Down-Mountain and Cross Country: 140 Years of Skiing in Maine

YORK –
Maine’s skiing history goes back farther than any other New England state. A Mainer wrote America’s first book on skiing. A Maine company built the world’s tallest ski jump and the first chairlift in the East. Two Maine manufacturers were leading producers of skis in the mid-20th century. Two dozen Maine skiers have competed or coached at the Olympics. Maine has hosted five ski, snowboard and biathlon competitions at the World Championship and World Cup level.
These are a few facets of a narrated digital slideshow recently produced by the Ski Museum of Maine. The show, titled “Down-Mountain and Cross-Country: 140 Years of Skiing in Maine,” will be presented Thursday, January 8 from noon to 1 p.m. and again from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Museums of Old York’s Remick Barn, 3 Lindsay Road, York, Maine. For directions, visit their website at www.oldyork.org.
Approximately 130 photos – some more than a century old – have been assembled from the Farmington-based museum’s collections and more than 40 other sources, including the Museums of Old York.
Photos to be presented cover the entire span of skiing in Maine, from the founding of Aroostook County’s Swedish Settlement in 1870 to present-day happenings all over the state. Locations that were historically important to the development of skiing include Aroostook County, Auburn, Bethel, Bridgton, Carrabassett Valley, Farmington, Fryeburg, North Berwick, Portland and York. Competition subjects include ski jumping, cross-country, alpine, freestyle and biathlon.
The story of Big A, the ski area that operated on Mount Agamenticus during the 1960s and 1970s, will be a prominent subject. The 692-foot mountain was proposed as a ski area shortly after World War II. When actually developed during the 1960s, Big A sported a chairlift, T-bar and rope tow. Other local subjects include Hussey Manufacturing Company of North Berwick, which built the first chairlift in the East and the world’s tallest ski jump.
The narrator will be Scott Andrews, a Portland-based ski journalist and director of the Ski Museum of Maine who assembled the photos and performed much of the research.
“Skiing has been part of the Maine way of life since the late 1800s, offering recreation and competition to both residents and visitors,” says Andrews. “The museum’s objective is to feed the passion of Maine skiers and to illustrate the significance of our sport to our state’s lifestyle and economy.”
“Down-Mountain and Cross-Country: 140 Years of Skiing in Maine” is sponsored by the Maine Community Foundation, the Ski Maine Association and the Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Club. It is presented by the Museums of Old York and the York Public Library.
Photo Caption: The building at the top of Mount Agamenticus was once a thriving ski lodge in the 1960s and 1970s. (Courtesy photo)

A Perfect Gift for Christmas, Maine Diner Hits Two Major Milestones

By Magen Petit
Staff Columnist
WELLS –
Despite a time of hardship and an economic meltdown, Governor John Baldacci helped the Maine Diner, located on Route 1 in Wells, celebrate its 25th anniversary as well as its five millionth customer on Wednesday morning.
“To have our five millionth customer while we are celebrating 25 years of business is pretty amazing,” said Myles Henry, co-owner of Maine Diner with his brother, Dick. “Dick and I never fathomed it would be this way when we first opened.”
What a wonderful surprise it was for South Berwick residents Dick Dionne and wife of 49 years, Dede, to become the Diner’s five millionth customer. The two were without power since last Friday and finally regained it Tuesday night due to last week’s ice storm.
“It was a complete surprise,” said a very thrilled Dede. “Someone came out to greet us and I thought maybe we parked in the wrong parking spot! This really makes it though, because we had to throw out a lot of food [with the power outage]...”
Upon walking through the doors of the Maine Diner, the Dionne’s were instructed to pick a name from a box for the month-long drawing of a $1,000 travel voucher from AAA of New England. Dave Randall, Jr. of Wells was the lucky winner.
The Dionne’s received a big prize packet from different sponsors of the event. Pepsi donated a snowboard, the Front Porch Restaurant donated a $100 gift certificate, Shield’s Meats and Produce and Video Creations each donated a $50 gift certificate, both New England Coffee and Remember the Maine Gifts donated gift baskets, US Foodservice donated a spiral cut ham, PFG Northcenter donated a turkey breast, Downeast Flowers donated a floral centerpiece, and Café Lafayette donated a $25 gift certificate.
When Gov. Baldacci arrived for the special event, he expressed his gratitude toward Myles and Dick.
“I think it’s wonderful what you guys are doing and I love your spirit,” said Gov. Baldacci. “It’s good food and reasonable prices. I congratulate you guys, this is terrific!”
Myles is astonished by the Diner’s success and being able to celebrate the five millionth customer.
“I’m amazed we’ve served that many people in a small building,” said Myles. “We are consistent. We have good food, family recipes, and we retain all of our employees. We take care of them and they get benefits. They like working here and they get treated well.”
The family-owned restaurant opened its doors for business in 1983 with the mission of “serving the tastiest home-cooked meals made from family recipes at a good price with the friendliest staff available,” according to a recent press release.
The Diner has bragging rights as it’s been featured on NBC’s Today Show and The Phantom Gourmet.
“Twelve years ago we hit our first millionth customer and just four years later we hit our second millionth,” explained Myles. “We’ve averaged a million customers every three-and-a-half years since then.”
Gov. Baldacci thinks the Maine Diner is a good representation of the spirit of Maine.
“What you’ve done at the Diner, how you treat your employees, help each other out, and are active in the community is the backbone of the state of Maine,” said Gov. Baldacci.
This is the Remember the Maine Gift Shoppe Manager Kristin Johnson’s second millionth celebration at the Diner.
“I think it’s incredible in one year’s time we are celebrating a 25th anniversary and five millionth customer,” said Johnson. “I’m proud to be part of it. It’s a nice thing for Gov. Baldacci to recognize a small business. I’m astounded! I even rearranged for an extra day of daycare so I could be here!”
Congratulations Maine Diner on a successful 25 years and on your five millionth customer!

Photo caption: Dick (left) and Myles Henry (right) stand with Gov. Baldacci (center) as the Maine Diner celebrates 25 years. (Weekly Sentinel photo)

Despite Bad Weather, Ogunquit Merchants Prepare for Last Big Holiday Weekend Shopping

OGUNQUIT –
The Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce announces that Christmas by the Sea will occur on December 19-21, 2008. Originally scheduled for December 12-14, the power outages caused a delay in the celebration. The schedule of events will be virtually the same as was planned for last weekend, but the delay has allowed new events to be added to the weekend.
Newly scheduled, will be a Friday night concert with the Patriot Fife and Drum duo. This duo visited Ogunquit in April for our Patriots Day celebration, and were so popular that they were asked to join us for Christmas by the Sea. The duo will perform a mixture of traditional Christmas and American music, using their fife and drum, as well as other instruments.
A minstrel will also be wandering throughout Perkins Cove and various venues in Ogunquit on Saturday night, caroling with his guitar. Wandering Minstrel Dave Peliquin is very popular in the southern Maine area, although this will be his first performance in Ogunquit.
Our members are sched-uling special events for the weekend to augment Christmas by the Sea, including wine tastings, special entertainment, signings, and open houses, for a full weekend of activities. Many businesses that planned to close after last weekend are staying open through the 21st, offering unprecedented sales. Extended sales include 20 percent off any order at Raspberrie’s Restaurant, 15 percent off gift baskets, Maine products and more at Village Food Market, and 10 percent off purchses of six bottles of wine or more at Perkins & Perkins, and special sales at Amore Breakfast, Oceanside Printers and so many more!
Revised schedule of events:
Friday, December 19

CONCERT. 7pm - 8pm. Patriot Fife and Drum Duo. Ogunquit Baptist Church. Sponsored by Seacastles Resort and Anchorage by the Sea.
Saturday, December 20

HAY RIDES. 9am - 3pm. (Weather permitting.)

SANTA ARRIVES AT PERKINS COVE. 9am. Watch as Santa sails into Ogunquit! Then Santa will be whisked away by fire truck to the Fire Station for a 9:30 appointment with waiting children.

VISIT WITH SANTA. 9:30am - 11am. Upstairs at the Fire Station. Have your picture taken with Santa! Photos courtesy of Ogunquit Camera Shop. Treats courtesy of Harbor Candy. Santa courtesy of Revelations Gift Shop.

BASEMENT BAZAAR. 10am - 3pm. Dunaway Center, downstairs. Craft show with a free raffle.

THE “GIVING TREE” SILENT AUCTION. 10:30am - 2pm. Dunaway Center, downstairs. Theme-decorated artificial trees have been donated by local businesses, groups, and individuals, to be silent auctioned. Come bid on the popular Lottery Tree.

KIDS’ ORNAMENT MAKING. 11am - noon. Ogunquit Baptist Church, downstairs. Sponsored by Raspberri’s Restaurant.

CHOWDER & CHOCOLATEFEST. 11:30am - 1:30pm. 19th Annual Chowder Tasting Competition. Dunaway Center, upstairs. Area restaurants compete - you are the judge! Bring a non-perishable food item for our local food pantry. Admission: $10.
Chowder Contenders: Anchorage by the Sea, Beach House Grill, Bintliff’s Ogunquit, Clay Hill Farm, Five-O Shore Road, Hayloft Restaurant, Old Village Inn, Post Road Tavern. Chocolate Contenders: Anchorage by the Sea, Angelina’s Ristorante, Five-O Shore Road, Sundaes at the Beach, Post Road Tavern.

CALENDAR SIGNING. 11 am - 4pm. Nationally known artist Dana Heacock will sign his artwork on the 2009 Abacus calendar at Abacus.

OPEN HOUSE. 1pm - 5pm. Ogunquit Heritage Museum. 18th century decorations, special Santa and angel exhibit, menorah exhibit and holiday refreshments.

STORYTELLING. 2pm - 3pm. Ogunquit Library. Sponsored by Abacus and Almost Home Inn Ogunquit.

THE OLS OCEAN “PLUNGE” - 2:00pm. to 2:15pm. Main Beach, Watch the Ogunquit Lifeguard Service parade into the chilly Atlantic Ocean in their lifeguard gear and with their lifeguard equipment in order to raise toys for disadvantaged kids. All proceeds to benefit Toys for Tots.

CHRISTMAS PARADE. 3pm. Presented by the Village Spirit Committee. Beginning at the Main Beach and ending at Perkins Cove. Chamber float sponsored by Peoples Insurance and Stoneybrook Landscaping.

WINE TASTING. 3pm-6pm. Perkins & Perkins Wine & Cheese Shop will host a free wine tasting highlighting wines for the holidays.

US MARINES & SANTA. 4pm. Ogunquit Ocean Rescue (lifeguards) will join Santa and the US Marines at Bessie’s to collect donations for Toys for Tots!

WANDERING MINSTREL. 4:30pm - 5:30pm. Wandering in and out of the shops in Perkins Cove, the Wandering Minstrel will delight you with familiar and traditional Christmas songs. Sponsored by Jonathan’s Ogunquit.
TREE LIGHTING & CAROLING. 5:30pm - 6:00pm. Rotary Park, Perkins Cove. Tree decorated by Ogunquit Rotary Club. Cookies provided by Blue Willow Gift Shop. Hot cider provided by Village Food Market & Fancy That.

CANDLELIGHT WALK to the LIVING MANGER. 6:00pm - 6:30pm. Led by the Wandering Minstrel. Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Baptist Church. Sponsored by Perkins & Perkins Fine Wine & Cheese.

LIVING MANGER. 6:30pm-6:45pm. Sponsored and performed by Ogunquit Baptist Church.
CONCERT. 7pm - 8pm. Back by popular demand, “Melodies & Memories” Barbershop Quartet. Ogunquit Baptist Church. Doors open at 6:50pm. Sponsored by Seacastles Resort.

TOWN TREE LIGHTING. 8:15pm. Veteran’s Park. Announcement of the town-wide decorating contest winners. Tree decorated by Keith Shubert of Floral Concepts. Cookies provided by Raspberri’s Restaurant. Hot cider provided by Village Food Market & Fancy That.

SING-A-LONG. 9pm. Clay Hill Farm hosts a holiday sing-a-long with pianist David Hollis. Join in the festivities!
Sunday, December 21

HAY RIDES. 10am - 2pm. (Weather permitting.)

FREE GIFT WRAPPING. 11am - 1pm. Gypsy Sweethearts Restaurant. Purchase your holiday gifts at our members’ shops; we’ll wrap for free! Sponsored by Harbor Candy Shop, Gypsy Sweethearts, and Rockmere Lodge.

OPEN HOUSE. 11 am - 2 pm. Julie’s Ristorante & Provisto.

OPEN HOUSE. 1pm - 5pm. Ogunquit Heritage Museum; Anchorage by the Sea;Beachmere Inn; Gazebo Inn Ogunquit; Gorges Grant; Juniper Hill Inn; Meadowmere Resort.

While Remembering Home this Holiday Season, Local Soldiers Save Lives in Iraq

By Magen Petit
Staff Columnist
YORK COUNTY –
While most people are wrapping up with holiday shopping, Captain Mark C. Stevens and 1st Lieutenant Platoon Leader Brian F. McClellan both part of Charlie Company 1-126th Medevac (C/1-126 Medevac) is thousands of miles away completing critical missions and fighting for their country.
A 1987 graduate of Kennebunk High School, Capt. Stevens never thought he’d be on his second tour in Iraq just 22 years later.
“It goes to show how many surprises life can throw at you,” wrote Stevens in an e-mail interview with The Weekly Sentinel’s Staff Columnist Devin Beliveau. “It’s been a great 22 years and I’m looking forward to the next 22.”
Stevens has been in Iraq for nine months and his deployment is expected to end in about a month. He is currently stationed in Tallil, Iraq with many responsibilities.
“I am the company’s executive officer and I ensure the overall operation for the unit runs smoothly and efficiently,” wrote Stevens in a recent e-mail. “I am also a medical evacuation pilot-in-command of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.”
Eliot native and Marshwood High School graduate, 1st Lt. McClellan has spent about two-and-a-half years in the military and is stationed to the Tallil Air Base as well. He has spent about 10 months in Iraq and his deployment should end by January 2009. McClellan is the flight operation’s platoon leader and officer in charge (OIC) of one of their MEDEVAC sites.
Capt. Katherine Zyla of unit TF 449 interviewed McClellan and wrote a press release regarding the MEDEVAC Company and what their mission is about. During her interview, McClellan told her how he views MEDEVAC.
‘“One of the greatest things about a MEDEVAC unit, whether you’re transporting patients, maintaining aircraft, facilitating logistics, etc., is we work as a team and put our mission first,” said McClellan. “MEDEVAC is based on speed, and it is critical our sites are fully operational at all times, so we can respond to those on the ground.”’
As the OIC, McClellan receives all daily briefs and MEDEVAC status reports as well as requests, mission planning, and launch authority to the requesting party such as the soldier or medical facility requesting MEDEVAC.
“My most memorable moment was a MEDEVAC operation for a Special Forces team that struck an IED (improvised explosive device),” wrote McClellan in an e-mail to Beliveau. “One soldier was killed and the other two were severely injured. The weather was restricting aircraft from flying, but MEDEVAC crews requested launch authority in order to rescue the soldiers. The crews flew in horrible weather conditions to reach the soldiers and bring them to a Combat Support Hospital (CSH). Their decision to fly in weather conditions that would cause most aircraft to be grounded saved the lives of those two wounded soldiers. For their action, the aircrews received Army Air Medals.”
Stevens backs up McClellan’s memorable moment.
“Being in a MEDEVAC unit is rewarding every day,” wrote Stevens. “Our job is to save people’s lives. Everything else is secondary.”
Stevens ensures timely evacuation of all soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, local nationals, civilians, and other patients to a higher level of medical care.
“We also transport medical clinicians, blood, medical supplies and working dogs,” according to Stevens.
Through everything, McClellan and Stevens believe the people in their unit are “great Americans and we couldn’t be as successful as we are without each and every one of them. Teamwork is key.”
Another thought the Captain and 1st Lieutenant have in common when asked what they miss most about home, they both miss their families very much.
“I miss my family and friends the most,” wrote McClellan.
“I miss my wife and kids more than anything in the world,” added Stevens. “It can be very depressing to see how much the kids have grown and to realize how much I’ve missed.”
After the military, McClellan would like to “take a vacation with my family, return to work, and try to regain a normal lifestyle” while Stevens wants to “be a good husband and dad and stay with C/1-126, a National Guard Aviation Unit, out of Bangor.”
Even though the two men will be missing the holiday season, McClellan and Stevens will be home soon, giving their families the best gift they can receive.
The Weekly Sentinel’s Staff Columnist Devin Beliveau conducted the e-mail interviews between Capt. Stevens and 1st Lt. McClellan.

First photo caption: First Lt. Brain F. McClellan, a native of Eliot and Marshwood High School graduate, is stationed in Tallil Iraq and expects his deployment should end by January 2009. (1st. Lt. McClellan photo)
Second photo caption: On the right is Capt. Mark C. Stevens, a native of Kennebunk who currently resides in Biddeford. Pictured with him is his father Mark Stevens Sr. of Kennebunk. Capt. Stevens is also presently stationed in Tallil Iraq but his deployment is expected to end in about a month.. (Courtesy photo)

Maine’s Pearl Harbor Survivor Honored in Lebanon

By Devin Beliveau
Staff Columnist
LEBANON –
North Berwick native and who is believed to be Maine’s last Pearl Harbor survivor Bernie Hall was honored this past Sunday with an award from American Legion Post 214 in Lebanon.
Sixty-seven years ago, while being stationed in Honolulu, HI, Hall was out getting a morning cup of coffee when he heard two explosions that would forever change his life, and the course of world history.
“I heard BOOM, BOOM! “ explained the 93-year-old World War II veteran, “while I was at the Scolfield Barracks.”
Hall is describing the morning of Sunday, December 7, 1941, the “date that will live in infamy” when Japan attacked the US naval forces stationed at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu.
“It was a terrible, terrible incident,” said Hall. He remembered, “I lost my helmet getting into the back of the truck, and I was ordered to go quick and get one that fits!”
A pancake breakfast was held at the Lebanon Elementary School and about 139 people, including many veterans, were in attendance. As the winter’s first snowfall descended lazily outside, Hall was in good spirits, joking, laughing and shaking hands with the many well-wishers on the inside.
Once the official program began, several speakers took the podium to honor Mr. Hall, now a Lebanon resident. Speakers included Commander of Post 214 Steven White, 4th District Commander Charles Bennett, State Senator Richard Nass, State Representative Joan Nass, and representatives from Governor Baldacci, Senator Snowe and Senator Collins. Mr. Hall also received a letter of appreciation from the President of the United States of America.
Hall’s date with history may never have happened if he had not seen the Uncle Sam army recruitment poster on a particularly cold day in North Berwick 68 years ago.
“He saw that sign and said: That’s what I’m going to do,” said his daughter, June Boivin. “His cousin then drove him to Portland, they put him up in a nice hotel, and asked him: where do you want to go? He said: Hawaii!”
The events at Pearl Harbor led the United States to enter into World War II hostilities.

Caption: Commander of Post 214 Steven White presents Pearl Harbor survivor Bernie Hall with an award of honor from the American Legion Post 214 in Lebanon. (Weekly Sentinel photo)

Maine Veteran Organizations “Remember, Honor and Teach” with Wreaths

By Larry Favinger
Staff Columnist
KENNEBUNK –
Two southern Maine American veterans organizations are taking part in the Wreaths Across America program with ceremonies Saturday.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6548 in Kennebunk and the Owen Davis American Legion Post 96 of Saco are among those nationwide to participate.
Kenneth Kingsley of Kennebunk and David Walker of Saco said wreaths honoring the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Merchant Marine Navy, and MIAs/POWs will be placed at veterans’ memorials in their respective towns.
This is the second year the VFW Post 6548 has been part of the observance. Kingsley. a Navy Seabee who served in Vietnam and the current commander of the Saco VFW, said he learned of it reading the VFW magazine and “thought it would be a good idea” to be part of it.
The simple ceremony will be held at noon at the Veterans Memorial at Washington Park, he said, at the same time similar ceremonies are being conducted throughout the country.
Walker, an Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War, said the noon ceremony in Saco will be at the Veterans Memorial at the Laurel Hill Cemetery.
This is the third year the Owen Davis Post has been involved. People interested in taking part this year should arrive at 11:30 a.m., he said. All are welcome to take part.
The Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, originated the program and this year Wreaths Across America will send more than 100,000 wreaths to more than 350 sites across the nation and over 20 more sites overseas including Iraq, according to an Associated Press report.
A convoy of trucks carrying wreaths made in Maine left Harrington last weekend en route to Arlington National Cemetery. The convoy is scheduled to arrive Saturday.
The convoy makes a series of stop along the way. Those stops included Old Orchard Beach, Portland, and Wells High School earlier this week where a small ceremony was held to honor veterans.
Morrill Worcester of Worcester Wreath began the program placing wreaths on veterans’ graves in 1992 at Arlington, and it has grown steadily over the years. This year his company will donate 18,000 wreaths to what has become a national effort during the holiday season.
“On behalf of everyone at Worcester Wreath, my wife Karen, our family, and all the people who have made the Arlington Wreath Project their work for so many years, we wish to express our appreciation for the many phone calls, email, and letters of thanks,” Worcester writes on the program website.
“It provides the inspiration for all of us to renew our commitment to honor the men and women of the armed forces who have served, and those who are currently serving our country,” he continues. “To each, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we owe unwavering support and a profound debt of gratitude for preserving the way of life we all enjoy here in the United States of America.”
Caption: Wreaths have been placed at veteran’s markers all across America. (James Varhegyi photo)

Christmas by the Sea Comes to Ogunquit for 22nd Year

OGUNQUIT –
The Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce announces the schedule for the annual Christmas by the Sea celebration, December 12-14, 2008. Many of the favorite events will come back, but we have also made some new additions, including the sailing of Santa in the Ogunquit Dory, and a craft show. Also added this year is a special event from the Ogunquit Lifeguards. Please take a look at the schedule, and join us for an exciting, fun-filled weekend!
Friday, December 12
CAROLERS. 5:30pm - 7:30pm. Stopping throughout town.
CONCERT. 7pm - 8pm. Barbershop quartet. Ogunquit Baptist Church.
BONFIRE. 8:30pm. Ogunquit Main Beach. By Meadowmere Resort.
Saturday, December 13
HAY RIDES. 9am - 3pm.
SANTA ARRIVES AT PERKINS COVE. 9am. Watch as the Ogunquit Heritage Museum’s dory sails Santa into Ogunquit! Then Santa will be whisked away by fire truck to the Fire Station for a 9:30 appointment with children.
VISIT WITH SANTA. 9:30am - 11am. Upstairs at the Fire Station. Have your picture taken with Santa! Photos courtesy of Ogunquit Camera Shop. Treats courtesy of Harbor Candy. Santa courtesy of Clay Hill Farm.
4TH ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW. 10am - 4pm. Fire Station, downstairs. Free admission. Proceeds benefit Ogunquit Fire Rescue.
BASEMENT BAZAAR. 10am - 3pm. Dunaway Center, downstairs. Craft show with a free raffle.
THE “GIVING TREE” SILENT AUCTION. 10:30am - 2pm. Dunaway Center, downstairs. Theme-decorated artificial trees have been donated by local businesses, groups, and individuals, to be silent auctioned. Come bid on the popular Lottery Tree.
KIDS’ ORNAMENT MAKING. 11am - noon. Ogunquit Baptist Church, downstairs.
CHOWDER & CHOCOLATEFEST. 11:30am - 1:30pm. 19th Annual Chowder Tasting Competition. Dunaway Center, upstairs. Area restaurants compete - you are the judge! Bring a non-perishable food item to enter to win a prize. Admission: $10.
OPEN HOUSE. 1pm - 5pm. Ogunquit Heritage Museum. 18th century decorations, special Santa and angel exhibit, menorah exhibit and holiday refreshments.
STORYTELLING. 2pm - 3pm. Ogunquit Library.
THE OLD OCEAN “PLUNGE” - 2:00pm to 2:15pm. Main Beach, Watch the Ogunquit Lifeguard Service parade into the chilly Atlantic Ocean in their lifeguard gear in order to raise toys for disadvantaged kids. All proceeds to benefit Toys for Tots.
CHRISTMAS PARADE. 3pm. Presented by the Village Spirit Committee. Beginning at the Main Beach and ending at Perkins Cove.
TREE LIGHTING & CAROLING. 5:30pm - 6:00pm. Rotary Park, Perkins Cove.
CANDLELIGHT WALK to the LIVING MANGER. 6:00pm - 6:30pm. Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Baptist Church.
LIVING MANGER. 6:30pm-6:45pm. Sponsored and performed by Ogunquit Baptist Church.
CONCERT. 7pm - 8pm. Barbershop Quartet. Ogunquit Baptist Church. Doors open at 6:50pm.
TOWN TREE LIGHTING. 8:15pm. Veteran’s Park. Announcement of the town-wide decorating contest winners.
Sunday, December 14
HAY RIDES. 10am - 2pm.
FREE GIFT WRAPPING. 11am - 1pm. Gypsy Sweethearts Restaurant. Purchase your holiday gifts at our members’ shops; we’ll wrap for free! Sponsored by Harbor Candy Shop, Gypsy sweethearts, and Rockmere Lodge.
OPEN HOUSE. 1pm - 5pm. Ogunquit Heritage Museum.

Christmas Prelude Celebrates 27th Anniversary

KENNEBUNK / KENNEBUNKPORT –
This year’s Christmas Prelude will be held from December 5th through December 14th in the Lower Village of Kennebunk as well as in Cape Porpoise and the Dock Square of Kennebunkport. The following is a summary of events for the second weekend, provided by the event’s website www.christmasprelude.com. Please note that programs and events are subject to change.

Photo caption: Tree Lighting Ceremony in Dock Square (www.christmasprelude.com photo)

Commander Roberts and The USS Dallas Arrive at Shipyard

KITTERY –
PORTSMOUTH NAVAL SHIPYARD: USS Dallas (SSN 700) and her crew of 18 officers and 126 enlisted personnel arrived at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on December 3, 2008. While at the Shipyard, Dallas will complete various maintenance work and receive several system upgrades. Built by the Electric Boats Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Connecticut, Dallas is the first United States Naval Ship to bear the name of the City of Dallas, Texas.
Dallas’ Commanding Officer, Commander David Roberts is a native of New Providence, New Jersey and a 1985 graduate of Westerville North High School in Westerville, Ohio. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in May 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval Architecture. In 1996, he received a Master of Engineering Management degree from the George Washington University in Washington, DC. Following nuclear propulsion and basic submarine training, Commander Roberts reported to USS New York City (SSN 696) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii where he served in a variety of division officer assignments during three western Pacific deployments. In February 1994, he was assign to the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Arlington, Virginia as a submarine Junior Officer Detailer. In 1996, Commander Roberts reported to USS Miami (SSN 755) in Groton, Connecticut as Engineer Officer. During this tour, the ship completed three deployments to the North Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf and participated in Operation Desert Fox, conducting Tomahawk missile strikes against Iraq. From 1999 to 2001, Commander Roberts was assigned to the staff of Commander, Submarine development Squadron Twelve as the Material Officer. Commander Roberts’ Executive Officer tour was aboard USS Nebraska (SSBN 739 Gold) in Kings Bay, Georgia. He completed three strategic deterrent patrols on Nebraska and was then assigned to the Operations Directorate on the Joint Staff in November 2003. Most recently following the Submarine Command Course, he was assigned as a Middle East liaison officer in the Center for Submarine Counter-Terrorism Operations.
Commander Roberts’ awards include the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards) and various campaign and unit awards.

Photo caption: USS Dallas (SSN 700) and her crew of 18 officers and 126 enlisted personnel arrived at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on December 3, 2008. (Courtesy photo)