shifts: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Team USA House had restaurants, shops, bars and viewing sections to watch the games. “We assisted the guests,” Cortez said. “We are instructed not to interact with the athletes so they can focus on their events.”

Cortez did have opportunities to interact with a few former Olympic champions. Carl Lewis won nine Olympic gold medals in four past Olympics and visited Team USA House. “He was friendly to everyone there. He spoke to them, and took selfies with anyone who asked,” he said. 

Schwartz also put in his share of long days. He met with the sport performance team at 8 a.m. each day to review past athlete performances and plan for upcoming competitions. Schwartz described the meetings as “problem-solving” exercises and for providing logistical support. “In my case, I was going to many events providing analytical support to our teams and observing the competitions. At night, I would write previews for the next day and send emails to organizational leadership and donors. In some cases, the analysis guides decisions regarding a routine’s difficulty.”

Cortez doesn’t follow sports or athletic events on a regular basis, but he did enjoy his time at his first Olympics. He viewed several events on television in Team USA House. He also attended the Women’s 59kg weightlifting  and volleyball. “It was spectacular,” he said. “The weightlifting moves very fast. The winner weighs 59kg and lifted 138 kg. It was an amazing thing to see.”

In the 59kg women’s competition, Luo Shifang of China won the gold medal. Maude Charron of Canada won the silver. Kuo Hsing-Chun of Chinese Taipei won the bronze. The medal ceremony followed. “You witness the pinnacle of somebody’s life and attending a medal ceremony is a truly transformative event,” Cortez said. 

The next Olympics is the Winter Games in Milan, Italy in 2026. Los Angeles is the host for the 2028 Summer Games. Schwartz and Cortez would both like to participate in those. “I’d hope to fill a similar role there,” Elliott said of the Milan Winter Olympics. “I don’t know yet. There are fewer events, and the U.S. delegation is like 4,000-plus instead of the 11,000-plus for the Summer Games.”

Schwartz worked in a position created by the USOC for the Paris Games, and he isn’t sure if it will return in future games. “The position was created in support of team performance and a director at USOPC (United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee) made the case for me this time around,” he said. 

Schwartz returned home after the Olympics for a short stay. He is heading to New York for a singles and pairs competition the first week of September. He described the competition as “a part of a national qualifying event for international competitions.” Once Schwartz returns home, again, he has specific plans. Schwartz is going to re-watch the Paris Olympics. “I’m really anxious to watch and see what NBC had to say,” he said.

Schwartz also has information about the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Baseball will return as a demonstration sport. It will replace “Breaking” (break dancing). “The Olympics wanted to attract a younger audience with breaking. It’s a shame it didn’t get more coverage,” he said. “I’ve seen competitive breaking, and it’s a lot of fun.”

The mission of this small-town festival, managed by an all-volunteer force, is to bring the community together to celebrate our waterfront and its important nautical past.

The event at 1 Water St. is Saturday, Sept. 21 from noon to 8 p.m. Admission is free to all musical performances. There are activities on the river, children’s games, food trucks, and visit a lobsterboat! Music by The Salty Dogs, Leopard Girls, Pan Fried Steel, and Dam Jam. Dance by the moonlight to the Leopard Girls and watch fireworks!

For the full schedule, visit wiscassetschoonerfest.com

The gray sky held on for parts of Saturday on the Midcoast, but the dry stretch continued, making a fine morning to visit or work along Wiscasset’s waterfront. 

The nip of fall is sneaking into the morning air and that means Race Through the Woods must be coming soon! Register now for Midcoast Conservancy’s 13th annual Race Through the Woods trail race on Sunday, Oct. 6, at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson. 

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

All proceeds from the race are directly donated to Midcoast Conservancy to support their mission of protecting vital lands and waters on a scale that matters and to inspire wonder and action on behalf of all species and the earth. 

Race fees are $40 for the half marathon, and $30 for the 5.5 miler. This race is currently capped at 125 entrants, with a wait list. Long sleeve technical shirts will be available for purchase with registration, with a limited number available for purchase the day of. Prizes will be given to first place finishers (men and women) and in age categories. Prizes will include gift certificates donated by sponsors.

To ensure the safety of all volunteers, racers and spectators, there will be two start times: half-marathon racers will start at 9 a.m., and 5-milers will start at 10 a.m. To learn more and to register, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events-list/race-through-the-woods-oct6.

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

Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust’s fall hikes kick off on Saturday, Sept. 21 with a walk along the River~Link Trail in Newcastle and Edgecomb from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The old farm roads and forest paths of the River~Link Trail traverse the side of Mount Hunger, wind past old stone foundations, and cross beautiful swooded streams. Along the way, the group will compare different habitats and look for animal tracks and signs.

For this five-mile, one-way walk, participants will meet at the River~Link parking lot (located about a quarter-mile south of Dodge Point on River Road), then carpool to the McKay Road trailhead.

The walk is expected to take about four hours and will include a short break for lunch. Participants should bring water, lunch, and whatever snacks they need, and wear comfortable walking shoes that can handle the occasional muddy spots.

This program is part of a series of guided hikes and is offered free of charge thanks to member support. Registration is required at coastalrivers.org/events.

Kids are back in school, the temperature outside is beginning to cool down and the leaves on the trees are beginning to change. Fall is quickly approaching and unfortunately for race fans in New England, that can only mean one thing: the end of the season is near. Fortunately, Wiscasset Speedway still has a couple more weeks of racing before they put a bow on the 2024 schedule. 

The Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Models kicked off the action on Saturday night with an extended 50-lap spotlight feature. Brett Osmond held the early advantage, but succumbed to a hard-charging Chad Dow on lap 16 after battling it out for a handful of laps. Tiger Colby entered the picture shortly after, overtaking Brett Osmond for third before tracking down the leader. It didn’t take Colby long, as he cleared Chad Dow for the top spot less than 10 laps later. Tiger Colby sailed into the victory, his 3rd consecutive in two weeks, as Chad Dow and Chris Burgess rounded out the podium.

Kerigan Glasier took off with a sizable early lead in the 25-lap feature for the Chestnut Auto Roadrunners. Alec Brown was also on the move in the opening laps of the race, clearing Jarody for the runner-up spot on lap 3. He continued his pursuit in the laps following, pulling to Glasier’s outside to challenge for the top spot. A handful of mid-race cautions halted the racing action, but Alec Brown held the upper hand once the field got rolling, taking home his second win of the season. Kerigan Glasier and Dylan York followed, completing the top 3.

Returning competitor Ryan Ripley charged to the early lead over rookie Reed Reno in the 30-lap feature for the T&L Automotive Modifieds. Unfortunately, yellow was the color of the night as multiple cautions plagued the racing action. Ripley continued to lead the charge through the chaos as Reed Reno lingered closely behind. As the laps wound down, point leader Adam Chadbourne and Chuck Colby put on a spirited battle for third. Ryan Ripley soared into the victory, his second in two days after winning on STAR Classic Weekend. Reed Reno followed while Chuck Colby beat out Adam Chadbourne at the line, finishing third.

The night concluded with a 30-lap feature for the Portland Glass Strictly Streets and their final point race of the 2024 season. Melee was brewing early as a pile-up collected multiple heavy hitters including Nate Leavitt, Jimmy Childs and Brady Romano, among others. Once the field settled, it was David Greenleaf that pulled away from the competition. As more chaos ensued in the laps following, Landon Tapley was slowly climbing the leaderboard.

Tapley sailed into the lead following a mid-race restart as point leader Dan McKeage Jr. trailed closely behind. He held strong as the laps wound down, closing out the night with his first career win in the Strictly Streets. Dan McKeage Jr. followed, who successfully picked up his first career championship at Wiscasset Speedway - or any track, for that matter. Zack Emerson followed, rounding out the podium.

It was a night of firsts on Saturday in the Strictly Streets and Team Wiscasset hopes to keep the magic coming as they host their Group 1 Championship Night this Saturday, Sept. 21. Four new champions will be crowned, but who will they be? Stay tuned to find out!

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

Lincoln County teens interested in marksmanship competition, gun safety and Olympic-style experience are invited to consider participating in The American Legion Junior Shooting Program.

It's a three part program that combines the Basic Marksmanship Course, Qualification Awards, and Air Rifle Competition.

Participants in The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program can be any gender, ages 14 through 20. Handicapped youth are encouraged to participate.

Basic Marksmanship Course

Is a comprehensive instruction package for the beginning shooter that has little or no marksmanship experience. The course insures understanding by the student and easy use by the instructor. Gun safety and marksmanship fundamentals are taught through a balanced mix of short lecture or discussion followed by hands-on activity. The package of instruction and support materials include:

Instructor's Guide: Detailed information for the instructor to teach the course.

Student Handbook: Now in its third edition, this popular handbook is a comprehensive reference text for beginning shooters, thoroughly covering the fundamentals of position shooting.

Learning Tools: Six quizzes and a final exam.

Qualification Awards

If an effective job is done presenting the BMC, most graduates will want to keep improving their marksmanship skills. The National Rifle Association provides the Marksmanship Qualification Course for Air Rifle. These courses offer a personal skill development ladder where individual shooters work to achieve established performance standards. For each level of success, a sew-on patch and certificate of achievement are presented. Marksmanship Qualification Course offer family fun and enjoyment that can last a lifetime. Junior shooters may enroll in these programs upon graduation from the Basic Marksmanship Course.

Air Rifle Competition is not a sport which gives an advantage to individuals of great size or strength. Physical fitness and stamina are important, but it is mental toughness and self-discipline which determine success. Competitive shooting is also one of the few sports where men and women can compete as equals. It is truly a sport which is open to anyone willing to practice and to test their shooting skills on the firing line.

The American Legion Junior Position Air Rifle Tournament is an annual tournament that begins with postal matches to determine state and/or regional champions. The next stage is a Qualification Round (also a postal match) to determine shooters who will earn expense paid trips to compete in the National Championship. The National Championship is a shoulder-to-shoulder match held during the summer, and is conducted at the Olympic Training Center/USA Shooting Range Facilities in Colorado Springs, Colo. This is the same facility that our Olympic shooters train and practice on.

To sign up for this year’s Jr. Shooting, contact American Legion Post 36 Commander Robin Ford at 607-2965 by Oct. 15.

Wiscasset’s waterfront festival, Schoonerfest, will provide a day of free dockside fun this Saturday, Sept. 21 from noon until nightfall, concluding with a fireworks display over the Sheepscot River.

After a year off, Schoonerfest in Wiscasset returned as a one-day event Sept. 21. It had reenactors, music, Alna-built schooner Sycamore, Maine’s First Ship’s Virginia, the popularschooner sculptures and more.

Our thanks to Bob Bond of 40 Federal Studio for these photos from the day. 

In their first and only home meet of the season, the Seahawks cross-country team soared. AJ Crocker and Karen Higgins won the boys and girls events, and eight Boothbay Region High School athletes placed in the top five.  

The meet had around 40 total runners from Boothbay, Richmond, Hall-Dale and Spruce Mountain. Boothbay was the only team that placed in the boys event, earning 15 points with a 20:13-minute average. The girls team won against Richmond with 16 points and a 22:41-minute average.

Higgins led the girls with her win in 19:27.15 minutes. Other results were Laura Chapman, second, 20:20.17; Olivia Rittall, third, 23:24.70; Maddie Orchard, fifth, 24:41.95; Maddie Andreasen, eighth, 25:32.55; Sophia Mansfield, ninth, 25:36.28; Lexi Hughes,13th, 30:16.70; Bella Orr, 18th, 33:14.16; and Hanna Kreft, 19th, 35:30.60.  

In his first ever cross-country win, Crocker took first place for the boys with an 18:39.08-minute finish. Other results were Cleyton Splaine, third, 20:01.87; Ethan Clark, fourth, 20:02.23; Lysander Lefevre, fifth, 20:26.65; Thomas Hennessy, ninth, 21:55.74; Ross Gaffney, 10th, 22:20.03; Alex Ross, 11th, 22:28.96; Jackson Zehm, 12th, 22:34.52; Ben Gapski, 14th, 24:49.00; Nathan Percival, 28:12.17; and Neal Baldwin, 20th, 32:42.96.  

Coach Nick Scott said the meet was lower in intensity than the season’s previous races. However, he said it was a good breather before the next two, including the year’s biggest meet, the Festival of Champions in October.

He said the athletes outperformed expectations on their newly expanded home track, partly thanks to the recent dry conditions.

"(It has) this really kind of gritty, true cross-country feel to it,” he said about the course that includes boggy low points, uphill ledge and new material to add extra footing. “Students are loving it. The other teams that came really liked it. So it's good. It's really good.”

Scott said about a quarter of the Seahawks boys and girls broke personal records at the meet, ranging from 20 seconds to almost a minute. He said Chapman beat her record by a “phenomenal” 50 seconds. Higgins, he added, continued her streak of success, breaking 20 minutes at each meet this year. Combined, he said the two will be a “formidable one-two punch in big races.”

“Something's going to have to go sideways to derail our expectations (for the girls), which always is a possibility. But, knock on wood, that is not going to come to fruition, hopefully,” Scott said. “With the boys ... looking at the end of last season and kind of projecting forward, there's nothing that would have made me think that we were going to be as good as we are right now.”

Earlier this year, Scott wasn't confident he would have a boys' team that would qualify for the state championships, which would be the first time since 2008. But Scott said athletic, hardworking freshmen are motivating the team and hitting their stride. 

“When you're first kind of starting off, there's nothing that can really prepare you mentally or physically for that type of consistent distance running,” he said. "... Then, all of a sudden, your feet feel like they're underneath you and you take right off. And I think those guys are reaching that phase, which is really, really cool.”

It’s hard to believe that we could have repeated our amazing Wharton Point good luck from last month but, somehow, we did. We ran a series of errands in and around Brunswick and, without consulting a tide chart, on a whim, we decided to stop off at Wharton Point on our way to our last errand.

Like we did during our August visit, we arrived just as the tide had turned and was going out, revealing more and more of the extensive mudflats at the base of the parking area and shrub-covered hillside.

And just like in August, there was an incredible abundance of birds taking advantage of the food that the bay obviously provides.

Even more surprising to us was how many of the same species were in attendance during both visits. There were black-bellied plovers, though a smaller flock. Greater yellowlegs, too, but no lesser’s this time—the lesser yellowlegs usually disappear from the Maine coast before the greater yellowlegs (a few of which sometimes persist into the winter).

There was one shorebird surprise: pectoral sandpiper that we hadn’t noticed at first until an immature northern harrier, with its richly cinnamon breast and underwings, floated low over the shore, spooking all of the shorebirds into flight. We could hear the plaintive calls of the plovers but also a low “churk.” The twenty-nine black-bellied plovers (yes, we counted them) amassed into a tight-flying flock and circled around a few times before alighting on the mudflats again. As they landed, we noticed one smaller bird among them, a pectoral sandpiper, the source of that other call. With the aid of our telescope, we could see the distinctive, sharply delineated breast-streaking even at a distance.

Egrets and herons were there again as well. And after our cool experience with the egrets at Weskeag Marsh that we wrote about last week ( https://www.boothbayregister.com/article/snowy-storm-marsh/191196), it was a treat to see so many again, only this time more scattered and distant. There were great egrets and snowy egrets and great blue herons up and down the shores.

The terns were all gone now (could some of them be in South America already?) but the ring-billed gulls still packed in to that spot in the hundreds. They really like it there. We mused on whether many of them were from breeding colonies up in the St. Lawrence River near Montreal.

Two species of late-arrival migrant warblers popped up in the bushes there near the parking lot at Wharton Point. Neither would likely have been there in early August. A palm warbler showed off its yellow undersides as it pumped its tail up and down in the characteristic way that they do. Minutes later we heard a distinctive “chuck” and a yellow-rumped warbler landed in the same tree.

The bird show probably continued but it did so without us. Eventually we did have to continue on with our last errand, we left feeling energized and blessed.

How long will this string of good Wharton Point luck go on?

Jeffrey V. Wells, Ph.D., is a Fellow of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Vice President of Boreal Conservation for National Audubon. Dr. Wells is one of the nation's leading bird experts and conservation biologists. He is a coauthor of the seminal “Birds of Maine” book and author of the “Birder’s Conservation Handbook.” His grandfather, the late John Chase, was a columnist for the Boothbay Register for many years. Allison Childs Wells, formerly of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is a senior director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine, a nonprofit membership organization working statewide to protect the nature of Maine. Both are widely published natural history writers and are the authors of the popular books, “Maine’s Favorite Birds” (Tilbury House) and “Birds of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao: A Site and Field Guide,” (Cornell University Press).

The Boothbay Region Elementary School (BRES) middle school cross country teams went to Camden for their second meet of the season Sept. 19. Runners from Camden-Rockport, Oceanside, Lincolnville, Edna Drinkwater, Troy Howard and Searsport middle schools also competed. 

The Wildcat girls finished third overall and the boys finished sixth on the challenging 2.3-mile course. 

Paulie Nadeau-Miller placed second out of 71 runners with a time of 15:31. Stella Koller was the second Boothbay girl to cross the finish line, placing 19th in 19:35.

John Cooper was the first Boothbay boy to cross the finish line, placing 26th in 18:12. Kameron Fowlie was 33rd in 18:34. There were 84 boys competing.

The Wildcats have their one and only home meet Thursday, Sept. 26 at 4 p.m. by the BRES upper playground. 

Wiscasset Middie High School homecoming time has arrived! Please see the attached image for event times and other details. Friday night at 7 is the alumni soccer game! 

An alumni soccer game Sept. 27 was part of homecoming weekend in Wiscasset. Our thanks to photographer Bob Bond of 40 Federal Studio in Wiscasset for these images from Friday night under the lights.

Wiscasset Speedway closed out their 2024 points season on Saturday and celebrated by hosting their biggest Strictly Street race of the year; the Strictly Shootout presented by Thayer’s Automotive. With a guaranteed $600 winner’s payout and thousands of dollars of contingency prizes on the line, 40 drivers showed up to shoot their shot at making it into the big dance.

The racing action kicked off with three extended 12-lap heat races for the Strictly Shootout, where the top 6 drivers from each qualifier would advance into the big show. Dan Brown, Dan McKeage, Jr. and Landon Tapley won these heats while heavy hitters like Jordan Russell, Nate Leavitt, Zack Emerson and others were forced into consolation races.

Ethan Dinsmore won the first consolation race, but was DQ’d after failing technical inspection. This put Zack Emerson, Nate Leavitt and Clyde Hennessey into the Shootout. Former race winner Jordan Russell put on a clinic in the second consolation race, scoring the win over Brady Romano and Derrick Burnham.

The Strictly Streets got a little bit of a breather as the Chestnut Auto Roadrunners took to the stage for their final race of the 2024 season. Ken Turner took off with the early lead and held strong through multiple restarts, picking up his first career win at the speedway. Kyle Enman scored a runner-up finish and the championship in the division after collecting an impressive 6 wins over the course of the season. Alec Brown rounded out the podium, finishing runner-up in the point standings.

Frank Moulton entered the night with a less-than comfortable 28-point lead over Tiger Colby in the Wood Pellet Warehouse Late Models. Fortunately for him, he was able to keep Colby within arms reach during the qualifier and didn’t lose too many points prior to the 40-lap feature. Moulton broke the top 3 on lap 20 of the feature, but Tiger Colby stole the spot away just a handful of laps later. While Colby powered to second behind eventual race winner Shane Clark, Moulton dropped back to fourth. It was still enough to clinch the championship, and he celebrated with a burnout on the front stretch following the race.

The last chance qualifier for the Strictly Shootout followed, with only one driver advancing into the main event. Jeremy Glasier won the LCQ, but opted out of the Shootout. His spot went to Ryan Esancy while provisionals were given to David Greenleaf, Chuck Wagstaff and Dale Lawrence, setting the field.

While the Strictly drivers prepared for the Shootout, the T&L Automotive Modifieds took to the track for their season finale. Adam Chadbourne entered the day with a slim 10-point lead over Chuck Colby, but Colby’s day got off to a nightmare start as he took a hard hit into the turn 3 wall during the heat race. He was able to piece the #87 machine back together for the feature, breaking the top 5 early, but Chadbourne was too far gone. Chadbourne sealed the victory and his 7th career championship at Wiscasset, tying Josh St. Clair and Maurice Young for the most titles in track history. Grandfather-grandson duo, Steve and Reed Reno, rounded out the podium.

The top 12 qualifiers for the Strictly Shootout did a redraw for starting position prior to the start of the event, with Jon Emerson and Dan Brown drawing the front row. Emerson held onto a brief early lead in the feature, but was quickly overtaken by Josh St. Clair. Multiple early-race cautions collected a lot of notable drivers, including Jordan Russell and Clyde Hennessey, among others.

Josh St. Clair held strong through the chaos, leading the charge over Billy Childs, Jr.. 2024 division champion Dan McKeage, Jr. also joined the fray on lap 15, breaking the top 3. Just before halfway, McKeage was able to make a successful pass on Billy Childs Jr., claiming the runner-up spot. 

Josh St. Clair pocketed an additional $200 in winnings by leading the race at halfway and his total continued to grow from there as the laps wound down. Dan McKeage, Jr. was able to give him a bit of a challenge in the closing laps of the race and eventually made his way to the back bumper of the #95 machine, but it was simply too little, too late. Josh St. Clair took home the victory, scoring his second consecutive Strictly Shootout win. He also collected a hearty $3,135 in total winnings. Dan McKeage, Jr. ($915 payout) and Billy Childs, Jr. ($1,520 payout) rounded out the podium.

This year’s Strictly Shootout was bigger and better than ever before and Team Wiscasset would like to thank all of the lap and contingency prize sponsors who helped make the event a smashing success.

With the 2024 points season now in the rearview, Wiscasset Speedway will be closing out their race season by hosting their Fall Fury 150 Enduro in addition to the Wicked Good Vintage Racers and the Ladies Acceleration Series this Saturday, Oct. 5.

A cookout and awards ceremony will follow, celebrating all of this year’s champions. All are welcome to attend. The green flag flies at noon and as always, general admission is just $5 while kids 6 and under are free!

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

After a devastating loss to Sacopee Valley Sept. 20, Boothbay football coach Ed Crocker had a revelation: "No more Mr. Nice Guy." Crocker decided football practices needed more activity, and he decided to push his squad through strenuous daily workouts with less emphasis on X's and O's.

The new philosophy has worked as Boothbay won its second consecutive game Oct. 4, a 52-16 victory over Telstar, 1-4, at Sherman Field. Boothbay used its running attack to take a 20-0 lead in the second quarter. The extra work in practice inspired the Seahawks to score on nearly every possession regardless of time or field position. 

Telstar drove the ball inside the Boothbay 10-yard line in the half's closing minutes only to turn it over on downs. Instead of running out the clock, Boothbay tried for one last score prior to halftime. Telstar intercepted a long Boothbay pass which resulted in a Rebel  touchdown. With about a minute remaining in the first half, Boothbay, again, turned to its passing attack for one more score and found pay dirt. 

From midfield, Quarterback Tyson French launched a pass which deflected off one Boothbay receiver into the hands of another for a touchdown. "I told the guys we wanted one more score before halftime," Crocker said. "I didn't expect a Telstar interception, but that didn't stop our desire to end the half with a score."

The team's hard work in practice has inspired them to work even harder in practice. Captain Aidric Canada points toward the change in focus following the Sacopee Valley game. "We kept pounding the ball down the field. I give all the credit to our line which allows us to move the ball," he said. "After the Sacopee loss, we really focused on harder practices which has really paid off."

Captain Maddox Cusumano also credited the offense's commitment to running the ball in the team's dominant win. "Telstar had bigger players, but our team speed made the difference. They couldn't keep up with us when we ran wide," he said. 

Boothbay (2-3) has moved into fourth place in the Maine 8-man Football Small Conference standings.

Boothbay plays Traip (1-4) in Kittery on Friday, Oct. 11. The Rangers have lost three in a row. Traip's only victory this season was over Telstar, 32-8. 

Anna McDougal said being inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame last month was one of the best moments of her life.

The Wiscasset woman said skiing in the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria was awesome, and a big deal, “but I think this was more of a big deal.”

She loved the Hall’s induction ceremony, including the heavy trophy and the standing ovation she and the other inductees got, McDougal, 45, shared in a phone interview Monday. 

She said her whole family was at the ceremony; so were her ski coach Connie French-Smith, Special Olympics Maine and Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. In a same-day post at x.com, Bellows called McDougal’s induction historic, a first for a Special Olympics athlete in Maine.

Last January, the Hall announced this year’s inductees to be. And McDougal said Monday, as a result of being part of the Hall’s Class of 2024, she has a new friend, fellow 2024 inductee Kissy Walker, the award-winning Husson College basketball coach.

“It’s nice to have a friend I can relate to about sports, someone who understands me,” McDougal said.

In the 2017 Games, McDougal won silver in Alpine novice slalom and bronze in Alpine novice giant slalom. 

Her favorite memories from the Sept. 15 Maine Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, at Portland’s Merrill Auditorium, were having her family there and the standing ovation. “That meant a lot to me.”

Giving her speech, she got to talk about determination, being prepared and her love of skiing, she said. “I think my speech was very powerful because I showed a lot of emotions, and I just wanted to cry, because I was so happy in that moment. And all of the inductees, they were in that moment, too. That’s what I loved about it.”

What’s next for the artist, author and advocate for people with disabilities? McDougal’s latest book, “Ski Dreams,” is still set to come out. McDougal said it will be paired with her earlier autobiography, “A Look Back,” about growing up with Down Syndrome. “Two books in one.”

And she will keep on skiing, for her love of it and always in loving memory of her grandfather Harry Shartar, who was proud of her skiing. 

Over 1,550 runners hailing from Nova Scotia to Rhode Island gathered Oct. 5 to compete in the state’s largest cross-country race, the Festival of Champions in Belfast. Seahawk star Karen Higgins again made strides with a top 10 finish under 20 minutes. The performance helped the girls team take its best finish for the race in school history, according to coach Nick Scott.  

Overall, Higgins took eighth place in 18:36.89 out of a pool of 642 finishers. Other results were Laura Chapman, 103rd, 21:44.12; Olivia Rittall, 118th, 21:56.39; Maddie Orchard, 215th, 23.15.73; Maddie Andreasen, 262nd, 23:56.01; Sophia Mansfield, 289th, 24:19.73; and Lexie Hughes, 562nd, 29:44.47. 

The girls team placed 20th in a pool of 61 teams with an average time of 21:53.83 minutes and 615 points. Mount Desert Island High School won the girls race with 141 points and a 19:52.20-minute average. 

The boys team placed 46th out of 74, with 1,224 points and a 19:30.83-minute average. Portland High School won with a 16:28.64-minute average and 98 points. 

AJ Crocker led the Seahawk boys with a 123rd place overall finish in 18:00.71 minutes. Other results were Cleyton Splaine, 258th, 19:14.72; Ethan Clark, 262nd, 19:18.24; Lysander Lefevre, 350th, 19:58.55; Alex Ross, 474th, 21:01.93; Thomas Hennessy, 507th, 21:14.53; Ross Gaffney, 556th, 21:41.72; Ben Gapski, 653rd, 22:42.98; Nathan Percival, 792nd, 25:27.90; Chase Mansfield, 804th, 26:03.14; and Neal Baldwin, 888th, 34:24.97. Overall, 891 boys finished.  

The next race, and last of the regular season, is scheduled for Oct. 11 at Lisbon.  

After six months of racing excitement, Wiscasset Speedway bid adieu to their 2024 race season on Saturday with their annual Fall Fury event. This year’s program included the Wicked Good Vintage Racers, the Ladies Acceleration Tour and a 150-lap Enduro.

The racing action kicked off with a 25-lap feature for the WGVR Late Models. Addison Bowie was a dominant force until lap 20, where he came to a slow on the track, causing the field to check up. George Haskell took over on the restart and never looked back, picking up the feature victory while Bobby Symonds and Parker Long rounded out the podium.

Alan Dakin held onto the early lead in the 25-lap feature for the WGVR Hobby class, but Bub Dow was steadily tracking him down. A lap car checked up in front of the leaders at halfway, powering Dow into the top spot. Unfortunately, Dakin made hard contact with the turn 3 wall with just 3 laps to go, resulting in a red flag. Gary Seekins was all over Bub Dow in the closing laps of the race, but Dow held him off, securing the victory. Dylan Lancaster followed, completing the top 3.

The WGVR Outlaws were joined by Richard Jordan’s Senior Modifieds for their 25-lap feature, making for a stacked field. Eddie Hughes got a big jump early, but Lyman McKeage was also quick to pick up the runner-up spot. McKeage pulled to Hughes outside on lap 10, overtaking the top spot the following lap. Eddie Hughes reclaimed the lead following a mid-race restart and took off from there, scoring the feature victory. Allan Moeller and Doug Tourtelotte rounded out the podium.

Destiny Overlock powered to the early lead in the 20-lap feature for the Ladies Acceleration Tour 4-Cylinders while Jody Rose quickly overtook Delaney Dunn for the runner-up spot. Overlock set the pace from there, leaving just the top 3 on the lead lap by halfway. She continued her dominance in the laps following, putting Delaney Dunn a lap down on lap 12. Overlock took home the victory while Jody Rose and Delaney Dunn completed the top 3.

Ladies Acceleration Tour founder and director, Betty Nelson, held the early command in the 8-Cylinder feature. Breanna Tucci began reeling her in as the laps wound down, making her way to Nelson’s door on lap 12. The two drivers remained deadlocked to the finish and Betty Nelson held the edge at the line, picking up the feature victory. Nelson disqualified herself following the race, granting Breanna Tucci with the win. Chloe Kiley and Kasie Kolby followed, rounding out the podium.

The racing action concluded with a 150-lap Enduro. Unlike traditional Enduro races at Wiscasset Speedway, weekly and veteran drivers were both allowed to compete in the race. A handful of weekly regulars were in the field, including Logan Melcher, Chip Farrington and Jeremy Glasier, among others. 46 cars started the Enduro and Josh Thurlow led the charge until pulling off-track at halfway due to a flat tire. Jamie Heath took over from there and only 10 cars were left on the track by lap 110. Heath was the only driver to complete all 150 laps and was deemed the initial race winner, but failed post-race inspection. Chip Farrington took home the official race win while Phil Main, Jr. and Gunnar Josselyn rounded out the top 3.

Following the conclusion of the racing action, Team Wiscasset welcomed all of their staff, drivers and season ticket holders to an end-of-year cookout and awards ceremony. There, the track handed out various awards to both drivers and staff. 

Penny Shorette won the “Volunteer” award thanks to her hard work running the Kids Club weekly and spearheading the Racin’ Cancer Walk, which raised over $20,000 this season. Track photographer Jasen Dickey received the “Promoter” award after capturing Wiscasset Speedway beautifully throughout the entirety of the season. Team owner and speedway sponsor Steve Ward also won the “Integrity” award, which honors a member of the Wiscasset Speedway family that exhibits strong moral principles both on and off the track.

The final “Driver of the Month” recipient was also revealed to be Zack Emerson, who joined his son, Jon, as well as Nick Hinkley, Bubba Pelton, and Dan McKeage, Jr. as a candidate for the biggest award of the season, “Driver of the Year”. The award, sponsored by Amsoil Four Season Synthetic, honors a driver that exhibits greatness both on and off the track. The recipient also receives a full-season sponsor of lubricants from Amsoil as well. Dan McKeage, Jr. was awarded the honor after making history this year at the speedway. 

It was later announced that McKeage has also been nominated for “Maine Motorsports Hall of Fame Driver of the Year” and will be recognized at the Hall of Fame banquet on Saturday, November 9th among the other nominees. 

Although the 2024 race season at Wiscasset Speedway is now in the rearview, the track will still be hosting their annual “Trunk or Treat” event on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. and hope to see all the ghouls and goblins in Coastal Maine there!

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

Oct. 5, Cubs and Scouts from Winthrop Troop and Pack 604 cheered on the racers during the annual "Fall Fury Day" at Wiscasset Speedway, got to meet a driver and learn some of the important safety rules and got a chance to be in a pit crew.

Samantha Remington, Scoutmaster and Cubmaster of Troop and Pack 604, said, "Troop and Pack 604 had an awesome day at Wiscasset Speedway. A huge shout out to the Ladies Acceleration Tour for organizing the behind-the-scenes visit for us. The Scouts got to change the tires of Car #12 driven by "Fast Auntie" Kasie Kolbe with help from Pete Kölbe. ‘Jeffrey the Flag guy’ taught them what the different color flags meant. Before heading to the stands, the Scouts received string bags with pictures and autographs of each of the lady racers. Two of our Scouts were selected for prizes for the Wiscasset Kids Club Prize. Thank you Ladies Acceleration Racers, you are all amazing!"

Each year, the Scouts across the nation hold their annual Pinewood Derby where they demonstrate their wood-carving skills and fashion their own race car out of a block of wood. Watching the professional racers will give the Scouts ideas on ways they can improve their car for this coming year's derby. Plus, they enjoyed a day at the racetrack.

Remington added, "The Ladies Acceleration Tour is a group of amazing ladies who organized an incredible, memorable day for our scouts. Thank you to them, Wicked Good Vintage Racing Association and Wiscasset Speedway for a great tour, great race, and great Scout family day."

The Boothbay Region High School cross country team maintained its winning pace through the final meet of the regular season Oct. 11 at Lisbon. Karen Higgins won the girls event and Laura Chapman took second, as they led the girls team to first place. The boys team placed second.

The girls team won with a 23:16-minute average and 21 points. The boys had 54 points and a 20:20 average, while the Lisbon High School boys won with 41 points and a 19:41 average.

Overall, Higgins won the girls race in 19:43.70 minutes. Other results were Chapman, second, 21:23.80; Maddie Orchard, sixth, 24:22.60; Maddie Andreasen, eighth, 25:07.00; Sophia Mansfield, ninth, 25:43.10; Bella Orr, 20th, 34:40.30; and Hanna Kreft, 24th, 39:25.40.

AJ Crocker led the boys in fourth place with a 18:40.30 finish. Other results were Ethan Clark, ninth, 20:08.40; Lysander Lefevre, 11th, 20:30.70; Ross Gaffney, 16th, 21:02.60; Cleyton Splaine, 18th, 21:18.60; Alex Ross, 19th, 21:26.50; Thomas Hennessy, 22nd, 21:33.90; Ben Gapski, 29th, 23:21.10; Chase Mansfield, 35th, 25:47.20; Nathan Percival, 37th, 26:27.60; and Neal Baldwin, 44th, 33:00.80.

The Seahawks' next meet is the Mountain Valley Conference championship scheduled for Oct. 19 at University of Maine Augusta.  

Boothbay football extended its winning streak to three Oct. 11 with a 38-20 victory over Traip Academy (1-5) in Kittery.

The Seahawks are in fourth place in eight-man football Small Conference standings and host No. 2 Spruce Mountain (5-1) at Sherman Field at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18. 

Homecoming field hockey and football games featured the annual recognition of Boothbay Region High School senior athletes and their parents/guardians on Friday, Oct. 18. Each senior was introduced and the athletes gave a carnation, presented by their coaches, to those representing them at the games.

Below are the honored athletes.

Field Hockey

Bailey Lewis (and Cheerleading), daughter of Chelsea Lewis and granddaughter of Brenda Bennett, has played field hockey for two seasons and fall cheering for one season. She plans to attend college to study pre-med for psychiatry.

Ivory Cody, daughter of David Cody and Kate Sullivan Cody, has played field hockey for three seasons. She plans to attend the University of Southern Maine for education.

Magen Burge, daughter of Bill and Shelly Burge, has played field hockey all four years of high school. She plans to study cosmetology at the Paul Mitchell school in Florida.

Lily Nein, daughter of Jason and Melissa Nein, has played field hockey for four seasons. She plans to study cosmetology at the Paul Mitchell school in Florida.

Abbie Clark, daughter of Donnie and Sarah Clark, has played high school field hockey for four seasons. She plans to attend college to study animal science.

Pep Band

Hannah Hills, daughter of Mike and Heather Hills, has participated in pep band for four years. She plans to attend a military academy.

Girls soccer

Anna Gosselin, daughter of Kristen and John Gosselin, has played high school soccer for four seasons. She plans to attend college to study marine biology.

Cross Country

Neal Baldwin (and pep band), son of Sarah and John Baldwin, has run cross country for two seasons. He plans to attend college to study biology.

Laura Chapman, daughter of Kristie Chapman, has run cross country for four seasons.

Chase Mansfield, son of Bill Mansfield and Leah Plummer, has run cross country for three seasons. She plans to attend college to pursue an engineering degree.

Maddie Orchard, daughter of Eric and Jen Orchard, has run cross country for four seasons. He plans to attend college with an undecided major.

Bella Orr, daughter of Derek Orr and Michele Colson-Orr, has run cross country for two seasons.

Cleyton Splaine, son of Margaret Lembo-Splaine and John Splaine, has run cross country for three seasons. He plans to attend college to major in film and media studies.

Football

Ismael Martinez, son of Ryan and Anita Daniels, has played football for one season. He plans to go into the electrical field and the National Guard.

Tucker Davenport, son of Bill and Heather Davenport, has played football for one season. He plans to find employment in the electrical field.

Eric Dodge, son of Eric and Rachel Dodge, has played football for two seasons. He plans to become a lobsterman.

Braden Davis, son of Ben and Danelle Davis, has played football for three seasons. He plans to join the workforce doing construction.

Tyson French, son of Ginny and Steve Arsenault, has played football for four seasons. He plans to get his captain's license.

Spencer Wenners, son of Nicole McKay and Patrick Wenners, has played football for four seasons. He plans to continue his lobstering career.

Aidric Canada, son of Kyle Canada and Erica Moser and stepson to Ashley Canada, has played football for four seasons. He plans to join the United States Coast Guard.

Maddox Cusumano, son of Corinne and Michael Cusumano, has played football for four seasons. He plans to attend Washington State for underwater welding.

Boothbay Region High School (BRHS) celebrated Homecoming 2024 Oct. 15-19 with class competitions and community activities. Throughout the short school week, students participated in themed dress-up days, a pep rally, grade-level competitions, sports events and a bonfire. Thursday night’s Homecoming parade began at 5:45, making a lap from the high school and through the harbor. The week culminated in a Homecoming dance Saturday night at Boothbay Railway Village.

“This is the most enthusiasm I’ve seen, across all classes, in a long time,” said Manon Lewis, faculty advisor to the student government. “They’ve really worked hard.”

Each day, students dressed up reflecting themes selected by student government: Tuesday, pajama day; Wednesday, Soccer Mom or BBQ Dad; Thursday, the grade’s theme; and Friday, pink for breast cancer awareness. Grade themes included: Freshmen, Alice in Wonderland; sophomores, Dr. Seuss; juniors, jungle; and seniors, Vegas casino. Each grade decorated its school hallway and a parade float based on that grade's theme. Judges chose winners for hallway decorations with first place going to seniors, followed by the freshmen, juniors and sophomores. The freshman class won the parade float competition, followed by the juniors, seniors and sophomores.

Tricia Campbell, BRHS principal, said, “Homecoming is a favorite tradition in Seahawk Nation that brings together our students, staff, alumni, and the whole community to commemorate our school spirit, friendships, and the happiness of being part of a treasured shared history. It is a time of celebration, joy and reflection of all things blue and gold. We have had competitions, dress-up days and decorations galore. The school building has been filled with excitement and school spirit. I am so proud to see the students engage in the joy of learning and connection to their school. The students have once again outdone themselves this year with their efforts and enthusiasm!”

The Seahawks flew through the Mountain Valley Conference (MVC) championship cross-country course Oct. 19 at University of Maine Augusta. Boothbay won both team events and Karen Higgins, voted conference Runner of the Year, took first place in the girls race. The win seals the girls’ MVC dominance, as they left the conference season undefeated.   

“On paper, we were going to be good, but I don't think anybody anticipated that this team would be this good right now,” Coach Nick Scott said. "It's really quite remarkable what they have accomplished. I'm exceptionally proud of both their accomplishments, but also in their fortitude and hard work over the last year to get to this point.”  

The Boothbay girls team took first place out of seven with 38 points and a 24:39-minute average, beating second-place Dirigo by 46 points. Hitting milestone checkmarks throughout the season, Scott said the team is poised to be the strongest in Seahawk history.   

“Up until this point in the season, they are definitely the strongest team that we've seen,” he said. “The amount of growth that we have seen from these same runners a year ago to now is really quite extraordinary.”  

The Seahawk boys won with a 21:08-minute average and 67 points, eking out their victory against Lisbon who had 69 points. Overall, nine boys teams competed, and the top three were within three points of one another.  

Scott said the race was tight enough that if they had to do it over, the win could be a toss up. However, he said the boys knew the stakes going in, and they executed their plan in a testament that every point matters.   

“Those guys ran just absolutely bonkers out of their mind,” he said. “(I’m) really proud of that because if any one of them had slipped up even a little bit, we wouldn't have won.”  

In the individual race, Higgins won the girls event in 20:57.70. Other results were Laura Chapman, third, 22:59.00; Maddie Orchard, 11th, 26:08.60; Olivia Rittall, 13th, 26:14.30; Maddie Andreasen, 17th, 26:57.00; Sophia Mansfield, 21st, 28:01.20; Lexi Hughes, 40th, 34:10.30; Sarah Harris, 47th, 36:16.30; Hanna Kreft, 52nd, 39:00.50; and Camden Peck, 59th, 42:30.50.   

AJ Crocker led the Seahawk boys with a third-place finish in 19:46.20. Other results were Ethan Clark, ninth, 20:49.10; Lysander Lefevre, 14th, 21:15.40; Cleyton Splaine, 21st, 21:47.30; Ross Gaffney, 27th, 22:04.60; Thomas Hennessy,35th, 22:57.40; Alex Ross, 39th, 23:44.00; Ben Gapski, 60th, 25:51.60; Nathan Percival, 61st, 26:10.30; Chase Mansfield, 66th, 27:41.60; and Neal Baldwin, 84th, 34:38.40.   

While conditions were perfect with blue skies, dry trails and crisp, 60F air, race times were a little slow. According to Scott, that was due to an error in the course markings: Runners all ran the same race, but it was marked at 3.35-miles long, instead of the normal 3.1 miles.

The Southern Maine Class C regional championships are Oct. 26 in Cumberland. Scott said, by this point, both teams have adjusted their strategies. They have moved from intense and exhaustive training that leaves runners drained, to focusing on refinement.   

"We're not looking at pushing that bar real hard anymore, right? We're just refining all of the hard work that we've done to make our legs feel a little lighter and a little stronger and kind of ready to rock and roll on race day.”

In celebration of national “Take a Hike” day, Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust naturalist Sarah Gladu will lead a hike at Salt Bay Farm in Damariscotta from 2 to 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18. 

Taking a leisurely pace through the rolling hayfields alongside Great Salt Bay, the group will visit ancient shell middens, look for late migratory birds, and visit the salt marsh in hopes of spotting signs of mink and other wildlife.

One of few intact saltwater farms in the Midcoast and a regional birding destination, this 146-acre preserve encompasses diverse habitats. Features include salt and restored freshwater wetlands with an observation platform, a popular sledding hill, and trails through forest and meadow along Great Salt Bay, Maine’s first Marine Protected Area. It is also the home of Twin Villages Foodbank Farm. 

Due to the number of visiting school groups and other programs that take place at Salt Bay Farm, it is one of a handful of Coastal Rivers preserves where hunting is not permitted.

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

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

The Boothbay Seahawks presented six individuals awards Nov. 6 during their season-ending 8-man football ceremony. The following players were recognized for their outstanding performance: Griffin Yereance, Lineman of the Year; Shawn Gamage, Coach's Award; Tyson French, Offensive Player of the Year; Maddox Cusumano, Most Valuable Player; and Aidric Canada, Defensive Player of the Year. 

Coach Ed Crocker also announced players named to first and second Campbell Conference teams. Canada received all-conference defensive first-team honors. Cusumano and Yereance received all-conference offensive second-team honors. Five players received all-conference honorable mention honors: Yereance, offensive line; Gamage, defense; French, quarterback; Cusumano, defensive end; Wenners, receiver; and Canada, running back. 

When Fred Wilson planted spruce trees on his farm in western Massachusetts, he likely did not picture what would become of them. Decades later, a particularly robust specimen was crafted into the main mast for a 38-foot sailboat handmade by his great grandson whose journey has made him an internet celebrity.

In November, Stephen Denette dockedArabella at Barters Island before heading south, hosted by local sailing enthusiast Peter Neidhardt. Denette powered up a small generator and set up a mobile shop on the dock as he made repairs with the help of two team members. They worked on varnish, rigging, wiring and a few other repairs to the two-masted vessel. Denette said he has come a long way since he started, with no boatbuilding or sailing experience.  

He described the idea to build a boat as a tickle in the back of his brain, but it wasn't until he was in his 30s that he pursued it. When Denette was a kid, he was fascinated with wooden boats off the coast of Hermit Island, where his family would vacation. Later, on a family trip to Cape Cod, he picked up a book on wooden boat plans and couldn't put it down.  

“I just kept reading and reading and reading,” he said. “Then in 2015, I turned 30 and sat down and did some life reflection and decided that I wanted to build a boat, and I wanted to go cruise and adventure.” 

Rather than buy a boat or a kit, he began working on Arabella using mostly wood from his family’s property, much of it planted by his ancestors. From harvesting and milling lumber to smelting metal for a 9,500-pound keel, he and a small team built the boat and documented it on YouTube. Denette’s channel has earned a strong fanbase with over 170,000 followers, and has helped fund the project.  

Denette said one of the most rewarding things about the experience has been the people he met through it. About a year and a half before launch, his mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He was torn. “I had this really big pull of wanting to be there for her and be a part of that whole process. But at the same time, I really wanted to finish the boat and really wanted to have my mom see me complete that, and for her to be at launch,” he said.  

He told his YouTube channel what was going on, and money and support poured in. He gathered enough funds to hire six full-time workers, and finished the boat when his mother was in decent health. In 2023, on the docks of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, the Arabella launched to cheers from a crowd of supporters.  

“That's been really amazing. I never imagined in a million years that it would become quite that. And the number of people who've reached out over the years, and following this endeavor has helped them in some way, shape, or form in their lives. That's been really mind-boggling. I never imagined that,” he said.  

Now, with more sailing experience under his belt, Denette said Arabella turned out to be a success. He chose a design that would be simple, seaworthy and sturdy: a William Atkin-designed, 38-foot ketch patterned after classic Norwegian lifeboats.“Their whole motto was individualized plans for unregimented yachtsmen. And I'm surely unregimented."

Denette has sailed the boat from Massachusetts to Maine, and it was most recently in Rockland before coming to Boothbay. He said he and his partner, Robin, are avid mountain bikers, rock climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts. So, they try to stop where there are activities for them. He plans to head to Massachusetts next before a winter trip to Puerto Rico and preparing for a voyage to Newfoundland in the summer.  

To learn more about Arabella and its journey, visit Youtube.com/@AcornToArabella 

Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 28, communityorganizers invite all ages to join the 2024 Boothbay Region Turkey Trot at Boothbay Region High School (BRHS).  

The eventbegins at 9 a.m., and registration opens at 8. There is no fee but donations are encouraged. Proceeds go towards food closets at both BRHS and the elementary school. 

"This is a very ‘feel good event,’ said co-organizer and Boothbay Harbor Police Officer Larry Brown. “It is an opportunity to connect with others, it provides funds for a very worthwhile cause, the food closets at our schools, and participants will not feel so bad about stuffing themselves later in the day as they already have burned off some calories.” 

Brown said the run and walk are for all ages and athletic ability, and he encouraged both individuals and familes to participate. He added the trail is a mix of hills and flat sections through fields and woods; the trails are mulched and graveled, and he has personally been clearing leaves off the path in preparation.  

Boothbay Region YMCA started a turkey trot in 2012 and last hosted the event in 2022. In 2023, a race on Ocean Point was organized by community members, but the need for parking and facilities becameapparent. This year, Brown and BRHS teacher Nick Scott decided to organize the race on school grounds.According to Brown, the YMCA was happy to pass the torch. In anticipation of future events, organizers will also be unveiling a turkey mascot at the race and are looking for a name. 

The race takes place on a new trail at the high school, organized and paid for through community efforts. There will be a starting ceremony at 8:45 to recognize those who contributed,including Hammond Lumber, the Rotary Club and the Lions Club. Dave Parkhurst, Mike Harrison and Clayton Pottle will be the honorable starters for the event in recognition of their impact on the community and its youth. 

The Wiscasset Wolverines will host the Boothbay Region Seahawks and other boys and girls basketball teams at the second annual Turkey Tip-Off tournament on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 22 and 23.

Games will be played at Wiscasset Middle High School (WMHS) and Wiscasset Community Center (WCC). Each team is guaranteed two games. The games will be two 20-minute halves and the time will stop during the last two minutes of each half on any infractions.

Admission will be $6 per person. Those 12 and under will be admitted free.

The boys tournament will be played on Friday. The schedule is as follows:

G1 Boothbay vs. Old Orchard Beach (WCC), 3 p.m.

G2 Oak Hill vs. Wiscasset (WMHS), 3 p.m.

G3 Morse vs. Buckfield (WMHS), 4 p.m.

G4 Dirigo vs. Lisbon (WCC), 4 p.m.

Consolation: Loser of game 1 vs. loser of game 2 (WCC), 5 p.m.; Loser of game 3 vs. loser of game 4 (WCC), 6 p.m.

Semifinals: Winner of game 1 vs. winner of game 2 (WMHS), 5 p.m.; Winner of game 3 vs. winner of game 4 (WMHS), 6 p.m.

Final: Winners of game 5 and game 6 (WMHS), 7:15 p.m.

The girls tournament will be held Saturday. The schedule is as follows:

G1 Boothbay vs. Lisbon (WMHS), 8 a.m.

G2 Old Orchard Beach vs. Wiscasset (WMHS), 9 a.m.

G3 Morse vs. Buckfield (WMHS), 10 a.m.

G4 Oak Hill vs. Dirigo (WMHS), 11 a.m.

Consolation (Games will be played at WCC): Loser of game 1 vs. loser of game 2, 11 a.m.; Loser of game 3 vs. Loser of game 4, 12:30 p.m.

Semifinals (Games will be played at WMHS): Winner of game 1 vs. winner of game 2, noon; Winner of game 3 vs. winner of game 4, 1 p.m.

Final: Winners of games 5 and 6, 2:15 p.m.

Now that the trees are bare, and some mornings start off frostily, Midcoast Conservancy is offering a variety of ways to explore the changing landscape and light at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson.

“Winter Trees and Lichens” is the theme of a walk-and-talk Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to noon. When exploring the woods of Maine, knowing the names and identifying features of the ecology around us allows for a deeper understanding of the landscape. This can be easy in summer when flowers are in bloom and trees have all their leaves, but becomes a challenge once the blooms are gone and the branches hang bare. But here in Maine, trees are leafless half the year. While winter makes tree identification more difficult it also makes noticing the unique and beautiful lichens that adorn these trees more noticeable. From flat patches of crustose and leafy circular foliose, to the lovely hanging fruticose varieties, lichens appear everywhere once one learns to spot them.

Maine master naturalist Heather Hardy will help attendees to focus on learning to identify the most common trees and lichen types at Hidden Valley Nature Center. This program will involve an easy walk along the trails with frequent stops to talk, observe and learn. Participants of all ages are welcome; to register, go to https://bit.ly/treeslichens. 

On Sunday, Dec. 15, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., hikers are invited to enjoy an evening illuminated by the glow of the full Cold Moon. This is an opportunity to discover a new way of being in the woods, when sounds become more pronounced and sight takes a backseat to other senses. The group will take moments of silence to listen for owls and nocturnal foragers along the trail, chat while hiking and revel in the brightness of earth's closest celestial friend.  

The guide will lead the group on a moderate hike of 2-3 miles along some of the many trails at HVNC. Register at https://bit.ly/fullcoldmoon.  

Usher in the new season with a Winter Solstice Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. On the 21st, the winter solstice marks the longest night of the year and the official start of winter, after which the days will gradually get longer. Winter Solstice has been celebrated around the world for thousands of years with fires, singing, lantern light and shared food. Join with others around a community fire at HVNC to warm bodies with wassail and sugar baked apples, raise voices in song, and enjoy a solstice story. Whatever the weather, celebrants will welcome in the winter together! More info and registration are available at https://bit.ly/HVNCsolstice. 

Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust naturalist Sarah Gladu will lead a hike at Keyes Woods Preserve in Bristol from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13.

The trail at Keyes Woods Preserve follows a meandering route through the forest, along a hemlock-shaded stream and down to the shores of the Pemaquid River. Gladu will offer tips on identifying trees in winter and point out signs of animals preparing for winter.

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. Wildlife such as deer, porcupine, and ruffed grouse are abundant.

The preserve also has a number of interesting historical and geological features, including old stone foundations, stone walls, and glacial erratics.

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

Coastal Rivers’ next guided hike will take place at Pemaquid Pond Preserve in Bremen on January 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.org or visit coastalrivers.org.

Former Boothbay Region High School standout basketball player, Bobby Deetjen of Boothbay Harbor, was recently inducted into the University of Maine at Farmington Hall of Fame. He and four others were honored at a ceremony on Nov. 22 at UMF.

Deetjen, a member of the 2001 Class C champion Seahawks boys basketball team – the only BRHS boys team to win a basketball championship -- was a four-year standout under UMF head coach Dick Meader from 2001 to 2005, according to the UMF Athletic Department’s press release. A versatile forward, he played a style of basketball that was ahead of its time, stretching the floor by pulling taller defenders away from the rim while also posting up against smaller opponents. A member of the 1,000-point club, Deetjen finished his career with 1,293 points, placing him 13th on the all-time scoring list. On defense, he recorded 76 blocks, ranking 5th all-time. During his career, Deetjen earned the Sunrise Conference Rookie of the Year and the Maine College Basketball Coaches and Writers Association Rookie of the Year honors in 2001-2002.

A defining trait of Deetjen's playing career was his consistency and versatility. He possessed the unique ability to shoot from the perimeter against taller defenders while also posting up and creating mismatches against shorter ones. Throughout his four-year career, Deetjen maintained a shooting percentage between 41% and 45%, averaged between 11.6 and 14.32 points per game, and recorded around seven rebounds per game each season.

After graduating from UMF in 2005, Deetjen earned a master's in educational leadership from the University of Maine. He is currently the director at the Mid-Coast School of Technology in Morrill, Maine.

Besides Deetjen, other UMF honorees inducted into the Hall of Fame were basketball players Travis Magnusson '06, and Karen (Sirois) Magnusson '07, baseball player Zac Reed '04, and athletic administrator Julie A. Davis.

Midcoast Conservancy is providing affordable, quality cross-country ski leases of high quality skis, boots, and poles for kids and adults. After being sized for the gear at one of three fitting sessions, skiers keep their gear for as long as the snow lasts, so they can ski on great equipment wherever and whenever they want. 

There will be three fitting sessions in December and January in three locations to provide options for participants. The first fit session will be Dec. 18, 3:30 to 6 p.m., at the Edgecomb Eddy School, 157 Boothbay Road in Edgecomb. The second session will be held on Jan. 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Welcome Center at Hidden Valley Nature Center, 131 Egypt Road in Jefferson. The final session will be on Jan. 8, 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the CLC YMCA at 525 Main Street in Damariscotta. It is highly recommended to come to one of the earlier sessions if possible in order to have access to the fullest inventory of sizes.

In addition, Midcoast Conservancy will sponsor the Hidden Valley Ski Club for all ages–youth and adults. The Club will start Sunday, Jan. 5 and run each Sunday morning until Feb. 16 (and beyond depending on conditions). Cross-country skiers of all ages and abilities can gather Sunday mornings for a community ski club at Midcoast Conservancy’s Hidden Valley Nature Center. Whether a skier is someone who has always wanted to learn to cross country ski or someone who has skied before but could use some new skills, staff will meet participants where they are in a fun, no-pressure environment. And for those who love cross-country skiing but have kids slowing them down, instructors will teach the kids while parents head onto the trails with new friends.

Hidden Valley Nature Center has miles of multi-use trails great for skiing; the trails are rolled and groomed all winter and the fire pits at the Barn offer a place to warm up between runs. Lease packages are $70 per person. For more information, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events.

The Seahawks indoor track team has high hopes this year thanks to the returning athletes and influx of fresh faces that bolster a robust roster. Coach Nick Scott said the season is off to a “tremendous start,” partly thanks to the over 30 students that make up the largest team ever.  

“We're just super excited about the season,” Scott said. “It's shaping up to be, I think, the best indoor track season in school history.”  

Scott said the main goal is to qualify as many athletes as possible in the state championships. The Mountain Valley Conference, the Boothbay Region High School’s (BRHS) regular division, does not host indoor track. Because of that, their only championship opportunity is at the state level, competing against some schools with around up to 700 students.  

Scott said such a full team will allow the Seahawks to participate in most events, including running, sprinting, jumping and throwing shot put. Their numbers will help improve their chances, and Scott said he hopes this will be their best year yet.  

“Traditionally, we finish at or near the bottom because we have a small roster and aren't able to throw a lot of events. We just have some individuals that score well, and so we score some points,” he said. “This year, I think we're looking to improve upon that and at least see how high we can finish up in the regular season at any given meet.” 

Cross-country standout Karen Higgins is poised to lead the girls, followed by Rose Campbell, who qualified for states her freshman and sophomore years. For the boys, AJ Crocker is also coming off a strong cross-country performance. However, much of the team is made up of undergraduates, and many come from a large freshmen class. Scott said he looks forward to watching them grow alongside the program.  

“It's just a really good sign for the program moving forward over the next handful of years. It's very exciting,” he said. 

This year’s team roster is made up of seniors Neal Baldwin, Eddie Carpenter, Abbie Clark, Blaze Dube (Wiscasset), Bailey Lewis, Chase Mansfield, Maddie Orchard, and Cleyton Splaine; juniors Logan Bourne, Campbell, Ross Gaffney, Lysander Lefevre, Kora Mckenney, and Nathan Percival; sophomores Jacob Charlton, Crocker, Higgins, Lexi Hughes, Sophia Mansfield, Casey Phelps, and Sabine Pochee; and freshmen Olivia Carlson, Maggie Curtis, Colby Doucette, Isaac Fanslau, Natalie Flagg, Ben Gapski (Wiscasset), Aron Geddes, Silas Kaler, Daegen Marshall, Jess Raburn, Moriah Smith and Zuri Smith. Scott, Josiah Winchenbach, Caitlin Sheppard, and Josh Higgins coach the team.  

The team’s first meet is scheduled for Dec. 20 at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham.

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

On Saturdays in January and February, when snow cover and weather allow, Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust is hosting pop-up sledding parties at Salt Bay Farm from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Volunteers will have a campfire going and will serve hot cocoa, courtesy of Bangor Savings Bank, along with marshmallows for toasting. There will be sleds and snowshoes available to borrow.

Sledding parties are free of charge. Coastal Rivers will make a decision on the Friday before about whether or not to go ahead with the sledding party and will post updates on their website and on their Facebook page. For more information go to coastalrivers.org/events.

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

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

To say Boothbay Region High School's first indoor track meet of the season went well is an understatement. At the Dec. 20 meet in Gorham, Seahawk athletes placed top five in 12 events, five studentsqualified for the state championships in 10 total events, and the Seahawks broke five school records.  

“It was fantastic,” said coach Nick Scott. "It was unlike anything that we've had to date.” 

Karen Higgins set school records in the 800-meter and two-mile events and Rose Campbell set school records in the 55-meter and 200-meter dashes. Higgins won the two-mile run, and both athletes automatically qualified for state championships.   

Moriah Smith provisionally qualified for the 55-meter and 200-meter dash, AJ Crocker provisionally qualified for the two-mile run, and Ben Gapski from Wiscasset provisionally qualified for the long jump, triple jump and 55-meter hurdles. Gapski also set a program record for the triple jump.  

Scott said the main goal for the season is to qualify as many athletes as possible in the state championships because of the divison structure, and the plan is working. “The first meet lived up to and exceeded expectations, and we're just really looking forward to the rest of the competitive season,” he said.  

Results for the girl runners were: Jess Raburn placed seventh in the junior 55m hurdles in 13.11; Moriah Smith took fifth in the junior 55m dash in 8.16; Campbell and Kora McKenney placed second and 21st in the senior 55m dash in 7.92 and 10.44; Abbie Clark took fifth in the senior 400m dash in 1:13.28; Higgins, Zuri Smith and Olivia Carlson placed fourth, ninth and 16th in the open 800m run in 2:30.51, 2:53.09 and 3:13.65; M. Smith placed third in the junior 200m dash in 29.02; Campbell placed third in the senior 200m dash in 28.79; Higgins won the open two-mile run in 11:58.99; and the relay team placed third in 2:06.14.   

Z. Smith and Raburn placed third and sixth in junior shot put with 21-8 and 19-0.25; Campbell placed seventh in senior shot put with 24-1.25; Z. Smith placed fifth in the junior high jump with 4-4; Raburn placed 18th in the open long jump with 8-2.50; and M. Smith placed third in the open triple jump with 29-5.75.   

For the boy runners, Aron Geddes, Daegen Marshall, Casey Phelps and Silas Kaler placed eighth, 14th, 25th and 30th in the junior 55m dash in 7.72, 7.85, 8.73 and 9.33; Chase Mansfield, Neal Baldwin and Logan Bourne placed 23rd, 25th and 27th in the senior 55m dash in 8.73, 9.09 and 9.75; Gapski placed third in the senior 55m hurdles with 9.75; AJ Crocker, Cleyton Splaine and Colby Doucette placed eighth, 17th and 29th in the open one-mile run in 5:16.80, 5:34.12 and 6:33.38; Lysander Lefevre took 11th in the open 800m run in 2:36.53; Daegen Marshall and Geddes placed 11th and 12th in the junior 200m dash in 28.37 and 28.70; Mansfield and Baldwin placed 18th and 19th in the senior 200m dash in 32.18 and 33.72; Crocker, Splaine, Ross Gaffney and Nathan Percival placed third, ninth, 11th and 12th in the open two-mile run in 11:16.16, 12:22.15, 13:19.08 and 14.25.27; andthe relay team placed sixth in 1:58.60.  

Phelps, Kaler and Doucette placed seventh, 14th and 17th in junior shot put with 28-9.5, 22-5 and 21-0.75; Bourne, Baldwin and Mansfield placed 10th, 14th and 15th in senior shot put with 31-1.25, 26-9.25 and 24-11.75;Gapski and Geddes placed fourth and sixth in the open long jump with 18-0.50 and 16-5.50; Gapski placed second in open triple jump with 36-5.  

The Seahawks' next meet is scheduled for Jan. 4 in Gorham.  

Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust naturalist Sarah Gladu will lead a gentle winter walk at Pemaquid Pond Preserve in Bremen from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11.  

The wooded trail is mostly flat, and culminates at a lovely lookout on Pemaquid Pond. On the way, Gladu will point out animal tracks and signs of Maine mammals such as snowshoe hare, porcupine, weasel, white-tailed deer, and fox. 

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

During school vacation in February, Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust is offering a three-day session of camp at Coastal Rivers’ Salt Bay Farm in Damariscotta for those who enjoy outdoor adventures such as exploring the outdoors, learning about wildlife, playing games, and building snow creatures. Vacation Camp runs from Tuesday through Thursday, Feb. 18-20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

This camp session is for ages 7 to 11 and will offer a wide variety of activities, including using a microscope to look at snowflakes, dissecting an owl pellet, searching for animal signs in the forest, sledding and snowshoeing (if there is enough snow), and sowing native plant seeds.  

Participants will need to bring snacks and lunch, and be prepared to be outside for most of the day. Coastal Rivers can provide outdoor clothing for anyone in need as long as requests are made by February 11.  

Registration is required by Feb. 10, although earlier registration is recommended as this program is expected to fill quickly. Tuition is $180, or $160 for Coastal Rivers’ members. Scholarships are available for all programs. Gift certificates for these camps and Camp Mummichog, Coastal Rivers’ summer day camp, are also available to purchase. 

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