Friday, July 29, 2011

Team Laffalot Hosts 2nd Annual Benefit Home-Run Derby


SOUTH BERWICK—
Come take Team Laffalot out to the ballgame as they host the Second Annual Field of Dreams Home-Run Derby to support the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. The event, which takes place on Sunday, July 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Marshwood High School, invites batters to come up to the plate and take a hit in battling this disease that effects the lives of so many!
“We wanted to provide the community with an old-fashioned day of fun while also raising funds for this great cause,” said Kerry Hoyt, the team’s captain. What began four years ago with four friends taking part in the 39-mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer has now grown to 13 members strong! Team members have walked in Boston, Washington, DC, New York City and plan to walk in Charlotte, North Carolina this October.
“Our goal is to walk in all nine states where the event is held so that men and women can receive the medical care they need and so that research teams can continue to search for a cure,” explains Sue Page. The team has raised $50,000 for the cause thus far and would like to bring this total to $75,000 this year!
Team Laffalot hopes that this event will help them achieve their goal. This event is all about baseball! To make it fun and fair for all, there will be six age divisions with prizes awarded to both the male and female winners in each group (ages 9-12, 13-14, 18 - 29, 30 – 39 and 40+). An additional division has been added this year for children ages 5 – 8. The Buoy Bat, designed and created by local resident Bill Page, will be available for these younger contestants. The bat, an actual buoy on a stick, is light, safe and makes the ball easier to hit. The buoy bat will be available to anyone who’d like to give it a try. Other opportunities for prizes result from striking one of the many pink flamingos adorning the field or hitting an Uno’s pizza box. The derby even has the equivalent of the Green Monster! Hit the Kittery Trading Post sign in the field and win a gift certificate to the store. Each batter receives three pitches and there will be an overall winner for the person hitting the most home runs. Participants may register individually or as a team with up to 10 batters (suggested donation $10.00 per registrant, $25.00 includes a t-shirt). To register visit: www.zvents.com/z/south-berwick-me/2nd-annual-field-of-dreams-home-run-derby--events--159337705!
While the main attraction is baseball, the ladies of Team Laffalot wanted to ensure there was something for everyone. Visit Carnival Row where face painting, balloon animals, a dunking booth, and a button making station are some of the fun activities available. Old-fashioned ball game treats such as popcorn, cotton candy and even snow cones can be found here. The little Laffalots, children of team members, will be working for the cause by selling cracker jacks throughout the day! New this year is the Pretty in Pink booth where guests of all ages can be pampered by having a makeover or manicure. Also new this year is the pizza-tossing contest sponsored by Uno Chicago Grill Restaurant. Learn how to toss a pizza like a professional from their own chefs. The winner of the kids’ contest will receive a pizza party for 10. Every adult who participates will receive coupons for appetizers at the restaurant! Finally, listen to music while enjoying heartier fare including fruit salad, beef and chicken skewers, and hot dogs and burgers from Nature’s Way Market.
Be sure to visit Inspiration Station sponsored by the Marshwood Education Foundation. At this booth, visitors will be provided with supplies to create signs with the names of anyone they know who has been touched in some way by this disease. Early visitors will be invited onto the field with their signs during the Opening Ceremony.
“Everyone knows someone who has been effected by this disease,” said Kathy Bousquet, “and gathering together during the opening ceremony really lets us know that we are all in this together.”
The ceremony will include a performance by Muchachos, a competitive drum and bugle corps, who entertain audiences throughout New England. The first pitch will then be thrown out by Bousquet and Rebecca Woodman, both breast cancer survivors.
“We need to beat this disease for all,” said Ms. Woodman, “I don’t want anyone to have to go through it.”
This old-fashioned event with a modern twist is made possible by the efforts of many. “We couldn’t do it alone,” Jen Houghton states, “it is the generosity and support of so many local businesses, community members, family and friends that has made this team a success.”
Photo caption: On Sunday, July 31, Team Laffalot will host their Second Annual Field of Dreams Home-Run Derby at Marshwood High School to support the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. (Courtesy photo)

Special Plate and Driver’s License Designation Available Now


AUGUSTA—
Gold Star Family registration plates are expected to be available by the end of the summer. This legislation is a product of collaboration involving Governor Paul LePage; John Mixon, Vietnam Veteran and founder of Run for the Fallen Maine; Emily Knight, the young lady who designed the plate; Representative Bradley Moulton, R-York, sponsor of the bill; the Transportation Committee and the 125th Legislature; 3M, who donated the first roll of material to produce the plates; and J. R. Wald Co., who manufactured the die to emboss the plates.
Any eligible family member of a fallen soldier who is a Maine resident may now begin the application process to receive a Gold Star Family registration plate. Applications can be obtained from the Bureau of Veterans’ Services (BVS). Completed applications must be submitted with a copy of DD Form 1300, Casualty Report, or other official paperwork indicating death on active duty in support of combat operations (the BVS may be able to assist in obtaining necessary documentation). Additionally, the request must include a copy of proof of relationship to the deceased. Upon notification from the BVS, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will issue the plates once they are available. The plates can only be placed on passenger vehicles.
Military service license designation, featuring a Field of Stars in the background of the photo, is now available at all BMV locations. This legislation was introduced by Senator David Trahan R-Waldoboro to recognize those who have served.
In order to obtain this designation applicants must currently be serving in the U.S. Armed Forces; or provide verification of honorable discharge from the United States military (DD Form 214), or provide certification from the appropriate branch of the USAF verifying the applicant’s military service and honorable discharge. Applicants will also have to bring documentation verifying Maine residency and legal presence in the U.S. if they have not already done so.
To obtain the application for the Gold Star Family registration plate, please visit the BVS website or call (207) 430-6035.
For more information about the military service designation, please contact the BMV at (207) 624-9000 or www.maine.gov/sos/bmv.
Photo caption: Sample Gold Star Family registration plate. (Courtesy photo)

Celebrate a Quarter Century of Great Works

YORK COUNTY—
To celebrate 25 years in land conservation, Great Works Regional Land Trust, with the help of local organizations and friends, is offering several upcoming events. The organization is hoping that its membership and others will join in the fun for modest admission fees.
“Having four seasons is special in Maine and high summer is a particularly glorious time to enjoy the outdoors. Great Works is looking to build on the success of the last quarter-century as a non-profit dedicated to maintaining and expanding quality of place in our service area,” said Jack Kareckas, the President of Great Works Regional Land Trust. “We want everyone to recognize our achievements together – 4,397 acres conserved and strategic priorities identified. Fundamentally, it is the people and the beautiful places preserved that make Great Works what it is.”
Great Works Regional Land Trust was founded by local residents as a non-profit organization in 1986 to provide conservation options to the landowners and general public of Berwick, South Berwick, Berwick, North Berwick, Eliot, Wells and Ogunquit.
Coming soon on Sunday, July 31 at 4 p.m., Historic New England is presenting a “Sunday in the Garden” concert by fiddler Joyce Anderson in the gardens of the 18th century Hamilton House mansion in South Berwick. From foot-stompers to torch songs, Anderson’s tunes will be accented by the scenic backdrop of the Salmon Falls River. Blankets, chairs and picnics are encouraged. Tickets are free for Historic New England Members, $7 for Great Works members, $8 for non-members and $4 for children.
The fun continues on Saturday, August 6 with two events. At Eliot’s Backfields Farm, the site of Great Works’ first conservation easement in 1987, owner Connie Weeks will host an old-time farm day. Beginning at 1 p.m., Weeks and friends will demonstrate haying and corn milling, including use of antique farm equipment, on the 38-acres of fields and forest. Admission and beverages are complimentary. The same day at 4 p.m., Great Works members are invited to Beach Plum Farm in Ogunquit for a sumptuous Lobster Roll Social (from Jake’s Seafood in Moody). Enjoy the camaraderie and a view of the dunes, ocean and community gardens. Reservations are required and $15 is the suggested donation.
For those who like a chill down their spines, purchase tickets from Great Works for Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps” at Hackmatack Playhouse in Berwick on Wednesday, August 17 at 8 p.m. About half the $25 ticket price ($22 for seniors) benefits the Grants Meadow III project on Beaver Dam Heath in Berwick. Grants Meadow, providing access to the spacious Heath, will be the site of Berwick’s first public trail when the purchase is completed soon. Hackmatack, which is contributing these ticket proceeds, is celebrating their 40th anniversary. At 7 p.m. before the curtain rises, Great Works will host a free reception with refreshments under the tent at Hackmatack.
Please contact Patti Mitchem or Anne Gamble at (207) 646-3604 for tickets, reservations, and information on 25th Anniversary events. For more information, also visit www.gwrlt.org.